17 romantic and interesting ideas for spending Valentine's Day in New York

Love is definitely in the air, and there's no better time to be in New York City when Cupid appears. Whether you're spending Valentine's Day with your partner, friends, or alone, there's no shortage of things to do in New York City on February 14th. SecretNYC We've put together a list of the best ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day so you don't have to struggle to decide.

1. Indulge in food and wine pairings at a restaurant Dining in the Dark

Whether it's your first date or your 1000th, you must visit this unique restaurant. If you're a foodie, this 3-course blind tasting (led by a Michelin-starred chef) is something you and your partner will remember forever. Choose from a red (meat), blue (seafood) or green (vegetarian) menu and let your taste buds take you on a journey. Additionally, this special event option comes with 4 special wine pairings.

2. Have a romantic dinner date

If there's one thing you can be sure of, it's that New York has no shortage of... excellent restaurants, where you can spend Valentine's Day. There is plenty to choose from, from the most luxurious restaurants to romantic establishments with subdued lighting. Of course, if you're planning a dinner, you'll want to make a reservation in advance because places fill up quickly.

3. Take a cruise for Valentine's Day

Who doesn't love a romantic cruise along the New York City skyline? Enjoy panoramic views of Manhattan on a breathtaking cruise. There are several options including a cruise Harbor Lights by Circle Line, as well as two dinner packages from City Cruises – Valentine's New York Signature Dinner Cruisee and Valentine's Bateaux New York Premier Plus Dinner Cruise.

4. Have afternoon tea at The russian tea room.

The Russian Tea Room has been offering afternoon tea for over 95 years, and this year they are hosting a romantic tea get-together in honor of Valentine's Day. You can sit on the festive red banquettes and sip tea to your heart's content, or increase your portion and try dishes from the special prix-fixe menu.

5. Indulge in pink madness Pink Pier

The new Pink Pier is the perfect backdrop for a Valentine's Day celebration. Lovers are invited to step into this fuchsia universe, complete with pink lights, a 3-course menu, a photo op on the lover's throne, a life-size treat box and more. If you want to pop in here for some pink drinks or a full dinner, this is the pinkest place to do it.

6. Have a date night at Smoke Jazz Club

February 14 at the main jazz club in New York Smoke Jazz CluThere will be a grand performance during which you will feel like you are in New Orleans for one night. In the spirit of celebrating love, husband and wife vocalist Abena Koomson-Davis and trombonist Steve Davis will perform as a quintet at 19.00 and 21.00 p.m.

7. Have a cozy evening with your lover in a candlelit theater

Murmrr Theater (February 11 and 14) and Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Feb. 13) will be lit up with one of the most romantic symbols—candles—this February as part of several Candlelight Valentine’s Specials. With thousands of candles flickering and casting dancing shadows, you can charm your partner to the soothing sounds of Jules Massenet's “Méditation” and the touching melodies of “Moon River” and “My Heart Will Go On.”

8. Go ice skating

Take each other for a spin on the open ice at one of New York's skating rinks. Of course, Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park are known to be the busiest (so book them ASAP), but there are plenty of others in Brooklyn, Central Park and other places that offer great rides. You can choose a suitable skating rink here.

9. Go to Broadway show

Enjoy a Broadway (or off-Broadway) show on Valentine's Day this year. Not only is it one of the best things to do in New York City, but it's also a great date night idea that will suit everyone. There are also excellent romantic productions here, from the sexy “Moulin Rouge!” to the love story of Princess Jasmine and Aladdin.

On the subject: Tickets, life hacks, unwritten rules: a guide to Broadway for beginners

10. Confess your love on top

Grab your loved one and head to New York's highest outdoor observation deck - Edge. Spend a romantic evening and enjoy extraordinary views. On February 14, you can sip champagne 335 meters in the air, admiring the views of the best city in the world.

11. Name a hissing cockroach after your ex.

The Bronx Zoo is back with “Name a Roach” just in time for Valentine’s Day. Forget about expressing your love with flowers, do it with a Madagascar hissing cockroach instead. The event is held annually around Valentine's Day, and people can choose to name one of the zoo's many cockroaches - after a loved one or after a creepy ex.

12. Give flowers for Valentine's Day

There's nothing more romantic than a colorful bouquet of flowers on February 14th, and there's still plenty of time to place your order. Whether you want to visit one of New York's stunning flower shops or take the easy route and order flowers online, you still have a few weeks to make your choice. Plus, many of them offer same-day delivery.

13. Book a night at a cool New York hotel

Head into the city and enjoy a romantic one-night stay at one of New York's unique hotels. You can pamper yourself with spas, hot tubs, rooftop bars and more.

14. Explore Museum of Sex's Superfunland

Try something new and check out the Adult Carnival at the Museum of Sex. The most interesting attractions are located on four floors: “Devil's Cup”, “Attack of the 50-foot Woman”, “SizeMologist”, “Merlandia”, a 40-foot aquarium with rococo mermaids and a performance area. This experience will definitely relieve stress.

15. Book a vacation to QC New York

There is nothing more refreshing and romantic than taking care of your health and well-being with your partner. QC New York is a wellness destination that's well worth the trip to unwind and rejuvenate. Their spa pools, saunas, steam rooms and more are the perfect place for a Valentine's Day date.

16. Be dazzled by the magic of Steve Cohen

This Valentine's Day, pair up and go on a chamber magic – magic show at Lotte New York Palace. Millionaire magician Steve Cohen will present a 16-minute magic show on V-Day (February 17-90) that will blow your mind. This is the perfect date night where you can dress up in cocktail attire and experience the most intimate and exclusive magic show. Find out more here.

17. The SUMMIT Signature Experience

Get ready for the most romantic date night in the sky in SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Their new “The SUMMIT Signature Experience” includes tickets starting at $56, an intimate performance by the Highline String Quartet and a cocktail or glass of champagne.