Valentine’s Day in NYC

Are you looking for romantic places to go for Valentine’s Day in NYC? Well, get ready to have one of the best times of your life! That’s because New York City exudes romance. Almost every spot you could go to on a normal day will also be a great fit for all your Valentine’s Day activities in NYC. Read on and find out about all the exciting things to do in NYC for Valentine’s Day.

1. Pop the Question at the Empire State Building

Why not enjoy the most romantic day of the year at one of the world’s most romantic buildings, the Empire State Building? The swoon-worthy structure hosts several events for Valentine’s Day. Plus, if you are planning on proposing February 14th, their Happily Ever Empire package offers a private corner on the 86th floor. Package highlights include a fun guided tour and champagne to pop open and seal the moment. 

2. Take a Romantic Valentine’s Day Hot Tub Boat Tour

Whether it’s for Galentine’s Day or a romantic outing for two, this unique venue is tailor-made for all kinds of love. The boat features two spacious, climate-controlled hot tubs, each comfortably accommodating up to 10 guests. As you relax, you’ll take in breathtaking views of the city from the Hudson. Pick up your gift certificates now and sail later—spots for this one-of-a-kind experience will go quickly!

3. Celebrate Your Love at a Time’s Square Resort

Pampering your significant other is one of the best Valentine’s Day ideas in NYC, offering a chance to show your love in style. For Parrot Head lovebirds, a Jimmy Buffet-inspired getaway at Margaritaville Resort Times Square is the perfect urban escape. Enjoy island vibes and rooftop luxury right in the heart of Manhattan. Sip cocktails by Times Square’s only heated rooftop pool before indulging in room service to keep the pampering going. 

4. Discover Art Together at MoMA

Looking for a Valentine’s date that’s both creative and memorable? MoMA offers world-class galleries and engaging film series to explore together. Admire awe-inspiring masterpieces by Van Gogh and Warhol as you wind your way through MoMA’s galleries. Afterward, catch a screening like Marcello and Chiara: A Family Affair or explore a long-running program like Modern Mondays, which build on the legacy of Cineprobe and Video Viewpoints. 

5. Stroll Through Central Park’s Beauty

Central Park is one of the most visited parks in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. Take a walk along its trails to discover sparkling lakes, quiet ponds, and flocks of waterfowl surrounded by lush greenery. While you’re enjoying your special day together, be sure to check out the following spots:

• Central Park Zoo: Watch sea lions, penguins, and red pandas in this charming wildlife haven.
• Belvedere Castle: Climb to the top for some of the best views of the park.
• Strawberry Fields: Pay your respects at this peaceful tribute to John Lennon.
• Bethesda Fountain: Sit by the water and take in this beautiful centerpiece of the park.
• Bow Bridge: Share a quiet moment or grab a photo on this romantic cast-iron bridge.

6. Enjoy a Broadway or Off-Broadway Night Out

Taking in a show is one of the quintessential Valentine’s Day activities in NYC, offering the perfect mix of romance and entertainment. Broadway and Off-Broadway productions provide an intimate backdrop for a night out that’s sure to impress your special someone. For Broadway, consider love-themed hits like the dazzling Moulin Rouge! For Off-Broadway, you can’t go wrong with the jukebox favorite Don’t Stop Believin’ at New World Stages or the immersive experience of Sleep No More at The McKittrick Hotel.

7. Catch Sunset Views at Summit One Vanderbilt

There are plenty of places for a sunset date in NYC, but Summit One Vanderbilt rises above the rest—literally. Sitting more than 1,000 feet above the city, this observation deck offers breathtaking 360-degree views of landmarks like the Chrysler Building, Times Square, and Central Park. As the sun sets, the golden glow transforms the skyline into a romantic masterpiece!

8. Savor Good Food and Live Music at a Jazz Club

Valentine’s Day in NYC hits all the right notes for jazz lovers and is one of the most popular Valentine’s Day events in NYC. Cozy up with your special someone or gather friends to enjoy the city’s best jazz spots. To impress your honey on the 14th, the following top picks are where live music pairs perfectly with great food:

• Blue Note New York: Blue Note is a Greenwich Village icon that serves up creative American fare alongside legendary jazz performances.
• Dizzy’s Club: Located in Lincoln Center, Dizzy’s Club offers Southern-inspired dishes with skyline views and world-class music.
• Birdland: This Classic Theater District jazz club has roomy red surroundings. They also serve great cocktails and a Cajun-influenced menu to go with performances by jazz greats. 
• The Django: Tucked away in the Roxy Hotel, this Tribeca hotspot delivers Parisian-style cocktails, a delicious menu, and live jazz in a speakeasy setting.
• Minton’s Playhouse: A Harlem institution, this jazz spot is the birthplace of bebop. Indulge in their Curried Lobster Tail and finish with the decadent Seduced by Mousse dessert.

9. Skate Hand-in-Hand at Rockefeller Center

Lacing up and ice skating at the Rink at Rockefeller Center is a Valentine’s Day must! Hold hands and glide under the shimmering lights of Rockefeller Plaza—it’s a scene straight out of a rom-com. Want to make the experience even better? Grab VIP tickets for extra skate time and complimentary rentals. Planning a proposal? The Rink offers customizable packages to help you create unforgettable memories.

10. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge with Your Love

Strolling hand-in-hand on a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge to look at the Manhattan skyline is one of the most popular Valentine’s Day events in NYC.  However, the Brooklyn Bridge isn’t just a romantic spot—it’s also a testament to love and persistence. Its completion was made possible by Emily Roebling, who took over her husband’s work after he fell ill, showcasing the power of devotion. 

11. Indulge in an Intimate Candlelit Dinner

Da Andrea in Greenwich Village is a cozy Italian ristorante offering an inviting mix of fine dining and authentic charm. With dark wood tables, red brick walls, and a flower-adorned al fresco canopy, it’s the perfect romantic setting. Helmed by expert Chef Meliano Plascencia, this NYC gem specializes in house-made pasta, traditional Italian fare, hearty risottos, and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

12. Sip Drinks and Dine at a Fancy Rooftop Bar

New York City has a roster of romantic rooftop bars to head skyward to on February 14th. One that is sure to please you and your date’s palates is the luxurious Per Se, an  elevated rooftop dining and cocktails. This three-star Michelin restaurant offers an unparalleled gourmet experience with their unbelievably delicious none-course tasting menu crafted by acclaimed Chef Thomas Keller. Pair your dinner with selections from their extensive wine and cocktail menu. 

13. Step Back in Time at The Cloisters

History buffs looking for Valentine’s Day things to do will like this fairytale escape activity: a tour of The Met Cloisters. This castle in Fort Tryon Park was built in 1938 using materials from medieval French castles. This enchanting branch of The Met showcases European medieval art and architecture. Highlights include the famous Unicorn Tapestries, a 13th-century German Madonna statue, stained-glass windows, and the world’s only complete set of medieval trading cards.

14. Have a Picnic Lunch at The High Line

Grab supplies at Chelsea Market for a picnic lunch. Afterward, you can take a seat at the 10th Avenue Overlook in the High Line where stadium-style wooden benches descend downward toward large viewing windows. While eating your meal, the overlook lets you see buzzing NYC traffic going by and modern buildings mixed in with historical brick warehouses. 

15. Experience Opera or Ballet at Lincoln Center 

Surprise your date with an enchanting Valentine’s night out at Lincoln Center. Whether it’s the stirring beauty of an opera, the graceful artistry of a ballet, or the vibrant energy of a cultural event, they’ll be delighted by the magic of this venue. Complete the evening with a reservation at The Grand Tier Restaurant inside the Metropolitan Opera House, where you can enjoy tasty and elevated contemporary American cuisine by Executive Chef Florian Wehrli.

Afterward, catch a screening like Marcello and Chiara: A Family Affair or explore a long-running program like “Modern Mondays,” which builds on the legacy of Cineprobe and Video Viewpoints.

Book Your Valentine’s Hot Tub Tour Today 

We hope our roundup of romantic things to do on Valentine’s Day in NYC gives your fingers a rest Googling “places to go for Valentine’s Day near me.” It’s a lot of pressure, we know, but hopefully we made things easier. Start planning your event by contacting Sea the City to

book Your Valentine’s Day Hot Tub Tour Event today. We can discuss  the many ways we can make your 14th an experience you’ll never forget!

FAQs

What to do in NYC for Valentine’s Day?

The sky’s the limit since most things to do in NYC are fun and romantic. Enjoy a romantic dinner, see a Broadway show, or take a stroll in Central Park. Unique options include ice skating at Rockefeller Center or a hot tub boat tour.

How can I be romantic on Valentine’s Day?

Plan a thoughtful activity like a show, dinner, or visit to a scenic spot. Small gestures like a handwritten note or poem can captivate your loved one. 

Where is the most romantic place for Valentine’s Day?

The Empire State Building is romantically wonderful, but spots like Bow Bridge and The Grand Tier Restaurant are also romantic.

Is NYC a romantic city?

Yes! With its skyline views, gorgeous parks, and endless date spots, NYC is simply perfect for amore.