New York City: the city of hecticness, dirty subways, overbearing smells of urine and other bodily fluids… And also the city of lights, opportunities, dreams, and brotherhood. NYC undoubtedly wears many different masks and I believe that’s what draws so many people to it, whether they be Bostonian neighbours or Japanese foreigners!
When visiting America’s city, it is up to you to make it the trip you want it to be. With the myriad of things to do and experiences to live, you can make your trip as chill as visiting Brooklyn’s Biggie mural or as lavish as walking along Manhattan’s Billionaire’s Row.
That said, if you’re familiar with the Moons & Roses blog, you most likely know by now that my personal travel style leans more toward the luxury, ambient side!
Today, I’ll be sharing with you the best spots in the city for a charming night (or day) with your significant other. Whatever your ideal date looks like, you’ll be sure to find your cup o’ tea among these 27 romantic places in NYC!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that if you click through & make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. These are all companies/websites I highly recommend. Thank you for your support!
Table of Contents
Dining
1. Breakfast or Afternoon Tea at:
Angelina Paris
Originally from Paris, this renowned establishment is now the go-to teahouse in NYC for anyone in search of the daintiest macarons, croissants, and vibes. Their extensive menu is sure to please all taste buds – it sure did for me anyway!
Click here for their website
Traveller’s tip: Midtown is where you’ll find most of *the* places to be in Manhattan! As my friends and I did on our last trip to NYC, we made sure to book a hotel right in the center of it all, so as to reduce our time riding the subway (where we got scarred for life… but that’s a story for another day)!
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown | $$ | Mon-Fri: 8am – 8pm |
| Sat-Sun: 9am – 7pm |
The Plaza Hotel’s Palm Court
James Bond meets Emily Post. That’s the ambiance you get at the NYC Palm Court. Revive your five senses by experiencing a luxurious tea party with your date at the iconic Plaza Hotel.
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown East | $$$$ | Daily 10:30am – 5pm |
2. Panorama Room Rooftop Bar
Overlooking the East River, the panoramic view at this rooftop lounge speaks for itself. Just look how enchanting!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Roosevelt Island | $$$ | Wed-Thurs: 5pm – 12am Friday: 3pm – 2am |
| Sat: 12pm – 2am Sun: 12pm-12am Mon-Tue Closed |
3. La Grande Boucherie
Another one of my favourite French restaurants in NYC, La Grande Boucherie never fails to satisfy their diners – from the welcoming service to their delicious meals. Good times guaranteed!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown | $$$ | Mon, Tue, Thur, & Fri: 11am – 12am |
| Wed: 11am – 11pm Sat-Sun: 10am – 12am |
4. One if by Land, Two if by Sea
An intimate, candlelit ambiance complete with live piano music. As one of the most popular romantic places in NYC, this fine dining establishment is truly worth swooning over.
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Greenwich Village | $$$$ | Tue, Wed, Thur, & Sun: 5pm – 10pm |
| Fri-Sat: 5pm – 10:30pm Monday Closed |
5. The terraces at:
Cathédrale
We’re only at #5 on this list, yet this spot is already our third French restaurant. No wonder they call Paris the city of love… Just look at the gorgeous interiors of the Cathédrale – romantic vibes all over the place! And if dimly lit environments aren’t quite your thing, you can head to their just-as-lovely terrace.
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| East Village | $$$ | Tue-Fri: 5pm – 12am Monday Closed |
| Sat: 11:30am – 3:30pm & 5pm – 12am Sun: 11:30am – 3:30pm |
The Beekman Hotel’s Temple Court
Immerse yourself in a charming experience inside this intimate patio with an enchanted-forest mood. P.S: The terrace at Temple Court is one of the more hidden spots among other mentioned dining establishments!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | $$$$ | Tue-Sat: 5:30pm – 10pm |
| Sunday & Monday Closed |
6. Michelin-Star Ai Fiori
I believe everyone should try a Michelin Star restaurant at least once in their lifetime (if within their means). And what better way to do it than accompanied by your significant other, in one of the fanciest romantic places in NYC?
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown | $$$$ | Various times |
| For hours, click here |
Outdoors
7. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
For a relaxing outing in nature, spend the day strolling around the beautiful gardens of Brooklyn with your date by your side.
Click here for their website
| Location | Price | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Central Brooklyn | Adults: 18$ | Tue: 10am – 8:30pm Monday Closed |
| Student (ID): 12$ | Thur: 8am – 8:15pm Fri-Sun: 8am – 6pm |
8. Time Out Market
More than a food hall, the Time Out Market is the place to be for a chill, sunny day filled with great food, drinks, and cultural events. And let’s not forget its ideal location that offers gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline!
Click here for their website
9. MET Cloisters
If you ever feel like taking a break from the city’s hustle and bustle (which we probably all do at some point), take a stroll down the MET’s second location – the Cloisters. Possibly one of the most romantic places in NYC for some outdoor time, its medieval European architecture is sure to transport you into a fairy tale from the Middle Ages!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Heights | Adults: 25$ | Thur-Tue: 10am – 5pm |
| Student (ID): 12$ | Wednesday Closed |
10. Nighttime River Cruise
In the mood for a rom-com kind of date night? Look no further than a nighttime river cruise along the Hudson. With a handful of companies offering boat ride services, your options for the perfect cruise are a great many!
For a list of cruise providers, click here.
11. Elevated Acre
Considered a hidden spot, the Elevated Acre sure counts as one of the more secluded romantic places in NYC. Come here for a tranquil date surrounded by greenery and some (much needed) fresher air than Times Square. It’s the perfect place in the city to enjoy takeout with your significant other, 40 feet above the streets of Manhattan.
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Financial District | Free | Daily 7am – 10pm |
12. Roller Skating at:
The Runway Rink
As opposed to the two other skating rink options mentioned below, the Runway Rink at JFK Airport is a lesser-known, “secret” rink that’s ideal for a fun date!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Queens | Adult: 20$ / session | Friday: 4pm – 8pm |
| Skate rental included | Sat-Sun: 12pm – 8pm |
Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace at Rockefeller Center
Not much needs to be said about the rink at Rockefeller, as even the most novice traveller has heard of this famous skating rink. However, it is most commonly known for catering to ice skaters during the winter months. So if you’re looking to roller skate at the Rockefeller, visit their website to make note of their limited spring/summer schedule.
Click here for their website
| Location | Price | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown | Adult: 20$ | Mon-Wed: 10am – 10pm Thur-Fri: 10am- 12am |
| Skate rental: 10$ | Sat: 8am – 12am Sun: 8am – 10pm |
The DiscOasis at Central Park’s Wollman Rink
Another popular destination for both ice and roller skaters, the Wollman Rink in Central Park can’t be left out of the list of the most romantic places in NYC! It’s open for a limited time so make sure to check out the rink’s website for more information.
Museums
13. Date night at the MET
Make the most out of your visit to the famous MET museum by attending their lovely Date Night events. Held on Friday and Saturday evenings during the Spring season, this new experience offers live music and light refreshments to its guests for an even more fun time at the MET!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Upper East Side | Adult: 25$ Student (ID): 12$ | Tue, Thur, & Sun: 10am – 5pm Wednesday Closed |
| NY residents: Pay as you wish | Fri-Sat: 10am – 9pm |
14. Morgan Library
Ever dreamed of visiting the Hogwarts Library? Well, while that may not be a real-life possibility, you can be sure to get a taste of it at the Morgan Library. With its gorgeous Victorian look, this personal library turned museum houses rare books, drawings, manuscripts, and much more!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Murray Hill | Adult: 22$ | Tue-Thur & Weekends: 10:30am – 5pm |
| Student (ID): 13$ | Fri: 10:30am – 7pm Monday Closed |
Where to stay in New York City: I personally use TripAdvisor to book hotels. I find it gives me the best prices as it scans all booking websites – plus it’s super reliable!
Check availability!
15. More museums that are actually worth your time
MoMA
For all the aficionados of contemporary art out there, the Museum of Modern Art is the ultimate option for a date filled with creativity, inspiration, and fun gallery chats!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown | Adult: 25$ | Sun-Fri: 10:30am – 5:30pm |
| Student (ID): 14$ | Sat: 10:30am – 7pm |
Whitney Museum
Another great choice for modern art enthusiasts, the Whitney Museum provides a wonderful visitor experience with its mesmerizing pieces – which focus mainly on American art.
Click here for their website
| Location | Price | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| West Village | Adult: 18$ Pay as you wish on Fridays (7-10pm) | Mon, Wed, & Thur: 10:30am – 6pm Tuesday Closed Fri: 10:30am – 10pm |
| Sat-Sun: 11am – 6pm |
American Museum of National History
Whether you’re a fan of natural science or not, the AMNH is a must-see spot for any traveller out there! No trip to New York City is complete without a visit to this very amusing museum!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Upper West Side | Adult: 23$ Student (ID): 18$ | Monday & Tuesday Closed Wed-Sun: 10am – 5:30pm |
| NY residents: Pay as you wish |
Live Shows & Events
16. Broadway
Another must-see in NYC, Broadway shows are perfect for a romantic evening with your date. Choices are countless at Broadway theatres as new shows are added every season, running alongside the performances that are year-round.
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Multiple theatres across the city | 20$ – 200$ |
17. A night at the Opera (or Ballet)
Metropolitan Opera
If you’re feeling fancy and up for an elegant evening, then the Metropolitan Opera is the place for you. Enjoy a gracious night at the Opera with your significant other at one of the most romantic places in NYC!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Upper West Side, in the Lincoln Center | $$ – $$$$ |
New York City Ballet
Similar to the Opera, the New York City Ballet offers an enchanting experience to those who enjoy more refined activities and dance shows.
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Upper West Side, in the Lincoln Center | $$ – $$$$ |
18. Jazz Bars
Blue Note
As one of the most famous jazz clubs in the city, Blue Note is a sure-fire destination for indulging in a sumptuous meal whilst listening to live music. The establishment has seen the likes of Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder perform on its stage.
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Greenwich Village | $$$ | Daily 6pm – 12am |
The Carlyle Hotel’s Bemelmans Bar
As the city’s premier luxury hotel – who’s accommodated A-listers such as Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and Princess Diana – it’s no wonder that a visit to its exclusive bar is most likely ignored by the average NYC tourist. But that’s what makes it the perfect secret spot for a charming night surrounded by live music and an alluring ambiance!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Upper East Side | $$$ | Tue-Thur: 12pm – 12:30am Fri-Sat: 12pm – 1am |
| Sun-Mon: 12pm – 12am |
19. Backyard at Hudson Yards
This summer, Backyard at Hudson Yards – which consists of events such as outdoor fitness classes, various dining options, movie screenings, tournaments, and more – is back with a bang: a new series of free live outdoor concerts will take place every Wednesday as of June 1st!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hudson Yards | Free | Wednesdays at 6pm |
| From June 1 to August 3 |
20. Candlelight Concert
You can’t get more in the mood than listening to live classical music in a candlelit room! Held in some of the most iconic venues in the city, The Candlelight Concerts are undoubtedly the shows you’ll want to attend for an intimate, picturesque evening with your loved one as you set foot in the most romantic places in NYC!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Various locations across the city | 25$ – 75$ |
21. The Rose Room
Hidden behind a bar in Midtown, The Rose Room is an acclaimed queer circus and variety nightclub. Go there to experience an enchanting night filled with world-class entertainment, magic, cabaret and award-winning cocktails!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Theatre Disctrict | $$$ |
Attractions
22. Hayden Planetarium
One thing you certainly can’t do in a big city like New York is observe the starry night sky… except for one place where you can. Located inside the AMNH mentioned earlier in this article, The Hayden Planetarium has some of the most invigorating exhibitions to see on a date in NYC! The “space expeditions” are around 25 minutes long.
Click here for their website
| Location | Price | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Central Park West | Add-on to AMNH ticket (23$) | Wed-Sun: 10am – 5:30pm |
| of around 5$. Total of 28$ | Monday & Tuesday Closed |
23. Observation Decks
Summit One Vanderbilt
Take your visit to the observation deck to the next level by looking down at the city through glass walls! Because we all need a change from The Rockefeller from time to time.
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown | 39$ – 83$ | Wed-Thur: 9am – 10:30pm Fri-Sat: 9am – 12am |
| Sun-Mon: 9am – 9pm Tuesday Closed |
Empire State Building
The iconic Empire State Building is iconic for a reason: the views from its observation deck are impeccable and needless to say, a bucket list classic!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown | 44$ – 92$ | Mon-Thur: 11am – 11pm |
| Fri-Sun: 9am – 12am |
24. Helicopter Ride
If you and your date happen to be thrill-seeking adventurers, then a helicopter ride over Manhattan is the thing to do! Sightseeing from 1500ft above ground certainly sounds like an unforgettable date.
For a list of helicopter ride providers, click here.
Bonus: Romantic Places in NYC During Winter Season
25. The Rockettes show at Radio City
The world-renowned 97-year-old dance crew lights up the Radio City stage every year during the holiday season as part of their Christmas Spectacular. An iconic New York City tradition not to be missed!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Midtown | $$-$$$ |
26. Rockefeller’s Skating Rink
Another famous winter destination in the heart of NYC, a skating session around the Rockefeller Rink should for sure be on every couple’s to-do list!
Click here for their website
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown | Adult: 20$ – 54$ | Daily: 9am – 12am |
27. Heated igloos at:
Heated igloos in the cold NYC winter are probably the most intimate – yet fun – chilling spots in the city! Below are a few romantic places in NYC where you can enjoy warm drinks and comfort food with your significant other while nestled in a cozy dome.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
| Location | Midtown |
| Price Range | $$ |
| Hours | Mon-Thur: 2pm – 1am, Fri: 2pm – 4am |
| Sat: 11am – 4am, Sun: 11am – 1am |
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown South | 250-500$ / igloo | Daily 8am – 10pm |
| Includes food & drinks | With special holiday hours |
Somewhere Nowhere Rooftop Bar
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | $$ – $$$ | Varying times. Click here for hours |
The Greens Rooftop at Pier 17
| Location | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| South Street Seaport | $$ | Sun-Wed: 12pm – 10pm |
| Thur-Sat: 12pm – 1am |
Closing words
That’s all from me today, folks! Hoping that you found what you were looking for – or simply that these ideas inspired you – I wish you a lovely time on your date!
For more travel posts for women, check out these airport outfit tips. And if you don’t have your stay booked yet, visit TripAdvisor to browse through all that New York City has to offer!
Thanks for reading and until next time,
xx
Palo
Great list for a romantic NYC date night!
I love NYC and try to go a few times per year. Great recommendations for fun places to experience. I love your rooftop bar recs.
What a great assortment of ideas! The MET cloisters look so elegant and serene.
I love how detailed this article is! And I found a lot of new things that I haven’t heard before, so you truly know all the gems of NYC! Well done!
What a wonderful guide! I’d love some romantic time in a heated igloo, or wouldn’t mind a helicopter ride over one of the most iconic cities either 🙂
This post made me miss NYC! Loved the Morgan Library.