The Romantic

New York City has become such an iconic place since film crews started shooting every angle of it in the 1940s that it would be hard to watch more than a few romantic movies without stumbling on one set right here. As a result, it’s probably no surprise that some of our visitors are looking for that cinematic, romantic flavor to pervade their trip to New York. As with all things, New York gives what it gets, and it’s up to you to help the city work for your romance.

If chocolate generally sets the mood. Scattered throughout the city, you’ll find places like Cocoa Bar and Chocolate Bar, establishments based on the premise that the best place to take a date is somewhere that’s at least 75% pure chocolate. With ridiculous menus filled with chocolate drinks, truffles, cakes, tarts, candies, and cupcakes, it’s enough to drive any significant other mad with excited indecision. We wrote a Chocolate Lover's Walking Tour with just you and your significant other in mind, so you can to wander from store to store (and work off all those calories while doing so.

You may be tempted to get something from the famous Magnolia Bakery—the place so well-known for having been featured on Sex And The City—but a word of warning: lines at the popular bakery (at both locations) can extend out-the-door and around-the-corner. So if your sweetheart wants something sweet from Magnolia, do her a favor and bring it back to her! Or visit Billy's in Chelsea, where you won't suffer the indignity of having to wait outside.

We’re a city that likes to eat, so there’s no shortage of bakeries and dessert places. Check out our restaurant listings for more great places like ChikaLicious in the East Village, Kyotofu in Midtown West, P*Ong in Greenwich Village, and Tailor in SoHo. We’ve also got a ton of tags on our site to help you find all the chocolate and inventive desserts to guide you to the perfect match for your perfect match.

Besides chocolate and dessert, it’s always sweet to give a gift. A nice gift basket can be arranged by one of over a half-dozen places over at the Chelsea Market, where you could also pick up a demi-bottle of a dessert wine or magnum of Champagne from the Chelsea Wine Vault. If your significant other is into books, for example, you could pick up a first edition or an amusing trip-down-memory-lane child's book at Books Of Wonder. Or browse the miles of stacks at The Strand, or search for that 18th-century first edition at Bauman Rare Books.

After that, perhaps a horse-driven carriage ride or a scenic stroll through Central Park, both of which are perennial favorites for sweethearts, as is a romantic brunch at the Boathouse Café. And what better way to end the day than with a romantic night on the water, as you cruise around Manhattan?

Land isn’t the only way to tackle the city’s most romantic views, though. If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not get the bird’s eye view of New York on a helicopter tour of the city? For additional ideas, check out our listings for more guided tours.

When you’re ready to take a break from your canoodling to go out to dinner (after all, you do have to eat), check our listing of restaurants our users think are romantic. Or just head out for sushi if that's your game.

If you’re visiting during the holiday season, take a romantic stroll down Fifth Avenue and marvel at the incredible window displays. Every winter a series of storefronts including Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdales, and, of course, Macy’s are decked out in dazzling lights and decorations just a short walk away from each other in Midtown. Finally, wind down the day with some couples’ ice skating at Central Park's Wollman Rink or at the Pond in Bryant Park.