6 Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in New York City

Hey lovebirds! It's almost Valentine's Day- do you have plans yet? If you want to make this year extra special, hop on an Amtrak train and take the scenic ride into New York City's Penn Station for a day trip or the weekend. The Big Apple will definitely provide a Valentine's Day to remember. Not sure how to spend your day? Here are a few suggestions for February 14.

Times Square - If you're the kind of couple that wants the world to know all about your love, head straight for Times Square, where couples will be getting married, renewing their vows and proposing to one another at the Love in Times Square event. While all wedding ceremony slots are filled, there's no stopping you from looking on and joining in festivities as thousands celebrate love!

View from the Top of the Rock by Andres Moreira on Flickr

Cruise - A romantic dinner is a staple of most Valentine's Day celebrations, but there are far more options than you may realize, and there's no reason to limit your options to the land. Any short cruises take passengers to the East and Hudson Rivers. Some provide cocktails and appetizers while others are full, sit-down dinners. All offer incredible views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty and tours generally leave from Chelsea Piers. Book tickets ahead of time, as these boat cruises are popular!

Top of the Rock - You may have walked the streets of New York, but if you've never been to the top of New York City, specifically to the top of Rockefeller Center, you should absolutely get tickets for this Valentine's Day. Musicians Lincoln Cleary and Joelle Lurie will be performing from 7-9:00 p.m. as part of the Starlight Music Series. You and your partner can purchase champagne or wine as you enjoy 360 degrees of Manhattan skyline.

Tours - Tours are becoming huge in New York City, and I'm not talking about the kind that bring you around on an open top, red bus. Food and drink walking tours are a fun way to see some of the best places in the city. The possibilities are endless; you can find tours for chocolate, cupcakes, Italian food, wine, dessert, beer and cheese, among many others. Pick a food item that you and your loved one enjoy and spend the day indulging in the best that New York City offers!

One of Leger's works currently on display.

Central Park -  We've all seen them, but how many of us have taken a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park? It's typical New York romance, with you and your lover able to snuggle under a cozy blanket while being led around to see the sights of New York. A relatively inexpensive outing, a horse-drawn carriage ride can be a quick date activity that will be romantic and memorable.

The Met - The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most popular museums, and for good reason. The museum holds an extensive collection of permanent paintings, sculptures and artifacts. The Met also constantly hosts incredible limited-time exhibits, like Cubism, which is closing on February 16. This exhibits features works by Picasso, Gris, Leger and Braque. Valentine's Day weekend is a great opportunity to see this exhibit before it leaves New York.


A day or weekend in New York City is great for lovebirds this Valentine's Day. All of these date ideas are either close to Amtrak's Penn Station or are accessible by New York City's Subway. Still not convinced to head into Manhattan? Amtrak offers a 15% discount for any train trip within New York State. Valentine's Day should be a wonderful day for couples; let Amtrak bring you to New York City while you sit back and relax on a comfortable train with your partner. For more information about travel destinations, see New York By Rail.