17 Cheap Date Ideas in NYC

If you’re looking for some great activities to do without breaking the bank, take a look at these cheap date ideas in NYC.

I’m under the impression that you don’t have to spend a lot for a date to be amazing. Maybe it’s because I generally have hardly any money to spend, but some of the best dates are the ones that are free or inexpensive because it’s the thought that counts. If you’re spending time with someone you really like and enjoy, the activity doesn’t necessarily matter as much as long as it’s something you both like and can have a great time doing. My friends and I always try to do activities that won’t break the bank because we’re all young and don’t understand the concept of savings accounts as well as we should so we seldom have a ton of extra money to spend.

New York City offers a ton of things to do, but most of us are under the impression that it costs a lot of money to have a great time. When I first moved here, everything I wanted to do was so expensive, but then I met a bunch of friends who have their favorite spots and activities that are much cheaper and also a lot more fun. Of course, splurging and treating yourself and your significant is nice for special occasions, but it’s not something most of us can do every single time. The best relationships are the ones where just simply spending time together doing nothing is a great date. For more suggestions, take a look at some things to do in NYC with boyfriend.

In order to create this list we used Guest of a Guest and Rally to see some suggestions for cheap dates. We gathered ideas that were inexpensive and on both lists as well as things that overall seemed really interesting. Then, we calculated the price of each date option for ranking purposes. The cheapest date is at the top of our list and it’s sorted by the price.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at some cheap date ideas in NYC.

17. Cherry Hill

Cost: $30

Cherry Hill is one of the most beautiful places in Central Park. It’s a great place to have a nice, romantic picnic. The price will vary depending on what you want to bring to eat, but on average it’ll cost about $30.

16. Whitney Museum Of American Art

Cost: $22

Even if you’re not an art aficionado, this is still a great place to visit on a budget. Ever since the Whitney reopened it’s been a spectacle to see influential artists of this century. Students get in for free and on Fridays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. you get to choose what you pay. And now, let’s see what else we have in our list of cheap date ideas in NYC.

15. Morbid Anatomy Museum

Cost: $21

If you and your date are adventurous spirits, you can always check out the Morbid Anatomy Museum, the number 15 in our list of cheap date ideas in NYC, where you can learn how people treat and sometimes worship death. You can also visit the Ample Hills Creamery for a delicious ice cream while you’re there.

14. Experimental Theater And Suds

Cost: $20 – $30

Take your date to The Chocolate Factory for cheap and free theater, dance, and performance art. This is a great choice for the artsy types.

13. Smorgasburg

Cost: $20

This is a great place now that the weather is warming up. Here, you can enjoy 75 mouthwatering vendors and an amazing view of the river and skyline. For $20 you can head over here from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekends.

12. Bump n’ Grind At Midnight

Cost: $18

If you want to jam and groove with your date, check out Union Hall for some drinks and dancing. A crew of DJs play old school hip hop and heavy hitters for you to enjoy and there’s also food if you’re feeling a little hungry.

11. Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Cost: $12

The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is a gorgeous place, especially in the springtime. For a nice, romantic stroll, you only have to spend $12, unless you go on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and noon when it’s free.

10. Nitehawk Cinema

Cost: $11

We are continuing our list of cheap date ideas in NYC with this theater that is awesome because it’s a dine-in cinema, so it’s like a restaurant-type situation. You sit in the big, comfy chairs and order gourmet food and drinks. There are special seats for couples where you can get cozy and enjoy the movie, food, and company.

9. Nature And History In Bronx

Cost: $10

Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx ranks 9th in our list of cheap date ideas in NYC. It is a beautiful place to explore with secret banks of the lake. West of the lake is the Van Cortlandt House Museum that was hosted by George Washington twice during the Revolutionary War.

8. North River Lobster Company

Cost: $7 – $14 for drinks

The North River Lobster Company could turn out to be an interesting and inexpensive date as well as your next favorite happy hour spot for the summer. It’s free to board this three-story boat and you can sail for 45 minutes at any time of the day. It’s like a mini-getaway with seafood and cocktails. It’s definitely one of the best cheap date ideas in NYC.

7. The High Line

Cost: $5 – $10 per glass of wine

Up next in our list of cheap date ideas in NYC is the High Line, that is a gorgeous place to take a special someone, especially in the warmer weather when you don’t have to be bundled in a coat. It’s a gorgeous linear park that offers great views and it’s one of the most romantic spots for couples. After you’re done your stroll, you can pop into the Terroir at the Porch for a nice glass of wine.

6. The Slipper Room

Cost: $5 per ticket

The Slipper Room ranks 6th in our list of cheap date ideas in NYC. It offers a place where you can see all types of artistry and burlesque shows. It’s only $5 to enjoy this great Lower East Side spot and it’s easy to book a ticket quickly online.

5. Mini Golf At Hudson’s Park

Cost: $5 per game

Mini golf sounds really corny, but it’s a great ironic date. This 18-hole mini golf course at Pier 25 has waterfalls, footbridges, and traps that you can enjoy for only $5 per game. The Hudson River offers a great view while you bring out the competitiveness in both of you.

4. Jane’s Carousel

Cost: $2 per ticket

For the inner child in you and your date, Jane’s Carousel that ranks 4th in our list of cheap date ideas in NYC is a great option. As a bonus, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the East River and gorgeous Manhattan Bridge.

3. Graphic Love Stories

Cost: Free

Williamsburg’s huge comic book store Desert Island is a great place to discover each other’s favorite stories and reveal your inner nerd. There’s a cartoon happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. that is a great and cheap option to add onto this fun date.

2. Free Laughs

Cost: Free

Every Sunday night at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn you can enjoy hilarious comedy. This is a great venue and everyone loves a good comedy show. Making your date laugh is a great way to get them to fall in love with you.

1. Kayaking On The Hudson River

Cost: Free

Through October 10, you can enjoy the season of free kayaking on the Hudson River. If you and your date are the adventurous type, you’ll love the teamwork and sport involved with kayaking. It’s a fun time that will create so many memories.

That concludes our list of cheap date ideas in NYC. If you’re looking for your next great date, take a cue from these suggestions.