Most dating guides claim it’s easiest to meet a girl in Johannesburg in a bar, which is usually true. However, it can be boring and, what’s more, you may not want to meet that particular type of girl. Our guide chooses the road not taken by combining the best dating tips from locals.

Our first tip: If you want to find a date in Johannesburg, know your chances are higher during the day. More laid-back people prefer this option. Places with high foot traffic, like Vilakzi Street and Nelson Mandala Square, are always feasible. You can meet both tourists and locals here. Two other popular spots are Soheto and Auckland Park. The park is near a university, which raises your chances of meeting a local girl. Soheto is better for meeting girls from out of town.

During the week, check out malls like Sandton City, Oriental Plaza, Waterfall Centre and Corner, Westgate Shopping Centre, and Bryanston Shopping Centre. There is a nice market called Fourways that’s open on Sundays.

The next question is where to take a girl on a date. You wouldn’t go wrong with a romantic bar or eatery like Kream, La Cucina di Ciro, Marble, San Deck, The Living Room, Churchills, Lima Tapas Bar, AtholPlace Restaurant, or Moyo (chain). You can take her to a show at Joburg Theater or a nightclub in the Sandton. Some of the best date and pick up spots in the city are in this area. It’s the best quarter to get a hotel in if you’re looking to date because you’ll be as close to the singles nightlife as you can.

Nighttime dating options in Joburg are quite clear most of the time. Just head to a good cocktail bar or choose a romantic eatery, then dance the night away at a club.

It can be a bit harder to come up with day date ideas. Quite a bit of creativity is in order, even in a cosmopolitan and dynamic place like Joburg. If you hook up with a girl from out of town, you can take her to Pretville, the Apartheid Museum, or the Union Buildings. Pretville, which is located in the city’s historic district, is a nice, budget-friendly date spot.