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!
1. 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.
2. 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.
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 and Valentine’s New York Signature Dinner Cruise Pier 15.
4. 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.
5. 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 here!
6. 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.
7. 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 here!
8. 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 here.
9. 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.
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. Name a hissing cockroach after your ex
The Bronx Zoo is back with their “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.
12. 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!
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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 here!
17. 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.
18. Love Pong at SPIN
Beloved ping pong spot SPIN (Midtown and Flatiron) will be hosting Love 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, cocktails, and more. Love-laced party packages, specialty cocktails and themed bites for groups and dates are available to reserve now, so don’t miss out! Learn more here.
19. 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.
20. 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 here.
Where: 35 W 29th St