New York is the most exciting city in the world. There’s always something to do, always something to see, and always something open, no matter what time of day. It’s a magical place — especially when you’re with your partner.
But, with so much on offer, finding the most romantic things to do in NYC can feel a bit daunting at first. That’s why we’re here to help! For singles dating in New York, there are plenty of wonderful ways to spend a morning, afternoon, or evening in NYC with your partner.
Romantic Things to Do in NYC: 22 Unforgettable Activities to Try
1. Plan a picnic in Central Park
Central Park offers NYC daters acres and acres of meadows, gardens, nooks, and crannies that are perfect for settling in for a sunny, romantic afternoon. Fill up the picnic basket with your favorite snacks and drinks and pick up a picturesque spot to hang. When it comes to summer date ideas, this one is tough to top!
2. Visit a bookstore
Bookstores are underrated when it comes to romantic date spots. So, head out and browse The Strand’s impressive collection of new and used books together. For that extra slice of romance, pick out your favorite romance novels for each other and chat about them over a coffee!
3. Discover Grand Central Station’s best-kept secret
Hidden places make for great romantic dates and Grand Central Station’s Whispering Gallery is no exception. Make your way to the lower level of the terminal, near the Oyster Bar, and whisper from corner to corner to each other under the domed walkways.
4. Take an art gallery walk through Chelsea
There are over 400 in the neighborhood alone, and most of them are free! What’s not to love?
5. Go museum hopping down Museum Mile
Head out to the Upper East Side and take a cultural tour through some of NYC’s most renowned museums. The Guggenheim, The Met, and the Museum for African Art are just some of the options located along 5th Avenue between 110th and 82nd Streets.
6. Head up to the Top of the Rock
When it comes to romantic things to do in NYC, the stunning city view and photo ops on offer from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck are hard to beat. Pro tip: Book a slot after dark to capture romantic selfies set against the background of a fully illuminated New York City.
7. Check out Pier 17
Prefer a free view? Head to the top of Pier 17 in the Seaport District. Get ice cream from Mister Dips while you’re there. The rooftop view offers a stunning romantic view over Brooklyn Bridge and even plays host to live concerts during the summer months!
8. Snuggle up on a harbor cruise
Enjoy breathtaking views from a different vantage point: the water. One of the most romantic things to do in NYC is to cuddle up on a harbor cruise while you travel down the Hudson. This is a great way to take in the city from a quieter, less stressful setting.
9. Go plant shopping
NYC’s small but charming flower district in Chelsea is surprisingly romantic. Noble Plants is a local favorite for affordable greenery and pots.
10. Grab some sweet treats
Nothing says romance quite like chocolate. Head out to the heart of Greenwich Village and treat yourselves to something sweet from Varsano’s Chocolate. Specializing in homemade, hand-dipped chocolates, the store makes the perfect spot for those looking to treat their special someone!
11. Ride the tram to Roosevelt Island
Romantic date ideas in NYC don’t have to be complicated. Taking a tram out to Roosevelt Island is a lovely, unique, and scenic way to spend an afternoon with your date.
12. Visit the Green-Wood Cemetery
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but hear us out. For some couples, a romantic thing to do in New York might be to walk through a graveyard. The Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn is a hauntingly romantic spot for an afternoon stroll. It’s also a former Revolutionary War battlefield and brimming with history.
13. A summer gardens tour
When the sun is shining, take a walk through one of NYC’s gorgeous botanical gardens. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Queens Botanical Garden, and the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx are some of the most popular choices.
14. Head out for a carousel ride
Go on a carousel date to ride the SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park or Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn. Both are the perfect amount of whimsical and romantic.
15. Find a secret garden
Hidden within the concrete jungle, there are small pockets of green in nearly every NYC neighborhood. From the Elevated Acre in the Financial District to the Church of St. Luke in the Fields in the West Village, these hidden gems make for some of the most romantic date spots in the city.
16. Head to the beach
Believe it or not, The Big Apple has several beaches. In fact, they offer one of the best date ideas in NYC! Escape the hustle and bustle and head down to Coney Island for hot dogs on the pier and rollercoasters at Luna Park.
17. Organize a day trip
Want to get even further out of the city? Take a day trip to Dia Beacon or Storm King Art Center and take in contemporary art and sculptures. Both have endless cute couple photo ops.
18. Grab some culture
Get your fill of medieval art and architecture at The Cloisters in Fort Tyron Park. It’s worth the price of admission for the romantic courtyard alone.
19. Dinner and a show
When it comes to romantic things to do in NYC, it’s hard to look past this one. After all, it’s a classic for a reason. Enjoy a romantic dinner together in the theater district and then head out to a Broadway show.
20. Watch the sunset
Sunsets always guarantee romance, especially over the backdrop of the NYC skyline. To turn it into a date, head to a rooftop bar at dusk and enjoy the spectacular moment together. There are dozens around the city, so you can’t go wrong.
21. Check out NYC’s best speakeasies
Finding a speakeasy is one of the most exciting, most romantic activities NYC has to offer. The intimate vibes of hidden gems like Raines Law Room make it feel like you and your date are in on one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
22. Have a fancy nightcap (or two) in Tribeca
There’s so much romance on offer in Tribeca. It’s home to some of the best date night restaurants in the city, while specialized venues like Brandy Library are perfect for enjoying a premium nightcap after a romantic dinner. Both have seriously stylish digs that’ll keep the romance going as the night winds down.
Romantic Things to Do in NYC: Fall in Love in the City That Never Sleeps!
When it comes to romantic things to do in NYC, couples aren’t short of choices! New York has an exciting sense of whimsy and wonders that just can’t be beaten, which certainly makes it one of the best cities for dating. We hope this list of romantic activities in NYC inspires you to plan an epic day, afternoon, or evening with your partner.
