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5 Fun Non-traditional things to do in NYC for Valentine’s Day

Published: January 30th, 2018

Surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day with something other than a box of chocolates and roses. Our concierges have done the research for you and put together a list of 5 fun non-traditional things to do in NYC for Valentine’s Day.

Take a class together


Learning is more fun when done as a couple or group. You can brush up on your cooking skills or learn how to cook a new cuisine. For lovers of sweets, you can learn to master the art of making chocolates, French Macarons or croissants. There are so many other categories you can explore together, visit CourseHorse for more ideas.

Make music

Book a room at one of New York City’s Karaoke Bars and have fun singing famous duet tunes like Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe” or “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” with Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett. 5 Bar Karaoke & Bar on 32nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues is conveniently located to get to from any of our hotels.

Romance Under the Stars

Photo Credit: American Museum of Natural History

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a unique date night in the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History! Start the night with a cocktail hour in the Cullman Hall of the Universe. Then enjoy an unforgettable view of the night sky and some stellar romance stories from the ancient past in the Hayden Planetarium. Tickets are $125 per person.

Dinner in the dark

Photo Credit: Camaje Bistro

Enjoy a non-traditional spin on a traditional daily event, Dinner in the Dark at Camaje Bistro. Eating without sight heightens your other senses; smell, touch, and sounds become more intense. Have fun guessing what you are eating and drinking, the menu will be revealed to you at the end.

Sing Along at Marie’s Crisis Cafe

Photo Credit: Playbill

Join the crowd around the pianist playing show tunes at Marie’s Crisis Cafe and sing along, required. This neighborhood staple has been around since the 1850s and is a unique experience any time of the year. Bonus, there is a very high chance you will see Broadway stars singing along with the locals.

If you do choose to go the traditional route, our concierge is more than happy to help with dinner reservations or any stay enhancements such as rose petals or champagne on arrival.

Happy Valentine’s Day!