See and do · Things to do · 2026
The best romantic things to do in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 18 places.
New York City, the fast-paced Concrete Jungle, is known for ambitious locals that walk too fast and smile too little. Seldom is the city mistaken for romance, which is a pity, because there’s tons of romantic things to do in NYC.
In fact, after living in the city for 10 years, I’m still finding new date night ideas in New York. From Broadway shows and fine dinning to cozy jazz clubs and exciting exhibits, let’s cover everything you need to know.
- BalthazarRestaurant · SoHoIf you’re looking for a romantic thing to do in New York City, make brunch at Balthazar a priority.
- Bar BlondeauBar · Greenpointone of my go-to spots is Bar Blondeau in Greenpoint.
- Bemelmans BarBar · Upper East SideThe cocktails are excellent, but the dirty martini is where Bemelmans Bar shines, can’t recommend it enough.
- Broadway ShowTheater · Times Square
- Brooklyn BridgeLandmark · DUMBOI think the views are better when walking towards Manhattan (starting in DUMBO).
- Brooklyn PromenadeLandmark · Brooklyn HeightsThis promenade offers the best free views of the city, making it a great option for those looking for fun NYC date ideas on a budget.
- Bryant ParkPark · MidtownMy favorite season to visit Bryant Park is summer because of the free movies hosted on the lawn.
- BuvetteCafe · West Village
- Central Park (Yoga Class / Sheep Meadow)Park · Central Park
- DanteBar · West VillageDante was named the best bar in the world in 2019 and appeared on the list again 2020.
- Gramercy TavernRestaurant · GramercyAll this to say, it’s hard to go wrong with a fancy meal here for a fun date night in NYC.
- Jazz ClubBar · MidtownIf you’d like to make an occasion feel special, I suggest making reservations at a jazz club for a romantic NYC experience you won’t soon forget.
- Lincoln CenterTheater · Upper West SideSo if you’re looking to impressive someone with an unforgettable date night in New York City, this would be my suggestion.
- Loeb Boathouse (Central Park rowboats)Other · Central ParkAt $25 per hour (credit card or Apple Pay only), they’re actually reasonably priced.
- Platform by the James Beard Foundation at Pier 57Other · Chelsea
- The High LinePark · High Line
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)Museum · Upper East SideStrolling past world-renowned art is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in New York City.
- Top of the RockLandmark · MidtownIf you’re looking for famous New York City date night ideas, taking in the sweeping views of Manhattan at sunset should fit the bill.
Balthazar
Restaurant · SoHo · 80 Spring St, New York, NY
If you’re looking for a romantic thing to do in New York City, make brunch at Balthazar a priority.
Bemelmans Bar
Bar · Upper East Side · 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021
The cocktails are excellent, but the dirty martini is where Bemelmans Bar shines, can’t recommend it enough.
Brooklyn Bridge
Landmark · DUMBO
I think the views are better when walking towards Manhattan (starting in DUMBO).
Brooklyn Promenade
Landmark · Brooklyn Heights
This promenade offers the best free views of the city, making it a great option for those looking for fun NYC date ideas on a budget.
Bryant Park
Park · Midtown
My favorite season to visit Bryant Park is summer because of the free movies hosted on the lawn.
Dante
Bar · West Village · 551 Hudson Street & 79-81 MacDougal Street
Dante was named the best bar in the world in 2019 and appeared on the list again 2020.
Gramercy Tavern
Restaurant · Gramercy · 42 E 20th St, New York, NY
All this to say, it’s hard to go wrong with a fancy meal here for a fun date night in NYC.
Jazz Club
Bar · Midtown
If you’d like to make an occasion feel special, I suggest making reservations at a jazz club for a romantic NYC experience you won’t soon forget.
Lincoln Center
Theater · Upper West Side · Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY
So if you’re looking to impressive someone with an unforgettable date night in New York City, this would be my suggestion.
Loeb Boathouse (Central Park rowboats)
Other · Central Park
At $25 per hour (credit card or Apple Pay only), they’re actually reasonably priced.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
Museum · Upper East Side · 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
Strolling past world-renowned art is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in New York City.
Top of the Rock
Landmark · Midtown · 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
If you’re looking for famous New York City date night ideas, taking in the sweeping views of Manhattan at sunset should fit the bill.
Best romantic things to do in New York, 2026
The seal
Every place on this list can show it. It links back here, so a reader sees the whole list and how it was made. No fee.
The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 20 (Non-Cheesy) Romantic Things to Do in New York City.