First Date Ideas in Cardiff
If you live in Wales and are seeking some first date ideas in Cardiff, look no further. The Welsh capital has earned a reputation for food, culture and nightlife, making it an increasingly popular UK city break with lots to keep visitors entertained. And for local residents wanting fun and romantic outings, there’s no shortage of exciting things to see and do - some of which may be new to you.
Couples things to do in Cardiff
From casual first encounters to full-day adventures, here are some insider tips for clinching success on that all-important first date.The Clink
For dinner with a difference, you must eat here. Meals at The Clink are made and served by prisoners at HMP Cardiff - also the location of the restaurant - as they work towards their City & Guilds NVQs in Food & Beverage Service, Professional Cookery and Food Hygiene. The upholstered seating and tables are made by inmates too, and poetry comes from former residents. The eatery consistently scores highly on TripAdvisor, often holding first place. And by spending your money at this restaurant charity, you’ll be supporting the training and rehabilitation of prisoners practically and financially. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea are available if you’re meeting by day.
Eat at The ClinkSpillers Records
Are you a music lover? If so, why not arrange a movie-style rendezvous at the oldest record shop in the whole world. It was founded in 1894 by Henry Spiller and while it’s had many homes, the store now resides in Morgan Arcade. Flick through the vinyl together, discuss your favourite artists and find out if you have the same taste in tunes. The specialist shop also hosts gigs and in-store signings. This is a very laid back option and doesn’t tie you into a time frame. However, if it does go well, you can move onto one of the other date ideas on this list.Take a look at Spillers Records
Porter’s
This popular cabaret bar on Bute Terrace presents a smorgasbord of events with plenty of first date ideas in Cardiff. Check out the local emerging talent at one of its open mic nights, watch a movie in the mini-cinema, take part in the Sunday quiz, cheer your rugby team on the big screen, sing along to Friday night Bandaoke, watch a tribute show, catch a music gig, listen to jazz, or dance the night away to live beats. Whatever you’re into, you’re sure to find something you’ll like at Porter’s.
Online speed dating Cardiff
We’ve been hosting speed dating events in Cardiff since 2006. And now we’ve taken our expertise online, so it’s easier than ever for you to make a match. By holding regular virtual speed dating nights, we give you the opportunity to meet suitable singles in your area, in your age range. Check out the upcoming events to see which dates and options work best for you.Cardiff Castle
This historic attraction houses many surprising first date ideas in Cardiff. You can, of course, wander around the beautiful grounds, learning about the apartments, wartime shelters, Roman Wall and Norman Keep. But you can also book tickets for its monthly comedy club, summer open-air theatre shows and spooky ghost tours. And for some of the finest views in the city, head up to the Bistro’s Terrace for some refreshment. With so much to see and do, this is a great choice for an all-day into a night date.
Revolucion de Cuba
Take part in some energetic salsa dancing with your date, work up and appetite, then share some Latin food at this exotic Havana Rum Bar in The Friary. There’s a wide range of tapas and main plates to suit every budget, as well as a vegan menu. The live music and Cuban cocktails create a fiesta vibe that’s the next best thing to a long-haul holiday.Mermaid Quay
Perhaps you don’t want to make exact plans ahead of your first meeting and prefer to keep things a little more fluid. However, you’ll still need a place to begin and Mermaid Quay is the perfect solution. This vibrant waterside area is packed with interesting shops, bars and restaurants overlooking glittering Cardiff bay. Plus you have the option to simply go for a wander and watch the harbour activity as you get to know each other a little better - there’s often free live entertainment on the boardwalk in high season. So this date need not cost you a penny if you’re on a pre payday date.Wales Millenium Centre
Next to Mermaid Quay is the Wales Millenium Centre, where you can catch major West End scale touring productions together. Previous and upcoming shows include The Lion King, We Will Rock You, Million Dollar Quartet, The Phantom of the Opera, Sister Act and The Book of Mormon. It’s the premier place in Wales for high-end, big-budget theatre - but you’ll almost certainly need to book tickets in advance.
Book a show at Wales Millenium Centre
Are any of first date ideas in Cardiff jumping out at you? How you spend your first date can make all the difference, so try and find out a little about their likes and interests - then choose accordingly.
And don’t forget, we hold face to face speed dating in Cardiff throughout the year, to help you find a match in the first place.
If you live further afield, find online speed dating in Plymouth, speed dating in Swansea, or another location nearby.