25 Romantic Things to Do in NYC for Couples

New York City (NYC) is known as a city that never sleeps and it’s the perfect destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway. With its stunning skyline, picturesque parks, and world-class dining options, the city offers a plethora of romantic activities for you and your partner to enjoy.

From taking a romantic stroll in Central Park to enjoy a sunset from atop the Empire State Building, there’s something for every couple in the Big Apple. In this guide, we’ll share our top picks for the most charming and intimate experiences for couples in NYC. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to spend quality time together, this guide will help you plan the perfect romantic getaway in one of the most vibrant and romantic cities in the world. So let’s dive in and discover the best romantic things to do in NYC for couples!

25 Romantic Things to do in NYC for Couples in 2024

1. Take a Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

One of the romantic things to do in New York City is to stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan. The bridge offers a spectacular view of downtown Manhattan with New York’s most famous landmarks visibility.

From the bridge, you can site the One World Trade in the Financial District to the Chrysler building and the Empire State in Midtown.

2. Picnic in Central Park

Your romantic getaway is not complete without visiting Central Park. You and your spouse can do a lot of things in Central Park. You can take a romantic boat ride or take an iconic carriage ride through the park on a fairytale-like carriage pulled by a horse.

If you’re visiting NYC in the winter, you can have fun by checking out the ice skating rink. There is nothing more romantic and enjoyable than gliding around on the ice whilst trying not to fall over.

3. Visit the Bronx Zoo

One of the romantic places to visit in NYC for couples is the Bronz Zoo, especially for animal lovers. The Bronz Zoo offers an adventure experience for couples. Interestingly, it also happens to be the largest zoo in the United States. It also offers excellent work with conservation and frequently rescues and rehabilitates endangered species found throughout the globe.

4. Tour the Empire State Building

The list of romantic things to do in NYC for couples will not be complete if the Empire State Building is not included. The Empire State Building which is one of the most iconic landmarks in NYC offers a shiny and high-rise view of New York.

The open-air viewing platform or observation deck on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building offers fantastic views of mid-town, Central Park, and even the Statue of Liberty.

5. Helicopter over NYC

One of the romantic things for couples to do in NYC is by taking a helicopter ride over the city. The thrill and breathtaking views, and the unique experience of soaring over the city’s iconic landmarks make it one of the best romantic things to do in New York City.

6. Walk the High Line

One of the most romantic things to do in NYC for couples is to walk the High Line, which is one of the most unique parks in New York City. The High Line which was opened in 2009 from an eye-sore became an instant success.

The High Line which is a 1.5-mile-long converted railway track that winds through the West Side of Manhattan receive an average of 8 million visitors annually. From the walkway, you can see some of the best views of the New York skyline. There are lots of quirky seating areas and creative landscapes with fun art installations dotted along the walk.

7. Enjoy A Broadway Show

Your romantic getaway in New York would not be complete without seeing a Broadway Show. Although Broadway Shows are expensive, nothing can beat the unforgettable romantic experience. Some of our favorites include Phantom of the Opera, Lion King, West Side Story, and Wicked.

8. Visit the Socrates Sculpture Park

One of the romantic things to do in NYC is to visit the Socrates Sculpture Park. The park is an outdoor museum and public pack in Astoria, Queens, where artists create and exhibit sculptures and unique multi-media installations.

The park which is open to the public all year round is a worthy place for couples to spend some quality time together. Additionally, taking a stroll through the park with a number of visual arts on display offers a unique experience.

9. Walk the Grand Central Station

One of the free romantic things to do in NYC is by walking the Grand Central Station. About 750,000 people visit the terminal daily. As a couple, you can take a walk around the over-a-century train station with 44 tracks.

That’s not all, you can also visit the Campbell Bar and the Whispering Galleries, all in the Grand Central Terminal.

10. Visit the Niagara Falls

The list of romantic things to do in NYC would not be complete without visiting Niagara Falls. You can take a day trip to the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls where you can share a romantic moment with your partner. Additionally, you get to experience turquoise waters plummeting over the edge of the Falls

11. Head Out to Hudson Valley

One of the most romantic things to do in New York City is to explore the surrounding area. The Hudson Valley is one of the beautiful places surrounding NYC that you should visit. What’s more, the valley is filled with wonderful B&Bs, apple picking, museums, and farm-to-table restaurants.

12. Rainbow Room

Couples’ getaways in NYC would not be complete without visiting the Rainbow Room. Located on the 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza at Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, the private event space offers a romantic ambiance for couples to spend quality time. The Rainbow Room also serves classic and contemporary American cuisine.

13. Movie Night

The list of romantic things to do in NYC for couples would not be complete without seeing a movie. NYC boasts some really unique movie theaters which are perfect for a romantic night out. There are numerous cinemas in which you can see a movie with your partner.

Some of the popular places to see a movie include the Rooftop Cinema Club in the Embassy Suites and Nitehawk Cinema among others.

14. Visit the Lincoln Center

Famous as the home of the New York City Ballet, The Lincoln Center is one of the best romantic places to visit in NYC for couples. The Lincoln Center is your one-stop place to go to see world-class opera, theater, ballet, and jazz. The enchanting performances and beautiful choreography are incredible to witness for couples.

15. Have a Fancy Dinner

NYC is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, and what a perfect opportunity to have some delicious food. One of the best romantic things to do while in New York City is to have dinner at some fancy restaurants around the city. Some romantic and fanciful places are Le Bernardin or The Modern. However, be sure to make reservations well in advance.

16. Spend time at the New York Botanical Gardens

The New York Botanical Gardens is one of the best romantic places in NYC for couples. Located in Bronx Park in the Bronx, the NY Botanical Gardens are the largest in the US and are recognized as one of the greatest historical areas in New York. 

This sprawling garden is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city. Take a walk hand-in-hand with your partner and enjoy the stunning plants and flowers.

17. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden

With about a million visitors each year, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden is one of the best romantic places in NYC for couples for the couple. Take a romantic stroll through this beautiful garden and enjoy the colorful blooms and peaceful surroundings. The Japanese garden is especially enchanting.

18. Explore The Cloisters

This medieval museum and garden is a beautiful and peaceful place to explore, with stunning views of the Hudson River. It’s a perfect spot for a romantic picnic.

19. Make a Sunset Cruise

One of the best romantic things to do in NYC is to make a sunset cruise. Imagine sailing across the water with your partner, relaxing and sipping wine with the wind in your hair. Choose a sunset cruise or a nighttime city lights cruise for the feeling of ultimate romance. From this unique vantage point, you can view the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and more.

20. Visit the Museum of Ice Cream

One of the best romantic things to do in NYC is to visit the Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC). Although not a traditional museum, the 3-D selfie playground is for all ages and includes some really cool interactive displays. The MOIC is open Wednesday through Monday each week.

21. Catch a view at the Rooftop Bar

With New York’s glittering skyline, stunning architecture, and endless opportunities for adventure, sipping a cocktail at a rooftop bar is one of the best romantic things to do in NYC for couples. There are many great rooftop bars to choose from. Some of them include Castell Rooftop Lounge and  Gallow Gren among others.

22. Visit Speakeasy for a Drink

Your romantic getaway in New York City would not be complete without visiting a speakeasy for a drink. Characterized by hidden entrances, neon signs, vintage decor, and a delicious selection of cocktails, locating a Speakeasy is an adventure in itself.

23. Sit Out at River Cafe

One of the fun and romantic things to do in NYC for couples is to have a romantic evening at Brooklyn Bridge.  With its breathtaking skyline views, the River Cafe exudes romance, with a Michelin Star to its name, the dining experience is also outstanding.