Valentine's Day in New York

Still thinking of what to do this Valentine's Day? Why not fall in love with New York city, which offers a wide selection of iconic romantic sights. There are many reasons to love New York whether you’re single, visiting friends or surprising your loved one. Pop the question while dining at the Central Park Boathouse, ice-skating at the Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center or taking in the view from the Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building or the Brooklyn Bridge. Or simply explore all that the city has to offer at one of its many hotels, restaurants or sights.

"With all of its iconic romantic spots, New York city delivers the best Valentine's Day experience for both singles and couples alike," said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company, the city's marketing, tourism and partnership organization. "To encourage visitors to choose New York City as their getaway, the city is offering great options, packages and promotions for those looking to celebrate their love for the nation's number one destination."

Ideas for Valentine's Day in New York City

- Take a luxurious, romantic cruise with Bateaux New York. Valentine’s Day brunch and dinner cruise packages are available 13 - 14 February 2010.

- Experience the beauty of Central Park by taking the requisite horse-drawn carriage, perfect for a pair of lovers or friends.

- Take the On Location Tours Gossip Girl Valentine's Day Tour, and when you buy one ticket, get one 50% off from 12 - 14 February (use the promotion code VDAYGGCOUPLE). Visitors are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Gossip Girl couple. For single ladies looking to hang out with their girlfriends, take the Anti-Valentine's Day Sex and the City Hotspots Tour (use the promotion code ANTIVDAYSATC for 14% off your ticket 12 - 14 February).

Experience New York City from the sky with Liberty Helicopters, which is offering a 25-minute Romance over Manhattan tour. The helicopter seats up to four people, and at the end of the tour you’ll get a souvenir photo of you and your guests. Price is $995, plus $30 per person for facility/security fee.

Singles need not spend Valentine's Day alone. Join others in a crash course on dating from 7–9pm on Thursday, 11 February 2010, at the restaurant and bar Havana Central Times Square, featuring relationship experts Tamsen Fadal and Matt Titus on dating dos and don'ts. Tickets start at $15 each, which includes one Love Potion Cocktail. Look for love at the Find Your Valentine Speed Dating event from 7:45–9:45pm Friday, 12 February, at Havana Central at The West End. Tickets are $59.95 each, including tax, hors d’oeuvres and one Havana Central Classic Cocktail.

Whether the motive is romance or relaxation, couples can luxuriate in a side-by-side massage with the special Park Avenue Romance Package at Oasis Day Spa on Park Avenue, which includes a gift certificate for dining at nearby restaurant Artisanal. Price is $300. If you're not part of a twosome, that doesn't mean you can't indulge in a day of pampering. Select from four services (Aromatherapy Massage or French Wine Facial for women and Muscle Meltdown Massage or Dead Sea Salt Scrub for men) and receive complimentary champagne and chocolates. Prices range from $70–$125.

NYC Valentine's Day Hotel Packages

- Partake in truffles and sparkling wine at the Crowne Plaza Times Square with their Romantic Escape Package. Rates vary by availability.

- Indulge yourself at the Hotel Gansevoort before 21 February. Included in their special promotion are a dozen roses, chocolate-covered strawberries, a bottle of champagne - and the game Twister. Prices start at $615 per night.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée has special packages between 11- 16 February, including Valentine's Day breakfast in bed, La Perla gift bags and more. Packages start at $825.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Peninsula New York with their special Romance Package between 12 - 14 February 2010. Prices start at $825 per night.

Book the two-night Valentine's Day package at The Pierre from 12 - 14 February, and get dinner for two at Le Caprice (exclusive of alcohol), a bottle of champagne, a special creation from The Pierre’s pastry chef delivered right to your room and breakfast in bed. A suite with a view of the city starts at $1,100 per night, with a two-night minimum.

Mandarin Oriental New York is offering a complimentary night after a two-night stay 13 - 16 February. Also, from 12 - 14 February 2010, the hotel's award-winning Spa at Mandarin Oriental is featuring the Midnight Magic Over Manhattan spa experience. For $1,750, plus tax and gratuity, get exclusive access to the VIP Spa Suite, with stunning city views, two-hour Signature Spa Therapies for two and lobster, caviar and champagne service.

NYC Valentine's Day Dining

- Aldea Restaurant is offering a Valentine's Day six-course chef's tasting menu from 5–9pm.

- Enjoy the iconic NYC restaurant at the Central Park Boathouse.

- Delmonico's offers a special Valentine's Day tasting menu with two complimentary Agave Kiss Martinis as well as a signed copy of Dining at Delmonico's cookbook. Priced at $125 per person.

- Enjoy Valentine's Day cocktails at Intercontinental The Barclay's Barclay Bar & Grill, where the mixologist will be infusing drinks with Latin love potions. Enjoy a Latin Lover Mojito, Pink Latina or Bittersweet Love throughout February for $14 each.

- Perfect for a genteel afternoon outing for the ladies, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is offering a Valentine’s Cupcake Tea, available 11am–4pm, Saturdays and Sundays, from 5 - 28 February, in the hotel's Star Lounge. Priced at $28 per person plus tax and gratuity.

- Tocqueville Restaurant is blending performance and culinary arts in a "Food and Romance"–themed Valentine's lunch featuring Broadway performers and award-winning playwrights. Prices start at $195.

Regardless of when you visit, if you find yourself in New York and are short of ideas on what to do or where to go be sure to stop by the Official NYC Information Center at 810 Seventh Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd Streets in Midtown Manhattan.

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