New York’s most romantic activities

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or whisking a loved one away for a weekend break, a cruise to your dream destination is one of the most romantic holidays you’ll ever take. Cruises incorporate the best bits of a short city break, luxurious getaway and relaxing holiday, bringing them together in one unforgettable experience. Although you’ll be wined and dined on your chosen cruise ship, you need a cruise destination that is as comfortable and intriguing as the vessel itself. From chic bars and restaurants to iconic landmarks, here are New York's most romantic activities:

After a day of sightseeing, you’ll probably want to sit down for a drink and a bite to eat. The Raines Law Room is a low-lit underground speakeasy that is designed for an intimate experience. Enjoy the buzz of the bar or head to the cushioned alcove that has floor-to-ceiling curtains allowing for privacy. Each section has its own call button, something that was widely used across taverns over a hundred years ago.

“We love visiting speakeasies when in New York,” Casey from A Cruising Couple told us. “There are many that are still well-kept secrets, and to us, nothing says romantic like finding a quieter corner in a beautiful, 1920’s era bar with bespoke cocktails. It’s the perfect way to end an evening of sightseeing or grab a nightcap after a great evening of entertainment.”

Widely considered to be one of the most romantic bars in New York City, The Raines Law Room serves up prohibition-era cocktails and fine wine using the finest fresh ingredients available.

The Big Apple’s iconic skyline is breathtaking and bringing your partner to one of the best views in the city makes for a great evening. Captured in photographs, drawings and paintings, the city’s dynamic backdrop can be enjoyed day or night in a number of locations. Once more, there are many opportunities to soak it up in a rooftop bar, garden, park or historical landmark.

You could walk along Brooklyn Bridge and take in some of the best views of Manhattan, the harbour and Brooklyn. For the most romantic setting, head down at sunrise or sunset. Elsewhere, you can scale the Empire State Building, visit the hills of Governors Island or visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and soak up the setting on its roof garden.

With so much to see and do in New York at ground level, it can be easy to spend all of your time rushing from place to place and forgetting to take a moment to look up and appreciate what’s above you.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the city, why not set aside an evening to go stargazing? There are many places to get starry-eyed across the city and lots of clubs and organisations offer lectures and tours. To incorporate one of the best evening walks with one of the finest sights of the sky, head to the High Line between April and October. This public park can be found on the upper west side of Manhattan, where every Tuesday telescopes are provided by the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York for free. This wildflower lined pathway is one of the best-loved walks in the city, so why not gaze up into the sky along this old abandoned railway track?

Make sure to pack your dancing shoes, you’re off to The Jane Hotel’s ballroom! Dating back to 1908, the hotel was designed by William A. Boring, the man-made famous for his work on the immigrant station at Ellis Island, and has been a pillar for entertainment in New York ever since. Stepping into the hotel will feel like you have just walked into a movie.

We chatted to Blake from The Jane Hotel, “The Jane Ballroom, which functioned as the gritty Jane Street Theater and is the birthplace of the legendary musical Hedwig and The Angry Inch, is an intimate hideaway to admire. Grab a chair or comfy sofa with your loved one and take in the elaborate fireplace, salvaged from Belgium and the rest of the rooms unique trinkets from modern art and velvet-draped windows to a stuffed ram and an oversized disco ball.”

Found in the leafy West Village, home to some of the most on-trend bars and restaurants in the city, the Bohemian decor complements the historic appeal of the hotel.

Central Park is a certified New York hotspot. As one of the most romantic places in the city, a wander around Central Park is a must during your cruise to New York. Why not take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage? Running throughout the year, the rides take you past the parks most popular sights including the Central Park Carousel, zoo and reservoir.

Speaking of reservoirs, what about hiring a rowing boat? Cruise up and down the lake as you witness the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Don’t forget to look out for the Bow Bridge, which has famously featured in Autumn in New York and Uptown Girls.