NYC can be the most romantic place on the planet whether you’re with someone or alone! So treat yourself to the solo dates you deserve and take full advantage of this incredible city while you get to know yourself a little better. You might just love what you find!
Here are 15 best solo dates to take yourself on in NYC:
1. Spend the day at Roosevelt Island
Start your day on a tram ride over the East River and take in all the stunning skyline sights from above. Once you get to the island, be sure to stroll along the west promenade. After admiring the gorgeous views, head over to the Panorama Room for elevated cocktails and a glimpse of every borough. Make sure to stay until sunset to watch the city illuminate!
2. Dine at an exclusive restaurant—with little to no wait time
We all know reservations at some of the city’s most popular spots can be terribly difficult with a large party. Luckily, when you solo dine you’re more likely to score a spot when you walk in or taking a seat at an empty bar stool. And if solo dates are a new adventure for you and you’re feeling a little hesitant about dining alone, bring a book for a buddy. Hey, when you’re a few glasses in you’ll be striking up conversations with strangers in no time. We recommend you try these restaurants:
- Balthazar
- Thai Diner
- Lilia
- Mission Ceviche
3. Unleash your inner artist at Neon Brush
What better way to get to know yourself better than exploring your creative skills and imagination? Experiment with fluorescent paint and listen to music in the company of like-minded people. This sip and paint experience is perfect for unwinding and disconnecting from the outside world in a retro neon-lit setting.
4. Take a stroll through Central Park
There’s no one better to enjoy the great outdoors with than your own company—plus, you can stroll at any pace you please! Call on your inner child and get an ice cream cone for the road or sit along one of the park benches and people watch.
5. Read a book on the High Line
Nothing screams main character vibes like someone contently reading on a NYC bench somewhere by themselves, right? So screw the sidekick, we’re all main characters here. Whether you’re in dire need to catch up on your novel or haven’t read a book in five years, give it a whirl and see what happens! Who knows, you might end up making it a habit. Not to mention, if you get bored of the story in front of you, just look out at the incredible view you can only admire on the High Line. In need of a book? Stock up on reading materials at these NYC bookstores.
6. Get lost in We Call It Flamenco
Have you been dreaming of a solo trip? Well at We Call It Flamenco, although you won’t be stepping on a plane, you can be transported to Andalusia. Professional artists are celebrating Spain’s influential art form at The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture using playful live music, a sea of roses, and lighting effects. It’s an evening out to remember.
7. Catch an entertaining show
From Broadway to a movie, live music to Amateur Night at the Apollo, or even catch one to the hottest concerts in the city! There’s no shortage of ways to keep yourself entertained without having to entertain others. Let your undivided attention admire NYC’s many talents. And the best part, you won’t have to deal with your company always nagging you with questions or comments mid-show!
8. Treat yourself to flowers and coffee at this adorable cafe
Remi Flower & Coffee in Midtown East is the cutest spot to spend hours enjoying their plant shop and pastries. Enjoy floral lattes by ordering their Rose Matcha Latte, or keep your flowers and coffee separate while you sip on an espresso and buy yourself a bouquet. And though they have WiFi, remember you’re on a date! Regardless if it’s just with yourself, you’d never catch up on work with a date…unless of course it was going terribly—and since we’re talking about NYC here, we guess that’s not that unlikely. 🤣
9. Take a cooking class
Tap into your inner chef and pick up some new skills at a cooking class around NYC. Whether you’re interested in learning how to prepare tamales, Risotto alla Milanese, or French classics like croissants and macarons, there’s endless options to choose from. We just attended one of Atelier Sucré‘s classes in the East Village and we’re already planning our next trip back. You’ll be paired at a table, so not only will you have a helping hand, but you’ll make new friends too!
10. Attend a poetry slam open mic night
Listen to fellow NYers pour their hearts out at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. Hosted every Wednesday night (with the first Wednesday of the month dedicated to women orators), the Nuyorican Poets Cafe opens its stage up to anyone brave enough to stand on it and share a piece of themselves. Not a poet? No worries, you can be a part of the supportive audience. Plus, you might even get chosen to be one of the night’s judges!
11. Roam one of NYC’s cultural institutions
From the Met to the MoMA, NYBG to the New York Public Library, New Yorkers have access to the epitome of culture right at their finger tips. Take advantage of your residency with pay-as-you-wish days or use your library card to get into some museums completely free and spend the day among art, beauty, and nature. We’re sure you’ll find the stunning surroundings company enough.
12. Book a flight across the pond
Now, we know this one’s a little dramatic, but definitely feasible! If you’re really looking to take your solo date to the extreme, why not turn it into a solo trip? Norse Atlantic Airways is offering flights from NYC to London for as low as $120! Truly, what’s more romantic than a European vacation?
13. Pick up a new hobby at a cool class
It’s always a good time to pick up a new hobby! You won’t need a plus one at these hands-on workshops because you’ll be way too focused to hold a conversation anyway. Learn to make rugs, make your favorite dish, or make something to eat out of at a pottery class. Most likely, there’ll be other students flying solo, so you might just leave with a new friend!
14. Romanticize your life with a stroll through Little Paris
NYC is full of micro-neighborhoods. There’s Little Caribbean for when you’re in the mood to feel like you’re in the tropics, and Little Paris for when you want to imagine that you’re in the most romantic city in the world. You’ll find a bunch of cute Parisian-style shops, restaurants, wine shops, and more!
15. Check out an art gallery in Chelsea
The neighborhood of Chelsea—roughly running from 14th St. to 30th St. between Seventh Ave and the Hudson River—has a rich history in the art world. Plan a cute day perusing through a few galleries and end the day with a cute dinner!