Love in the City: Planning a Romantic New York Getaway

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It’s easy to fall in love with New York, but not enough people talk about how easy it is to fall in love in New York City. The Big Apple is known for a lot of things, but its growing reputation as one of the most romantic cities in the United States really stands out. If you are planning a couple’s getaway, come visit Manhattan! To help you get started, here’s a list of romantic things to do in New York City.

Fireworks are displayed over a city at night

Season of Love


The first thing to consider is when you will be visiting. New York is romantic any time of the year, but each season casts its own romantic spin on the city. Here’s what makes each time of year special for couples.

Spring


In the spring, when the city awakens from winter and flowers blossom, NYC feels like a fairy tale. Couples can wander through Brooklyn Botanic Garden, picnic in Central Park, or enjoy outdoor dining at charming cafes. Forget Paris in the Spring, New York is where love really blooms.

Two men are sitting at a table in a park talking to each other.
Fireworks are displayed over a bridge over a body of water.

Summer


Long days and warm nights make summer in New York ideal for love. Outdoor concerts at the park, ice cream on the beach, and carnival games on Coney Island will make couples of any age feel young. Who wouldn’t want a summer romance?

Autumn


Fall’s crisp air and striking foliage provide the perfect backdrop for cozy dates. Enjoy the festivities of autumn festivals and events. Marvel at historic architecture as you walk hand-in-hand, and share seasonal treats at boutique bakeries. Live the New York RomCom fantasy you’ve always dreamed of!

A man and a woman are walking in the rain with an umbrella.
A man is giving a woman a piggyback ride on an ice rink.

Winter


Winter casts a magical charm on the city. Think of silver bells, holiday lights, and holiday markets in the snow. Couples can enjoy ice skating at Rockefeller Center, window shopping at 5th Avenue, and sipping hot cocoa by a cozy fireplace. Now that’s romance. 

Iconic Experiences


There are some things you can only experience in New York, and many of these iconic experiences are perfect for a romantic getaway. If you’re looking to make memories that last a lifetime together, here are some of the top romantic activities for couples in New York City.

A couple is holding hands in front of a city skyline.

Carriage Rides in Central Park


Take a nostalgic carriage ride through Central Park. Cuddle up under blankets in colder months or enjoy the fresh air in warmer weather as you saunter past scenic landscapes.

A horse drawn carriage is driving down a snowy street.
An aerial view of a city at night with the empire state building in the background

Skyhigh Views


For a breathtaking view, visit the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock. These observation decks are the perfect backdrop for photos or sharing a memorable kiss above the city.

Sunset River Cruise


Sail along the Hudson River during golden hour for a spectacular view of Manhattan’s skyline. Many cruises offer dinner and live music, enhancing the romantic atmosphere.

A group of people are taking a picture of the city skyline from a boat.
A man and a woman are walking down a city street.

Daytime Dates


When was the last time you had a day date? New York City is a playground for romance, offering an endless array of activities perfect for spending time together. Here are a few of the daytime things for couples to do in New York.

Morning


  • Breakfast in Bed: Have a light breakfast in bed with a pastry from a neighborhood bakery like Magnolia Bakery or  Pasticceria Rocco.
  • Brunch for Two: Not a morning person? No problem! Enjoy a mid-morning meal at a cute brunch spot like Buvette. 
  • Coffee at the Park: Pick up some coffee or tea from a shop like Solid State Coffee and enjoy a walk in Central Park.
A man and a woman are sitting at a table in a city.
A man and a woman are sitting in a taxi looking out the window.

Afternoon



  • Museum Date: Spend hours exploring big museums like the American Museum of Natural History and unique lesser-known museums around the city.
  • Movie Montage: Looking for a traditional tourist experience? Recreate your favorite movie montage by visiting landmarks like the Statue of Liberty.
  • City Stroll: Enjoy a no-plans day by wandering around the city. There’s something exciting around every corner, waiting to be discovered!
A couple is sitting on a bench looking at the city skyline at night.

Night on the Town


New York has a reputation for being a city that never sleeps. As the sun sets, NYC’s vibrant nightlife provides endless opportunities for romance. If you and your partner are looking for a fabulous date night,  here are some romantic places in New York to get you started.

A couple is toasting with champagne glasses at a table.

Wine and Dine



  • Candlelight Dinners: Enjoy intimate meals at fine dining establishments like One if By Land, Two if By Sea. Remember to make a reservation so you can avoid a wait.
  • Dinner with a View: Savor exquisite dishes while overlooking the city at rooftop restaurants like RH Rooftop Restaurant New York.
  • Lover’s Lounge: Cozy up at a speakeasy or wine bar for a relaxed evening. An intimate setting like The Wallace Lounge is perfect for a memorable night.

Dance the Night Away



  • Dance Club and Discos: Who says Disco is dead? Get back into the groove together on dance floors like Good Room or Rumpus Room.
  • Salsa and Latin Dancing: Put a Latin spin on your evening at Latin dance clubs like Gonzalez y Gonzalez or Bembe.
  • Dance Classes: Not confident in your dancing abilities yet? Take a class together at a studio like You Should Be Dancing!
A man and a woman are dancing in a fountain at night.
A blurry picture of a woman singing on a stage in front of a crowd.

Evening Entertainment



  • Broadway and Off-Broadway Shows: Catch a world-class performance on Broadway or discover hidden gems Off-Broadway.
  • Live Music and Concerts: From intimate acoustic sets to grand symphony performances, NYC’s music scene offers something for every taste.
A brick building with a sign that says ' incentra village house ' on it.

Stay at Incentra Village House

The perfect, romantic New York City getaway deserves the perfect New York City hotel. Stay at Incentra Village House for an authentic New York experience. With only 12 rooms, our small hotel offers an intimate setting for your couple’s escape. 

Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, our guest house is surrounded by romantic restaurants, parks, and theaters perfect for couples looking for things to do together. Come see what makes New York one of the best places for lovers, when you book today!

About the Author


Bozhidar Bachvarov (aka “Boz”) is the manager of Incentra Village Guest House in historic West Village. As a city local and a frequent traveler, Boz knows how to give guests an authentic New York experience.