26 Date Ideas in NYC (That You'll Actually Want to Do)

Whether you and your future (or current) soulmate are New Yorkers through and through or you’re just visiting the city, we can guarantee you that you’ve never tried anything like this before.

Scavenger hunts like these allow you to turn your date into a romantic adventure using nothing but your wits and your phone.

All you have to do is sign up, receive clues, puzzles and riddles that you need to work out the answers to together, and BAM! You’ve hit some major milestones: romantic city scenery, adventure, bar stops along the way, and plenty of excuses to take cute pictures together. 

And don’t worry - there’s no goofy or cringe stops included. Just a whole lot of interesting places, an opportunity for teamwork and to get to know each other.

The biggest criticism of movie dates is that you can’t talk during the movie and so they’re not a great bonding experience, but listen up: this isn’t your average movie theater. 

I’ll bet that you didn’t know that one of New York’s most iconic museums has three in-house theaters, and that’s probably because the movies they show aren’t the ones you catch the shorts for.

Instead, this is where you go to watch interesting documentaries, foreign language movies or niche genres that include everything from Italian directors to ‘70s classics your parents grew up with.

Looking for magical date ideas in NYC this holiday season? Try a festive Christmas lights scavenger hunt!

This self-guided adventure takes you and your partner through the city's most dazzling holiday displays, where you’ll solve clues, uncover hidden gems, and enjoy a romantic stroll through New York’s iconic lights.

Delivered via your phone, it’s like an outdoor escape room with a holiday twist – the perfect mix of cozy moments and fun challenges. Whether you're solving riddles or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, it's a date night that promises plenty of sparkle, laughter, and maybe a mistletoe moment!

Somehow, apocalypse movies always seem to involve romance, but lucky for you, this NYC date idea has nothing to do with impending doom (despite its title).

The Last Place on Earth is actually an awesome board game cafe located in Greenpoint on Graham Avenue that gives you and your SO a chance to battle-it-out in a cozy, adorable environment.

It doesn't matter if you’re both gamers or total noobs, this is a cute place to get to know each other if this is your first date, or a place to remind your partner why you always play player 1! 

PSST: This place also has an incredible variety of teas (we’re talking 27 if you include the iced teas!).

Looking for out of the box date ideas NYC has to offer? This is for you.

Instead of becoming partners in crime, become partners in solving crime. Sure, it's not quite what you think of when it comes to "romance" but hey, you wanna impress your date, right?

Ideal for true crime lovers and players of Among Us, The Devil in Chelsea provides a head-scratching mystery that will bring the pair of you closer together as you try to solve a mystery in real-time, right on the banks of the Hudson.

Combine your powers of deduction with your partner’s eagle eye for detail (or vice versa) and get solving today!

Like an escape room but outdoors, it'll be up to you and your partner to solve the mystery once and for all. The game also comes with optional embedded breaks at recommended cafes and bars, so there’s plenty of time to compare notes and wow your date with your detective skills.

You don’t have to be a New Yorker to know that during most hours of the day, Central Park is full of couples. It's one of the most iconic places in the city, which in New York is really saying something.

But if you want to mix it up by exploring one of New York’s lesser-known green spaces, I'd personally recommend Columbus Park as one of the best candidates. 

First, it’s a peaceful (well, as peaceful as New York gets) oasis that has plenty of outdoor seating to accommodate you and your partner. Secondly, Columbus Park is popular with the Asian-American community (it's right next door to Chinatown), many of whom enjoy a game of Mahjong - you don’t have to join in but if you think your partner’s up for a match, give it a try! 

You probably don’t need me to remind you that locking someone up with you on a first date is creepy, but just in case, consider this a warning. Especially if you’re looking for first date ideas in NYC.

Instead, invite your date along to play an outdoor escape room together through an NY neighborhood of your choice!

Of all the NYC date ideas on this list, this one keeps the atmosphere light and friendly, you’ll never be stuck for conversation topics and there’s nothing like a little learning together to get closer to your date…

Looking for romantic date ideas in NYC that won't cost you a dime? Go old school with poetry and a park.

Walt Whitman Park is super popular with dog walkers, so it’s the perfect place to bring your four-legged friends if you have any - or if your partner is crazy about canines.

You'll probably remember Whitman from your high school years - if you don’t, no biggie, Google will “refresh” your memory - but yeah, this park is named after him and what could be more romantic than a stroll around a park dedicated to a poet?

If you don’t have a dog, you can always enjoy a walk around the fountain and read the poetry together. Once you've done that, take a stroll over to Cadman Plaza Park and check out the memorials and gardens over there.

Ok, let’s get this out of the way early: sunset is a big deal in New York City, date or not. 

Whether you’re in a skyscraper or on the ground, you’ll quickly realize this is prime date time and because of this, everywhere gets pretty crowded. 

Little Bay Bridge Pier is a little out of the city (Queens) and requires a bumpy walk to get there, but it’s worth the effort once the sun comes down. Expect gorgeous views and a nice, wholesome place to enjoy nature’s beauty together. 

PSST: This is New York, so there’s a small possibility that you might stumble upon a rat or two here. You also have to walk across uneven rocks to reach the end of the pier, so tell your date to wear comfortable shoes (heels are an absolute no-go). 

Romeo, Romeo, wherefore didn’t you suggest Drunk Shakespeare for our date?

If you’re looking for date ideas in NYC that show your more humorous side, opt for Drunk Shakespeare.

Before you freak out, you don't have to recite any Shakespeare - or get drunk, if you don't want to. Instead, a professional actor gets loaded up with five whiskey shots before trying to recite lines from a Shakespeare play.

In other words, it’s awesome, a bit chaotic and more than likely something your date will never expect in a million years - in a good way!

Walking tours are awesome for opening your eyes to the history and culture of a place, but it can be a little awkward to persuade someone you barely know to join a bunch of strangers for the adventure.

Luckily, you don’t have to. Self-guided walking tours like these have no guide and allow you and your date to explore at your own pace. If you’re a competitive pair, race against the clock to top the NYC leaderboard. Otherwise, take your time exploring the city, learning together, and enjoying a romantic stroll through historic streets…

PSST: All you need is a phone, each other and your wits about you to solve some puzzles that take you from place to place. You also get little-known trivia tidbits that are really surprising!

For date ideas in NYC that take the pressure off of you to make your date laugh, give Broadway Comedy Club a try. 

In my opinion, there's no better way to learn about your date than finding out what makes them laugh. After all, humor is the gateway to your soul. But being funny when you're racked with nerves is easier said than done...so let someone else take over.

Just so you know, Broadway Comedy Club has a minimum two drink per person order (which is standard for New York comedy clubs) but drink prices aren’t extortionate (a Long Island iced tea is a mere 10 bucks!).

New York isn’t the cheapest city in the world to try to win over a date, but difficult-to-find isn’t the same as impossible…

If you're looking for day date ideas in NYC but want to keep your budget low, this is for you.

Turn your date into a kind of flea market bargain hunt. How you do this is up to you: you could set a budget and find a gift for each other, set a challenge like finding the most obscure item you can, or even club your finances together and find an item for your apartment or something. Go nuts - the wilder the idea, the more fun it is!

When you’re done, head to a cozy cafe and talk over your finds! There’s no shortage of weird memorabilia in the city and you’re sure to leave the date with at least one funny story…

When you’re stuck for date ideas in NYC, you can always rely on a classic.

An ideal choice for couples who’ve been together a long time or only just met, mini golf is the perfect way to lose a few hours to some innocent fun.

Need tips on where to go? Hudson River Park in Tribeca is home to an incredible 18-hole miniature golf course that has gorgeous views of the city skyline (we won’t judge you for taking a cute couple selfie here). 

If your partner isn’t a New Yorker or you’re both visiting The Big Apple together for the first time, head to Rooftop Reds.

Although it looks like any old rooftop bar, Rooftop Reds is actually a winery with a “world-first” attached to it. Opened in 2016, Rooftop Reds became the global first commercially-viable rooftop vineyard. 

Since then, wine-lovers have been sipping on their favorite adult grape juice with impeccable views of the city, surrounded by the wonders and curiosities that only Brooklyn can provide…

Never played a game of shuffleboard before? Prepare to find your next obsession.

If you’re useless at sports, don’t worry: Shuffleboard is an easy-to-learn activity, so it's accessible and enjoyable even for beginners like me!

Royal Palms also offers an array of drinks and there are numerous food trucks selling incredible food, so there are plenty of options if you want to indulge in tasty treats and cocktails as you play. 

Finally, if you're planning a double or group date - maybe you're hosting a couples get-together or something - this is a great choice. It doesn’t matter who’s good or bad at the game, just that you’re having a good time! 

I don't know who needs to hear this but you don't have to be a smarty-pants to enjoy visiting libraries, especially not if your date is an avid reader.

Nestled in a stunning Victorian Gothic building, Jefferson Market Library is a tranquil and intimate date venue that gives you loads of options beyond bonding over books.

Of course, the primary reason for ivsiting libraries is to make use of the reading rooms and a diverse collection of books, so definitely check out the shelves if either of you are interested.

But beyond that, adjacent to the library is the beautiful Jefferson Market Garden which you should totally check out afterward. During summer and spring it's full of blooming flowers and looks absolutely gorgeous! And it's not just my opinion - lots of people even choose to get married there so, you don't have to take my word for it that it's romantic!

Obviously this date idea is completely free (it goes without saying you don't have to pay to visit the library) but like I said, it's in a neat spot so there's plenty of choices for where to go after you've finished browsing the shelves.

Who said NYC doesn't have any hidden gems? A New Yorker, probably, but I'd argue there are many.

Nestled in a charming Upper West Side townhouse, this intimate museum showcases the mystical art of Nicholas Roerich. If you haven't heard of him before, Roerich was an artist, activist, philosopher and spiritualist who campaigned for the cause of preserving art and architecture during times of war.

The museum itself is small but entrance is free, and it's packed with Roerich paintings and information about the artist's one-of-a-kind life.

If you want to extend your date afterward, take a stroll around the museum or head towards Riverside Park.

Sure, most dinner date venues are fairly standard and unlikely to surprise your partner into falling head over heels with you - but I make an exception for Gottscheer Hall.

Gottscheer Hall is a hidden gem in Ridgewood, Queens, that you may or may not have heard of before.

If you haven't, it's a historic beer hall with its roots in the Gottscheer community (German settlers from what is now Slovenia).

Gottscheer Hall is one of the most authetnic cozy, old-world taverns in NYC, and it's also where you and your date can indulge in delicious German and Eastern European cuisine and a wide selection of beers.  

I'll sum up by saying this place just has good vibes: it's very casual, easygoing, often has live music (even karaoke sometimes!) and is one of my favorite hidden gems in NYC.

Am I seriously suggesting you bring a pack of cards with you to Harlem to impress your date? Yes I am! 

Stay with me here, I promise it's not a joke.

Let's start with the park. Nestled in the heart of Harlem, St Nicholas Park is objectively beautiful and right on the doorstep of city views.

If you guys would prefer just to bring a blanket and chat, have a picnic, or just hang out together, that's fine - but here's where the pack of cards come in.

By bringing along a deck of cards, you instantly eliminate any awkward conversation starters and you can get as creative as you like with the games (build a tower, play go fish, whatever floats your boat).

Find a cozy spot under the trees or by the historic Hamilton Grange and just enjoy spending time in the great outdoors together. It doesn't cost a thing and you'll have plenty of time and space to get to know your date. Thank me later!

If you’re looking for date ideas in NYC that are sophisticated, intelligent and interesting, you can’t go wrong with the Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka The Met) in New York City.

This enchanting experience combines culture, history, and romance and is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with your SO.

As one of the world's largest and most diverse art museums, The Met offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore a vast array of art from various periods and cultures.

Whether strolling hand-in-hand through ancient Egyptian artifacts, admiring Impressionist paintings, or exploring contemporary exhibits, the museum's grandeur and beauty provide a perfect backdrop for deepening connections and sparking conversations. 

After exploring the galleries, you can enjoy a coffee or a meal at one of the museum's elegant cafes, or take a romantic walk in Central Park, which is just a stone's throw away. 

Looking for romantic date ideas in NYC that are straight out of a fairytale? You don’t have to look far.

From the iconic Belvedere Castle in Central Park to the mysterious Fort Tryon, these scenic spots will transport you from the city hustle to a fairytale adventure. 

Explore, take a scenic walk, and snap some regal selfies—perfect for couples looking to feel like kings and queens for a day.

There’s a reason dinner dates are still considered to be some of the most popular date ideas in NYC, but if you really wanna show off to your date, you might want to pick somewhere that’s…a bit more extravagant.

And that’s where rooftop restaurants come in handy–after all, there’s nothing quite like dining with the city skyline as your backdrop! 

Take your date to one of NYC’s best rooftop restaurants for an unforgettable night of panoramic views and some of the finest food the city has to offer.  If you need some inspo of where to go, check out our guide.

Great date ideas in NYC don’t have to be expensive ones, but they can be delicious.

If you’re low on cash or just want to make a simple but sweet romantic gesture, treat yourselves to a warm, cozy, cup of hot chocolate (or any other hot drink, to be honest). 

You can totally get away with this as a first date if you intend your meeting to be casual, it’s cute, budget-friendly and memorable, and there are loads of places to get delicious hot chocolate from that aren’t your typical coffee stops. 

Here’s where I recommend: 

• 📍Eataly
• 📍Angelina Paris
• 📍Max Brenner

Don’t get ahead of yourselves, “adult night” in this context might not be what you think it is!

Whether you’ve only just left your childhood behind you or it’s getting harder to remember what it felt like to be a kid, we’ve all got a small part of ourselves that just wants to…play. Like, really play. And if you can’t play with your date, is it even really worth dating them?

Just some food for thought. Area 53 might be a playground but for select dates of the year, the grownups become kings, queens and courtesans of the metaphorical castle. 

Play laser tag, climb the jungle gym, roller skate and lean into the themes and just enjoy some innocent fun together.

If you’re looking for sophisticated and cozy date ideas in NYC, you might want to consider joining a Whisky Tour at Great Jones Distillery Co. 

Located in the heart of the city, this distillery offers insightful tours where you’ll learn about the whisky-making process and enjoy tastings of expertly crafted spirits. If you want to combine the tour with dinner, you totally can and the food here is awesome. 

PSST: If you’re into Jazz music, visit during Sunday brunch.