Planning a romantic trip to New York City can be overwhelming because there are seemingly unlimited things to see and do.
New York City is one of the most romantic cities in the world. With unparalleled hotels, unique restaurants, and loads of activities, you are sure to have an epic trip. Here are some of my favorite places to stay, eat, and play in the city.
Lovely Hotels
Gansevoort Park Avenue – To set the mood, you must stay at a glamorous boutique hotel like Gansevoort Park Avenue. They have an amazing spa perfect for a couples massage, a rooftop pool and bar, and posh rooms. Plus, it is close to a subway stop.
High Line Hotel – Another hotel with a romantic vibe is the High Line Hotel in Chelsea—all its rooms have views of High Line Park. The lobby bar is quite enjoyable and opens onto their little courtyard. An added bonus: Use the hotel’s complimentary bicycles to bop around the city.
High Line Hotel NYC
Row NYC – The Row NYC is an excellent choice if you are on a budget. It’s so affordable you can even splurge for a suite. It’s just a block off of Times Square so you cannot beat the location.
a suite at Row NYC
We’ve stayed in a lot of NYC hotels over the years, so I am listing them here in case you the first three are not available.
Millennium on Broadway in Times Square
Delightful Activities
You cannot go wrong doing the touristy stuff—I mean, there’s a reason everyone wants to do it. But since this trip is more about romance and connecting than seeing the sights, I am going to recommend a few things other than the standard Broadway shows (even though they are always amazing especially Wicked) or a tour in a horse-drawn carriage (even though you can cuddle).
OK, I am recommending those—but I also recommend hitting some golf balls at the Golf Club at Chelsea Pier, then, nearby, enjoying a stroll together along the High Line, a historic railway turned into a park elevated above the streets. Also a good option: seeing a comedy show together at The Comic Strip Live. You know what they say—laughter is sexy.
Cozy Meals
It may be hard to believe but there are even more restaurants in NYC than there are activities. The food scene in NYC is absolutely incredible. I am recommending some romantic spots to eat, but if you are looking for food that looks good for the gram check out The Most Instagrammable Food in NYC.
Rolf’s Bar and Restaurant – Rolf’s Bar and Restaurant has delicious Bavarian food. During the holidays, it looks like a Christmas explosion. (If you are not in town during the holidays, don’t fret—they keep them up until May!)
Rolf’s Bar and Restaurant
Uva – If you are craving Italian, head to Uva on the Upper East Side. This cozy, rustic spot is one of the most coveted Italian restaurants in the city, so be sure to make reservations. In addition to great Italian, they have a good selection of cocktails and wine.
Salinas – Salinas is my go-to place for Spanish cuisine—and let’s face it, there is just something romantic about sharing food, as you ultimately do when you order tapas. Ask to dine in the garden room under the retractable roof.
Del Posto – If you want to splurge—and I do mean splurge—then dine at the beautiful Del Posto. Although you are going to spend a fortune, you will have a multicourse Italian meal you will never forget.
Cookshop – For breakfast, try farm-to-table restaurant Cookshop. They have excellent huevos rancheros, beignets, and bloody Marys.
Grab Drinks
In a city this size, you know there are some cool bars. The rooftop pool bars are especially nice on a beautiful day or night.
Gansevoort’s – Gansevoort’s chic tri-level rooftop bar is available only to guests during the day.
Ink 48 – Another rooftop bar I love is at the hotel Ink 48; their Press Lounge has unbelievable views of the city.
Casellula Wine Bar – A cozy little spot over in Hell’s Kitchen is Casellula Wine Bar, with a great selection of wine and small plates.
Ayza – One of my favorite wine bars is Ayza in Midtown. Oddly enough, I have never actually had wine here since it is also a chocolate bar; instead, I opt for one of their chocolate martinis. They are killer.
Frying Pan – During the warmer months, check out the outdoor bar Frying Pan at Pier 66 aboard a historical ship built-in 1929. I do not necessarily recommend the food, but it’s a neat place for a drink and the views are awesome.
Calle Dao – One last spot I’ll recommend is Calle Dao for happy hour. This Asian/Cuban fusion restaurant near Bryant Park offers $7 cocktails and $5 beers during happy hour. Their food is great too.
Calle Dao Cuban Restaurant
I hope you have a romantic and memorable time during your stay in New York City. I would love to know if you check out any of these places, or if you have discovered a place we should know about. Leave your recommendation in the comments below!
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