9 ideas to enjoy Valentine’s Day in New York City – all by yourself

For some, Valentine’s Day is a dreaded event full of cringeworthy clichés about true love, or bad memories of being skipped over by a crush.

But what if Valentine’s Day was instead a day of self-love, reflection or meditation? True love, as they say, starts from within.

Focusing on self-love could even be beneficial for our health. According to Dr. Thuy-Vy Nguyen, a researcher at Durham University in the United Kingdom whose work focuses on solitude, spending time alone may be key to getting rest — regardless of whether you identify as an introvert or extrovert.

“Across multiple experiments, we found that solitude brings down our strong emotions,” she said.

She says being solitary doesn’t necessarily mean being isolated from other people. It could be as simple as spending time alone in a public place with a book, or enjoying a meal solo.

Here are nine ideas to enjoy Valentine’s Day all by yourself.

Enjoy ramen at a restaurant designed for solo diners.

Head to Ichiran, a restaurant famous for its “ramen focus booths,” or dining stalls designed for one. They create an experience for the diner to focus on one thing: flavor. The host seats you at a stall with a small window through which your server delivers your bowl of hot, savory noodles. Ichiran is known for its savory tonkatsu ramen, but vegetarians may enjoy the veggie ramen instead. The Japanese chain has locations in Times Square, Midtown and Brooklyn.

Melt away your winter stress at the spa.

Steam yourself at the massive King Spa in Fort Lee, New Jersey. This Korean-style bathhouse features multiple saunas and steam rooms, plus soaking hot and cold baths to soothe your stiff achy muscles. The spa provides a free shuttle to and from 31st Street in Midtown and has a Korean restaurant and juice bar on site to round out your daycation. For Valentine’s Day, the entrance fee is $45, which includes use of the pools and saunas. Spa treatments, including massages and body scrubs, cost extra and may be purchased online.

Go to a “love-positive” dance party in SoHo.

Kia LaBeija, the former mother of the Royal House of LaBeija, is the current artist in residence at the Greene Space, which, like Gothamist, is owned by New York Public Radio. LaBeija hosts “Love Positive Women” on Valentine’s Day, a dance party to honor and uplift women living with HIV. The evening features a photo booth, sweet treats, cash bar and music by DJ Isas Lobas. Admission also includes access to LaBeija’s photo series on view, “Photographs from Plague in the Shadows.” The party kicks off at 8 p.m. and admission starts at $5 in a choose-what you-pay model. Tickets are available online.

Have a movie night out.

The Brooklyn Academy of Music will screen Frank Capra’s 1934 classic film “It Happened One Night” on Valentine’s Day. It’s one of the only movies to win all five major Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay. The story follows the wealthy Ellie Andrews, played by Claudette Colbert, as she adventures across the country with the unemployed reporter Peter Warne, played by Clark Gable. Romance ensues as the pair navigate mishaps and mayhem. Two showtimes are available on Feb. 14 — one at 7 p.m. and another at 9:15 p.m. Tickets available online.

Dance the night away in Bushwick.

If you want to dance the night away without the fuss of finding a partner, head to Elsewhere in Bushwick for their Heartbreaker’s Ball on Feb. 14. With DJ sets by Mija, The Muses, and Joopiter, among others, plus poetry and art installations, there is more than enough love for everyone. Entrance is free if you RSVP online. The event starts at 9 p.m. and goes until late.

Paint and sip.

Flex your creative muscle and relax with a drink at a local paint and sip. These events are flexible — go with a group, or go alone to really lean into your artistic soul and channel your best work. At Astoria Bier and Cheese in Queens, guests can enjoy charcuterie snacks with beer at a discounted price before painting their custom beer glasses. For those who want to get a little more boozy, there’s Paint ‘N Pour, which has locations in Harlem and on the Lower East Side and offers an open bar while you paint. Tickets cost around $90 on Valentine’s Day and are available at multiple time slots. You can learn more at their website.

See a burlesque show in the Village.

Over at Le Poisson Rouge in Greenwich Village, join self-described “Burlesque femcee” Shelly Watson at a Valentine’s Day show. “Filthy Gorgeous Burlesque” features Pearls Daily, Jack Barrow, Aquarius Moon and more. DJ Momotaro and Rosie Tulips spin on the decks before the show begins at 8 p.m., so arrive early. This event is 18+ and tickets may be bought on the Dice app.

Enjoy Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Attending a concert alone can be meditative, or possibly even transcendental. If that’s your jam, consider Dianne Reeves’ annual Valentine’s Day concert at Lincoln Center, “Lovestruck.” After the show, concertgoers can use their ticket to get in upstairs at Dizzy’s Club to keep the party going for the late night session. This year’s event happens on two dates: Feb. 16 and 17, and you can buy tickets online. Advance purchase is recommended.

Make your own flower arrangement.

Up your bouquet game with a DIY version from Manhattan’s Flower District on 28th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues. Before you head out, find the style of bouquet that suits your taste. Many flower experts suggest arriving around 8 a.m. Some stalls will sell baskets or vases for your arrangement, or you can DIY one with an old coffee can. And finally, don’t forget to bring cash, as some vendors prefer it.