New York City offers so much room for couples to have some fun together you can never run out of romantic date ideas.
NYC is a vibrant place with a never-ending list of (romantic) things to do. It’s impossible to get bored in a place like this, especially with your boyfriend or girlfriend.
Despite our long list of differences, one thing my boyfriend and I come together on is our love for big city life. When deciding on our travels for the year New York City was a no brainer.
Having spent a week in NYC, I’ll be the first to admit we didn’t see everything. Honestly, most of the time was spent battling crowds. Such a congested city. For some pro-tips on how to avoid crowds in the city, read this. What we did see was amazing. I couldn’t think of a better place for making more memories together.
If you and your partner are headed to the big apple, here are 8 romantic things to do in NYC.
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Affordable Romantic Hotels in NYC
The general rule when it comes to booking accommodation in NYC is book in advance. Just because it’s a huge city with tons of hotels doesn’t mean they can all sell out in a flash.

Manhattan Bridge from Dumbo
#1: Capture Your New York Moment at These Instagram Spots
Brooklyn Bridge
“We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone”.
With that said you, 110% need to snap a few photos of you and your bae on the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge.
My best advice is to do this first thing in the morning to beat the large crowds who are also looking to take their postcard photo.
The Manhattan Bridge from Dumbo
Not far after crossing the Brooklyn Bridge into Brooklyn is Dumbo. A few steps and you will be at one of the most Instagram worthy spots in the city.
The Manhattan Bridge serves as a backdrop making this the perfect spot for couples to capture their New York moment
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
It really doesn’t get more romantic than this. If you fantasize about long walks in the park, this is your dream come true. You are sure to win brownie points with your date. See for yourself here.
Top of the Rock
The Empire State Building might be the King when it comes to buildings in NYC, but the best view overlooking the city can be found at Top of the Rock.
Looking out to a never-ending stream of glistening lights together is a magical moment you both will cherish forever.

Strolling the High Line
#2: Walk the High Line to Chelsea Market
Once a railway, now a beautiful walking path with incredible views overlooking the neighborhood. The High Line provides an alternative walking path to the busy streets below.
If you walk far enough you will find yourself ending in Chelsea Market. Be sure to go inside for some delicious local food and shopping. You might even find a flower stand (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).

Flying over Ellis Island in a helicopter
#3: Take a Helicopter tour
It doesn’t get more Mr. Grey and Anastasia than this. OK so maybe it does, but this was pretty epic! By far the most expensive best date idea on this list. A little thrill is good for the relationship and this does the job. Learn more about my experience flying over NYC with HeliNY.

Great Lawn at Central Park
#4: Picnic on the Great Lawn at Central Park
Slow things down a bit and retreat for a picnic on the Great Lawn.
It’s not until you are strolling through Central Park that you understand just how big it really is. A true escape from the city in the heart of the city. Funny how that happens.
The Great Lawn offers a place for people to spread out from an overcrowded city and relax. Did I mention the beautiful skyscraper backdrop? Talk about the perfect afternoon date idea.
Come winter, Central Park turns into quite the Winter Wonderland. What better excuse to get cozy with one another than a walk through the white snow and glistening lights of Central Park in the winter?

The Original Benito One in Little Italy
#5: Dinner in Little Italy
Little Italy has the best date night restaurants. They do romantic evenings better than any other neighborhood in NYC. Nothing like Italian dialogue, pasta, and a few glasses of wine to win me over.
Remember to pick the restaurant that doesn’t have a swarm of employees out front trying to hustle you in.
Instead, keep walking until you find that quiet, hole-in-the-wall restaurant. That my friend is where you will find the most authentic Italian food! We went to The Original Benito One (174 Mulberry Street) and were beyond satisfied.
#6: Share Some Laughs at a Comedy Show
Standup comedy is just as much a staple of New York City as Broadway. Save a couple of bucks and see a comedy show instead. You never know who might be passing through.
I personally feel comedy shows are more intimate than a large Broadway production. Everyone has a good seat in the house and a waiter is always coming around taking food and drink orders. It’s a perfect date idea!
Check out Carolines Comedy Club. It’s where we went and had a $40 blast!

Coney Island
#7: Spend the Afternoon at Coney Island
Bring out your silly side and let loose at Coney Island. It may be a long train ride from Manhattan, but it’s well worth it to see the ocean, play carnival games, eat gelato, and ride some thrill rides! Coney Island also has tons of street art for more date night photo ops.

Whispering Arch at Grand Central Station
#8: Whisper Sweet Nothings to Each Other at Grand Central Station
Known as the Whispering Arch located at Grand Central Station. How it works is both you and your date stand on opposite ends of the archway and talk into the wall. It’s quite the phenomenon!
What better place for getting to know each other than a “magical” archway?
You can even grab a bite to eat at the market in Grand Central Station. Tons of savory options.
Every couple deserves a romantic date night, especially in NYC.
Psst. . . Looking for more couple travel getaways ideas? Check out a few of these posts:
What’s the most romantic date you’ve been on? Share your story in the comments below!
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I love that you have such a cute guide for dates! NYC is such an awesome city and a very romantic one…just need to find myself a fella! I have heard of whispering arch! I so want to see if it works when i go back. Such a cool thing to be able to do. Now you’ve made me want to go back…i don’t hate you though, NYC is my second fave city in the world.
Love this! This makes me want to go back to NYC with my boyfriend straight away, thanks for sharing!
Nothing wrong with a spontaneous trip now and then 😉
Love this! This makes me want to go back to NYC with my boyfriend straight away! Especially with Christmas coming up, NYC would be the perfect place to be!
I too really want to visit NYC during Christmas
Dinner in Little Italy sounds so romantic! I have never been in a helicopter and think that would be a very interesting experience.
Great post! I have pinned this for our next NYC trip!
Oh yay thank you. Have a great time in NYC!
What wonderful date ideas! I’ve never heard of whispering arch! I will have to check that out next time I’m in NYC!
Yes you have to! It’s really neat.
Love this! I really want to walk the High Line. I’ve been to NYC so many times, but only recently learned about it. And the whispering arch would be so fun, too!
The high line is so pretty and relaxing. Have to check it out next time.
Love this list! I’ve been trying to convince my hubby to take a trip to NYC with me for a long time, but he’s opposed to anything too urban. Maybe I can sway him with some of these romantic outings! 😀
Tell him there are less urban pockets around the city for his pleasure haha.
Your post brought back fantastic memories of some of the things I was able to do on the list, like walk across Brooklyn Bridge and stroll through Central Park. (Although I didn’t picnic there, and I love that idea!) But you’ve made me realize how much I want to go back to NY, especially in the wintertime to experience its special vibe that time of year! Beautiful pics and great tips! I especially want to walk the Highline! Oh, and I love that quote: “We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.” So good.
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Ah, NYC is such a romantic city. Me and my bf have fond weekend memories there, need to plan another trip soon! Would love to see it by helicopter, I bet the sights would be breathtaking.
I seriously can’t wait to go back! Hopefully you get to take the helicopter ride next time!
Ahhhh! I would love to visit Central Park and Coney Island! This is a great angle to consider–I don’t really think of needing to go on “dates” with my husband while we are travelling, but it makes sense! I will keep it in mind on our next adventure 🙂