9 Things to Do This Valentine’s Day in NYC

9 Things to Do This Valentine’s Day in NYC
(Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images)
Kristina Skorbach
2/13/2014
Updated:
2/16/2014

Don’t let the snow storm bring you down this Valentine’s Day! If you still don’t have plans for this Friday’s Valentine’s Day, it’s not too late to go out on a mission in the wet snow, whether you’re celebrating alone or with that special someone.

If you’re not celebrating there’s still many things to do in the city, you’ll just have to face crowded landmarks and restaurants with red-and-pink themed decorations.

Here we offer ideas for everyone, whether you want to keep it mellow and head to a dinner for two, or spice up your routine with some salsa classes. No matter what you’re in the mood for, take a look at our select list of suggestions.

Metropolitan Museum of Art—"Meet Your Match”

If you’re the history buff/art junkie type, why not visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art where they have a special “Meet Your Match” quiz where you can discover which artwork piece in the MET collection matches your personality. The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. with drinks at the (cash) bar after the event. 

Free with Museum Admission 

Times Square—Match-Maker

For all the singles out there, or for couples who don’t mind big crowds, why not head down to Time Square for the Match-Maker installation which provides a glimpse at your perfect match? In this intricate installation, visitors peer through the periscopes according to their zodiac sign to discover the four most ideal mates according to the astrological matching. Let the cosmos be with you!

Free but expect big crowds

Korchma Taras Bulba—Valentine’s Day Dinner

After you’ve spent all your energy trudging through the sleet and feel in the mood for some healthy homemade cooking, pop by at this popular Ukrainian restaurant that’s offering a Valentine’s Day dinner special for two. The special includes a six-course meal with champagne and a gift for every couple.

A set price of $70 for two

Union Hall—Power Ballads Sing-Along

If you’re reminiscing about the good ol’ times, head down to the Brooklyn Union Hall for an epic 80s and 90s sing-along of Aerosmith, Seal, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi and other hit favorites. Extra features include an air guitar competition, prize giveaways, a costume contest, and free Valentine’s candy. 

Tickets cost $8, purchase here 

The Rockefeller Center—Winter Starlight Music Series

The 67th entertainment floor of the Rockefeller Center will present its winter music showcase at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. This Valentine’s evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., visitors can enjoy the center’s 360-degree panoramic view to the sounds of soft electro-pop by singer and songwriter Laura DiStasi. 

Event free with price of admission

Empire State Building—Observation Deck

If you’re single, daring, sleepless in New York City and a hopeless romantic who believes that you can find true love on top of the Empire State Building just like Meg Ryan did in “Sleepless in Seattle,” head up to the observation deck at midnight. On the night of the 13th the tower lights of the iconic building will sparkle and fade with red and pink colors in honor of Valentine’s Day. (No actual soulmate encounter guaranteed)

Tickets start at $27 for Main Observation Deck

The Chocolate Room—Chocolate (obviously)

What would Valentine’s Day be without chocolate? This Park Slope popup shop extended its hours to midnight on Friday for all the chocolate lovers out there to have enough time to gorge on all their delectable, hand-crafted confections. Their special features include Brownie Sundaes, Oprah-adored Chocolate Layer Cake, and Chocolate Caramel Popcorn. For the couples, there’s always chocolate fondue for two. 

Prices range from $5 to $20

LSA Family Health Service—Cards & Crafts with Children

They say love is only real if shared (I think...). So if you’re feeling generous, spare some time on Friday evening and head down to the East Harlem Little Sisters of the Assumption (LSA) Family Health Service where you can make Valentine’s Day cards with children at the center. The kids will then take the cards home while volunteers can stick around and mingle with the staff during a social hour. 

Free

Stepping Out Studios—Salsa for Two

If you don’t want to be walking around in the slush, but don’t feel like sitting down indoors either, why not join a salsa class? With beginner classes and intermediate sessions, this could be the perfect way to warm up your Valentine’s Day routine. Beginner classes start at 7:30 pm and intermediate classes start an hour later. 

$20 per person