Looking to take your loved one on a date in Manhattan, but not sure where to go? We’ve made things easy for you by putting together a list of our favorites.
Manhattan’s known worldwide for its theaters, historical landmarks and artistic centers. If you’re looking to take your loved one on a special date in the borough, read on to discover our favorite date spots in Manhattan.
Top of our list is, of course, Swingers NoMad. The perfect place to catch up with your significant other, enjoy some delicious food and drink, and challenge them to a friendly competition on the mini golf course.
The 1920s art deco-themed decor provides the perfect backdrop for capturing photos of the date, especially if you take them near the course landmarks, such as the water wheel or the windmill.
The Weekend Set offers the chance to indulge in bottomless drink offerings, from five flavors of bellinis to the frost delay Margarita, enjoy gourmet street food including tacos and pizza, as well as unlimited tee offs so you can really make a day of it.
Credit: The Dakota Bar
For a romantic date night, you can’t go wrong with Italian food! The Dakota Bar curates an exceptional dining experience for your romantic endeavors, with everything from thin crust pizzas and cheese boards to entrées and pasta dishes.
CBS have noted the spot as one of the three best bars on the upper west-side, highlighting the shareable menu options as a particular must-have – perfect for a date! Celebrities such as Kristen Stewart, Laura Dern, and Michelle Williams have also been spotted frequenting the location.
If you’re looking to take things up a notch, visit during their happy hour on weekdays from 3-6PM.
Credit: We Heart
Bringing cozy vibes and an intimate setting, Penrose Bar is a top choice for a romantic date.
Thrillist notes Penrose Bar as one of the best first-date bars in NYC, and we can see why! Whether you’re popping in for a drink, or staying for dinner, Penrose Bar has some great options to choose from. Share some bang bang shrimp, treat yourself to sizzling steak fajitas, or indulge in their super cheesy mac & cheese.
Visit on a Sunday for some jazz music from their live band – the perfect way to end the weekend.
Credit: NYC Tourism
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment truly embraces Victorian eccentricity, with elaborately decorated walls and ceilings that change with the seasons. The decor and ambiance are absolutely the star of the show at this establishment, which boasts stunning wooden carvings and artifacts sourced from the ballroom of a 19th-century Northern Ireland mansion.
Don’t let your surroundings distract you from the menu offerings – get into the eclectic spirit with a sangria drunk from a tea set, share an afternoon tea, or enjoy food from the dinner menu inspired by traditional dishes from across the pond – chicken pot pie, fish and chips, and grilled harissa lamb chops are just some of the choices.
Visiting Lillie’s for your date will certainly be a memorable occasion – you’ll want to pop back every season to see the changing decorations!
Credit: Little Ned
You can find Little Ned inside The Ned Hotel – an intimate cocktail bar, perfect for date nights.
Finished in luxurious 1920s style furnishings, the Little Ned provides elevated surroundings, so you can sip on cocktails and chat to your date in a premium environment.
In addition to its extensive cocktail list, there are also cocktail fountains available, so you can settle into the evening, undisturbed by drink top-ups.
Credit: The Gold Room
For a date night filled with glamor, head to the Gold Room, situated within the Lotte New York Palace Hotel.
Indulge in their cocktails, while also learning more about where the cocktail recipes originated, with the lengthy and educational bar menu. If you get hungry, the Gold Room offers a delicious menu catered by Executive Chef Cedric Tovar, featuring black truffle frites, tuna tartare, and Villard Sliders (named after the mansion that the Lotte New York Palace Hotel occupies.
Credit: US News Travel
The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan.
If you’re looking to get out and about on your date, take a walk through the High Line. At just 2 miles long, it’s not a lengthy tiring walk, and there’s lots to see from the elevated perspective.
Promenade down the once elevated railroad, now green space dotted with art installations, taking in the bustling streets below.
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Located right in the heart of Central Park, Central Park BoatHouse is the ideal location for a day date.
Stop off for a bite to eat – the menu offering changes throughout the day, catering to brunch, lunch and dinner.
From here, you could opt to rent a rowboat and enjoy the relaxed, serene surroundings in each other’s company.
Credit: Expedia
There’s no other way to see Manhattan than from the air. The perfect romantic setting, a helicopter tour of Manhattan is sure to leave you both on cloud nine.
Get a new perspective on NYC as you soar over the local landmarks that you might otherwise take advantage of in the everyday. Being an eye in the sky is a great way to bond with your date. Spend some time trying to spot locations that are significant to you both – where you live, where you met, or your favorite spots in the area.
The setting allows you to be as chatty or quiet as you like, so whether you’re in a newer relationship and have some nerves, or are looking for something exciting to do as a couple to take you out of the humdrum of daily life, a helicopter tour is certainly something special to do together.
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For the artistic couple, take a stroll around the latest exhibits at the Guggenheim – an artistic and architectural hotspot designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (considered the greatest American architect of all time).
Learn each other’s tastes and discuss your favorite pieces of art – here’s some of the upcoming exhibitions:
By Way Of: Material and Motion in the Guggenheim Collection (March 15, 2024–January 12, 2025): This exhibition explores how artists moved beyond traditional studio practices and materials to reinvigorate art with “extramural” modes of working.
Thannhauser Collection (Ongoing): Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and modern French masterpieces from the Guggenheim’s collection, including works by Degas, Manet, Van Gogh, and more.
Jenny Holzer: Light Line (May 17–September 29, 2024): Jenny Holzer: Light Line will present a new manifestation of an iconic LED sign, activating the building with her pioneering use of the written word.
Credit: Virgin
The Virgin Hotel in NYC provides a number of date options, so you can tailor it to however you want your date to be.
If you’re looking for a sit-down dinner, the hotel’s restaurant, Everdene, can be found on the third floor. Here, you can dine on fragrant salmon Thai curry, branzino, and filet mignon (among other options), alongside sweeping views of the city.
For a much more relaxed affair, head on up to the rooftop pool (you’ll need to make a reservation!). Make the most of the warmer weather and fill your day with lounging, cocktails, and summer tunes, alongside your loved one. Sometimes a day of rest and recuperation is just the thing you need as a couple!
We’ve already highlighted the top first date spots and Valentine’s Day dates in NYC – check those out if you need more inspo!
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