New Orleans can be an ideal city for a romantic vacation with its bustling nightclubs, relaxed lounges, endless live music and some of the greatest cuisine in the United States today.
The city is also home to lush parks filled with lakes, lagoons and gorgeous scenery at every turn. Not to mention the sprawling Mississippi River and its classical steamboat cruises, or the murky swamps which provide unforgettable views and fully unique experiences.
With the city being so full of history and culture, there are sure to be date activities for all tastes and occasions from free to fancy. From trying the best food to enjoying incredible natural views and the 24-hour city life, these are some of the best date ideas in New Orleans.
Stroll in the French Quarter
• Best for: Active and leisurely activities, spontaneity, opportunities at all hours
• Cost: Free
The French Quarter is New Orleans' quintessential district and it can be a romantic and exciting place to stroll with your partner at any hour. In the morning, you can wander through less crowded streets at a leisurely pace before diving into one of the district's many cafés and bakeries to get some delicious beignets, which are iconic puffy fried pastries. For lunch, you can try some of New Orleans famous foods from gumbo to po' boys, which can easily be found in the area.
As the day progresses, you can continue exploring the colorful, historical buildings complete with cast-iron balconies, hanging moss and fauna and other local styles. Once the sun starts setting, the energy picks up and you can enjoy a varied nightlife from soothing jazz clubs and cocktail lounges to more energized bars and nightclubs along Bourbon St.
The French Quarter has something for every mood or occasion and your romantic trip to New Orleans isn’t complete without a day spent exploring this vast area.
Steamboat Cruise with Live Jazz on the Mississippi River
• Best for: Romantic events and leisurely outings
• Cost: $42+ (buffet sold separately)
The iconic steamboat cruise is a staple of New Orleans travel and what better way to make your date more memorable than by adding local live jazz into the mix? With this unique cruise, you’ll enjoy a scenic day along the Mississippi River complete with New Orleans cuisine in a historic dining hall along with thrilling live jazz.
You can also enjoy a night cruise to make your date night extra special and enjoy watching as the skyline lights up beautifully throughout the night.
Jazz in a Cozy Club
• Best for: Relaxing or dancing, day or night, varied atmospheres
• Cost: Prices vary depending on the club, from free entry to paid entry and other fees depending on the venue
New Orleans is known as the home of jazz and enjoying a live show at night can be an essential part of a vacation.
There are clubs for all types of experiences, from sultry and smooth to more energetic and danceable. Visiting a jazz club is one of the best New Orleans date ideas for couples on vacation as most clubs come complete with great drinks and famous New Orleans food.
Some essential jazz clubs include:
• Preservation Hall
• The Spotted Cat Music Club
• Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub
• Mahogany Jazz Hall
• Steamboat Natchez
• The Davenport Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton
A Haunted Ghost Tour Date Night
• Best for unique dates, late night adventures, drinking and pub crawling (for certain tours)
• Cost: Starting around $30 or more per person
New Orleans is home to a number of famous tales of ghosts, hauntings and the supernatural, meaning that a ghost tour can be a great way to get in on local history and lore. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, these campfire tales are often based on cultural myths which make them exciting even for the most skeptical history buff.
Spooky activities can make for great date ideas in New Orleans, as ghost tours provide a way to safely explore unique areas and other off-the-beaten-path locations with a unique twist. There are many options, from haunted pub crawls on Bourbon Street to carriage rides and more in-depth tours of mansions and various districts.
Explore the Garden District
• Best for: Active and leisurely strolls, photo opportunities, historical beauty
• Cost: Free, although certain historical mansions may have a fee, along with the famed streetcar and carriage rides
The Garden District is a highly manicured neighborhood featuring some of the South’s greatest historical mansions and works of architecture, along with vast oak trees providing lovely shade and atmosphere in a stunningly beautiful area.
Ride the St. Charles Streetcar through the area for a historic and enjoyable tour, or ride one of the many horse-drawn carriages to feel like royalty. You could also stroll through the district to learn about the area’s history, as it’s home to a number of famous New Orleans' attractions, including Mardi Gras parades and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
The area also makes for a great New Orleans date night spot, featuring endless cafés, restaurants and boutique shops.
A Picnic in Audubon Park
• Best for: Leisure outdoor activities, relaxing and romantic events
• Cost: Free to enter
Bring some local food and enjoy a wonderful picnic at the spacious Audubon Park, which features extensive lawn areas, picnic tables, plus walking trails and even a central island within the lagoon.
If you get tired of exploring the area, you can also visit the onsite Zoo and Aquarium, along with an adjacent butterfly park. While these places do have an entry fee, they can be a great way to spend your time together once you’re ready to cool off from the outdoor sun.
Swamp and Bayou Airboat Tour
• Best for: Active couples and those who enjoy the outdoors
• Cost: From $50 and more, depending on the operator and length of tour
New Orleans' murky green swampland is an essential stop for fans of nature. While it may not seem romantic at first, a tour of the area by airboat can be an exhilarating adventure that provides memories for a lifetime.
Choose from a number of operators, including smaller and larger boats and get ready to wade through the infamous swampland where you’ll find countless birds, unique fauna and most importantly, alligators that pop up right near your boat.
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