The 20 Best Baecation Spots in NYC to Visit This Weekend [2024]
The 20 Best Baecation Spots in NYC to Visit This Weekend
A weekend to New York isn’t just about crazy things to do in NYC at night. Yes, you should visit a dazzling NYC jazz club at least once, but there are plenty of other ways to pass a day (and evening) in this concrete jungle.
In this round-up, we’ve put together the 20 best things to do in New York for couples that will turn another ordinary weekend into a one-of-a-kind baecation.
What is a Baecation?
Your significant other is your bae, a shortened form of baby. In internet culture, it also means “before any other.” A baecation is a couple’s vacation! You and your significant other can enjoy some quality time together, taking in the sights of a new location or discovering a new side to your city.
And what better place for a romantic getaway than NYC? It’s a couple’s paradise, whether you like to take it easy or go all out and take a five-star vacation.
1 | Westgate New York Grand Central | The couples getaway package at Westgate New York Grand Central features wine, chocolates, and a keepsake notebook for you to document your adventures together!
Conveniently located near the famous Grand Central Station, Westgate New York is the perfect spot for couples that want to stay in a prime spot in the city. With a built-in tavern, it’s the perfect place to kick-off a romantic weekend exploring everything NYC has to offer.
WHERE: 304 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 | WHO: (212) 986-8800
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2 | Central Park | Is there anywhere more iconic in Manhattan than Central Park? No matter what time of year you visit, it’s always beautiful.
Bring a blanket and some sandwiches from a local deli to Sheep’s Meadow, where you and your partner can enjoy a spacious field and ample sunshine.
If it’s not picnic-weather, don’t worry. Central Park is still an amazing place to explore in any season. In the winter, swing by for an incredible Central Park NYC Christmas.
WHERE: New York, NY | WHO: N/A
3 | SUMMIT One Vanderbilt | If you’re after NYC skyline views, SUMMIT is a remarkable experience. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views that are taken to the next level by reflective floors and ceilings.
Once a month in October, the Amateur Astronomers Association hosts Astronomy Nights, where you can see beautiful constellations through high-end telescopes 1,100 miles above Manhattan.
WHERE: 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 | WHO: N/A
4 | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | The Met, as it’s known to locals, is a famous museum housing everything from ancient artifacts to modern photography exhibits. It’s a staggering 2.2 million square feet, and wonders await at every turn.
Captivate your senses as you and your partner get lost in history, as the world unfolds around you through magnificent works of art.
WHERE: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 100280 | WHO: (212) 535-7710
5 | Katz's Delicatessen | You haven’t eaten in New York until you’ve had one of the legendary pastrami sandwiches at Katz’s. This historic deli is the oldest in the city, and its food tells a story. You’ll find classic NYC food, like cheesecake, bagels, and matzoh ball soup, along with artisan breads, babka, and mini black and white cookies.
After trying Katz’s once, it’s bound to become a staple every time you visit Manhattan.
WHERE: 205 East Houston Street, New York, NY 10002 | WHO: (212) 254-2246
6 | Battery Park - Statue of Liberty | Take a tour to Ellis Island by booking a ride from Statue Cruises in Battery Park in the Financial District. They’ll take you straight to Lady Liberty herself! You can not only climb to the top but also have fun exploring the free museum that opened in 2019.
It never gets old seeing the Statue of Liberty, and you’ll cherish this iconic NYC experience forever.
WHERE: New York, NY 10004 | WHO: (212) 344-3491
7 | The High Line | Take a 1.45-mile trek across the High Line, an old railroad track that has been turned into a green walkway. It’s used by locals every day to cross from West 34th St. to Grosvenor St. in Chelsea.
Along the way, you can walk through some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods, including the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea, and Hell’s Kitchen.
WHERE: Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014 | WHO: (212) 500-6035
8 | Grimaldi's | Head to Brooklyn’s famous Dumbo neighborhood and grab a slice at Grimaldi’s. They’re a famous pizzeria that’s been open since 1990; in 33 years, they’ve become a hallmark of authentic New York pizza that’s worth the trip from Manhattan.
While you’re dining at one of the red-checkered tables, you can enjoy a variety of craft beers and a decent wine list, too.
While you’re nearby, take a tour of the neighborhood. Dumbo is home to Brooklyn Bridge Park, Jane’s Carousel, and St. Ann’s Warehouse, a theater of performing arts. Even if you just go to chill, Dumbo is a laid-back neighborhood with lots of artsy coffee houses, boutiques, and interesting stores to browse.
WHERE: 1 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | WHO: (718) 858-4300
9 | Broadway Street | Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s Broadway, so you have to go at least once. Whenever you and bae come to the city, catch a show and enjoy seeing the street aglow with all the marquee signs and billboards.
You’ll probably catch yourself moving through Times Square, too, which may be hectic, but it’s also one of those NYC locations you have to experience at least once.
WHERE: 242 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036 | WHO: N/A
10 | Bryant Park | This popular Midtown Park is a great place to rest your legs after a long morning exploring the city. Grab a coffee at a shop nearby or take a lunch to-go from a diner or deli.
There are 10 acres of land in Bryant Park, and even though it’s close to Times Square, it feels like a private oasis. The best part is that the city frequently hosts events and live performances, too.
In the winter, don’t miss the Winter Village shops and ice rink!
And if you’re into guided tours, there are free ones offered every Wednesday; the meet-up point is at the Josephine Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain, near 41st Street and Sixth Avenue.
WHERE: New York, NY 10018 | WHO: (212) 768-4242
11 | Little Italy | A visit to Piccola Italia is a great way to experience a new side of the city. NYC’s strong cultural neighborhoods offer incredible cuisine, and there’s no place like pizza and pastries from real Italian cooks.
In Little Italy, be sure to stop by Lombardi’s, which has been open since 1905; for dessert, grab cannoli from Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, which has been open since 1842.
WHERE: New York, NY 10013 | WHO: N/A
12 | Bronx Zoo | Home to more than 700 species, the Bronx Zoo is an animal lovers’ ideal destination. You can witness both common, rare, and endangered species up close across the zoo’s various parks.
For a fun date idea in NYC, the zoo is hard to beat. It keeps you active, engages your mind, and offers plenty of topics for conversation as you discover all sorts of new animals together!
WHERE: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460 | WHO: (718) 220-5100
13 | Metropolitan Opera House | For an elegant date night, attend a performance at the famous Metropolitan Opera House. In the spring, you can see shows from the American Ballet Theater. From fall through winter, the Met Opera Company puts on amazing displays of musical talent.
WHERE: 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023 | WHO: (212) 362-6000
14 | Coney Island | Take a train ride to Brooklyn’s famous Coney Island, home of the New York Aquarium, Luna Park and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs.
In the warmer months, the boardwalk and beach are a must. Ride the Cyclone or try draft beers from the Coney Island Brewery.
If you’re wondering where to watch fireworks in NYC during the summer, Coney Island is a great spot!
WHERE: N/A | WHO: N/A
15 | The Van Cortlandt House Mansion | There are plenty of historic NYC mansions to explore, including this one in the Bronx. This former residence turned museum offers a glimpse into life of settlers in New Amsterdam in the 1600s.
The house is built in a classic Georgian style and is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
WHERE: 6036 Broadway, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, NY 10471 | WHO: (718) 543-3344
16 | Fifth Avenue | Home to the famous “Millionaire’s Row” and designer stores, Fifth Avenue is an iconic street that is perfect for spending a day in the city. Whether you want to shop or just take in the sights, you and your partner will love the vibrant New York energy Fifth exudes.
Keep an eye out for iconic landmarks like the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Regis Hotel, The Plaza Hotel, the New York Public Library, and the Guggenheim Museum.
WHERE: 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001 | WHO: N/A
17 | Staten Island Ferry | The free Staten Island Ferry is a great way to see sweeping views of NYC from the Hudson River. It carries 22 million people a year among nine vessels! Each voyage takes 25 minutes.
This famous ferry runs 24 hours a day. On Saturday nights, it has a snack bar that serves food and beer.
You’re bound to get amazing couple photos from the roof of one of the ferries. Whether it’s day or night, the views are great. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Statue of Liberty!
WHERE: 4 Whitehall St, New York, NY 10004 | WHO: N/A
18 | Brookfield Place | Down in the Financial District, Brookfield Place is a stunning galleria featuring a glass ceiling, maple trees, and steel beams. The amazing Pavilion is home to famous basket columns that stretch 54-feet tall, and it encloses the esteemed Winter Gardens, which house 16 Washingtonia robusta palm trees that stand 40-feet tall each.
Within Brookfield Place, you can enjoy a variety of restaurants and shopping at over 60 stores.
WHERE: 230 Vesey St, New York, NY 10281 | WHO: (212) 978-1673
19 | Oculus Center | Just a short walk from Brookfield Place is The Oculus, which is one of the most amazing places to take pictures in NYC. With over 125 stores and over 30 restaurants, it’s easy to spend an entire day here.
What’s really impressive, though, is the architecture. The 350-foot wings on the outside transform into magnificent, white beams indoors, all of which seem to float in the air among the skylight.
WHERE: 185 Greenwich St LL3110, New York, NY 10006 | WHO: N/A
20 | Chelsea Market | The iconic Chelsea Market has been open since the 1890s, when it was originally home to Nabisco, the famous cookie brand. In fact, the Oreo cookie was invented here.
The classic industrial style really sets the scene as you explore the Concourse, open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Browse artisan goods, international delights, and sample some amazing NYC food. Lobster rolls, vegan Korean dishes, and Italian gelato are just a few of the delicacies that await.
WHERE: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011 | WHO: (212) 652-2111
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Fall in Love With NYC
Whether you want to explore the best escape rooms in NYC or spend the day visiting famous restaurants and iconic locations, it’s impossible not to find something you adore in the city.
From Manhattan’s glittering lights and vibrant energy to the artistic and historical streets of Brooklyn, there is a place for everyone. When it comes to exciting date ideas, you can’t go wrong in the Big Apple.
For more NYC travel and foodie guides, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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