Take advantage of one of the most romantic cities in the world with these fun ways to spend the 14th of February in NYC!
Corey Fuller - Staff Writer•
Love is most definitely in the air, and there’s nowhere better to be than in NYC when Cupid comes around. Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with your significant other, besties, or by yourself, there’s definitely no shortage of things to do on Feb 14th!
To make things a little bit easier, we’ve put together a list of the best Valentine’s Day ideas for you, so you don’t have to hassle over a decision. Check out our favorites below and start making your plans now!
No matter if this is your first date or your 1,000th, you need to check out this unique dining experience! If you’re a foodie, this 3-course blinded tasting experience (curated by a Michelin-starred chef) is something you and your partner will remember forever. Choose between the red (meat), blue (seafood), or green (vegetarian) menu and let your tastebuds go on a journey. Plus, this specific rendition of the event will include 4 special wine pairings too. Buy your tickets.
2. Have a romantic dinner date
If there’s one thing for certain, it’s that there is no shortage of great restaurants in NYC to have a V-Day meal. From the most gorgeous restaurants to dimly lit romantic ones, there’s so many to pick from! Of course if you’re planning a meal you should get your reservation in ahead of time because they’ll fill up quickly. If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s our picks for the best Valentine’s day dinners in NYC this year.
3. Go on a Valentine’s Day cruise
Who doesn’t like the sound of a romantic cruise coasting the NYC skyline? Enjoy panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline with a breathtaking cruise! A few different options are happening, including a Harbor Lights cruise from Circle Line, as well as two dinner packages from City Cruises, the Valentine’s New York Signature Dinner Cruise andValentine’s Bateaux New York Premier Plus Dinner Cruise.
4. Have afternoon tea at The Russian Tea Room
The Russian Tea Room has been doing afternoon tea for over 95 years now, and for Valentine’s Day this year they’re doing romantic tea sessions! You can hang out in their festive red banquettes and sip to your heart’s content…or up the ante and feast on their special prix-fixe menu! Learn more about their offering and book a spot here.
5. Get totally pink at the Pink Pier
Watermark’s brand new Pink Pier is the perfect backdrop for a celebratory Valentine’s Day outing. Couples are invited to step inside this fuchsia universe where they can enjoy pink lights, a 3 course dining menu, photo opps on the Lover’s Throne and alife-sizeSweethearts Box, plus a whole lot more. Whether you want to stop by for some pink drinks or have a full on meal, it’s the pinkest place to do it! Learn more here.
💓 Buy tickets to Pink Pier at Watermark here!
6. Experience one of Fever’s hottest Valentine’s plans together
On the lookout for a dazzling date idea? Our friends at Fever offer a range of events and experiences that make for the perfect romantic rendezvous. We’re talking dance classes, comedy shows, immersive concerts and so much more. If the way to your partner’s heart is through their stomach, Fever also has a range of foodie adventures for both of you to sink your teeth into. And for the singletons out there, there’s a host of mix and mingle events that Cupid is certain to attend. Check out all of Fever’s romantic date plans here!
7. Have a date night at Smoke Jazz Club
NYC’s premier jazz club Smoke Jazz Club will be hosting a great performance on February 14th that will feel like you’re in New Orleans for a night. In spirit of the love holiday, husband and wife team of vocalist Abena Koomson-Davis and trombonist Steve Davis will be performing as part of a quintet at both 7 pm and 9 pm! Learn more about the performers and grab tickets to the show here.
8. Snuggle up to your sweetheart at Candlelight
Murmrr Theatre(11 and 14 February) andArchdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity(13 February) will be lit up this February with one of the most romantic symbols we know—candles—for several Candlelight Valentine’s Specials. As thousands of candles flicker and cast dancing shadows, you can woo your partner in crime with the soothing sounds of Jules Massenet’s “Méditation”and the moving melodies of songs like“Moon River”and“My Heart Will Go On”.
Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special at Murmrr Theatre.
9. Go ice skating together
Whisk each other away on the open ice at an ice rink around New York City! Of course Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park’s are notoriously the most packed (so book them asap), but there’s also many others around Brooklyn, Central Park, and beyond which can make for a great little glide! Check out our favorite ice skating rinks in NYC here.
10. Catch a Broadway show
Enjoy a Broadway (or Off Broadway) performance for Valentine’s Day this year! Not only is generally one of the best things to do in NYC, but it’s a great date night idea that’s perfect for everyone. There’s some great romantic productions to pick from as well, from the sexy Moulin Rouge! to the love story of Princess Jasmine and Aladdin! See all of Broadway’s currently running shows here.
11. Admire your love in the sky at Edge
Grab your special someone and head to NYC’s highest outdoor observation deck for an evening of romance and extraordinary views. On February 14, you’ll be able to sip on bubbly at 1,100 feet in the air while you take in sweeping views of the best city in the world. Learn more and grab tickets here.
Where:30 Hudson Yards
12. Name a hissing co*ckroach after your ex
The Bronx Zoo is back with their“Name a Roach” programjust in time for Valentines Day. Forget expressing your love with flowers, do it with a Madagascar Hissing co*ckroach instead. The event happens annually just before V-Day, allowing people to choose if they’d like to name one of the zoo’s many co*ckroaches after a loved one or a slimy ex.
13. Pick out some Valentine’s Day flowers
Nothing’s more romantic than a colorful batch of flowers on February 14th, and there’s plenty of time to get your order placed! Whether you want to stop into of NYC’s gorgeous florists, or take the easy route and order some online, there’s still a few weeks left to make your choice. Plus, a lot of spots even offer same-day delivery!
14. Book a night in a cool NYC hotel
Get out on the town and enjoy a romantic one-night-only at one of the unique NYC hotels the city has to offer! You can treat yourself to spas, jacuzzis, rooftop bars, and a whole lot more! Check out our list of the coolest NYC hotels here.
15. Explore the Museum of Sex’s Superfunland
Try something new and check out this “adult” carnival at the Museum of Sex! With four floors of eye-catching sights, make sure to check out the Devil’s Teacup; Attack of the 50’ Woman, the SizeMologist; and Merlandia, a 40-foot-wide rococo-style mermaid tank and performance space (plus a whole lot more). The experience will definitely take an edge off. Get tickets here.
16. Book a staycation at QC New York
Nothing is more refreshing and romantic than taking care of your health and wellness with your partner. One of our favorite NYC spas, QC New York, is a favorite wellness destination that is worth the relax and recharge. Their spa spools, saunas, steam rooms, and so much more make for the perfect self-care Valentine’s Day date. Learn more here.
17. Get dazzled by Steve Cohen’s Chamber Magic
Couple up and head to Chamber Magic, the resident magic show at the Lotte New York Palace this Valentine’s Day. The Millionaires’ Magician,” Steve Cohen will perform a 90-minute magic show on V-Day weekend (Feb 16-17) that will blow your mind! Making for the perfect date night, you’ll be able to dress up in co*cktail attire and be mesmerized by the most intimate and exclusive magic show around. Learn more here!
18. “The SUMMIT Signature Experience” at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Prepare for the most romantic date night in the sky at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt! Their brand new “The SUMMIT Signature Experience,” which includes tickets starting at $56, an intimate performance from the Highline String Quartet, and a curated co*cktail or glass of sparkling wine/prosecco! Learn more and book your spot here.
19. Sip on a V-Day inspired co*cktail
- Everdene: This rooftop restaurant in Midtown is serving drinks like the pictured above Aphrodite’s Arrow.
- Romeo’s: Sip on festive drinks at this retro-style neon co*cktail den, with drinks like the Chocolate Negroni, Strawberry Americano, and The Cosmo.
- Bar Nena: West Village’s new bar is serving up Spanish-influenced V-day drinks like the Cuatro Nena (“Four Girls”), Besame (“Kiss Me”), and Infiel (“Unfaithful”).
20. Feel the “Love in Times Square”
Dreaming of a grand gesture? Well look no further! One of the most iconic spots in NYC is hosting a few Valentine’s Day events that you’ll surely never forget. You’ll be able to register for the chance to do a “surprise proposal” on the Times Square big screens, take part in a vow renewal ceremony, and even…have a chance to get married in Times Square.Learn more about the eventshere.
21. Love Pong at SPIN
Beloved ping pong spot SPIN (Midtown and Flatiron) will be hostingLove Pong on Saturday, Feb. 10th from 8 pm – close! Couples are invited to come play and enjoy heart fluttering tarot card readings, heart-shaped pizzas, co*cktails, and more. Love-laced party packages, specialty co*cktails and themed bites for groups and dates are available to reserve now, so don’t miss out! Learn more here.
22. Have asweetdate at Museum of Ice Cream
Let your inner child run loose as you both take on the Museum of Ice Cream, complete with countless interactive installations centered around sweets! Plus, after the fun is over, head to the bar where they’re serving up curated co*cktails and boozy milkshakes for Valentine’s Day!
23. Attend a Valentine’s Day concert
Looking for a cheap or even free night out on the town? Check out a Valentine’s Day party or show that’s happening across NYC’s awesome venues. Check out some of our favorite shows below and see a full list of February’s concerts here:
February 14: Valentine’s Jazz at Cafe Erzulie
February 14: Heartbreaker’s Ball – Mija, The Muses, Joopiter + Ultra Violet at Elsewhere
February 16: AUDG’s Heartbreak Bash at C’mon Everybody
24. Cozy into a secretive speakeasy
The difference between what can make or break a Valentine’s Day spot is ambiance. Lucky for us, NYC has tons of funky speakeasies that are perfect for a dimly lit, cozy atmosphere. Surprise your partner by taking them to bars hidden beneath New York City streets or in the back of a bodega. See here for the full list.
25. Challenge your partner to mini golf at Swingers
From February 9 – 18, grab your date and challenge them to a night of mini golf, co*cktails and sweet talk! Swingers in NoMad is serving up all sorts of delicious co*cktails and mocktails for the perfect date night. Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Where:35 W 29th St
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