Everyone knows that first impressions count. When you’re going on a first date, the location or activity can be just as important as your talk. Fortunately, if you’re dating in the Big Apple, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing places to visit together.
As professional matchmakers operating here for years, we know exactly where the best places to visit in New York are for impressive first dates. Whether it’s a stroll through a park or a cocktail at the trendiest rooftop bars, this handpicked list will give you fantastic first-date inspiration.
The Best Places to Visit in NYC for Unique First Dates
These are the top 10 places to visit in New York for an incredible first date, organized by the kind of experience you want to create:
Beautiful Places to Visit in New York
1. See the Sunset From a Helicopter
What could be more beautiful than seeing the whole of New York from above? Witness a spectacular sunset over the most iconic city skyline in the world from high in the air on one Liberty Helicopter’s city tours. Cozying up together while you soar through the sky past world-famous landmarks is a thrilling ice breaker. Opt for a night ride to see The City That Never Sleeps light up with twinkling magic.
2. Wonder at the Planetarium at Hudson River Museum
Gazing at the stars together is one of the most romantic things you can do, setting the mood for dates to come. The immersive shows at the Planetarium in the Hudson River Museum will take you to a magical world together making for a memorable date.
3. Find the Hidden Pomander Walk
Right in the heart of the city is a surprising slice of Olde England enchantment in Pomander Walk. Located between Broadway and West End Avenue on the Upper West Side, it makes a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the skyscrapers and busy streets. Get a coffee together and wander down the quaint historical houses as you get to know each other.
Fun Places to Visit in New York
4. Explore the Hudson by Kayak
Feeling adventurous? Get the blood pumping and the conversation flowing with a kayak exploration from Downtown Boathouse. It’s a unique date idea that’s sure to make a great first impression, showing you have a playful spirit and are willing to try new things.
5. Bond Over Board Games at e’s Bar
Good food, cocktails and games – the perfect mixture for a fun first date. At e’s BAR you’ll find a huge range of games that provide a lively ice breaker and somewhere you can spend the whole day together.
6. See a Show Together
A night out at the theater, whether broadway or otherwise, is a showstopping first date. New York City has a world-class selection of shows year-round. Treat your date to dinner before or after to really impress.
Best Places to Visit in New York at Night
7. Sip on Some Incredible Cocktails
There are many exceptional cocktail bars in New York, but Death and Co. in East Village is one of the best. Hidden behind an understated wooden door, this luxury joint has one of the most impressive drinks menus in the world, let alone New York. With both classic cocktails and some seriously inventive ones, too, this is a sumptuous evening date idea in NYC.
8. Venture on a Nightime Walking Tour
If you’re tired of going for drinks on first dates, why not mix it up with a nighttime stroll? There is an array of interesting free walking tours of NYC that you can do self-guided together, touring spots like Midtown Manhattan or even famous ghost spots if you’re feeling brave – the latter could provide the perfect conditions to get close to each other. You could even find amazing places to visit in New York yourself and make your own tour together, unique to you.
9. Dine High in the Sky
With some seriously impressive skyscrapers, New York City has plenty of places to go to enjoy a view. The 5-star Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards boats an incredible restaurant atop the 24th floor: Electric Lemon. The view of the city below by night is simply breathtaking, and the incredibly decked-out interiors will impress, too. Advanced reservations are a must here, but it’s worth it for one of the most impressive first dinner dates you can go on! If you can’t get reservations, we have a guide to the most romantic restaurants in NYC that will ensure you’re not stuck for dinner ideas.
Make Your Date Seasonal!
Winter
The ice rink at Rockefeller Center is one of the best places to visit in New York at winter. One of NYC’s most celebrated attractions, it becomes a true wonderland around Christmas. Go for a traditional skating experience or reserve space in one of the center’s exclusive wintertime experiences for something a little more special.
Spring
Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful places to visit in New York in Spring. Go with your date to the exquisite Prospect Park, getting to know one another as your meander the stunning scenery. Bring a picnic and feel the romance blossoming like the spring flowers surrounding you.
Summer
A fantastic idea is going on a wine tasting experience together at Hamptons, just a short while away from Manhattan and an idyllic summer spot. We would recommend Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery, which has an exceptional waiting service and a fine selection of wines. You can explore the nearby seaside towns of the Hamptons, too, which offer many picturesque sights.
Fall
The iconic Central Park is an essential place to visit in New York during Fall, with the abundance of trees providing a glorious canopy of cascading autumnal colors that are just astonishing. Get a coffee together and wander amongst the blazing reds, oranges and yellows for a beautifully romantic Fall date.
Struggling to Find the Perfect Person to Share New York With?
Modern dating is never easy: endlessly swiping on apps, trying to spark conversations with people over messenger, the lack of time available. If you’re tired of the usual ways of securing first dates, let us help you with our award-winning matchmaking services. We take over all the organizational bother and make dating in New York easy.
You’ll get a dedicated matchmaking professional who will create a comprehensive personal profile for you that gets to the heart of who you really are. We then match you to other exceptional singles in our exclusive network that spans the globe and organize meet-ups for you. It’s hassle-free and backed by countless success stories.
Simply get in touch with our team to find out how we could transform your dating life and start your journey to a lasting relationship.
