The 10 most romantic things to do in New York City for couples

When it comes to fun date activities in NYC, the city has a lot to offer. From sweeping views of the city skyline from the top of the Empire State Building to rowing a boat on The Lake in Central Park, you can’t go wrong with these romantic things to do in NYC.

But where should you begin in a city that has thousands of restaurants and cafés, hundreds of museums, countless historical landmarks, and tons of attractions on every corner, especially when it’s your first time in NYC? Start your trip planning with this concise list of romantic things to do in NYC, whether you’re traveling with a new partner, visiting NYC on your honeymoon, or simply wanting to explore an incredible city with your loved one.

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The most romantic things to do in NYC for couples

1. Admire Manhattan from the top of the Empire State Building

High up on the 86th or 102nd floor of the Empire State Building, you can take in spectacular views of New York City’s best tourist attractions and buildings. At sunset, enjoy each other’s company to the backdrop of the city’s skyline washed aglow with golden light.

Best time to go:

Visit during sunset to watch NYC light up in the fading sunlight before the twinkling city lights come on for the evening.

Address and opening hours:

Empire State Building, 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001. Open every day with seasonal hours. Generally open from 9:00 AM to midnight, but hours change monthly and are kept up-to-date on the Empire State Building official website.

2. Row a boat in Central Park

A retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle for many New Yorkers, Central Park is a green oasis right in the middle of Manhattan. Paddle out on The Lake, surrounded by towering skyscrapers, manicured lawns, and tall trees. The Lake is one of the most romantic activities in NYC and allows you to experience intimate moments with your loved one in nature.

Insider tip:

Between 10:00 AM and dusk, you can rent row boats and gondolas at The Central Park Boathouse.

Address and opening hours:

Central Park, New York, NY. Open 6:00 AM-1:00 AM every day.

3. Stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge at dusk

One of the most fun and romantic date ideas in NYC is to walk across the famous Brooklyn Bridge. This is one of New York’s most beloved landmarks, and each step of its 1.1-mile-long boardwalk offers spectacular views. It’s also a great spot to create beautiful Instagrammable photos of NYC.

Best time to go:

For a romantic evening, stroll across Brooklyn Bridge at dusk and watch the skyscrapers light up in Manhattan on one side and Brooklyn on the other.

Address and opening hours:

Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038. Open all day, every day.

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4. Climb into the crown of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a shining beacon for freedom and justice, and top of many lists of romantic things to do in NYC for couples. Take the Liberty Island Ferry from The Battery at Manhattan’s southern tip to access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island, or take the free Staten Island Ferry if you just want to float by and see Lady Liberty from afar.

Highlights:

Don’t miss the chance to hop on Lady Liberty’s pedestal, or climb up to her crown, which can only be done by booking in advance.

Address and opening hours:

Statue of Liberty Monument, New York, NY 10004. Open 9:00 AM-5:00 PM every day except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.

5. Catch a Broadway show

Nowhere in the world is more famous for theater than Broadway, and theater entertainment remains one of the best things to do in NYC. Book a fun, romantic date night with your partner — there are over 40 Broadway theaters in Manhattan and a wide variety of shows to choose from.

Insider tip:

As you leave the show, be sure to head to Times Square nearby for the 3-minute Midnight Moment light show at 11:57 PM.

Address and opening hours:

Theater District, New York, NY, USA. Opening hours depend on the theater.

6. Get your music fix at Carnegie Hall

Attending a concert at Carnegie Hall is not only very romantic but also one of the most uplifting experiences you can have in New York. Since its inauguration in 1891, anyone who’s anyone in the world of music has performed at this prestigious venue, from the world’s most famous composers like Tchaikovsky to bands like The Beatles.

Insider tip:

While the hall’s acoustics are excellent throughout, the center of the Parquet and the first few rows of the upper tiers provide the best views of the Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage.

Address and opening hours:

Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019. Box office is open 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Monday-Saturday; noon-6:00 PM Sundays. On days with evening performances, the Box Office is open until 30 minutes after the start time.

7. Travel back in time to the prohibition era

For out-of-the-box date ideas in NYC, hide away in historic pubs and hidden bars and enjoy a drink or two of your favorite tipple together. Discover the prohibition era, a time of glitz and glamor, in a speakeasy and learn about New York’s fascinating stories and secrets.

Insider tip:

To retrace the footsteps of notorious gangsters and bootleggers, be sure to follow the dress code, which may require a suit, blazer, cocktail dress, or smart jumpsuit.

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8. Relax at the AIRE Ancient Baths

Is there anything more intimate to do in NYC as a couple than to relax with a mineral bath treatment and a massage together? AIRE Ancient Baths is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Pamper yourself in this upscale spa, hidden in an industrial building from the turn of the 20th century.

Highlights:

Try the different baths and spend some time soaking in water at different temperatures.

Address and opening hours:

AIRE Ancient Baths, 88 Franklin St, New York, NY 10013. Open 8:00 AM-12:00 AM every day. Public holidays may affect these times.

9. Enjoy a special evening of stargazing on The High Line

Every Tuesday in April through October, a special and unforgettable activity opens up to visitors and locals alike. See planets, the moon, and the stars through the Amateur Astronomers Association’s powerful telescopes at Stargazing on The High Line. Witnessing rare celestial sights is a truly magical way to spend an anniversary.

Best time to go:

Go to The High Line around sunset. You can stay up to 30 minutes before park closure but is best later in the night when the sky is darker.

Address and opening hours:

The High Line, New York, NY 1001. Every Tuesday from April 2-October 29 from sunset until 30 minutes before park closure.

10. Relax with a city lights yacht cruise

Built on the convergence of two rivers and the Atlantic Ocean, NYC may have a long and fascinating history of sea trade, but there’s a softer side to New York’s waterways. Explore the famous Hudson River, drink in hand, on a relaxing yacht cruise — definitely one of the most romantic things to do in NYC.

Highlights:

This is your chance to see the city’s famous skyline from a different angle, listen to jazz, and take in glittering Lady Liberty as you float by, with her crown and torch lit up for the night.

Address and opening hours:

Most cruises run from the West side of the Island of Manhattan adjacent to Hudson River Park.

FAQs

What are the most romantic things to do in NYC?

The most romantic things to do in NYC include strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge at night, watching the sunset over Manhattan from the top of the Empire State Building, and spending time relaxing in Central Park.

What are the most unique things to do in NYC for couples?

Relaxing in AIRE Ancient Baths is a unique way to spend time with your loved one and the perfect intimate activity for couples on a honeymoon in NYC. Strolling on The Highline at dusk and waiting for stars to appear is also a magical experience for couples and certainly unique.

What are the best anniversary ideas in NYC?

A great way to spend an anniversary in NYC is on a city lights yacht cruise. Soak in the city skyline from the water with a drink in hand – the experience is particularly romantic at sunset. Those celebrating a really special occasion could splash out on a private helicopter tour for a bird’s eye view of the city.

What are the best things to do for couples at night in NYC?

Catch the sunset and see the stars on The High Line or see the city lights twinkle. Or catch an after-dinner show and head to Broadway or Carnegie Hall and watch some of the best performers in the world on stage.