Love & kink in the city: 5 NYC LGBTQ+ Valentine's Day ideas

New York City, ever evolving and eternally vibrant, is a treasure trove of experiences that transcend the typical. While the city boasts some of the finest global cuisine, the quest for romance often calls for more than a candlelit dinner. This Valentine's Day – and throughout the year – LGBTQ+ couples looking to forge unforgettable moments beyond the usual dinner date will find New York City ripe with unique experiences. Here are five innovative date ideas sure to ignite the spark of romance.

For the Thrill Seekers

For couples who share a love for heart-pumping adventure, City Climb at Edge offers the ultimate thrill-seeking experience. Don your harness and join a small group to scale the exterior of 30 Hudson Yards, the towering skyscraper that pierces the skyline at nearly 1,300 feet. Led by expert guides, you'll navigate a series of open-air platforms and staircases, climbing higher until the city sprawls beneath you in a breathtaking panorama. At City Climb, you are not just observers but participants in a daring ascent, with the freedom to lean over the edge and fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring views. Boasting the title of the world's highest external building climb, this journey takes you from a vertiginous 1,200 feet to the peak at 1,271 feet, where the exhilaration of hanging over the platform awaits. This incredible experience, lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours, is available seven days a week and includes access to Edge - the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, a digital souvenir image, and a personalized video to relive your climb, culminating with a commemorative medal to honor your achievement. With tickets priced at $185, this is a thrilling escapade designed for adrenaline-seeking couples, promising an unforgettable date in the heights of New York City.

For those seeking magic

Step into the realm of the impossible with Steve Cohen, the “Millionaires’Magician,” at his enchanting show, Chamber Magic, hosted in the elegant Madison Room of the Lotte New York Palace. Known for captivating audiences worldwide, Cohen’s 90-minute performance is a treasure among NYC’s best-kept secrets and a must-see event. Evoking the charm of bygone eras when entertainers mesmerized small gatherings in the grandeur of their homes, Chamber Magic revives the sophistication of private parlor entertainment. Guests, donning their finest cocktail attire, are swept into an era of elegance, becoming part of an exclusive audience limited to just 64 seats per show. Shows unfold at 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm every Friday and Saturday night, with ticket prices ranging from $125 to $350, promising an intimate and unforgettable escape into the world of high-society magic. Cohen, a celebrated conjuror and author, brings over two decades of expertise to the stage, earning accolades and a proclamation of "Chamber Magic Day" by Mayor Bill de Blasio, reflecting the show's iconic status in New York. While the Madison Room does not permit food and drink during the show, the Lotte New York Palace offers exquisite options for pre- or post-show refreshments.

For those craving elegance

Step into the grandeur of The Palm Court for Afternoon Tea at The Plaza, a New York City institution synonymous with elegance for over a century. In 2013, this celebrated venue was reimagined by the renowned architect Thierry Despont, who honored its heritage while infusing the space with inspiration drawn from the verdant expanse of Central Park. Amidst trellised detailing and towering palms beneath the iconic stained-glass dome—a nod to the original 1907 architecture—guests partake daily in an afternoon ritual steeped in sophistication. For those in need of sartorial inspiration, The Plaza even offers a Style Guide to perfect your tea-time ensemble. The menu, a testament to The Plaza's environmental commitment, features locally sourced and sustainable selections. Indulge in freshly baked warm scones accompanied by Devonshire cream and house-made preserves, or explore the exemplary vegan afternoon tea offerings, including Avocado Mousse and Smoked Tofu Sandwiches, ensuring that all guests, regardless of dietary preferences, can enjoy this luxurious reprieve. Available from 10:30 am to 4 pm, afternoon tea at The Palm Court starts at $118, providing a moment of serene indulgence in the heart of the bustling city. Whether beginning or concluding your experience with a stroll through nearby Central Park, Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court at The Plaza is not just a meal; it's an iconic New York moment, inviting you to savor the city's vibe in its most elegant form.

For blossoming creatives

New York City, a kaleidoscope of artistry, music, gastronomy, and, not least, floral design, beckons those with a penchant for botanical beauty to Chelsea, where FlowerSchool New York stands as an esteemed institution in the world of floristry. Renowned for sculpting the talents of aspiring florists with the ethos, 'If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere,' this celebrated school offers a gateway to the artistry of contemporary flower arrangement. Whether you're seeking to refine a hobby or simply dabble in a new form of expression, FlowerSchool New York provides the perfect local sanctuary for New Yorkers to immerse themselves in the craft. With introductory courses and workshops starting at $160, the school offers an inviting, no-pressure environment ideal for beginners. Their Introduction to Design class is a single-session, hands-on experience that invites participants to create beautiful arrangements with premium flowers. Here, you'll become acquainted with the language of flowers, learning essential techniques from structuring blooms with supportive sticks to deftly removing foliage and de-thorning roses with precision. Your reward? Departing with your own exquisite floral arrangement, a testament to your newfound artistry. Beyond these introductory workshops, FlowerSchool New York serves as a global stage, attracting world-renowned floral designers to lead an expansive roster of classes that cover the full spectrum of floral design.

For the adventurous romantics

Escape to The William Vale for an exclusive stay in Brooklyn's vibrant Williamsburg neighborhood, where indulgence meets artistry with a private Shibari rope bondage class. Led by Valentine Amartey, SHAG's seasoned bondage expert of over a decade, this intimate class offers couples a unique opportunity to explore the ancient Japanese art of Shibari, a practice that balances the intricate aesthetics of rope tying with the discipline of personal connection and control. The William Vale, boasting breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and an array of luxury amenities, provides the perfect setting for this unconventional romantic experience. Guests can unwind in a spacious room featuring a large soaking tub with exquisite Le Labo products. Add to the romance with a delectable dinner at Leuca, helmed by the James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini, priced at $125 per person. This bespoke Shibari experience, priced at $675, complements your stay at The William Vale (with room rates beginning at $445) and is tailored for two, ensuring privacy and personal attention. It's an artistic journey that transcends the physical, delving into the depths of discipline and design.

Couples are required to have a pair of safety shears and an approved rope kit, which can be brought from home or purchased through SHAG. Valentine Amartey, not only a bondage connoisseur but also a fashion luminary who has crafted looks for icons like Shakira and Lady Gaga, brings a unique perspective to the craft. His fascination with Shibari lies in the duality of its nature—once a martial art form, now a stunning and intimate expression of partnership. Your stay at The William Vale will be an experience that weaves luxury with the allure of Shibari, where the ties that bind are both literal and figuratively a form of art.