If we’re being rational here, we know that being single on Valentine’s Day is not the end of the world. But sometimes it’s hard not to feel at least a small tinge of bitterness when it’s red, pink, hearts, flowers, and romance every where you look.
The truth is, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just for those who are in a relationship, so put down that pint of ice cream! Valentine’s Day can be a day to celebrate your love for yourself! Or a day to spend the night out with your closest friends—all things that sound better than breaking the bank on an overpriced dinner.
Don’t sit out on the Valentine’s Day festivities just because you’re riding solo. Here are some fun things to do in NYC this Valentine’s Day if you don’t have a special boo to spend it with:
1. Laugh your worries away at the Mercury Lounge
Head on over to the Mercury Lounge for The Love List: Valentine’s Day Comedy Show and enjoy a lineup of comics that will have you belly laughing all your relationship worries away. Doors open at 6 p.m., so don’t be late! Get your tickets here.
Where: 217 E Houston St, New York
2. Have the ultimate mani pedi experience at this two-in-one nail salon and cafe/wine bar
Get pampered and unwind at Lili and Cata, a nail salon and cafe/wine bar in one. This super cute outdoor salon is decked out in flowers to make you feel like the goddess that you are, and socializing with your closest girlfriends over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine is the perfect way to spend Galentine’s Day.
Where: 72 Greenpoint Ave., Brooklyn
3. Round up your best girlfriends for a Galentine’s Day brunch
Grab your girl gang and head to Kokomo NYC on February 13 for the ultimate three-course Galentine’s Day brunch. Choose from menu items like a Heart Shaped Flat Bread Pizza or Red Velvet Fried Chicken & Waffles and enjoy the upbeat vibes at this tasty Caribbean joint. For reservations click here.
Where: 65 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
4. Solo slurp on a hot bowl of ramen
Ignore all the happy couples out to eat on Valentine’s Day at Ichiran, where you won’t have to look at anybody — literally. With “Ramen Focus Booths,” you get your own little cubby where you can enjoy all the ramen in the world without any of the distractions. You don’t even have to look at your server; they’re hidden behind a screen! They have a menu to die for, and the best part is you can order as many bowls as you’d like without any judgment.
Where: Brooklyn: 374 Johnson Ave / Midtown: 132 W 31st St / Times Square: 152 W 49th St
5. Live your best life on a Valentine’s Day Singles Yacht Cruise
Break out your sexiest dance moves and party on a yacht all night long while enjoying the most gorgeous NYC skyline views and having the experience of a lifetime. Enjoy a night filled with music, dancing, and a delicious dinner menu. Plus, ladies get complimentary champagne! The party goes afloat Saturday, February 12 and boarding is at 11 p.m. Get your tickets here.
Where: 2430 FDR Drive (at East 23rd Street), New York
6. Smash out all your anger at Break Bar
If all those sappy couples make you want to lash out, Break Bar is the place to go. Spend some time in the Wrecking Club where you can smash printers, monitors, flat screen TVs, office phones, key boards and more. When you’re done you can cool off with a nice refreshing drink…and then immediately smash that glass too. What better way to release endorphins? Book your room here.
Where: 458 9th Avenue, New York
7. Enjoy some “you time” with a spa day for one
Treat yourself to the “Valentines Bliss for One” at Faina European Day Spa. Spoil yourself with a luxurious champagne spa facial, a 50 minute European massage, and your choice of a spa pedicure with a champagne rose scrub and aromatherapy hand paraffin OR a champagne rose body scrub. And though it’s hard to believe it can get any better, champagne and chocolate are included.
Where: 330 W 58th Street #402, New York
8. Name a hissing cockroach after your ex
The Bronx Zoo is back with their annual “Name a Roach” program just in time for Valentine’s Day! The event allows people to choose if they’d like to name one of the zoo’s many cockroaches after a slimy ex for only $15. Along with the naming rights, the donation will also get you a digital certificate to present to your cockroach’s namesake.
Where: Online here
9. Put your dance moves to the test at an Anti-Valentine Tango Class Celebration
It takes two to tango, but that doesn’t mean you need to be in a relationship for this tango class. Enjoy a one and a half hour class dancing one of the world’s most passionate dances at this Anti-Valentine’s Day date night at Strictly Tango NY. Afterwards, you’ll get the chance to practice your skills and mingle with other singles. This event will take place on February 13 at 6 p.m., and you can get your tickets here.
Where: 500 8th Avenue, New York
10. Score a hole-in-one with mini golf, champagne & pizza
Head to Shipwrecked Miniature Golf, an indoor 18-hole mini golf experience that’ll take you way beyond the green. This comic book-style adventure, led by your pirate own captain, will take you on the hunt to find treasure. And if finding the treasure wasn’t enough, there will also be pizza, champagne, and arcade games. Have a fun night with friends, and if you guys are feeling extra adventurous, be sure to check out the mini escape rooms (to escape all the Valentine’s Day love, obviously)! Get your tickets here.