17 Most Romantic Things to Do in NYC For Date Night

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New York City is known for ambition and hustle, more so than romance, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a romantic city. In fact, there are so many romantic things to do in NYC for a date night with your loved one, it can be hard narrowing down your options.

Of course, you can always do something traditional like a meal and a broadway experience, as there are always new restaurants to try and new plays to see.

But there’s so much more than that! There’s something so magical about the glittering lights of the city that never sleeps, creating a romantic atmosphere for whatever you do.

But if you want to make your trip to New York City with your loved one a little more special, then take a look at these romantic things to do in New York City and get planning your perfect romantic escape.

Romantic Things to Do in NYC

There are endless things to do in NYC for couples any time of the day. Whether you’re a new couple in love or you’ve been married for years, you won’t ever run out of special things to do as a couple.

If you are looking for things to do on a date in New York City, try any of these ideas below, you will both love them!

1. Steve Cohen’s Chamber Magic

Without a doubt, one of the most unforgettable date nights in New York City is an evening with the Millionaire’s Magician, otherwise known as Steven Cohen.

For two decades, Steve Cohen has performed in a private suite at the Waldorf-Astoria and requires cocktail attire, but the show has now moved his show, Chamber Magic, to the Lotte New York Palace Hotel.

There are four shows a week, so if you plan for a few days in NYC you’ll likely be in the city when a performance is on.

The absolute star of the show is the magic itself: you’ll leave in awe, and spend the rest of the evening wondering if magic is real (and if it’s not, how exactly did he pull it off?).

Pop into the bar after the show to discuss the tricks over a martini.

2. Dizzy’s Jazz Club

Dizzy’s Jazz Club features world-class jazz musicians with an epic view overlooking Central Park. If you love music, then enjoy a show here.

There’s also a late-night session that features up-and-coming artists for a cheaper cover price (and sometimes a dance floor!) and the cocktails taste just as good.

What could be more romantic than dancing with your loved one to a live band in an intimate jazz bar setting? It’s definitely hard to beat.

3. Sunset sail to the Statue of Liberty

A classic romantic thing to do in New York City is take a sunset sail to the Statue of Liberty, where you can witness incredible views of the Manhattan skyscrapers and the sunset from the Statue of Liberty.

Oh and did I mentioned the cruise comes with cocktails or champagne? Now it’s one of the most romantic dates in the city.

Dress up, this is a perfect time to take some romantic selfies together.

4. Visit Museum Hack

Museums can sometimes seem stale, but Museum Hack is a fun twist on the typical boring guided tour.

They take you through the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Natural History Museum with the strangest, wildest and sexiest stories hidden in the exhibits.

I especially like the Museum Hack VIP tour of the Met: you’ll get to have the entire museum to yourself right before closing time. You can walk hand in hand and have some intimate conversations. It’s lovely.

The group tour lasts for about two-hours and is advertised as a “not your grandma’s museum tour” so you can be sure it’s going to be intriguing.

5. Comedy Cellar

My boyfriend is a comedy nerd, and he introduced me to Comedy Cellar. You never know who exactly will perform, but it’s a favorite haunt for famous comedians to test out new material.

The Comedy Cellar has previously seen stars like Louis CK, Chris Rock and Amy Schumer – and the lead-up comedians are always just as solid.

Have a drink or romantic dinner at Olive Tree Cafe upstairs and keep your eyes open: comedians often hang out in the back in between their sets.

There are usually shows happening every night of the week, so be sure to check the events calendar to see what’s on.

6. Nitehawk Cinema

Dinner and a movie is a standard date night around the world, but Nitehawk Cinema does it best.

With quirky classic cinema trailers, whiskey root beer floats and artisan mozzarella sticks served during the show and the best new indie releases, it’s the perfect setting for film buffs looking for somewhere to eat in NYC with their date.

You’ll see movies here that you won’t see anywhere else.

7. Go Ice Skating in Central Park

Central Park is probably the most romantic place in NYC as it’s the only place you can go strolling through nature and enjoy some peace and quiet (kind of).

Plus you can take an iconic carriage ride through the park on a fairytale-like carriage pulled by a horse.

But if you’re visiting the city in the winter, why not make it more special and check out the ice skating rink?

There is nothing more romantic and enjoyable than gliding around on the ice whilst trying not to fall over.

And even if you do, it creates lasting memories and a great story to tell the grandkids!

8. Have a Picnic in Brooklyn Botanic Garden

If you’re looking for somewhere where you and your loved one can enjoy some quiet time alone, then head over the Brooklyn Bridge and deep into the Brooklyn borough to find the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

This huge urban space is a place where visitors can enjoy the delights of nature and surround themselves with plants from around the world.

It’s also adjacent to Prospect Park, which would make for a great picnic spot if the gardens are too busy.

But no doubt you will find a quiet spot in this 52-acre garden.

And if you are visiting in the winter, you can get free entrance (well, donations are nice) between Tuesday and Friday in December – February.

9. Watch the Ballet at Lincoln Center

While many people head to NYC to watch a show on Broadway, why not mix it up a bit with a performance by the New York City Ballet?

The performances always change, from Sleeping Beauty to Phantom of the Opera to Balanchine. Be sure to check out the what’s on calendar to see what’s happening.

10. Take on the Treetop Adventure at Bronx Zoo

Zoos are a fun place to visit for a date, but if you want to do some more adventurous things to do in NYC on a date, then why not try the Treetop Adventure at Bronx Zoo?

You and your partner will climb up to 50 meters above the ground, swing through trees, tackle obstacle courses and whizz down zip lines in this amazing canopy top obstacle course.

It’s one of those activities that will create lasting memories, if you’re both brave enough!

11. Enjoy The Roman Baths at AIRE Ancient Baths

Want to treat your loved one to a bit of pampering? NYC can be chaotic, so why not unwind and relax on a spa day?

AIRE Ancient Baths are located all over the world, but the NYC spa is located right in the heart of the bustling downtown in TriBeCa.

Though once you’re inside, you won’t feel like it. It’s designed to be a relaxing oasis that will balance the mind, body and soul.

The building itself is a restored 1883 textile factory but has been turned into a Roman bath with water at different temperatures – just like they used to bath during Roman times.

If you want to step it up a notch, check out the massage options, too!

12. Take a Helicopter Tour of NYC

This activity is a once in a lifetime experience, and perfect for those who are honeymooning to NYC or looking for an ultra special date idea.

As you zip across the skies above New York, you have a birdseye view of the city below.

See iconic monuments such as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Central Park below. See the boats cruising down the Hudson River and see the bustling yellow taxis honking below you.

Opt for a sunset flight for a truly magical setting.

13. Drink Hot Chocolate on Valentine’s Day

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A post shared by Loreley Outdoor Beer Garden (@loreleynyc)

If you happen to be in NYC in February and looking for a date idea for Valentine’s Day, then why not take your loved one to a cafe that does Valentine’s Day right?

The Loreley Beer Garden always goes all out on V-Day, with its “winter wonderland” pop-up cafe in its outdoor heated garden.

Serving heart-shaped pretzels and bread, combined with the romantic décor and thousands of heart-shaped rose petals, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a Hot Chocolate before taking selfies with the romantic backdrop.

14. See Views from the Top of the Empire State Building

This is an iconic date activity in NYC that we couldn’t skip off the list.

Not only is the Empire State Building one of the most iconic landmarks in NYC, but its viewing deck is a well-known hot spot for romantic proposals and viewpoints for couple’s selfies.

Perhaps you’re not ready to pop the question and don’t want to feel pressured into it by all the other people doing it, so another great viewing deck you should check out is Top of the Rock.

Another romantic spot for views is from the One World Observatory observation deck.

15. Stargaze at the Hayden Planetarium

Can you think of a more romantic date night activity than stargazing? Well sadly due to the bright lights of NYC, you won’t see much in the night sky.

No matter, because you can check out the stars, constellations and learn about our planets all in one at the Hayden Planetarium.

It’s located in the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History and has a custom-made projector that displays hyperrealistic scenes of the planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies.

It’s one of the most interesting and humbling date ideas you can have for NYC.

16. Take the Ferry to Staten Island

The Staten Island ferry is a great way to see the Manhattan skyline without paying expensive fees for tours.

Plus, Staten Island has a lot of great places to hang out on a date in NYC, such as visiting Staten Island Zoo, rolling around at RollerJam USA’s rollerskating rink or strolling through the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden.

17. Check Out Times Square

If you want an iconic photo of NYC with your loved one to remember your trip by, then you’ll need to head over to Times Square and grab a selfie.

No doubt you are already planning on visiting this unmissable place in NYC, but don’t just rush in and out for a photo.

You’ll find there are plenty of art installations to use as a backdrop. Plus, it’s right next to the theatres on Broadway so you can catch an award-winning musicals while you’re there.

Romantic Places to Drink in NYC

Going out for a drink is one of the most romantic things to do in NYC. Where are the best places to drink on a date in New York? Try one of these!

Bemelmans Bar

Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel is old-fashioned, upper-crust New York City rooftop bar at its finest.

It’s located in Midtown Manhattan near to Bryant Park, making it super central and close to other top attractions in the city.

It serves proper classic cocktails, live piano music, and sumptuous leather banquettes.

The walls are covered in playful murals by Ludwig Bemelman, author and illustrator of the Madeleine series.

The Campbell

The Campbell is tucked away above Grand Central Terminal (an architectural gem worth visiting, whether or not you’re coming in on the train).

It used to be a private office in Grand Central Station and salon of a business tycoon in the 1920s, but has been lovingly restored to its original Prohibition-era splendor into the city’s favorite speakeasy.

Located across the East River in Williamsburg, it offers a full view of the Manhattan skyline.

During the summer, there’s a large outdoor rooftop patio perfect for soaking up the sunshine while sipping.

Romantic Places to Eat on a Date in NYC

In all of New York City, we love the food in West Village the most! It is full of bustling bistros with a simple design and good food.

Here are some of my favorite places to eat on a date for couples who prefer something more casual over fine dining:

• Aria
• Extra Virgin
• Rosemary’s

Burger Joint is hidden down a dark hallway in Le Parker-Meridien: it’s a dive bar vibe with awesome burgers and cheap beer, which is surprisingly delightful in the middle of Midtown.

While I personally think a $1 slice on the street is wonderfully New York after fancy cocktails, Peasant is a little more romantic – complete with candlelight and a great wine list.

And if you want a solid steak dinner, go to St Anselm in Williamsburg. The $16 hangar steak is one of the most delicious deals in town, and there’s even red wine on tap.

Romantic Places to Stay in NYC

There’s no shortage of romantic hotels in New York City, especially if you want to splurge. To make your romantic trip to NYC really special, consider staying at…

The Standard High Line

The Standard High Line is super hip and centrally located with great views of uptown and downtown, and has plenty of bars worth visiting even if you’re not staying there.

Park Central Hotel

Park Central Hotel has reasonable rates and is close to Central Park and the Broadway shows.

See more places to stay in New York or scroll through the list below

Final Word on Romantic Things to Do in NYC

So there you have it, those are 17 romantic attractions in NYC and the top places to eat, drink and stay. We hope this guide has helped you plan a romantic trip to NYC and given you some date-night inspiration.

There are so many great places in New York City that offer a cozy setting for your loved one, too many to include on this list, so if you have any more suggestions, let us know in the comments!

More NYC Travel Tips

Still want more ideas of things to do in New York City? Here are some of our favorites!

• 9 free things to do in NYC
• 14 coffee shops in NYC the locals love
• 6 tips for a girls getaway in NYC
• 15 New York Travel Tips to Save Money and Maximize Time (epic guide)

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