Quirky Date Ideas In New York City

• Location: multiple locations
• Price: $$ - $$$
• Why we recommend: you won't run out of things to talk about when the whole city is right there in front of you - and this list offers a variety of rooftop bars to suit all couples

Drinks dates may be often overdone, but admiring New York City from above will never get old. If you want to seriously impress your date, then take them to one of these amazing rooftop bars, found everywhere from Midtown Manhattan to Roosevelt Island and Brooklyn.

Soak up the stunning views of the city, and don't forget to snap plenty of pictures. While you're up there, enjoy bespoke cocktails and small plates - and many of these picks offer a range of music and live entertainment as well.

• Location: 130 E 23rd Street, Flatiron District, NY 10010
• Price: $$
• Why we recommend: Even twenty years on, Friends is one of the most iconic TV shows of all time. The photo opportunities are fantastic, and you're bound to learn more about the props and sets behind the scenes we all know and love

If you and your partner are huge fans of the hit 90s sitcom, then head to The Friends Experience: The One In New York City. Located in the Flatiron District, this is a recreation of the set, featuring original props and costumes from the show.

There are all sorts of photo opportunities throughout, from Monica's kitchen to Joey and Chandler's apartment and the iconic couch from the opening credits. Prices start from $54 per person, cheapest when you book in advance online.

• Location: 547 W 27th Street, Chelsea, NY 10001
• Price: $$
• Why we recommend: nothing brings you together like getting creative as a couple, and a hands-on activity switches things up from all the usual bars and restaurants. They offer themed events to suit everyone, and you'll even get a masterpiece to take home with you

One of the most fun date activities in NYC that will leave you with a keepsake to remember the occasion, Unarthodox is an immersive art studio in the Chelsea area. This one-of-a-kind experience is designed to inspire, engage and uplift people through art, offering a wide range of events.

They host everything from blindfolded sculpting sessions to paint-and-sip evenings, inspired by celebrated artists like Picasso and Monet. Bring along your boo and get creative together, before leaving with your very own masterpiece.

• Location: 75 9th Avenue, Meatpacking District, NY 10011
• Price: $$
• Why we recommend: for foodie couples, there's nowhere better in the city to visit, thanks to the huge range of international street food on offer

One of the most iconic indoor food halls in the city, Chelsea Market is situated in the former National Biscuit Company factory - the birthplace of Oreo. It retains its industrial features, from exposed brick walls to steel beams and vintage sings, with a relaxed outdoor seating space as well.

There are countless artisanal food vendors and bars throughout the venue, alongside boutique shops and pop-up stalls. You and your partner can venture on a culinary journey around the world, with kitchens cooking up everything from fresh seafood to tasty tacos and indulgent pasta.

• Location: 24 W 25th St floor 8, Midtown Manhattan, NY 10010
• Price: $$
• Why we recommend: there's a hilarious lineup of shows to check out here, and you may even discover your new favourite comedian at an affordable price

One of New York City's top spots for stand-up, Gotham Comedy Club provides lots of laughs on a regular basis. This intimate venue is filled with sultry red decor that screams date night, with a stage at the front that hosts an ever-changing lineup of comedians from all around the world.

Many past performers have gone on to star in TV shows, films and specials, earning the club quite a reputation for itself. Tickets to their shows are usually less than $40 each, securing you a seat at one of their shared tables, and there's a fully stocked bar serving drinks throughout.

• Location: 47-01 111th Street, Corona, Queens, NY 11368
• Price: $$
• Why we recommend: you don't have to spend a lot to have a great time at this night market, which promises to be a celebration of diversity and really great food

Searching for fun outdoor date ideas in New York City? Queens Night Market takes over Corona park every single Saturday from spring to fall, flaunting more than 100 vendors selling food, drink and goods to take home - inspired by the night markets of Taiwan.

This is designed to reflect the diversity of Queens, with sellers from over 95 different countries getting involved. It's known for being incredibly affordable, and you'll often find live music, cultural showcases and community events adding some additional entertainment to your evening.

• Location: 35 W 29th Street, NoMad, NY 10001
• Price: $$
• Why we recommend: it's always fun to get competitive with your date, and we love the unique choices of mini golf course here. And with pizza and cocktails on the table too, it sounds like our ideal evening

In the heart of Manhattan, Swingers NoMad is a whacky mini golf bar that makes for a cute date night. The indoor, nine-hole courses feature all kinds of quirky decor and colourful obstacles to play your way around, competing against your partner to be crowned the winner. From the twisting and turning Waterwheel Course to the Clocktower Course which involves racing against time, each has a different theme.

You can enjoy delicious cocktails while you play, from the white sangria to a frozen margarita. These can be paired with street food from Emmy Squared Pizza or Tacos Fonda

• Location: 24 W 25th St floor 8, Midtown Manhattan, NY 10010
• Price: $$
• Why we recommend: working together at an escape room is a great way to bond, and we love the wide range of themed experiences to choose from, some of which are even inspired by hit TV shows and movies

Whether you're going as a pair or teaming up on a double date, Escape The Room is the perfect way to put your combined skills to the test. You'll be tasked with breaking free from one of may different scenarios, solving puzzles and cracking codes along the way.

Themes range from The Office to Jurassic Escape or The Outbreak, each presenting its own unique challenges. There's also the weird and wonderful Quiz Boxing, which will make you feel like you're on a gameshow as you show off your general knowledge abilities.

• Location: 321 W, 37th Street, Midtown Manhattan, NY 10018 (though there are multiple locations across the city)
• Price: $
• Why we recommend: this is a date that can be done at any time of day or night, and their automated system makes reserving your spot so easy. For an active, competitive date that doesn't cost a lot, you can't get much better than this

If you're on the hunt for cheap date ideas in NYC, check out one of PingPod's many locations across Manhattan and beyond. These are fully automated table tennis venues, boasting high-tech tables that you can book at any time of day - thanks to their 24-hour opening times. This includes all the equipment you'll need.

Reserve tables from as little as $15 for an hour, with the option to play for only half an hour as well. For something more exclusive, there are also private pods available. Tables come equipped with video replay systems, automated scorekeeping and more, and there are even light refreshments on offer for afterwards.

• Location: 622 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217
• Price: $$
• Why we recommend: the cozy lodge vibes make for an adorable date destination, and there's no shortage of entertainment. And for some flirty competition, what could be better than axe throwing?

Do you and your other half prefer something a bit more active? Then Kick Axe Throwing is just the place for you. This Brooklyn venue features multiple lanes for axe throwing, where professionals will teach you all the safety and technique information you need to know, before letting you loose at the targets.

When you've sunk enough axes, take a seat in the cozy, cabin-themed bar that will transport you to an alpine retreat. Expect plaid armchairs and taxidermy decorating the walls, with boardgames and live music sessions for entertainment. There's even an outdoor terrace if you prefer to sit in the sun.