New Orleans is synonymous with Mardi Gras. However, it is also one of the most romantic cities in the US. This is mainly due to its vibrant views, colonial architecture, candlelit bistros, and more. All of this makes New Orleans feel like a setting from a romantic movie.
From cruising down the Mississippi to exploring the city’s majestic premodern architecture, there’s so much to do here. New Orleans is typically described as a ‘fun’ city. When you find out about the list of romantic places here, you’ll finally understand why it is called so! Let’s begin.
New Orleans Romantic Getaways
1. Jackson Square
Jackson Square is one of the most loved places in New Orleans. It is easy to why. The city has gorgeous architecture and friendly people. Start your morning at Café du Monde with their delicious chicory-laced coffee and beignets. Visit the Cabildo, a history museum, and wander through the city’s history.
Head to the Washington Artillery Park to get a beautiful view of the Mississippi River and Jackson Square. Stroll with your lover on the Moonwalk, a pedestrian walkway. Take a horse-drawn carriage tour to soak in the amazing vibes of the city. It will truly be a ride to remember!
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2. French Quarter
French Quarter is a dreamy, romantic place for couples. The French Market Inn, with its charming rooms decorated in the classic Quarter style, is the perfect place to stay. For a romantic evening, head over to the Bourbon House Bar for freshly shucked oysters and local caviar.
Go back in time to the glamorous riverboat days through a jazz cruise on the Creole Queen. Nothing is more romantic than taking a leisurely ride through the streets in a mule-drawn carriage. Make your stay more memorable and romantic with a candlelit dinner at Antoine’s, housed in a historic building at the heart of the French Quarter.
3. Lake Pontchartrain
A delicate oasis on the outskirts of New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain is perfect for nature-loving couples. The lake is known for its brackish water, a mix of fresh and saltwater. Enjoy your time here by taking a 50-minute drive amid the gorgeous natural landscape across the Lake Pontchartrain Bridge. The lake also offers fishing opportunities. There are plenty of restaurants nearby where you can indulge yourself in whatever your heart desires.
Visit the New Canal Lighthouse Museum to discover the history of the lake and its present condition. There are several biking trails and parks in this area. Head over to the Fontainebleau State Park to hike, fish, camp, and relax. A visit to Lake Pontchartrain is sure to be filled with exciting adventures!
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4. Preservation Hall
New Orleans and Jazz is a classic combination. Perhaps no other place can reflect it than the Preservation Hall, a venue that promotes jazz. The hall showcases more than 100 local jazz musicians daily! More interesting is the fact that all these musicians are considered ‘masters’ of traditional jazz.
It’s recommended you pay in advance to book a seat for you and your partner. You’ll find yourself immersed in the atmospheric vibes the moment you enter the hall. Enjoy brilliant jazz throughout the evening from Grammy award-winning musicians. A visit here will make you acquire a greater appreciation for traditional jazz.
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5. Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras World gives you a firsthand experience of the well-known Big Easy holiday. The museum and studio showcase countless floats, props, and costumes for the Mardi Gras celebration. You’ll certainly enjoy looking at the eccentric float in the shape of a dragon and ginormous Disney characters.
Take a guided tour for insights into the artistry and technology behind the floats. You can also enrol in Mardi Gras mask-making classes. The place is a haven for selfie lovers. Don’t forget to snap a photo with your sweetheart to seal the memories of the wonderful time you spend here.
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6. Frenchmen Street
An off-the-beaten gem, Frenchmen Street is the favourite place for New Orleanians to hear live music while sipping a drink. If you love good food, good music, and an interesting culture and street scene, this is the place to be. Stop by Big Easy Daiquiris for an oversized cocktail in a flavour of your choice. Visit the Friztels, a popular live band venue to enjoy music and drinks.
Relish southern dinner at Marigny Brasserie, a restaurant known for its gumbo, truffle fries, red beans, and rice. Preserve the night spent here forever in your heart with a visit to a souvenir store. A shot glass with the city’s name across the rim will remind you of this day long after it’s gone.
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7. JAMNOLA
JAMNOLA gives an authentic New Orleans experience combining art, music, and of course, joy! The 5,500-square-foot funky art playground is located in a converted warehouse area on the edge of Bywater. Take a self-guided tour with your partner to walk through a series of rooms that mine the cultural map of New Orleans. These places tell stories from the minds and eyes of the local artists.
JAMNOLA is filled with paintings and sculptures with interactive virtual reality. There are life-sized crawfish pots to jump into, carnival float-sized busts of pioneering musicians, and so much more. If there’s a place that promises loads of fun and excitement, it’s JAMNOLA.
8. Magazine Street
Beginning from the heart of New Orleans, Magazine Street shows the city’s personality like no other. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars scattered all over the six-mile stretch. Couples should consider visiting La Petite Grocery, a popular date night restaurant. If you love Mediterranean cuisine, Saba will delight you.
Magazine Street has several vintage shops with one-of-a-kind treasures. Visit Mignon Faget for classic jewellery pieces. The Antique Mall has a curated collection of pretty much everything, from furniture to art. Head over to the Warehouse District to browse art galleries or plan a day at the National WWII Museum. Magazine Street will always surprise you with something new!
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9. Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise
Want to feel like royalty? Book a VIP jazz dinner cruise with Steamboat Natchez. Create memories on the Mississippi River and experience an exclusive treatment as a VIP guest. The cruise begins with a complimentary champagne cocktail as you take a tour of the boat’s authentic spaces and fixtures. The dining room has a table reserved for both of you. Here, you can relax while indulging in a lavish buffet dinner.
Listen to the live jazz band Dukes of Dixieland as you treat your taste buds. Take in the captivating night views of New Orleans with your sweetheart. Before the cruise and the dinner concluded, you’ll be gifted with a Dukes of Dixieland CD and a commemorative Steamboat Natchez as souvenirs. How wonderful is that?!
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read also: Weekend Getaways From Philadelphia
10. New Orleans City Park
New Orleans City Park is a huge attraction for tourists and locals alike. The park is always bustling with unique events and is filled with lush greenery. A visit here begins with the café au lait and beignets from the renowned Café du Monde. Then, head over to The New Orleans Museum of Art. Sift through a collection of over 30,000 curated objects, including sculptures, antiques, paintings, and more. The Sculpture Garden houses 90 sculptures by world-famous artists.
Rent a single or double kayak and experience the park drifting along the bay and lake with your partner. Then visit the New Orleans Botanical Garden, home to over a thousand species of plants. There’s so much to discover at New Orleans City Park, making it a must-visit place any time of the year.
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Concluding Words
The vibrant and colourful city of New Orleans is sure to delight every couple. There are countless places to have an adventurous yet relaxing and fun time with your partner. Plan a visit to any one of the above places and get ready to make memories that last a lifetime.
