New York City for New Couples

New York can be one of the most romantic cities in the world, but with all the tourist-oriented traditions, finding just the right spot for your initial date night can be tricky and expensive. Here's a guide to some great date night ideas that won't break the bank.

Enjoy the Views in Manhattan

Manhattan is probably the most happening borough in New York, but it is also the most touristy, crowded and overpriced. There are some really fun things to do here, though, and they don't all involve dinner and a show (not that there's anything wrong with that). Take your date for a stroll through Central Park and rent a rowboat for a romantic and secluded boat ride. For a great view of the city without the long lines of the Empire State Building, head to the Top of the Rock and steal your first kiss while enjoying the panorama. If your date is a museum lover, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History offer a great atmosphere and plenty of conversation fodder. South Street Seaport is another good choice for spectacular views, along with fantastic restaurants, shops, street fairs, concerts and more.

Explore Different Cultures in Queens

Why not show your date your sense of adventure and head to Queens for your first outing? Queens is home to some of the best ethnic food in the city, and just getting out there on the subway can provide plenty of entertainment. Explore the Indian neighborhood of Jackson Heights and indulge in an Indian buffet for lunch, or take the seven train to the end and get dim sum in Flushing, which is New York City's most authentic Chinatown. If you're a sports fans, check out the newly built Citi Field and take in a Mets game -- tickets are much cheaper than they are at Yankee Stadium. If none of that sounds good, at least consider taking a gondola ride over the East River -- the Roosevelt Island Tramway offers terrific views of both Queens and Manhattan, and the small gondolas afford a perfect opportunity to snuggle up close to your date.

Shop and Dine in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is a trendy borough these days, with tons of great shops and restaurants to explore. If the weather is nice, plan a leisurely stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge with brunch at either end. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is another perfect choice for a fair-weather first date night. For an indoor activity, check out the concert offerings at the Brooklyn Academy of Music -- ticket prices are generally much lower than at other concert venues in Manhattan, and their concert offerings are usually very interesting.

Take a Trip to the Bronx and Staten Island

The Bronx and Staten Island may be a bit of a hike from Manhattan, but if you have a free afternoon, doing some people-watching on the Staten Island Ferry is a fun and free idea -- round out your date with a hot dog from a vendor on the Manhattan side, and take a stroll around Battery Park City. For animal lovers, a trip to the Bronx Zoo followed by dinner on Arthur Avenue, New York's real Little Italy, is a perfect choice. Just remember that most of the interesting places on Arthur Avenue are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

Sources:

http://www.topoftherocknyc.com
http://www.metmuseum.org/
http://www.amnh.org
http://www.southstreetseaport.com/
http://www.ny.com/transportation/ri_tramway.html
http://www.bbg.org
http://www.bam.org/
http://www.bronxzoo.com/
http://www.arthuravenuebronx.com/