Are you looking for romantic things to do in NYC for February 2024? Well, get ready to have one of the best nights of your life! That’s because New York City exudes romance. Almost every place you could go on a normal day will also be a great fit for all your Valentine’s Day activities in NYC.
Top Valentine’s Day Activities in NYC
On February 14, New York City will most likely still be a frozen wonderland. Don’t let the cold stop you from getting out, though! After all, the most romantic things will also sometimes require you to boldly go outside. Therefore, grab your significant other’s hand and hit the big city!
1. Go Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
Most people equate ice skating at Rockefeller Center with something that’s done during the Christmas season. However, it’s actually open until late March, which makes it the ideal date for an adventurous couple. Plus, despite happening on Valentine's Day in NYC, tickets for adults will range from only $21 to $28! This would make a fantastic experience for people who are on a budget but still want to infuse the day with romance.
2. Go to the Top of the Empire State Building
How many movies have shown a couple meeting on top of the Empire State Building? That’s because it’s not only romantic, but it will also allow the two of you to look out at the NYC skyline and think about what might be coming your way in the future. Rated the #1 U.S. Attraction and a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice!
3. Head to the Museum of Sex
Are you and your partner feeling a bit frisky? Of all the Valentine's Day date ideas in NYC, this will ignite your curiosity and spice up your night. So, grab your girlfriend, boyfriend, or non-binary partner’s hand and head into the sex-positive experience that is the Museum of Sex. Once you’re done taking in everything, go to their Carnal Carnival bar to enjoy a few drinks!
4. Eat a Romantic Dinner
With more than 23,000 different places to nosh, you’re certain to find exactly the vibe you’re looking for. NYC has everything from dive restaurants that can only seat a few people all the way to Le Bernardin, which is a French restaurant that’s often referred to as the most expensive place to eat in the city. Even with so many choices, though, make sure you grab a reservation now to ensure a table.
5. Look at Some of the World’s Finest Art
Some couples like to go barhopping, while others prefer to head to a museum. If you’re one of the later couples, NYC has way more choices than you could ever visit on Valentine’s Day. You could go to The Met, but it’s pretty much guaranteed to be ultra-busy that day. Why not take in the Guggenheim or Museum of Modern Art instead?
6. Attend a Harlem Jazz Series Concert
Let’s face it; when you think about celebrating in New York City on Valentine’s Day, one of the first things that comes to mind is the music. Well, why not lean into this and take your beloved to see the Harlem Jazz Series concert on February 14th? Experience total immersion as the two of you groove to the jazzy beats!
7. Attend a Broadway Show
Everyone knows that one of the best things to do in NYC is attend a Broadway show! So, if you’re looking for things to do in NYC for Valentine Day, there’s an easy solution. There’s an entire slew of shows to choose from too, including Wicked, Sweeney Todd, Little Shop of Horrors, The Lion King, and Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
8. Embrace the Day at the Pink Pier
If you and your partner really, really love Valentine’s Day, then you’ve got to go to the Pink Pier at Watermark. There you’ll discover a magical pink world, including a floral hallway, giant mistletoe, and the Lover’s Throne. Even better, you’ll eat in an all-pink heated igloo! Wrap up your big night out by taking a photo in front of the Lover’s Arch.
9. Chamber Magic with Steve Cohen
No matter how badly you want to celebrate with romantic things to do in New York City, we know that some of you won’t be able to go out on actual Valentine’s Day. Fortunately, Chamber Magic has performances on the weekend before and weekend after the big day! This is so much more than a mere magic show, too. This 90-minute performance is limited to only 64 guests, and you’re required to dress to the nines.
10. BonBon’s Valentine’s Chambre Séparée
Some people keep Valentine’s Day simple. If you’re not one of them, then this private event at BonBon might be right up your alley! You see, candy is one of the best things about the day, so why not buy out the entire candy store for an hour? You and your beloved will be able to eat and drink your way through the entire store! Act fast, as spots are extremely limited.
11. Propose at “Love’s h|Edge” in Times Square
We’ve got one of the very best Valentine’s Day dates ideas in NYC with a Times Square marriage proposal! Is your significant other a fan of huge displays of love? If so, this is the best spot in the city to ask for their hand in marriage.
12. Drink the Finest Whiskey at Great Jones Distilling Co.
Do you both love whiskey? Are you looking for something truly unique to do on February 14? Beat the crowd by reserving your tour of Manhattan’s only legal whiskey distillery! There are so many ways to enjoy the Great Jones Distilling Co., too. Book your hands-on mixology class, culinary cocktail pairing experience, or your detailed tour of the whiskey making process.
13. Attend a Burlesque Show at the Slipper Room
If you want to attend a sensual performance together, look no further than the Slipper Room! You’ll see circus and sideshow tricks, along with aerial performers, dancers, and singers. Even better, the Slipper Room is relatively small, so there’s no such thing as a bad seat!
Valentine’s Day Events
You’ll find tons of NYC Valentine’s Day events on February 14, 2024. From special-themed cruises to Valentine’s Day paint and sip events, the city is wide open for whatever would make the perfect date for you and your partner!
14. Valentine’s Brunch Cruise 2024
Join Event Cruises NYC for their two-hour brunch cruise on the Hudson and East Hudson Rivers. You’ll enjoy a three-course brunch menu as the ship cruises past panoramic views of Brooklyn, New Jersey, and New York City. Also included are bottomless mimosas!
15. Paint and Sip Pet Portrait Fun
Is your pet the true love of your life? Join artist Michele Cahill as she’ll help you paint a portrait of your four-legged friend. Worried about not being able to paint? Don’t be! Cahill will have a sketch completed before you arrive, which makes it super easy to bring your pet to life!
16. Intimate Valentine’s Wine Tasting
Piccola Strada is hosting three different timed Valentine’s Day wine tasting events. Your 75-minute time slot will include a tasting of four different wines, along with a fine dining experience. Hurry to reserve your spot as there are fewer than 20 left!
17. Valentine’s Night: Meet Me in the Wind
If painting sounds good, but you’d rather not paint a portrait of your pet, head to this special Meet Me in the Wind event. Made for couples who are 21 and up, you can drink and paint the night away together!
18. Valentine’s Day Speed Dating Event
So far, we’ve listed a lot of options for couples, but what about singles? If you’re in your 20s or 30s, choose this Speed Dating event to help ensure your next Valentine’s Day will be spent with a partner. You’ll date at least 15 single people during this 2.5-hour event.
19. Valentine’s Day Love Thyself Event
Another option for singles who are looking for some love on Valentine’s Day is to go to this ‘Love Thyself’ event. This is perfect for sensual, adventurous single people who want to learn how to better make love… to themselves!
20. Candlelight: Special Valentine’s Day Edition
Spend 60 minutes listening to the Highline String Quartet playing some of the most romantic songs of all time! Musical offerings will include “My Heart Will Go On,” “Moon River,” and the “Love Theme” from Romeo & Juliet.
21. Filthy Gorgeous Burlesque Valentine’s Day Spectacular
Do you and your special Valentine like things to be a little bit spicier than usual? Then you’re going to love this Valentine’s Day special burlesque performance! Head to LPR to take in live music and an all-star burlesque show.
22. Skyline Cruises Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise
Whether a brunch cruise was too early for you, or you’ve simply decided to spend the entire day on boats, you can board the Skyline Princess for three hours of dancing, dinner, and romance! You’ll pass by the Statute of Liberty, Roosevelt Island, United Nations Building, and much more.
23. 54 Below Presents ‘A Broadway Valentine’s Day’
Think the greatest hits of Broadway’s best couples, and you’ll have a good idea of what to expect at A Broadway Valentine’s Day! Rather than going to one show, why not hear all of the best love songs from Broadway’s biggest hits?
24. Cat Power Sings Dylan
Cat Power is an indie icon who also performs blues, folk, jazz, and punk! At this special Valentine’s Day performance, she’ll take on the best of Bob Dylan. Held at the Isaac Stern Auditorium, this concert’s tickets are currently available for $384 and up.
25. Tina Fey & Amy Poehler: Valentine’s Day Show
The Queens of Comedy have joined together for their first joint tour! Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will make you laugh and think as they discuss their long-lasting friendship and share anecdotes from their careers.
NYC Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
As you now know, New York City is one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Even if you don’t happen to have a date this Valentine’s Day, there is plenty you can do in NYC to celebrate this day dedicated to love. From the common stuff such as going to the top of the Empire State Building to the more risqué events such as a burlesque show, there’s simply no way to beat New York City’s long list of things to do for Valentine’s Day!
New York Harbor Tours won’t have our boats in the water until March, but we still want you to have a truly fantastic Valentine’s Day! That’s why we’ve included a couple of other cruise lines on this list. However, if you want to give them a Valentine’s Day gift they’ll never forget, why not pick up a gift card for New York Harbor Tours? That way, you can take your beloved on a cruise when the weather is warmer, which will make it even nicer! Plus, our boats hold a limited number of passengers (six or 16, max) so you know you won’t have to deal with a big crowd. Book now!
FAQs
What to do in NYC Valentines Day 2024?
Every item on the above list would make a fantastic Valentine’s Day. Whether you go to the Empire State Building, take a cruise, or look at some art, you’ll have a great day!
Where is the most romantic place for Valentines?
New York City rules Valentine’s Day! There are so many different options that everyone will find their perfect day, even if they’re single.
Where is Valentine's Day most popular?
Valentine’s Day is most popular in the United States (NYC!), but it’s also quite popular in Canada, Australia, Mexico, South Korea, France, and Argentina, among others.
Where should I go on a date on Valentine's Day?
New York City has it all! From ice skating at the Rockefeller Center to visiting a museum, there’s nothing you can’t do to celebrate the day of love in NYC.