20 Unique Ways to Spend Valentine’s Day in NYC This Year

Valentine’s Daymay get a bad rap but don’t wedeserve一天完全致力于治疗自己?Of course, we do! But with thousands of restaurants, flower shops, and date spots to choose from in New York, it can be hard to make the holiday memorable (and original) for your loved one. Whether you’re celebrating withyour significant otheroryour bestie(or hey, just pampering yourself), we’ve got a few ideas to make the day totally fabulous. Presenting 20 excellent ways to spend Valentine’s Day in NYC this year.

60 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him That Aren’t Corny or Cringy


1. Take a Staycation

Why not switch things up for a night or two? Book a staycation and spend the weekend exploring a different neighborhood...or just cozy up and kick back in a comfortable hotel room. TheCrosby Street hotelhas a special staycation option with Champagne, breakfast, candles and a late checkout; or for an extra special stay, theBaccarat Hotel’s Romance and Style package includes champagne, keepsake Baccarat Mille Nuits flutes (for you to keep), a couples’ photoshop (with help from a celebrity stylist), a treatment in the hotel’s deluxe Spa de La Mer, a romantic dinner, chocolates, and more. Need more inspo? Check out some ofour favorite staycation options here.

2. Try Your Hand at Craft Bartending

Sure, you could spend a night out at aromantic NYC restaurantor bar, or you could play bartender for the night, either in one of your favorite bars, or even in your very own living room. Take a mixology class (alongside a decadent tasting menu) at Tribeca’s Artesano this Valentine’s Day, where guests will learn how to make three craft cocktails from industry experts. Additionally,Sourced Craft Cocktailsdelivers at-home cocktail kits to all five boroughs with a rotation of seasonal cocktails, and the option to have their mixologists mix them right in front of you or create your own by choosing your favorite alcohol base with the cocktail kit of your choice. Cheers!

Valentine's Day Ideas NYC Take A Pizza Making Class
Courtesy of Emmett’s

3. Take A Pizza Making Class

It’s tough to make a date night extra exciting, so we’re here to help you think outside the box. Here’s a fun idea: take a pizza making class with some of the best pie-slingers the city has to offer! Let the pros from Lower East Side institution,Pizza School NYC, orLittle Charliin West Village, talk you through all the best tips for making restaurant-style pies at home, starting with the perfect homemade dough. Then plan a date night where you put your new skills to use, becausethat’samore. Craving pizza, but not the work that goes into making it? Stop byEmmett’s (or Emmett’s on Grove) for the most darling heart-shaped pies.

4. Have a Hand Roll Party

无论你是计划一个情人节的夜晚with your partner or a Galentine’s Day with a few of your besties, aKazuNori hand roll kitis not only an amazing meal, but it’s also tons of fun. The kit goes for $128 and comes with everything needed to make 20 hand rolls, including all the ingredients—four different fresh fillings (toro, crab, yellowtail and salmon), their signature warm rice, seaweed, plus an assortment of condiments—to make decadent hand rolls from scratch, no sushi-making skills required. The kit serves four to five people, so why not make it a double-date?

5. Transport Yourself to the Alps Over Wine and Fondue

Lots of restaurants and bars around the city have masteredtheir cozy, winter-embellished dining set-ups, butThe Lavauxis in a league of its own. This West Village wine bar will transport you to the Swiss Alps by way of Hudson Street, thanks to adorable outdoor seating and decked out private dining gondola carts. So book a table and snuggle up with a wine flight and fondue because nothing saysI love youlike decadent, melty cheese.

valentine s day in nyc treat yourself to something sweet
Frances F. Denny

6. Treat Yourself to Something Sweet

Valentine’s Day is primarily an excuse to eatlots of desserts, right? And no matter your relationship status, it’s the perfect day to treatyourself.Our suggestion: Indulge in someBreads Bakeryroselach, aka festive rose water rugelach filled with marzipan, or try their white heart, a strawberry mousse heart filled with a rich strawberry jam. If you need something fresh out of the oven (which we totally don’t blame you for),ipsa provisionsis selling three of their unique fan-favorite bake-from-frozen cookie flavors—chocolate pepita, rye cherry chocolate chunk and chewy honeyso you don’t have to miss out on that gooey cookie moment. Or if chocolate is your thing, pick up a box of colorful, small-batchStick With Me Sweetsthat arealmosttoo pretty to eat.

7. Get Pampered at Aire Ancient Baths

Housed in a 19th century textile factory in the heart of Tribeca,Aire Ancient Bathsoffers a peaceful haven from the chaos of the city. Spend the morning indulging in a full-body massage or even a wine bath before relaxing in the Greek and Roman style thermal baths. Book a couples’ spa day or just treat yourself to a day of luxury, because after all, Valentine’s Day is just an excuse to be pampered.

8. Drink Lots of—Oops, We Mean Take A Wine Class

Have you ever thought about enrolling in wine school? Us too. Brooklyn-based sommelier and founder of The Children’s Atlas of Wine,James Sligh, has partnered with Clinton Hill’s Leon & Son Wine and Spirits for wine classes, bothin-personandvirtual. Impress your friends and colleagues with newly acquired sommelier lingo and knowledge—or just enjoy five to seven yummy wines in the intimate BedStuy space. If you choose to learn from home, you’ll pick a session that speaks to you and once you’ve registered, you’ll receive three bottles of wine to your doorstep, food pairing and service suggestions, a playlist, and a link to an 80-minute remote wine tasting with Sligh. Afterwards, you can put your new knowledge to use and pick out the perfect bottle for your Valentine’s Day celebration.

9. Spend Valentine’s Day Brunching

Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, so why not treat yourself with a celebratory brunch on your lunch break? We promise we won’t tell your boss! Book your table for an Italian-inspired meal atCharlie Bird, small plates paired with natural wine at theFour Horsemen, a Michelin-starred Mexican meal atClaro, or a Mediterranean spread atMiss Ada. For more ideas, here are our favoritebrunch spots in NYC.

10. Treat Your Date to a Decadent Dinner At Home

Feel like skipping the Valentine’s Day reservation madness? We get that. Shake up your at-home cuisine with the help of one of our go-to dumpling spots,Nom Wah Tea Parlor. If you’re feeling adventurous, order a meal kit and learn how to fold your own dumplings and rice rolls at home. Or if you’d rather leave the cooking to someone else (no judgment), just order in a pack of their pre-made frozen dim sum. Goldbelly also has tons of special meals from all around the country that can be shipped right to your door. Order Kunamoto oysters fresh fromPike Place Market in Seattle, lobster rolls straight fromThe Clam Shackin Kennebunkport, Maine or a BBQ feast from Austin’s famousFranklin BBQ. Bon appétit!

11. Or Sit Down For Omakase at a Winterized Sushi Bar

Sushi lovers, rejoice: If you haven’t tried the traditional Japanese tradition ofomakase, we have the perfect opportunity for you to experience the luxurious meal. With options for indoor and cozy outdoor seating,Shinn Eastin the East Village has set up a fully winterized sushi bar complete with heat lamps and a covered awning. Grab a seat at the chef’s counter and enjoy piece after piece of creative, perfectly crafted nigiri like Hokkaido scallop and fatty tuna with caviar. For $69 per person, it’s one of the best deals we’ve come across for high-quality sushi.

valentine s day in nyc build your dream bouquet
Courtesy of FlowerFix

12. Build Your Dream Bouquet

Nothing says Valentine’s Day likea fresh bouquet of flowers—other than chocolate, which we’ve already covered. Get your girlfriends together or have a romantic bouquet-building date night with one ofFlowerFix’s 35+ DIY flower arrangement boxes, complete with all of the necessary supplies, fresh-cut flowers shipped directly from their farm, plus a link to a video class by their in-house master floral designer. If you’re hoping to make your bouquet elsewhere, sign up for a class at the world-renownedFlowerSchool New Yorkin Chelsea.

Take a Valentines Day Ideas NYC Romantic Cruise Around Manhattan
Courtesy of Classic Harbor Line

13. Take a Romantic Cruise Around Manhattan

This Valentine’s Day, lovebirds can set sail onClassic Harbor Line’s intimate Valentine's Day Champagne tasting cruise, a 90-minute ride (with departures at 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.) aboard a 1920s-inspired yacht with a four-glass Champagne tasting paired with cheeses, fruits, chocolates and other accouterments selected by their in-house wine and cheese expert. Additionally, their Around Manhattan Brunch departing at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 12, features a special Valentine's Day Menu and is a great option for friends, families and couples alike. What’s not to love?

valentine s day in nyc go ice skating in any of the five boroughs
Courtesy of Industry City

14. Go Ice-Skating In Any of the Five Boroughs

Ice-skatingis one of very few fun chilly weather activities—and no matter your experience level (or relationship stage), it’s guaranteed to offer ample opportunities for hand-holding. Visit the iconicWollman Rink, the city’s largest (and most Insta-worthy), or hit the rink atIndustry Cityafter some perusing and shopping. If you’re on a budget these days, check out the rink at theBank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park,唯一admission-free rink in the city—just make sure to book your reservation beforehand.

15. Take a Couples’ Ceramics Class

Try something new and get your hands dirty this February with a couples’ ceramics class.Mud Mattersin Hell’s Kitchen’s Valentine’s Clay class is great for potters of all experience levels, offering two hours of guided instruction and building, resulting in a piece that’s sure to be a heartwarming keepsake for years to come.情侣类纽约offers classes where you and your significant other can spend two hours learning all the basics and making two clay projects that staff will glaze and fire for you, which you can pick up and decorate at a later date. Time to get spinning!

16. Visit the Love Installation at Times Square

We know most New Yorkers steer clear of 42nd Street at all costs, but this Valentine’s Day, passersby can admire “Love’s h|Edge,” the winning installation of the 15th Annual Love in Times Square Design Competition. The heart-shaped hedgerows form a floral maze in the middle of Times Square, where visitors can take a moment to admire the secret garden’s art, and even add a fresh rose as a gesture of love. (Plus, if you want to propose, renew your vows, or even get married in front of the installation, you can sign uphere.)

17. Enjoy a Live Show

Broadway is backin full-force, New York—even if you’re on abudget! Nothing’s more romantic than a swanky evening with your boo, whether it’s atMoulin Rouge,Chicago,Phantom of the Opera, or one of the other dozens of shows on or off-Broadway. Looking for something a little sexier? There are plenty of steamy burlesque shows to see in the Big Apple: The Shuck It Show at the newly opened East Village barDown & Out(free, 2/9 at 8 p.m.);Raw Burlesque: Valentine’s Day Editionat House of Yes in Bushwick ($41, 2/14 at 7 p.m. or 10 p.m.);Filthy Gorgeous Burlesque Valentine’s Day Spectacular在格林威治村的Le泊松胭脂(开始at $20, 7:30 p.m. on 2/14).

Valentine's Day Ideas NYC Dine on a Romantic NYC Rooftop Under the Stars
Courtesy of Somewhere Nowhere

18. Dine on a RomanticNYC RooftopUnder the Stars

If you’ve ever dreamt of dining in a snowglobe, we have great news!Somewhere Nowhere, a lounge, nightclub, and rooftop pool offering panoramic views of New York’s skyline has a special prix-fixe menu for Valentine’s Day that can be enjoyed inside private teardrop igloos and rooftop enclosures just a stone’s throw from the Empire State Building. Get cozy with built-in fireplaces, plush loveseats, velvet chairs, fur throw blankets, tasty bites and beverages, and the best winter city photo-ops you can imagine. A dream come true!

19. Explore a Magenta Wonderland

Located in the boiler room under Chelsea Market livesARTECHOUSE, an immersive art space which has partnered with Pantone to celebrate its 2023 color of the year,洋红色万岁, with none other than theMagentaverse. Step into a mesmerizing cinematic journey through room-sized projected installations and soundscapes inspired by nature of the bright pink-purple pigment that’s oh-so-romantic. Take the experience to the next level with their Date Night Package that includes one cocktail per person for $35.

20. Toast to Your Best Girlfriends with a Galentine’s Day Celebration

Fine, it might not be a unique way to celebrateValentine’sDay, butGalentine’sis just as important! While any of the above celebrations would be fit for your gal pals, there are also plenty of friend-specific gatherings to take part in.Walker Hotel Tribecais hosting a Galentine’s Day Party on February 9th with specialty cocktails, an unlimited wine bar, light bites, a goodie bag ofsex toys, plus a Broadway actor dressed up as Cupid himself for adorable photo-ops. In Brooklyn, stop by (women-founded)TALEA Beer Co.’s Self Love Bottomless Brunch at both their Williamsburg and Cobble Hill locations. Indulge in two-hour bottomless draft beer, cider, and beermosas for $35, alongside delicious food and local business pop-ups offering manicures, bouquets, portraits, jewelry, and more.


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purewow author

Quinn Fish

Freelance PureWow Editor

Quinn Fish is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer covering all things New York City, from the tastiest espresso martinis to the best amusement parks to the perfect weekend getaways...
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