Free date ideas in New York City: Romance on the cheap
Looking to romance your companion even when you’re totally broke? Look no further than our guide to free-of-charge date ideas.
Wed Feb 27 2013
Free date ideas in New York City: Stroll the Brooklyn Heights Promenade Photograph: Michael Kirby
It’s a common problem: You want to sweep your sexy partner off their feet. But you, you know, don’t have any coin. Worry not, romantic New Yorker! We found some great date ideas that won’t cost you a cent.
RECOMMENDED: Full list of free things to do in NYC
Intrepid Summer Movie Series: Top Gun
- Free
The floating museum kicks off its outdoor film series with a showing of the Tom Cruise classic. Doors open at 7:30pm; the movie begins at sunset.
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pier 86, Twelfth Ave, at 46th St, 10036
- Fri May 24
Room 69: The Hotel Chantelle Way
- Critics choice
- Free
The busy burlesque babe Calamity Chang, along with Shelly "The Singing Siren" Watson, is the host of this Friday-night parade of pulchritude on Hotel Chantelle's street-level floor, with they and their guests strutting their stuff as you tipple your cocktail.
- Hotel Chantelle 92 Ludlow St, between Broome and Delancey Sts, 10022
- Fri May 24 - Sat May 25
Hotmale
- Free
A rotating roster of DJs and hosts keeps things fresh for this house-music soiree at Chelsea's slickest lounge.
Hot Rabbit
- Critics choice
- Free
After gaining a strong following in the East Village, this top-notch shindig has settled into the reliably fun basement at West Village dive the Monster. Expect a cute crowd and ever-changing local and international DJs. For more information, go to boywonderevents.com.
- The Monster 80 Grove St , at Seventh Ave South
- Fri May 24
Governors Island
- Critics choice
- Free
The gratis ferry runs to this carless oasis through September, transporting New Yorkers to bike rental, concerts and art events. This year, New-York Historical Society curates the exhibit “WWII & NYC: Photography and Propaganda,” Empire Historic Arts organizes "Shipwrecked! A History of Maritime Disasters in NYC Harbor," and art nonprofit Figment
- Governors Island Governors Island
- Sat May 25 - Sun Sep 29
Museum
- Critics choice
- Free
Museum—a 60-square-foot repository located in an abandoned Tribeca freight elevator—debuted last May and, after closing to swap out exhibitions, has reopened for its second season. Its collection is a mishmash of found objects and artifacts donated by hobbyists; its permanent holdings include an index card detailing a pot dealer's pricing scale
Thee Midnite Monster Hop
- Critics choice
- Free
Mike Mortician (from the Memphis Morticians) and his pals spin psychobilly and ’60s garage at this rockin’ bar. Bands and horror films add to the morbid fun.
- Otto’s Shrunken Head 538 E 14th St, between Aves A and B, 10009
- Sat May 25
Stiletto
- Critics choice
- Free
Maggie C serves up this popular lesbian soiree and tea dance, with drink specials, grilled treats, DJs and gaggles of gorgeous ladies. For more information, go to maggiecevents.com.
- Cabanas at the Maritime 363 W 16th St, at Ninth Ave
- Sun May 26 - Mon May 27
Scissor Sundays
- Critics choice
- Free
JD Samson's weekly tea dance features a rotating cast of local and visiting DJs providing ambience while you enjoy cheap booze and gorgeous sunsets over the Hudson.
- Rusty Knot 425 West St, at 11th St
- Sun May 26
Slurp!
- Critics choice
- Free
Cap your weekend with some infused vodka and a performance from the tireless Paige Turner.
- Vlada Lounge 331 W 51st St, between Eighth and Ninth Aves
- Sun May 26
Comments & ratings