Paris may have the reputation of being the most romantic city in the world, but that’s only because people don’t know all the many romantic events happening around New York City. Here are just a few of the special happenings and deals going on in the Big Apple when the Empire State Building glows red and true love is in the air...
Take a romantic cruise with Bateaux New York. Valentine’s Day brunch and dinner cruise packages are available February 13–14.
Take the On Location Tours "Gossip Girl" Valentine's Day Tour, and when you buy one ticket, get one 50 percent off from February 12–14 (use the promotion code VDAYGGCOUPLE). Visitors are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite "Gossip Girl" couple. For single ladies looking to hang out with their girlfriends, take the Anti-Valentine's Day "Sex and the City" Hotspots Tour (use the promotion code ANTIVDAYSATC for 14 percent off tickets February 12–14). Order tickets for both tours at screentours.com.
Experience New York City from the sky with Liberty Helicopters, which is offering a 25-minute Romance over Manhattan tour. The helicopter seats up to four people, and at the end of the tour guests receive a souvenir photo. Price is $995, plus $30 per person for facility/security fee.
Singles don't have to spend Valentine's Day alone! Join others in a crash course on dating from 7–9pm on Thursday, February 11, at the restaurant and bar Havana Central Times Square, featuring relationship experts Tamsen Fadal and Matt Titus on dating dos and don'ts. Tickets start at $15 each, which include one Love Potion Cocktail. Look for love at the Find Your Valentine Speed Dating event from 7:45–9:45pm Friday, February 12, at Havana Central at The West End. Tickets are $59.95 each, including tax, hors d’oeuvres and one Havana Central Classic Cocktail.
Couples can enjoy a side-by-side massage with the Park Avenue Romance Package at Oasis Day Spa on Park Avenue, which includes a gift certificate for dining at nearby restaurant Artisanal. Price is $300. Singles can also enjoy a day of pampering. Select from four services (Aromatherapy Massage or French Wine Facial for women and Muscle Meltdown Massage or Dead Sea Salt Scrub for men) and receive complimentary champagne and chocolates. Prices range from $70–$125.
NYC Valentine's Day Hotel Packages
The Crowne Plaza Times Square is offering a Romantic Escape Package that includes truffles and sparkling wine. Rates vary by availability.
Through February 21, the Hotel Gansevoortis offering a special promotion that includes a dozen roses, chocolate-covered strawberries, a bottle of champagne—and the game Twister. (Why not?) Prices start at $615 per night.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée has special packages between February 11–16 that include Valentine's Day breakfast in bed, La Perla gift bags and more. Packages start at $825.
The Romance Package at The Peninsula New York is available between February 12–14. Prices start at $825 per night.
Book the two-night Valentine's Day package at The Pierre from February 12–14, and get dinner for two at Le Caprice (exclusive of alcohol), a bottle of champagne, a special creation from The Pierre’s pastry chef delivered right to your room and breakfast in bed. A suite with a view of the City starts at $1,100 per night, with a two-night minimum.
Mandarin Oriental New York offers a complimentary night after a two-night stay February 13–16. Also, from February 12–14, the hotel's Spa at Mandarin Oriental is featuring the Midnight Magic Over Manhattan spa experience. For $1,750, plus tax and gratuity, get exclusive access to the VIP Spa Suite, with City views, two-hour Signature Spa Therapies for two and lobster, caviar and champagne service.
NYC Valentine's Day Dining
Aldea Restaurant is offering a Valentine's Day six-course chef's tasting menu from 5–9 p.m. For more information and reservations, visit aldearestaurant.com.
Enjoy the iconic NYC restaurant at the Central Park Boathouse. For more information and reservations, visit thecentralparkboathouse.com.
Delmonico's is offering a special Valentine's Day tasting menu with two complimentary Agave Kiss Martinis as well as a signed copy of Dining at Delmonico's cookbook. The package costs $125 per person. For more information and reservations, visit delmonicosny.com.
Enjoy Valentine's Day cocktails at Intercontinental The Barclay's Barclay Bar & Grill, where themixologist will be infusing drinks with “Latin love potions.” Enjoy a Latin Lover Mojito, Pink Latina or Bittersweet Love throughout February for $14 each.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is offering a Valentine’s Cupcake Tea, available 11am–4pm, Saturdays and Sundays, from February 5–28, in the hotel's Star Lounge. Priced at $28 per person plus tax and gratuity. For reservations (required), call 212-521-6125.
Tocqueville Restaurant is blending performance and culinary arts in a "Food and Romance"–themed Valentine's lunch featuring Broadway performers and award-winning playwrights. Prices start at $195. For more information, visit eatingtheirwords.com.