From Sex and the City to Woody Allen, people have been hooking up in New York on and off-screen for decades.
Even now, New York City is one of the most popular cities in the world for visitors, especially for people looking for a little big-city romance.
From tinder hookups to thirty-five-year anniversaries, as well as everything in between, New York is the perfect setting for a romantic date.
We’ve got you covered with 24 date ideas in New York City, perfect for any couple, budget, or stage of your relationship.
Dates in NYC that Won’t Break the Bank
New York City is expensive. There are tons of things couples can do in the Big Apple, but sometimes it can be hard to find something inexpensive and low-key to do on a date.
If you’re broke, or if you just want to do something for free (or close to) here’s 5 great inexpensive dates in New York City:
Central Park
For people who don’t live in New York, it’s hard to believe that you can get lost in the wilderness in downtown Manhattan.
Central Park has almost 40 acres of fields, tree-lined avenues, and forest trails for you and your date to enjoy. The best thing is that you can stay there all day for free and you don’t look like a cheapskate.
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
Walk hand-in-hand across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge with amazing views over Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Before you head back to Manhattan, make sure you grab a couple slices of world-famous pizza at Grimaldi’s brick-oven pizzeria.
Bargain hunting
Spend the afternoon digging through eclectic antiques, homemade arts and crafts, and delicious edibles at the Grand Bazaar NYC, one of the biggest artisans, antiques, and food markets in the world.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Gaze arm-in-arm over the East River at the iconic Manhattan skyline at sunset then strolling along the riverside through Brooklyn Bridge Park.
American Museum of Natural History
Don’t be put off by the stuffy history or boredom-inducing exhibits. There are plenty of secluded rooms and dark corners to enjoy spending time with your date. Plus, they won’t throw you out even if you stay there all day.
Times Square
If you’re looking for a way to spend an hour or two with your date without breaking the bank, why not take them to Times Square?
The lights, billboards, and ads are captivating. You’ll recognize everything from hundreds of movies and TV shows.
Plus, people-watching in Times Square has to be one of the most interesting ways to spend a half-hour on earth.
Unusual and Unique Dates in NYC
Looking for something unusual to do with your date in NYC? If you’re starting a relationship or just looking for something fun and out-of-the-ordinary, New York is the perfect place to be.
As one of the biggest melting pots on the planet, you’ll find no end of unusual nights out, day events, celebrations, festivals, openings, and gatherings in NYC.
Check out these unusual and unique ideas to make your date one they’ll remember.
Amateur Stand-Up
New York is renowned for its stand-up. There are always plenty of headline acts to catch.
But if you want something a little different, take your date to see some amateur comedians as they kill it or crash and burn. 61 Local has one of the best amateur comedy nights in NYC.
Go Skydiving
Think you can’t go skydiving in New York? Think again. iFLY in Westchester offers you and your date the opportunity to feel the freedom and exhilaration of flying at its indoor skydiving center.
It’s a great way to get closer to your date by doing something exciting together.
Catacombs of St. Patrick’s Basilica
Take your date on a romantic candlelight tour of the historic Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in Lower Manhattan.
The Museum of Interesting Things
Take your date to the weird and wonderful Museum of Interesting Things.
Spend an afternoon learning and laughing with hands-on interactive exhibits and antiques. Plus, you can grab a cocktail or two in the museum’s Secret Speakeasy.
Modern Natural History
Take your date to learn about New York City at a museum like no other. Mmuseumm is a curated display of objects housed in a freight elevator in lower Manhattan. It is one of the most unique museums in the world.
You’ll learn all about the stories of the city. You may also have a chance to explore plenty of nooks and crannies with your date.
Chinatown
New York City’s Chinatown is one of the largest and oldest in the world, and it’s not just on Canal Street.
Take your date on a wonderful tour of Chinatown in Lower Manhattan. It’s full of cool shops selling Chinese goods, tea emporiums, and one of the best foodies destinations in the city. Plus, there are tons of hidden speakeasies to discover.
Most Romantic Date Ideas in NYC
People have been falling in love together in New York City for generations.
There’s something about the anonymity and the instantly-recognizable landmarks and icons that makes everyone feel like they’re in a romantic comedy set at Christmas, even if you’re there in July.
With thousands of amazing restaurants, bars, underground jazz bars, clubs, and more, the options for romantic dates are endless.
Being romantic means being surprised sometimes, and doing something unusual or unexpected is a great way to inject some romance into your relationship.
Take a look at these dates taken right out of a Woody Allen comedy. Take your date on one of these, and you’ll have the sparks flying in NYC.
Horse and carriage ride through Central Park
Experience the beauty of Central Park riding along in a horse and carriage.
It’s easily one of the most picturesque and romantic things you can possibly do in the Big Apple. It is one of the most popular romantic dates in NYC.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building isn’t only one of the most photographed buildings in the world, it’s also one of the most romantic.
Ever since people watched the last scene of Sleepless in Seattle, thousands of people have fallen in love at the top of the most romantic skyscraper in the world.
Take a sunset cruise
What’s more romantic than sunset sailing the waters around NYC? Cruise around New York Harbor or sail past the Statue of Liberty, then take in the iconic skyline while clinking champagne glasses and listening to world-class jazz.
There are plenty of fully-crewed yachts and boats with luxurious hospitality and world-class dining.
Candlelit dinner for two
New York has some of the best and most intimate restaurants in the whole world. If you want the romance to bloom, take your date to Le Coucou, Carbone, King, or Cosme.
Let the food take your date to the next level as the unbelievable food blows their mind.
Ballet at Lincoln Center
Or you can get classy. Why not dress up and take your date to the ballet at the Lincoln Center?
As one of the foremost dance companies in the world, they’ll wow your date no matter what. Impress your date with your classiness and charm.
Then go for a cocktail or two afterward at the nearby Empire Hotel Lobby Bar to keep the romance flowing. If things go well, you can try out the ballet moves later.
Go for a ride in a helicopter
Get your heart rates going by taking your date on an unforgettable New York City helicopter tour. You’ll never see the city the same way again.
Plus, there’s nothing like doing something exciting together to bring you and your date closer together.
Most Romantic Hotels in NYC
Turn your date to one of the most romantic nights of your life by booking a night or two in one of New York City’s most romantic hotels.
From Art Nouveau elegance to downtown chic, penthouse to private park, these hotels in New York City offer the most romantic stays in the city.
Don’t forget to dine at the restaurants or try cocktails in the hotel bars, as they offer some of the finest dining and entertainment the city has to offer, all within an elevator ride from your room.
Trust me, book your date night in one of these hotels, and your date will be paying you back forever.
Gramercy Park Hotel
Located in the very heart of the city, the landmark Gramercy Park Hotel has one of the most prestigious histories of any hotel in New York.
With traditional grandeur and handcrafted furnishings, the Gramercy Park will make your date a luxurious affair.
Dine at Maialino, drink cocktails at the Rose Bar, then enjoy the views of Manhattan from a rooftop terrace, and Manhattan’s only private park.
The Greenwich Hotel
Choose from 88 different rooms and suites at the Greenwich Hotel to add a little class to your date.
Relax, unwind, and cleanse the body and mind at the Shibui Spa, then enjoy the leisurely Italien spirit and heartfelt cooking of the bustling corner restaurant.
The Chatwal
Conveniently located in downtown Manhattan, the Chatwal New York offers landmark luxury and a place to relax in one of the busiest cities on the planet.
Originally built in 1905 then renovated in 2010, the Chatwal offers historic luxury and modern convenience, all within steps of world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Choose between 76 ‘keys,’ including 14 themed suites to make your date a night to remember.
The Lowell Hotel
The 17-floor building of the ionic landmark Lowell Hotel is a stone’s throw from Central Park as well as some of the celebrated fashion houses on Madison Avenue.
Built-in 1926, this boutique hotel reflects the elegance and luxury of the Upper East Side. Want to feel like you and your date are in The Great Gatsby? Then book a night at the Lowell Hotel.
The Mercer Hotel
The Mercer Hotel is Soho’s most luxurious hotel. The Romanesque building is located five minutes from Washington Square Park and Little Italy.
Book a night with your date at the Mercer, and you’ll put your date at the very heart of the wonderful city.
The Pierre
The views of the city from The Pierre make a trip worthwhile. The storied past, old-world luxury, and subtle elegance make it one of the most romantic hotels in the city.
Ever since it was opened in the 1930s, it’s been a revered monument to New York grandeur, and a night at The Pierre will do wonders for your relationship.
So, What’s the Best Date in NYC?
If it’s your first date, go for a walk through Central Park, grab a cocktail at The Lowell Hotel Bar then go watch awful stand-up at 61 Local. And If things are going well, you can always grab a slice at 2 am and see where the night takes you.
If you’re part of a long-term couple and you’ve been dating for years, why not inject some romance into your relationship?
Make the most of New York’s luxury. Why not go for an early dinner at Le Coucou, watch the ballet at the Lincoln Center then spend a romantic night at the Mercer Hotel?
Thousands, maybe even millions of people have fallen in love in New York City. Play your cards right and treat your date to the best the Big Apple has to offer. You’ll be joining the illustrious list in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with your boyfriend in NYC?
There are tons of things to do in NYC with your boyfriend. Central Park will never let you down. If it’s raining, why not grab a cocktail at Bar Pleiades.
Where can I be intimate in NYC?
For an intimate dinner in NYC, go to Carbone or Cosme. House of Yes, 1 Oak, and Black Flamingo are perfect clubs for getting intimate on the dance floor.
Where can I go on a fun date?
Taking your date skydiving at iFLY in Westchester is a great fun date. So is watching amateur stand-up at the many comedy clubs in NYC. Check out 61 Local for some hilarious amateur comedy.
