Skyline Views, Shopping, Hotels!
There are tons of things to do on your romantic New York City vacation. Of course, romance is how you approach it, so many of our best attractions are equally fun for a romantic couple and a family, but we do have a few sexy hotels and museums, adult dinner cruises, restaurants and other fun sights just for adults celebrating their romance in NYC.
Romantic New York City Hotel Deals
Some of our top Romantic NYC Hotels include:
- Sanctuary Hotel - "clean rooms, very sexy lighting - ideal for romantic get away"
- Library Hotel NYC - Love or Erotica Rooms (photo)
- Royalton - Suites with Fireplaces
See the Insider Guide for dozens more Romantic New York City Hotel Deals.
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See the New York City Skyline
If I had to pick my #1 favorite thing to do in NYC at night, it would be anything with a skyline view. Whether you take it in from a rooftop, boat tour, bus tour, dinner cruise, top of a skyscraper or your friend's apartment...you MUST see our skyline twinkle, sparkle and wink right at you. Some of the top ways to see the NYC Skyline:
- Press Lounge @ Ink48 Hotel - my ALL time favorite rooftop (photo)
- Champagne City Lights Cruise on Yacht Manhattan - indoor/outdoor climate controlled yacht with complementary beer, wine, champagne
- NYC Rooftop Lounge Tour - guaranteed access to some of exclusive hot spots as you ascend the city’s rooftop bars to sip cocktails under the starry sky
- Best New York City Hotel Rooftops - all my top picks for skyline views (many for hotel guests only)
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Sunset Sail Cruise NYC Aboard Schooner Adirondack
We went on the Sunset Sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack two hour sail and it was breathtaking! The views of Manhattan skyline, World Trade Center, New Jersey, Governors Island, Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty and not to be missed. Drinks are included with your ticket, but feel free to stop and bring a picnic to watch the sunset while you sail along the West Side Highway.
The crew was wonderful and made sure we received our 3 included drinks throughout the cruise. We captured beautiful views of downtown Manhattan, including the World Trade Center, and then sailed past the Statue of Libery and Ellis Island. Lady Liberty glowed and lit up the sky in the evening just as the sun was setting.
Book Now: Classic Harbor Cruises
Champagne Brunch or Wine Tasting Sail
Who wouldn’t love a champagne brunch cruise aboard majestic yacht or sailboat in the New York Harbor? You’ll see spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty and other iconic Manhattan sights as you sail.
Try a wine tasting, feast on a plentiful brunch buffet, sushi dinner and more choices…all while taking in New York’s legendary skyline.
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Romantic Broadway Shows
Nothing like a good love story told or sung on the world’s most famous stages on the Great White Way. Some top romantic picks include:
Phantom of the Opera Broadway Musical – 1988 Tony Award Winner!
Set at the Paris opera house, a beautiful soprano becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius.
Moulin Rouge The Musical Tickets - 2021 Best Musical Winner + 9 other TONY Awards!
Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular spectacular! Opened July 25, 2019.
Hadestown Broadway Musical - 2019 TONY Award Winner
The underdog of all Broadway Musicals and recipient of 14 Tony Nominations in 2019, Hadestown follows two intertwining love stories — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Ages 8+
Celebrities on Broadway
- The Cottage Comedy - Starring Eric McCormack & Laura Bell Bundy, Directed by Jason Alexander (July 7 - Oct 29, 2023)
- Merrily We Roll Along - Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe & Lindsay Mendez (Sept 19, 2023 – March 24, 2024)
- Sweeney Todd - Josh Groban & Annaleigh Ashford (Opens Mar 26, 2023)
See More: List of Broadway Shows
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NYC Boat Tours Cruises
NYC Boat tours cruises are one of my FAVORITE things to do in NYC. There are no better views of our skyline than from the water and year-round, you can cruise with brunch, champagne, general sightseeing, dinner, booze, jazz, sailboat, speedboat, holiday, romantic. With so many boat cruise choices, here are our top picks by category:
- Romantic: Sunset Sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack
- Family Dinner: New York Dinner Cruise
- General Sightseeing: Circle Line
- Brunch: Around Manhattan Brunch Cruise
- Most Fun: Holiday Yacht Cruise with Jazz, Cocoa & Carols (winter), Beast or Shark Speedboat (summer)
See all our Top Picks: NYC Boat Tours Cruises
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Museum of Sex NYC
If you’re ready to take sex seriously, then a visit to the Museum of Sex is your next stop. The Museum is actually quite educational and does a great job at encouring public enlightenment, discourse and engagement on a variety of worldwide issues. Of course, some of the exhibits do have their sexy side.
Visitors must be 18 years of age or older to enter the museum and 21 to consume alcohol onsite. Admission is included in New York Pass and a choice on the New York Explorer Pass.
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More Romantic New York City Vacation
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Lincoln Center - Opera, Ballet, NY Philharmonic, Jazz, Broadway
You really haven't been to NYC until you experience THE beating heart of our Arts & Culture scene, Lincoln Center, home to the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, NYC Ballet, Julliard School, Broadway and so much more. See what NYC's (always amazing) classic cultural scene has to offer while you are here.
- Metropolitan Opera - Sept - May
- NYC Ballet - September - May; (Fall, Nutcracker, Winter, Spring)
- NY Philharmonic - Sept to June
- Jazz at Lincoln Center - all year
More: Lincoln Center Venue Guide
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Classic Harbor Line Boat Cruises
Sail Manhattan on one of three classic yachts — the Schooner Adirondack and the Schooner America 2.0 (sailboats), and the Luxury Yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II (motorized yacht) on an amazing variety of cruises.
Leaving from Chelsea Piers, all year round, Classic Harbor Line offers holiday and regular cruises: Family-Friendly, July 4th, NYE, Sunday Brunch, Jazz, Sushi, Valentine’s Day, Pride, Architecture and dozens more.
Check their wide selection of cruises: Classic Harbor Cruises and read our reviews: Classic Harbor Line
Romantic Things to Do in NYC
There are tons of things to do on your romantic New York City vacation. Attractions open late with skyline views, Central Park Tours, VIP Experiences, a helicopter ride. Some of the most popular romantic ways to see NYC include:
See more romantic things to do at: Romantic New York City Vacation and Valentine's Day in NYC
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Central Park Guided Sunset Tour
Can you say Romantic Photo Op??? What could be more romantic than exploring one of the world’s most famous parks during the most beautiful time of day?
Tickets: Private Central Park Walking Tour with a Personal Photographer
Enjoy a leisurely pace, while you stop to look at and learn about 27 spots, including Shakespeare Garden, Bethesda Fountain, the carousel, Tavern on the Green Restaurant, Bow Bridge, Heckscher Ballfield, the Strawberry Fields John Lennon memorial and the elm-lined mallway promenade. Wear comfortable shoes on this 2 hour (and 2.5 mile) sunset walking tour, with a licensed tour guide chock full of charm and information leading the way.
When you’re done, try getting a dinner reservation at the Loeb Boathouse, one of my favorite restaurants in NYC, or the recently re-opened Tavern on the Green.
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Romantic New York City Vacation Reader Question:
My boyfriend and I are planning a 3 day trip (Sun-Wed) and are interested in the beautiful views of New York, shopping, cuisine and nice neighbourhoods. We are staying at W New York. We really want to be “tourists” during the trip but, of course, we also want to have a look at New York as you (insiders) do. -by Eline, Mexico
NYC Insider Guide Answer:
Great choice on your hotel (formerly the W New York, now The Washington,), right on 49th and Lex with the world famous Bliss Spa, Rande Gerber’s Whiskey Blue (a hot spot), close to subway, walking distance to Midtown, Rock Center, MOMA, Broadway and Times Square.
Let’s start with my ideal night in the Meatpacking District.
- If you head down earlier in the day, browse around Theory, DVF, Jeffrey (shoes!), Stella McCartney and the other great stores.
- Eat at any of the Meatpacking District’s Romantic Restaurants like, Revel, The Chester or even at the Whitney Museum.
- Walk off dinner by checking out the Highline, NYC’s newest outdoor, second level park/walkway that runs from Meatpacking to Chelsea. It used to be an above ground railroad. Have a seat on one of the double wood lounge chairs and take in the view.
- Come back down Little W 12th Street, have a cocktail at Plunge, the rooftop bar at the Gansevoort Hotel and/or one outside at the newly opened Standard Hotel (where I saw 3 celebs last Sat night).
- Given your hotel location, I say skip the ESB and go to Top of the Rock – Compare for yourself and also check the Midtown East restaurant recs (above)
- See one or two Museums
- Spend time in Central Park, maybe eat at The Boathouse, rent bicycles or just walk around
- Walk around the West Village for more eating and shopping. My favorite restaurants there are Spotted Pig, Blue Ribbon and Extra Virgin.
- If you come down to Union Square – try Casa Mono, Union Square Café or Gotham Bar and Grill
- When you go downtown, walk around Wall Street, see the Statue of Liberty (using an NYC Insider way), see the 9-11 Memorial and Museum, or check out the new One World Observatory, shop at Century 21 and maybe check out the South Street Seaport.
- For more ideas, check out the One Day Itineraries from my NYC friends
Celebrate Anniversary in NYC Reader Question:
Hello! My husband and I are celebrating our 10 yr anniversary, with our 1st trip to NYC!! So excited! Anyways, we are 28 yrs old… and staying at the Hotel Indigo, Chelsea (127 W 28th St).
We enjoy the “touristy” stuff… so any suggestions on entertainment, food (nothing too fancy), attractions etc… would be great! Staying for 5 nights @ the end of March…THANKS! – by Melissa(FL)
NYC Insider Guide Answer:
Hi Melissa (great name) and Happy Anniversary. All the typical tourist attractions can be very romantic. The views from Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building, walking through Central Park, the Space Show at AMNH and most everything you will do.
Here are the highlights of what’s in the Hotel Indigo, Chelsea area (GREAT hotel choice!!!):
First, please read our neighborhood guide to Union Square/Flatiron district and the free map.
You are 3-4 blocks from the Flatiron Building, Empire State Building, Madison Square Park (grab a burger at Shake Shack), the Ace Hotel (great lobby bar with live music and a cool, 20’s crowd), A Voce is considered one of the most romantic restaurants in the city and 230 Fifth is an outdoor rooftop club (no cover charge, but the during the week, it’s not as crowded and you can have a nice dinner) with palm trees, heat lamps and a beautiful view of the skyline.
Hope that helps!
Comments
Romantic Dining Options
by: Anrew
Obviously in NYC there are thousands of choices and everyone has an opinion. But I think you should definitely make your way to Alta for tapas one night for dinner, its one of the most romantic old style feeling places i’ve been to here, amazing food, good prices, and great service.
For a very new york dinner, i suggest a meal at Landmarc at the Time Warner center, it’s hip, trendy, but not over the top, great wine menu with great prices and a pretty stunning view looking down on central park from Columbus Circle.
Romantic
by: NYC Insider Guide
Anrew is spot on – I LOVE Alta! Wrote about it in my diary, “Dinner at Alta, AMAZING Tapas in a converted brownstone (10th b/w 5th and 6th)” A very similar place, but Italian, is Crispo. Crispo (now closed – 14th and 8th Ave). Great Italian food and decor, hidden gem. Definitely try the Spagetti Carbonara, perfectly al dente with the egg on top. Landmarc is great, especially for brunch, and I always recommend the Boathouse (closed until further notice in 2022) in Central Park. One of my favorite places in the City.
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