Forget Paris, for our money the most romantic city in the world is New York and countless filmmakers agree with us. This city has been the backdrop for some of the most romantic movies ever made which is why our Valentine’s Day road trip is actually a special walking tour of NYC landmarks that have been used in our favorite romantic movies.
We start off at the Empire State Building, an icon of romance. From King Kong to Sleepless in Seattle and its predecessor An Affair to Remember the Empire State Building has been used in film to bring couples together or sooth the aching hearts of those who can’t be. It is mandatory to include such a famed location on our walk but we have to admit, it may not be worth the price of admission. The lines are always long and when you finally reach the top you have to fight through tour groups and vendor’s booths to see anything. It is not exactly Hollywood magic but it is a must see so go early and get it over with.
We have a long walk ahead as we start up Fifth Avenue to Tiffany’s. You may want to take your time and do some window shopping, stop in to St. Patrick’s or watch skaters at Rockefeller Center. This stretch is probably one of the best walks in New York. If you aren’t up for it, since there is still a long way to go on our journey, you can always find a cab, subway, horse and carriage, or bus, NY has it all!
Of course our stop at Tiffany’s is an homage to the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s where Audrey Hepburn is looking longingly into the front window of Tiffany’s. After gazing in the famous window yourself be sure to step inside and take it all in. Next you can take a walk over to The Plaza. They are in the process of turning this famous hotel into residences so you may not be able to get too close but even from a distance this building has charm and majesty. The Plaza was featured in several romantic movies including The Way We Were and Barefoot in the Park.
After you have taken a stroll by The Plaza cross the street to Central Park. Central Park is the gem of this romantic walking tour. There are so many romantic movies that have been filmed in the park it is hard to know where to begin. Serendipity, When Harry Met Sally, Two Weeks Notice, and Kate and Leopold all include scenes shot in Central Park. The Boat House, Wollman Rink, and Strawberry Fields are all picturesque anytime of year. There is nothing more romantic than walking hand in hand through the park or even just sitting down on a park bench watching the world pass by. Take your time passing through or come back when you can spend the whole day, it is worth it.
We continue on to The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center. This opera house was the setting of a dream night for Ronny (Nicholas Cage) since he is finally able to enjoy both of his loves together (opera and Loretta played by Cher) in Moonstruck. From here we move on to Riverside Park, it is lovely, a different vibe from Central Park but equally romantic. This is the park where Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly (Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan respectively) finally meet again in You’ve Got Mail.
By now you will be hungry so what better way to end your day than with a Gray’s Papaya hot dog? These were Alex Whitman’s (played by Matthew Perry) favorite in Fools Rush In, the same hot dogs Isabel (Selma Hayek) had shipped to him for his birthday in Nevada. How romantic! If you want something more upscale, head back into the park for Tavern on the Green, this opulent restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner just for two.
This wraps up our walking tour of New York and we are exhausted just writing about it. Hope you enjoy the beauty of New York in winter as much as we do! To see directions and addresses for all of the locations on our walking tour click on the map below.
[…] always check out our daily filming locations. If you are travelling as a couple, take a look at our We Love NY walking tour for a more romantic way to spend the day. Best of all, considering the gas money you […]