In Honor of Valentine's Day 2010 – The Most Romantic Spots in NYC

Whether you’re a native New Yorker or a first-time visitor, Valentine’s Day remains one of the most anticipated -- if occasionally anxiety-inducing -- holidays of the year. Romance defines the day, and we’ve put together a selection of great ideas for how to spend this special time of year.

The stars are in your favor since you’re already in a place with the most romantic potential in the world. Paris is nice, but Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr didn’t meet at the top of the Eiffel Tower in An Affair to Remember, did they? No, they met at the Empire State Building Observatory, as did Sleepless in Seattle’s Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. The 86th Floor Observatory is one of the most romantic spots in NYC, offering panoramic views of the city. (In fact, 14 lucky couples will be getting married there over the Valentine’s Day weekend, the only time the Empire State Building accommodates weddings.) Stop by after dark to cap off the evening (the last elevators go up at 1:15am) and an opportunity to watch the stars come out over the greatest city in the world. Don’t forget about the 102nd Floor Observatory -- separate tickets are required for the highest indoor views of New York. 350 Fifth Ave. & 34th St., 212-736-3100; www.esbnyc.com.

Also offering phenomenal views is Top of the Rock, the 70th floor observation deck atop 30 Rockefeller Center. The original deck was designed to evoke the luxurious upper decks of a 1930s grand ocean liner, and they’ve preserved the historic integrity of John D. Rockefeller’s creation while incorporating innovative features, new technology, and three decks featuring outdoor terraces and indoor space. You can pick up tickets at 50th St. btw. Fifth & Sixth Aves., or buy timed tickets in advance by calling 877-NYC-ROCK or visiting www.topoftherocknyc.com.

The observatories aren’t the only way to experience romantic views of the city. Circle Line Sightseeing offers a number of New York Harbor cruises to choose from, with wine, beer, cocktails and food available on board. On their 2-hour Harbor Lights Cruise, you can bask in the glow of the setting sun and dazzle your sweetie with the skyline’s sea of glistening lights. 42nd St. and the Hudson River at Pier 83, 212-630-8888; www.circleline42.com.

Liberty Helicopter Tours features many modern jet helicopter flights that feature breathtaking views of Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and many other sights and landmarks. The 22-to-25-minute Romance Over Manhattan private tour ($995 for up to 4 passengers) offers a one-of-a-kind way to spend the holiday. Pier 6 & the East River, 212-967-6464; www.libertyhelicopters.com.

Bangkok House features reasonably priced food with exotic flavors that will challenge your tastebuds and please your appetites. For Valentine's Day, they're offering a $25.95 dinner that includes choice of soup or salad, appetizer, choice of entrée, dessert, and wine. For the complete menu, click here. 360 W. 46th St., 212-541-5943; www.bangkokhouseny.com.

Brendan’s Bar & Grill is a slice of old New York with its lovingly restored turn-of-the-20th-century architecture and excellent Irish & American classics, and their Valentine’s Day prix fixe ($50, not including tax and gratuity) includes appetizer, entrée, dessert & a glass of champagne. The entrée choices include prime aged NY steak, petite filet of beef and jumbo prawns, petite veal osso buco Milanese, shrimp and roasted garlic ravioli, blackened Chilean sea bass, or sautéed lemon chicken. For the complete menu, click here. 42 W. 35th St., 212-564-5405; www.brendansbar.com.

The Valentine’s Day menu at Benjamin Steak House will have four courses and a Valentine toast for $99 (not including tax and gratuity). Their entrees include USDA prime, chef-selected, dry aged porterhouse steak (ordered in pairs), filet of Chilean sea bass, USDA prime filet mignon, and a surf-and-turf plate (lobster tailpaired with USDA prime filet mignon), followed by a special Valentine’s Day dessert. For the complete menu, click here. 52 E. 41st St. (Park-Madison Aves.), 212-297-9177; www.benjaminsteakhouse.com.

Ben & Jack's Steakhouse will be hosting a special Valentine's Day dinner featuring their signature porterhouse for two, surf & turf, and much more. Every leading lady will receive a rose, and each guest will receive a complimentary glass of champagne to toast the holiday. 255 Fifth Ave. (28-29 Sts.), 212-532-7600 & 219 E. 44th St. (2-3 Aves.), 212-682-5678; benandjackssteakhouse.com.

Bice Ristorante will offering a four-course, prix-fixe Valentine's Day menu for $55. Third course options include Chilean sea bass, veal scallopine, or filet mignon; for the complete menu, click here. 7 E. 54th St., 212-688-1999; www.bicenewyork.com.

Japan meets Brazil and Peru in the international culinary splash that is SushiSamba 7 and SushiSamba Park. For Saturday, February 13th & Valentine's Day, they'll be offering such decadent offerings as “oysters & pearls” and Australian wagyu beef tataki. For the complete menu, click here. 87 Seventh Ave. So. (Barrow-Grove Sts.), 212-691-7885; 245 Park Ave. So., 212-475-9377; www.sushisamba.com.

Enjoy champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and chocolate-covered strawberries under the starry night sky in the warm and intimate setting of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History. Then, step inside New York's most romantic theater, snuggle with a loved one, and listen to astronomer Ted Williams re-tell some of the greatest romantic stories from the past as you gaze at a star-filled sky. $75 per person (includes one hour of open bar and appetizers). Space is limited. 6:30-8:30pm. For more information, call 212-769-5100.

Atlantic City's Tropicana Casino and Resort offers many options for a unique and romantic Valentine's Day, including the Trop Live Celebrations Package for those ready to "pop the question," an overnight getaway, spa packages, and much more. For details on all their packages and specials, click here. 609-340-4000; www.tropicana.net.