Unique date ideas in NYC

Helicopter tours might be pricey, but they’ll definitely knock your date’s socks off. Take off after dark to admire an awe-inspiring aerial view of the city lights. You’ll soar over the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge before touching down. Talk about picturesque.

Your body becomes the canvas in this sensual workshop at DenArt, a black light body painting studio in Brooklyn. Use brushes and UV body paint to create glowing designs all over your partner’s face, hands, arms, legs and elsewhere. Though DenArt allows you to go topless, there’s no need to disrobe. Still, it’s probably better to save the body painting date until after you’re comfortable with one another. 

A little-known gem situated just across the bay in Staten Island, this regional arts center used to be a home for retired sailors. Today, the 83-acre plot of land boasts several contemporary art galleries and expansive gardens. Stroll through the popular Chinese Scholar’s Garden, complete with a koi pond, flowing waterfalls and eight splendid pavilions.

Founded by Russian expats, the Russian Tea Room was a high society hangout for much of the twentieth century. Dining there feels like going back in time—the glitzy gilded interior hasn’t changed since the ‘20s. For the full experience, sit down for a three-course lunch of borscht, chicken kiev and other classics.

Head up to Harlem on the first Thursday of every month for an evening of live jazz, wine and hors d’oeuvres in a historic brownstone. The party moves from home to home and features different musicians every time, so each event is really something special. You’ll feel like the classy ladies and gents you really are. 

As if Eataly weren’t already the temple of all things delicious and Italian, you can also learn to cook pasta, pizza and more at the Flatiron location. Bring someone special for a hands-on lesson in Italian cuisine. A resident chef will demonstrate how to prepare dishes and a sommelier will walk you through the accompanying wine pairings.

The team behind SPiN—including co-owner Susan Sarandon—knows that the only thing that more fun than ping pong is tipsy ping pong. This bar combines Olympic-sized tables with a diverse selection of domestic and imported beers. It has all the makings of a guaranteed good time, whether or not you’re any good at the sport.

Instead of one of those ubiquitous paint-and-sip classes, learn how to spin a potter’s wheel in a class at Choplet Ceramic Studio. You can bring a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer to split with your sweetheart, but this class doesn’t come with the same pressure of a sit-down drinks date. There’s something a little bit romantic about creating something together, too. Remember that sexy pottery scene from Ghost?

Marie’s isn’t just any dive bar. This West Village institution centers around a pianist playing show tunes, and singing along isn’t just encouraged—it’s pretty much required. Don’t even try to request Taylor Swift—this isn’t your average karaoke night. You’ll see aspiring Broadway stars, neighborhood fixtures and people from all walks of life belting out classics like “Memory” and “All That Jazz.”

Meeting for happy hour at your local watering hole is fine for a first date, but overachievers who aren’t content with being just fine might want to opt for a more adventurous drinks date—like sipping craft whiskey straight from the source. For the cost of one trendy cocktail, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Kings County Distillery, learn how whiskey is made and taste three locally produced spirits. We’ll raise a glass to that.