Romantic things to do in NYC

New York City is known more for ambition and hustle than romance, but there’s something magical in the glittering lights of the city that never sleeps.

If you’re looking for romantic things to do in NYC, it’s a fun city to date in – there are always new restaurants to try and new plays to see, plenty of parks to picnic in and cobblestone alleys to wander down. And whether it’s a new fling or a longtime love, New York City is the perfect romantic escape.

There are endless things to do in NYC for couples. I’ve been dating my boyfriend in New York City for three years, and we still haven’t run out of things to do.

But here are a few of our favorites: places that we often recommend to other couples, and places in NYC that we ourselves go back to again and again.

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Romantic things to do in NYC

1. Steve Cohen’s Chamber Magic

Without a doubt, one of the most unforgettable date nights in New York City is an evening with the Millionaire’s Magician.

The show takes place in a private suite in the Waldorf-Astoria and requires cocktail attire, but the absolute star of the show is the magic itself: you’ll leave in awe, and spend the rest of the evening wondering if magic is real (and if it’s not, how exactly did he pull it off?).

Pop into the bar of the Waldorf-Astoria after the show to discuss the tricks over a martini.

2. Dizzy’s Jazz Club

Dizzy’s Jazz Club features world-class jazz musicians with an epic view overlooking Central Park. There’s also a late-night session that features up-and-coming artists for a cheaper cover (and sometimes a dance floor!) and the cocktails taste just as good.

3. Sunset sail to the Statue of Liberty

A sunset sail to the Statue of Liberty offers an incredible view of the skyscrapers, the sunset and the Statue of Liberty. Complete with cocktails, it’s one of the most romantic dates in the city.

4. Museum Hack

Museums can sometimes seem stale, but Museum Hack is a fun twist on the typical boring guided tour. They take you through the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Natural History Museum with the strangest, wildest and sexiest stories hidden in the exhibits.

I especially like the VIP tour of the Met: you’ll get to have the entire museum to yourself right before closing time.

5. Comedy Cellar

My boyfriend is a comedy nerd, and he introduced me to Comedy Cellar. You never know who exactly will perform, but it’s a favorite haunt for famous comedians to test out new material.

We’ve seen stars like Louis CK, Chris Rock and Amy Schumer – and the lead-up comedians are always just as solid.

Have a drink or dinner at Olive Tree Cafe upstairs, and keep your eyes open: comedians often hang out in the back in between their sets.

6. Nitehawk Cinema

Dinner and a movie is a standard date night around the world, but Nitehawk Cinema does it best: quirky classic cinema trailers, whiskey root beer floats and artisan mozzarella sticks served during the show and the best indie new releases.

Places to drink on a date in New York City

Going out for a drink is one of the most romantic things to do in NYC. Consider these establishments.

Bemelmans Bar

Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel is old-fashioned, upper-crust New York at its finest: proper classic cocktails, live piano music and sumptuous leather banquettes.

The walls are covered in playful murals by Ludwig Bemelman, author and illustrator of the Madeleine series.

The Campbell Apartment

The Campbell Apartment is tucked away above Grand Central Terminal (an architectural gem worth visiting, whether or not you’re coming in on the train).

Recently restored to its original Prohibition-era splendor—it was a private office and salon of a business tycoon in the 1920’s—it’s the city’s favorite speakeasy.

The Ides

If you want a view to go with your drink, head to The Ides at Wythe Hotel. Located across the East River in Williamsburg, it offers a full view of the Manhattan skyline.

During the summer, there’s a large outdoor rooftop patio perfect for soaking up the sunshine while sipping.

Fat Cat

If you need to be doing something while drinking, go to Fat Cat. The underground West Village spot features pool, ping-pong, shuffleboard and board games along with live jazz.

Places to eat on a date in New York City

West Village is full of bustling bistros with simple design and good food: Aria, Extra Virgin and Rosemary’s are all favorites for date night dinners or lingering brunches.

Burger Joint is hidden down a dark hallway in Le Parker-Meridien: it’s a dive bar vibe with awesome burgers and cheap beer, which is surprisingly delightful in the middle of Midtown.

While I personally think a $1 slice on the street is wonderfully New York after fancy cocktails, Peasant is a little more romantic – complete with candle light and a great wine list.

And if you want a solid steak dinner, go to St Anselm in Williamsburg: the $16 hangar steak is one of the most delicious deals in town, and there’s even red wine on tap.

Romantic Places to stay in New York City

There’s no shortage of romantic hotels in New York City – especially if you want to splurge.

The Standard High Line is super hip and centrally located with great views of uptown and downtown, and has plenty of bars worth visiting even if you’re not staying there.

Park Central Hotel has reasonable rates and is close to Central Park and the shows on Broadway.

And if you want a more local experience, check out studio apartments on Airbnb. Bonus: you can act like real dating New Yorkers and open up a bottle of wine on the couch and Seamless your dinner!

More tips for NYC

• 9 free things to do in NYC
• 14 coffee shops in NYC the locals love
• 6 tips for a girls getaway in NYC

Plan Your Trip to NYC

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