The 10 Most Romantic Spots In NYC

Katherine Ripley • August 27, 2015

Looking to spark a new flame? Or maybe reignite an old one? NYC is a great place to fall in love—the lights, the parks, the way the leaves change colors in the fall. If you want a guaranteed romantic afternoon or evening, take a trip to one of these places:

1. Empire State Building Observation Deck

It might not be a good idea if you’re afraid of heights, but you really just can’t beat the views from up there. Try to go at an off-hour in the off-season, so you don’t have to put up with all the tourists fluttering around you.

2. Bow Bridge in Central Park

Central Park as a whole can be quite romantic, but Bow Bridge is special because it basically looks like a Monet painting. For extra sappiness, get a boat and row underneath the bridge together.

3. Brooklyn Bridge Park

It’s on our list of the best places to watch the sun set, and now we’ve added it to our top romantic locations. There’s no other spot where you can really appreciate the silhouette of the city.

4. River Cafe in Brooklyn

If a night of fine dining is in your budget, you can get the views of Brooklyn Bridge Park while you enjoy a candlelight dinner. Bon appetit!

5. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The best time to go is in the spring, when the cherry blossoms in full bloom. But you can find a perfect spot at any time of year.

6. AMNH Butterfly Conservatory

This exhibit is only open from September to May, and it costs extra to attend, but it’s worth it. Try to go at an off-hour so it can be just you, bae, and the butterflies.

7. AMNH Planetarium

Maybe this one is just for nerds in love, but with the extreme light pollution in NYC, the only place you can really see the stars is in the planetarium at the Museum of Natural History.

8. Lincoln Center Fountain

An opera at Lincoln Center is romantic, but expensive. All you need to do to experience the romance is sit by the fountain in the evening. If you time it just right, you can see one of the five minute water shows.

9. The Cloisters

This one is less well-known, so you might find more privacy. It’s a park overlooking the Hudson River, which houses the Met’s medieval and architecture collections. You can visit an authentic-looking castle built from real medieval French cloisters.

10. Staten Island Ferry

It’s not just for the commuters. It’s for lovers who want a free boat ride and a spectacular view of the Lady Liberty and the sunset. Go ahead, no one’s judging. Ride it to Staten Island and back.