I've been leaning toward New York City for the past while for our May honeymoon, but recently had a strong desire to go to D.C.

Note I've been to both several times, but my to-be wife has only been to each once, and for very short periods.

Help me decide, Fodorites. I'm so torn!

I think perhaps NYC would be better for the honeymoon, then go to D.C. later just as a get-away, but wanted some imput.

Thanks all.

Is budget an issue? You will get much nmore for yur money - be able to splurge more - in DC. Although honestly, to me NYC is more romantic.

Budget isn't a huge issue - although I am only 23 and out of college for two years. I know money in D.C. will go a lot further since many of its attractions are free.

But, I have no clue how romantic the city is. I've always been with friends or a large group of people.

Gee, I like both cities pretty well, but the last word I'd ever use for either of them is "romantic". But I might use that in describing Montreal. Or Cape Cod, Cape May, or Virginia Beach before Memorial Day.

Hi sppunk,
Personally, I'd opt for NYC in a flash. For a honeymoon, Manhattan's the place with the "tingle factor". I really enjoyed D.C., but more as an 'interesting' destination. Just my $0.02. I realise you may want your honeymoon destination to be a surprise for your wife-in-waiting, but has she expressed any preference based on her past travels?
cheers, foxymoron

Without knowing anything about you or your fiancee's likes, it's hard to say. Also, for how long to you plan to honeymoon? Where do you live? Are you sure you want a city honeymoon?

IMHO, DC is one of the least-romantic cities possible; the key attractions are memorials and government! Whereas NYC has so much to offer, no matter what you're looking for.

I've been to both cities about a dozen times each, often with my wife of 21 years. We both agree that, for romance, New York beats Washington by a WIDE margin.

To me, "honeymoon" says it all. Between those two - NYC hands down.

New York, for sure. Way more romantic, better restaurants, nightlife. (I went to DC for my honeymoon...now divorced, but can't blame it on the honeymoon...) DC is great when the kids come along. Acres of free museums, teach them about the government, and you won't mind that there's no nightlife because you'll be back at the motel in the suburbs splashing in the indoor pool.

I disagree - I would pick Washington DC - first it will be warmer that time of year and the cherry blossoms would be in bloom. Second there are A LOT of romantic restaurants - for example for my birthday I'm going to the Equinox Restaurant which is about a block from the White House. Also, you could get a MUCH nicer hotel for your money. So my pick would be DC.

The cherry blossoms wil probably not be in bloom, as they typically bloom in early April and the OP is traveling in May.

Oh, I don't agree at all -- hotels in DC are as expensive as they are in NYC and so are restaurants. I've lived here for about 30 years now and just don't see it as a romantic destination. Cherry blossoms will be long gone in May. While the National Gallery of Art has some rooms where I've been quite moved...it's a much better getaway weekend than a real romantic honeymoon.

If those are the only choices, then NYC. However, you could honeymoon in Paris for about the same overall costs as NYC (even with the higher airfare). Paris is also about a million times more romantic than either DC or NY.

NYC

NYC

AHD I agree -- you can probably honeymoon in Paris for the same costs as in NYC, and the romance --- well, May in Paris is fantastic (I've been there 3 times in May, so I know. It may get chilly at night...but so much the better for cuddling and you won't need to worry about AC.

Is this a joke?Honeymoon spots.Yea right.

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

We aren't going overseas on our honeymoon because we will have just gotten back from a two-month Europe excursion I'm taking for my job (!). We just got back from Hawaii, but we're not big beach people.

New York City embodies who we are - media "moguls" (we wish!) who live performance art, fine food and history. We also woud like to save a little money for a house we are in the process of buying. I know NYC isn't cheap, but airfare will be so much cheaper than many places.

Again, thanks everyone! Now just to narrow down the hotel choices. Easy job, right? Haha.

NYC hands down. Personally, I think Washington DC is about as romantic as an elephant...or maybe a donkey.