By Carol Cain, on February 6, 2016

Perfect New York date ideas in the city

After living and working in New York City for so many years, one can start to feel like maybe you have done and seen it all. When trying to come up with ideas for the perfect date with my honey, even I sometimes feel like I’ve run out of options, especially as we tend to enjoy more low-key experiences and aren’t much into standing in long lines or spending tons of money for a night out.

But it doesn’t take long to shake off that jadedness and be reminded of why New York is the greatest city in the world. I’ve already touched on how to find romance during winter and where to celebrate love in the city, but just when I think I have seen it all, something new presents itself for the perfect date.

Viewfinder Tip: You can combine money-saving tour packages, even with a helicopter ride, to take in the city in more than one way.

Brunch (it’s a religion)

The couple that brunches together, stays together—especially if they are a New York couple. I mean, it’s a religion in many cities, but this is the city that started the whole brunch craze. Not everyone goes to church, but no one misses brunch. If they do, they will be subjected to a series of confessionals with friends about their whereabouts.

Thus, the perfect date starts with the perfect brunch at The Smith. You can start light with Sicilian baked eggs or go all in with their fried-chicken sandwich and a side of jalapeño cheddar grits. The Smith has three locations: The Village (where the boozier crowd tends to hang out), Midtown (where the tourists go) and Lincoln Square (more of a NYC scene and my favorite spot). They have a location on Broadway and 27th street (NoMad) coming soon and I highly recommend reservations. The clean, open space reminds me of a French bistro, the service is always friendly, and the food is some of the best in the city.

See the city from the sky

Walk it off, NY-style

Head uptown to Washington Heights and spend hours exploring Fort Tryon Park and The Cloisters museum. The park has some of the best views as well as a lovely garden that comes to life during the spring and summer months, and The Cloisters is a beautiful retreat from the noise and crowds of lower Manhattan. With the perfect person in tow, you might find yourself spending a good part of your day exploring the medieval halls and stairways of this NYC treasure. Make sure to visit Bette Midler’s very own New Leaf café, hidden away in the park, for a glass of bubbly before you leave.

Go all out

Perfect dates don’t have to be expensive, but once in awhile, it’s nice to surprise your significant other with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A sunset helicopter ride over NYC is guaranteed to impress.

There are different tours for different budgets, and each offers a unique view of this wonderful city. Nothing is more romantic than going all out on a date for no other reason than a fun time with your loved one.

Head to Harlem for wine tasting

While the crowds are lining up at the downtown wine bars, there are some pretty special places further up that locals prefer to frequent for their chill vibe, customer service, and wine selection. The Winery caters to the wine lover looking for unique, artisanal wines from around the world. They frequently hold tastings, and though you are guaranteed to have a great wine experience, you need not worry about breaking the bank.

 

Your date is even more fun under the NYC lights

Visit a social club

We often hear of social clubs as the scene to be seen in during the Roaring Twenties. But these are alive and well throughout modern-day Harlem. From the winery, plan on ending a fun, full day at the Corner Social, where you’ll have a chance to enjoy the vibe of the city, local artists, and delicious soul food and drinks. This is the kind of place that makes you realize all the wonderful things the city has to offer, especially when shared with the one you love.

Now, get planning and have fun!

What cities make for your perfect date experiences?