There was a time when a special Valentine’s Day for me meant reservations at the nicest restaurant in New York City followed by jazz at Lincoln Center. One night could easily cost several hundreds of dollars for a few hours of fun.

After three kids, a mortgage, and over 10 years of marriage, I can tell you that though that still sounds like a lovely evening, I’ve learned that a truly romantic, Valentine’s Day-worthy date doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when in New York City.

For all the pricey options there are to choose from, there are even more that are budget-friendly, offer a unique experience, and make for unforgettable memories. Here are some of my favorites.

Ice Skating
Most people really love the idea of skating at the iconic Rockefeller Center. But with an admission fee for an hour and a half session, as well as ski rentals and long lines, this experience can be less romantic than one would hope with costs that add up quickly. I prefer skating at the Winter Village at Bryant Park. There is no admission fee and if you need skates, there are skate rentals, easily payable with your credit or prepaid card.

Bryant Park is romantic anytime of the year, and it has a less of a touristy feel, as this is a place most New Yorkers like to come to. It may be a bit more crowded, but it’s also a lot more fun, with no limit on time, great music and vibe, and the Celsius Gastrobar adjacent to it serving dinner and drinks rink side beneath heated lamps so that you can enjoy the scene.

Cheap and Delicious Eats
As a native New Yorker, I avoid two things when eating out: I don’t ever wait on long lines for food and I don’t pay the equivalent of my car payment for a meal. But, I do love good food and I really enjoy dinner dates with my husband. I especially enjoy places that celebrate the diversity of our city, because that is what we love most about it. A favorite spot is Esperanto on Avenue C in the East Village, a Brazilian favorite that kills moments of awkward silence with beats from the live band you can often find playing there. The scene is relax and happy, and the food is delicious. The average price for a dish is about $14, but for Valentine’s Day they put together a 3-course dinner with a champagne toast for only $55.

And all that jazz...
During any other season, I would say a walk along the Brooklyn promenade or just about anywhere in the city is a great way to end a romantic date. But in this cold weather that’s a little harder to do. My preference to continue with a night of jazz hasn’t changed. But these days, I like to head over to The Village Vanguard. For less than $35 a person you can enjoy a concert in one of New York City’s most celebrated jazz venues. Rich in history and celebrated for its jazz influence on the city, a concert here is not only romantic, but also very cool. A definite way to impress your date.

A night like this, with New York City as a backdrop, will surely have you falling in love again and again without stressing your wallet out. Which is always nice for future dates.

Do you have any favorite romantic spots in your city? Share with us on Facebook!

Carol Cain left a career in public relations and became a Girl Gone Travel with a goal to inspire and share her discoveries where ever her travels may take her. She is a free-spirited tomboy with a tendency to laugh out loud, a strong love for photography and karaoke, a husband she adores, and three cute and adventurous boys, all of whom share her love for travel, fun, and adventure!