Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Couples in Times Square
Top Things to Do in New York City for Couples in Times Square
1. Times Square
Stand together beneath the neon glow where Broadway meets Seventh Avenue. From the famous billboards to the buzz of street performers, the square’s energy turns even a simple stroll into a cinematic moment.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the quintessential NYC backdrop for a first look, a kiss under the lights, or memorable photos that feel straight out of a movie.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late evening (after 10 pm) for fewer crowds or sunrise for empty streets and soft light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the red steps above Father Duffy Square for a wide-angle view; arrive early to snag a spot.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Couples call it electric, safe-feeling thanks to pedestrian plazas, and a must-see—even skeptics are surprised by how magical it feels at night.
2. Museum of Broadway
An immersive love letter to the Great White Way, with dazzling costumes, recreated sets, and interactive exhibits that trace Broadway’s past and present.
✓ Why Go:
Shared nostalgia and showtunes make for an easy, conversation-sparking date—perfect before or after a performance.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings on weekdays to enjoy galleries with lighter crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a photo together in the neon corridor and check the rotating exhibit schedule for limited-time installations.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the curation, calling it intimate, surprisingly hands-on, and a hit even for non-theater buffs.
3. The View Restaurant & Lounge
New York’s revolving restaurant atop the Marriott Marquis serves skyline vistas that slowly rotate past your table—no extra steps required.
✓ Why Go:
It pairs romance with wow-factor views, so you can toast the city while it turns beneath you.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Twilight into evening for sunset colors and sparkling lights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve a window table and plan for a full rotation (about an hour) to see the panorama.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Couples love the novelty and views; many note it’s a special-occasion splurge worth doing once.
4. St. Cloud Rooftop
Perched atop the Knickerbocker Hotel, this rooftop frames Times Square’s billboards and Broadway canyons with craft cocktails and plush seating.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a chic escape above the fray—intimate enough for conversation, dramatic enough for a proposal-worthy backdrop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour through early night for the best light and comfortable temps.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book a Sky Pod in advance for privacy and the most photogenic angles of the square.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight attentive service, balanced drinks, and unforgettable views, with occasional notes about minimums during peak times.
5. Minskoff Theatre
A modern Broadway house with sweeping lobby windows above 45th Street—ideal for pre-show city views before curtain.
✓ Why Go:
Sharing a Broadway show is a classic NYC date: live music, big emotions, and that hush when the lights go down.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evening performances; arrive 30 minutes early to explore the lobby overlooks.
✓ Insider Tip:
Plan a quick intermission photo at the lobby windows—few spots capture Times Square from this angle.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Theatergoers praise sightlines, sound, and the feeling of being in the epicenter of Broadway.
6. Lyric Theatre
One of Broadway’s largest, beautifully restored theaters—grand, comfortable, and built for immersive productions.
✓ Why Go:
A lavish setting elevates date night and makes even a matinee feel like an event.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings for peak atmosphere; weekend matinees if you prefer a relaxed pace.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the mezzanine bar areas before the show—shorter lines and charming architectural details.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Couples note spacious seating, friendly staff, and a polished experience that’s reliably memorable.
7. RiseNY
A soaring, multi-sensory flying theater that lifts you through a love letter to NYC—music, wind, and cityscapes included.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a playful, heart-thumping ride you can experience side-by-side without leaving Times Square.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons to pair with a pre-theater dinner; mornings on weekends for shorter waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Secure seats toward the middle for the most balanced visuals during the flight sequence.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it unexpectedly romantic and fun, with high production value and repeat-ride appeal.
8. Bowlero Times Square
Glow-in-the-dark lanes, retro decor, and craft cocktails turn bowling into a playful, flirty competition.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an easygoing date that breaks the ice and delivers laughs—rain or shine.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights for lane availability; late nights for a livelier vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve a lane with lounge seating and pre-order snacks to maximize playtime.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Couples enjoy the atmosphere and music; some note weekends can be busy, so booking ahead helps.
9. Carmine's Italian Restaurant
Old-school, family-style Italian served in generous platters—perfect for sharing candlelit comfort food before a show.
✓ Why Go:
Sharing plates sets a convivial tone and makes an indulgent, unhurried meal part of the date.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Pre-theater (5–7 pm) or late-night for shorter waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order one entree and a side to share; portions are famously large.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners praise hearty flavors and friendly service, noting lively rooms that still feel cozy for two.
10. R Lounge at Two Times Square
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the crossroads of the world, letting you sip cocktails with a postcard view of the plaza below.
✓ Why Go:
It delivers the Times Square spectacle without the crush of the crowds—ideal for lingering conversations.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
After 8 pm for illuminated billboards and steady table availability.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a window table when booking and ask which sections have the clearest views of the plaza.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the panoramic vantage and relaxed mood; some mention a minimum spend, but say the view makes it worthwhile.
