New Orleans for Couples: Romantic Things To Do
New Orleans is arguably America’s most romantic city. With its sultry atmosphere, world-class restaurants, live jazz on every corner, and centuries-old architecture draped in Spanish moss, it’s the perfect destination for couples seeking to reconnect, celebrate, or simply fall in love all over again.
Romantic Dining Experiences
Commander’s Palace ($$-$$$) Garden District classic where couples dress up for elevated Creole cuisine. Reserve a table upstairs for views of oak-lined streets and Southern elegance.
Brennan’s ($$-$$$) The birthplace of Bananas Foster in the French Quarter. Arrive after sunset when the courtyard glows with gas lamps and romance is practically mandatory.
Café Du Monde ($) Early morning or late-night beignets and chicory coffee overlooking the Mississippi River. Intimate despite the crowds, especially at 3 AM when the city quiets down.
Restaurant August ($$-$$$) Contemporary American in a converted tobacco warehouse. Perfect for couples seeking creative cuisine without stuffy formality.
Galatoire’s ($$$) Legendary French Creole since 1905. Jacket required, reservations essential, and the reward is an unforgettable evening.
Couple’s Experiences
Walk hand-in-hand through the Garden District, admiring antebellum mansions and oak-lined streets that feel like stepping back in time. The coolness of early morning or dusk makes it perfect for couples.
Catch live jazz on Frenchmen Street—venture beyond Bourbon Street to this authentic venue where locals actually hang out. Share a table, order cocktails, and let the music do the talking.
Take a sunset carriage ride through the French Quarter, clip-clopping past wrought-iron balconies and gas-lit streets while your guide shares stories of old New Orleans.
Book a couples massage or spa experience at local wellness centers. Stress melts away faster here than almost anywhere else.
Explore the historic cemeteries (City Park, St. Louis #1) during the day. Eerie but beautiful, these “cities of the dead” are quiet, atmospheric, and strangely romantic.
Spend an evening at a rooftop bar with views of the French Quarter and river—The Dungeon, Harrah’s, or Preservation Hall Foundation’s spaces offer cocktails with a view.
Where to Stay
The French Quarter puts you in the heart of romance, with boutique hotels, historic courtyards, and midnight strolls to jazz clubs. Expect $$-$$$. Book early—it’s popular.
The Garden District offers quieter, residential elegance with grand historic homes converted to inns. More peaceful than downtown but requires short trips to activity. $$-$$$
Marigny/Bywater is the hip, artsy alternative—less touristy, more local flavor, with vintage guesthouses and eclectic character. $-$$
Day Trips from New Orleans
Swamp Tours (30-45 minutes out) Glide through cypress swamps in an airboat. See alligators, Spanish moss, and pure Louisiana wilderness together. Tour operators vary; book through established companies ($40-80 per person).
Plantation Tours (30-60 minutes) Visit stunning antebellum plantations like Oak Alley or Laura. History-rich and visually stunning—couples enjoy the grandeur and photography opportunities.
Nighttime Romance & Entertainment
The city transforms at night. Jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street fill with locals and visitors. The sounds of live music drift through open windows. Street musicians perform on corners. The French Quarter becomes a maze of gas-lit streets and wrought-iron balconies illuminated against the dark sky. Book a table at a rooftop bar to watch the city light up, or simply wander through neighborhoods and let the music guide you.
Budget & Planning
New Orleans accommodates all budgets. Budget couples can enjoy beignets at Café Du Monde, streetcar rides, cemetery tours, and free jazz on Frenchmen Street for under $100 daily. Mid-range couples might budget $150-250 daily for mid-range restaurants, guided activities, and entertainment. Splurge-focused couples can spend $300+ on fine dining, premium hotels, and exclusive experiences.
Booking in advance is essential. Good restaurants fill months ahead. Tours book weeks in advance. Hotels vary by season, but weekends are always competitive. Plan early to avoid disappointment.
Tips for Couples in New Orleans
Visit in shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) for weather that doesn’t require constant AC breaks and fewer crowds than summer.
Make reservations everywhere—restaurants, tours, and experiences fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Dress up a little—New Orleans rewards effort. Nicer restaurants and lounges have dress codes; you’ll also feel the romance more when you’re not in gym clothes.
Skip Bourbon Street if possible—it’s loud, touristy, and chaotic. Frenchmen Street, Marigny, and the Garden District feel more authentically romantic.
Embrace the pace—New Orleans moves slowly. Have a beignet at sunrise, nap in the afternoon, explore at dusk, dine late. This rhythm is part of the magic.
Take a carriage ride—corny but genuinely romantic. Tour the Quarter or Garden District on horseback while your guide shares stories.
Book a ghost or history tour—couples enjoy the intimacy of a small group learning the city’s darker, more interesting stories.
💰 Save on Your New Orleans Stay
Qualified visitors can stay at resort-quality properties in New Orleans for a fraction of the retail rate — in exchange for attending a 90-to-120-minute vacation ownership preview.
Call (888) 988-2256 — Check Availability
Must be 26+, meet household income requirements, and attend a presentation about vacation ownership. No obligation to purchase. Full details →