Unique NYC Date Ideas

For when The Met and the usual suspects just won’t cut it.

After-Hours at the American Museum of Natural History

  • The American Museum of Natural History offers exclusive private after-hours tours, where you can roam the halls of history without the crowds. We’ll have the opportunity to explore the dinosaur exhibits, dioramas, and even the famous Blue Whale under the dim lights of an empty museum.

  • Add-On: Cap the night with a private dining experience at Café Boulud, known for its seasonal French cuisine, or enjoy cocktails at Bemelmans Bar.

Chocolate-Making Class at Raaka Chocolate

  • For someone with a sweet-tooth (yours truly), a private chocolate-making class at Raaka Chocolate in Brooklyn offers a hands-on experience in creating bean-to-bar chocolate. Taste their small-batch chocolates while learning about the ethical sourcing of cacao and crafting your own bars.

  • Add-On: After the class, take a romantic walk along the Dumbo waterfront with views of the Manhattan skyline.

The Drawing Center

  • The Drawing Center in Soho is an understated gem of a gallery that focuses exclusively on the art of drawing. It’s a unique space dedicated to both contemporary and historical drawings, offering a deep dive into a medium that is often overshadowed by painting and sculpture. It’s an intimate museum that offers a refreshing perspective.

  • Add-On: Head to La Mercerie, a chic French café and restaurant in Soho’s Roman and Williams Guild, for a decadent post-visit coffee or meal.

  • Website: The Drawing Center

Helicopter Tour Over Manhattan

  • For those who want a date with a breathtaking view, nothing beats a private helicopter tour over Manhattan. Soar above iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty at sunset.

  • Add-On: Touch down and head straight to Per Se for a world-class fine dining experience that matches the extravagance of our sky-high adventure.

Private Film Screening at Metrograph

  • Book a private screening at Metrograph, an independent cinema in the Lower East Side known for its curated film experiences. Choose a classic film or an indie favorite for an intimate movie night just for the two of us.

  • Add-On: After the film, enjoy cocktails at the theater's cozy bar or take a quick walk to Dirt Candy, a Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant nearby.

Flower Arranging at McQueens New York

  • A creative and hands-on date, McQueens Flowers in Manhattan offers private workshops where you can learn the art of floral design. We partner will work with seasonal blooms, arranging our own bouquets in an intimate setting.

  • Add-On: Finish the day with a cozy, romantic dinner at Gramercy Tavern, celebrating farm-fresh ingredients and elegant simplicity.

Bespoke Perfume-Making at Olfactory NYC

  • Create a custom fragrance for each other (or together) at Olfactory NYC, where we’ll be guided through scent blending with an expert perfumer. This experience allows you to bottle up your unique creation and take home a memory-filled fragrance.

  • Add-On: Afterward, enjoy a meal at Le Coucou, a Michelin-starred French restaurant hidden in NoHo.

SNCTM

  • For those seeking something truly extraordinary, SNCTM offers an exclusive, members-only evening of intimate, high-end entertainment. This erotic masquerade club provides an unparalleled experience for those who appreciate the more daring, sensual side of life. Each event is curated with an air of sophistication, luxury, and secrecy, making it perfect for adventurous couples who want to push the boundaries. Fun fact, I used to work there!

Neue Galerie

  • For lovers of early 20th-century German and Austrian art, the Neue Galerie is a must-visit. Located in a beautiful townhouse on Fifth Avenue, this museum is home to works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and other masters of modernism. It’s a quiet, intimate space with a high-end feel.

  • Add-On: Stop for a Viennese coffee and dessert at Café Sabarsky, located inside the museum, for an elegant Old World experience.

Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Hudson Valley

  • For a date that’s truly one for the books, book a private hot air balloon ride over the Hudson Valley. As the sun rises (or sets), we’ll float above the picturesque landscape, enjoying sweeping views of rolling hills, rivers, and distant mountains.

  • Add-On: Make it a 24h and follow our ride with a day of wine tasting at nearby Hudson Valley vineyards.

The Morgan Library & Museum

  • Originally the private library of financier J.P. Morgan, The Morgan Library & Museum is an awe-inspiring space filled with rare manuscripts, prints, and artifacts, from early editions of the Bible to original musical scores by Beethoven. The grand library, complete with carved wooden ceilings and walls lined with ancient tomes, feels like stepping into a different era.

Pottery Class at Choplet

  • For a more artistic and tactile experience, try a private pottery class at Choplet in Brooklyn. Learn wheel-throwing or hand-building techniques, and create your own ceramic pieces. Whether it’s bowls, mugs, or vases, we’ll bond over the messiness of crafting something beautiful together.

  • Add-On: Continue the hands-on fun with a cozy dinner at Maison Premiere, a nearby oyster bar known for its incredible seafood and enchanting Parisian decor.

A Night at the New York Philharmonic with Box Seats

  • Instead of the usual live performance, elevate your night with a private box at the New York Philharmonic. This world-renowned orchestra delivers awe-inspiring performances, and having our own private space makes the experience all the more exclusive.

  • Add-On: After the performance, enjoy late-night drinks at The Aviary NYC, located atop the Mandarin Oriental with stunning views of Central Park.

Secret Speakeasy Night at Apotheke Academy

  • Take a mixology class at Apotheke Academy, where expert bartenders teach you to create your own bespoke cocktails. Inspired by a 19th-century apothecary, this hidden spot channels prohibition-era raunchiness. Learn the art of crafting complex, herbal cocktails that are as fun to make as they are to drink.

  • Add-On: After our class, head to Apotheke’s secret speakeasy, located in a dimly lit Chinatown alley. Enjoy the decadent drinks we’ve learned to make, surrounded by the moody, romantic ambiance.

Private Art Collection Viewings

  • Dive deep into New York’s art world with a private viewing of local art collections. Pop-up galleries and private art collections offer intimate glimpses into rare works that you won’t find in museums. Spaces like the Waterfall Mansion & Gallery on the Upper East Side or the Rosenfeld Gallery regularly host invite-only exhibitions.

  • Add-On: Make it an overnight stay at The Beekman, where you can book their Turret Penthouse for a private dinner overlooking the city.

  • Explore NYC Exhibitions: Galleries Now

Rooftop Stargazing at The William Vale

  • Experience a private rooftop stargazing session at The William Vale in Williamsburg, hosted by professional astronomers. Admire the stars while sipping champagne under the open sky with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

  • Add-On: Extend our evening with an overnight stay at the hotel and dinner at Leuca, the in-house Italian restaurant offering a menu of wood-fired dishes.

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NYC’s Best Galas for Two

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A Night at the Ballet in NYC