As one of the most-visited destinations in the world, The Big Apple sees its fair share of honeymooners and couples getting engaged, and boy does the city show up for those in love. Rooftop restaurants frame the glittering skyline, horse-drawn carriages encircle Central Park, and Broadway booms with spectacular shows that’ll effortlessly mark the trip in your memories forever.
As part of our NYC travel tips, discover the most romantic places to celebrate your connection in New York City. These spots range from major tourist attractions to hidden gems but they’re all equally gorgeous backdrops, whether you’re having a picnic or popping the question.
1. Empire State Building
Featured in many rom-coms, the Empire State Building lives up to its reputation for movie magic. With captivating panoramic views and special proposal packages featuring celebratory champagne, it’s a glamorous choice that pairs perfectly with a dazzling diamond solitaire engagement ring and your best clothes. Open until 2 am, you can catch a glorious sunset or see the city at night.
Push the experience over the edge with a private tour of the building followed by a fancy meal at one of the fine dining restaurants uptown.
During my early days exploring NYC for offMetro.com, I took a friend who was celebrating her anniversary to the Empire State Building. She was utterly enchanted. I remember her telling me, “It truly felt like we were in a movie, looking down at all the tiny lights.” We didn’t do the private tour, but just seeing the city sparkle at night from that height was unforgettable.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
2. Bow Bridge
This well-known landmark within Central Park is a hotspot for tourists and local couples alike. Stretching 60 feet across the lake, it’s a picturesque setting for a sunny stroll, especially in fall when the waters reflect the radiant red and gold trees.
Up the romance by renting a rowboat. Glide across the smooth surface of the lake, pass beneath the bridge, and enjoy a unique view of the park from the water. Afterwards, refuel with a picnic stretched out on the grass, then explore the park’s other notable landmarks like Bethesda Terrace with its grand fountain.
I once spent a glorious autumn afternoon researching Central Park’s romantic spots for an offMetro.com feature. I interviewed a couple picnicking near Bow Bridge, and they told me it was their favorite spot for a quiet escape. “The colors in the fall are just unreal,” the wife said, “and renting a rowboat makes you feel like you’re in a whole different world, even in the middle of the city.” I tried the rowboat myself, and it really does offer a wonderfully unique perspective.
Watch this video:
3. Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Stretching 1,800ft along the water, this promenade, also known as the esplanade, is a fantastic place to take in the Manhattan skyline, with views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the UNESCO-recognized Statue of Liberty beyond. This location draws people from all walks of life, but you’ll find it easy to find a quiet bench where you can pause and take it all in.
Afterwards, why not head to Coney Island? This buzzing entertainment space has it all, including a beach, amusement parks, art galleries, and an aquarium.
The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is my go-to recommendation for capturing that quintessential NYC skyline shot for offMetro.com. I’ve spent many evenings there, just watching the sunset over Manhattan. I recall interviewing a seasoned traveler who told me it was “the best free show in the city.” And if you decide to head to Coney Island afterward, prepare for a completely different kind of magic – I loved the nostalgic, slightly gritty charm of the boardwalk, a perfect contrast to the promenade’s serene views.
Watch this:
4. Bryant Park
Straight down from The Metropolitan Museum of Art and a stone’s throw from the Empire State Building, Bryant Park is hard to miss – and shouldn’t be missed if you’re looking for calm in the chaos of the city. This preserved patch of green offers seasonal displays throughout the year and is a great place to sample some of New York’s best street food.
Winter is when the park is at its most magical, with glittering strings of fairy lights creating a canopy above an open-air market selling warm drinks and gifts.
I’ve covered Bryant Park extensively for offMetro.com, especially during the winter holidays. I remember interviewing a couple huddled under the twinkling lights, sipping hot chocolate. They told me it was their annual tradition, saying, “It feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie, right here in the middle of Midtown.” The atmosphere truly is enchanting, a little festive oasis in the urban jungle.
Watch this video to learn more:
Conclusion
New York City, with its boundless energy and iconic landmarks, truly delivers when it comes to romance. From the dizzying heights of the Empire State Building to the tranquil beauty of Central Park’s Bow Bridge, the panoramic views from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and the charming seasonal magic of Bryant Park, each spot offers a unique backdrop for love to flourish.
Having explored these corners of NYC countless times for offMetro.com, I can personally attest that the city has a way of amplifying emotions. Whether it’s the thrill of seeing the skyline light up with someone special or finding a quiet moment of connection amidst the bustle, these places aren’t just pretty backdrops—they’re stages for unforgettable memories. I’ve heard so many travelers tell me how a simple stroll through Central Park or a moment on the promenade became the highlight of their trip, simply because they shared it with someone they love.
So, whether you’re planning a proposal, a honeymoon, or simply a romantic getaway, allow New York City to sweep you off your feet. These romantic havens are waiting to help you write the next beautiful chapter of your love story.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram