New Orleans is a striking city in a myriad of ways. Its deep and shadowy history and French and Spanish-inspired architecture make for an exciting place to wander and explore as a couple. The city’s culture, lit up by classic jazz tunes and mouthwatering creole-inspired dishes, only add to the allure of a getaway to the Big Easy.
In this article, we’re sharing some of the best things to do in New Orleans for couples!
Explore the French Quarter and the Garden District
The French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans, so it only makes sense that you would begin your couple’s journey through the city here. This part of the city is home to some striking 18th-century buildings that are like time portals into the past.
Art galleries are plentiful in New Orleans and are a great way to enjoy the French Quarter. Hemmerling Gallery of Southern Art features moving depictions of Southern African American folk culture and is a great place to peruse as a couple. Gallery Orange is another spot to be noticed; it offers more of a contemporary setting to enjoy the artwork.
Artwork can often strike a chord within viewers’ hearts. For couples that leave the art galleries inspired, an area art class could be a fun way to spend time together here. Consider popping into a class at ShardWorx. A class like this is a fun couples activity in a no-stress environment that allows patrons to have some art-inspired fun together.
Jackson Square is a pretty place for a stroll throughout the quarter. This area is often filled with jazz music, played by musicians lined up and down the streets. It is one of the most colorful and culturally alive spots in New Orleans.
There are many free art exhibitions, street artists, and even fortune tellers in Jackson Square. One of the most adorable things to do as a couple here would be commissioning a portrait to be drawn by an artist in the square.
And, of course, a trip to New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Bourbon Street. It’s the place to be for couples looking for a nightlife adventure. Jazz clubs on Bourbon Street are a true New Orleans staple. These clubs make for a fantastic setting for a night out on the town.
A little beyond the quarter, be sure to check out the Oak tree-lined streets of the Garden District too! Hop on a streetcar here and take in this neighborhood’s stunning gardens and creepy mansions. The sights here really bring the historic nature of the city to life!
Take in Nature
Moving outside the city center, visiting Bayou Saint John is an excellent suggestion for couples who want to get active during their getaway. This popular recreation area is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Shops nearby the bayou provide watersport rentals.
For those who would rather stay off the water, Wisner Bike Path (located on the west bank) is a beautiful tree-lined route perfect for cycling together or romantically strolling along the water’s edge. The river is scenic and flanked by grassy banks, offering the perfect makings for a romantic picnic if you want to plan ahead.
Speaking of picnics, visitors won’t notice a ton of greenery in a cityscape as stark as New Orleans. City Park is one of few parks in the city and a great place to enjoy a romantic meal outdoors. Visitors shouldn’t miss the Storyland portion of the park, a little off-the-wall garden area that features 20 sculptures, each depicting a memorable character in the wide world of fairy tales.
But the most romantic attraction here is the Bella Mae gondola ride. Couples are encouraged to bring a beverage to sip on (ice bucket and champagne glasses are provided) as they board a gondola for a ride through the park’s lagoons. City Park may not be Venice, Italy, but for the 50 minutes aboard the gondola, it sure feels like it.
For the ultimate nature experience in Louisiana, consider branching out into the swamplands. Many New Orleans tours transport guests 30 to 45 minutes outside the city to explore some of the nearby swamps.
Honey Island is a popular spot for these tours. Tour groups typically explore the marsh area on a pontoon boat, learning about the ecosystem and history of the site. This type of tour is a great outing to consider if you’re hoping to spy on any wildlife on your trip to New Orleans. Alligators are commonly spotted in this area, as are wild boars. The plant life is incredibly unique in these parts too! A tour like this would be a memorable way to recall your time together in New Orleans.
Check out the City’s Museums
Museums are an excellent way to get a real taste of the history of New Orleans. Vue Orleans is a very commercialized type of museum, but also a great source of information when it comes to the city’s highlights. Visitors that don’t mind the flashy tourist vibe should give this spot a whirl.
Vue Orleans is, first and foremost, an observatory, offering a 360-degree view of the city from 34 stories up. But the real treat of this experience is the exhibits visitors pass through while making their way to the top.
Bright and interactive displays featuring the music (jazz, r&b, funk), food (gumbo, jambalaya, king cake), costumes (think Madi Gras!), and historical figures of the city give visitors a sneak peek into the real Crescent City. And if the view from the observation deck wasn’t enough, you can view 15 neighborhoods and 60 attractions throughout the city in minute detail through special kiosks in the museum.
Vacationing couples may enjoy the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, which illustrates the city’s culinary history through galleries, demonstrations, tasting sessions, and sometimes even cooking classes! A class on preparing bananas foster, jambalaya, or gumbo would be a great addition to a couple’s adventure. Couples cooking classes are also available at the New Orleans School of Cooking.
You can keep things saucy with a venture over to the Museum of the American Cocktail, located in the same building and is included in admission to the Food and Beverage Museum.
For more cocktail-inspired fun, consider bouncing over to the New Orleans Drink Lab, where visitors will learn the history behind some of New Orleans’ most famous cocktails. Things get hands-on in the second half of the class, where couples move behind the bar and are guided in the art of mixing the cocktails themselves.
The New Orleans Museum of Art, located in City Park, should be on any art lovers’ New Orleans itinerary. This museum is home to over 40,000 French and American works of art. The pieces include paintings, photographs, and other art installations. A visit here is a wonderful way to see the city’s history.
Take a Haunted Adventure
It’s time to address the (haunted) elephant in the room. A trip to New Orleans would be lacking without exploring the historic haunted city legends. Voodoo in New Orleans dates back to the early 1800s. You can dive deeper into its history at the Historic Voodoo Museum.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the museum, which features exhibits on voodoo history and practices. A guided tour is also available, where an expert will lead a group through the museum and out into the city to other voodoo landmarks.
This type of tour is a must-do activity for couples familiar with the history of voodoo or the monumental figures in its New Orleans origin. The tour includes stops at Congo Square and Marie Laveau’s home.
Because it’s often referred to as the most haunted city in the United States, many ghosts and haunted location tours are offered throughout the city. The city’s most frightening urban legends are brought to life through visits to places like LaLaurie Mansion and New Orleans Pharmacy Museum! Guides lead visitors to some of the most well-known paranormal locations throughout the city while addressing the claims of ghosts, witches, and vampires.
The cemetery tours in New Orleans showcase a different side of the city. Some tours even offer after-dark access to the cemeteries, where couples are encouraged to bring their cameras to patrol for paranormal activity. Tours like these offer the perfect opportunity to cuddle up close as a couple and enjoy some other-worldly, spooky fun.
Explore the Flavors of New Orleans
Food and the entire dining experience are vital to the New Orleans experience. There are a few landmark restaurants and food-based activities that will take your trip to new heights!
Taste the best of what the city can offer on a New Orleans food tour. It’s a fun way to traverse the city while eating and drinking with your loved one.
There are so many different tours to choose from. Some tours focus on exploring specific areas of the city (a French Quarter tour vs. a Garden District tour), some include in-depth historical components, and some are dedicated to exploring one specific type of food.
For instance, if you’re looking to enjoy drinks throughout the city, a cocktail tour might be the right option. In contrast, a beignet tour might better fit those with a sweet tooth!
Café du Monde is one of the originating coffee shops in New Orleans. It is an excellent place to visit to try one of the city’s most famous foods, the beignet. Beignets are similar to a standard donut but square and covered with powdered sugar. They are a sugar-coated dream.
The charming outdoor seating here offers a great vantage point of Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. Long wait times are expected because this is such a popular eatery in the city. Visiting first thing in the morning or late evening will improve your chances of scoring a table without much fuss.
Enjoying dinner on a steamboat chugging up the Mississippi River is another quintessential New Orleans experience. Many companies offer dinner cruises or fun jazz cruises, but none can top a Creole Queen Cruise. Being out on the water with your loved one makes for a wonderful memory in the Big Easy.
Romantic Places to Stay
The city offers many different ways to spend your time as a couple, but the place you stay will also greatly impact your overall trip. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the best places to stay in New Orleans for a romantic getaway.
Grand Victorian Bed and Breakfast is located in a historic house in the Garden District. The rooms feature period furniture, so staying here feels like traveling back in time. Many of the suites feature jacuzzis and romantic, private balconies.
Canal Street Inn is a gorgeous bed and breakfast surrounded by lush greenery located in the mid-city area of New Orleans. The quaint inn features comfortable staying rooms and even a spa, allowing couples to be pampered together. The inn also features some gardens providing a more picturesque atmosphere. This inn is a peaceful place to stay away from the rush of the city.
Hotel Le Marais is an impressive luxury hotel. The property has a gym, a heated saltwater pool to relax in, and even features a restaurant. The brick-laid courtyard is an excellent place to relax on the patio furniture and waste away the day with your special someone. This hotel is a trendy spot in the French Quarter, so it’s perfect for couples who don’t want to venture too far from the city’s action.
All in all, New Orleans is an excellent choice for a couple’s getaway. No matter what walk of life the couple hails from, everyone will have fun in New Orleans! The swamp and cemeteries are perfect attractions for those interested in exploring the city’s underbelly. At the same time, the lively food tours, clubs, and blaring music will keep the celebration rolling for the active partners. Have a fantastic time in New Orleans!
