Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost for you. Whether you’re looking for a great place for your first date or you want to impress your partner, we got you covered. What follows are some of the best date ideas in New York. Enjoy!
Best Date Ideas in New York
1. The Escape Game
For something fun and interactive to do on a date, check out The Escape Game New York City. This is an immersive adventure that’s so much more than a place to snag a selfie. You can choose from five different adventures like finding gold in Northern California, breaking out of prison, or completing an art heist. There are a lot of escape rooms in the city but these are next-level with how intricate the sets are and the way that the games are engineered. It really feels like you’re on the set of a movie! Check them out in Midtown right around the corner from Grand Central.
2. A Private Helicopter Tour
Love is literally in the air while you fly above the iconic Manhattan skyline while you hug your date in a private helicopter. Couple’s Private NYC Helicopter Tours by Wings Air Helicopters depart from Westchester County Airport in White Plains, just outside NYC and easily accessible by train or car. Upon arrival at the airfield you are greeted by your pilot and receive a safety briefing before taking off and reaching The Big Apple in just a few minutes. On a 30-minute tour you will capture Instagram-ready photos of Midtown and Uptown, as you cross the city over Central Park. If you choose the 45-minute tour, your pilot will also take you on a loop around Lady Liberty and dazzle you with skyline views from New York Harbor. The team at Wings Air Helicopters will happily plan your date in detail. You can also ask about complimentary in flight champagne toast or various extras available for a separate fee.
3. A Boat Tour
For anyone in the NYC-area looking for a fun and different date option on a lovely sun day, a boat tour is definitely one of the best date ideas. Boatsetter is a super option, especially on weekends – and on sunny days. Whether on a budget and looking for something different that doesn’t break the bank, or looking for an extravagant and luxurious outing, Boatsetter’s inventory in the NYC and Long Island area can accommodate most budgets. Boatsetter is a marketplace, like Airbnb, where boat owners, renters, and captains are brought together. It also has a peer-to-peer boat rental insurance policy, making the boat rental experience safe.
4. Flipper’s at the Rink
As relationship expert and co-owner of Platinum Poire, Rori Sassoon, mentions, a great date spot is Flipper’s at the Rink. It’s located in Rockefeller Plaza. Rent or grab your roller skates, and guide your way around the rink with your date. Whether it’s your first time skating or hundredth, hold hands with your date and make it a romantic, lighthearted occasion. And after you’re done skating, if you’re in the mood for some Italian food, head to Rori’s favorite restaurant, Fresco by Scotto. It’s just a few blocks away. Recommended read: 12 Quality Conversation Starters That Make You Instantly Charming
5. Little Island
As Rori suggests, one of the best date ideas in New York is definitely Little Island. Located along the West Side Highway, Little Island is the perfect weeknight or weekend date spot. You can grab a blanket, bottle of wine, some fruit, and you can enjoy your date’s company under a beautiful new addition to the New York City park scene. If you want to turn up the romance, take your date once the sun has set. You can take in the skyline and the stars, while perhaps sharing a kiss. Little Island also offers performances, activities, and food vendors, which can easily entertain you without having to prep hours in advance.
6. Edge
Another fun date idea Rori suggests is The Edge, located in Hudson Yards. If you’re a fan of heights and an adrenaline rush, then you can take your date here to climb and scale 1,200 feet above with an impeccable view of Manhattan and beyond. Though I wouldn’t recommend this for first dates, you can definitely work on trust, communication, and your comedic skills in this memorable experience with your current or future partner. And when you catch your breath? Head for a drink inside at Peak Restaurant & Bar. Recommended read: Follow-Up Questions: The Key to Have Meaningful Conversations
7. Terrace on 7
Here’s another good date idea. Terrace on 7 is an indoor-outdoor restaurant, pool and lounge complete with exclusive cabanas. The terrace features an outpost of the Asian-Hawaiian culinary concept El Ta’Koy, whichserves up a variety of seafood forward dishes alongside large-format (perfect for sharing) rum, tequila and mezcal-forward cocktails. The venue also offers an abundance of outdoor space with cabanas and loungers. Terrace on 7 is the perfect place to soak up sunshine and views of Manhattan’s skyline with your date.
8. A Cruise on the Hudson River
What’s better than enjoying the sunset with your date? Well, watching it while on a cruise on the Hudson River. I think there’s no better way to impress your date – or your partner. Enjoying the lights of New York City at sunset is another great and romantic date idea you should consider.
9. A Cooking Class
As Finn Cardiff, founder of Beachfix, suggests, a fun date idea is to take a cooking class together. Cooking together is a fun and romantic way to spend time with your partner and, if you live together, you can then use the skills you learned at home. This means more fun nights at home together, practicing your cooking skills and impressing your partner. You can find some great cooking classes on CozyMeal.
10. The Museum of Modern Art
As Stephanie McKinnon, VP of Select Date Society, suggests, one great date idea in New York is visiting the MoMA. On the first Friday of the month, New Yorkers can enjoy the MOMA for free from 4-8pm. Strolling through a museum together makes a great date. And you will have plenty of interesting pieces of art to talk about and can learn from each other as you share your perspectives.
11. A Burlesque Show
As Stephanie recommends, another great date idea in NYC is a burlesque show. If you are feeling adventurous, and looking for a truly fun way to spend the evening, take your date to a burlesque show at the Slipper Room. The legendary variety theater includes dancing, comedy, circus arts, magic, aerial performances and more. If pasties, wigs, and glitter put you in a good mood, you will walk away smiling. Purchasing tickets online is recommended, but they may have some tickets available at the door. Check their website for performance times and details. Image: Andreas Kruck – Unsplash
