Classic New York dates

For breathtaking views

Brooklyn Heights Promenade
There’s no better way to enjoy romantic Manhattan than to gaze upon it from a distance. But be warned: being surrounded by the neighborhood’s impressive houses may lead to talk of family planning. Between Middagh and Remsen Sts, Brooklyn Heights

Empire State Building
It’s as touristy as the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, but from way up top, you can spot your respective digs—and hope that you end up in the same one later. 350 Fifth Ave at 34th St (212-736-3100)

New Museum
This wonky building is a sight to behold itself, but nearly every story of it will afford you a view of the Lower East Side. 235 Bowery between Prince and Stanton Sts (212-219-1222)

For slow-moving vehicles

Bike Around Downtown
Register in advance and bike around the South Street Seaport for free until the end of September. We’ll give you two bonus points for every tourist you take down! Piers 16 and 17 between Fulton and South Sts (downtownny.com/bikearound)

Deno’s Wonder Wheel
Nothing’s more romantic than teetering at the top of a Ferris wheel with your date—hold on tight when it dips! (Open daily until Labor Day, then weekends and holidays in Sept, Oct, Apr and May). 1000 Surf Ave at W 10th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn (718-265-2100)

Staten Island Ferry
Bask in the glory of Lady Liberty, the fresh salty air and the free ticket! Whitehall Ferry Terminal, 1 Whitehall St

For conversation avoiders

BAM Harvey Theater
See bizarre music, theater and dance during the annual two-month Next Wave Festival (see Music). Anything to make you look more normal, right? 651 Fulton St between Ashland and Rockwell Pls, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-636-4100)

Metropolitan Opera
It may sound like a cliché, but as anyone who’s seen Moonstruck will remember, you don’t know romance in the city until you’ve been to the Met. Columbus Ave at 65th St (212-362-6000)

Clearview Ziegfeld theater
While sitting in the plush velvet seats of this ultrafancy theater, accidentally on-purpose reach for the popcorn at the same time. 141 W 54th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-307-1862)

For inadvertent touching

’ino
Space is limited at this panino-centric restaurant, so you might need to sit a little closer than usual. 21 Bedford St between Sixth Ave and Downing St (212-989-5769)

Soho Billiards
Assist him with his shot and make pool a full-contact sport. 298 Mulberry St at E Houston St (212-925-3753)
—Lisa Freedman