For hopeless romantics, the perfect love story is what’s seen on the big screen. Every great romance starts with a memorable first date, and if the movies can master it, why can’t you? These first-date ideas inspired by my favorite rom-coms are sure to fulfill your heart’s desire and set the stage for your love.

“When Harry Met Sally…”

Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) question if men and women can truly just stay friends, while falling in love in the midst of it all.

Museum Date

Anyone can get lost in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s sprawling exhibitions, but it’s more fun to get lost with someone who looks like they could be a work of art as well. You can gaze at “Springtime” by Pierre-Auguste Cot, watch the koi fish in the Astor Chinese Garden Court or find some notable statue that you can impress your date with by overanalyzing its meaning. As Harry and Sally spend their time talking in funny voices in the Egyptian room, it marks the moment when they begin to fall in love but don’t quite realize it yet. Follow in the footsteps of the titular characters and admire art with a prospective partner. 

“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”

While advice columnist Andie (Kate Hudson) tests her plan on how to best push a man away, Ben (Matthew McConaughey) tries to make her fall in love with him for a bet.

Sports Game

Test your competitive nature with your date by attending a game for one of New York City’s most revered sports teams. Whether watching the Yankees, Knicks or NYU Violets together, there will always be a sight to see. More casual than a sit down dinner or a trip to the movies, here you can share a Diet Coke with your crush as you cheer on the players or get caught on the kiss cam. While Andie and Ben spend the majority of the film competing to win their own respective bets, the scene where they finally put their interests aside to enjoy a Knicks game solidifies their underlying chemistry. From bonding over bad calls to yelling at the referees, you can scream your heads off until you lose your voices to the game as well. Just make sure you aren’t being played yourself!

“Romeo + Juliet”

In a modern reinterpretation of the classic story, Romeo (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Juliet (Claire Danes) are star-crossed lovers separated by their families who lead rival gangs.

Aquarium Visit

Despite the story of Romeo and Juliet ending in tragedy, your first date doesn’t have to. With this date idea, you can catch some cuddly otters or spot an octopus hiding in the tank as you walk through an amazing aquatic world. Recreate the iconic scene where Romeo and Juliet gaze at each other through the fish tank as colorful creatures swim between you, where the blue glow of the tank can transform your environment into an underwater oasis. In the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn, you’ll be surrounded by life and natural beauty, and I’m not just talking about your date.

“Crazy Rich Asians” 

When Rachel (Constance Wu) discovers her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding) is extremely wealthy, she must adapt to the challenges of pleasing his strict and elite family at a wedding in Singapore.

Food Crawl

It may not be the Newton Food Centre in Singapore that Rachel and Nick explore in “Crazy Rich Asians,” but Chinatown has mouth-watering dishes that would be perfect to explore on a first date. From Wo Hop Next Door to Spicy Village, you can wander around until you find a few places, pick some dishes, and sample a variety of foods as you share a cheap and tasty meal. After all, eating with someone you love in the midst of a crazy city only shows that love makes the food taste that much better. Through trial and error, together you can find your new favorite restaurant for your second date.

“Serendipity” 

After Jonathan (John Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale) share one magical day together, their connection brings them back together as a sign of fate.

Ice Skating

Even though Christmas has passed, the Wollman Rink remains open from October to April for you to skate — or grip the wall to catch your balance — on your first date just like Jonathan and Sara do during their magical time together. Imagine skating side by side, hand in hand, one of you may be struggling a bit as the other effortlessly glides on the ice. After their serendipitous meeting, the two continue their first date at the ice rink, an ending to their chance encounter. Even if you fall during the date, you might still fall in love. Don’t wait for destiny or a happy accident to make this endearing scene a reality!

“10 Things I Hate About You”

In this modern interpretation of “The Taming of the Shrew,” rebellious Patrick (Heath Ledger) is paid to make Kat (Julia Stiles) fall in love with him — until it happens for real.

Paintball

For those with a competitive streak and who aren’t afraid to get too messy, add a little bit of color to your love life with paintball. Though options are limited in the city, you can visit Cousins Paintball in Staten Island or Area 53 in Brooklyn to play with — or against — your date. While Patrick and Kat play cat and mouse throughout the movie, their paintball escapade allows them to finally lean into their love for each other. Live in the chaos and have fun with your date: You’ll never forget the thrill of the chase. Though paint stains come and go, the memories you’ll make will last forever.