Things to Do in New York City for Couples

NYC is a romantic setting for a couple's vacation - from dazzling views of the city to sharing intimate dinners and strolling through Central Park hand in hand. With no further ado, here are our top things to do in New York for couples.

By Katie Sagal
Published: May 16, 2024
new-york-united-states-city-skyline

With delicious restaurants, exhilarating views, romantic cruises, inspiring museums, and much more, this city has tons of attractions to choose from when crafting that perfect vacation for just the two of you. If you're looking for fun activities and other things to do in NYC for couples, check out our list of the top attractions and activities, including...

  • Popular Observation Decks
  • New York City Art Museums
  • Unconventional Museums
  • Beautiful Botantical Gardens
  • Central Park Picnics & Bike Rides
  • Sports Venue Tours
  • Food & Drink Tours
  • Fun City Explorations
  • Romantic Water Cruises
  • Live Jazz Concerts
  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Popular observation decks

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Some of the most romantic places in New York City can be found in unexpected places – like way up high on an observation deck. More romantic scenes and proposals have happened at places like the Top of the Rock Observatory and the Empire State Building than you'd think – just consider movies like An Affair to Remember! Head to the stellar Top of the Rock for excellent sweeping views of the city below. You could also opt for a trip up the iconic Empire State Building to make your own movie moment.

If you're not sure which observation deck to choose, check out our post comparing Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building!

New York City art museums

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While there are way too many museums in NYC to visit all of them on one trip – or even several – a few of our favorites make for excellent couples' destinations for the art-loving duos out there.

The Museum of Modern Art is famous for its fabulous collections of modern and contemporary art, including legends like Jasper Johns, Jackson Pollock, and more. The Guggenheim Museum is home to the works of Cézanne, Gauguin, Manet, Monet, Picasso, Pissarro, and Renoir. From Impressionist and Post-Impressionist to sculpture and the avante-garde, this museum is an art lover’s paradise.

Unconventional museums

Love museums, but are looking for something a little outside the box? A visit to the Museum of Sex is a must for adventurous adults. It features not only an informative history of human sexuality and the way cultures across time and around the globe have perceived the human body, but it also has some quirky exhibits to enjoy.

The beauties of nature

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New York City may seem to be the archetypal urban landscape, but the more you explore, the more you realize that the great outdoors is just as beautiful here as any forest or park.

If you're a true lover of nature, there's the lush New York Botanical Garden which is home to over one million plants. Explore over 50 different themed exhibits and gardens and immerse yourself in unique flora and fauna. Another delightful option is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and its companion institution, the Brooklyn Museum. Explore the wonders of nature and then switch to marveling at culture.

Bike rides

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If you're looking for some larger green spaces to explore, head to the world-famous Central Park. Here, you'll find space for everything from picnics to bike tours and beyond. Plus, holding hands while walking through the park is a time-honored NYC date tradition!

For a stress-free lunchtime picnic experience, pre-order a Perfect Picnic. This way, you can simply grab and go – an easy, yet delicious, solution while enjoying the sights of the city. You could also opt to rent a bike for some leisurely pedaling around the park, or throughout the city. It's a fun way to get out and get some exercise together on your vacation, too.

Sports venue tours

For first-time visitors and even repeat customers, tours are an excellent way to explore the many facets of New York City life and culture. If you're a sports fan, you're going to want to scope out the many amazing sports venues that you'll find in NYC.

For one, Yankee Stadium is an iconic park where one of Major League Baseball's most storied teams plays. Go behind the scenes to scope out the dugout, the bullpen, a luxury box, and more. Or, if you prefer hockey and basketball, then a trip to Madison Square Garden is in order. MSG has also been home to many famed concerts over the years, so there's a lot of territory to explore there.

Foodie tours

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You can even take a food-centric walking tour that allows you to sample the area's best and most famous cuisines. Try the food that real New Yorkers eat – not just the stuff for tourists. And explore new neighborhoods while you're at it, bringing out beyond the scope of what an average visitor might see on their vacation.

(And afterward, you may want to embark on a bike tour to work it off -- perhaps someplace new like Brooklyn?)

Boozy Tours

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If you love the idea of a culinary tour, but were perhaps hoping more booze was involved, then a Spirits on Foot Tour sounds like it's right up your alley. You and your friends can stroll around top NYC neighborhoods and hit up some of the best bars in the city while enjoying informative narration and insider info from your guide.

Sample drink specials, or order from the regular menu to try what the locals drink. Whether you're a beer snob, a wine connoisseur, or just love some tasty cocktails, you'll find a drink to enjoy on this tour.

Insider Tip: There are walking tour options in NYC that cover everything from street art to monuments to specific neighborhoods – check out your choices to see what suits your fancy the most!

City explorations

So you want to see more of the city, but don't want to feel like you're taking the same tour every other tourist in the city takes? Check out New York's most innovative tour – THE RIDE. It's a funny, creative, and delightful way to explore the city aboard your own luxury motor coach. There's even the occasional karaoke involved! So be a little silly with your partner or friends, learn a little something, and have a great time.

A fun and romantic cruise

Another exciting yet romantic way to explore the city is via an evening cruise. After all, there's something so special about seeing the city lights by night. Try a Harbor Lights Cruise for some beautiful views and even more beautiful moments. It's fun for friends, too – you'll get to enjoy the illuminated skyline and see major sites like Ellis Island, Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, and many more.

Discover Harlem's jazz music scene

Harlem jazz

If you fancy taking a break from the hustle and bustle of city sightseeing, what could be better than listening to live music in New York City's home of jazz? Sit back, relax, and soak up the soulful and soothing beats of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and many more at the Harlem Jazz Series. You're sure to leave here with a smile on your face, ready to take on the rest of your NYC vacation.

Visit the Statue of Liberty

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Of course, you simply can't leave New York City without paying a visit to its most famous resident - the iconic Lady Liberty herself. History buffs and fans of U.S. culture, in general, will want to take the trip out to see Liberty Island themselves, so hop aboard a ferry and let the adventures begin!

Don't forget to explore the nearby Ellis Island, too, once home to the country's immigration center. The museum located there is poignant and informative and is great for curious travelers. Plus, you may find the name of one of your ancestors on the engraved wall!

Unbeatable shopping

Shopping in NYC

New York City is rightfully considered one of the shopping capitals of the United States. Quite literally, you can buy almost anything you can dream of in NYC. Whether you're roaming the couture boutiques of Madison Avenue or scouring the shops of SoHo for that perfect deal, you'll be able to shop to your heart's content in this city. Just be nice to your partner and buy them something!

Another great (and budget-friendly!) option is to take a trip out to the Woodbury Common outlets. Hop aboard a bus to avoid the hassle of driving and parking, and spend a few hours shopping to your heart's content.

Save on popular New York City attractions

As you can see, there are so many things to do in NYC for couples that it's hard to narrow down the list. While you most likely can't squeeze all of these activities into one trip, you can select several to craft that perfect couple's vacation.

Remember, many of these great activities are included with a pass for New York by Go City®, where you can save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate.

However short or long your trip, see it all with Go City®  

Read our New York vacation itinerary series: 

📅 1-day itinerary  📅 3-day itinerary  📅 One week in New York 

🗽 >>  Compare passes and sample itineraries 

 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Statue of Liberty in close-up with the New York skyline beyond.
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Empire State Building Vs Statue of Liberty NYC Comparison

Ask your average Jane or Joe to name as many top New York attractions as they can in 10 seconds and it’s fairly likely the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building will be first out of their mouths. But how do they measure up? Which has been around the longest and which has stolen the most blockbuster movie scenes? We got up close and personal with these two titans of the Manhattan skyline to find out. History The Statue of Liberty arrived on US shores in 1885, a gift from the people of France. This beautifully rendered copper giant was designed by celebrated sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with a metal framework by his engineering pal Gustave Eiffel. Yes, that Gustave Eiffel. The statue was dedicated on Liberty Island in October 1886, where she has stood ever since, her gorgeous patina earning her the nickname ‘Green Goddess’. Still the definitive emblem of American freedom after more than 140 years, the statue attracts around 3.5 million visitors every year. The Empire State Building joined the party a little later, and will reach its centenary year in 2031. Perhaps the most iconic Art Deco building on the planet, it stands at 1,453ft and was the world’s tallest building for over four decades, until topped by the World Trade Center’s North Tower in 1970. No other building has held the record for that long, just one of many accolades held by this monolithic Manhattan masterpiece, which attracts around four million visitors a year, primarily for the birds’ eye views afforded by its observation platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors, some 1,250ft from terra firma. At the Movies The iconic status of the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building mean both have featured in countless movies, TV shows and music videos over the years. How many can you think of? The image of King Kong at the top of the Empire State Building, clinging to his beloved Ann Darrow (Fay Wray) and swatting away airplanes like flies before succumbing to their gunfire, is one of the most recognizable in movie history. It’s the Empire State’s mic drop moment, but the Green Goddess is no cinematic slouch either, having appeared on the silver screen many hundreds of times, even as far back as the silent movie era, when she made what is thought to be her debut alongside Charlie Chaplin in 1917’s The Immigrant. As a proud symbol of American freedom, Lady Liberty has also done innumerable stints in disaster movies, representing hope – or the fall of humankind. We’re talking the haunting image of the statue half-buried in sand in the closing scenes of Planet of the Apes as well as appearances in – deep breath – Independence Day, Deep Impact, The Day After Tomorrow, Cloverfield and, um, Sharknado 2. What can you do at the Statue of Liberty? A trip out to the planet’s most famous torchbearer takes in both Liberty Island (where the statue is located) and its near-neighbor Ellis Island, home of the National Museum of Immigration. And it’s well worth visiting both while you’re here. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rich history of New York and the USA itself, there’s no better place to start. Photographs, heirlooms and a database of searchable historical records track the history of immigration in the US, and you can even peep into the baggage rooms and dormitories once used by ‘the huddled masses’ who arrived in New York in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Of course, the statue herself is the main event, and there are various options depending on what you want to see. You can book to climb to the top of the pedestal on which Lady Liberty stands, or go the whole hog and climb the 162-step spiral staircase inside the statue for epic views from right up inside her famous crown. Tickets for these experiences are available via the Statue City Cruises website, while a pass from Go City includes your ferry ticket plus entry to the museums, as well as dozens more New York attractions including the Guggenheim, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and – yep – the Empire State Building. What can you do at the Empire State Building? Really the only downside of visiting the observation platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors of the Empire State Building is the fact that those crazy views don’t include... the Empire State Building itself. Instead, soak up some of the best selfie opportunities in town with backdrops that include Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and many other icons of the New York skyline. The 86th floor is in pole position for photo opps thanks to its open air platform, while the top floor is higher up (obvs) but fully enclosed. You can pimp up your visit with a range of direct ticket options that includes skip-the-line tickets, premium champagne packages and guided tours of the building, including the incredible Art Deco lobby. Or go straight for the 86th floor with an attraction pass from Go City. How to get to the Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty’s location on Liberty Island means the only way of getting there is by ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or the Liberty State Park in New Jersey. All passengers are required to undergo a security screening before boarding, so we’d recommend arriving 30 minutes or so before your planned departure, to avoid missing the boat. The Staten Island Ferry is another option if you just fancy a close pass (with stacks of great photo opportunities of both the statue and Manhattan skyline) but without actually physically visiting the attraction. Check out our blog on the best time to visit the Statue of Liberty here. How to get to the Empire State Building Getting to the Empire State Building is an absolute cinch. It’s right in the center or the Big Apple and you really can’t miss it; it’s visible from just about everywhere. The nearest metro stations are Herald Square and Penn Station, or arrive in style at the awesome Grand Central, and make the 10-minute walk from there. Check out our blog on the best time to visit the Empire State Building here. Save on New York Activities and Attractions And that concludes our deep dive into the world of the Empire State Building vs the Statue of Liberty. We hope, in the unlikely event that you choose to visit only one of these big attractions, that in some small way our guide can help you make your decision. If not, and if indecision continues to dog you, remember you can easily visit both and save money thanks to Go City’s All-Inclusive and Explorer passes for New York. So what are you waiting for?
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Dusk view of the Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock observatory
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The Best Time to Visit The Top Of The Rock

The Rockefeller Center – aka 30 Rock – is the iconic Art Deco centerpiece of Rockefeller Plaza, a glorious, skyscraping work of art that, at a whopping 850 feet high, ranks as one of the Big Apple’s tallest buildings. It’s no wonder then that the uppermost floors (67, 69 and 70, to be precise) have been given over to observation decks collectively known as the Top of The Rock. We’re talking 360-degree views across the entire city to Long Island, New Jersey and even – on clear days – as far as Connecticut. And (spoiler alert!) if visually stunning 1930s Art Deco treasures are your bag, you’ll also enjoy uninterrupted close-up views of the Empire State Building from up here. Read on for our guide to the best times to visit the Top of The Rock. Opening hours Top of The Rock is open every single day of the year including holidays from 9AM to 11PM. Come rain, hail or shine, you can whiz heavenwards in the glass Sky Shuttle elevator, reaching the 70th floor in less than a minute. Guests can visit the observation decks for as long as they like during operating hours, but the latest entry to Top of The Rock is at 10:10PM. Check the Top of The Rock website for the latest opening hours before making your booking. A Go City attraction pass gives you access to the Top of The Rock’s three observation decks with their uninterrupted views of the Big Apple. The 67th floor deck has a large indoor space plus north and south-facing outdoor terraces. Floor 69 has yet more outdoor space, but it’s the fully outdoor 70th floor, right on top of the building, from where you’ll enjoy the clearest views of NYC icons including Central Park, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, the Chrysler Building and the Hudson. Best time to visit the Top Of The Rock As with many of the Big Apple’s most popular attractions, the best times to visit Top of The Rock tend to be early in the morning or late in the evening if, that is, your primary objective is to beat the crowds. If, on the other hand, it’s heart-soaring sunsets you’re after (and quite frankly why wouldn’t it be?), you'll need to head to the Top of the Rock about an hour before dusk, and expect lines. 3PM–9PM tends to be the busiest time of day for precisely that reason. Just after the 9AM opening is when you’ll get the most private experience, as the morning sun glints and gleams on the Empire State Building and across the skyscrapers of Midtown. Crowds also tail off after sunset meaning that beyond 9PM is the best time to see the city lights illuminating the Manhattan skyline. Beautiful though this time of day is, do note that unlit areas like Central Park will be visible only as large dark patches on the ground after nightfall. Generally speaking, Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the quietest days. Holidays and weekends (especially Saturdays) are when Top of The Rock is at its most busy. Visit during the festive season to pair your visit with a pilgrimage to the enormous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which is displayed on the plaza (but not visible from the Top of The Rock itself) from mid-November until early January. Getting to the Top Of The Rock There are oodles of ways to get to the Top of The Rock with ease. Most straightforward are the multiple subway services that call at the 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center station (B, D, F and M trains) as well as additional trains to 49th, 50th and 51st Street stops. Discounted parking is also available at Rockefeller Center SP+ garage which you’ll find at 25 West 48th Street. Enter 30 Rock on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Tickets Pre-book tickets direct on the Top of The Rock website to avoid having to wait in potentially long lines at the box office on the day. There are a few different ticket options available, ranging from general admission to the three observation decks to a VIP skip-the-line experience that includes a guide and a peek into 30 Rock’s glitzy Rainbow Room restaurant, a favorite with New York’s rich and famous for nearly a century. You can save money with a Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive pass for New York attractions, which includes entry to the Top of The Rock in addition to many more landmark attractions across the Big Apple. These include the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Where to eat Dining options at the Rockefeller Center are plentiful and run the gamut from family favorites to fine dining. There are grab’n’go sandwich bars and those with a sweet tooth can get their fix from any number of bakeries, cookie stores and ice cream vendors. Check the Rockefeller Center website for the most up-to-date list of restaurants and to find out how to book. We love Le Rock for chic Art Deco style and French fine dining. Or choose Ace’s Pizza on the center’s rink level for Detroit and Sicilian-style slices to share with family and friends. In brief... Want to beat the crowds? Visit as close as possible to opening time (9AM) or come after 9PM to experience the best of the glittering Manhattan skyline after dark. Book tickets online in advance to avoid having to wait in line at the box office and you’ll be speeding skyward in that lightning-fast glass elevator before you know it. Uninterrupted 360-degree views await on the 70th-floor open-air observation deck right at the top of the building. Get the Go City attraction pass to make great savings when visiting this and other popular New York City attractions! Useful links Buy tickets online Get the Go City attraction pass for New York Visit the Top of The Rock with Go City Official Top of The Rock website
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Manhattan skyline with the One World Trade Center in the foreground
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The Best Time to Visit The One World Observatory (Trade Center)

Standing at a whopping 1,776 feet, the gleaming One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the seventh tallest on the planet. Thrillseekers with a serious head for heights can soar up 102 stories to the One World Observatory on the top three floors for far-reaching views that stretch for up to 45 miles in every direction and take in many of the Big Apple’s most iconic attractions. This high-tech engineering marvel also contains digital marvels such as hi-res digital video screens inside the Skypod elevators that tell the story of New York through the ages and a glass Sky Portal beneath your feet that displays live images of the streets far below. Read on for our guide to the best times to visit the One World Observatory. Opening hours The One World Observatory is open daily with regular hours that run from 9AM–9PM. There are some seasonal variations on opening and closing times as well as special extended hours on some holidays, so do check direct with the One World Observatory website for the most up-to-date information. Once inside, you're welcome to stay for as long as you like, but note that last available entry is one hour from closing time. A Go City attraction pass includes entry to the One World Observatory’s three top floors via a thrilling 47-second ride in the Skypod elevators. Alongside a number of fascinating digital exhibits charting the history of the city and One World Trade Center, the 360-degree views from up top are some of the best in the city, taking in Downtown Manhattan, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler and the Statue of Liberty. Best time to visit the One World Observatory Beat the rush by planning your visit first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening. This is hands-down the best way to experience the One World Observatory as it means you’ll dodge the worst of the lines, of which there are several: going up, coming back down, and for a number of the digital exhibits in between. Arriving after around 11AM pretty much guarantees longer waiting times, whereas early birds can simply sail in and should expect to be up to in mere minutes. Similarly, you’ll get spectacular views of the city lights after dark once the crowds who piled in for sunset have dissipated. Sunsets from up here are (as you might well imagine) pretty spectacular affairs, so if longer lines bother you not a jot you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to fill your Insta feed with enviable snaps as the Manhattan skyline turns several shades of burnt orange and bruised purple at dusk. The busiest time of day at the One World Observatory is between midday and 5PM. Avoid these times if you can but, if not, do make sure you’ve purchased tickets in advance so you can at least omit the wait in the box office line. Getting to the One World Observatory The One World Observatory is located at the One World Trade Center on the corner of West and Vesey Streets in Downtown Manhattan. The entrance is on West Street and there are plenty of easy ways to get there. Hop on the subway and disembark at Fulton St, Rector St, Chamber St, Cortlandt St or World Trade Center stations, depending on where you’ve come from. All are just a short walk from the entrance. Tickets We recommend pre-booking tickets if you want to avoid waiting in line at the box office, then having to queue up again for the attraction itself. You can do this via the One World Observatory website, where the range of ticket options available includes everything from general admission to a bells-and-whistles VIP experience that includes a 60-minute guided tour, plus priority skip-the-line entry and a credit for spending in the cafe, bar, restaurant or gift shop. A Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive pass for New York attractions saves you money by including entry to the One World Observatory as well as many more Big Apple icons. These include the Statue of Liberty, MoMA, the Empire State Building and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, as well as a number of walking and cycling tours, and much more. Where to eat The ONE Dine restaurant and ONE Mix bar are located high above the city, way up on the One World Trade Center’s 101st floor. Tuck into New York classics including caesar salad, swordfish steaks and filet mignon then wash down with a Midtown Margarita cocktail in the bar. The cafe and gelateria will keep young kids happy with plenty of sodas and sweet treats. Head over to the nearby Oculus to admire its unique architecture and discover more eating and drinking options in its bars and restaurants, where options range from pretzels to sushi. In brief... If you want to beat the lines, the best times to visit the One World Observatory are early morning and late evening. Do it one of these ways and not only will you be able to get in (and out) faster, you’ll also benefit from New York’s beautiful morning light and the opportunity to see Manhattan lit up at night. Sunset is perhaps the most beautiful time to visit but you should expect crowds at this time so plan accordingly and get there early to avoid disappointment. Get the Go City attraction pass to make great savings when visiting this and other popular New York City attractions! Useful links Buy tickets online Get the Go City attraction pass for New York Visit the One World Observatory with Go City Official One World Observatory website
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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