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 have spent endless date nights (and days) in the city, and we can recommend so many wonderful romantic and fun activities for you to get involved in.
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.
Anyway, I’ve finally compiled a list of our favorites, so if you and your partner are visiting NYC soon – hopefully this list will help!
Tip: Follow me on TikTok for even more NYC ideas and inspiration!
@theworldandthensome
Have a rooftop pool day
At the Arlo Williamsburg (formally known as 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 worth the extra effort.
This is definitely one of my favorite ideas, and not something you’d necessarily think of when visiting NYC.
Take a romantic stroll through Central Park
Next on my list, it’s the iconic Central Park! Did you even visit NYC, if you didn’t take a stroll through Central Park?
I usually like to visit Central Park 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 twice.
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).
Another thing we love doing is stopping midway for drinks at Tavern on the Green – especially in the summer months when their beer garden is open!
Read more about visiting NYC: 22 romantic anniversary ideas in NYC
Walk along the river
Next on my list of things to do in NYC for couples, it’s walking along the waterfront, in the Two Bridges area.
One of my favorite 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 relax, and it’s especially fun if you enjoy people-watching.
Or alternatively, work it into the end of your day and watch the sunset from Pier 35 – which is another one of my favorite things to do in the city.
One of my favorite things I’ve ever witnessed here was about 50 old women, taking a dancing class under the overpass outside. It was just classic New York, and so magical to see.
Read more about NYC: 35 best things to do in Central Park, NYC
Have champagne and patisserie at Sweet Rehab
Next up on my list, it’s visiting Sweet Rehab. Something for couples who have a sweet tooth!
I stumbled upon this place by accident one day, and it’s been a firm favorite ever since. I’m always recommending this place to friends and family – because it’s so unique and totally different from other bakeries in the area.
Sweet Rehab is a champagne and patisserie bar in Soho, and it’s such a cute place to stop by if you want to do something a little whimsical and romantic with your other half.
Honestly, the patisseries alone will have you swooning, but it feels extra special when you add in a sip of champagne too!
A proper French affair – in the heart of NYC. And an ideal choice for romantic things to do in NYC for couples if you’re feeling a bit hungry!
Go on a food tour of NYC
If NYC is known for anything, it’s the amazing food scene there.
If it’s your first time in the city you might feel overwhelmed by all the food choices, so going on a food tour can help you narrow your choices!
My husband and I have done many food tours in NYC, and we discovered some of our favorite restaurants on food tours too. It’s just a great chance to try lots of new things, and sample places you wouldn’t ordinarily drop into.
Plus, food tour guides always know the best items on the menu too!
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 favorite 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 favorite 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).
- Address for MetLife: 1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, United States
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 still really fun, and a great day out.
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 takes you to all the city’s key spots.
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).
Tip: If it’s feel even a little bit cool or windy, make sure you’ve got layers. Being on the top-deck with an open roof with always feel slightly cold!
Read more NYC food recommendations: Where to find the best bagels in NYC
Go for cocktails in Bryant Park
Another super cute idea you can enjoy together, is cocktails in Bryant Park!
In the spring, summer and autumn, you’ll find some little pop-up cocktail bars and the permanent ones here – and it’s gorgeous to spend the evenings people-watching.
Bryant Park is one of the more underrated parks in the city too (at least, I think so!). It’s super central, but has a really calm vibe, and amazing views.
It’s also not too overwhelming, and in the evenings it genuinely feels quite peaceful and safe.
Read more NYC recommendations: 60 free and cheap things to do in NYC!
Visit Chinatown for dumplings
Next on our list of things to do in NYC for couples, it’s visiting Chinatown for dumplings!
Chinatown is a great option to visit anyway (it’s fun just to explore and see this part of the city). But heading there for dumplings is the ultimate activity for couples!
When there are two of you, there is more to share, and you can try more flavors and combinations.
Dumplings are always better when you’re in a couple! It means you can order more, try more, vote for your favorites. There’s just something cute about it.
Here are some Dumpling places you might want to try:
- Tasty Dumpling: 42 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013
- King Dumplings: 74 Hester St, New York, NY 10002
- Fried Dumpling: 106 Mosco St, New York, NY 10013
- Jin Mei Dumpling: 25B Henry St B, New York, NY 10002
Go on a cupcake-crawl
There are some seriously amazing cupcake stores in NYC, and there’s something kinda cute and romantic about cupcakes – so I wanted to include a cupcake crawl on my list of things to do in NYC for couples.
I think the best place for finding something sweet in NYC, has to be Greenwich Village. I don’t know what it is about this little neighborhood, but they have so many cupcakes stores and sweet bakeries.
You’ll easily be able to find at least 5 different cupcakes shops in that bit of the city – all within a 10 minute walk. More, if you walk a little further.
Of course, any cupcake crawl has to start with the great Magnolia Bakery – because they are an NYC institution!
I’ve included a Map below, of all my favorites, so you can literally follow the map, and make your own little tour!
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 NYC activity, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do.
I recommend going in the morning when it’s not too 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.
The views are amazing no matter the weather, so just make sure you get there at some point during your trip.
To make things super easy for you, I’ve included the entry-points to the bridge below:
Manhattan Side
- Brooklyn Bridge Promenade on Centre Street/Park Row (east side of New York City Hall)
- Park Row Brooklyn Bridge Underpass
Brooklyn Side
- Tillary Street & Brooklyn Bridge Blvd
- Brooklyn Bridge Underpass on the corner of Prospect Street & Cadman Plaza East (aka Washington Street)
Enjoy brunch together
Brunch is an absolute must when visiting NYC, and it’s a great choice for things to do in NYC for couples.
The meal between breakfast and lunch, brunch is one of those meals that New Yorkers love. and brunch on a weekend is perfect.
If you’re wondering where to go for brunch in NYC, don’t worry! I’ve created a whole blog post about the best brunch places in NYC – so just take a read of that!
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 lovely place to enjoy together.
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.
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 favorite 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 favorite cuisines! If you fancy hitting up a Korean BBQ place – our favorite 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!
Read more about NYC: How to create the New York apartment aesthetic (with photos)
Visit Little Tokyo
Next up, it’s a visit to the little neighborhood of Little Tokyo.
- Address: No ‘official’ address, but I head for the corner of Stuyvesant and East 9th.
Located downtown, this little neighborhood is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese culture or Japanese food, and it’s a super cute option for things to do in NYC for couples.
We think you’ll love it, and if you’re into baked goods, we seriously recommend searching out ‘Bake Culture‘ while you’re there.
They have the most delicious Japanese baked goods, including the famous fluffy cheesecake!
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, is checking out an observation deck in the city! Or two!
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!).
Read more about NYC hotels: 12 beautiful upper east side hotels!
Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram
The Roosevelt Island Tram is my next suggestion for fun things to do together. It’s also pretty affordable and super easy!
The tram line ride lasts for about 8-10 minutes (not long!) but it’s only a few dollars (or included in your metro card).
There are some pretty awesome views once you’re onboard, and you can also explore Roosevelt Island once you reach the other side too!
For me, this is just one of those cute, but random, mini-adventures you can go on within the city. It’s so fun, the views are great, and it doesn’t cost much either.
Visit South Street Seaport and Pier 17
Our next suggestion for fun things to do in NYC for couples, it’s visiting South Street Seaport and Pier 17!
This area of NYC is often overlooked (as it’s not the easiest to reach), but it’s so lovely, and I don’t want you to miss out!
South Street Seaport has a beautiful market hall full of wonderful food retailers (this is our favorite reason to visit the area!), but there’s also lots of amazing restaurants, cafes, and also some insane views over the Brooklyn Bridge and Downtown skyline too.
On top of that, there are stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge too (so you can grab some great photos together!).
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.
Read more NYC recommendations: 40 things to do on the Upper East Side, NYC
Have a spa day
My favorite 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, and one of the most unique.
Watch a show
Next up, it’s booking yourselves some tickets, and watching a Broadway 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.
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.
Read more NYC: Wondering what to wear to a Broadway Show? Here’s my guide!
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. Now this is only suitable for certain couples, but if you’re up for it, this could be a lot of fun.
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 an excuse to hold hands and 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).
Get lost inside Phillip Williams’ Posters
Next on our list, it’s visiting the iconic Phillip Williams’ Posters store.
You probably haven’t heard of this place, and truth be told, it’s one of my hidden gems in NYC.
This is a great option for things to do in NYC for couples, especially for the arty couples who love design and graphic prints.
It’s totally free to take a look around, and it’s such an overwhelming collection of vintage prints and posters. It’s magic really!
If you and your other half live together, a really gorgeous activity here is picking out a poster to take home and hang in your home. It’s like a souvenir of your trip – but way better than your average souvenir!
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.
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
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 favorite places in the city where discovered this way.
A perfect option for a sunny day.
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.
The Ghost Buster fire station or the Friends apartment building is a classic choice. 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 spending time together in NYC. Here are some quick-fire locations and addresses:
- Ghostbusters Headquarters: 14 N Moore St, New York, NY 10013, United States
- Friends Apartment Building: 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014, USA
- Carrie’s Apartment from SATC: 245 E 73rd St, New York, NY 10021, United States
- Read more about NYC: 22 famous NYC filming locations!
Take a stroll around Little Island
Little Island Park is one of my new favorite places to take a walk in NYC. I even prefer it to the Highline Park.
I first discovered this place about 6 months ago, and it’s now one of my must-see locations everytime I visit the city. It’s just so charming, unique and lovely.
This little man-made park is located on the west side of the riverfront, near the southern High Line entrance.
It’s not the biggest park in NYC, but it’s certainly one of the most unique and most interesting, and it’s a gorgeous place for a relaxed stroll on a sunny day.
There are beautiful views from Little Island, and some really interesting walkways and educational areas too! It’s also a great place to grab some selfies together!
Read more NYC recommendations: Our guide to visiting the famous floating island in NYC
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.
Visit Coney Island / Luna Park
Next on our list of things to do in NYC for couples, it’s visiting Coney Island and Luna Park. Especially if you in the city during the summer months!
Coney Island is such a fun day out from NYC, and it’s actually pretty easy to reach on the subway.
This is a day that’s going to be full of all that cheesy nostalgia and fun, including arcade games, rollercoasters, and hotdogs on the beach.
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 could be better 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 curious things to do together.
If you’re up for exploring somewhere a bit weird, and learning some whacky and wonderful stuff about he city, then this is one for you.
Here are some of the strangest museums you could check out:
- Museum of Sex: 233 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Museum of Mathematics: 11 E 26th St, New York, NY 10010, United States
- AKC Museum of the Dog: 101 Park Ave, New York, NY 10178, United States
Seriously, go digging for weird museums and I think you’ll find a few bizarre ways to spend a few hours!
Go thrift shopping
Another great way to spend time together, is by thrift shopping.
There are so many cute thrift shops in NYC, big and small! And shopping together and hunting out amazing bargains, is such a fun choice for things to do in NYC for couples!
Why not try and find each other an outfit for under $50?
Or challenge yourselves to find the weirdest t-shirt?
Or try and pick out the silliest outfit you can find?
Grab a bagel at Sadelle’s
If you want a truly New York experience, then you have to add Sadelles to your list of places to eat together.
Sadelle’s is an NYC institution, and it oozes that old-school New York City vibe. And guess what they’re best known for? Bagels of course!
Grabbing bagels together at Sadelles is must-do for things to do in NYC for couples! You’ll both love it!
Visit the Skylark for cocktails
Visiting the Skylark rooftop bar for cocktails is always one of my favorite ways to spend an evening.
You can’t beat this place for city views, tasty cocktails and great vibes!
There are the most stunning views over the Empire State Building, and Midtown in general, and I love the music too.
Visit one of the city’s many farmer’s markets
NYC has many gorgeous farmers markets, so that’s next on our list of romantic things to do in NYC for couples.
We love exploring local farmer’s markets, there’s just something so wholesome and lovely about meeting local people and buying local produce.
One of the markets we stumble across most in NYC, is the Union Square market – which is especially lovely during fall and autumn!
Here are some other useful blog posts I have written about NYC, that might be useful during your trip!
The best ways to view the Statue of Liberty
Famous restaurants in NYC from movies and TV shows
The best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC
The best art galleries in Chelsea, NYC
