Romantic Things to Do in New York City for Couples

Plan the perfect couples’ getaway with my top 10 romantic things to do in New York, from skyline strolls and gondola rides to cocktails and stargazing.

If you are heading to New York with your lover and are looking for romantic things to do, I’ve got you covered. From sexy date night ideas to skyline strolls, stargazing and sunset chasing, there are magic moments all over Manhattan. So, if you’re looking for a loved-up getaway, here are some of the most romantic things to do in New York.

1. Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram

Manhattan skyline view from Roosevelt Island with the East River in the foreground. — Manhattan skyline as seen from Roosevelt Island

Ok. Hear me out. Riding the Roosevelt Tram is a great thing to do at night because of how quiet and peaceful it is. And sometimes it’s hard to find alone time in a big city like New York. The Roosevelt Island Tram is a four-minute aerial journey from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island across the East River. If your partner is a fan of Spiderman, they’ll recognise the tram from the 2002 movie; if you are a horror fan, it was also in the film Dark Water. During this slow cable car ride, you can enjoy spectacular views of Manhattan’s iconic skyline, the East River, and Roosevelt Island. And every time I’ve done this ride, I’ve been alone so that you can pack on the PDA!

Once on the island, follow the little pathway to the left, sit underneath the bridge and soak in those twinkling lights and the iconic skyline silhouetted on the river. I prefer to view the New York skyline from the river level for free than above on that sky-high viewing platform with matching sky-high prices. The entrance to the Roosevelt Island Tram is located at 2nd Avenue and 60th Street. You can stop off before or after at Serendipity 3, the restaurant famous for its whimsical decor and over-the-top desserts. Order a Frrrozen Hot Chocolate to share as you spot famous people, as it has a long history as a celebrity hotspot.

2. Whisper Sweet Nothings at Grand Central Terminal

Melanie May standing in the Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Terminal in New York City. — Melanie May at the Whispering Gallery

The Whispering Gallery is my favourite romantic thing to do in New York, and I bring everyone here to try it out. It’s super cute and quirky, and there’s something enduringly romantic about train stations. Grand Central Terminal is one of the most romantic of them all. It has plenty of romantic features, including its incredible celestial ceiling, but my favourite is the ‘whispering gallery’. You’ll find the whispering gallery on the lower ground floor where the walkways intersect. It’s right outside the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant.

Firstly, what you do is you both stand diagonally opposite each other in a corner of the arch. You then face away from each other and whisper sweet nothings through the tiles. The cool thing is, despite being in a crowded space, only you will hear what the other person says, even over the noise of crowds. It is a delightfully charming acoustic oddity in one of the most beautiful places in all of New York.

3. Row Row Row Your Boat in Central Park

Melanie May on Bow Bridge in Central Park on a sunny day. — Melanie May on Central Park’s Bow Bridge

Head to the Central Park Boathouse and rent a boat and row right into the heart of Conservatory Water and right into the heart of your loved one. If rowing your own boat sounds like too much effort, you can take a gondola ride instead and let someone else do all the hard work. On a gondola ride, you can both sit back, relax, and enjoy one of the most quintessential romantic things to do in New York. Get your camera ready as you get near Bow Bridge, as I think it is one of the prettiest parts of Central Park. The Bow Bridge is also an ideal spot to propose – hint, hint.

4. Enjoy a Picnic in Bryant Park

Bryant Park blanketed in snow with Christmas lights at night — Winter magic at Bryant Park

Pack a picnic and head to Bryant Park, a proper little green oasis tucked right into the middle of Midtown. In the warmer months, you can stretch out on the lawn, watch the world go by, and snack on whatever you’ve picked up from nearby delis or food carts. Come winter, the whole space transforms into the Bryant Park Winter Village, with fairy lights, a massive Christmas tree, and a bustling open-air market where you can shop for handmade gifts and warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine.

There’s even an old-school carousel that looks extra magical lit up at night, especially when it’s spinning away with the sound of Christmas music drifting through the air. The best bit? Towering skyscrapers surround you, so it feels like a tiny romantic hideaway dropped right in the middle of the big city. Whether you’re ice-skating, browsing the market stalls hand-in-hand, or just finding a bench to sit and soak it all in, Bryant Park is one of those places that always feels a little bit special.

5. Walk Hand in Hand Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Melanie May walking across the Brooklyn Bridge — That’s me crossing the Brooklyn Bridge

Walking and talking whilst holding hands is a beautifully intimate thing to do. But doing so whilst crossing one of the most iconic bridges in the world turns the romance levels to eleven. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the best free things to do in New York, and to make your stroll even more spectacular, I suggest doing it at sunrise or sunset. It truly is one of Manhattan’s most magical moments. When you arrive in Brooklyn Bridge Park, cuddle up on a bench and take in the views, then take a fairytale ride on Jane’s Carousel before grabbing an ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory or a slice of pizza at the famous Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, or at my favourite Juliana’s.

6. Soak in the Views from the Empire State Building

Night view of Manhattan skyline featuring the Empire State Building and city lights. — The Manhattan skyline illuminated at night

A cliche? Yes. Overrated? No!. The 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline from the top of the Empire State Building are spectacular. My favourite time to head up is just before sunset to watch the city transition from day to night mode. As the skyscrapers twinkle into life, I always get butterflies. As some viewing platforms are outside, it can get a little chilly, which is an excellent excuse for you to cuddle up and keep each other warm. Bonus points if they slip their jacket over your shoulders to keep you snug. It’s no wonder many romantic movies have been filmed here, including An Affair to Remember, Sleepless in Seattle, and Love Affair.

7. Steal a Flirty Moment at the New York Public Library

Interior of the Rose Main Reading Room at the New York Public Library — The stunning Rose Main Reading Room

For a date with a literary twist, head to the iconic New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue. With its sweeping staircases, marble columns, and grand reading rooms, it’s one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, and yes, it’s surprisingly romantic. Channel your inner BookTok energy and get your beau to lean casually against a doorframe like they’re in a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers plot. Bonus points if you find a quiet corner of the Rose Main Reading Room and exchange whispered secrets over well-thumbed novels. And if you need some film inspiration, Sex and the City fans will know this is where Carrie was almost married, and Ghostbusters kicked off with some supernatural library drama, too. It’s not your typical date spot, but that’s what makes it kind of sexy.

8. Plan a Sexy Date Night in a Speakeasy

Cosy red velvet interior of Bo Peep speakeasy bar in Midtown Manhattan. — Intimate vibes at Bo Peep speakeasy

Cosy up in a corner and sip cocktails by candlelight in one of New York’s many speakeasy bars. Secretly tucked away somewhere cool, these bars evoke the look and feel of the Prohibition era and have a very intimate vibe, which is perfect for a sexy date night. The Bo Peep Cocktail and HIghball Store in Midtown Manhattan, with its Moulin Rouge style of red-velvet banquettes and fringed lampshades, low lighting and high spirits, is the perfect place to get flirty and make bedroom eyes at each other late into the night. Ooh-la-la!

9. Recreate a Rom-Com Moment in Riverside Park

Meg Ryan from You've Got Mail walking through Riverside Park. — Riverside Park in You’ve Got Mail

Take a break from the city buzz and head to Riverside Park on the Upper West Side. It is one of New York’s more peaceful green spaces. With lovely river views, tree-lined paths, and a relaxed vibe, it’s ideal for slow strolls or a cycle along the waterfront. It’s also a great picnic spot, with lots of shady corners and quiet benches where you can linger without the crowds. Movie fans might recognise it as the romantic backdrop from You’ve Got Mail, and yes, it’s just as charming in real life.

10. Stare at the Stars and Each Other at the Hayden Planetarium

The interior of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History. — Stargazing at the Hayden Planetarium

New York’s bright lights don’t make it easy to spot stars in the sky, but you can still get your cosmic fix at the Hayden Planetarium, which is inside the American Museum of Natural History. It’s the perfect spot for a dreamy date, especially if you catch one of the shows at the Star Theatre, where you can sit back and explore the universe together. Once you’ve travelled through galaxies, you can keep the starry-eyed vibes going by turning your attention to each other. It’s nerdy, a little nostalgic, and definitely romantic.