Love is in the Air: 6 of NYC’s Most Romantic Date Night Spots

From the twinkling city lights to the beautiful tree-lined parks, New York City has a charm all its own. Whether you're looking for a place to celebrate an anniversary or planning an unforgettable first trip together, you'll find romantic things to do in NYC around every corner.

Stroll Through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature's beauty at any time of year. You can stroll among more than 70 Japanese cherry trees in full blossom in the spring, and trees all over the garden put on a stunning display in the fall. Even in winter, hothouses offer a tropical reprieve from the cold New York weather.

Sip Martinis in the Met's Rooftop Garden

As great locations for dates go, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the best. After you and your partner have finished browsing one of the world's largest art collections, you can head upstairs to the little-known Roof Garden Café and Martini Bar above the Met. Here you can sip cocktails, toast to romance and watch the sun set below the skyline as the city lights up.

Cross the Brooklyn Bridge to the River Cafe

Why fight the traffic to drive over the Brooklyn Bridge when you can walk? After all, you'll want to take your time when you're planning a romantic night, and the Brooklyn Bridge offers one of the most beautiful views in the city. If you start at the Manhattan end of the bridge in early evening, you'll end up in Brooklyn just in time to sit down for a romantic dinner at the River Café as the sun sinks behind the bridge. Reserve a window seat at the cafe for the best view of the sunset over Manhattan.

Row a Boat in Central Park

The Loeb Boathouse in Central Park is an iconic New York spot, and it's a great place to spend a perfect afternoon or evening with someone special. Rent a rowboat and skim under the beautiful Bow Bridge, which looks like it came straight out of a Monet painting. Then dine in the beautiful Lakeside Restaurant overlooking the water.

Dine at One if by the Land, Two if by Sea

This off-the-beaten-path spot in Greenwich Village is easily one of New York's most romantic eateries. It might have something to do with the air of mystery about the place. There's no sign on the door to signify the location of One If By Land, Two If By Sea—it's just an unassuming building on an unassuming street. Inside, you can drink and dine in a former carriage house to a background of soft candlelight and piano music.

Take the Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry provides two of the most majestic views in the city—the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty—especially at sunset or in the early morning mist. And here's a bonus: It's free! You can stroll along the waterfront when you've reached Staten Island, stop by the Staten Island Zoo or dine at Blue, a Mediterranean restaurant with great waterfront views.

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