If it's to fulfill an aspiration then I usually do it at home and get it done as quickly as possible. If it's to get to know a sim I take them to a restaurant so they are forced to sit down together and get to know one another. I like to bring a ray gun with my sim so if there is too much interference from other sims I get my sim to freeze them. I also like to freeze any stars that show up and interfere . I have converted many bars into restaurants so I have quite a variety of restaurants to chose from.
I have tried taking them bowling but there is just too much interference from other sims wanting to chat that I end up losing track of my sims date.
I've never went to a museum before and think I will try that next time. I wish there were more romantic interactions available as I find it quite lacking.