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!
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 choose! 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.
See the “Love Ever After” installation in Midtown
This Valentine’s Day, Times Square will host Pernilla Ohrstedt Studio’s “Love Ever After,” a breathtaking 3D heart sculpture made from oyster reef cages. The installation, part of the 17th annual Love & Design competition, invites visitors to reflect on love and sustainability. The structure changes shape and color depending on your perspective, and its materials will later be repurposed for oyster restoration efforts along NYC’s shores. Learn more about this unique blend of art and environmental awareness in this inspiring project.
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 and Valentine’s New York Signature Dinner Cruise Pier 15.
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 a slot 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 and lace up for a fun, romantic evening!.
Stroll through the illuminated wonderland, Luminosa
Celebrate love under the lights at Queens Botanical Garden’s ongoing light trail, Luminosa! The breahtaking light experience features over 30 different displays including glowing castles, enchanted forests, and mythical creatures!
It’s open for romantic strolls on February 13th and 16th for Valentine’s Day weekend!
⭐ Purchase your tickets to Luminosa: A Festival of Lights online!
Have afternoon tea at The Russian Tea Room
The Russian Tea Room has been serving afternoon tea for over 95 years now, and for Valentine’s Day this year, the iconic restaurant is doing romantic tea sessions! You can hang out in the 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 online.
Be awed at steamy burlesque-style cirque cabaret
Celebrate love and passion this Valentine’s Day with AirOtic Soirée’s Love Struck, a breathtaking circus and cabaret dinner show at HK Hall. Featuring world-class acrobats, extravagant costumes, and seductive choreography, this immersive experience is paired with a gourmet three-course dinner and decadent cocktails. Prepare to be wowed by jaw-dropping stunts and spicy performances that promise an unforgettable evening. Don’t miss your chance to indulge in this one-of-a-kind event—learn more about the sensational Valentine’s-themed show here.
👯 Purchase your ticket to AirOtic Soirée online!
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. Vocalist and performer Mary Stallings will be performing a trio of shows at 7 pm and 9 pm (dinner show) and a late night 10:30 pm show ! Learn more about the performers and grab tickets to the show online.
Snuggle up to your sweetheart at Candlelight
White Eagle Hall will be lit up this February with one of the most romantic symbols we know — candles — for a special Candlelight Valentine’s Special. As thousands of candles flicker and cast dancing shadows, you can woo your partner in crime with the soothing sounds of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and the moving melodies of songs like “All You Need Is Love” and “I Will Always Love You”.
Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special at Murmrr Theatre.
Check out the exclusive Princess Cruises’ Love by Britto
Princess Cruises is docking in NYC this Valentine’s Day with a first-of-its-kind experience: Love by Britto. This romantic occasion takes the seaside experience and brings it to life Currents at Pier 59 with a chef-curated five-course menu, heart-inspired cocktails, and the work of Romero Britto. You’ll have to act quickly if you want to make this Valentine’s Day memorable: the event only takes place on February 13th and 14th…with one single seating each night at 7pm. Will you be one of the lucky patrons to score the coveted reservation? Even better? Proceeds go towards Save The Children. Reserve online.
Name a hissing cockroach after your ex
The Bronx Zoo is back with its “Name a Roach” program just in time for Valentines Day. Forget expressing your love with flowers, do it with a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach 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 cockroaches after a loved one…or a slimy ex.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 cocktail attire and be mesmerized by the most intimate and exclusive magic show around. Learn more online!
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 events here.
Stop by the NYC Footy Singles Pick-Up Event
If you thought pickleball was a great way to work out and potentially meet a match, soccer is as equally fantastic. If you’re searching for a little friendly competition and a fun meet-cute, check out NYC Footy’s Singles Pick-Up Event on Valentine’s Day itself from 6-7pm at McCarren Park. Once the game is done, venture with the crew to Williamsburg’s beloved Pete’s Candy Shop for drinks and music. To learn more and secure a spot, visit the NYC Footy website.
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.
Challenge your partner to mini golf at Swingers
Challenge your date to a night of mini golf, cocktails and sweet talk! Swingers Crazy Golf in NoMad is serving up all sorts of delicious cocktails and mocktails for the perfect date night. A Valentine’s Day-inspired drink menu featuring Rosé Supernova (Hampton Water Rosé, Citadelle Gin, Campari, raspberry syrup, and aromatic bitters) and Strawberry French 75 (Tanqueray Gin, Giffard Banane du Brésil Liqueur, strawberry syrup, orgeat, lemon juice) are just a small part of the V-Day packages available! Learn more and reserve your spot online.
Where: 35 W 29th St
Book the Love Languages Package at Walker Hotel Tribeca
Looking for a romantic staycation? Book a spot at the Walker Hotel Tribeca during their “Love Languages” Package promotion. The luxurious deal taps into the five pillars of Dr. Gary Chapman’s love languages – words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, receiving gifts and acts of service.
Guests can choose an experience inspired by one of the love languages…curated with different experiences. Some of them include a room covered in sticky notes with handwritten compliments (words of affirmation), wrapped gift boxes (receiving gifts), and romantic dinner for two at the hotel restaurant (quality time), among more options. Learn more about the package and how to book here.
Where: 77 Walker St
Join a romantic reading party at EDGE
How about a special reading party located 1,131 feet in the air?! EDGE, one of NYC’s top observation decks is hosting a memorable date night on February 14th (7 – 10 pm), inviting New Yorkers (both single and taken) to meet like-minded readers and enjoy a magical evening of connection and inspiration. You’ll of course be able to check out the outdoor sky deck in between book mingling! Tickets are $40. Learn more about the event and book your spot here.
Where: EDGE – 30 Hudson Yards
Decorate naughty cookies at Sugar Wood
Sugar Wood is one of our favorite sex-positive dessert shops, and they’re hosting a fun Valentine’s Day pop-up (February 7th – 14th) this year. New Yorkers can play a FREE Spencer’s sex toy claw machine, as well as partake in naughty dessert decorating parties ($39) to customize their iconic “Woody” and “Doggy Style” treats. Book your spot here!
Where: 157 Prince St
Stroll through The Orchid Show at NYBG
The New York Botanical Garden is set to open this year’s version of The Orchid Show during Valentine’s Day weekend, this year with a focus on Mexican modernism. The romantic world of botanical beauty will bring New Yorkers on a journey to Mexico City, where the fusion of tradition and modern artistry takes center stage amid breathtaking displays of orchids from Mexican culture. There will also be Orchid Nights as well, featuring music and dancing, cash bars and food and drink. It opens to the public on February 15th. Learn more about the exhibit here!
Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
Sip champagne in a heated igloo at The Peninsula
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style at Fifth Avenue’s most luxurious rooftop in a heated igloo! Guests at The Peninsula can book a romantic igloo and savor champagne, indulge in caviar, and enjoy chocolate-covered strawberries, all while surrounded by the sparkling lights of New York City. Learn more and book your spot here!
Where: 700 Fifth Avenue
Challenge your partner in ping pong at SPIN
Skip the classic dinner date and spice up Valentine’s Day with some fun, competitive ping-pong! SPIN in Midtown is hosting their annual Love Pong event series which welcomes couples to come play some ping pong…and sip on themed drinks and mouthwatering bites of course. You can 1v1 in table tennis or play doubles for a double date…it’s the perfect place to show off your skill and mingle with other couples! It’s happening this Saturday the 15th.
When: February 15th, 7 – 11 pm
Where: SPIN Midtown (1626 Broadway)