Ten Best New York City Spring Date Ideas

Spring is in the air, which means it’s time to put away the winter coats, start looking for your sandals, and most important of all, treat yourself and that special someone to a fabulous New York City date. From fun and flirty nights out on the town to chill opportunities for one-on-on time, here are our ten best New York City spring date ideas.

Explore the High Line

The High Line has a little bit of something for everyone, but it can prove especially fun for those couples on the lookout for a popular place to enjoy a romantic walk together. Located on the remains of elevated train tracks that were once part of the New York Central Railroad’s West Side Line, the High Line is a 1.5-mile public park stretching from Gansevoort Street near the Whitney Museum of American Art in the Meatpacking District to the Javits Center at West 34th Street amid the hustle and bustle of Hudson Yards. Along the way, you’ll stroll past striking art installations and elaborate garden spaces while taking in scenic views and having your pick of pop-up food vendors.

Cruise around Town

Speaking of scenic views, why not celebrate the return of spring by going on a water cruise around New York City? Well-regarded local tour operators like Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and Hornblower City Cruises offer a wide range of award-winning NYC boat tours that’ll let you and your date experience New York City as never before. For that unforgettable time, consider going on a sunset cruise. The breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline available from New York Harbor and the East River will make for a romantic evening and then some.

Take in a Show

New York City’s nightlife is second to none, and one of the hallmarks of its unbeatable entertainment scene is its expansive array of live shows. On any given spring evening in New York City you’ll have your choice of music concerts, comedy shows, sporting events, and much, much more. Of course, if you’re looking to put together a spring date night to remember, try and make time to take in a Broadway show. It’s tough to beat a night out on Broadway, particularly when you can end your evening by strolling together through nearby Times Square.

Stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge

Winter wears on even the biggest fans of cold weather, so we’re all more than ready to get out and about and soak up the spring sunshine. When it comes to seeking out fresh air in New York City, going for a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge is a rite of passage. Between the romantic views and plentiful photo opportunities, this is another timeless New York activity for couples tailormade for springtime. Best of all—it’s the type of date opportunity where you don’t even need to spend a cent!

Partake in a Romantic Bike Ride

In recent years, New York City has become quite the haven for cycling enthusiasts. Manhattan and Brooklyn, in particular, are full of opportunities for fun-filled bike rides. If you’re in the mood for a casual spring date, sign up for a guided bike tour—popular tour company Unlimited Biking organizes informative guided bike tours of classic New York City attractions like Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge on a regular basis. Or, if you want to create your very own spring date adventure, rent a bike for a few hours and head out on a romantic bike ride just the two of you.

Check Out a New Restaurant in a Hot Neighborhood

Spring, summer, winter, fall: name a time of the year, and it doesn’t get much more “classic date night” than hitting the town for a romantic dinner out at an acclaimed restaurant in a happening neighborhood. But there’s something extra special about a dinner date night during springtime in New York City. So pick a neighborhood known for its charming cafés and cozy bars—like, for instance, NoLita—or head to a perennially trendy dining spot such as Williamsburg in Brooklyn and indulge in an evening of culinary pleasures.

Go to a Food Market

Let’s face it: not all of us are the type to enjoy a fancy, sit-down meal at a trendy, expensive restaurant. If you’re not in the mood for that sort of experience—or you’re looking for something a bit more casual and budget friendly—consider heading to one of New York City’s delicious food markets. Popular options include Chelsea Market, which houses dozens of restaurants, food vendors, and assorted retailers in a historic Nabisco factory; and the Time Out Market New York, where you’ll encounter all types of eateries, as well as a lovely rooftop bar, in the heart of Brooklyn’s hip DUMBO neighborhood.

Make it a Picnic

Here’s a spring date idea that’ll take your meal plans to the next level: make it a picnic date! That’s right, take your lunch to one of New York City’s beautiful parks and create the perfect combination of good food, great company, and breathtaking scenery. You’ll be spoiled for options. Central Park is the quintessential New York City picnic destination, of course, but you can’t go wrong heading to Brooklyn Bridge Park, Prospect Park, or Hudson River Park either.

Observe the World from the Empire State Building

Does it get much more romantic than a trip to the top of the one-and-only Empire State Building? Be your own judge and plan a date this spring at arguably the world’s most famous skyscraper. The Empire State Building contains numerous informative exhibits and interactive displays, but its biggest draws, of course, are its observation decks located on the 86th and 102nd floors. At either of these spots you’ll be able to enjoy staggeringly good views in all directions. Just be sure and have your camera at the ready!

Create a Date That’s a Work of Art

New York City is home to some of the finest museums found anywhere in the world, so when in doubt, head to any one of them for instant spring date magic! This is a great option, too, if those proverbial April showers are hindering your efforts to do something outdoors. No matter whether the two of you are in the mood for modern art, Egyptian artifacts, photography exhibits, or you want to learn more about the history of New York City itself, there’s a museum here that’s perfect for you both. Favorite New York City museums include such attractions as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, Museum of the City of New York, and the Paley Center for Media, just to name a few.

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