My new favorite NYC date idea? Gallery hopping

There are so many things to do in New York City that it can often feel overwhelming. 

Sometimes, having more options doesn’t translate to making an easier decision. First, you have to consider the weather. Should I spend time outside on a sunny day, do something indoors if anticipating rain, or take the easy route and spend the day in Central Park regardless of the season? 

Then, there is the cost associated with leaving your house (or hotel). Everything in New York City costs money. You step outside the door to grab a coffee from around the corner at your local spot and can easily spend $50 on a croissant and a latte. Granted, it might be world-class, but frustration will ensue.

Your activity also depends on the person you’re with. Now, imagine you go on a date, and you’re trying to impress someone with your profound personality and sense of adventure. You’re anxious, overwhelmed, and can’t seem to make a decision. I may have a solution to this very common and understandable conundrum. 

I can recall a time when I was pleasantly surprised by a spontaneous date idea, and now, I’m happy to share. Go gallery hopping around New York City and you’ll have more fun than you can anticipate. 

There’s no shortage of galleries in New York City, and some are better than others. 

On a random Saturday in the middle of October, I went on a date and was warned the idea would be spontaneous yet fun. We agreed to meet in downtown Manhattan near the Soho neighborhood to begin this excursion. I was given sparse information, which I came to appreciate.

We chatted and strolled along the streets, admiring pedestrians and discussing our day. I nearly forgot there was a plan in place until we arrived at the front of a well-maintained building with gray paint and large windows in an old New York City brick structure. The outside read “Park West Museum & Gallery.” 

Okay, cool, an art gallery. I wasn’t disappointed per se, but I didn’t think we would be spending the day in an art gallery. 

Well, my opinion (and mood) pleasantly shifted when I stepped inside to admire some of the famous works of big names like Picasso and Thomas Kinkade. We chatted with one of the art curators, who gave us a history lesson on the gallery and details of their experience with the art world. The whole experience was inviting, compelling, and free of charge. 

When we left, we decided to jump around Soho, visiting more galleries to appreciate different kinds of art. Some galleries were certainly better than others, but you begin to find your “niche” with the more art you encounter. Soho and Chelsea are two of the best neighborhoods for art galleries that have a bit of something for everyone.

I believe everyone is an art person who hasn’t yet been realized. This was the case with me anyway! 

I wasn’t really an “art person” in the past, but galleries have changed my mind.

By now, it should be fairly obvious that I wasn’t an art “fan.” I didn’t necessarily scoff at the idea of art galleries, but it wasn’t at the top of my list of “favorite things to do when bored.” If I had to be honest, I found art to be a bit pretentious, and I didn’t understand people’s fascination with staring at paintings all day. 

Well, my opinion shifted, and my ignorance unraveled, and I began to wonder where I learned such misconceptions about the art world. 

If you view enough multi-faceted artwork, you can decipher which pieces and art prototypes you connect to more. Some people enjoy sculptures, others still paintings, and almost everyone enjoys some form of photography. I mean, there’s a reason Instagram is worth billions. People like looking at pretty things, and those “things” are flexible depending on one’s interests.

What’s important to find is your art type. I was blown away by the work of a photographer named Andrew Prokos and realized I had an affinity for architectural photography. His studio in Lower Manhattan features captivating images of city skylines and urban landscapes. The photos were so vivid you felt you could step into the frame. 

Another honorable mention is Eden Gallery, with locations all over the world, and my favorite one located on 5th Avenue. The galleries feature funky sculptures and rotating paintings, often having a twist on popular name brands or icons featured in their works. The last time I visited, I saw a medley of Chanel perfume bottles smashed and reassembled into a glass coffee table. Who wouldn’t admire the craftsmanship in that? 

You can find free art galleries if you want a fun date idea on a budget.

There is a fantastic app called See Saw – Gallery Guide, which I highly recommend downloading to help locate galleries in different NYC boroughs. 

The app highlights how many galleries exist in a highly concentrated area. It seems almost foolish to visit a place like New York City and not take a swing at the enticing art scene. I mean, there are 1,400 galleries in New York City, [source] and most you can walk right into; what a gift!

As with anything in abundance, you need to pay attention to rotating exhibits as well as new openings and closings. This city changes quickly. 

I recently wanted to check out a gallery called Eleventh Hour Art, directly across the street from St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Well, I showed up to a locked door and could only admire the exhibits through the windows. The gallery wasn’t open to the public yet.

But seriously, there are so many free art galleries that you can step into and feel like a true art connoisseur, even if you’re on a budget in NYC. No one bothers you, which is rare in a noisy urban jungle. It’s always quiet, and you feel some peace getting off the bustling streets of New York City.

Also, art gallery employees are often kind, educated in their craft, and happy to converse. The ambiance is unmatched.

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I can’t recommend gallery hopping enough. It should be a New York City staple, and I think taking a moment to appreciate someone’s creative work does something good for the soul. Plus, how is it enjoyable and free? Very few things in adulthood are free. You have to take advantage when you can!

Thanks for reading! If you want more advice and tips on NYC, read my article on what to know before visiting NYC next. 

Note: I found this well-written piece giving you the ins and outs of planning a proper gallery crawl. I’m not the first to put gallery hopping on the map, and I won’t be the last!