Romantic Things to Do in NYC

#1 · New York

Hamptons Day Trip

Sag Harbor outlet shopping day trip from NYC with scenic travel and access to popular boutiques and designer stores in the Hamptons.

#2 · New York

Broadway Theatre District

World-famous theater district featuring spectacular shows, musicals, and performances year-round.

#3 · New York

Top of the Rock

Observation deck atop Rockefeller Center offering panoramic views of Manhattan's skyline.

#4 · New York

Hamilton: An American Musical

Revolutionary hip-hop musical telling the story of America's founding father Alexander Hamilton.

#5 · New York

The Lion King

Spectacular Broadway adaptation of Disney's beloved animated film with stunning costumes and puppetry.

#6 · New York

WICKED

The untold story of the Witches of Oz before Dorothy arrived, featuring unforgettable music and stunning visuals.

#7 · New York

Hadestown

Haunting folk opera retelling the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in a post-apocalyptic depression-era setting.

#8 · New York

The Outsiders

Winner of 4 Tony Awards® including Best Musical. Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1967, this thrilling musical follows Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, and their Greaser family as they battle rival Socs and navigate self-discovery in a world that may never accept them. Based on the beloved novel by S.E. Hinton.

#9 · New York

Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Experience August Wilson's powerful drama Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre. Set in a Pittsburgh boarding house in 1911, the play explores themes of identity, belonging, and the African American experience in the early 20th century. Directed by Bartlett Sher.

#10 · New York

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway magically transports audiences back to the enchanting world of Hogwarts with spellbinding special effects and emotionally charged performances.

#11 · New York

MJ: The Musical

Electrifying celebration of the King of Pop featuring his greatest hits and incredible choreography.

#12 · New York

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Extravagant musical spectacular bringing the Baz Luhrmann film to life with dazzling energy.

#13 · New York

Aladdin

Disney's magical tale of adventure and romance comes alive with spectacular sets and flying carpets.

#14 · New York

Six: The Musical

Modern pop concert meets Tudor history in this electrifying remixing of the six wives of Henry VIII.

#15 · New York

Little Shop of Horrors

Classic Off-Broadway musical about a man-eating plant with catchy songs and darkly comic charm.

#16 · New York

Edge NYC

Sky deck suspended in mid-air offering breathtaking 360-degree views from the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere.

#17 · New York

The Book of Mormon

The hilarious and irreverent Broadway musical by the creators of South Park, following two mismatched Mormon missionaries on a life-changing journey to Uganda.

#18 · New York

Metropolitan Opera

Metropolitan Opera is one of the most prestigious opera companies in the world, presenting elaborate productions that combine powerful vocal performances with dramatic staging and world-class orchestras. Performing inside Lincoln Center's grand opera house, the company's season attracts international stars and devoted opera lovers alike.

#19 · New York

NYC Ballet's The Nutcracker

The New York City Ballet production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is one of the most beloved holiday performances in New York. Staged at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, the show is known for its lavish sets, live orchestra, and famous onstage Christmas tree.

#20 · New York

Lincoln Center

Lincoln Center serves as New York's premier campus for the performing arts, home to multiple theaters, concert halls, and arts institutions clustered around a grand central plaza. The complex anchors the Upper West Side's cultural scene and hosts performances ranging from classical music and ballet to film festivals.

#21 · New York

New York City Ballet

New York City Ballet is renowned for its athletic style, musical precision, and expansive repertory ranging from classic works to innovative contemporary choreography. Based at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater, the company is especially famous for its annual staging of The Nutcracker.

#22 · New York

New York Philharmonic

New York Philharmonic is the oldest symphony orchestra in the United States and a central pillar of the city's classical music scene. Known for both traditional masterworks and adventurous modern programming, the orchestra performs at Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall.

#23 · New York

Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall stands as one of the world's most revered performance venues, synonymous with artistic prestige and acoustic excellence since 1891. Its grand yet intimate interior delivers a listening experience prized by performers and audiences alike.

#24 · New York

La Cage aux Folles

A joyous, exuberant musical that celebrates love, family, and authenticity with heart, humor, and show-stopping numbers.

#25 · New York

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

A hilarious, heartwarming musical that celebrates the awkwardness and triumph of childhood competition.

#26 · New York

Oh, Mary!

In the weeks leading up to President Abraham Lincoln's assassination, First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln finds herself restless, frustrated, and desperate for attention. Reimagined as a wildly theatrical figure with dreams far beyond the White House, Mary spirals through jealousy, ambition, and outrageous schemes as she pursues her fantasy of becoming a cabaret performer. This irreverent comedy offers a chaotic and highly fictional take on history while exploring the eccentric inner world of one of America's most infamous First Ladies.

#27 · New York

School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play

Experience a sharp, hilarious, and culturally rich Broadway comedy with School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Whitney White, this highly anticipated Broadway premiere follows a group of students at a Ghanaian boarding school competing for the coveted Miss Ghana title.

#28 · New York

Wanted

Step into a bold, genre-blending Broadway musical with Wanted at the James Earl Jones Theatre. Inspired by a true story, the production follows twin sisters Mary and Martha Clarke, who transform their lives from farm girls into outlaws as they fight to protect their family in 1893 Texas. Featuring music by Ross Baum and book and lyrics by Angelica Chéri.

#29 · New York

Maybe Happy Ending

Set in a futuristic Seoul, this award-winning musical tells the story of two obsolete “Helper Bots” who embark on a journey that leads them to discover the complexities of love and heartbreak.

#30 · New York

Empire State Building

Art Deco masterpiece offering breathtaking 360-degree views of New York City from its observation decks.

#31 · New York

One World Observatory

Experience breathtaking views from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

#32 · New York

Chicago The Musical

Sultry and cynical tale of murder, greed, corruption, and all that jazz in 1920s Chicago.

#33 · New York

& Juliet

What if Juliet didn't die? This pop musical reimagines Shakespeare's ending with chart-topping hits.

#34 · New York

Buena Vista Social Club

Vibrant musical celebration bringing the legendary Cuban music ensemble to Broadway with infectious rhythms.

#35 · New York

The Play That Goes Wrong

Hilarious comedy where everything that can go wrong does go wrong in this play-within-a-play.

#36 · New York

Drunk Shakespeare

Hilarious twist on Shakespeare where one actor performs completely drunk every night.

#37 · New York

Blood/Love

A rich, character-driven drama that delves into the complexities of family, loyalty, and the ties that bind us.

#38 · New York

Burnout Paradise

A high-octane, sharply observed play that captures the frenetic energy and existential questions of contemporary life.

#39 · New York

The Fever

An intense, provocative play that examines guilt, privilege, and moral responsibility in a globalized world.

#40 · New York

Girl, Interrupted

A compelling stage drama adapted from the bestselling memoir that explores mental health, identity, and the bonds formed in unlikely places.

#41 · New York

The Infinite Wrench

An adventurous theatrical experience that celebrates absurdity, linguistic play, and rapid-fire creativity.

#42 · New York

Jesa

An intimate, beautifully written drama that explores themes of family, identity, and reconciliation.

#43 · New York

Kenrex

A bold, provocative work that navigates identity, power, and the complexities of modern life.

#44 · New York

Masquerade

A stylish, character-driven drama that unfolds amidst secrets, identity, and the allure of transformation.

#45 · New York

Mexodus

A powerful, socially conscious play that explores migration, identity, and the human stories behind the headlines.

#46 · New York

Speakeasy Magick

An immersive, interactive experience set in a hidden bar-like venue, combining magic, performance, and playful storytelling.

#47 · New York

Ulster American

Experience a razor-sharp and darkly comedic Off-Broadway production with Ulster American at Irish Repertory Theatre. Written by David Ireland, this biting satire follows an Oscar-winning actor, an ambitious playwright, and a director as their seemingly professional meeting spirals into a tense and explosive clash of egos and ideologies.

#48 · New York

What We Did Before Our Moth Days

Step into a deeply introspective and emotionally layered Off-Broadway drama with What We Did Before Our Moth Days at Greenwich House Theater. Written by Wallace Shawn and directed by André Gregory, the play brings together four characters as they reflect on the complexities of their lives, relationships, and choices.

#49 · New York

You Got Older

Experience a tender and darkly comic Off-Broadway play with You Got Older at Cherry Lane Theatre. Written by Clare Barron and starring Alia Shawkat as a young woman who returns to her hometown after her life in the city unravels, only to confront family illness, emotional uncertainty, and unexpected connections.

#50 · New York

The Adding Machine

A dark, satirical drama exploring modernity, alienation, and the mechanization of human life.

#51 · New York

11 to Midnight

An intimate, intense theatrical experience that explores the intersection of personal secrets and societal pressures.

#52 · Brooklyn

Hamlet

Experience a bold new take on Shakespeare's most iconic tragedy with Hamlet at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. This contemporary production, directed by Robert Hastie, brings a fresh and sharply modern perspective to the classic story, blending dark humor with psychological intensity. Starring Hiran Abeysekera in the title role, the show reimagines the journey of a conflicted prince grappling with power, loyalty, and uncertainty in a world shaped by privilege and expectation.

#53 · Brooklyn

The Maids

Step into a bold and visually striking reimagining of a classic with The Maids at St. Ann's Warehouse. Directed by Kip Williams, this contemporary adaptation of Jean Genet's seminal play reinterprets the story through a digital-age lens, blending live performance with multimedia elements. Starring Yerin Ha, Phia Saban, and Lydia Wilson.

#54 · New York

Romeo and Juliet

A fresh Shakespeare in the Park production of the classic tragedy, bringing the star-crossed lovers to life under the stars in Central Park.

#55 · New York

Death Becomes Her

Dark comedy musical based on the cult film about two rivals who discover a potion for eternal youth.

#56 · New York

Chess

Epic musical set during the Cold War featuring memorable music by ABBA's Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus.

#57 · New York

Perfect Crime

Long-running Off-Broadway thriller that has been running for over 35 years.

#58 · New York

Heathers The Musical

Dark comedy rock musical based on the 1988 cult classic film about high school cliques.

#59 · New York

About Time

A new musical revue by acclaimed songwriting team Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire. This heartfelt and humorous show features original songs that explore life's memorable moments—from past romances and buried ambitions to daily quirks and generational connections—capturing the joy and challenges of getting older while staying young at heart.

#60 · New York

Animal Wisdom

Step into a haunting and genre-defying theatrical experience with Animal Wisdom Off-Broadway at the Pershing Square Signature Center. Created by Heather Christian and directed by Keenan Tyler Oliphant, this immersive production unfolds as a 'musical séance,' blending storytelling, ritual, and live music into a deeply evocative performance.

#61 · New York

Dirty Books

Dirty Books delves into the scandalous, often secretive world of literature, examining the ways stories influence society and human behavior. The show blends wit, drama, and social commentary, exploring how literature can challenge norms, provoke thought, and spark controversy.

#62 · New York

Gotta Dance

A high-energy musical celebrating the joy, discipline, and creativity of dance. The show follows a vibrant group of performers as they pursue their dreams, overcoming obstacles and discovering the power of teamwork and perseverance.

#63 · New York

Thornton Wilder's The Emporium

Step into a long-lost work from one of America's most celebrated playwrights with The Emporium, Thornton Wilder's final and previously unfinished play, now brought to life through playwright Kirk Lynn's completion. The story follows John, a young orphan who escapes to the city in search of a new life, becoming captivated by a mysterious department store.

#64 · New York

Tru

Step inside an intimate and revealing portrait of a literary icon with Tru Off-Broadway at the House of the Redeemer. Set in December 1975, this one-man play follows Truman Capote alone in his New York apartment. Starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Tru delivers a compelling and immersive theatrical experience.

#65 · New York

A Woman Among Women

Step into a sharp, subversive new drama with A Woman Among Women at Lincoln Center Theater's Claire Tow Theater. Written by Julia May Jonas, the play unfolds over the course of a single summer day in Northampton, Massachusetts, where Cleo—founder of a local women's wellness center—hosts visitors as underlying tensions begin to surface.

#66 · New York

New Born

Experience a thought-provoking and emotionally layered Off-Broadway production with New Born at Audible's Minetta Lane Theatre. Written by Ella Hickson and directed by Ian Rickson, the play unfolds through three distinct monologues whose lives ultimately reveal deeper, interconnected consequences.

#67 · New York

What Happened Was

See What Happened Was live Off-Broadway at Audible's Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City.

#68 · New York

Dear Friend: A Tribute Concert for Scott Ellis

A star-studded one-night-only musical celebration honoring the illustrious career and contributions of the acclaimed Broadway director.

#69 · New York

Katsura Sunshine’s Rakugo

A masterful English-language presentation of the 400-year-old Japanese art of comic storytelling, featuring a lone performer with only a fan and a hand towel.