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
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Great first NYC dates
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Sticky-note confessions: What was your worst date?
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Dating deals
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Free dates
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Hookup dates
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Activity dates
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Dates for quiet types
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Dates with souvenirs
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First-date standbys
Free, cheap and easy dates
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
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
Monday Night Bingo
- Critics choice
- Free
Hosts Linda Simpson ("In the know and on the go!") and Murray Hill ("the hardest-working middle-aged man in show business") team up for a night of alt-bingo mirth every Monday on the Lower East Side. Admission is free, but a game card will cost you two clams.
- Hotel Chantelle 92 Ludlow St, between Broome and Delancey Sts, 10022
- Mon May 27
Mobile Mondays! 45s
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
- Free
Start out your week with a wide-ranging regimen of funk, soul, rock, punk, new wave, pop, salsa, calypso, reggae, rhythm & blues, disco and anything else that's danceable, spun (on 45-rpm vinyl) by Just Blaze, DJ Misbehaviour, $$$ Mike, Operator EMZ, Joey C, Natasha Diggs and guests. Miss Rebecca and Snkr Joe are the evening's hosts.
- The Bowery Electric 327 Bowery, between 2nd and 3rd Sts
- Mon May 27
Mixtape Mondays
- Free
Tina Burner hosts this week starter with DJ David Serrano spinning hits from the ’80s through today. Lube up with two-for-one infused-vodka drinks until midnight.
- Vlada Lounge 331 W 51st St, between Eighth and Ninth Aves
- Tue May 28 - Mon May 27
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