It might be expensive, crowded and overrun with rats, but let’s face it –New York City is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Take that, Paris. There’s a reason why Brides magazine named it one of the top 10 places in the world to propose, and rom coms like Brown Sugar, Coming to America, Maid in Manhattan and Hitch are set here.
But in a city with hundreds of restaurants, bars and attractions, it can be hard to pick the perfect place. That’s why we’re here to help. If you’re looking to plan a night (or day) your partner won’t forget, check out our ideas for having the most romantic Valentine’s Day in New York City.
Whisk & Whiskey
259 4th Ave Brooklyn, NY; Open: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, 11am - 11pm; Friday & Saturday, 11am - 12am
Where else but Brooklyn will you find a Trinidadian/Cambodian cocktail bar/bakery? Whisk & Whiskey is a neighborhood gem with a menu that includes seasonal cocktails made with spirits from women, Black, minority and locally-owned brands alongside small bites and decadent desserts.
The Purple Tongue
410 W. 43rd St., New York, NY; Open: Tuesday - Friday, 4pm - 1am, Saturday, 11am - 1am. Sunday, 11am - 12am
An extensive wine list and scrumptious shareables are what you’ll find at The Purple Tongue, a Black-owned wine and tapas bar in Midtown Manhattan. This Valentine’s Day, they’re featuring a four-course prix fixe menu along with a special wine flight and a Valentine’s Day-inspired cocktail.
Brooklyn Museum - Giants: Art From the Dean Collection of Swizz Beats and Alicia Keys
200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY; Open: Wednesday - Sunday, 11am - 6pm
In love with an art lover? They’ll go crazy for the collection at the Brooklyn Museum. Along with an amazing display of African, Asian and Egyptian Art in the permanent collection, you won’t want to miss Giants: Art From the Dean Collection of Swizz Beats and Alicia Keys. Starting February 10, you can check out works from Gordon Parks, Jean-Michel Basquiat and other artists of color from the couple’s personal collection.
Empire State Building Observation Deck
20 W. 34th St., New York, NY; Open daily: 10am - 9pm (last entry at 8:15pm)
The observation deck at the Empire State Building is a popular place for lovers to take in one of the most romantic views in the world. An iconic fixture of the Manhattan skyline, the Empire State Building has observation decks on both the 86th and 102nd floors, offering a gorgeous 360-degree picture of the city. Just be sure to make a reservation first.
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY; Open: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am–5pm
If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle, see what’s blooming at the New York Botanical Garden. From the South African bulbs and Japanese apricots in the Ladies’ Border to the variety of trees in the Conifer Arboretum, the 250-acre space is a beautiful retreat in the Bronx. Just be sure to dress for the weather.
Central Park
59th Street to 110th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West, New York, NY; Open daily, 6am—1am
If you want to make memories without spending a lot of money, take a walk through Central Park. The Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace and the North Woods are just a few of the romantic spots inside this beautiful urban oasis.
Dizzy’s Jazz Club/Jazz at Lincoln Center
Broadway at 60th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY; Shows: Monday - Saturday, 7pm & 9pm, Sunday, 5pm & 7:30pm
After your walk in Central Park, head inside to warm up and listen to some live jazz at Dizzy’s Club. There’s no dress code, but there is a food and drink minimum of $21 per person for every set.
67 Orange
2082 Frederick Douglass Blvd; Open: Sunday through Thursday, 5pm to 12am, Friday & Saturday, 5pm to 2am
It doesn’t get sexier than 67 Orange, a Harlem cocktail lounge that features a variety of cocktails and appetizers. Sweet potato fries with coconut curry mayo? Yes, please!
Hav & Mar
245 11th Avenue, New York, NY; Open: nightly, 5pm - 10pm (last reservation at 9:30pm)
Looking for a place to grab a bite that’s a little off the beaten path? Try Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s seafood restaurant Hav & Mar. Take your love for a romantic dinner and enjoy the special prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu, which includes cornbread for two and choice of dessert.
The Franklin
448 Franklin Ave., Brooklyn, NY; Open: Tuesday – Friday, 5pm–12am, Saturday and Sunday, 3pm–12am
Before you call it a night, have a night cap at The Franklin, a Black-owned bar featuring wine, cocktails and small plates in an intimate Brooklyn space.