October 4, 2024, 6:23 am | Read time: 5 minutes

Victoria Seifried knows her way around the romantic places of New York. In her novel “Love for Dessert,” she sends her protagonist from Berlin to the Big Apple to find the love of her life. For TRAVELBOOK, the novelist has revealed her very personal romantic hotspots in New York.

The se are the most romantic places in New York

1. Magnolia Bakery

2. The Rockefeller Center at Christmas

In December, Rockefeller Center is, of course, romantic simply because of the Christmas decorations and lights. The famous ice skating rink is particularly romantic, but only for romantics who feel at home among other couples. Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, NY 10111

3. The Atera restaurant

For that special togetherness: The Atera restaurant doesn’t have many seats and is not easy to find from the outside (only by the house number, but no sign says “Atera”). What makes it special: The food is prepared right in front of the guests, and over twenty courses are served within three hours. I would say that Atera is something for couples looking for a very special dinner in New York – not cheap, but definitely worth the money and recommended for romantics due to the dimly lit luxury atmosphere. Address: 77 Worth St, NY 10013

4. Open-air movie theater in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Nothing is more romantic than open-air movies. Especially in the summer evening air on a blanket in the park. And if you’re fed up with Manhattan, you can go to Brooklyn – it’s worth it! From Brooklyn Bridge Park, you have a view not only of the screen but also of the Manhattan skyline! And if you like it terribly romantic, you can watch the movie “Dirty Dancing.” Only classic movies are shown. Admission is free, but you have to be there early to secure a good seat. Address: 334 Furman Street, NY 11201

5. New York Yankee Stadium

Admittedly, the subway ride to the Bronx isn’t really romantic. Still, once you’re sitting in Yankee Stadium and the Kiss Cam is roaming through the audience – in this pastime during breaks in the game, couples who suddenly see each other on the big screen have to kiss in front of everyone and as passionately as possible – you feel like you’re in an American movie. Address: 1 E 161st ST, Bronx, NY 10451

6. Grand Central Terminal

Even the historic building is romantic. The large entrance hall with its high ceilings, the hustle and bustle of the station, couples falling into each other’s arms with joyful reunions, or having to say goodbye – there’s no question that train stations and airports are inherently romantic. With its old New York charm, Grand Central Terminal naturally surpasses JFK Airport by far. However, my protagonist wanders through the station alone – in the hope of meeting the love of her life again by chance. Address: 89 E ^42nd ST, NY 10017

7. Central Park Zoo

If you prefer a more classic approach and perhaps don’t want to ramp up the romance too much for a first date, head to Central Park Zoo. After all, walks together are always romantic, and if you have something to look at, all the better! Central Park Zoo also plays a major role in the novel, of course, as the protagonist breaks in there at night to free her turtle. Address: 64th St and 5 Ave, NY 10021

8. Cocktails at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel

The New York Palace has a wonderfully romantic illuminated courtyard where you can sit in summer with a magnificent view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and sip exceptional cocktails. This also is one of the most romantic places in New York. Address: 4555 Madison Ave, NY 10022

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9. New York by night

If you want something a little more touristy, then I would recommend a classic hop-on hop-off tour of the city – but at night. Even 5th Avenue becomes romantic in the dark when its many lights are lit up, not to mention Times Square. The bus even crosses the Manhattan Bridge, giving you a terribly romantic view of the East River and the Manhattan skyline. My protagonist also takes this bus tour after her big radio interview in which she launches a search for her lost love.

Victoria Seifried’s novel “Love for Dessert” (400 pages, 8.99 euros) was published by Heyne Verlag in August (see also the box in the right-hand column).

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The original version of this article was published in 2015.