Best Spots for Date Nights in NYC

When traveling as a couple, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of big cities. Take some time to stop and smell the roses—or at least have a couple adventures or a romantic night out to celebrate your time together.

Next time you’re in New York, consider hitting up some of these unique spots for a special date night in the city.

Gallow Green

Rooftop bars are a popular way to spend an evening in New York, but one in particular offers a different kind of high-rise experience.

Gallow Green, located at the top of the McKittrick Hotel, is adorned with lush greenery, colorful tulips and decorative lights. Gallow Green has sweeping views of nearby skyscrapers, just like all of the other rooftop bars in the city, as well as delicious seasonal punches and cocktails.

Broadway

Head to Broadway Street to take in a variety of different musicals, comedies and dramas at one of the more than 40 Broadway theaters.

This year features a variety of plays, including “The Lion King,” “Sunset Boulevard,” “Kinky Boots,” “The Glass Menagerie,” “Phanton of the Opera” and, of course, the smash hit “Hamilton.” Buy discount Broadway tickets and spend the money you saved on ticket prices at dinner before the show.

Photo CC Richard Burger

The Water Table

Take to the water for an enchanting cruise zipping through the New York Harbor. The Water Table is a renovated Navy boat from World War II that now includes a floating tavern and an intimate place to enjoy dinner on the water.

Enjoy stunning views of the city skyline while sipping wine, beer or cocktails. The Water Table menu offers a fixed-price, three-course meal with a few different options for appetizers, entrees and desserts.

Toby’s Estate

Coffee enthusiasts can’t pass up a chance to visit Toby’s Estate. While a coffee shop may seem like a silly date idea for a couple traveling the Big Apple together, Toby’s Estate isn’t your standard coffee shop.

Stop by on Saturday morning for public cupping—another name for coffee tasting! Learn to assess a variety of different roasted coffees, focusing on things like aroma, flavor and brightness.

Mehanata

Going out dancing in the city is a fun way to spend a late night, but Mehanata takes it to a whole new level. This Bulgarian disco bar has earned a reputation for being loud and outrageous with a blend of funky Slavic beats, housemade vodka apple cider and a party bus for visitors to get out and ride around safely.

The bar is also home to the Ice Cage, where guests can take up to six shots in two minutes in a five-degree glass box. You know, to get the Russian vodka experience!

Ice Skating and Carriage Rides

One of the most romantic spots is Central Park in the wintertime. Strap on some ice skates and twirl around to pop songs under strings of lights.

This magical experience is the perfect way to spend an evening, especially since you can head to a nearby café to warm up with hot cocoa and a snack. Or, if you’re not too cold, take one of Central Park’s horse-drawn carriage rides through the snow.

Trapeze School New York

For a daring date night filled with adrenaline, visit the Trapeze School New York, where instructors will teach you the skills and techniques needed to take to the skies.

In addition to the flying trapeze, guests can experiment with aerial silks, trampolines, lyra hoops or the static trapeze. If you’ve never tried aerial activities, this is an exciting way to get your hearts racing in NYC.

Nitehawk Cinema

A night at the movies is always a great idea for date night, but New York—being a city of innovation and artistic ventures—offers a unique alternative.

Nitehawk Cinema does screen popular blockbusters, but they also have plenty of unique signature series, like Live Sound Cinema, where live bands perform music while silent films play, or Booze & Books, where screenings of books-turned-movies are accompanied by signings, sales and drinks.

Brooklyn Brewery

The Brooklyn Brewery is another spot that makes for a great date. Take your guy or gal on one of the brewery’s small-batch tours that discuss the company’s history and take visitors through the brewhouse and packing hall.

Included in the price of the tour is a four-beer guided tasting, but stick around afterward to try the rest of their popular craft beers.

Miette Culinary Studio

What better place to learn to cook than in the heart of New York’s Little Italy? Miette Culinary Studio offers a variety of cooking classes that are great for partners to partake in.

To learn new cooking techniques, recipes and confidence, register for one of the studio’s classes, which include creating an appetizer, an entrée and a desert. In addition to Italian, try your hand at Vietnamese, Mexican, Indian and more.