By: Stefanie DiMartino

February is the month of love! And Valentine’s Day is almost here. Whether you’re looking for romantic dining, or for activities to show some extra love, I’ve got you covered! NYC is magical and romantic all year, but there’s something about Valentine’s Day that really makes you feel like love is in the air! These are my top picks for the best things to do in NYC for Valentine’s Day this year.

For some of the best things to do all month long, read here!

Note: I recommend that if reservations appear to not be available online, call the restaurant directly!

Top 18 Things To Do in NYC for Valentine’s Day

BEST DINING

SAGA

70 Pine Street, 63rd Floor, New York, NY 10005 | $395+ | 212-339-3963

Saga is located in the landmarked Art Deco building known as 70 Pine. Saga offers the ultimate fine dining experience with unparalleled city views. Truly, it’s exceptional. On Saturday, February 12th and Monday, February 14th, SAGA will offer a special Valentine’s Day menu for $395 per person. A wine pairing is available to purchase at $195 per person. Prepayment is required at booking.

ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA

17 Barrow Street, New York, NY 10014 | $350+ | 212-255-8649

One If By Land, Two If By Sea is touted as the most romantic restaurant in the city! So of course it is on this list of best things to do in NYC for Valentine’s Day. No dining experience would be complete without dining at One If By Land, Two If By Sea. For Valentine’s Day, enjoy a special 6-Course Tasting Menu With Wine Pairing!

CLASSIC HARBOR LINE: VALENTINE’S WEEKEND CRUISES

Chelsea Piers, Pier 62 (W. 22nd St.) New York, NY 10011

Classic Harbor Line will always be one of my favorite ways to celebrate any occasion. Valentine’s Day is no exception! There are a few different offerings, each one special and sure to be an amazing time with your Valentine.

Around Manhattan Brunch Cruise

February 12 & 13 | 10:30am | $142+

This lovely cruise around Manhattan is 2.75 hours long. The Brunch features a special Valentine’s Day menu served at your private table — perfect for friends, families, and couples. Some menu items include delicious New York State foods and local goods from NYC purveyors such as fresh bagels and bakery, seasonal fruit, craft sausages, kale salad, stuffed quiche, classic smoked salmon display and pastries. While cruising, you fully circumnavigate the Island of Manhattan passing under 20 bridges! A complimentary bloody Mary, mimosa, beer, wine or champagne is included. Add the ‘brunch beverage package’ for 2 more beverages or plan on additional beverages available for purchase by credit card.

Valentine’s Day Champagne Tasting Cruise

February 14 | 5pm, 7:15pm, 9:30pm | $138+

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with your special someone or your close and dear friends on Classic Harbor Line’s Valentine’s Day Champagne Tasting Cruise! 

This is a unique journey through NY Harbor. Enjoy a 4-glass champagne tasting, paired with cheeses, fruits, chocolates & other accoutrements — all hand-picked by our in-house wine & cheese expert. You’ll find the main salon of the Manhattan warm, cozy and enchanting with plenty of space and partitioning to feel at ease while you take in the sights. Highlights along the way include: Hudson Yards & Times Square, Battery Park, South Street Seaport, and the Financial District, Governor’s Island, and Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty.

Sunset Cruise on Yacht Manhattan 

February 12 & 14 | 5:15pm | $84+

Experience a beautiful New York City sunset and the illuminated cityscape on this comfortable and unique 1.5 hour cruise around the NYC Harbor. You sail through the Hudson and Easy rivers and get to see all major lower Manhattan sites at sunset (One World Trade Center, Financial District, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge). One complimentary beer, wine, Champagne or soft drink is offered. And because it’s Valentine’s Day, a special Valentine’s cocktail is included. Additional beverages are available for purchase.

Additional beverages are available for purchase. This cruise is very popular for date night and perfect for a romantic evening. If you make it a double date night, you can get a price break on tickets!

City Lights Cruise on Yacht Manhattan

February 12 & 14 | 7:30pm | $84+

Experience a New York City Lights cruise like never before! Step aboard a decked-out 1920s inspired motor yacht. As you lounge in the observation cabin to take in the twinkling lights of this famous skyline, enjoy a complimentary beer, wine, champagne or soda on us. And because it’s Valentine’s Day, a special Valentine’s cocktail is included. Additional beverages are available for purchase.

This City Lights Cruise is 1.25 hours long and is a relaxing, sightseeing affair. There is no narration of the sights, providing a more passive and romantic tourism experience. Perfect for a special Valentine’s Day! 

LA GOULUE

29 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065 | $125+ | 212-988-8169

Located on the Upper East Side, La Goulue is a beloved French bistro. In honor of Valentine’s Day, there will be a special 3-course prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu that begins with a welcome Champagne Toast and an amuse-bouche of Cauliflower Mousse and Caviar. Ooh-la-la! 

First course selections include Peekytoe Crab with avocado, apple, Madras curry and crispy quinoa, Lobster Raviole with Jerusalem artichoke and lobster Sauterne cappuccino, and Salade Folle with French green beans, Grana Padano, and Creamy truffle dressing. Main entrées feature Grass-fed Filet Mignon Rossini with brioche and sautéed foie gras in port sauce, Roasted Halibut with crispy pancetta, Beluga lentils, lsigny beurre blanc and aged balsamic, Veal Chop a la Plancha with Pommes Lyonnaises and Morels jus. Certainly you can’t go wrong with desserts that include Tarte Tatin, a caramelized upside-down apple tart with Vermont crème fraiche, Profiterolles Croquantes, choux puffs with vanilla ice cream, drizzled in a warm chocolate sauce, or Maracujá Pavlova, passion fruit coulis with soft meringue and fresh berries. The restaurant offers indoor and heated outdoor seating, which will ensure guests stay nice and toasty. La Goulue is the perfect date-night Valentine’s spot!

LURE FISHBAR

142 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10012 | $100+ | 212-431-7676

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re looking for a romantic evening, then Lure Fishbar is a great spot. They are offering a unique Valentine’s Day menu with dishes and dessert including fluke crudo, baked oysters, vanilla butter poached Maine lobster, potato crusted halibut, lemon meringue and more. The full menu can be found here. 

Located in the heart of Soho, Lure Fishbar offers the freshest selection of fish, oysters, and sushi. The restaurant is designed like a yacht and offers an intimate and cozy yet buzzy atmosphere, making it the perfect escape for an extravagant and fun date-night.

THAIMEE LOVE

116 West Houston Street, New York 10012 | 347-325-2557

For a different and unique Valentine’s Day experience, consider Thaimee Love! Chef Hong Thaimee is celebrating Valentine’s Day in and out of Thaimee Love this year – with an intimate Thai Afternoon Tea at the restaurant and two specially curated Valentine’s Day to-go tasting menus available for delivery and pick up. The Thai Afternoon Tea is limited to 20 guests on Sunday, February 13 for $79, where loved ones will enjoy a taste of sweet and savory Thai bites paired with authentic Thai tea. For the at-home experiences, Chef Hong is offering a “Romantic Island Getaway” dinner ($325) complete with indulgences like a Koh Samui Seafood Platter and Rosy Chocolate Truffle, or a special Valentine’s Day “Romantic Thai Inspired Afternoon Tea” ($280) with bites like Caviar with Bellini and Chili Candied Brownie.

You can preorder these experiences by February 10 for delivery or pick up on February 12, 13, or 14. Thaimee Love offers free delivery from lower Manhattan to Midtown. Additionally, if you order a Valentine’s Day meal from Thaimee Love you will receive at 10% discount on one of Chef Hong’s upcoming virtual cooking classes.  

JUNGSIK

2 Harrison Street, New York, NY 10013 | $350+ | 212-219-0900

Internationally acclaimed two-Michelin-starred andLa Liste-recipient New Korean Restaurant Jungsik has crafted a luxurious Valentine’s Day tasting menu consisting of eleven courses that is sure to impress on February 14^th.

“The restaurant’s interior is elegant, contemporary, and softly lit with white linen tables and creamy banquettes. As guests arrive, they are greeted with an air of elegance and an attentive staff that does an impeccable job of making diners feel like the only ones in the room. The subdued atmosphere creates the perfect environment for an intimate evening of fine dining and indelible wine pairings. Highlights from the Valentine’s Day menu include: Carabinero Prawn with Caviar, served with smoked carabinero head sauce, anise hyssop oil, and anise hyssop; Cod, Alaskan Black Cod served in Korean clam stock foam with special soy pickles, truffle juice and pate, yuzu, wild perilla oil, daikon, and shishito; Iberico, seared Iberico de Bellota served in beltfish jus.” – Jungsik

You can add a standard or premium wine pairing for an additional $260 and $680, respectively, or a $570 champagne pairing.

THE RIVER CAFÉ

1 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201  | $225+ | 718-522-5200

The River Café is a Michelin-starred restaurant and is offering a special prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu. 

“The River Café is one of New York and America’s most unique locations. “Nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge with sweeping views of the New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty, this elegant restaurant has, since 1977, been a favorite destination for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world who demand the highest level of cuisine. Renowned for its exquisite setting, beautiful decor and seamless service, The River Café serves a wonderful classic New American menu using only the finest, freshest and often rare ingredients. With an award winning and outstanding wine list, romantic piano music nightly, breathtaking floral arrangements, the River Café is more than simply dining, it is often a magical experience. Also, don’t forget to enjoy The River Café’s spectacular garden.” – The River Café

BATEAUX DINNER CRUISE

Pier 61, Chelsea Piers, West 23rd and 12th Avenue, New York, New York

A Bateaux dinner cruise is a wonderful way to celebrate love. Each cruise offers package upgrades to customize your experience. 

Toast to the most romantic day of the year on a Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise. Treat your Valentine to a special evening on the water with a delicious dinner, creative cocktails, music and dancing, and the city’s most stunning views. 

Valentine’s New York Signature Dinner Cruise

February 12-14 | 6 or 7pm (2.5 hours long/casual dress code) | $145.90-$235.90 

Valentine’s Bateaux New York Premier Plus Dinner Cruise

February 12-14 | 7pm (3 hours long/Semi-Formal dress code) | $185.90-$285.90

LE PAVILLON 

One Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017 | $175+ | 212-662-1000

Le Pavillon by Daniel Boulud is a culinary oasis in the heart of Midtown. The setting is beautiful and upscale with an abundance of greenery, high ceilings, and city views, making it fantastic Valentine’s celebration spot. Le Pavillon serves French fare with a focus on seasonality and locally sourced ingredients from land and sea. The innovative menu showcases vegetable-forward and seafood-centric cuisine. In addition to the carefully curated menu, there is also an extensive wine selection, with over 650 to choose from.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Chef Daniel’s $175 3-course prix fixe lunch menu, available in the Dining Room, Bar, and Lounge on Sunday, February 13 and Monday, February 14.

BEST EXPERIENCES/PARTIES

CANDLELIGHT: VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL – BROADWAY’S GREATEST LOVE SONGS

Sunday, February 13, 2022 | 6:30pm & 9:30pm | $25+

St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church, 157 Montague Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Is there anything more romantic than live music by candlelight? Perfect for Valentine’s Day in NYC, enjoy an intimate ambiance in a beautiful venue surrounded by candlelight. Special for Valentine’s Day will be Broadway’s greatest love songs performed by a talented pianist, and talented vocalists on certain songs.

CENTRAL PARK SWEETHEART STROLL

Saturday, February 12 & Monday, February 14, 2022 | 2:00pm | $40

Central Park, Samuel F.B. Morse Statue, 72nd Street & Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10065

Taking a special stroll with your sweetheart in New York City’s infamous Central Park is a wonderful way to celebrate love. Central Park is considered one of the “most romantic spots in NYC” which is why this tour is one of the top things to do for Valentine’s Day. 

“Wow that special someone in your life with a specially curated stroll through Central Park’s most romantic spots. Along the way, there will be opportunities to enjoy a hot beverage, take that perfect photo, and embrace the heart swell that comes from experiencing NYC’s very own darling – Central Park. All Valentines welcome!” – Central Park NYC

A SARAHFUNKY NYC TOUR

Saturdays, Sundays, Custom day/time | $49-$599

If you want to impress your Valentine and show them NYC in the most special way, then book a SarahFunky NYC tour. Rated 5-stars on TripAdvisor, you certainly do not want to miss out on any of these one-of-a-kind experiences! A tour is perfect for couples, families, groups of friends, coworkers – anyone wanting to celebrate love with those they love!

There are quite a few tour options to choose from that fit different interests and budgets!

For a truly unique experience, book a custom designed private tour with either Sarah, Luis, Marcus, Gary, or Nicola! For the best of both worlds, with food and sightseeing, consider joining the Best of New York Food Tour offered on Sunday mornings. The tour includes four epic spots and behind the scenes experiences! Another option is to join A Secrets of New York Tour on Saturday mornings and visit hidden locations in lower Manhattan and learn secrets most New Yorkers don’t even know! Each guide is an NYC expert and enjoys showing others around the city they love, so be sure to book today!

DUANE PARK: BIRDS OF PARADISE

Monday, February 14, 2022 | 5:30pm or 8:45pm | $175+

308 Bowery, New York, NY 10012 

“Duane Park is paying tribute to lovebirds and love of all kinds in their one night only show, Birds of Paradise. Burlesque Sensations Tansy, Mia, Pearls Daily, Lilin Lace and Audrey Love will take to the stage in their finest plumes and feathers, to strip, seduce and fan up the flames of desire in you and your loved ones. No where else in New York is there such a power packed show with such glamor and beauty on one stage. A few more feathered friends will fly by to dazzle you as well, but what’s love without a few surprises. Whether you are two or three for your celebration of love, Duane Park is the perfect place to toast to all things love and lovely!

Birds of Paradise will be offered only once on February 14 with seatings at 5:30 or 8:45pm, for a Four-Course Prix Fixe and a Plume-Packed Burlesque show brimming with feathers, frolic and feminine mystique. Only Duane Park can deliver an elegant evening of love songs and lovebirds for you and yours to enjoy!” – Duane Park

THYME BAR

Monday, February 14, 2022 | 5:00pm-9:30pm | $165 per ticket

20 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010

Thyme Bar is a cocktail and mixology experience. It is a fully immersive experience that is worth it! It’s the perfect spot for a date night. They are offering a special Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu that includes Amuse Bouche (Cocktail & Foie Gras Passion Mousse), 1 Food Entree (Beef a la Noble or Citrus Infused Monkfish), 1 Exclusive Valentine’s Day Cocktail (Not Available for a-la-carte), 1 Le Jardin or Floriography Cocktail, and 1 Dessert Item. 

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

20 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001

The Empire State Building is New York’s most recognizable and iconic landmark. It’s also one of the more romantic buildings and observatories in the city. To make this Valentine’s Day truly memorable, and if you’re ready for the next step in your relationship, consider a VIP proposal package. 

“The Happily Ever Empire package – an over-the-top, exclusive experience – provides priority access to the iconic 86th Floor Observatory, where you will take in the sweeping city views before you pop the question, and a complimentary bottle of champagne in a private corner of the iconic outdoor attraction. Tailored to your interests, the package includes a private guided tour of the building and access to the 102nd Floor Observatory for breathtaking photos with New York City’s most stunning 360-degree views. The Happily Ever Empire package must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Up to three proposal packages can be scheduled per day.” – Empire State Building 

FILTHY GORGEOUS BURLESQUE VALENTINE’S SPECTACULAR

February 14 | Doors 6:30pm, Show 7:30pm | Age 18+ | $25+

(Le) Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street, NY, NY 10012

“Join Hostess Shelly the Singing Siren Watson and a bevy of burlesque beauties Thursday February 14th at Le Poisson Rouge for the Filthy Gorgeous Burlesque Valentines Spectacular! Live jazz music with Queen Esther, and steamy burlesque & circus performances by Miss Coney Island 2017, Tiger Bay, the cat who comes when you call Puss N Boots,  the bendiest boy in burlesque, Topher Bousquet, the Asian Sexsation, Calamity Chang, The Chocolate Charmer of Burlesque, Samson Night, the one woman riot, Minnie Tonka, The problem you wish you had, Qualms Galore!” – (Le) Poisson Rouge

SLEEP NO MORE

The McKittrick Hotel, 530 W 27th Street, New York, NY 10001

Sleep No More is back at The McKittrick, and just in time for Valentine’s Day! 

“Presented by Emursive, Punchdrunk UK’s Sleep No More is an award-winning theatrical experience that tells Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Macbeth through a darkly cinematic lens. Audiences move freely through the epic world of the story at their own pace, choosing where to go and what to see, ensuring that everyone’s journey is different and unique.” – The McKittrick

In conclusion, these are the Top 18 Best Things to Do in NYC for Valentine’s Day. Stay safe and I hope you all enjoy a romantic and fun time in the city!