Tips & Tricks for Making Friends in NYC

Navigating a large city, such as NYC, can be an arduous, but rewarding journey. So, you got a job, a place to crash, and food to eat. What’s next? Unfortunately, Friday night plans with your friends from back home aren’t available. Getting involved with the social life in a city scene, especially as an adult, can seem overwhelming and nearly impossible since it’s just so big, but we’re here with a couple of tips and tricks to help you make friends.

Co-live with others rather than going solo.

Though it may be scary and it may not turn out exactly like the friend groups in FRIENDS or How I Met Your Mother, co-living is a great way to make deeper close connections with people who already live in the city. You may also find a crash pad that’s much cheaper than you would be paying for a single studio in New York; it’s already an expensive place to live in, so knock two birds with one stone by co-living.

Meet people through work.

Don’t skip out on the happy hours or the corporate socials. Those may very well be the place where you meet your next best friend or future partner. Your colleagues are people you’ll be seeing every day regardless of your social life, so it’s a great idea to ask them out for drinks and just casually chat. Be confident in yourself and go get them!

Use social media and apps.

Bumble isn’t just for romantic relationships. The BFF setting on Bumble will show you others who are also looking for friends in your area. Hit up someone new and try something a little different. There are plenty of people out there who are looking for new friends in the big city just like you, so it’s worth getting an account and just testing the waters.

Get a pet.

Your friends don’t have to be humans! Pets are great for bonding with a cute fuzzy animal and finding a friend who will be loyal and by your side for years to come. Plus, you can take out the little one for walks in the park, especially if they’re a dog, and that way you can also meet and bond with other pet owners. Pets are a great way to take care of yourself while also finding some companionship. 

Say yes as much as you can.

Turning down an event isn’t a bad thing, but turning down everything can be. When you’re invited to a party or a get together, try to say ‘yes’ as often as you can. Getting out there is the first step to making new friends. Meet them, see what their vibe is like, and put in the effort to get to know them. If it isn’t meant to be, that’s okay. But, the more you put yourself out there, the better of a chance you will have at making new friends.

Be honest, be authentic, be yourself.

This may be a given when it comes to meeting new people, but don’t pretend to be someone else. If you want to be friends with someone, you would want them to know the true you. So, gain some confidence in who you are, and show off your personality. Smile, be kind and humble, but also show your true colors. Be who you are when you meet people, and you just might end up meeting the Monica to your Rachel or the Joey to your Chandler!

 

Making friends can be an exhausting process, but you will get through it. Try something new and go out with someone new. Be cautious, but get out there. New York City is full of exciting adventures, and it’s up to you to make the most of it. 

 

Looking to meet new people? Check out our app, Couplr, by clicking here.


16 Charming Spots for Dates in NYC for Locals

Looking for some creative double date ideas in NYC? Well we've got you with any occasion below. Find our dates in NYC guide below and let us know what you think!

Morning, Breakfast & Brunch: 8 AM - 12 PM

Looking for some Indian cuisine to spice up your mid-morning? Baar Baar NYC is a lovely contemporary date place to go to for brunch. From more modernistic creations, such as the Chili Cheese Naan, to the classics, like Chicken Tikka Masala, Baar Baar’s selection of brunch items have a wide range, and all have a slight twist on them making a date experience worth having. 

Located on the lower east side of New York, Pause Cafe is a Moroccan-inspired and Moroccan-owned coffee shop that sells not just delicious coffee, but also crepes and other light fare, such as superfood bowls and features a juice bar. The cafe aims to be more sustainable and reduces food waste with every cup they sell. It’s also decorated quite extravagantly and would make a great place to grab a quick cup of coffee to chat on your date!

If you’re looking to pair a nice brunch with a fun activity, be sure to check out 1000 Boxes and The Alcove in Queens. 1000 Boxes is an audio-visual thrill live game experience, with a very fun, party vibe. After an intense round of playing and you’re craving a small bite, head over to The Alcove, a Latin fusion restaurant serving a great selection for brunch.

Rustic brunch time? Yes, please. iNINE bistro is a rustic, international cuisine-focused restaurant. Located in the Bronx, they serve a variety of American foods, chicken, salads, and more. Since brunch is a meal best enjoyed with others, you can download Couplr and find another couple to share this delicious meal with. They are also available for orders from UberEats, GrubHub, Seamless, Doordash, and Postmates, so if you’re looking for a nice morning in, iNINE might be the one for you.

Find Your Brunch Date Pairing on the Couplr App in NYC

Afternoon, Lunch: 12 PM- 4 PM

Have more time to kill? This date can last a couple of hours- first, go kayaking on the Hudson River for some beautiful views and an exciting experience. Best of all, from May to October, it’s free! So, definitely be sure to table this date for the summer months. Then, head over to the Hole in the Wall, a modern restaurant that sells pasta and meat-based dishes — a great place to end your midday date.

This Mediterranean restaurant in Brooklyn is a great place to stop for a quick bite for lunch. Olea’s menu features a wide selection of tapas and is perfect for a small sip of sangria. 

Located in Queens, Seva is an Indian restaurant with a whole array of classic Indian dishes and carry-out trays. The restaurant has been applauded for its simplicity and coziness and is definitely a great place to check out for your date, whether takeout or dine in.

A great way to not only spend time with your date on a deeper level but also eat food would be to take a cooking class at Union Square Park together. This is a fun activity where you can learn how to work together to create something delicious and enjoyable. 

Evening, Dinner: 4 PM - 8 PM

This classy New Orleans-inspired dinner spot brings sexiness and bursting flavor to your date. With a menu that could satisfy just about anyone, and drinks that have a $3 discount during happy hour, 1803 is just the place to visit for a nice dinner. Fun fact: 1803 NYC is actually named after the Louisiana Purchase.

Looking for something a bit more upscale? This date combo is the one for you. First, catch a ride at sunset on a helicopter with your partner. The romance doesn’t just stop at the beautiful sights, though. Head over to Mari, a Michelin star chef’s Korean restaurant afterward, serving visually stunning Korean cuisine.

On the flip side, if you’re looking for a date night that’s a little more casual, visit Ten Degrees for Happy Hour in the East Village; they serve 2-for-1 cocktails that are definitely worth trying. The pleasant unfussy vibe is perfect for hanging with those friends you made on the Couplr app with private intimate setting that makes for a great quick dinner or drinks.

This is a classic date night for New York- visit Central Park to take a ride on the famous carousel. It closes at 6 PM, so afterward, head over to Osteria Cotta Winebar for an intimate dinner with Italian food and drinks. The combo makes for a classic romantic, but exciting date night.

After Hours, Drinks & Small Bites: 8 PM - 12 AM

The Diner Bar is a great restaurant in Queens to start at for casual late-night eats. It’s a more intimate evening dinner setting with pretty neon lights and a buzzing atmosphere. Their menu features mostly American food but also serves pasta and fajitas.

If you and your partner are movie lovers, check out the Rooftop Cinema Club on West 37th. The club offers private screenings and experiences that are great for a late night out in the city. Watch something, pick up some popcorn and drinks, and have a great time.

The Upstairs at 66 is a great spot for those couples that love to compete. This spot has a huge variety of games from shuffleboard to ping pong and skee ball. It’s a lovely intimate spot to grab some drinks and have some fun late in the night with your date.

This bar and lounge in the Lower East Side is a great pick for an elegant ending to the night. The menu features a great variety of drink options and the views of the heart of downtown Manhattan are just absolutely stunning.

Want to find more people to visit these incredible date spots with? Couplr is an app to meet couple friends launching near you to help you find your next double date!

 Download Couplr to Find Couples Friends in NYC

 


WE’RE LAUNCHING IN NEW YORK CITY! 

Originally launched and solely operated in Chicago, Couplr is proud to announce that we are launching in New York City! New York City is one of the most incredible cities in the world where we have very fond memories. We absolutely love NoMo in Soho, one of our favorite restaurants as well as hotel! The Freedom Tower is always a must-see for us too, whenever we visit! 

New York City is filled with unique spots meant to be discovered with just as unique people like yourselves. It can be a daunting city to make friends in and we hope Couplr provides the connections you guys are looking for to fulfill your social life as a couple. We also hope this serves as building connections for visitors who will make lifelong friends with locals that they can always visit! After all, having friends to visit in other cities is always a good excuse to travel! 

Check out our NYC date guide here.


Couple Holiday Date Ideas

Cue the Cheesy Hallmark Rom-coms! It's the holiday season already and that means some super festive date night activities! Whether you’re in a relationship or are single and looking to dating apps or friend-finding apps like Couplr*, there is definitely the perfect holiday date idea out there for you. How do you find the perfect activity? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. These activities are guaranteed to bring some extra holiday joy!

Fun Holiday Date Ideas (By City)

We’ve broken some of these amazing date ideas down for you city by city -- Do you see a city close to you below?

Chicago: 

  • Christkindlmarket

    Walk through this amazing German style traditional market this holiday season. Here, you and your date can enjoy local and international foods, live entertainment, merchandise, and so many more memorable activities! This is a perfect spot to end a perfect outdoor date night.

  • Zoolights

    This year's zoolights are bigger and brighter than ever! They will feature hundreds of luminous LED displays and seasonal experiences, all under the glow of millions of lights. Stroll through Lincoln Park to see these beautiful lights with your loved ones. We promise you it's a sight you don’t want to miss!

  • Ice Skating at Millenium Park

    What’s more romantic than ice skating in close proximity with your better half? We’re picturing a romantic scene straight out of a hallmark movie - do you see it? Sure you might look a bit like fools at first but at least you can romantically look like fools together. What better place to look like fools together than at the McCormick Tribune. Skating is free and skate rentals are available for $13 and up!

  • Frosty’s Bar

    This crowd favorite pop-up bar is back and better than ever! This is the perfect date spot to let loose. From sensational seasonal cocktails, to interactive photo experiences, all the way to some amazing live music and entertainment, your date is sure to be a blast!

New York :

  • Ice Skating  

    As cliche as it may sound to romantically ice skate the night away at the Rockefeller Center, we know how crowded and unpleasant this can get around this time of year. This shouldn’t stop you from living out your romantic movie scene! Consider venturing out and finding other rinks like the Wollman and Lasker Rinks which reside in Central Park. These areas tend to be less busy and allow space for more romantic gestures. 

  • Union Square Holiday Market

    With over 160 vendors coming in, it's making this year's Holiday Market one of the best! Shop everything local and hand crafted at this year's market located at the heart of NYC, Union Square Park. Maybe you can pick out a memorable gift for your significant other while you’re at it!

  • Edge Holiday Lights

    There’s something surreal about seeing a city from a birds eye view. Not sure if it’s the altitude, but being nearly 1,200 feet above ground brings out a form of romance you didn’t even know existed. Believe us, this romantic gesture will be the most memorable one yet. While you’re up there, they are also offering “Cocoa in the Clouds & Edge Nog” - how cute does that sound! What are you waiting for, it’s time to book those tickets!

Los Angeles: 

  • Grinchmas

    Who said Grinchmas was just for kids? In fact, we think the grinch relates best to us adults - don’t you think? What better way to break the ice on a date than over some humorous Grinch roasts and a laugh to remember. Catch the tree lighting ceremony and a performance by the Who-ville Who’s while you’re there!

  • Yuletide Cinemaland

    Ah the classic, an outdoor movie date. The perfect time to debate your favorite holiday movie, snuggle up, and enjoy an evening of Christmas magic. Check out their schedule to see what movies are playing!

  • Holiday Lights

    Lightscapes is one of the most popular holiday attractions in the LA area, and they definitely live up to the hype. The internationally acclaimed dance of light, art and music transforms The Arboretum into an illuminated night experience that everyone is bound to love! This self-guided walking event is the perfect way to have a wonderful chat with your date while taking in some breathtaking sights. 

Indoor Holiday Date Ideas

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about our homebodies out there. Trust us, we know how exhausting all these outdoor holiday date activities can get. Why not bring some of that holiday spirit to the comfort of your own home… and while in some cozy pajamas! Here are some indoor holiday date ideas for you and your loved one:

  • Gingerbread House Competition 

    Is it really Christmas if you don’t bust out those gingerbread engineering skills? Plus, friendly competition brings people that much closer to each other. Remember to stock up on those ingredients, and if you’re feeling funky, give the competition a theme!

  • Make DIY Ornaments  Making your own ornaments with special meaning has another level of importance. Sure, fancy ornaments passed down from generation to generation look great, but why not add a touch of your own history! You and you S/O are bound to have a relaxing and pleasant evening while making these.
  • Decorate - Holidays are the time to glam up your home. Whether that be for Christmas, the New Year, or both. Even if you’re not inviting anyone over this year, you and your S/O will have a ball decorating a common space. Not to mention, the decor might even help the seasonal depression.

FAQ

What do couples do on a holiday date?

Very commonly, couples go ice skating for a holiday date. They also can find themselves at a light show or sipping some hot chocolate and watching a movie together. 

What are some Christmas movie date night ideas?

Movie dates are all about setting the mood. Get the ambiance right and it will be the most seamless date night of your life! Get some blankets, snacks, lights, and pick out a classic Christmas movie like “White Christmas” or “It’s a Wonderful Life” and you’ll be all set to go.

What do you do on a Christmas date?

Adventure through some beautiful Christmas lights, donate to a good cause, host an in-house picnic, go ice skating - the possibilities are endless!

What activities do people do on New Years?

Many couples either attend or host a new years party. Due to the pandemic, this has become less common but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Spend time with those you’re thankful for and cook a meal together, play board games, and share memories from the past year. 

Conclusion

Couple holiday date activities are truly endless. From outdoor activities like ice-skating and market exploring, to indoor activities like a movie night, and everything in between, these activities should last you a while. This season, spend some time with everyone you love and cherish all the memories you make together. From our entire team here at Couplr, we hope you have a safe and prosperous Christmas and New Years.

 


The Ultimate Guide to Winter Date Ideas: Cozy, Outdoor & More

Coming up with winter date ideas can be difficult and planning dates in general can be a challenge at times too. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered! Think outdoor dates are exclusively reserved for warmer weathered seasons? Definitely think again. As long as you have a loving partner and a nice cozy jacket, you’ll find an abundance of unique outdoor winter date ideas! For the homebodies out there, we didn’t forget about you - don’t worry. 

Coming up with cute winter date ideas

Winter dates have such a wide range of activities, they truly are endless! Here are a few indoor and outdoor winter date ideas:

Outdoor Winter Date Ideas

🎶 Baby it’s cold outside ~~ 🎶 and it will be for a little while! Why not make the best of this cool weather and have the perfect outdoor winter date planned for you and your loved one! Getting out and enjoying the winter breeze might be exactly what you need after being cooped up at home due to the pandemic. Here are some ideas for your next winter outdoor date!

Outdoor Date Ideas:

  • A winter picnic with tons of heating pads and warm blankets
  • A day of sledding or a good old fashioned snowball fight
  • Snowman making competition
  • Go on a hike
  • Go Ice skating and drink some delicious hot chocolate
  • Soak in an outdoor hot tub

Indoor Winter Date Ideas

Sometimes, a cozy indoor date is just what you and your loved one need. If it snows wherever you live, you know how much of a hassle it is to get from point A to point B - this makes indoor dates that much more necessary! Here are some ideas for your next indoor winter date!

Indoor Date Ideas:

  • Board game night next to a warm fire
  • Cook a romantic dinner for two together
  • Order takeout and watch a movie
  • Make a relationship scrapbook
  • Give each other a massage
  • Toast marshmallows indoors

Well, what are some cold weather date ideas?

Winter is probably the best season to schedule a lowkey date night. With the weather cooling up, the indoor and outdoor date ideas are endless. To add to the lists above, here are some date ideas specifically made for the cold weather:

Cold Weather Date Ideas

  • Host a hot chocolate competition
  • Do a holiday themed craft
  • Look at Christmas lights
  • Go holiday shopping
  • Try a new winter sport
  • Have a winter themed cocktail night
  • Take a carriage ride with (make sure to take some warm blankets)

A winter couple photoshoot can be a real winner

There’s nothing more magical than a photoshoot in the snow or in front of your beautifully decorated holiday home. What’s more magical than holding your loved one close while the snow elegantly falls around you? Take this season as an opportunity to get some of the best shots!

Frankly speaking, some of the best couple shots are candid ones! So definitely do something you both incredibly enjoy. The happiness you feel will be sure to reflect in those breathtaking pictures. 

Outdoor fun date ideas for couples in winter

While the list for outdoor winter activities can be endless, here are some fun winter date ideas for couples living in Chicago and New York:

Chicago

Fellow Chicagoans, buckle up for a lengthy winter. To keep you a bit sane, here are some date night ideas for you and your special someone!

Chicago Ideas 

New York 

Most New Yorkers out there aren’t the biggest fan of winters. We get it - with all the slush and the wind whipping out of control how can you even enjoy a date night? Here are some ideas that might make it just a bit more enjoyable.

New York Ideas

  • Enjoy a cozy night at the bar in Little Italy
  • Dine in at Luzzo’s La Pizza Napoletana, East Village
  • Adventure through the amazing pieces at The MET
  • Let loose at Bryant Park for some ice skating
  • Be on the hunt for a speakeasy

Fun free date ideas for winter

Most of the activities listed above are absolutely free! Other than museum visits, the occasional rentals for sporting dates, and the amount spent on supplies for home cooked meals, these activities come with low costs and are mostly free if you’re already in possession of supplies!

FAQs

What can you do on a date in the winter?

There’s so many activities you can do for a winter date! From visiting museums, to ice skating, all the way to cooking homemade meals and having a cozy movie night - the options are endless!

What can I do with my girlfriend on a cold day?

You can stay home and have a cooking competition, play board games, have a craft night, roast some marshmallows by the fireplace, and end the night with a movie.

What can you do with your boyfriend when it's cold outside?

If they would prefer to stay home, cook some dinner with them, challenge them to a game, look through old photo books together and even start scrapbooking a future!

Where should I go on a first date in the winter?

The best first winter dates always start with an ambient restaurant and can also include arcades, bars, carriage rides, snowball fights, and even a movie night. 

What is cuffing season?

Cuffing season refers to individuals getting into relationships during the colder months of the year. Relationships that start during “cuffing season” stereotypically don’t last very long and tend to die out as the warmer months come along! But who knows, you might be one that goes against those stereotypes!

Conclusion

Although finding winter date ideas can be difficult, especially with seasonal depression rolling around, the options are truly endless. Whether you’re an outdoor person or a homebody there is definitely a date idea out there for you! We hope the items listed in this blog have helped and can’t wait for your next extraordinary winter date night with that special someone!

Looking for some friends to go on a double date with? Download our app and find some!