Romantic things to do in New York

New York’s landscaped green spaces - including Central Park - give the city a chance to catch its breath. This park, located between the Upper East and Upper West sides, is one of the city’s most popular landmarks, instantly recognizable from films and TV shows from Friends to Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Take a stroll through it with your sweetheart, and bring a picnic to lounge about catching the summer rays. If you’d rather explore on two wheels, you can rent bikes from the southeast and southwest corners of the park.

The MET - or the Metropolitan Museum of Art to quote its full title - has one of the most impressive art collections in the world. Spanning more than 5000 years of history, its galleries range from Greek and Roman art to Egyptian, medieval, and Modern and Contemporary art, and plenty more besides. Carve out enough time so you can stroll leisurely through the vast spaces - hand in hand is the way to go.

There are a number of lofty heights to pick from to take in the stupendous views across the twinkling New York skyline. Many couples will opt for the Empire State Building, but that means your views omit the structure itself. Instead, why not make for the Rockefeller Center? You can either buy a ticket to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, or - better still - head to the Rainbow Room for a sunset cocktail or glass of champagne. You won’t have to pay to get up here, so admission is simply the price of your bubbly. Drink it in.

An unlikely city walking trail, the High Line makes use of an old railway track above Manhattan, giving lovers the chance to take in New York from a whole different perspective. Leafy flower beds and public art installations just add to the allure.

If you can’t decide what to eat, come to Chelsea Market, stuffed chock-a-block with eateries serving everything from Mexican tacos to lobster rolls, farm-shop goodies to gelato. Wandering through the food hall is a delight in itself, and there are plenty of artisan products for sale alongside. Why not treat your better half to a souvenir while you’re there?

Brooklyn is Manhattan’s trendy neighbour, and a great place to explore for its vibrant cultural scene - not to mention the stunning views back across to Manhattan. One of the best things to do for couples in New York is to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset, remembering to keep looking back as Manhattan starts to light up for the night.

As you’d expect of one of the world’s greatest cities, the restaurant and bar scene in New York is something very special. There’s nothing more romantic than an evening meal - great food, smooth wine and dim lighting being a real recipe for love. Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn is a good place to start, lined with restaurants serving creative dishes from around the world. For a nightcap, make for the bar at the William Vale Rooftop Hotel in Williamsburg, with a wraparound terrace and smashing views across to Manhattan. If you’re looking for a room with a view, search New York holidays.

The neon lights of Times Square are one of the city’s major cultural icons, with soaring skyscrapers all around that are monuments of the modern age. Getting caught in the headlights with your beau in the City that Never Sleeps is a whole load of fun. Pause and you’ll find yourself musing that there’s nowhere quite like New York City. And you’ll be right.