First dates can be a hit or miss, and let’s be real—the location sets the tone. Whether it’s a rooftop bar, a hidden speakeasy, or a spontaneous street food crawl, the right spot can spark magic (or major cringe). happn, the real-life dating app, is here to help. happn’s latest survey reveals that 45% of singles crave unique, memorable first dates—cookie-cutter coffee meetups? Hard pass. Convenience still matters 25% because no one wants a date to feel like a cross-city trek. Social media and friends influence 19%, while budget? Only 9% stress over it—except in Delhi, where 21% see financial planning as part of the romance game.
What’s the ultimate first-date move?
Nature walks and outdoor adventures are the crowd favorite (30%), especially in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Bar-hopping is a close second, with Bengaluru and Delhi leading the way—because let’s be real, a little liquid courage never hurts. Classic cozy dinners (21%) are still holding strong, but if an adventurous or sporty date is the goal, Hyderabad is the place to be. Pune embraces the arts with a love for cultural experiences and Mumbai is still keeping the party alive with preferring dancing and clubbing.
What’s the perfect date energy?
43% are all about fun and interactive vibes—especially in Hyderabad and Pune. Will 34% prefer a relaxed and easy-going setting, particularly in Bengaluru
Timing is key, and the verdict is in:
Evening dates reign supreme with 81% of Indian singles confirming the same. Hyderabad and Pune are strong believers in nighttime magic. Delhi, however, has the highest share of day-date enthusiasts of singles, making it the outlier in this trend.
The Real Deal-Breakers
Too casual is a no-go—61% want the right mix of effort and ease. Surprisingly, cost isn’t a big concern (only 11% mind a pricey place), while overly formal settings get a thumbs-down, especially in Delhi. Interestingly, Hyderabad is the only city where noise isn’t a deal-breaker.
happn’s CEO and President, Karima Ben Abdelmalek, says that “At happn, we believe first dates should be about connection, not logistics. With CrushPoints for All, users can add their favorite locations, making it easier than ever to find someone who vibes with the same scene. By catering to the diverse ways people connect today, we’re setting a new standard for what dating apps can and should be—one that prioritizes real-life moments, genuine chemistry, and effortless discovery”
Want to lock in the perfect first-date spot? With happn’s CrushPoints for All, users can add their favorite locations, making it easier than ever to find someone who shares their vibe. Whether it’s a scenic sunset spot, a buzzy cocktail bar, or a quirky activity zone, first dates just got a whole lot smoother!
By bridging the gap between online matches and real-world moments, happn is redefining modern dating. It’s not just about crushing —it’s about discovering connections in the places that matter most to you.
