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A dinner table set for two at Love On Top.
Photograph: Courtesy of One World Observatory

The best things to do on Valentine’s Day in NYC

Drink, dance and fall in love at these incredible Valentine's Day in NYC events

Rossilynne Skena Culgan
Adam Feldman
Written by
Rossilynne Skena Culgan
Contributor
Adam Feldman
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Don't leave Valentine's Day up to fate. NYC has awesome amorous events, from concerts to dance classes and more, to attend with your date, your friends or even solo. Whether you love or hate Cupid's holiday, we’ve put together a list of the best things to do on Valentine’s day, including romantic restaurants, decadent chocolate shops and the most romantic things to do to get you in the mood—or not! 

Without further ado, our list of Valentine's things to do, presented in chronological order so you can keep the fun going all month long.

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Best things to do on Valentine’s Day in NYC

Valentine's Day Cruises with City Cruises
Photograph: Courtesy of City Experiences

1. Valentine's Day Cruises with City Cruises

City Cruises New York invites lovebirds to celebrate their love on one of its Valentine's Day cruises running Saturday, February 11 through Tuesday, February 14. 

With various packages and upgrades to choose from, sweethearts can expect a delightful plated or buffet-style meal along with a sweet arrangement, onboard entertainment and a cash bar.

  • Art
  • Art

In the middle of Times Square, heart-shaped hedgerows invite passersby to meander and take a moment to feel transported in this new pop-up secret garden. 

"Love's h|Edge," a free public art installation, has taken over Duffy Square (46th and Broadway by the Red Steps) and will be on view through February 28. Brooklyn-based Almost Studio created the sculpture, envisioning it as "a pause, a momentary illusion, in your day, in your week, and in your life."

On Valentine’s Day, couples will get engaged, renew their vows and even get married with "Love's h|Edge" as the backdrop. If you want to get in on the V-Day romance, sign up here.

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  • Restaurants
  • Eating

If you're looking for a spot to get married or renew your vows this year, how about one of NYC's best pizza places? 

Back by popular demand, Brooklyn pizzeria L'Industrie will turn into a pop-up chapel on Valentine's Day where up to 12 couples will be able to tie the knot or renew their vows; you can book your nuptials on OpenTable right here

The "elopement experience" costs a total of $700—a fraction of the price of a more traditional New York wedding—and includes an officiant, a photographer, two pizzas of your choice, a bottle of Champagne or wine and "coordinating assistance to pull all the intimate wedding details together." Vow renewal ceremonies have the same pricetag. 

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  • Nightlife
  • Nightlife

A pink glow emanates from Pier 15 where Valentine's grandeur has taken over for Watermark's Pink Pier, open all month in February and March. 

When you arrive, you'll walk through a tunnel of faux florals and then enter into a haven of pink—flowers, twinkly lights, photo opps and decor. This gloriously over-the-top venue drips in seasonal splendor with panoramic views of the skyline. The 10,000-square-foot outdoor bar and restaurant offers a variety of heated glasshouses, where you can reserve semi-private or private seating.

Reservations are available every day of the week, and you can score happy hour specials and off-peak pricing if you visit Monday-Friday.

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Theater
  • Circuses & magic
  • Midtown EastOpen run

For a truly magical evening, head to Chamber Magic. Steve Cohen, billed as the Millionaires’ Magician, conjures high-class parlor magic in the marble-columned Madison Room at the swank Lotte New York Palace. Audiences must dress to be impressed (cocktail attire is required); tickets start at $125, with an option to pay more for meet-and-greet time and extra tricks with Cohen after the show.

But if you've come to see a classic-style magic act, you get what you pay for. Sporting a tuxedo and bright rust hair, the magician delivers routines that he has buffed to a patent-leather gleam: In addition to his signature act—"Think-a-Drink," involving a kettle that pours liquids by request—highlights include a lulu of levitation trick and a card-trick finale that leaves you feeling like, well, a million bucks.

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Spend Valentine's Day cooking your own gourmet meal at this cooking class hosted by Culinary Conveaux. Conveaux is a relationship education company specializing in optimal relationship and marriage success.

The February 14 class in Harlem will focus on plant-based meals, from crab cakes to mac-and-cheese to savory pastries. Signature cocktails will be flowing all evening, along with memorable conversation facilated through Conveaux Cards. The event's open to couples, singles and duos of any relationship status. 

Looking to plan a Valentine’s Day date?

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