Date Night in NYC: 49 Fun and New Ideas

Planning a date night in NYC is exciting and exhilarating. After all, New York City has inspired some of the most famous romantic comedies of all time, including When Harry Met Sally and Serendipity.

Falling back on the standard drinks-and-dinner date night in NYC still seems to happen all too often. Sure, as a New Yorker, you have some of the best culinary experiences at your fingertips, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't shake up date night every now and again.

Whether you're about to embark on a first date with someone special or are planning something fun for your 10th anniversary, trying something new is never a bad idea. It can help you get to know your potential partner on a deeper level, and in a long-standing relationship, it can help you avoid falling into a monotonous date-night routine.

So, no matter how long you've been together, here are 49 fun and new ideas for date night in NYC. And they might just make you fall in love with the city all over again, too.

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• Foodie Date Night in NYC
• Laid-Back Date Night in NYC
• Adventurous Date Night in NYC
• First Date Ideas in NYC
• FAQs

Foodie Date Night in NYC

1. Go On a Food Tour

Trying out the vibrant cuisine of the city is one of the most classic things to do in NYC. Treat your date to a culinary and cultural stroll around New York City’s most vibrant and tasty neighborhoods on a food tour in NYC.

By combining sweet and savory meal tastings with fascinating stories, local culture, history and architecture, a food tour creates the perfect recipe for a fun, memorable, one-of-a-kind date night in NYC. Plus, it's an exceptional way to explore new nooks and crannies in the city and find novel places to go for future date nights.

2. Forage in Prospect Park

Even the hardiest home cooks in NYC probably don’t have much foraging experience. After all, you’re not likely to see very many wild ramps springing up between the sidewalk cracks. Where might you really find some native herbs and vegetables? Prospect Park. Join a guided foraging walk through the park to pick wild carrots, burdock root, dandelion greens and Szechuan peppers for a unique date idea in NYC. 

Once you've gathered all the vegetables your appetite desires, don't leave too soon, as the park is an entertainment paradise. According to NYC Parks, activities include fishing, hiking and ice-skating, as well as tennis and barbecuing. As you can tell, this date idea has something for everyone to enjoy. 

3. Take a Hands-On Cooking Class

Nothing brings people together quite like food, so why not learn a few new recipes from an expert chef? Taking cooking classes in NYC is a perfect option for a fun date night in NYC where you’ll also learn a few culinary tricks. 

Together you can learn a new dish you’ve always wanted to try or bond over a favorite cuisine. You can even take specialty couples cooking classes in NYC or opt for sweet over savory with baking classes in NYC.

No matter which type of class you go for, your talented chef instructor will be your guide as you work and make special memories in the kitchen. You can then use your new cooking skills to whip up a romantic dinner together during your next date night in NYC.

4. Try a New Cuisine

NYC has no shortage of diverse food, but surely there’s a cuisine you and your date have never tried. Whether it’s unique fusion fare, plant-based meals or simply a cultural cuisine, find a local restaurant specializing in these dishes and make a reservation. Expanding your culinary horizons is a wonderful idea for a date night in NYC that lets you bond over a new shared experience.

If you'd rather stay in but still enjoy exciting new cuisine, why not order from Doordash? And if you're new to the app and wondering, "How does Doordash work?", don't worry. We've got a great how-to for it.  

5. Tune In to a Gourmet Online Class

If you love the idea of a cooking class but prefer to keep things low-key, online cooking classes are ideal for a romantic home date night in NYC. You’ll find live, interactive classes taught by chefs from all over the world, offering everything from Japanese street food to gourmet Spanish tapas. 

After your cooking class, why not top off the date night in NYC by enjoying a homemade mixed drink? Online mixology classes will pair you up with an expert mixologist to teach you how to master the art of specialty cocktails at home.

If you prefer wine over craft cocktails, there are experiences perfectly suited to your tastes, too. Virtual wine tastings are your ticket to learning the delicious details behind your favorite beverages from the best sommeliers in the industry. They also make an outstanding long-distance date idea, too. 

6. Experience a Parisian Bistro

Paris and romance go together like cafés and croissants. But if making the pilgrimage to the French capital for a delightful meal is a little far-fetched, you can still take your taste buds on a journey to one of many local Parisian bistros for a romantic date night in NYC. Popular French bistros in New York for a romantic night out include Le French Diner, Lucien and Buvette.

7. Hire a Private Chef

Skip the cooking altogether during your date night in NYC and indulge in gourmet homemade cuisine worthy of a five-star restaurant. Simply scour through the profiles of Private chefs in NYC and find one that catches your eye. They’ll arrive at your doorstep with all of the ingredients, equipment and skill necessary to cook a stunning meal.

A fantastic option for an indoor activity in NYC, you'll simply choose your menu and let your chef handle the rest — including kitchen clean-up at the end. This is a romantic date night in NYC idea that’s hard to beat.

8. Go On the Literary Pub Crawl

For those book lovers who get a kick out of the Hemingway quote, “Write drunk, edit sober,” embark on the literary pub crawl in Greenwich Village. Hear the stories, poems and prose of the writers who helped shape this nation and the world, and learn why New York City is the epicenter of American literature during this unique date night in NYC.

9. Chase Down a Food Truck

The food trucks adorning the sidewalks of the city represent a gastronomic paradise and an exciting tasting adventure for a fun date night in NYC. 

For a city as on-the-go as New York, it only makes sense that food trucks have risen to the standards of the hordes of hurried, but still discerning, diners. Whether it’s for a date night in NYC or a sunny lunchtime meal, chase down the new wave of food trucks in NYC serving up sophisticated bites and timeless street fare to enjoy a wide variety of unbeatable flavors.

10. Marvel at Molecular Gastronomy

Molecular gastronomy, also known as modernist cuisine, is arguably at its peak in NYC. You can find many eateries in the city incorporating scientifically savvy cooking techniques like liquid nitrogen flash-freezing and syringe infusions. Make a reservation for a mesmerizing date night in NYC and marvel at the creativity oozing from these mouthwatering menus unlike anything you’ve ever tasted — or seen!

11. Enjoy a New York-Style Pizza

Fall in love all over again (or for the first time) with New York-style pizza. The typical crispy crust that is somehow sturdy enough, yet also sufficiently thin and pliable, to fold in half and eat like a true New Yorker, is something to be marveled at. Let the best pizza in Brooklyn thrill your taste buds, or spend your date night in NYC chatting over the best pizza in Manhattan.

12. Embark On a Bagel Crawl

Of all its signature foods, bagels are arguably the most synonymous with New York City. The buzzing NYC boasts the best bagels in the universe, so why not spend the evening tasting different varieties and discovering what all the fuss is about? Make a loop around the NYC bagel belt and find out which ones reign supreme for a fun and new date night in NYC.

13. Get Ritzy at the Russian Tea Room

Founded by Russian expats, The Russian Tea Room was a high society hangout for much of the twentieth century. Dining there on a romantic date night in NYC feels like going back in time — the glitzy gilded interior hasn’t changed since the 20s. 

To this day, it still captures modernist Russian style décor and hosts New York’s elite as a restaurant for continental fine dining, elegant high tea and the finest vodka selection. If this sounds like the ideal date night in NYC to you, make a reservation to enjoy a medley of delicious meals, including scallops, caviar and soups.

14. Eat Some Art

For a truly unique date night in NYC, discover the many eateries that are plating up masterpieces that taste just as good as they look. Popular eateries to enjoy culinary masterpieces include Per Se, Daniel and Marea. Sit back and relax with your date as you watch the city’s top chefs let their imaginations run wild on your plate. 

This is a fun date night in NYC for couples who enjoy watching cooking shows together, as it provides a multi-sensory experience that showcases a chef’s undeniable talent beyond the television screen.

Laid-Back Date Night in NYC

15. See the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s indoor pavilions are one of the few places you can take in some greenery during the dark, desolate late fall and winter months. The Tropical Pavilion — filled with waterfalls, streams and vibrant flora — is particularly balmy and makes you feel like you’re in a tropical oasis. No matter the season, this makes for a great place to head before continuing with another date night in NYC idea.

16. Wander Through Indoor Markets

Rainy and freezing cold nights don’t have to get in the way of your date night in NYC. Check out indoor markets, such as Chelsea, Essex and DeKalb. Visit Food halls in NYC to experience delectable fares from culinary visionaries, creating hubs of international cuisine and showcasing vendors who reflect the street food scene around the world.

17. Head to the Harlem Jazz Parlor

Go to Harlem for an evening of live jazz! This intimate experience hosted by Harlem Safe House Jazz Parlor provides a haven where music lovers can relax and engage with musicians while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, wine and dessert. 

This exceptional idea for a date night in NYC runs the first Thursday of every month with different musicians performing at various homes in Harlem, so each event is really something special.

18. Explore Little Greece

When considering NYC’s melting pot identity, Chinatown and Little Italy are probably the first to come to mind. However, there are several other ethnic enclaves that promise to offer the environment for a unique and fun date night in NYC — including Little Greece. Enjoy traditional Greek taverns, bakeries and cafés in this must-explore neighborhood with your date. 

19. Try Stargazing at the High Line

Head to the High Line for stargazing on Tuesday nights between April and October for a new date night idea. After a romantic sunset walk, you and your date will have the opportunity to peer through the high-powered telescopes provided to see rare celestial sights. Why not get a closer look at the moon and planets and see if your love is written in the stars?

20. Find a Trivia Night

Everybody loves a know-it-all, and New York City has a themed trivia night for all “well, actually” types. Have you seen every episode of The Simpsons at least twice and have sonorous opinions on its golden era? Would your pop culture proficiency put Siri to shame? Are you just a general genius? Find a place that hosts a trivia evening for your next date night in NYC and put your knowledge to the test.

21. Cruise the Harbor

All aboard! Why limit date night in NYC to staying on dry land? Even the best restaurants in NYC can’t compare to the experience of eating out on the water. Date night dinner cruises in the harbor offer prix-fixe menus or buffet meals on enormous three-level ships, sailing taverns and ritzy yachts. Whichever you choose, the ambiance can’t be beaten. Bon voyage!

22. Tour the Museum of Interesting Things

All the big museums in the city — The Met, The Guggenheim, MoMA — will be crawling with tourists on any given weekend. Instead, check out the appointment-only Museum of Interesting Things, one of the few attractions in New York that still feels hidden. 

Set up a private tour of its collection of antique toys, bizarre inventions, ancient scientific equipment and other oddities for a date night in NYC that will be one to remember.

23. Visit the New York Aquarium

Marvel at beautiful sea life and pick up some interesting marine biology facts as you stroll through the New York Aquarium together. You’ll find so many interesting things to talk about, making it a great place to encourage conversation. 

Pro tip: On Wednesdays after 3 p.m., admission is free! You’ll just need to reserve a ticket in advance. It’s also important to note that the aquarium closes at 4:30 p.m. most days, so this is a great spot to visit in advance of another fun date night idea like dinner or a movie.

24. Head to an Art Gallery

Romance and art are closely linked as they both play a role in inspiring and evoking one another. It, therefore, only makes sense that an NYC date night would be incomplete without a visit to an art gallery.

You might not be the next Vincent van Gogh, but this idea could inspire other fun activities, such as a paint-and-sip class or an art workshop. Even if you aren't an art fan but your partner is, they will appreciate you suggesting and organizing this for a date night in NYC.

25. Rent a Kayak

Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island and Brooklyn all have parks with bodies of water where you can rent kayaks, pedal boats, canoes and even stand-up paddle boards. Weather permitting, this is a fun, relaxing and refreshing date idea that’s also a great way to enjoy the outdoors.

26. Relax at a Couples Spa

Opt for a side-by-side aromatherapy massage with relaxing lavender oil and traditional Swedish techniques or deep-tissue work. Go all out with a couples package at a local spa and enjoy some quiet time together for a fun and incredibly relaxing date night in NYC.

While many local spas close around 4 or 5 p.m., lots stay open later into the evening like the renowned AIRE Ancient Baths, which you can visit until 11 p.m. most nights. 

27. Enjoy a Movie Under the Stars

Every Monday evening from June through August, Bryant Park holds a free outdoor movie night complete with food and wine concessions. This is a unique way to spend a date night in NYC and take advantage of those beautiful New York summer nights.

28. Take a Pottery Class

For something a little different than painting classes, learn how to spin a potter’s wheel in a ceramics class for a fun date night in NYC. Depending on the studio, you might be able to bring a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer to enjoy with your date. Remember the pottery scene from Ghost? There’s just something truly romantic about creating something together. 

Adventurous Date Night in NYC

29. Play Ping Pong at SPiN

The team behind SPiN — including co-owner Susan Sarandon — knows that the only thing that's more fun than ping pong is tipsy ping pong with a date by your side. This bar combines Olympic-sized tables with a diverse selection of libations. Playing ping pong at SPiN has all the makings of a guaranteed fun date night in NYC, whether or not you and your significant other are any good at the sport.

30. Take a Graffiti Lesson

Here’s your chance to unleash your inner rebel and finally leave your mark on the streets of New York. At a one-of-a-kind graffiti workshop, a working graffiti artist will teach you and your date the basics of aerosol art and help you create your first mural (in a totally legal location, of course) for a fun date night in NYC. 

Leave the workshop with a greater understanding of this misunderstood craft and, of course, your newly created work. If you’ll be partaking in this activity with a partner you’ve been seeing for some time, it could even be a date night in NYC where the two of you create artwork for each other to take home.

31. Soar Over the City in a Helicopter

Helicopter tours make for a surefire date night in NYC to leave a lasting impression. New York City by night is like a multi-colored, glittering jewel for you to feast your eyes upon and dazzle the person by your side. 

Take off on a helicopter tour after dark and admire an awe-inspiring aerial view of the city lights for a breathtaking and incredibly romantic date night in NYC. Amp up the views, the romance and the thrills on a sunset tour.

32. Go Dancing

Put on your dancing shoes and hit the dance floor with your partner for a twirling good date night in NYC. Try a flirtatious foxtrot or a sensual salsa to heat things up and fill your romance quotient. You can also take a class or discover some of the best dance spots in NYC that will make you want to grab your partner and shimmy, shake, cha-cha or merengue all night long.

33. Go Rock Climbing

Build up a new relationship during a date night in NYC that includes some literal trust falls. If your date has been looking for adventure but ditching the city isn’t an option, take a couple of hours to harness that love of independence and thrills at Movement Gym LIC. Take an introductory class together to learn the ropes and challenge yourselves to ascend to new heights on your date night.

34. Have a Laugh at a Comedy Show

Want to know how to make your date fall madly in love with you? Make ‘em laugh! Pick out an improv show or a stand-up routine or see what other performances are taking place in your neighborhood’s comedy clubs for a fun(ny) date night in NYC. 

35. Attend a Concert

Find out what concerts or music events are taking place at some of the best live music venues in New York City to spice things up on date night. From hole-in-the-wall dives to resplendent uptown theaters, there's a daunting array of world-class acts performing around town on any given night. And if you plan accordingly, you might be able to pair up for a fun double-date night in NYC!

36. Appreciate Outdoor Works of Art

If you’re searching for a fun activity in NYC for couples that’s free of charge, the outdoor art in the city is most worthy of appreciation. Graffiti may be the first thing that comes to mind, but that’s just the beginning. Picture an array of photographs, murals and sculptures that symbolize historical events, cultural beliefs and meaningful messages that brilliantly display the passionate feelings of the artists.

According to Edgar Degas, "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see," and that’s exactly why this activity is a great first or second-date idea in NYC. It’s an opportunity for you to discover what catches your potential future partner’s eye, and vice versa. 

37. Experience the Thrill of Indoor Skydiving

If you’re looking for first date spots in NYC that also get you closer to ticking off a potential bucket list item, this is the activity for you. Indoor skydiving offers all the thrills of the outdoor version without the potential risks. This NYC date idea will have you flying high and forgetting all about the nerves of trying to impress someone new in your life.

First Date Ideas in NYC

38. Go Ice Skating

When you envision classic first date ideas in NYC, ice skating in Rockefeller Center often comes to mind. Even if the weather outside is frightful, first-date skating is quite delightful. And unless you’re planning to reveal your inner Dorothy Hamill or Brian Boitano, ice skating on the first date will bring out a little vulnerability in both of you. 

While this date night in NYC may include slips and falls, don’t be afraid to catch each other as that will surely break the ice. Whether you go for the first date or the third, it’s a must-do during winter in NYC.

39. Have a Picnic in the Park

Your stomachs will be rumbling after the sights and smells of a farmers market. Time to indulge! Picnicking is a timeless first date idea in NYC. Use these picnic date ideas to get the wheels turning on what you’ll need for the perfect outdoor meal. 

40. Organize a Play Date at the Arcade

Watching how someone handles winning (or losing) can give you a lot of insight into how they’ll handle a relationship. That’s why one of the best first date ideas in NYC is to head to Luna Park on Coney Island. Whether it’s Skee-Ball or Whac-a-Mole, you’ll find the best throwback games to inspire a little friendly competition. 

41. Pick Between Roller Skating or Roller Derby

Taking a spin on roller skates is a fantastic way to spend a date night in NYC as it will give you an opportunity for a little hand-holding. Choose a traditional roller rink that celebrates the good old days of disco, or find one of the outdoor pop-up skating rinks open during the summer in NYC. 

Not sure about strapping on the skates? Go to a roller derby game! Introducing someone to the enthusiastic and sometimes raucous crowd at a roller derby event might top the list of most memorable first date ideas in NYC.

42. Attend the Ballet

The NYC Ballet is one of the top companies in the world, and watching a performance is definitely a classy and romantic first date idea in NYC. You’ll be impressed by the dancers’ expertise and dedication, and your special someone will be impressed at your level of cultural refinement. 

This idea presents an opportunity to extend your date night in NYC with an added element — a delicious meal. Grab dinner first at one of many restaurants near the theater, offering pre-performance menus that ensure you’re on time for the first plié.

43. Spend an Evening With the NY Philharmonic

Attending the symphony is not far behind ballet when it comes to classy first date ideas in NYC. Check the New York Philharmonic calendar for special event nights where popular movies are played on a big screen while the score is performed live by musicians. 

Alternatively, and arguably more romantic, go see a performance by a string quartet or a jazz trio that takes place by candlelight in a church or a classic old hotel. Candlelight concerts are a new trend and are sure to set the tone for an unforgettable date night in NYC.

44. Go Birdwatching in Central Park

Going to the zoo is on every list of first date ideas for NYC. If looking at animals behind bars doesn’t inspire feelings of romance, perhaps spotting wildlife in its natural habitat will. Central Park boasts over 250 species of birds year-round, and bird-watching offers the opportunity for togetherness while essentially being a treasure hunt.

Download the Merlin app, which makes it easy to identify birds by their call. You don’t even need binoculars to mingle with your feathered friends.

45. Start a Book Club Date Tradition

This idea won’t be on everyone’s list of fun first date ideas in NYC, but it might be a bestseller. Here’s the concept: Read the same book before your date, discuss it over dinner and then head to your favorite bookstore.

Once you’re there, flip a coin — the winner has to select the next book on the reading list, while the loser gets to pick the next venue. Not only do you get to share your joy of reading and start a worthwhile tradition, but this date idea in NYC has also helped you secure a second meeting.

46. Get Out of NYC

Maybe the best first date idea in NYC is to get out of NYC! It’s only two hours by train to Philadelphia. Swap NYC pizza and bagels for a Philly cheesesteak and be back in the Big Apple by sunset.

There are plenty of online forums to help you plan your escape. If you don’t want to go quite that far, head to the Clover Club in Brooklyn for fancy cocktails and small plates. You’ll feel as if you’ve left behind not only the city, but an entire era.

47. Take a Jazz Cruise

When the land-based options for first date ideas in NYC are overwhelming you, it’s time to set sail. A jazz cruise around the city’s Harbor is classy and refined.

A traditional sunset cruise is the ideal option for golden hour pictures, but if you can’t make it in the evening, change it up and plan a brunch cruise instead. If you do manage to head out to see as the sun waves goodbye to the world, this is a date night in NYC that’s sure to hit the right note.

48. Go On a Whiskey Distillery Tour

If your ideal date night in NYC involves wooden casks and aged liquor, this idea is right up your alley. In 1920, this wouldn’t have been possible due to prohibition — fast-forward over 100 years and Great Jones Distilling Co. is proud to be Manhattan’s first whiskey distillery since the ban.

This makes for a great date idea in NYC because there are several experiences to choose from involving interesting facts, delicious foods and even, mesmerizing magic. If you or your date fancy something more refreshing after a few sips of whiskey, there are also creative cocktails to be ordered. 

49. Enjoy the Wonder of a Burlesque Show

Date nights in NYC don’t get more sensational than front-row seats at a burlesque show. If you’ve never been to one or don’t know what to expect, a fantastical world awaits. Aerial performers, dancers, singers and even comedians grace the stage with their rehearsed brilliance to put on unforgettable performances. 

The scene is set in a dark room, usually filled with 1920s décor — making it a spectacular and mysterious date night in NYC from bygone days. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the performers after the show if they allow it.

Need even more fun date night inspiration for the Big Apple and beyond? Check out the very best food tours, or round up your friends for one of these fun double date ideas. And don't forget about the incredible gourmet online experiences on offer for a romantic date night in.

FAQs

Where Can I Go for a date night in NYC?

New York City's endless offering of world-class entertainment, esteemed art galleries, unmatched shopping and warm and cozy restaurants means that the perfect date night is just around the corner — literally. Spend date night right in your own neighborhood, or skip across town to a spot you've always wanted to visit. 

What Is There To Do on a Date Night in NYC?

The Big Apple offers no shortage of incredible ways to spend date night, and this list can be your perfect jumping-off point. You can keep it low-key with a neighborhood food tour or couples' spa session, or make it memorable with something more unique like online mixology classes or an appointment at the Museum of Interesting Things!

What Can Couples Do in NYC?

NYC caters to every couple's tastes and interests. Food fanatics can take an unforgettable local food tour or cooking class, while art lovers can drop into a BYOB pottery class, take graffiti lessons or wander around The Met, The Guggenheim or the MoMA. Looking for something a little more high-energy? If you and your partner are seeking thrills, try rock climbing or an evening helicopter ride for the best date night in NYC!

What Should I Do for Date Night Tonight in NYC?

Check out what date places in New York City are open and see what strikes your fancy! Maybe the neighborhood restaurant you've always wanted to try has some killer specials on the menu tonight, or your favorite local jazz troupe is performing nearby. Maybe it's simply a gorgeous night to go stargazing on the High Line. Either way, you’re guaranteed to have a ball.

Where Should I Go On a First Date in NYC?

Feeling those first-date jitters? Not to worry. Ease the pressure with a date night in NYC that offers plenty of easy talking points, like a gourmet cooking class, a casual stroll through the botanic gardens or a friendly game of ping pong. Or, kick back and let someone else do the talking at a comedy club or concert! Afterward, you can bond over what you enjoyed about the show. 

For even more fun and exciting ideas for a date night in NYC, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.