Knowing how to date in London successfully is tricky at the best of times, and the cost of living isn’t exactly helping us single guys and gals out here. So does that mean we’re all doomed to a life of singledom?
Well, no, it doesn’t, but there are definitely some challenges…
Going on dates can become expensive if you’re constantly going on dinner dates or doing crazy activities or going to a high-end coffee shop every week. Not to mention the travel around London.
So, how do you successfully date in London without spending all your £££?
Friends, we have some sound advice that you definitely want to take note of.
Instead of resigning yourself to a life of instant noodles and singledom, we’ve got some tips to keep dating interesting, affordable, and worthwhile. Here’s what we cover…
- How to Meet Dates in London
- Cheap Date Ideas in London That Are Actually Good
- How to Make Affordable Date Night Ideas Feel Upmarket
- Dating Etiquette & Maintaining Good Vibes
- How to Make Your Money Stretch When Dating in the City
How to Meet Dates in London
Meeting new people in London can feel like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be both fun and rewarding.
Here are some of the best ways to connect with potential dates in the bustling city:
Join a Gym
A gym is not just a place to get fit; it’s also an excellent opportunity to meet people with similar interests.
Many gyms in London (and let’s be real, there are a LOT of gyms in London) offer group fitness classes such as yoga, spinning, or even dance-based workouts, which are great for socialising.
Strike up a conversation with someone before or after class — you never know where it might lead.
Explore Hobby Clubs
Another fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals is by joining a club that aligns with your interests.
London is home to countless groups for activities ranging from photography and painting to cooking and outdoor adventures.
Not only do clubs give you the chance to do something you love, but they also provide a relaxed environment to meet new people naturally.
Download the Wisp Dating App
If you just want to focus on finding the right person, the Wisp dating app is a great option.
Designed to take online dating offline, Wisp allows you to connect with serious singles in your area and set up in-person dates quickly, instead of getting stuck in a cycle of endless online messaging.
The app’s straightforward interface and focus on genuine connections make it a fantastic choice for Londoners looking for love.
Whether you’re seeking a serious relationship or just someone to go on new adventures with, Wisp has you covered.
Download it today to get started!
Bars, Pubs & Clubs
Pulling someone at a bar is an oldie, but a goldie. London has around 4,300 pubs alone, so the chances of finding someone interesting are high.
You don’t necessarily have to go at night, either – many pubs and bars offer brunch or afternoon drinks, perfect for meeting someone new after work.
Cheap Date Ideas in London That Are Actually Good
A simple Google search for ‘date ideas London’ will bring up an extensive list of activities and experiences you can enjoy with your potential match, but not all of them will be worth your time (take it from us), and plenty of them will be expensive!
If you want cheap London date ideas that are actually good, we’ve curated a list of our top 20.
What you consider to be a ‘good’ date idea is obviously subjective and will depend on your and your date’s interests, but we think there’s a good bunch to go at here.
Top 20 Affordable London Date Ideas
- A Free Visit to the Sky Garden: Experience London from above with a free visit to the Sky Garden between 10am and 6pm on weekdays.
- Explore a Free Museum: London boasts numerous world-class museums with free entry to their permanent collections.
- Stroll Through a Royal Park: London’s Royal Parks offer beautiful green spaces for a relaxing and romantic walk.
- Visit a Free Art Gallery: Besides the National Gallery, many other art galleries in London offer free admission. Smaller galleries in areas like Shoreditch and Bermondsey also often have free exhibitions.
- Wander Through a Market: London’s vibrant markets are a feast for the senses and offer a lively atmosphere for a date.
- Take a Scenic Walk Along the Thames: A walk along the South Bank offers iconic views of landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- Gourmet Picnic in Hampstead Heath: Source fresh produce from local markets and find a cosy spot in the picturesque Hampstead Heath for a romantic picnic
- Find the Seven Noses of Soho: An eccentric art hunt around Soho, finding the sculpted noses created by artist Rick Buckley.
- Bike Ride along Regent’s Canal: Rentable bikes are fairly affordable. We recommend exploring the scenic route from Little Venice to Camden, stopping at quirky cafes en route.
- Attend a Free Event or Festival: Keep an eye out for free events and festivals happening around London. These could include street performances, cultural celebrations, or community events.
- Explore Greenwich: This historic area offers a lot to see and do for free, including the National Maritime Museum (free entry), Greenwich Park, and the chance to stand on the Prime Meridian Line.
- Go Stargazing: On a clear night, find a spot away from the city lights (like Hampstead Heath or a quieter part of one of the Royal Parks) and enjoy stargazing together.
- Discover Street Art in Shoreditch: Take a wander through the vibrant streets of Shoreditch and Brick Lane to admire the ever-changing street art scene.
- Explore the Southbank Centre Book Market: Located under Waterloo Bridge, this outdoor book market is open daily and offers a treasure trove of second-hand and vintage books.
- Visit a Local Church or Cathedral: Many of London’s historic churches and cathedrals, like St. Paul’s Cathedral, can be peaceful places to spend time together.
- Walk Along Regent’s Canal: Enjoy a picturesque stroll along Regent’s Canal. You can start in Little Venice and walk towards Camden, or explore other stretches of the canal.=
- Attend a Free Talk or Lecture: Many universities, libraries, and cultural institutions in London offer free talks and lectures on a variety of topics.
- Explore Richmond Park and Spot Deer: Richmond Park is a vast Royal Park where wild deer roam freely. It’s a fantastic place for a walk or bike ride.
- Visit the Horniman Museum Gardens: While there’s a fee for the aquarium and some exhibitions, the Horniman Museum Gardens in Forest Hill offer beautiful landscaping, stunning views across London.
- Explore the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: This vast park offers walking and cycling trails, playgrounds, and open green spaces.
For more ideas, check out our A-Z of date nights to fill 26 evenings with fun and romantic ideas.
How to Make Affordable Date Night Ideas Feel Upmarket
Making cheap dates feel luxurious and upmarket is all about adding thoughtful touches and being creative with your planning.
A simple yet romantic home-cooked meal can be elevated by splurging slightly on a fine bottle of wine or some high-quality ingredients for one standout dish, creating a restaurant-like experience in your own home.
Setting the mood with candles, soft music, and plating your food beautifully can also make the evening feel extra special.
When heading out, take advantage of online freebies, discount codes, or voucher deals to save money on meals or drinks at high-end venues.
Planning your outing to coincide with happy hour offers is another great way to enjoy a chic experience at a fraction of the usual cost. Opt for fancy drinks or shared appetisers and soak in the ambience without overspending.
Additionally, explore free activities like walking tours, sunset picnics with gourmet snacks, or visits to local art galleries to supplement the paid portion of your date.
These small tweaks and hacks allow you to enjoy memorable experiences without breaking the bank, ensuring your date feels elegant and indulgent.
Dating Etiquette & Maintaining Good Vibes
No matter where you’re dating, there are some basic pieces of etiquette that help make a good first impression and maintain good vibes no matter where the date leads.
Good dating etiquette can set the tone for a memorable and enjoyable experience. Firstly, punctuality is key — arriving on time shows respect for your date’s time and demonstrates reliability.
Being polite and attentive during conversations is equally important; actively listening, making eye contact, and asking thoughtful questions help create a genuine connection.
Avoid distractions, such as using your phone excessively, as it can come across as disinterested or rude.
Be thoughtful about the zone you plan your date in, considering the cost of using the tube to travel from cheaper zones, as well as the safety of having to travel at night.
Maintain a light-hearted attitude by engaging in fun, easy-going topics instead of venturing into heavy or overly personal discussions too early.
Lastly, be yourself—authenticity fosters trust and allows both individuals to feel comfortable and open, keeping the vibe light and engaging throughout the date.
How to Make Your Money Stretch When Dating in the City
Dating in the city doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little creativity, you can have amazing experiences without overspending.
One easy way to save is by splitting the bill — it takes the pressure off and keeps things fair. Plus, it’s a great way to show mutual respect. Just make sure you discuss this beforehand to avoid awkward moments.
Check out local hidden gems like cosy cafes, street food markets, or indie art galleries — these spots are often way cooler (and cheaper) than mainstream options.
Free or low-cost activities like exploring a park, hitting up a free community event, or catching an outdoor performance can be just as fun and romantic.
Planning ahead helps, too, when it comes to protecting the purse strings. Look for discounts for booking in advance or special promos to make pricier venues more affordable.
Organise Fun Dates With the Wisp App
No matter what budget you’re working with or what type of date you’re planning, the best London dates always start with matching on Wisp.
Our app makes it easy to skip the endless online chatting and get straight to planning an in-person date.
Whether you’re aiming for a low-cost adventure or an extravagant night out, Wisp helps you connect and focus on creating memorable experiences together.
Take the stress out of planning and let Wisp guide you to the perfect London date experience! Download the app today!
FAQs
How Easy is it to Date in London?
Dating in London is easy with countless venues, events, and diverse experiences to explore.
From cosy cafes to bustling markets, the city offers endless opportunities to connect with others and create memorable moments tailored to your interests.
Where Do Singles Meet in London?
Singles in London often meet at social events, pubs, parks, or through mutual friends.
Dating apps and networking events also play a significant role in connecting people in this vibrant and diverse city.
How Do I Plan a Date in London?
To plan a date in London, consider iconic spots like the London Eye or Hyde Park, enjoy a meal at a riverside restaurant, or explore cultural gems such as museums, art galleries, or theatre performances in the West End.
What Are Good Venues For Dates in London?
For great date venues in London, try the Sky Garden for stunning views, Borough Market for food lovers, or the Natural History Museum for a cultural experience.
Cosy pubs and rooftop bars also create perfect settings for memorable moments.