Going on a first date is exciting! But choosing an activity can be stressful. Especially in a place like New York, where there are infinite options for what you could do.
We’re here to help! We’ve narrowed down the options and made a list of 25 first date ideas in NYC with something for every season and every budget.
Keep reading to get some first date ideas in NYC.
1. Museum
Museums are the perfect setting for a first date – there’s no pressure to talk every minute of your date and you can enjoy beautiful art.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a classic option for a first date. If you prefer modern or contemporary art, check out the Whitney, Guggenheim, MoMa, or The New Museum.
2. Walk in Central Park
What’s more New York than a walk through Central Park? You can easily spend hours strolling, picnicking, or people-watching with your date. The Mall and Literary Walk is the perfect place to take a long stroll. Or head to Sheep’s Meadow for your picnic.
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3. Ice Skating in Central Park
And if you’re looking for a first date idea in NYC during the winter, add Central Park ice skating to your list! It’s a fun activity and if you’ve never skated before, will give you the chance to learn a new skill with your date.
4. Jazz Club
Sit back and enjoy some jazzy tunes. There are so many great jazz clubs in New York where you can hear amazing live music. Some trusty spots that never disappoint are Village Vanguard, Smalls, and Blue Jazz.
5. Volunteer
Regardless of how your date goes, you’ll always feel good about doing a kind thing. It might not be everybody’s preference for a first date, but volunteering is a great way to get to know somebody and give back to your local community together.
6. Wine Tasting
Take your date to The Red Hook Winery, which is, hands down, the best winery in New York City. Here you can taste all of the best wines from New York vineyards while enjoying views of the Statue of Liberty.
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7. Broadway Show
Going to a Broadway show is a classic New York first-date experience. Of course, there are headline shows like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Lion King, and Hamilton, but there are a lot of incredible smaller shows too. Check out TodayTix and the TKTS booth in Times Square for affordable tickets.
8. Smorgasburg
Here’s a fun summertime first date idea in NYC. Head to Smorgasburg and eat your way through the food stands. You’ll taste food from all corners of the world, like Southern barbeque, Canadian duck poutine, French pastries, Vietnamese noodles, Colombian empanadas, and New England lobster rolls.
Smorgasburg takes place every weekend during the spring and summer months – Fridays in Financial District, Saturdays in Williamsburg, and Sundays at Prospect Park.
9. Sunset Sail
A sunset sail is a foolproof first date idea in NYC. There’s nothing more breathtaking than taking in the dazzling skyline under the setting sun.
10. Dinner at St. Jardim
St. Jardim in West Village is an inviting neighborhood spot that’s the perfect spot for a first date. It’s relaxed, the food is fancy in an understated way, and they have a great drinks menu – the recipe for a perfect date night if you ask us. Call ahead and reserve the window seat, it’s the best seat in the house!
11. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
No matter how many tourists there may be, a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge never gets old. Experience this magical New York moment with your date. Bonus points if you go during sunset!
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12. Comedy Show
If you’re feeling nervous about your first date, a comedy show will warm things up. And in NYC, you have incredible choices. Comedy Cellar is a personal favorite, just be sure to get there early!
13. Watch a Movie
Catch a movie with your date!
During the summertime, we love an outdoor movie at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Come early and grab dinner and drinks at the food truck and watch the sunset before the movie starts.
During the winter, we love Angelika for indie and foreign films. Or check out IPIC for comfy reclining seats and food delivered to your seat!
14. Pottery Class
We love a date that revolves around a new experience or skill. And Mugi Pottery hosts a hand-building pottery class for couples!
15. Take a Helicopter Tour
If you really want to impress your date, take them on a helicopter ride above NYC. At $100-$200 per person, it’s a pricey first date but definitely a winning choice if you’re looking for something really special and memorable.
16. Bookstore
They say that you can tell a lot about the books somebody reads. If your date is into books, head to a bookstore to browse through books together. The Strand is a perfect bookstore to get lost in but if you’re looking for something smaller, check out Three Lives & Company in the West Village or Books are Magic in Brooklyn.
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17. Dinner at Peak
Enjoy dinner with a view. Located on the 101st floor of a Hudson Yards skyscraper, Peak offers amazing panoramic views of the city. After you’ve had your meal, head out to the Edge, the highest outdoor observation deck on the Western Hemisphere, which restaurant guests have free access too.
18. Kayaking
Did you know you can go kayaking in Manhattan for free? This is a great free date idea to keep in mind for warmer months. Get out on the Hudson at Pier 26 and paddle along the river with your date.
19. Cooking Class
Roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Taking a cooking class is a great first date idea because it gives you something to do together, and in the end, you get to enjoy a tasty meal you’ve prepared together. We love Eataly cooking classes where you can learn to make your own pasta or pizza or just enjoy a wine and cheese tasting.
20. Tea Shop
Cozy up in a tea shop with your date. Paquita in the West Village is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. After your tea, take a stroll through the charming neighborhood.
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21. New York Aquarium
Did you know there’s an aquarium in New York City? Check out over 500 species of wildlife at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island. After the aquarium, grab some hot dogs and walk the boardwalk.
22. Botanic Garden
We get it, there’s not much nature in NYC but if you’re looking for a quiet escape, head to a botanic garden. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has an amazing cherry blossom festival during the spring months.
Or head to the New York Botanical Garden where you could easily spend an entire day exploring all of the flowers, plants, trees, and even hiking trails.
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23. Rock Climbing
Are you down for an adventurous first date? Try rock climbing with your date at The Cliffs in Long Island City. This is perfect for climbers of every level. If you’ve never climbed, there are introductory classes available. But if you’ve climbed before, you’ll be happy to know there are 1400+ climbing routes to explore here!
24. Get Above the City
It’s not often New Yorkers take the time to visit an observation deck but a first date is a great occasion.
Check out One World Observatory for views of Manhattan and Brooklyn, the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock for amazing Manhattan views, or the Edge for an outdoor experience.
25. Eat Fondue
Enjoy some delicious fondue with your date at Lavaux. This is a great first date idea in NYC during the winter time. This rustic restaurant feels more like a Scandinavian ski lodge than it does a Manhattan restaurant. Enjoy a spread of vegetables, meats, and cheeses to dip in perfectly melted cheese. Yum!
26. Gallery Hopping
Gallery hopping is a great first date idea in NYC to keep up your sleeve. It’s free and makes you look super sophisticated. Chelsea is the place to be for galleries. The exhibits are always rotating but you’ll be sure to find cool and exciting art.
And that’s our list of fun first date ideas in NYC. Share your best first date experiences below!