Dating in New York City

The city that never sleeps, New York City is known for its rich cultural diversity, swanky nightlife, storied entertainment venues, and breathtaking skyline views. Having some of the top restaurants in the world doesn’t hurt its reputation either. The dating scene in New York is one of vibrancy, with myriad options for old and new couples alike. Though dating in New York can be an adventure, Seeking.com aims to make the journey a fun and memorable one.  Here are some of Seeking’s recommendations for where to go on a date in New York City.

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Best Entertainment Options for a Date in NYC

Top Restaurants in New York for Dating

Romantic Date Activities in New York City

NYC First Date Ideas for Every Season, Even That Cold One

Best Entertainment Options for a Date in NYC

Broadway, blurred
Broadway, blurred

Broadway

Broadway shows are the epitome of entertainment. Attending any one of the dozens of currently running performances is a surefire way to create a memorable experience between you and your date. The powerful stories, captivating music, and electric performances will not only immerse you in the city’s vibrant culture, it will leave a lasting impression.

Outside of Yankee Stadium
Outside of Yankee Stadium

Sporting Event

If you and your date are both sports fans, whatever your sport of choice, an amazing venue awaits. Grab courtside or rinkside tickets at Madison Square Garden for an unforgettable game experience. Check out a baseball game at the historic Yankee Stadium or the contemporary Citi Field. And don’t sleep on the variety of sporting events you can catch at Barclays Center either!

Outside of Carnegie Hall
Outside of Carnegie Hall

Live Music

New York has no shortage of incredible live music venues to enjoy with a date.  The legendary Carnegie Hall, Rolling Stone magazine’s #1-rated Best Club in America – The Bowery Room, and even the aforementioned Barclays Center are all excellent venues to catch a wide variety of musical headliners spanning many genres. We’re only scratching the surface of world-class options too.


Top Restaurants in New York for Dating

Directions to Per Se

Per Se
(Columbus Circle)

A classic French restaurant from renowned Chef Thomas Keller, Per Se boasts three Michelin stars and is an extravagant and intimate culinary experience overlooking scenic Central Park.

Directions to Eleven Madison Park

Eleven Madison Park
(Flatiron District)

The first vegan restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars, Eleven Madison Park offers peak plant-based fine dining set against the backdrop of the beautiful Madison Square Park.  

Directions to Olmsted

Olmsted
(Prospect Heights)

A unique neighborhood restaurant serving refined American food in Brooklyn, Olmsted features a garden where it grows many of the herbs and vegetables it uses in its ever-changing menu.

Directions to Daniel

Daniel
(Upper East Side)

Chef Daniel Boulud’s eponymous and iconic French restaurant Daniel has two Michelin stars, lauded service, and a strict dress code – be sure to bring a jacket to this Upper East Side landmark.

Directions to Casa Enrique

Casa Enrique
(Long Island City)

Serving up refined southern Mexican cuisine by Chef Cosme Aguilar, this Michelin-starred gem in Queens offers vibrant flavors, warm hospitality, and authentic dishes at an affordable price point.

Directions to Raines Law Room

Raines Law Room
(Chelsea)

A hidden speakeasy and craft cocktail bar, Raines Law Room offers an extensive array of expertly-arranged drinks set against a Prohibition-era ambiance. Just ring the doorbell for entry!


Romantic Date Activities in New York City

Autumn view of Central Park

Central Park

A timeless and iconic date spot, Central Park can’t be beaten when it comes to planning date activities in New York. Boasting 843 acres of green space, it would take all day to cover the extensive network of paths found throughout the park. For a date though, consider a long walk through some of the most scenic areas of the park, including the Bow Bridge, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary, or the North Meadow Butterfly Gardens. You could also plan a picnic on any of the amazing lawns found throughout the park.

New York City skyline from a rooftop

Rooftop Bars

The New York City skyline is gorgeous, so why gaze upon it with your date by your side and a drink in your hand? New York is filled with rooftop bars that offer exquisite cocktails, an intimate atmosphere, and breathtaking views of the city. At 100 stories tall, the highest rooftop bar in the city is The Edge sky deck at Hudson Yards, but for a more intimate date setting, we’d recommend something more like The Press Lounge at Ink48 or Gallow Green at The McKittrick Hotel.

Night time view from the High Line.

The High Line

Watching the sunset with a partner from the elevated pathway of the High Line is a truly New York experience. Amidst the buzz of the city, the verdant nature of the High Line, not to mention its great view of the Hudson, sets an idyllic atmosphere perfect for any date night in NYC.  With a total length of just under 1.5 miles, a “long walk on The High Line” isn’t too daunting, though we do suggest you take your time to gaze at the view of the city and the local artwork in addition to your date.

Fountain outside of The Met at night

Museums After Dark

New York City museums offer the chance to experience incredible art, culture, and history. After dark, many museums offer the same enriching experience, but with an intimate atmosphere and appropriate mood lighting that make for an ideal backdrop to a lovely date. The Met literally calls its after-dark experience “Date Night at the Met”. The Guggenheim, MoMA, The Whitney, and more of New York’s top museums all offer their own variations of after-hours events as well.


NYC First Date Ideas for Every Season

Even That Cold One

Spring 
Brooklyn Botanic Garden

If you and your date enjoy nature, there’s no better place to make a positive first impression than springtime at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. With the temperature warming and the garden in full bloom, you and your date can figuratively, but hopefully not literally, break the ice.  While on a first date at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, you can expect a serene atmosphere, plenty of natural beauty, and an excellent variety of exhibits and tours. Be sure to take your time and stop to smell the roses, there could be many more in your future.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Spring
Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Spring

Summer 
Governor’s Island

Fancy a summer adventure for a first date? Governor’s Island can feel a world away, but really it’s just a half-mile ferry ride from Brooklyn or Manhattan. Starting a meaningful conversation with your first date over a fun activity couldn’t be easier with plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, including biking, kayaking, or even mini-golf. There are also plenty of events and festivals in which to share a meaningful moment, so be sure to check the island’s event calendar before planning your first date excursion!

Governors Island in the Summer
Governors Island in the Summer

Fall
Ghost Tour

What better way to share a memorable autumn experience with a first date than by exploring Haunted New York City on a guided ghost tour? Ghost tours offer the chance to hear lesser-known and seedier stories about the city that are often left out of the more traditional history tours, and the fall ambiance only adds to the spooky experience. The stories you just learned about can be an entertaining topic of discussion between you and your date over a nice warm drink after the tour.

Gravestones at a cemetery in Autumn
Gravestones at a cemetery in Autumn

Winter
Ice Skating

If you’re willing to brave the cold, there’s no more time-tested first date opportunity in winter than ice skating. New York City has plentiful options when it comes to taking a date ice skating, though we would recommend discussing with your date whether you want to avoid the more popular rinks, such as the famous rink at Rockefeller Center. Regardless of your skill levels, an ice skating first date in New York creates a relaxed atmosphere that lends itself to learning more about your date naturally and playfully.

Wollman Rink at Central Park in Winter
Wollman Rink at Central Park in Winter

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