10 Best Things to Do in New Orleans for Couples
Your perfect romantic getaway awaits in New Orleans, where cobblestone streets whisper centuries of love stories and jazz-filled evenings spark endless possibilities. Step into a world where flickering gas lamps illuminate intimate French Quarter corners, and shared beignets become treasured morning rituals. From candlelit dinners in historic mansions to moonlit walks through the Garden District, every corner of this enchanting city sets the stage for your own romance.
1. Romance Comes Alive in the French Quarter: Date Spots in New Orleans
Royal Street beckons with secrets at sunset – wrought-iron balconies dripping with flowers, hidden courtyards where fountains whisper, and the warm glow of century-old gas lamps lighting your way. Grab fresh beignets from local favorites, then wander past Jackson Square’s artists capturing the golden hour. Live jazz spills from historic doorways while you explore cobblestone paths perfect for stolen kisses. Locals know the best corners bloom with romance after 4 pm, when the Quarter transforms into your personal storybook setting.
2. Cruise into Mississippi River Romance
Few things top a sunset spin on the Steamboat Natchez; watching city lights dance across the water during dinner only enhances that feeling. Local jazz fills the air while you feast on Chef’s special Creole menu, the massive paddlewheel churning up memories below deck. Grab prime photo spots near the bow during golden hour, or snag a quiet corner table for two under the stars. The more intimate dinner cruise also comes with magical nighttime views.
3. Cook Like a Local Legend: Cooking Classes in New Orleans
Step into a historic French Quarter kitchen where generations of Creole cooking secrets come alive. Master chefs guide you through creating authentic gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines while sharing family stories and local spirits. Small class sizes ensure personal attention as you learn the tricks behind perfect roux and signature spice blends. Take home recipes and techniques for recreating your romantic New Orleans evening again and again. Thursday evening classes include special cocktail demonstrations.
4. Uncover Garden District Grandeur
Stroll hand-in-hand through New Orleans’ most picturesque neighborhood, where century-old oaks create natural canopies perfect for romantic photos. Discover antebellum mansions and meticulously maintained gardens along shade-dappled sidewalks. After exploring Lafayette Cemetery No. 1’s historic tombs, unwind at Magazine Street’s charming cafes. A local expert can give you exclusive access to private gardens, celebrity homes, and scandalous stories.
5. Raise a Couple’s Toast at Historic Restaurants
Step into Commander’s Palace’s iconic turquoise Victorian mansion for an evening of culinary enchantment. Candlelit tables and live jazz set the stage for legendary Creole dishes that have sparked countless proposals. Savor turtle soup, decadent bread pudding soufflé, and perfectly paired wines in the romantic Garden Room. For more historic dining magic, discover Antoine’s hidden wine rooms, Arnaud’s secret French 75 Bar, or Bayona’s enchanting courtyard. Dress up, slow down, and let New Orleans’ fine dining tradition inspire your own love story.
6. Embrace the Thrill of a Haunted History Tour
As twilight descends over the French Quarter, join expert storytellers for an intimate journey into New Orleans’ mysterious past. Lantern-lit walks reveal the secrets of infamous sites like the LaLaurie Mansion and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Period-costumed guides bring centuries-old tales to life while you explore hidden courtyards and haunted taverns. For an extra special evening, book the “Spirits and Spirits” tour, combining ghost hunting with craft cocktail tastings at historic haunted bars.
7. Find Serenity in City Park’s Natural Paradise
Pack a local cheese plate and head to New Orleans’ favorite green escape. Centuries-old oaks create natural archways perfect for morning strolls or afternoon picnics under Spanish moss. Grab fresh café au lait at Morning Call before paddling across Big Lake in one of their famous swan boats. The free Sculpture Garden hides quiet corners between masterpieces, while the Singing Oak chimes create nature’s soundtrack. The light hits just right at sunset near the south lagoon for the perfect moment to share with someone special.
8. Discover Timeless Jazz at Preservation Hall
Step into New Orleans’ most hallowed music venue, where authentic jazz lives and breathes in an intimate historic setting. World-class musicians perform mere feet from your seat in this French Quarter landmark, creating soul-stirring moments that define the city’s musical heritage. Leave the modern world behind as you settle into the cozy space where phones stay silent and pure musical magic takes over. Experience shows daily, but book your “Big Shot” tickets weeks ahead for guaranteed seating at this nightly sold-out treasure for the perfect couple’s night out.
9. Romance Rolls in a Carriage
Embark on an enchanted journey through the French Quarter’s lamp-lit streets in your private horse-drawn carriage. As hooves echo off ancient cobblestones, expert guides weave tales of love and legend while you discover hidden gardens and secret courtyards most visitors never see. Choose between the golden glow of sunset tours or moonlit evening rides for extra magic. The extended private tour can give you a customized route through the city’s most romantic corners.
10. Sip Cocktails Above the Sparkling Skyline
Crown your perfect New Orleans day with craft cocktails and panoramic views from the city’s most enchanting rooftop sanctuaries. Hot Tin offers sophisticated Art Deco glamour and Mississippi River vistas, while Monkey Board serves creative local flavors in a contemporary setting. Arrive before golden hour to claim prime sunset-viewing spots, then watch the city transform into a glittering wonderland below. Each venue crafts signature cocktails that perfectly complement your elevated evening experience.
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Book a Cooking Class At the New Orleans School of Cooking Today!
Your perfect New Orleans getaway deserves an authentic taste of Creole tradition. Join award-winning chefs at the New Orleans School of Cooking for an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of the French Quarter. Reserve your spot in our intimate cooking classes, where every dish tells a story, and every meal becomes a cherished memory.