Most Romantic Things to Do in New York City
The post was written by Rebecca – a NY local
New York City is one of the liveliest and most exciting places in the world. But is it the most romantic?
I know, when you think of romance, you are probably thinking about Paris or Venice. But while New York doesn’t have an Eiffel Tower or gondola rides, it does have plenty of beautiful sights to share with the one you love.
If you are looking for the most romantic things to do in New York City, where to go, and what to see, then this post will help.
There are tons of options for couples, whether they are looking for fun & free activities or experiences that will make memories for a lifetime. So, read on for my travel tips and other suggestions for the best way to share NYC with your partner.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR A ROMANTIC TRIP TO NEW YORK
Here are some travel tips – for any type of traveler but they might also help you if you plan some romantic activities in NY.
How to Get to New York City
By plane: If you are flying into NYC, you can arrive at either John F. Kennedy International Airport or LaGuardia Airport. From there, you can take a shuttle, bus, train, taxi, or rental car to your hotel.
By car: If you are driving in, just be aware of the time of day. Traffic and construction are pretty constant in the city. Also, parking is hard to come by.
By train: If you are arriving by train, the Long Island Rail Road can bring you in from the east, and Amtrak and NJ Transit from the other directions. The trains stop at Penn Station in Manhattan, and from there, you can catch a cab, subway, or bus.
How to Get Around New York City
Public transportation is pretty good in New York City. If you visit in winter, when roads are covered in snow or ice, the subway is your best bet. It’s underground and warm, and you will experience far fewer issues than aboveground.
Parking is difficult, so I advise leaving your car at the hotel (or not even bringing one) and relying on public transportation and your own feet during your NYC visit. It is also a good way to get around if you are on a budget.
Travel Tips
If you are visiting New York and staying at a hotel, make sure you clarify with the front desk agent which room you will be getting. Especially during busy times, like Valentine’s Day, hotels run out of king-sized bed accommodations fast, so make your request before you arrive.
The weather in New York can get pretty cold in the winter, so remember to pack appropriately. Check out my NY winter guide for more info. And summers can be hot and humid.
Like any big city, there is a crime in New York. But by using appropriate caution, you can enjoy your trip without these negative experiences. Keep belongings close and within your sight. Avoid unlit side streets, riding the subway late at night, and neighborhoods with higher crime rates. Using common sense is the most important thing.
A lot of the things listed in this post offer skip-the-line tickets. So, to keep you both from waiting in very unromantic lines, consider purchasing these ahead of time.
Check out my New York itinerary for more info and travel tips.
ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO IN NYC
Okay, let’s start with romantic activities in NYC.
Take a Walk on the Brooklyn Bridge
This New York landmark is the perfect place to take your other half.
Strolling along one of America’s oldest bridges while you take in the amazing views of Lower Manhattan is a great way to spend an afternoon. At dusk, the lights come on over the city, making those views even more eye-catching.
The best time to enjoy this romantic outing is fall and spring. And at almost 1600 feet long, I suggest bringing some comfortable shoes.
Afterward, swing by Brooklyn Bridge Park. Here you can see even more views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. There is also an iconic 100-year-old, hand-painted carousel that’s just begging to be in one of your selfies.
Take in a Broadway Show
Dinner and a show? It’s a cliché, but there’s nothing cliché about a Broadway show.
Take advantage of a chance to see one with your partner while you’re in NYC. There are a lot of great shows to choose from and even a chance to snag some discounted night-of tickets.
If you prefer something a little less mainstream (and pricey), take a short walk and explore what off-Broadway shows might interest you. These theaters tend to be smaller and more intimate, perfect for a night out, just the two of you.
Enjoy Drinks at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar is the largest outdoor rooftop bar in the city and the perfect place to take your better half for cocktails.
The ambiance is awesome. Stop by during happy hour or take your partner here for a nightcap. The views are incredible, day or night.
In the afternoons, there are umbrellas providing shade, and on cooler nights, the outdoor area is partially heated. There’s also an indoor lounge if you prefer. Inside or out, this is a great romantic spot to visit as a couple.
Stroll the Botanical Gardens
Is there anything more romantic than strolling hand in hand under cherry blossoms? The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, which is located in Prospect Park, is a great choice for couples in New York.
Made up of over 50 acres of plant life, you can take in the sights and sweet smells all year round. But for the cherry blossoms, plan your trip in spring.
Another favorite is the Shakespeare Garden, which showcases 80 plants that are mentioned in his plays. I bet the two of you can find the rose mentioned in Romeo & Juliet…
Go to Camp
If you’re visiting in summer, this will bring back some memories. Treat your honey to a sweet treat that will remind you both of your youth.
Camp is a bar in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn that creates the perfect atmosphere. Romantic wood cabin, projector movies, and oh yes, S’mores. Snuggle close as you munch on gooey snacks by the fireplace. Or, if you want to get the competitive juices flowing, break out the provided board games.
Picnic in the Park (Bryant Park or Central Park)
Speaking of picnics, wouldn’t a picnic in the park be romantic? Grab some take-out from a nearby deli or café and head to one of my two favorites:
Bryant Park and Central Park. Central Park is huge and there are plenty of quiet, out-of-the-way spots to choose from. Bryant Park is smaller but just as charming. Both are a welcome respite from the bustle of the city, giving you some space to relax and just enjoy each other’s company. Perfect for summer.
Listen to Some Jazz
Just picture the two of you sipping on cocktails in a speakeasy while a jazz band plays. Django, located in Tribeca, is the perfect spot to take your music-loving other half to enjoy some delicious small plates and signature cocktails.
The menu has a few vegan/vegetarian-friendly dishes as well. This space is really cool and you’ll both love the intimacy and atmosphere it creates. They’re closed on Sunday and Monday and waive the cover charge if you’re staying at their partner hotel, The Roxy.
Take a Cruise Around Manhattan
This is a very romantic way to see the city with your partner.
Cruising around Manhattan on a yacht with dinner and dancing is a great way to spend Valentine’s Day or a special anniversary. Though pricier than some of the other places on this list, this is a memorable experience.
There are dinner cruises, overnight ones that end at dawn (I did this and it was fantastic), and sightseeing cruises. Whichever you choose, you’ll both get to experience the lights of New York City, a fun and energetic atmosphere, and great views from the water.
Explore the Met
Museums have a romance of their own. And taking your partner to explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a great romantic date. Wander the halls and see the exhibits (though the Met is huge, so you will likely only see a portion of it on your visit).
When you’ve finished, grab something to eat in the café, if you’re visiting in winter or fall. But if you’re in the city during the warmer months, then take a picnic to nearby Central Park to end the day.
Visit Liberty Island
This island will make for a special date out with your partner.
Book a ferry to take you, where you can enjoy a romantic view of the Manhattan skyline together. Once there, join a free tour to learn more about the history and importance of the Statue of Liberty.
If you’re feeling ambitious (and have booked it in advance), walk up the 300+ steps that will take you to the statue’s crown. Plan ahead for a picnic lunch overlooking the water by getting some take-out from one of NYC’s many fabulous delis.
Sip Wine at the Pinkerton
Another romantic spot in New York for couples is Pinkerton.
This wine bar in Williamsburg is a great place to stop for some wine flights (or a selection of beer). Definitely grab seating in the outdoor area, which lines the sidewalk and provides plenty of people-watching opportunities.
With the whimsical lights strung overhead, this spot also gives a great ambiance. Pinkerton offers a small menu, too, including a few vegan/vegetarian-friendly dishes and $1 oysters every night. This is a great stop on your romantic NYC itinerary.
Take in the Sights by Helicopter
One of the most unique and all-encompassing ways to see NYC is by air. Take your sweetheart on an unforgettable helicopter tour over New York.
This is such a romantic and fun way to sightsee and experience something unique together. The tours usually take about half an hour and will take you over Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Coney Island, Yankee Stadium, and the Brooklyn Bridge, to name a few. This is great for couples celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or Valentine’s Day.
Go Ice Skating Together
Winter in New York is beautiful, especially around the holidays. Grab your partner’s hand and some skates and head to one of the two nicest ice rinks in the city.
If you prefer to be right in the center of the action, Rockefeller Center is a great choice for some couples skating. But if you want to try something a little different, then head to lovely Wollman Rink at the southern end of Central Park. Surrounded by lush trees and crisp wintry air, lace up your skates and experience the lights and night together. So, it doesn’t surprise NY is one of the best places to visit in the US in winter.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY
There are so many romantic things to do in New York City that I couldn’t fit them all on this list. But here is a good place to start if you are planning to spend some time in the city as a couple. Whether you are coming in spring, summer, fall, or winter, or visiting for an anniversary or Valentine’s Day, NYC has tons of romantic options for you and your partner to experience together.
About the Author
This post was written by Rebecca, who runs her own blog at The Journey at Home – where she writes about her life as a mother of 5 with everything that comes along with it. She had lived in New York for a long time before she moved to Las Vegas. She also works as a freelancer for Arzo Travels.