30 Fun Things to do in NYC for Couples! Our Ultimate List!

February 25, 2022

Are you looking for things to do in NYC for couples? If so, keep reading!

If you’re looking for things to do in NYC for couples, you have come to the right place! My husband and I live in London, England – but the other city we spend the most time in (and absolutely adore) is NYC.

We visit NYC probably 2/3 times a year, it’s where we got engaged, where we nearly got married, and it’s a such a special place to both of us.

And, as you’d expect, there are loads of things to do in NYC for couples there.

Every time we’re in the city, we always try and find new fun things to do in NYC for couples together, and I’ve finally put together a list of our favorites!

If you and your partner are visiting NYC soon and your planning some romantic things to do in NYC – hopefully this list will help!

Top tip! If you plan on ticking off even a few of these suggestions, it’s well worth buy an NYC explorer pass. You basically pay one price for the ‘pass’ and then you get free access to all the attractions on their list. It’s really good value – and well worth it. Click here to buy yours.

Have a rooftop pool day

First on my list of fun things to do in NYC for couples, it’s have a rooftop pool day!

At The Williamsburg Hotel in Brooklyn, they have an amazing rooftop pool which is open to non-guests (for a fee) during spring and summer.

If you fancy a day sat by a pool, feeling like a celebrity – this is it! You have to email them to book in, but it’s totally worth the extra bit of effort.

This is definitely one of my favourite fun things to do in NYC for couples.

Take a stroll through Central Park

Next on my list of fun things to do in NYC for couples, it’s Central Park!

Did you even visit NYC, if you didn’t take a stroll through Central Park?

I usually like to visit a few times while we’re in NYC, and it’s such a big place that you could walk there every day for a week and not cross over the same paths.

Personally, I like to start in the lower east corner of the park (near The Plaza hotel) and work my way past Sheep Meadow and up through the middle to Bow Bridge (where the photo below was taken).

If you don’t feel like walking, you could always do a horse and carriage ride (click here to book) or a bike tour of the park (click here to book).

Read more about visiting NYC: 22 romantic anniversary ideas in NYC

Walk along the riverfront

Next on my list of things to do in NYC for couples, it’s walking along the waterfront.

One of my favourite walks in the city is definitely from around Pier 35, down to the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s just full of lovely walkways, and amazing views of the bridges (like the photo I took below).

It’s a nice place to go on a clear, sunny day and just relax! This has to be one of my top fun things to do in NYC for couples.

Read more about visiting NYC: The ultimate NYC bucket list (80 ideas in the city!)

Go on a food tour of NYC

Next on my list of fun things to do in NYC for couples, it’s a food tour!

If NYC is known for anything, it’s the amazing food scene! If it’s your first time in the city you might feel a bit overwhelmed by all the food choices, so going on a food tour can really help you narrow down your choices! This is an ideal choice for things to do in NYC for couples.

If you’re a seasoned New Yorker – a food tour is still worth doing as it might help you discover some new places.

I’ve done food tours in many of my favourite cities, and I always enjoy them so much – you try so much delicious food, and learn loads too.

Read more NYC food recommendations: Top 14 Brooklyn restaurants with a view of NYC

Watch a sports game (my favourite is NFL!)

My next idea for fun things to do in NYC for couples…. A sports game! If we’re in NYC during NFL season (September – January) we’ll always try and squeeze in an NFL game.

The New York Giants are the most local NFL to the city, and the trip over to the stadium isn’t too long (or difficult).

You literally just jump on two trains and follow everyone wearing blue Giant’s jerseys! It’s such a fun day out, even if you don’t know much about the game, it’s great to go and enjoy the atmosphere and the food!

Even if you don’t follow sports closely… this is definitely one of the most fun things to do in NYC for couples.

Do the classic ‘Open top bus tour’

It might be touristy, it might be predictable, but it’s actually really fun! It’s a great pick for things to do in NYC for couples.

We put off doing the open top bus tour for ages, and when we finally did it, we couldn’t believe how entertaining it was.

The tour guides are great, they tell you loads of stuff, and it literally takes you to all the key spots of the city.

It’s a great way to see ‘everything’ and it’s also just a really good way of getting around the city too (especially if the subway confuses you). This is deifnitely one of the top things to do in NYC for couples.

Read more NYC food recommendations: Where to find the best bagels in NYC

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

Next on my list of fun things to do in NYC for couples… the Brooklyn Bridge, of course! A classic couple things to do in NYC, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do.

I recommend going in the morning when it’s not to busy, or even during a slightly overcast or cloudy day (like my photo below) because it’ll be pretty quiet and you’ll be able to enjoy it more.

It’s a great choice for things to do in NYC for couples.

Enjoy brunch together

Brunch is an absolute must when visiting NYC. The meal between breakfast and lunch, brunch is one of those meals that New Yorkers love.

If you’re wondering where to go for brunch in NYC, don’t worry! We’ve created a whole blog post about the best brunch places in NYC – so just take a read of that!

Read more NYC recommendations: Our guide to visiting the famous floating island in NYC

Visit the Time Out Market (and more importantly, the rooftop!)

The Time Out Market is located in DUMBO just opposite the Brooklyn Bridge and it’s one of my top things to do in NYC for couples.

It’s a fab market with some of NYC’s best cult restaurants and food stores inside, serving up their best dishes. If you both love food, then this is a no brainer!

Most importantly though, located on the top floor of the Time Out Market, is their rooftop bar.

The rooftop bar has insane views (see below) and makes the perfect place for a night of drinking and eating!

Cocktails, great food, amazing views… it’s a great idea for things to do in NYC for couples!

Read more about visiting NYC: 34 things to do in NYC when it rains

Try food you’ve never tried before

While we’re on the subject of food, NYC is a city that literally has every and any kind of food you can imagine.

So exploring the food scene is definitely one of the most fun things to do in NYC for couples.

My husband and I like to pick out random restaurants, or find cuisines we’ve never tried and book ourselves a table to try it out.

NYC is the best city to be adventurous with your food, because there’s so much choice here! One of my favourite NYC discoveries was actually Korean BBQ. This is such a fun idea for things to do in NYC for couples.

We had never had it before visiting NYC one year, and now it’s one of our favourite cuisines! If you fancy hitting up a Korean BBQ place – our favourite is Kunjip in Koreatown (not far from Macy’s).

Here are some other suggestions for great ethnic restaurants in NYC.

Another way to try new food, is to book yourself onto a food tour!

Visit Little Tokyo

Next on our list of things to do for couples in NYC, it’s a visit to the neighborhood of Little Tokyo.

Located downtown, this little neighborhood is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese culture or Japanese food.

We think you’ll love it! It’s a great choice for things to do in NYC for couples!

Read more about exploring NYC: A guide to Little Tokyo in NYC

Head up to an Observation Deck

Another great choice for things to do in NYC for couples, it’s checking out an observation deck in the city!

There are loads of observation decks in the city, so it’s totally your choice which one you opt for.

The photo below was taken at the One World Observatory deck, which is a good choice is you want to be really high up (the highest in NYC in fact).

Another great choice is the Rockefeller Observation deck called ‘Top of the Rock’ – this is a good choice as it has the most epic views of the Empire State which is about 20 blocks away.

There is also the Empire State itself too – which is classic and iconic (but the views aren’t as good as the previously mentioned locations, in my opinion!).

These are great ideas for fun things to do in NYC for couples!

Read more about NYC hotels: 12 beautiful upper east side hotels!

Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram

Next on our list of things to do in NYC for couples, it’s the Roosevelt Island Tram. This is a pretty cool thing for couples to do together in NYC, and it’s also a pretty affordable one too!

The tram line ride lasts for about 8-10 minutes (no long!) but it’s only a few dollars (or included in your metro card).

There are some pretty awesome views once your onboard, and you can also explore Roosevelt Island once you reach the other side too!

Take a boat tour / river cruise

This is one of those fun things to do in NYC for couples that’s good all year round!

Taking a boat tour around Manhattan is such a great way to see the city, and it lets you see it from all kinds of new angles too.

One of the things I loved the most was seeing the riverside apartment buildings – the kind of dream of living in one day!

There are loads of photo opportunities, and if you take a guided tour, you’ll also learn loads about the city too. I recommend booking this tour – as you’ll get great views of the island. It’s a great option for things to do in NYC for couples.

Read more NYC recommendations: 40 things to do on the Upper East Side, NYC

Have a spa day

Next on our list of things to do in NYC for couples, it’s having a spa session!

My favourite spa in the city (hands down, no competition) is Aire Ancient Baths in downtown. It is insanely magical and I can’t visit the city now without paying it a visit. It’s just amazing.

It’s like entering another world (far away from the city) and you go underground into this peaceful, mysterious room full of pools and hot tubs.

It’s really hard to describe it – but just trust me when I say it’s incredible. This is for sure one of the most romantic things to do in NYC for couples.

Watch a show

ANY SHOW! There are soooo many shows in NYC – it’d be impossible for me to recommend just one!

I will say this, if you’re visiting in the festive season (November – January) it’s worth booking tickets to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. This is without doubt, one of the top things to do in NYC for couples.

It’s just classic New York and it’s like a right-of-passage. Other shows I love; Chicago, Wicked, The Lion King, Book of Mormon, Frozen and Hamilton.

A couple I’m dying to see are; Come From Away and Moulin Rouge. Pick any, this is a great thing to do in NYC for couples!

Go for romantic sunset cocktails

This is a classic option for fun things to do in NYC for couples! There are loads of amazing bars in the city where you can enjoy a view of the city while you sip on cocktails.

The photo below was taken inside the ‘Top of the Standard’ bar in the Standard Hotel, but there are plenty of other options too.

I actually wrote another blog post about rooftop bars in NYC, you can read that by clicking here.

Read more about visiting NYC: Is honeymooning in NYC really a good idea?

Do a food challenge together

Next on our list of things to do in NYC for couples… It’s trying to complete an epic food challenge. You’ve probably seen the Man Vs Food TV show, that made food challenges so famous around the USA.

Well, lots of those locations were in NYC, and there are plenty of amazing restaurants in the city that offer similar food challenges for visitors and tourists.

Worth a try – if you don’t mind getting a bit messy and a bit full!

Read more about NYC food: 12 Epic food challenges in NYC

Take a helicopter tour over NYC

This is one of the most epic and romantic things to do for couples in NYC! A helicopter tour of NYC is pretty much the most once-in-a-lifetime, beautiful, mesmerizing experience you can have in the city.

It’s really something special to be able to see the city from a helicopter, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough. It was just pure magic – I loved every second.

Click here to book tickets (I definitely recommend booking ahead).

Do a haunted ghost tour of NYC

Next on our list of things to do in NYC for couples, it’s a haunted ghost tour of NYC.

Not for every couple, but I for sure would enjoy this, and I know lots of other couples who would too!

A haunted tour of NYC is a little spooky, a little different – and it’s definitely an excuse to hold hands and have a cuddle! It’s a different way to explore the city, and it definitely gets you out of your comfort zone too!

I recommend the Greenwich Village Ghost tour (click here to book). If you like scary movies, this is a idea for fun things to do in NYC for couples!

Go apartment hunting

OK, next on our list of things to do in NYC for couples, it’s something a little bit different.

This might not be for everyone, but it’s definitely one of my favourite things to do in the city. Basically, the rental market in NYC is a little different – and it’s very easy to go in and view apartments.

My husband and I found this out last year (we were actually looking) but we were surprised and a bit shocked that you didn’t need to prebook appointments or anything.

You just show up at the apartment building you’re interested in, and let the rental office or concierge / front desk know that you’re interested in seeing any empty units.

You’ll need to leave your ID with the front desk while you look at the apartment, but it’s as easy as that. It’s such a fun choice for things to do in NYC for couples.

Top tip! If you’re not actually looking (and just being nosy) you might want to come up with a back-story (move-in date, reason for moving, etc) incase they ask!

Read more about New Jersey: Top 15 most romantic restaurants in Jersey City

Ditch your map and get lost

OK, next on my list of fun things to do in NYC for couples, it’s just getting lost in the city!

I know it sounds cliched, but one of the best things to do in NYC, is get lost. Put your map away (or your phone!) and just enjoy walking wherever your feet take you.

It’s fun to discover little cafes or shops completely by accident, and just let your instinct tell you where you want to go next. Some of my favourite places in the city where discovered this way.

A perfect option for things to do in NYC for couples.

Read more about visiting NYC: 14 amazing dog-friendly hotels in NYC

Hunt out the city’s movie / TV locations

Next on our list of things to do in NYC for couples, it’s hunting out the city’s many movie locations.

Sooo many TV shows and movies have been filmed in NYC, and there are so many places in the city where you can track down the exact spot your favourite film or TV was filmed.

A classic choice is the Ghost Buster fire station or the Friends apartment building. Another good one is Carrie’s front steps from Sex and the City.

If you both love TV shows and movies – this is a great option for fun things to do in NYC for couples!

Go to the cinema

A bit of a lame one, but me and my husband really like going to the cinema in NYC.

I don’t know why, it’s just different from UK cinemas (the snacks and sweets are different!) and we really love it that people clap at the end of a showing.

I know this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s something we love doing together when we’re in the city. For us, it’s a great choice for things to do in NYC for couples.

Visit Coney Island

Next on our list of things to do in NYC for couples, it’s visiting Coney Island.

This is only really if you’re visiting during the spring or summer, but Coney Island is such a fun day out from NYC.

It’s easy to get to (just train it all the way) and it’s the perfect mix of cheesy, cute, nostalgic and romantic! Book tickets for Coney Island by clicking here.

Seek out New York’s best pizza

If you’re the kind of couple who love getting stuck into a city, then we challenge you to make your way through our list of the city’s best pizzas!

NYC is known for being the ultimate pizza-lovers location, and there are so many amazing pizza places in NYC.

What better, as things to do for couples in NYC, than to seek out the city’s best pizza? Sounds like a pretty epic challenge to us!

Read more about where to visit for the best pizza in NYC: What is the best pizza in New York City?

Find a weird museum

There are some really weird museums in NYC, and they for sure make for some amazingly fun things to do in NYC for couples! One of the strangest has to be the ‘Museum of Sex’.

There is also a Museum of Food, Museum of Mathematics, and even the The Elevator Historical Society.

Seriously, go digging for weird museums and I think you’ll find a few bizarre ways to spend a few hours!

Don’t forget to book the perfect hotel!

One of the key parts of a successful couples trip to NYC, is booking the perfect hotel.

A great hotel will make your trip so much more enjoyable, and having somewhere lovely to come back and relax after a long day of sightseeing is so important!

You want to make sure you pick somewhere romantic, ideally with a great view, and (of course) in the heart of the city.

We’ve stopped in NYC many times, and have put a little list together below of the best hotels in NYC for couples… Handpicked by us!