7 Romantic Things To Do In New York City

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When we were planning our trip to New York City I was excited but didn’t really have high expectations. I thought it would be one of those “been there, done that, cross it off the list” vacations.  I was so totally wrong! New York City completely stole my heart. We spent seven days in Manhattan and it wasn’t nearly enough time.

Of course, we did all the touristy “must dos” while in New York: the Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Broadway Show, Time Square, etc. but I thought I’d put a little twist on our trip and give you 7 Romantic Things To Do While In New York City that mostly involve food and wine and will have you and your date falling in love with NYC and each other all over again.

7 Romantic Things to Do in NYC

1. Picnic in Central Park

On a beautiful sunny day, buy lunch at Whole Foods in The Shops on Columbus Circle and head over to Central Park for a picnic. My husband and I LOVE to people watch so finding a piece of green space and settling in with a delicious sandwich and salad while watching all of the people in the park was a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

After your picnic, rent some bikes or hop into a horse-drawn carriage and take a tour of the 843 acres of green space. We had some poor soul pull us in a carriage behind his bike for a while which was nice but we actually preferred just strolling along at our own pace. The city views and many attractions within the park like Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle, the Boathouse and Bethesda Fountain make this a romantic way to spend the afternoon.

It’s hard to believe you are in the middle of Manhattan while in Central Park. It is a serene and picturesque escape from the bustling city while being right in the middle of it. You’ll likely find a pastry shop for a sweet treat to end your romantic date in Central Park. My husband has an uncanny talent for finding these places.

2. Happy Hour at Bar 65

On the 65^th floor of the historic NYC landmark, Rockefeller Center is Bar 65 at Rainbow Lounge. You aren’t going to find a more unique and stunning setting to sip cocktails and share some small plates than at Bar 65. If you plan your visit to arrive around cocktail hour you are going to experience a spectacular sunset through the floor to ceiling windows. The view, paired with a fancy cocktail prepared by their in house mixologist and some delicious bites will provide you with THE MOST romantic setting. I’m swooning just thinking about it!

Bar 65 is a bit fancy so guys, you’ll want to wear a collared shirt and ladies you’ll likely want to change out of those Sketchers you were trekking around NYC in all day. We didn’t go up to the Observation Deck on the 70^th floor because we had already been to the Empire State Building but I’m sure the views from there are awesome too.

3. Food Walking Tour

We booked The Original Greenwich Village Food and Culture Walking Tour through foodsofny.com. This was a 3-hour stroll through the beautiful streets of historic West Village. It’s true you could wander the streets of this charming tree-lined neighborhood on your own but we appreciated learning the stories behind historical buildings and family-run businesses. Our guide also pointed out buildings where popular movies and TV shows were filmed.

Of course, we LOVED the food aspect of this tour. We were treated to delicious pasta dishes, cheeses, olive oils, doughnuts, milk and cookies, and our favourite stop, Joe’s Pizza! This is by far the best slice of pie we have ever tasted. If you are in NYC, you MUST visit Joe’s Pizza in West Village. There are hundreds and hundreds of pizza joints in NYC but Joe’s is definitely on the top of the list. Trust me!

New York City Walking Tours run all year round, rain or shine and there are heaps of tours to choose from. We also did a Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour on a different day and it was pretty awesome too. It wasn’t a Food Tour but we did learn a lot of fascinating information about the Brooklyn Bridge and NYC and discovered another famous pizza place under the Brooklyn Bridge called Grimaldi’s.  We ducked in there for a pie on the patio once the tour was over before taking a water taxi back to Manhattan. There is so much to do in NYC!

4. A Stroll Along the NYC High Line

The High Line is a public park built on an old rail line high above the west side of Manhattan. This 1.5-mile long space is a dreamy oasis where you can take a stroll and enjoy the hundreds of plant species, contemporary art and unique views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. The history of the High Line is fascinating. It was once slated for demolition but was saved by people in the neighborhood. Now it is completely cared for and funded by the Friends of the High Line.

There are so many cool spots to just linger and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. If you packed a snack or bought something from one of the food vendors, have a seat at the overlook in 10^th Avenue Square where you’ll have a neat vantage point of the street below. After your stroll through the High Line, there are hundreds of bars and restaurants in the area where you can stop in for sparkling wine or a martini.

5. NHL Hockey Game

I know what you’re thinking! A hockey game? REALLY? Okay, maybe ROMANTIC isn’t the word to describe a hockey game but it’s actually super fun! Full disclosure, I grew up in an intense hockey family, I’m a recovering hockey mom, and I really get into the NHL playoffs. I’m always down for a hockey game but during this trip we took it to the next level and I’m pretty sure there’s a Wife of the Year award waiting for me somewhere. One of my husband’s bucket list items is to see an NHL Hockey Game at every arena in the National Hockey League. Cool hey? I love that he has this goal and that sometimes I get to be a part of it.

It just so happens that three years ago when we were in NYC, the Rangers, Islanders, AND the Devils all played at home. For you math geeks out there, that’s THREE hockey games in 7 days! NOW do you understand why I should have at least been NOMINATED for Wife of the Year? But we had a blast and every arena and fan base had a totally different vibe which was super cool to experience. Madison Square Gardens had a lovely little wine bar and a few unique foods stands which was awesome.

6. Eataly

Imagine our delight when we walked into Eataly Flatiron and discovered all of our favourite things under one roof! Eataly is definitely our version of Disneyland. This Italian Market and Dining Hall has absolutely everything you need to make an authentic Italian meal at home or you can dine in. Wander through the market exploring the vast collection of Italian ingredients for purchase while you hop from restaurant to food counter.

Start with a charcuterie board and a glass of Prosecco at La Piazza. Order a Napoli-style pizza or spaghetto al pomodoro with a Pinot Noir at La Pizza & La Pasta. End your food experience with an Italian pastry from La Pasticceria and espresso from the adjacent coffee bar. If you have room, grab a scoop of gelato on your way out. Pasta…cheese…pizza…beef…fish…wine…Eataly has it all! It is not hard to spend hours and hours here enjoying the shopping and culinary experience. Bring your appetite!

7. Comedy Club

I don’t think anyone should go to New York without seeing a comedy show. Some of the best comedians in the world live in NYC so no matter where you go to catch an act, you’re going to be treated to some belly laughs.

We went to the Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village. It’s an underground, cozy club where the tickets are cheap and the likelihood of Amy Schumer or Jon Stewart showing up is high. We didn’t luck out with a famous comedian the night we went but the acts we saw were hilarious. If you’re planning on checking out the Comedy Cellar while in NYC, I would suggest reserving tickets in advance for the late show. We didn’t do this but we did get our names on the standby list and were lucky enough to get in. It would have been a total bummer if we didn’t though. We had such a fun night!

There isn’t a city in the world quite like New York. With so much to see and do, I just know this is a place we will always be compelled to return to. I heart NYC.

“I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over might.”

~John D. Rockefeller, Jr.