Valentine's Day Date Ideas
By: REYNA IWAMOTO / MANAGING EDITOR
Happy Valentine's Day! Whether you’re in a loving relationship, happily enjoying the single life, or you dislike this day altogether, here are some solo, pair, or even group date ideas to make this day unforgettable:
Go to a Comedy Club
If you or your partner enjoy a good laugh, there’s nothing more romantic or fun than spending an evening at a comedy club! With a wide variety of comedy clubs in New York, you have countless options. Greenwich Village Comedy Club in Manhattan offers two shows tonight, one at 7:30 p.m. and another at 9:30 p.m. These shows feature NYC’s top comedians, and even include drop-ins from surprise guests. General admission for both shows are $25 and proof of vaccination is required.
Visit a Museum
Nothing says romance (or self-love) better than a visit to an iconic museum. Take a quiet stroll around the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) and the American Museum of Natural History and see breathtaking art or science exhibitions. Walk under the blue whale or admire Dutch masterpieces at these museums in Manhattan. These are great options for college students, as both museums offer NYC students the option to “pay as you please.”
Cuddle up With a Movie
Did someone say Netflix and chill? If you’re not feeling like a night out, grab a blanket, some snacks, and a seat on the couch for a movie night! Some romantic movies on Netflix that you simply cannot miss include: Set It Up (featuring Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell), Little Italy (featuring Emma Roberts and Hayden Christensen), The Last Letter From Your Lover (featuring Shailene Woodley, Callum Turner, Joe Alwyn, and Felicity Jones), and Safe Haven (featuring Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel).
Solve an Escape Room Together
Itching for a night of fun and adventure? Test your communication and teamwork skills with your partner or a group of friends with an escape room! Escape the Room NYC by Madison Square Park in Manhattan and Brooklyn Escape Room in Boerum Hill offer private escape rooms starting at around $70 for two people.
Go on a Picnic Date
While the weather may still be a bit chilly for an outdoor picnic, an at-home picnic says romance just the same. All you need is a blanket and some food, whether it’s homemade or takeout! A classic picnic date can give you time to relax and spend some quality time with yourself or that special someone.
Paint Together
Feeling creative? Visit Color Me Mine in Tribeca or the Upper West Side to select and paint your own ceramic piece! This activity is a sure way to slow down, allowing for you to get in touch with whatever (or whoever) inspires you.
Watch a Broadway Show
Take a trip into the city and see a Broadway show! While tickets may be a bit pricey, shows like Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Hadestown, and Wicked are sure to treat you to the incredible singing, dancing, and acting talents of Broadway. These shows will definitely give you and your partner something to talk about.
The Classic Dinner Date
While Valentine’s day dinners are typically on the fancier side, there is nothing wrong with dining in at a classic restaurant instead. New York City offers countless options for whatever type of cuisine your heart desires. And if you still have room for dessert, go ahead and treat yourself, your partner, or your friends to a sweet treat!