As the girls from “Sex and the City” will tell you, New York City’s a pretty fun place to be single, but when you’re looking to get hitched, don’t worry; there’s a lot of amazing places to pop the question.
Atop the Empire State Building – Okay, it won’t win any points for originality, but ten years from now when your wife gushes about how you proposed to her on one of the most famous rooftops in the world, the light of romance in her eyes will prove you’re more than forgiven for leaving the toilet seat up. (Bonus points if she’s a fan of any of the Hollywood films that did this scene-“Sleepless in Seattle” comes to mind.)
If you choose this destination to propose, be aware that going to the top is a somewhat bureaucratic affair, with tickets and appointment times involved; you can’t just show up and ride an elevator.
Outside of Tiffany’s – Where else in New York City could put someone in just the right mindset to receive a diamond ring? Of course, hopefully you’ve found a rock that will match the flare of what’s on sale at the iconic store. If she’s a fan of the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, consider bringing along a Danish.
Rockefeller Center – This one depends on time of year as much as anything. Valentine’s Day is no awful time to propose marriage, but if you’re thinking ahead to December, good for you; skaters and the famous Christmas tree will add to the ambience in no small way.
Or maybe you don’t want to be on the ground at all. The Top of the Rock observation center, which opened in 2005 after a nineteen-year closure, provides a sensational 360-degree view, seventy stories up. As with the Empire State Building, there’s a line and bookings to keep, but it’s not nearly as bad as the more famous landmark. Still, if you didn’t want a busy atmosphere, you wouldn’t have chosen New York City in the first place. And hey, there’s exhibits and videos along the way.
Rainbow Room – Another easy choice… in terms of “this’ll work,” at least, if not “this’ll work for my budget.” Best if you’re a good dancer. This isn’t the place to prove you’ve got two left feet, and certainly not the time.
Yankee Stadium or Shea Stadium – If you’re lucky enough to have met someone who shares your enthusiasm for your favorite ball team, why the heck haven’t you had the sense to propose already? Still, if her enthusiasm for the baseball diamond outweighs any other diamond around, spring for two good seats and take a swing at the ball here. (For whatever reason, the Mets will not display marriage proposals on their scoreboard, but the Bronx Bombers are game, for a fee; if you’re feeling bold, see about popping the question in front of the whole stadium. The applause will be memorable.)
Lincoln Center – Another no-brainer, this cozy and quieter-than-you-might-think spot has a beautifully-lit fountain to sit by. Best if she has a taste for the finer arts.
Central Park – In truth, an entire article could be written on the best places within Central Park to propose, but to go with the obvious, few things spell out romance better than a horse-drawn carriage ride. (Note that there is some controversy over the treatment of these horses, and if your girlfriend is sensitive on this issue, it might be best to skip this one; instead, take your animal lover to the zoo!) For another popular spot, consider the ice skating rink. It’s witnessed almost as many happy proposals as tourists falling down.
But here’s the truth: the best place to propose in New York City is the place that meant something to you. Tourist locations are fun, but every corner of New York has its own stories to tell; chances are there’s a place you and the lucky girl share something special that would make your proposal personal and meaningful. It’s a great city; add something great of your own to match. Good luck!
