10 romantic things to do for your honeymoon in New York City

If you’re celebrating your honeymoon in New York City, you’ll be utterly spoiled with choice. While NYC might be known as The City That Never Sleeps, it’s also a city of love and romance. NYC offers honeymooners an exciting line-up of must-see attractions, first-class restaurants and cozy eateries, and knock-out experiences like champagne cruises along the Manhattan skyline.

If you’re the kind of couple that loves a panorama reminiscent of city-set romcoms, a skyscraper backdrop sprinkled with outdoor green spaces, artwork, good food, and a plethora of exciting things to do in NYC, the Big Apple is going to be a memorable honeymoon destination for you. This list will get you started on your perfect New York honeymoon.

The best things to do in New York City on your honeymoon

1. Capture a picture-perfect honeymoon

If you’re celebrating your honeymoon in NYC, odds are you want to capture the best moments with your partner on camera. For the most Instagrammable spots in NYC, you’ll want iconic locations like Central Park, Times Square, and the Brooklyn Bridge to be on your list of photo stops. Hunting for the best photos is also a fun way to get an orientation to New York’s best sights.

Insider tip:

Join a photography tour that guides you to all the best photo spots.

2. Take to the skies

Fancy an aerial view of New York? Opt for one of the most romantic things to do in NYC: a helicopter flight. See all of Manhattan, the Hudson River, and Lady Liberty from an angle only a few have experienced. Flying during the day, at sunset, and at night all showcase a unique side of New York City’s beauty. It’s the perfect Manhattan honeymoon experience.

Insider tip:

Arrange for a bottle of champagne to be waiting for you on the flight for an extra touch of romance.

3. Welcome the morning at the Empire State Building

While there are plenty of secret facts about the Empire State Building, it’s no secret one of the most breathtaking views of New York City awaits at the top of the Empire State Building. If you’re early birds, be amongst the first to see NYC at sunrise. Watching the city wake up from the 86th floor of its most famous skyscraper is something to remember. On a clear day, you can see six states from up there, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware.

Insider tip:

Get the most out of your visit to this NYC icon with a foolproof guide to the Empire State Building.

4. Find new food to love in NYC

For something more adventurous than the traditional wine-and-dine honeymoon, exploring the unique food scene throughout the city on a New York City tasting tour is a fun way to eat in NYC. Imagine savoring artisanal cheeses and charcuterie in Greenwich Village and sharing handmade dumplings in Chinatown. Make sure bagels and steamy slices of New York-style pizza are on your list for a truly local bite.

Insider tip:

Take it one step further and join a cooking class with your partner to learn new cooking skills and recipes.

5. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the river

If you’d love some time on the water, set sail on the beautiful waterways of New York City. Spots like the Hudson River and the East River are the perfect places to hop on a boat and get a new perspective of the city, with plenty of romantic photo opportunities along the way. A brunch cruise with mimosas is a great way to start the day, while sunset cruises showcase the city skyline as the sun dips below the horizon. In the evening, the city lights sparkle like stars.

Best time to go:

Spring and fall are ideal for cruises in NYC, with mild weather and beautiful foliage.

6. Walk the line

A great eco-friendly activity is to walk the High Line, a 1.45-mile-long linear park built on a historic freight line with artwork. Once you reach the end, explore The Vessel — one of New York’s newest landmarks — and take in the views via its 154 flights of interconnecting stairs. Once you reach the top, you can relax at the champagne bar and peek through the glass floor.

Insider tip:

You can join many free events at High Line, from Tai Chi wellness classes to seasonal festivals.

7. Take to the streets and get to know the real NYC

One of the best ways to explore New York City on your honeymoon is by foot. Strolling hand-in-hand through the streets of New York City is a romantic way to discover the true essence of being a New Yorker. Wander through the charming paths of Central Park, where you can enjoy a cozy picnic on the Great Lawn, or walk the picturesque trails of Riverside Park. The lovely architecture of West Village is another romantic area for your honeymoon stroll.

Insider tip:

Take a guided tour with a local to get an insider perspective of the best NYC sights on a curated route.

8. Cruise to Ellis Island and see the Statue of Liberty

No visit to New York City would be complete without seeing Lady Liberty up close and personal. On a cruise, you can get as close as 100 feet away from her for amazing honeymoon photos. Go at sunset to catch the sun setting behind the statue for an incredible golden hour glow. Choose a cruise that stops on Ellis Island to visit the museum and learn about the island’s history.

Best time to go:

For budget honeymooners, ride the Staten Island Ferry for a cost-free cruise option.

9. See the city from the top of Rockefeller Center

What better way to say “I love you” than one of the most famous views in New York City? If you’ve already been to the Empire State Building, head to the top of Rockefeller Center for a different dose of equally amazing 360-degree views. In fact, from The Rock observation deck, you can enjoy one of the best views of the Empire State Building. Afterward, explore the shops, restaurants, and activities at the center.

Best time to go:

Visit in the winter to skate at The Rink under a lush Christmas tree.

10. Catch a show on Broadway

After a day of exploring New York on your honeymoon, end the evening with a bang with a live show on NYC’s Broadway. Experience one of the spectacular shows at its 40 theaters, like the glamorous Moulin Rouge musical, Phantom of the Opera, the Lion King, or an old favorite like Chicago. Dress in white-tie attire and reserve a dinner before or after for the ultimate night out.

Insider tip:

Grab your tickets in advance to secure your show and get the best seating options.

Top tips for a honeymoon in NYC

• Make a loose itinerary of experiences and honeymoon ideas you’d like to partake in and mix this in with rest days and less strenuous activities
• Book as many experiences as possible ahead. The last thing you want to do is discover that there is no availability on your chosen day because you didn’t plan ahead
• Skip-the-line tickets that offer a streamlined entry process to attractions are worth their weight in gold
• Choose experiences that won’t be too affected by the weather at that time of year, but always leave some room to be flexible if the skies take a turn for the worst
• Add the activities you want to do to your wedding gift list so friends and family can gift your dream experiences
• Plan a varied list of activities — from private experiences to small group tours to budget alternatives to help keep costs manageable. New York is like any other big city; the costs can rack up pretty fast

FAQs

What’s the best time to visit New York City?

New York is a year-round destination, bringing a different landscape each season. If you fancy being out and about for most of your honeymoon in New York City, spring and fall are the best times to visit. The city is at its most alive in summer, but the heat can sometimes be stifling, while the cold in winter can bite. Although, a snow-covered New York during Christmastime has its own unique romantic atmosphere.

What are some romantic dining options in New York City for honeymooners?

Consider dining at rooftop restaurants with skyline views, waterfront eateries along the East River, or hidden gems in neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Tribeca. Fine dining at gourmet restaurants creates a sophisticated dining experience, while hole-in-the-wall eateries are where you’ll find the most authentic local foods. Look for restaurants offering private dining rooms or special honeymoon packages.

What are the best day trips from NYC for honeymooners?

There are lots of options for day trips from New York City. Visit the town of Cold Spring in the Hudson Valley for scenic hikes and antique shops. The Hamptons offer golden-sand beaches, upscale dining, and a slower pace than the city. For wine lovers, head to the North Fork of Long Island to tour vineyards and taste local wines. A day trip to Niagara Falls is another popular option.

Where are the best places in New York City to capture romantic photos during a honeymoon?

Capture romantic moments at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park or the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset. Explore lesser-known gems like Roosevelt Island or Governors Island for photo ops away from the crowds. Wander through botanical gardens or historic landmarks that offer picturesque backdrops for your honeymoon photos. You can also hire a local photographer or join a guided photography tour to discover hidden photo spots.

How do I make the most of my time exploring New York City on my honeymoon?

To make the most of your honeymoon in NYC, book experiences in advance to ensure availability and skip long lines. Mix iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty and Broadway shows with leisurely activities such as picnics in Central Park and exploring NYC’s best neighborhoods on foot. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan flexible itineraries to adapt to unexpected changes.