10 Most Romantic Things to Do in New Orleans

Couples seeking romance are sure to find it in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jazz is the muse, begging couples to swing onto the dance floor or snuggle up in a nightclub booth for a kiss. The architecture is romantic, with flower vines winding around rusting wrought-iron balconies — somehow more beautiful for the wear. Even the cuisine tastes sensuous, with bowls of Creole cuisine like shrimp and grits or crawfish étouffée exciting the palate. Meanwhile, the people of New Orleans are so friendly, it’s hard not to smile while exploring this city. After a few days, couples find they are friendlier, too. Make the most of your Big Easy vacation with this list of 10 romantic things to do in New Orleans.

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1. Listen to live jazz.

It would be a sin to visit New Orleans and not listen to live jazz. It might be impossible to do, actually. Jazz is ever-present in Crescent city, with musicians playing on street corners, in restaurants, and in nearly every bar. Even if you think you don’t like jazz, you may find your toes tapping to this town’s sweet tunes.

My husband and I fell in love with the local jazz band, the Ibervillianaires. My favorite memory from our New Orleans romantic getaway is half-dancing in my barstool at the 21st Amendment Bar in the French Quarter while watching these incredible musicians jam out. The lead singer, Chance Bushman, gets the audience clapping, laughing, dancing, and whooping — especially when he jumps out of his chair to scratch a tune or two with his tap shoes on a washboard. Watch the video below to see what I mean!

For the most authentic jazz experience near Bourbon Street, buy tickets for Preservation Hall. You can’t buy drinks here, but you can bring in libations from nearby watering holes. Prepare to stand unless you line up very early for one of the shows (8, 9 and 10 pm nightly). All ages are welcomed here. Meanwhile, most jazz clubs can be found on Frenchman Street, about a 10-minute Uber ride from the French Quarter.

2. Get into the spirit of New Orleans cocktail culture.

New Orleans is a cocktail town. The city is known for its original boozy concoctions like the Sazerac (rye whisky, sugar, bitters) and the Hurricane (rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup, orange wedge, and cherry). Even dedicated wine drinkers, like me, might succumb to the lure of mixed drinks when in N’Awlins. Be sure to take a spin on a barstool at the Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone, which slowly spins around its mixologists. Or, grab a Bubbly Vive at the swanky lobby bar at Hotel le Marais, a purple delight made from sparkling wine, Chambord, and Crème de Violette.

Even if you don’t drink alcohol, you’ll learn a lot on a New Orleans Original Cocktail Late Afternoon Walking Tour (with complimentary Natchez punch) or an Early Evening Cocktail History Tour (with four sample cocktails).

3. Set sail on the Mississippi River.

There’s something so romantic about seeing a city skyline from the water. Set sail on the Mississippi River aboard the Steamboat Natchez during your romantic getaway. You can book a lunch or dinner sailing, but this cruise is about the views and the live jazz, not the food. Book your cruise now!

4. Tour the Garden District.

Couples will enjoy a Garden District & Lafayette Cemetery Tour. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you past dreamy homes full of New Orleans charm, including the former home of Interview with the Vampire author Ann Rice, and the vacation home of actress Sandra Bullock.

Even the cemeteries in New Orleans are romantic with their beautiful above-ground, often ornate graves. During your tour of Lafayette Cemetery, you’ll gain an interesting perspective on the lives and deaths of the people of New Orleans. Did you know Rice’s Mayfair Witches and Lestat the vampire were based on this cemetery?

5. Stroll through New Orleans City Park.

After a few days of exploring the city, connect with nature and with each other at New Orleans City Park. There’s plenty to explore in this 1,300-acre green space. To reach this sprawling park in Mid-City, take the red Canal Streetcar.

Couples can stop to smell the flowers at the New Orleans Botanical Garden, admire the artwork at the New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden, play a round of mini-golf at City Putt, and much more.

6. Get a couple’s fortune reading.

Voodoo is a big part of New Orleans’ culture. You don’t need to be a believer to have a little fun with Voodoo during your stay. If you and your honey dig all things spooky, then sign up for a Ghosts, Vampire & Voodoo French Quarter Tour.

Everything’s better together, so make a reservation for a couple’s reading to learn your fortunes at Voodoo Authentica in the French Quarter. While there, pick up a Love and Passion Voodoo Doll to spice up your love life. Hey…couldn’t hurt!

7. Eat Creole cuisine.

New Orleans is famous for its flavorful Creole cuisine. Sample some of the city’s favorite dishes like gumbo and beignets while learning about the history and importance of food in Cajun Country with a French Quarter Food Tour.

For an even more in-depth experience, sign up for a Lunch & Lesson: Cajun & Creole Cooking Class, complete with a multicourse Cajun and Creole meal, beverages, and printed recipes.

Commander’s Palace

If celebrating an anniversary or other big event, then you must make reservations at Commander’s Palace in the Garden District. My husband and I splurged on dinner at this renowned restaurant on the night of our 15th wedding anniversary.

This is old-school New Orleans at its finest. Be sure to order their famous table-side bananas foster for a sultry, caramelized top for your evening.

Arnaud’s Restaurant

My husband and I spared little expense when dining in New Orleans, and we both came home with a little extra love in our love handles because of it. The best restaurant by far was Arnaud’s Restaurant. It was so good we went back for a second meal during our romantic getaway.

Order their unforgettable Crawfish O’Connor, the restaurant’s brandy-infused version of crawfish étoufée. This is a dish that will forever live in your mouth’s memories.

Oysters in New Orleans

Known as an aphrodisiac, oysters are a specialty in New Orleans. Michael Jackson has been shucking oysters and making friends with diners at Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar since 1999. (Yes, that’s his real name.) He’s who you picture when you think of a N’awlin’s oyster shucker, with a gravelly voice like Louis Armstrong and an easy laugh.

Across the street is the more famous Acme Oyster House, where the line out front is significantly longer. Both restaurants earned four stars on Yelp.

8. Indulge in New Orleans sweets.

You’ve heard of Café du Monde, of course. But a local advised us to skip their long lines and pre-made beignets in favor of the made-to-order delights at Café Beignet. Although I’m gluten-sensitive, I indulged in one of their freshly fried square doughnuts topped with powdered sugar. They’re delectably sweet, chewy, and soft with just a slight crunch.

Pralines are all the rage in New Orleans. These confections are made from pecans, sugar, butter, and cream. A bit too sweet for my palate, I prefer the Louisiana Turtles (pecans draped in caramel and dark or milk chocolate) at Laura’s Candies. The oldest candy shop in New Orleans offers all sorts of pralines, as well as truffles, chocolate-covered Oreos, and other candies.

9. Choose a romantic hotel.

Booking the right hotel is imperative when seeking romance in New Orleans. For me, nowhere but the famous French Quarter would do. I wanted to stay somewhere intimate, with that romantic New Orleans curly-cued architecture and French accents.

That’s exactly what I found at Hotel Mazarin. This friendly luxury boutique hotel serves a complimentary hot breakfast to guests in a pretty courtyard each morning. Read more about this hotel and book your stay via Hotels.com.

For a more modern vibe, choose sister property Hotel Le Marais. Purple is the signature color at this chic hotel. Located just a block from Bourbon Street, you’ll be close to the action but far enough away that you can sleep peacefully.

My favorite part during our romantic getaway in New Orleans? The swanky courtyard pool provides a refreshing way to cool off after a hot day exploring the city. Breakfast is also included here. Read reviews of Hotel Le Marais on Hotels.com.

Hotel Mazarin and Hotel Le Marais are both members of the J Collection of hotels in New Orleans. All of their properties boast glowing reviews and would surely make lovely lodging options while exploring all the romantic things to do in New Orleans.

10. Bring home the flavor and romance of New Orleans.

Part of the pleasure of any trip to New Orleans is wandering through the French Quarter and popping into the many cute boutiques and souvenir shops. Of course, you’ll want to buy some Mardi Gras beads and maybe a Carnival mask or two.

Forever New Orleans offers upscale souvenirs celebrating all things Crescent City. Stop at Santa’s Quarters to add a little jazz to your Christmas ornament collection. Art Galleries abound in the French Quarter, which are fun to peruse even if you don’t make a purchase.

At the Pepper Palace, you can sample dozens of hot sauces before selecting your favorite to bring a little Louisiana spice home with you. Lastly, you’ll feel less guilty about leaving the kids at home when you pick up a couple of gifts from the Little Toy Shop.

Learn More about New Orleans

Bringing the kids along? Be sure to read our tips for visiting New Orleans with kids!

Explore even more fun things to do and interesting tours to book in New Orleans from our partner, GetYourGuide.

I found Frommer’s EasyGuide to New Orleans to be a very helpful resource in planning our trip. It’s a pocket-sized book with smart ways to explore the city and includes a handy foldout map. Get your New Orleans guidebook now!

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Would you like to explore these romantic things to do in New Orleans? Do you have any additional tips for finding romance in New Orleans? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: I received some media discounts and comps from the J Collection and the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau related to this story about romance in New Orleans. As always, my opinions are my own. 

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