New York might be called the city of Dreams and not the City of Love, but this does not mean that New York can’t be a romantic city. Thinking about getting down on one knee and popping the big question in this stunning metropolis? Well, you are in the right place. We have created a list of the nine best places to propose in New York City.
The Best Places to Propose in New York City
1. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building “is the nearest thing to heaven we have in New York”. Proposing in the most iconic building of New York, while gazing at breathtaking views is for sure one proposal any future fiance would dream of!
As the Empire State Building is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Big Apple we highly advise purchasing an Express Pass instead of queuing for an hour. No one deserves the extra pressure on such a day. If you desire privacy whisk your future – hopefully – fiance to the 102nd floor at STATE Grill & Bar, which is one of the fanciest restaurants in New York, where you can enjoy a romantic and delicious dinner while admiring the City of Lights from the top.
2. Times Square
Take your proposal to a whole new level at the most colorful and extravagant setting of New York, Times Square. If spending a lot of money is the least of your concerns and you are looking to do something extra, rent a billboard at Times Square to get across your message in the heart of New York. It costs $857 to rent a screen space which consists of a seven-story high LED screen or billboard with 10 screens that can display 3-5 photos and a 7-10 word message for 10 minutes. Click here for more information.
Check out our post: New York Itinerary 7 Days in the Big Apple
3. Grand Central Terminal
If you don’t mind an audience, then head to the Grand Central Terminal and have the most elegant and romantic proposal at one of the most beautiful settings of New York City. Although a train terminal, the elegant and classic architecture, the rich history of America’s most prized landmarks, makes the Grand Central Terminal one of the most popular free destinations for enchanting marriage proposals. On the lower level of the Terminal there is a whispering gallery, which is an interesting acoustic oddity caused by the perfect arched ceilings and glazed tiles, which allows voices to be transferred as whispers from one corner of the terminal to the opposite one. Place your beloved one on the area outside the Grand Central Oyster Bar area, run to the opposite end of the room and whisper to her the grand question.
4. Tiffany and Co
Tiffany and Co is a brand synonymous with love and romance. Tiffany has become known worldwide for luxury goods and most notably diamond jewelry and trust us on this, there is no woman out there that wouldn’t be astonished if proposed with a tiny blue box. Take your future fiance for a “casual” walk along the fifth avenue, when suddenly you are outside New York’s most prestigious shop and there is where you drop your question, the same way Audrey Hepburn was proposed at “ A Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. What is amazing about this proposal idea, is that the newly engaged couple can pick their engagement rings together. To make this moment even more special, don’t forget to make reservations for breakfast at Tiffany’s … or brunch!
5. Gondola in Central Park
For the extra romantic souls, Central Park is with no doubt the most dreamy spot to propose to their other halves.
There are a lot of amazing spots for proposals in this single park, like the Belvedere Castle, the Pinebank Arch or the Bethesda Fontaine and Terrace, but nothing beats proposing at a Gondola in Central Park Lake. To make the moment even more fascinating give the gondola chauffeur a bottle of your favorite champagne, to pop after that resounding YES! You can also request a musician to sing your favorite music, to make the setting even more romantic.
6. Staten Island Ferry
If you are looking to avoid the busy crowds and traffic of New York City, the Staten Island Ferry might be a pretty great idea! Although you are not in the city, you still have majestical views of the Manhattan skyline and one of the best views of the Statue of Liberty. The Staten Island Ferry is also free, which is perfect for those seeking to have a humble and more economic proposal, and also it will definitely take the fiancee to-be by total surprise!
7. Rockefeller Center
If you are planning to drop the big question during the holiday season, the Rockefeller Center might be one of the most romantic settings during Christmas time in New York City. Imagine proposing to your future life partner under a 100-foot Christmas tree, 30,000 twinkle lights, and a massive Swarovski crystal star! It does sound very magical. The city’s most iconic ice rink, which operates from October to early February, offers engagement proposal packages for those wishing to propose while ice skating, which includes making space for privacy, a photographer and you can even request your favorite song to make the moment even more special!
8. Brooklyn Bridge
What could be more romantic and meaningful than proposing to someone to merge your lives together than on a bridge that connects two boroughs split by a river together? Plan to take a stroll at dusk, just before sunset, at the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and as soon as your fiance-to-be has been carried away by the beautiful sunset colors surprise her with the most beautiful question “will you marry me?” If you want to expand your romantic gesture, pack a picnic box with a cozy blanket and head to the Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can spend the evening stargazing and admiring the sparkly Manhattan while cheering on a future life together.
Check out our post on 6 Favorite Parks in New York
9. Helicopter ride
Last on our list of the best places to propose in New York City, is for those seeking to combine an unforgettable experience with an unforgettable moment. Soar above the Big Apple with a private helicopter flight over New York City and admire from the top the major sights and skylines of this incredible city. Sure this experience might cost you more than other alternatives, but just think how romantic and unique your proposal will be!
Important advice: if you are not 100% sure that your proposal will go the way you wish, think twice, because there is nowhere to run to or escape an awkward “gone wrong” proposal while you are 10,000 feet off the ground!
Check the following New York City helicopter tours which might interest you:
- New York City: Helicopter Sightseeing Charter with Champagne
- New York City: Private Helicopter Tour for Couples
