NYC Date Night Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Source: RedBubble

Is the $2.75 subway fare doing enough damage to your wallet that date nights seem out of the picture? Are you looking for activities that won’t leave you anxiously checking your bank statement? Even if you’re the total opposite, I have a couple of cute date night ideas that will satisfy that craving without racking up a bill.

Lucky for you, New York City is full of things to do and places to go, you just have to know where to look. After reading this article you'll have numerous date ideas to choose from that the only thing you'll be worrying about is transportation.


If You Want To Be Wowed

When and how to get into some of NYC’s most notorious museums for little to nothing.

Source: Pinterest

  1. The Met - For NY residents & NY, NJ, and CT students, always pay what you wish. Pay what you wish for everyone Thursdays from 4 p.m.- 6 p.m.

  2. FIT Museum - Free for all visitors! 

  3. Whitney Museum of American Art - Pay what you wish for New York residents Fridays from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. 

  4. Queens Museum - Pay what you wish every day. 

  5. Guggenheim Museum - Saturdays 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. pay as you wish. 

  6. Museum of The City of New York - Free for those under 20. 

  7. New Museum of Contemporary Arts - Pay what you wish Thursdays from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

  8. The MoMA - On the first Friday of the month from 4 p.m.- 8p.m., free entry for New York residents.

  9. American Folk Art Museum - Always Free!


If You Want To Feel Something  

Some great spots to catch a sunset, have a picnic, take pictures, or just read a book.

Source: Image taken by Author

  1. Dumbo, Brooklyn - If you haven’t stepped outside of Manhattan, I strongly suggest taking the journey to Dumbo, you won’t regret it. Grab a bite to eat and catch an amazing view. 

  2. Coney Island, Brooklyn - A boardwalk unlike any other, this one-of-a-kind New York City staple will leave you feeling like a child again. 

  3. NYC Highline - A great place to go if you want to catch a sunset and an amazing view of the skyscrapers in Manhattan. After you can walk to Chelsea Market and shop around. 

Source: Image taken by Author


If You’re Looking To Explore

  1. New York Public Library - Located in Bryant Park, the public library is an amazing place to find just about anything. From books to vintage fashion ads, this place is home to hours of archive digging. 

  2. Bryant Park Winter Market and Free Ice Skating - Winter is just around the corner and I thought it would be important to add this to the list. The Ice rink is free to skate on all you need to do is bring ice skates! 

  3. Little Island - Located on the Chelsea Piers, Little Island is a new addition to the city’s piers, free for all visitors all you need to do is make a reservation based on the day. 

  4. Union Square Farmers Market - While you do have to pay for items at the farmer’s market, the ambiance of a farmers market in the middle of New York City is an unbeatable feeling. Just a stroll through this local market will warm your heart. 


If you liked these ideas, I recommend picking one out of a hat and trying something spontaneous; you might end up having the best night of your life. After all, the best things in life are free.

Which date ideas do you want to try? Comment down below.