17 Romantic Things to Do in NYC in Summer

Summer is just around the corner, and you and your sweetheart will have plenty of long, warm days to spent time with one another and our list of 17 romantic things to do in NYC in summer will get you off to the right start.

As the city that never sleeps, New York City is known to have pretty much, something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for fun and unique activities or some of the best food money can buy, the Big Apple has something for you. With so much to offer, the city is a great place for going on dates and finding new date ideas because it’s hard to run out of things to do. You can have a quiet day at a museum, a romantic dinner high above the city’s skyline, or do something more adventurous like kayaking or rock climbing. The date ideas are endless in the city.

While the winters can be brutal, and more New Yorkers stay indoors, Summer’s are great and everyone spends as much time as they can, outdoors. Summer seems to host an endless stream of concerts and rooftop happy hours in every corner of the city. However, if you think summer days are too hot for you, or you booked a ticket to New York City for this spring, you can check our list of 16 romantic things to do in NYC this spring.

Focusing on just 17 romantic things to do in NYC in summer isn’t an easy task, as there’s just so much to offer here. There are many parks suitable for long walks or romantic picnics, different trips to see some of NYC’s most famous monuments, and romantic restaurants for an intimate dinner with your special someone.

Regardless of whether you are a tourist or you are a native New Yorker, if you find yourself in here, you should definitely take any chance you have, to see every corner of this city with your significant other. Also, regardless of your age, on this list, you can find romantic things to do which are suitable for both people who are going on their first date, to people who have been married for a long time but want to keep the romance burning. New York City definitely won’t find itself on a list of “cheapest cities,” but on our list you can find romantic things to do for every budget. Some of the date ideas will cost you a pretty penny and are best when you’re looking to splurge, or really impress someone. Others, however, are free and it doesn’t get cheaper than that. 

In order to create our list we used ClassCurious’ database and a simple Google search. After we completed our list, we sorted the list by least to the most romantic things in our opinion. While creating our list, we tried to include things for every person’s interest and budget. 

Now, let’s take a look at our list of 17 romantic things to do in NYC in summer, so you can impress that special someone you’ve had your eye on.

17. Visit The Cliffs at LIC

If you and your partner are more adventurous people, you should definitely visit this rock climbing facility. If you have never done anything like this before, don’t worry because they have an introductory class, that even covers how to tie the ropes. Once you are done with that part, you can start climbing the tall walls. If you are both competitive, you can try to beat each other’s times.

16. Visit Dizzy’s Jazz Club

If you, your partner, or both of you are into jazz, you definitely should pay a visit to Dizzy’s Jazz Club. You can enjoy your favorite music while also enjoying an amazing view of Central Park. For those who cannot afford such a romantic evening, there is a late-night session, where new artists are performing, offered at a cheaper price. So, enjoy a delicious cocktail with your love and get ready to hit the dance floor.

15. Dinner at Barbetta Restaurant

One of the oldest and most romantic Italian restaurants is Barbetta. This restaurant was opened back in 1906 and ever since then, it has been a first choice for couples for every kind of occasion. It has beautiful antiques from Italy dating back to the 18th century and at one point, it was owned by the Italian royal family. If you want to spend a memorable night with your special someone, be sure to reserve a spot at one of the most romantic restaurants in NYC.

14. Visit Nitehawk Cinema

If you are both more “Netflix and Chill” people and don’t want a classy dinner outing, you can always go to the Nitehawk Cinema. Here, you will not only watch a great movie, but you can also eat and drink inside, enjoying not only a cool date night, but also a romantic one. You both will enjoy relaxing on one of their big comfy chairs while chowing down on burgers or tacos.

13. Enjoy a Cup of Coffee in Central Park Boathouse

One of the most romantic destinations in New York City is the Boathouse Cafe located in Central Park. There isn’t a better place to be than next to a lake during hot summer days. If you are looking for the best coffee shop to go to with your partner, Boathouse is the answer. Here, you can spend a quality time with your special someone while enjoying a view of the lake, right in the heart of the city.

12. Horse and Carriage Ride

In every romantic movie, many times we see the cliche carriage ride in New York City. Something about horse and carriage rides is so romantic, and we just can’t figure out why. If you are planning a romantic outing for your special someone this summer in NYC, you should definitely take a horse and carriage ride in Central Park.

11. Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

For those looking for something romantic, involving art, visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art will not disappoint. If both of you are into art, you won’t want to leave this museum. Here, you can see everything starting from Greek and Roman sculptures to the 18th-century Chinese art. Be sure to check out the spectacular views from their rooftop before you leave! 

10. Dinner at River Cafe

The River Cafe is located in one of the best possible locations in New York City, at the foot of Brooklyn Bridge. At night, you can watch the lights of Manhattan sparkle on the East River while you have the most romantic and unforgettable dinner date.  With the perfect summer weather, having dinner outside is one of the most romantic things to do in NYC in summer.

9. Boat Trip Between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan

We’re almost halfway through our list of 17 romantic things to do in NYC in summer, and bringing you a boat trip. Back in the day, if you wanted to have a little boat adventure and go between Staten Island and lower Manhattan, you had to pay 25 cents. Surprisingly, today, you can do it for free. This trip will reveal your romantic side and allow you to take part in some of the most romantic views in the city with your special someone. You can enjoy the view of Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline for as long as you want.

8. A Walk On The High Line

Taking a walk in a beautiful park could be one of the romantic things to do in NYC in summer. The High Line is known as a couples spot because many of them are choosing to spend their time together here. There are many restaurants and coffee shops where you can take a rest and refresh with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Nothing beats a romantic, summer night stroll along the High Line. 

7. Visit Comedy Cellar

If the both of you love comedy, spending a day at the Comedy Cellar could be one of the funniest things you do in NYC during the hot summer days. It’s also indoors, so you can enjoy the air conditioning. The best part is, you never actually know who is performing and you can often meet famous comedians. There is also the Olive Tree Cafe upstairs where you can have dinner or have a drink.

6. Go On a Sunset Sail To The Statue of Liberty

Is there a more romantic thing in New York City than a sunset sail to the Statue of Liberty? This sail will allow you to enjoy the incredible view of the skyscrapers, Statue of Liberty and the sunset, all in one. In order to make your sail more romantic and pleasant, you can complete it with cocktails of your choice.

5. Visit The Top Of The Empire State Building

Like we saw in many romantic movies, there isn’t a more romantic place to be in the New York City than the top of the Empire State Building. You can climb on the Observation Deck and enjoy the view of the entire city under your and your special someone’s feet. Many couples even decide to say ‘yes’ to their life together at the top of the Empire State Building.

4. Lunch at Gallow Green

Like we’ve mentioned, New York City is full of romantic spots, and you can take your special someone on lunch at Gallow Green to accomplish a great date. In this rooftop bar, during the hot summer days, you can sit among the short trees and enjoy a charming conversation with your partner. Now, let’s see the top three romantic things to do in NYC in summer on our list.

3. Visit Jane’s Carousel

If you and your partner have more of a child spirit, you should go to Jane’s Carousel. It may not seem romantic for some, but the right person will love reliving their childhood summer days. You can also enjoy the view of the Brooklyn Bridge Park along with ice cream and a good conversation.

2. Visit The Brooklyn Botanic Garden

When the weather is fine, there isn’t a better thing to do than to pay a visit to the beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Garden that ranks 2nd on the list of romantic things to do in NYC in summer. Here, you and your special someone can enjoy the 50 acres of rose gardens, cherry blossoms, and bright flora of the tropics in the balmy conservatory. It is always a good idea to see beautiful plant life with your partner.

1. Visit The Museum of Sex

If you and your partner are looking to spice things up,  you can organize a trip to the Museum of Sex. The fun is guaranteed as you see the most erotic showcases in a jaw-dropping context. After you are done with your visit, you can stop by the gift shop to buy all kinds of sex toys and aphrodisiac elixirs to make the evening that much more romantic.

This was our list of 17 romantic things to do in NYC in summer. We hope we managed to show you what are the most romantic things to do this summer or help you find the new favorite spot for you and your partner for this season.