Do you need some ideas for a romantic time in New York City with your partner? Grabbing a drink might be fine for a first date, but your next date calls for more unique ideas. Fortunately, New York City has plenty of fun options. We’ve looked at hundreds of attractions, restaurants, and activities. Of all the options, these are the best romantic things to do in New York City.
1. Dine and Dance on a Cruise
Grab your special someone and take in the iconic Manhattan skyline on a dinner cruise. Savor gourmet cuisine and enjoy the music while soaking up the breathtaking NYC views. Major sights you’ll see include the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Treat your partner to a private window table that guarantees unobstructed views of the dazzling city. Enjoy dancing to the music or head to the outdoor viewing decks as the magnificent skyline spreads before you.
2. Romantic Walk at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
If you want to feel like you’re in paradise, you don’t have to travel far. Just head to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, located in the Prospect Park neighborhood. Here you’ll find over 50 acres of cherry blossoms, rose gardens, and various plant collections. If you are coming in spring, walk along the Cherry Esplanade and enjoy these trees blooming. Equally impressive are Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the first Japanese-inspired garden in the U.S. Don’t miss the Shakespeare Garden with more than 80 plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s poems and plays. You can see beautiful plant life, no matter the season.
3. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
If you think there is nothing romantic about crossing a bridge, you couldn’t be more wrong. Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic New York landmark and one of the oldest bridges in the USA. Take a 30-minute walk across this Gothic-style bridge, with spectacular Lower Manhattan views from the wooden pedestrian walkway. Enjoy as the city lights switch on at dusk. If this isn’t romantic enough, stroll along the water at Brooklyn Bridge Park. This park with stunning Manhattan and Brooklyn views. There’s also Jane’s Carousel, a nearly 100-year-old hand-painted attraction that will definitely light up your date.
4. Overnight & Dinner at the View
For the ultimate date night, take your partner to a fine dining experience at the View. It’s, located 48 stories above the streets at Marriot Marquis. Its platform rotates a complete 360 degrees every hour to ensure magnificent views of the entire city at night. Feast on the finest local cuisines including seafood, meats, and of course dessert. And to really make the most of the night, book a stay at the New York Marriott Marquis. This 5-star hotel is in one of the best locations in the city. If you can afford it, go all out in the Presidential suite.
5. Visit Niagara Falls
If you have plenty of time, escape on a romantic Niagara Falls day trip. Niagara Falls is located on the border between the state of New York and the Canadian province of Ontario. Thousands of cubic meters of water descend over Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veli Falls and the American falls. You’ll definitely hear the mighty roar of water if you get up close on a tour. An Observation Deck is nearby if you’re happy to see the views from a distance. Or visit Niagara Falls State Park and go on a romantic stroll along the falls.
6. Enjoy a Show on Broadway
If you are into arts, you can impress your love with tickets to a Broadway show. The Broadway theatre attracts millions of visitors annually. No matter what type of theatre you like, you’ll see of some of the best actors in the world. Choose some of the shows that appeal to a wide range of romantic tastes. Some of the well-known shows that were here include Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and Lion King. Book in advance, since tickets generally sell out quickly.
7. One World Observatory
Opened in 2015, this modern-day skyscraper is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, standing at 546 meters. If you’re looking for an inspiring and romantic location, shoot to the observatory and see New York City from above. The best time to visit is either 12 pm when the sun is shining brightest, or around 5 pm, when the sun is about to set. There’ll be plenty of photo opportunities on your romantic date. To make sure everything runs smoothly, upgrade to the “skip the line” ticket so you can catch the express elevator to the top. Sip cocktails or snack on pastries at the cafe as you enjoy the scenery of New York City with your loved one.
8. Horse Carriage Ride in New York
Various horse carriage rides are available around New York, with the most romantic options in Central Park. Snuggle up with your partner in the back seat as your guide takes you through popular locations in the city. If you’re ready, you could even set up a marriage proposal. Some iconic locations include the Bow Bridge or Bethesda Fontaine & Terrace at Central Park. Horse carriage rides are available throughout the day and night, lasting between 20 to 60 minutes.
9. Enjoy the View from the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building offers spectacular indoor and outdoor 360-degree views from the heart of Manhattan. If you want to impress your date with an amazing view of the city, then this is the right place. The best time for visiting is in the late afternoon. That way you’ll get the best of both worlds: see the layout of the city in greater detail and gaze at the glowing city below at nighttime. Consider the weather, because the views are best on clear days. Don’t miss the 102nd-floor Observatory. Although, it isn’t open air the way the 86th floor is, being higher makes everything more exciting.
10. Scenic Helicopter Tour
Treat a loved one on a special occasion with this spectacular 30-minute helicopter tour. Admire this dazzling city and take in New York’s skyline. You’ll experience the entire city in a way that’s impossible from the ground. Get a close-up of the Statue of Liberty, and soar over Central Park, New York Harbour, and Yankees Stadium. You’ll see Brooklyn Bridge, Coney Island, Governors Island, Hudson River, and all the NYC skyscrapers. The aerial views of the famous attractions are something you will not forget.
11. Go Ice Skating at Wollman Rink
Spend some time twirling on the ice, holding your date’s hand at Wollman Rink. It’s one of the best romantic dates you can have during winter. You’ll be surrounded by New York’s skyscrapers and the lush trees of Central Park. There’s no better place than here to go hand in hand with your partner gliding along the ice. After a romantic stroll in the rink, grab some dessert at Planet Hollywood located in Times Square.
12. Madame Tussauds New York
If you want to make your partner feel special amongst the celebrities, Madame Tussauds will be a sure win. You’ll meet over 200 life-like wax models of the most famous people in the world. Your camera will be on overdrive as you take photos of all the stars. Rub shoulders with Ed Sheeran, Jennifer Aniston, and talk show host Jimmy Fallon. Also see figures from the past like Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, and genius Albert Einstein. Or stand toe to toe with Marvel superheroes like Captain America and the Hulk. This will be a great opportunity to take plenty of photos with your partner and see their personalities shine.
13. Museum of Sex
This is a bit risky but potentially worth the effort if you’re willing to push the boundaries with your partner. The Museum of Sex is an educational display of everything related to sex. You’ll learn about its evolution, gays and lesbians, sex work, and even pornography. You’ll be able to appreciate all the exhibits and galleries in 60 – 90 minutes. There’ll definitely be some explicit material so make sure you’re both comfortable with each other. If everything goes well, who knows where the night will lead?
14. St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral
This might be a little more suggestive, but if you’re ready to pop the question, then why not? Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic cathedral in the country. On the outside, it may look like a normal building. But as you walk in you’ll be impressed with the unique architecture. Some tours will stop by this Manhattan landmark. And a few even take you on behind-the-scenes tours in the Catacombs, sharing secrets and ghost stories.
15. Picnic in the Central Park
Central Park may be the most romantic place in New York City and stretches over 800 acres in Uptown Manhattan. There are many quiet spots inside the park where you can enjoy a picnic. Enjoy brunch or lunch in a romantic setting with beautiful scenery. Bring a basket with wine and the finest delicacies to impress your partner. Then, go for a casual stroll, join a bike tour, or try a horse carriage ride.
16. Visit the Hayden Planetarium
For the most romantic night, head out under the stars in the Hyden Planetarium. This planetarium shows impressive visuals of space, using high-resolution video projection in its Star Theater. The star show displays are based on the latest cosmic discovery. It’s made in collaboration with top scientists from around the world. If you want to spend a quiet evening under the stars with your partner, this is the perfect place.
17. Statue of Liberty
Perhaps the most obvious place to visit, and the most iconic landmark in New York is the Statue of Liberty. Board a ferry for views of the Manhatten skyline as you enjoy a romantic trip to Liberty Island. If you want to learn more about the statue, join a tour with a professional guide. The highlight, of course, is the view from the top of the statue. Some tours also stop at Ellis island where you can continue your date at the Immigration Museum.
Also read:
- 18 Best NYC Food Tours & Dining Experiences
- 11 Best Helicopter Tours in NYC
- 15 Luxury New York Hotels with the Best Pools
- 7 Most Romantic Dinner Cruises in New York City
- 17 Most Romantic Things to do in New York City
- 18 Best Romantic Boutique Hotels in NYC Midtown
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