Valentine’s Day is approaching and whether you’re accustomed to or adjusting to the city, you’re probably trying to think of an amourous venue to spend that special day with that special someone. Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, so why not plan ahead to make the most of the romantic weekend? For those of you who want your Valentine’s Day to be more than just a box of chocolates this February, check out these seven places you can journey to with your SO.
1. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the city
Check out the newly built One World Trade Center (One World Observatory) or the Empire State Building (Observation Deck) to witness the mesmerizing views at the peak of the city. The One World Trade Center Observatory has a little restaurant where you can have an elegant dinner with your SO while gazing at the New York skyline. The Empire State Building has a number of restaurants on the lobby level, offering both an outdoor and indoor observation area as well as powerful binoculars to help you enjoy an unobstructed view of the city. Both can be visited during the day or night, based on your preference. Tickets, hours, and pricing information can be found online here.
2. Roam Around Central Park
Nothing is more reminiscent of a lovely date with the boy-next-door than taking a stroll in the park together. To add, Central Park has a large array of entertaining things to do, (yes, even when it’s chilly!) including: race boats at Kerb’s Boathouse, a horse and carriage tour of the park, and ice skating at Wollman Rink.
3. Enjoy a beautiful night under the stars!
Go to the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History to learn all about the constellations while cuddling up next to your bae.
4. Visit the city’s hidden gems in the Meat-Packing District
Rejoice in some of the most gourmet meals you have every had at the very artsy Chelsea Market, which has a wide array of both sweet ‘n savory foods and is surrounded by charming antique shops selling items from cheese and spices to books and handmade jewelry. Once your stomach is content, you can head on over to the Highline Park just a few blocks away. Highline Park is a stretch of elevated abandoned railroad tracks that have been repurposed into a modern park. It’s a very tranquil place to watch the sunset together and enjoy a breath of fresh air.
5. Stop by the charming little town of City Island
Famous for its seafood restaurants and antique stores, City Island is an island on the western end of the Long Island sound, south of Pelham Bay and east of Eastchester Bay. There are a variety of things to do! You can dine at exquisite restaurants including: fast-food eateries, pubs, or high-end hideaways. You could also visit the City Island Nautical Museum and the harbour, or perhaps take a promenade around some of the Victorian themed neighborhoods.
6. Explore Little Italy
Because who else does romance better than the Italians? Bask in Italian music in the candlelight while savoring some of the yummiest pizza and pasta dishes you have ever tasted. Some of the prominent restaurants in Little Italy include: Lombardi’s Pizza, Rubirosa, Pellegrino’s Italian Restaurant, Amici II, and Fig & Olive. And before the end of the night, grab some cannoli’s and gelato at Ferraro’s Bakery, aka THE most famous bakery in the neighborhood.
7. Spend a day in Brooklyn!
Although Brooklyn isn’t the ideal place to have a romantic night, it does have some really beautiful sights to see. The Brooklyn Bridge Park is a cozy place to spend a few hours at if it’s not too cold. After your night out, take your time to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge on your way back to Manhattan instead of taking the subway. It’s a wonderful way to view the city as well as the bridge’s ravishing structures.
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