Looking for a memorable date in NYC that’s more than just a walk in Central Park or a kiss at Times Square? We have 11 unique ideas to inspire.
Rest assured! Having a fun date in NYC doesn’t have to cost you a full month of your salary, at least not with these activities we’re gonna share.
Yes, you will crash into those ‘dinners over candlelights’ again but we guarantee the spots we chose for you are second to none (some even involve secret chef’s menu or phantoms of the past).
Now if your date loves picnics with a view or munch on the sinful sweetness of yummy candy, take them to Governors or Coney Island and have them stunned.
More incredible date ideas in NYC are below!
1. Celebrate A Milestone Anniversary At NYC’s Most Romantic Restaurants
A classic dinner date over candle lights and fine wine never goes wrong. But what makes it a daunting task to plan a perfect date in NYC is how to pick the right one every single time.
Rest your worries, we’ve got you covered! Here are our 12 favorite romantic restaurants in NYC to help you make a bucket list.
A romantic meal doesn’t have to be fancy. That’s why this curated list will give you just the right things. Not sure what to eat? The list has it all!
We like to pop in Bacaro every time that hunger for some mouth-watering Ricotta Cavatelli with duck ragu kicks in. And with those vintage crystal chandeliers hanging over long white candles on the table, I’m not sure if you can find a more romantic place than that.
Looking for a post-theater date? Le Rivage in the Theater District is the best call to offer. To make your date even more special, the chef curates his grandparents’ traditional recipe for seafood bisque with his personal take on sherry to round up a luxurious profile.
2. Enjoy A Sublime Culinary Experience With NYC’s Best Omakase
Not your average sushi dining hole – the best omakase in NYC truly leaves you stunned. Imagine sitting down by the long table not knowing what your palate deserves tonight while holding hands with your significant other! Some of the most renowned omakase in NYC have been making headlines with years of keeping their Michelin stars intact.
Some are so impressively favored by local sushi connoisseurs that tables are often booked out fast days in advance. In cases like this, a reservation is strongly recommended.
Keeping the flames with surprises is the best way to levitate your romance. By leaving the chefs to decide how they wanna treat you that night with unique menus changing by the season, we’re sure you both go home happy.
See our picks of the best omakase restaurants in NYC here.
3. Hit A Weekly Open Jams At NYC’s Best Jazz Clubs
Sneaking in a jazz lounge and enjoying some skinship moments to get out of the vicious circle of ‘dinner and movie’ is a great idea!
Though it may not be the wisest move to wow your crush on the first date, we don’t see any reason to go against a jazz night if you’ve been together for a while and especially if you both have the same taste for this genre of music.
NYC has such a long history and respectable relationship with jazz music, which allows us to curate this ultimate list of the ten best jazz clubs in NYC to jam out with your love.
Just like you, we know how crucial the setting comes into play as well as the quality of live music. That’s why heavyweights like Blue Note Jazz Club or Smoke Jazz & Supper Club have stood the test of time and still winning hearts.
See our picks of the best NYC jazz clubs here.
4. Hide Out At A Hidden Speakeasy Bar
With crafted cocktails and an intimate feel, a speakeasy bar can never be ignored when you plan a date in NYC. Hold their hands and walk down the rabbit hole at the back of a washed-out building just to find out there’s the coolest bar in this neighborhood you’ve never heard of.
Let your love pick his or her favorite spot out of this list of NYC’s 12 best-hidden speakeasy bars and transform the night into a glamorous date in a bygone era.
Tired of fighting for reservations? Attaboy is the place to be! A stylish, dimly-lit lounge with a humble setting is just the right place to keep the flame for your convo and spark curiosity. Don’t forget to grab a quick serving of Penicillin if you wanna keep it classic and easy on the mouth as this medley of lemon, ginger, honey, and scotch will never disappoint.
Wanna add some zing to an artisan cocktail? Check out Bo Peep just below The Ragtrader and share some small plates while swaying to your favorite jam from the live stage.
See our picks of the best speakeasies in NYC here.
5. Unveil An Untold Side Of NYC At The Best Museums
A museum date is the best way to learn more about each other and the town you grow up in. By hitting up a new museum each time, you not only have a chance to unveil a different side of this history-rich city but also discover an untold hobby your partner loves.
The best thing about museums in NYC is that they are not simply time capsules for century-old artifacts but also house nearly everything you can think about.
From classic topics such as modern arts and quirky buildings at Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum to a collection of public transports, you name it.
See our picks of the best NYC museums here.
6. Throw A Picnic, Admire Sheep, And Peek Into The Past At Governors Island
Let’s plan a getaway this time! Who would have thought in less than a ten-minute ferry ride from Manhattan’s Battery Maritime Building, you’ll end up at a sprawling green space where art installations, cycling paths, seasonal restaurants, and historic landmarks coexist on a former military base?
Despite being a stone’s throw away, Governors Island seems as if it’s a world on its own, drawing crowds to beat the sun-kissed paths on their two wheels or blanket down to picnic with a view.
The island welcomes public visitors year-round even though some certain attractions such as Winter Village, urban farm, and Island Oyster restaurant are seasonal. If you visit the island for the first time, digging into its history is undoubtedly the best activity to plan on a date. Famous symbols such as Castle Williams and Fort Jay team up with an abandoned theater, hospital, and chapel to make an epic collection of historic landmarks. From May to October, these military forts are open for public visits.
Before the sun beams down, don’t forget to look for sights of the five sheep that are busy working hard to protect the trees of Hammock Grove from invasive species such as phragmites and mugwort. Though fenced off, these cute furry friends are absolutely friendly to admire from afar.
7. Eat Candy, Walk The Beach, & See Fishes On Coney Island
Who says Coney Island is only for families? Well, local couples know the island has so many great things to offer, simply a chance for their inner child to be unleashed.
On any given sunny day, we like to hit the sandy shore and soak up the view when the sun casts its flow on the mild waves. Walk back a few steps and you will find a network of smooth pathways to take a stroll holding hands, getting on rides, playing carnival games, or munching on funnel cakes and hot dogs.
Dubbed the oldest continually operating aquarium in all of the country, Coney Island’s New York Aquarium has been beckoning crowds since 1957. Today, this expansive paradise of 14 acres of water plays host to over 300 marine species that go beyond sharks, sardines, and whales.
Oh yes – and don’t forget to boost your energy with Chocolate Pretzel or 3′ Whirly Rainbow Lollypops at Philip’s Candy – Coney Island’s oldest candy store!
8. Rock The Forgotten Seaside Town Of Red Hook
What to expect from Red Hook – NYC’s former shipping area which was once the busiest port in the US?
Today, the ancient floor of red clay soil has turned into a true hidden treasure in the borough. With a short ferry ride from Pier 11, you two will land on an eclectic hub filled with yummy bites, art sports, and culture. There’s a range of lesser-known galleries and museums such as Pioneer Works, Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge, or The Robotic Church.
If you’re barely a frequent visitor here, head down to Van Brunt Street and let your exploration begin. Dubbed the “Main Street of Red Hook”, this bustling stroll has no absence of chic cafes, boutique shops, and insta-worthy dining holes, serving everything from croissants to bagels and cream cheese to beeswax candles and kitchen goodies.
9. Surprise Your Loved One With A Manhattan Helicopter Tour
Looking to take your relationship to a new height? Take your love to the sky!
The teams behind the best helicopter tours in NYC know exactly what ‘love is in the air’ is all about. In the Big Apple, Manhattan surpasses any other metropolises with its notorious scene of skyscrapers. With heavyweights like the mpire State Building and Central Park, plus the Statue of Liberty, a 15-minute flight soaring over the horizon will surely give you a date like no other.
The best part? Souvenir photos are available to collect at the end of the tour. Flying high is now another great chance for you two to look back on everlasting memories when you hear the rotors of a helicopter firing up.
Book your Manhattan helicopter tour here.
10. Contemplate At The Dazzling Horizon On A NYC Sunset Cruise
Dining with a view is great, but have you tried going beyond the shore and while floating on the water? If not, a sunset cruise in NYC guarantees special moments to share with your loved one.
The majestic body of water in New York has seen grand yachts and enormous three-level ships traversing up and down the big rivers. When the sun casts its aura on the sparkling water, your silhouettes become one as you’re leaning against each other on the sun-kissed deck.
Book your sunset dinner cruise here.
11. Drink, Laugh, And Be Amazed At The Slipper Room
Missing that Moulin Rouge vibe back in Paris while your work schedule ties you up in NYC? Well, The Slipper Room got your back!
The Slipper Room is New Yorkers’ all-time favorite variety theater. Here you can find all types of neo-burlesque performances that range from comedy and magic to sideshow and circus arts. During Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, the shows are open for reserved seating while Friday and Saturday come with general admission.
As the locals attest, frequent downtown talents charm their hearts with such hilarious niches that they commit to. To keep the crowd coming back for more, nightly shows always have a tantalizing mix of alluring and acrobatic performers. As soon as you step foot into the hall, the ‘speakeasy’ vibe steeped in dark wood and red fabric highlights featuring a dimly lit stage promise to have you two dazed in astonishment.
Address: 167 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002
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If the night is still young and you two don’t wanna hit the bed that early, it’s time to check out one of these ten best clubbing spots in NYC and dance real good in that shiny outfit!