Romance in New York can be expensive. Instead of breaking your bank account on an extravagant date or staying home to save money, you might be smarter about spending time together. There are many relatively inexpensive options for doing something special and memorable in New York, and it can mean more than an expensive excursion. Here are 5 great cheap dating ideas in Manhattan.
1. Fall in love with culture in a museum
Even with crowds, visiting an affordable museum can be a great date, depending on your shared interests. There are many major museums in Manhattan to choose from, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the Whitney, the American Museum of Natural History, and, for something a little racy, the Museum of Sex.
2. Head to a BYOB restaurant
A dinner date in New York can be expensive, but you can save money by finding a good restaurant to bring your own bottle (BYOB). Not only can you save on drinks, but you can also pair your favorite beer or wine with menu items. There are many great BYOB restaurants in Manhattan that don’t have a corkage fee (or are reasonably priced), meaning you can have a romantic dinner together without paying a fortune to drink.
3. Get ready for a picturesque place
One of the best things about being in New York is that you are never short of picturesque places. Strolling through Central Park, walking along the High Line, or enjoying the view from the Brooklyn Bridge guarantees great appointments. The locations don’t even have to be major destinations. You may want to find places that have personal meaning to both of you, such as stopping at the corner of the street where you first kissed or stopping by the restaurant where you went on your first date. Mix the scenic with the sentimental for an evening that means something to both of you.
4. Visit locations from your favorite romantic movies
If you and your date are movie buffs, you can also spend a whole day visiting the romantic spots of your favorite movies. The website onthesetofnewyork.com has an exhaustive list of movie filming locations shot in New York, from classics like Manhattan and Breakfast at Tiffany to newer movies like Sleeping with Other People and Trainwreck . Whether you’re touring the city from one location to another or ending up in a particular location, be sure to find those personal and meaningful places to stop while you and your date go on a cinematic city odyssey.
(Tip: You may also consider a guided tour – try one of these 5 great New York film tours.)
5. Attend a burly burlesque show
Instead of doing something traditional and basic, why not do something a little more artistic and sexy by catching one of the raunchy burlesque rooms in town? Opened in 1999 on the Lower East Side, The Slipper Room is a great option, which has hosted a wide variety of live performances and most of all, some excellent burlesque shows. Excellent atmosphere and affordable prices are promoted to begin with. 167 Orchard St., between Stanton St. and Rivington St .; slipperroom.com
