Experiencing Valentine’s Day in New York as an expat is the perfect opportunity to break the routine and enjoy the city in a different way. Whether you’re more romantic, original, or minimalist, NYC is full of ideas to celebrate love… in your own style. Here are 5 things to do for Valentine’s Day in New York as an expat couple.
1. Dinner in the igloos of Bryant Park
It’s one of the most romantic spots in New York during winter. For Valentine’s Day, Bryant Park’s famous heated igloos are dressed in pink, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere right in the heart of Manhattan.
? Why is it a great idea? An original and very local experience, perfect for a dinner or a drink without feeling cold, in a romantic setting, away from crowded restaurants.
Seats are limited: booking highly recommended around February 14th.
2. Do a photoshoot on the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge remains a must-see, even (and especially) when you live in New York. For Valentine’s Day: wake up early to avoid the crowd, walk across the bridge hand in hand, and capture the moment with a photo session (professional or spontaneous).
? Expat tip: follow up with a walk in Brooklyn Heights or a coffee with a view of the Manhattan skyline.
3. Treat yourself to a romantic dinner in an intimate neighborhood.
Valentine’s Day in NYC doesn’t have to mean an ultra-luxurious restaurant. The ideal neighborhoods for a romantic dinner are: West Village, Nolita, SoHo, or certain spots in Brooklyn.
? The idea: a warm place, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere, far from the overly touristy clichés.
4. Experience a typically New York moment
When you’re an expat, you sometimes forget to enjoy the most iconic experiences a city has to offer. For a special Valentine’s Day: a Broadway musical, a concert, a show, or an immersive experience. These are often the moments that leave the biggest impression, especially when you’re living far from France.
5. Have a simple Valentine’s Day… at home
Because living abroad also means learning to appreciate the simple moments: cooking together, ordering a good dinner, opening a bottle of wine, watching a movie with a view of the skyline (or almost).
And you, which idea appeals to you the most for Valentine’s Day in NYC?