If you are planning on celebrating your anniversary in NYC, you’ve made a great choice! The Big Apple is full of romantic activities. Whether you are celebrating a relatively new relationship or a long-term one, there is something for you.
I’ve lived in NYC and celebrated several anniversaries, and each time it has left me with a memory and experience I’ll never forget. So today, I’m super excited to share with you some of my favorite anniversary ideas in NYC!
1. Helicopter Flights
For couples looking for an extraordinary experience, a helicopter flight over New York City offers a unique and breathtaking perspective of the iconic city skyline.
Seeing landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Central Park from above is truly incredible and adds a touch of luxury and adventure to your anniversary celebration. It’s a perfect way to celebrate your special day with a touch of excitement and grandeur.
2. Themed Hotel Stays
In New York City, themed hotel stays offer a unique and immersive experience for couples celebrating an anniversary. They can choose from accommodations that transport them to a different era or envelop them in avant-garde artistry.
Glamping Governors Island
If you are looking for a unique anniversary celebration idea, then go Glamping on Governors Island. The experience of staying in a beautifully furnished tent with stunning views of the New York City skyline is the perfect intimate setting for celebrating your special day.
The tranquil surroundings of the island combined with the convenience of being just a short ferry ride away from Manhattan is the perfect escape for couples looking to unwind and reconnect.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most beautiful hotels in NYC. It’s situated in DUMBO, and its most outstanding feature is the stunning view of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge. This elevates your stay to a much more romantic environment.
3. Boat Rental and Watersports
If you want something unusual to do in NYC, rent a boat and do some cool watersports. There are few providers that offer this kind of service, but our favorite is this one.
Whether you want to waterski, wake surf, wakeboard, or go tubing, you won’t run out of options!! This is a great get out of the city and do something unique for your anniversary.
4. Go On A Multi-Day Cruise
If you have a few days to celebrate your anniversary, why not go on a multi-day cruise? There are plenty of cruises that depart from NYC, and some even sail from Bayonne in NJ.
What is more romantic than enjoy a nice relaxing cruise, having good food, good entertainment, and good company?
The best part? The vast array of cruise lines offers routes along the picturesque East Coast, toward the Caribbean, or even across the Atlantic.
We highly recommend you to book these cruises ahead of time to get your preferred destination and itinerary.
5. New York Gourmet Dinner Cruise
One of the most romantic things to do in NYC has to be a gourmet dinner cruise. Imagine an A Gourmet elegant dining experience combined with stunning skyline views. Yeah, nothing can really top that for dinner.
We recommend this cruise because we really enjoyed the whole experience. The dinner was a multi-course gourmet meal and dishes were prepared using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and catered to a variety of dietary preferences.
The dining area is usually luxuriously appointed and often features live music. Soft lighting and spacious seating arrangements ensured comfort throughout the evening.
6. Luxury & Romantic Dining
New York City offers an array of luxury dining experiences that cater to those seeking a romantic atmosphere. From waterfront views to historic charm, each location embodies a unique setting for an unforgettable anniversary.
River Café
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Highlights:
- Nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge, River Café presents stunning Manhattan skyline views.
- Its Michelin-starred menu features exquisite dishes, perfect for a celebratory evening.
One if by Land, Two if by Sea
Location: Greenwich Village, New York
Cuisine: American
Highlights:
- Regarded as one of the most romantic restaurants in New York, with a history dating back to the 18th century.
- Live piano music and candlelit tables create an intimate dining experience.
Atomix
Location: NoMad, New York
Cuisine: Korean
Highlights:
- A modern Korean restaurant that provides an exceptional tasting menu in a contemporary setting.
- Each course is accompanied by a custom-designed card detailing flavor notes and ingredients, enhancing the dining interaction.
7. Broadway Show
A romantic evening in New York City is incomplete without witnessing the magic of a Broadway show. These productions are a testament to NYC’s vibrant arts scene. Here is how to choose the perfect one and our recommendation.
Choosing a Show:
- Musicals: Ideal for those who love song and dance.
- E.g., The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked
- Plays: Best for couples seeking thought-provoking stories.
- E.g., To Kill a Mockingbird
Booking Tickets:
- Advance Purchase: Highly recommended to secure the best seats.
- Last-Minute Deals: Sometimes available at TKTS booths for spontaneous planners.
Tips for a Seamless Experience:
- Arrive early to find the theater and avoid the last-minute rush.
- Dress smartly; Broadway evenings are a special event.
8. Date Night at The Met
If you’re looking for a cool spot for your anniversary, you should totally check out The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or as everyone calls it, The Met. It’s a perfect place for a romantic date, with all the beautiful art and chill vibes.
On a Friday or Saturday, The Met stays open until 9 PM. That means you can take your time strolling through the galleries, and it’s usually less crowded as the night goes on.
You might want to think about joining one of the themed tours, especially if you’re into romantic art. The Met offers tours that focus on love and romance throughout history, which could add a really cool touch to your evening.
9. Enjoy An Opera
If you’re looking for a classy and sophisticated way to celebrate your anniversary in New York City, you should definitely consider catching an opera at the Metropolitan Opera House, also known as the Met.
It’s a super luxurious and elegant way to mark the occasion, and they showcase a wide range of performances from classic to modern.
Don’t forget to dress to impress! Evening attire is recommended to match the elegance of the venue and the formality of the performance.
And if you want a closer look at all the stage action, you can rent opera glasses right at the venue.
10. Rent Rowboats in Central Park
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, renting rowboats in Central Park could be just the thing for your anniversary. The Loeb Boathouse rents out rowboats from April through November, as long as the weather’s good.
Renting a rowboat gives you the chance to enjoy the peaceful waters of Central Park Lake. You can paddle around, check out the city skyline, and take in all the beautiful scenery.
If you’re wondering where to go, you can start at the Loeb Boathouse, then row over to the iconic Bow Bridge, and just cruise around the lake, soaking in all the awesome views.
And if you’re into taking some cool photos in NYC, there are tons of opportunities to capture some really special moments against the backdrop of the park or the city. Just a heads up, it’s a good idea to bring some sun protection on sunny days, and maybe a light jacket if it’s a bit cooler.
11. Go For A Couple’s Spa Treatment
For a more relaxing and luxurious experience for your anniversary in New York City, consider a couple’s spa treatment. It’s a perfect way to escape the city hustle and have a really intimate and tranquil experience together.
When it comes to choosing a spa, you’ll want to look for places that offer special packages just for couples. Aire Ancient Baths and The Mandarin Oriental Spa are top picks for their awesome couples’ services, which include massages, facials, and other full-body treatments.
To make the experience even more special, you might want to see if the spa offers complimentary drinks, or if you can get a private suite for some extra seclusion.
Final Thoughts
Celebrating an anniversary in New York City is like being a kid in a candy store, with its mix of old-school charm and modern excitement.
Whether you’re into cozy vibes or big adventures, the city has something for every couple – classic candlelit dinner, a Broadway show, or a helicopter ride over the city skyline.
But make sure you are flexible. After all, the goal is to make memories that you’ll cherish for years to come in the one-of-a-kind setting of New York City.
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