The 10 Most Romantic Spots in NYC (Winter Edition)

10. Riverside Park

Neighborhood: Morningside Heights
Address: 475 Riverside Dr.
Website: riversideparkfund.org

Riverside Park is a long and narrow expanse that stretches four miles, from 59th to 158th Streets, running directly parallel to the Hudson. Unlike Central Park, Riverside Park manages to be beautiful without the massive, impenetrable throngs of tourists. It offers a myriad of engrossing diversions—from sculptures to seesaws—in a semi-secluded setting that's perfect for ambling along. Whether sipping hot coffee with your long time boo on a brisk morning, or trying to woo a new crush with a technicolor sunset, Riverside is your go-to park for making some private memories.

Photo via NY Portraits

9. Coney Island Boardwalk

Neighborhood: Coney Island
Address: 1000 Surf Ave
Website: coneyisland.com

Coney Island's charms are markedly different in the winter, when shirtless tourists shoving hot dogs in their mouths give way to an isolated sense of peace only found during those few rare months when the attractions of the amusement park temporarily close. When it becomes beautifully abandoned, you and your woman can walk along the white-blanketed boardwalk and marvel at the momentarily immobile Cyclone and the waves crashing onto the snowy shore. 

Photo via Bruce Handy

8. Trump Wollman Rink at Central Park

Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Address: 830 5th Ave.
Website: wollmanskatingrink.com

The Wollman Rink has been a Central Park icon for over 60 years. The surreal fact of an open-air skating pond inside the tranquility of the park, the cityscape looming around the edges, provides a classic backdrop for romance. Just make sure you go during the week to minimize crowded ice conditions and the number of people laughing when you fall.

7. Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center

Neighborhood: Midtown West
Address: 10 Rockefeller Plz
Website: topoftherocknyc.com

Whether you've lived here all your life, or you're just in for the weekend, the city from the top of the Rock is awe inspiring. Even the Empire State Building observatory can't compete with the panoramic views of the city's classic landmarks that are had here, on the 70th floor. The scenery is particularly stunning in the winter, looking down on the snow-blanketed buildings surrounding you. But the wind whips something mean at the top, so make sure you suit up with warm gear before making the trip.

6. Brooklyn Heights Promenade 

Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights
Address: BQE between Joralemon St. and Grace Ct.
Website: nyharborparks.org

Less than a mile long, yet still one of the most scenic stretches in the city, the Brooklyn Promenade proves that bigger is not always better. This bench-lined path is the ideal locale for strolls and long conversations, with the occasional pause-and-gawk at the picturesque vistas, or for sharing a wordless moment while watching the sun disappear into the skyline.

Photo via creepysleepy

5. Bow Bridge at Central Park

Neighborhood: Midtown East
Address: Mid-Park at 74th St.
Website: centralparknyc.org

The classically beautiful Bow Bridge spans over 60 feet of the soon-to-be-frozen lake, and offers magical views whether lingering on it or looking at it from afar. Covered in snow, the bridge is a  dream-like structure that makes you feel like you've somehow entered Narnia, despite the real world hovering at the periphery.

Photo via nythroughthelens

4. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Neighborhood: Prospect Heights
Address: 1000 Washington Ave.
Website: bbg.org

A garden in the winter seems like it would be a visual wasteland, but the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is anything but. The sprawling, once green landscape still has charm during the winter months, with roses peeking through the snow in the devoted garden and the frozen koi pond drenched in white save for bright red Japanese accents. If you want to escape the cold for a faux-getaway, slip into the Bonsai Museum, where the tiny trees wear their fall colors, or the tropical pavilion, where you and your lady can admire the recreated rainforest and pretend you're in South Africa.

Bonus: Admission during winter is free. 

3. Sutton Place Park

Neighborhood: Midtown East
Address: E. River bet.ween E. 56 St. and E. 57 St.
Website: nycgovparks.org

Sutton Place Park would be a nearly-undisclosed romantic location if it weren't for Woody Allen. But thankfully, even though the small, wrought-iron enclosed courtyard appears in Allen's masterful Manhattan, the spot is still a secret. This hard-to-find alcove of tranquility (which is bookended by a private street and chic Sutton Place townhouses) is often left empty, making it ideal for secluded viewing of the Queensboro Bridge and the icy East River.

2. The High Line

Neighborhood: West Village
Address: 529 West 20th St.
Website: thehighline.org

The High Line is a relatively new addition to the city's romantic laundry list, thanks to the recent expansion of the ancient, above-ground railroad turned 22-block-stretch of urban bliss. The multi-million-dollar developments have made the High Line into a respite like no other, with as many art  installations lining the rusty rails and walkways as there are trees. But this elevated park is even more exciting in winter months, offering birds-eye views of the snow-drenched city below and supplying Blue Bottle coffee to keep your hands warm for the length of your stroll.

1. The Brooklyn Bridge

Neighborhood: Brooklyn
Address: 2 Dover St.
Website: brooklynbridgepark.org

During warmer months, the Brooklyn Bridge marks the convergence of tourists and environmentally-conscious Brooklynites commuting in equal measure, but during blustery days, when even the bravest cyclists don't dare pedal across, the bridge is perfect for amorous adventures. You and your boo can trek across while admiring the snow-cloaked cityscape, and treat yourself to a slice of Grimaldi's unrivaled pizza for your efforts. Now that's amore!

Photo via Michael Nagle for the New York Times