Gotham. The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. Any way you slice it, New York City is the undisputed “Center of the World.” It's no wonder, then, that Manhattan can also chalk itself up to being one of the most romantic cities on Earth. Whether you spend Valentine’s Day strolling through snow-covered Central Park or simply dining at one of NYC's many world-class restaurants, New York City provides a platform for a truly quixotic experience. The most notable romantic spots in all of Manhattan include:
The Garden over the Big Apple: Dine atop the Metropolitan Museum of Art on its 10,000-square-foot-terrace for not only a delicious meal, but breathtaking views of the skyline and Central Park.
Ice-skating at Bryant Park: Nestled between the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan, the ice-skating rink at Bryant Park provides you and your loved one a platform for a classic daytime date.
The Top of the Empire State Building: Take a cue from classic romantic movies such as An Affair to Remember and Sleepless in Seattle and give this Empire State emblem a go to take in all the sights, sounds and lights that New York City has to offer.
These are all fine ideas for a portion of your day, but what about the night? Nothing kills the mood of a romantic day more than ending it at a dump or dive. If you want to segue smoothly from noon into night, these bars, lounges and restaurants are Cupid-approved.
Top Romantic Destination in NYC: One If By Land, Two If By Sea
Walls adorned with art, warm light effervescing from the fireplaces and soothing music courtesy of an in-house piano player are just the tip of the quixotic iceberg at one of the most romantic restaurants in all of New York City: One If By Land, Two If By Sea. Formerly an 18th-century carriage house, One If By Land, Two If By Sea is renowned across Manhattan for its prix-fixe menu (particularly the Beef Wellington), the impeccable tuxedoed servers, as well as one astonishing statistic: every week, 24 marriage proposals, on average, take place in the restaurant. Even if you aren’t ready to plop down on one knee, One If By Land, Two If By Sea will sufficiently satiate your significant other's romantic appetite.
Top Romantic Destination in NYC: The Dove Parlour
Nestled on Thompson Street between Bleecker and West 3rd, one may assume The Dove Parlour would be a fratastic wonderland because of its NYU location. Well, you know what they say about people who make assumptions. The Dove Parlour is unlike anything else in its direct vicinity. Best described as a Victorian subterranean oasis, The Dove Parlour oozes romance out of its maroon and velvet walls. With an impressive wine selection, doting staff and intimately detailed décor, you will undoubtedly impress any date you bring here.
Top Romantic Destination in NYC: Flute
Although not the original, Flute Bar in Gramercy took the Midtown location's reputation and overall theme and gave it an injection of downtown cool. The high ceilings of Flute provide a grand arena to display its impressive champagne collection. Sip on a variety of the bubbly stuff as you take in the soothing ambiance of Flute, from the crackling fireplace to the candles dotting the lounge with gentle light. What gives Flute the ultimate romantic stamp of approval? They recently opened a location in the romance capital of the world, Paris. If the Parisians can accept this American import as a passion-house, then your next date will surely think the same.
Top Romantic Destination in NYC: Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar
Murray Hill may not be known for its nightlife scene (although, who doesn’t love a little J-Tree every now and then?), but it does have one spot that ups its game, especially in the romance department: Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar. The menu alone would entice any female, as it specifically highlights most women’s favorite foods, chocolate and cheese, pairing them up with one of their 90 wine and champagne selections. Throw into the mix a soothing atmosphere, and an amazing patio and rooftop (obviously ideal for warmer weather), and you’ve got a great spot for your next date.
Top Romantic Destination in NYC: The Bubble Lounge
Live by the saying “Champagne for my real friends, real pain for my sham friends,” and venture over to Bubble Lounge, where the prices are a bit steep but justified if you're with someone you truly care about. In all honesty, the Bubble Lounge is expensive, but for good reason. With over 300 different types of champagne and sparkling wines, as well as a menu filled with delectable desserts and savory caviar, the Bubble Lounge is best suited for those with sophisticated tastes. If you are happiest sipping on Andre and munching on DeliFresh Ham, then Bubble Lounge may not be for you. But, if you want to truly impress a date, then this is the place to go, just be prepared to cough up some extra dough.
Whether you’re toasting to an anniversary, celebrating Valentine’s Day, or just feel like dancin’ and romancin’, these five havens will ignite serious flames in your evening of love and passion.
