By Chloe Mulliner, on January 22, 2020

Date Ideas in New York City

If you’re planning a romantic getaway to New York City, you and your honey are in for a real treat. This city has it all. Already live here? No sweat. Even locals know that there are countless ways to spend a date in NYC. If you’re a duo looking for sports, New York City has it. Consider yourselves more of an artsy duo? The city has plays, concerts, and art museums. Are you after some coveted green space? Yes, NYC delivers there, too.

From fun date spots to romantic evening outings, we crafted an entire NYC date guide. Check out our picks for the best date ideas in NYC and prepare for the sparks to fly!

Where are some fun date ideas in NYC?

Silhouette of the rides at Coney Island at sunset, a prime place for a NYC date night.
Via Patrick Tappe / Shutterstock.com

If you’re looking for a fun date in NYC, you’re going to have to narrow it down. Maybe your idea of fun is riding a roller coaster 10 times in a row or catching a fly ball. Whatever it is, you and your partner will find plenty of ways to have fun in this awe-inducing city.

Coney Island

Brooklyn

Who said Coney Island is just for kids? Not us! It’s no House of Mouse, but it sure is fun. Order a round of Nathan’s Famous hot dogs and get exploring. Brave the Cyclone rollercoaster and marvel at the street performers. This seaside attraction is definitely a playful and quirky place to go on a date in the city.

Chelsea Market

Chelsea

Chelsea Market is another fun date idea. Considered an urban food court and shopping mall, the market is a prime spot to grab some grub and find some treasures. The food fun selection runs the gamut, with an oyster bar, Ethiopian eatery, donut shop, taqueria, and much more. You and your honey can come hungry and walk off your meal as you browse the local shops.

Yankee Stadium
Bronx

Grab yourselves some peanuts and root for the home team! Seeing a Yankees game is perhaps one of the most quintessential things you can do in the city, and you don’t even have to be die-hard fans to enjoy a game. Whether they win or lose, you can hit the local bars afterward and make friends with the locals.

What are some date night ideas in NYC?

A sign signifying Broadway, a great place to spend date night in NYC.
Via spastor_pictures / Shutterstock.com

You better believe there are some solid romantic things to do in NYC, especially at night. After all, this is The City That Never Sleeps. Check out some of these picks for a memorable night for two.

Broadway

Midtown West

You and your partner didn’t come all this way to ignore the bright lights of Broadway. Snag tickets to see a performance at one of the city’s many stages. You’ll find countless musicals on the bill, but you’ll also come across dramas and one-person shows. Discover one that suits your fancy and get ready for them to draw the curtains.

Empire State Building

Manhattan

If you’ve never soaked in the views of NYC at night, make a beeline for the Empire State Building. Open until 2 a.m. every night, the observation deck sits on the 86th floor, showcasing the city illuminated in lights. The last elevator up leaves at 1:15 a.m., so make sure you arrive before that if you and your sweetie want to reenact your favorite Sleepless in Seattle scene.

New York Philharmonic

Manhattan

Get dressed up and spend date night being serenaded by the New York Philharmonic at the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts. Considered one of the best orchestras in the nation, this musical institution is also one of the oldest. The calendar is packed with all kinds of amazing concerts, from Mozart and Haydn to Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9.

What are some free date ideas in NYC?

A peaceful view of the lake in Central Park, which is a great place for a NYC date.
Via Rudy Balasko / Shutterstock.com

You don’t have to spend a fortune to impress your honey in NYC. Keep your wallet in your pocket and enjoy these date spots free of charge.

Staten Island Ferry

Staten Island

All aboard! Hop on the Staten Island Ferry, which is a free commuter ferry between the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and the St. George Terminal on Staten Island. It operates 24/7, which means you can even ride the ferry at night. Bring your camera and look out for the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Brooklyn Heights, among other famous sites. Check out our tips for the best photo ops in NYC.

American Folk Art Museum

Manhattan

Fancy some artwork? Plan a date to Manhattan and venture to the American Folk Art Museum. This free museum invites you to explore more than 8,000 pieces dating back to the 18th century. Whether both of you are art experts or you’re just in the mood for some eye candy, this museum is a great free date idea.

Central Park
Manhattan

New York City isn’t a total concrete jungle. Venture to Central Park, the most visited park in the U.S. and search for all your favorite film locations. This famous park features all kinds of free attractions, from Strawberry Fields (a John Lennon tribute) to the stunning Belvedere Castle. Visit the Wildlife Sanctuary and take a peaceful stroll through the Conservatory Garden.

What are some romantic day trips from NYC?

View of the Atlantic City skyline lit up at night, which is a great romantic day trip from NYC
Via ESB Professional / Shutterstock.com

Yes, there are many lovely places to spend a date in NYC, but the surrounding region has plenty of charming destinations to visit, too. Jump in the car and venture to these spots, which are great for a romantic getaway just outside of the city.

  • Atlantic City, New Jersey: Feeling lucky? Test your luck at Atlantic City, a casino town along the coast. While you’re here, take a stroll on the iconic boardwalk (the Monopoly board game is modeled after it!).
  • Montauk, New York: Take a romantic retreat to Montauk, on the very tip of Long Island. Known as The End, this village is popular for its beaches. Bring your fishing pole and enjoy a quiet escape from the city.
  • Kerhonkson, New York: If you and your sweetheart want some outdoorsy adventures, zip over to Kerhonkson, where you’ll find miles of hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing areas in the Minnewaska State Park Preserve

New York City is a magical place where you’ll find all kinds of places to enjoy with your partner. When it comes to planning your grand adventure, check out flights to NYC here. And if you’re staying for a few days, don’t forget to book one of the many hotels in NYC.