Romantic getaways in New Orleans: where to explore and stay
Romantic getaways in New Orleans offer a unique charm. With dimmed jazz bars giving the city an intimate feel, contrasting with the energetic streets bustling with vibrant celebrations, New Orleans provides the perfect blend of romance and adventure.
With so much going on, if your relationship loves all things spontaneous, New Orleans is sure to suit you. Delve into some of the best places to visit, where you should stay and where to explore on your romantic rendezvous.
Romantic things to do in New Orleans
From candlelit dinners outside to dancing your way through Bourbon Street, there really is something for every relationship in New Orleans.
To help make your trip as smooth as it is romantic, we’ve made a list of some of the charming date ideas you can get up to on your trip away.
Explore City Park
If you want to reconnect with nature on your holiday, a stop by City Park is sure to do the trick. For art lovers, take a look through the sculpture garden and ponder over the different shapes, textures and shadows of the installations.
After which, you’ll be able to take a look around the New Orleans Museum of Art. Here, you’ll find over 40,000 objects to explore, a little more than the nine works of art that featured in the museum's opening in 1911.
If you want to explore more of the actual park, you can hire kayaks, boats and bikes – perfect for adventure lovers. Or, if you prefer exploring on foot, you’ll of course be able to saunter through the park’s acres of greenery on your own accord.
Have an outdoor dinner
With over 100 days of sunshine each year, New Orleans’ best dining spot can be found outdoors.
From picnicking in the park to feasting on the fineries of NOLA in its restaurants, there’s a variety of places to choose from when it comes to dining.
If you’re after a classic touch of charm on your trip, Café Amelie and Napoleon House are some of the most romantic places in New Orleans. Café Amelie can be found in the heart of the French Quarter, with an intimate setting and a delicious gumbo, you’re sure to want to add this to your list.
Napoleon House has a historical feel that’s perfect for a relaxed dinner as the restaurant has a casual dress code. Boasting courtyard seating, you’ll be able to watch the city pass you by as the conversation, food and drinks flow.
If you’re after a food spot perfect for people-watching, look no further than Muriel’s. Offering contemporary Creole Cuisine and jazz-fueled brunches on the weekends, you’ll find this eatery right next to Jackson Square. Not sure where to start? No worries. There’s a variety of food tours that introduce you to New Orleans’ local cuisine, such as the French Quarter Favorites Food Tour.
Wander around the French Quarter
To plan one of the best romantic getaways in New Orleans, exploring the French Quarter has got to feature on your list.
The French Quarter is a great spot to simply stroll around and soak in the views and atmosphere that New Orleans has to offer. Filled to the brim with history, you’ll find vibrant styles of architecture, busy streets and an overall lively atmosphere.
Follow the cobblestone streets and stumble upon Jackson Square, an energetic spot featuring performers, history and music.
Round off your trip by visiting the impressive architecture of St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest Catholic cathedral and basilica in New Orleans.
Try out the local cuisine
Trying out the food in NOLA is a must when planning one of the best romantic getaways in New Orleans. After all, the city is home to some of the best foods invented in the US.
From the powdery, doughy deliciousness of beignets to the rich and colourful gumbo, there is such a variety of dishes to choose from.
If your relationship loves delving into all things sweet, Cafe du Monde in the French Market is the most famous spot for beignets in New Orleans.
Such deliciousness often comes with big queues, so if you’re after more of a get-and-go situation, explore the eponymous Cafe Beignet. Serving just as big flavours with less of a bustle, this is perfect for food lovers.
For those wanting to try the best of New Orleans’ Po’ Boys, there’s a variety of spots to try out.
Some notable eateries for this local treat include Domilise's, Killer Poboys and Parkway Tavern which are popular with locals and visitors alike.
If you’re new to Po’ Boys, these sandwiches became popular in the Great Depression. They consist of a variety of fillings – from shrimp to roast beef and ‘fixin’s’ (pickles, mayo and hot sauce), these are a taste sensation you won’t want to miss.
Once you’ve secured the goods, wander towards the Mississippi River and tuck in whilst you overlook the views.
Listen to jazz on the Mississippi River
On your romantic getaway, make sure to watch the sunset gradually hide over the Mississippi River.
To reach the river, simply wander a bit further from the French Quarter to find the path along Woldenberg Park and the Moonwalk. With an expansive boardwalk, the views you get here really are breathtaking.
You can also take in the city’s landscape on the water if you so choose. Rent a paddle boat, travel at your own pace and soak in each other’s company.
If you want a night of rhythm, romance and culinary delights, you can enjoy dinner and live jazz on some cruises. Nothing sounds more romantic than travelling through New Orleans whilst delighting in the delicacies that the city’s food has to offer.
Let the swings of jazz lull you down the river and reminisce over your adventures in the moonlight, making for the perfect end to your trip.
Romantic hotels in New Orleans
Plan one of the most romantic getaways in New Orleans by finding a hotel that has charming je ne sais quoi. Discover where you can find the most romantic hotels in the city.
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
If you’re looking for romantic hotels in New Orleans with outstanding locations, The Ritz-Carlton is sure to suit you perfectly.
You’ll find this hotel located at the edge of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street is a mere 500 metres away, so be sure that you’ll be in the heart of the action here.
If you’re after a spot of relaxation on your break also, this hotel features a spa offering more than 100 treatments. With so much choice, you’ll be able to unwind with ease after a day of exploring.
With extra finishing touches such as plush bathrobes, slippers and designer toiletries – you’ll really be treated at this stay.
Hotel Peter and Paul, an Ash Hotel
Hotel Peter and Paul is another excellent choice for a charming stay. With a rich history, this hotel used to be the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic church, a parish formed in the 19th century.
Nowadays, you’ll find an eclectic design throughout the hotel featuring some of its original architecture combined with a bohemian, romantic feel.
What makes it feel especially charming is the finishing touches of the hotel. Here, you’ll find clawfoot bathtubs and an intimate bar. All in all, this hotel is steeped in history giving it a unique feel, perfect for a romantic getaway in New Orleans.
The Eliza Jane, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
If you’re in search of a romantic hotel that has a particularly urban feel, The Eliza Jane, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is an excellent choice.
Here, you’ll find that many of the rooms feature exposed brick walls, giving the room a stripped-back intimate feel. Paired with plush furnishings and brass accents, the rooms embody the feel of a vintage retreat.
Do you enjoy reading in your relationship? Well, this hotel also features a lending library which gives a quaint feel to the stay.
Not to mention that there’s also an atrium area with a shaded terrace, perfect for soaking in the views of the city after enjoying a meal at the French brasserie in the hotel.
La Galerie French Quarter Hotel
La Galerie French Quarter Hotel is another stay with a romantic appeal. This modern hotel features stylish decor, sure to set the tone for a date night.
Perfect for those that love architecture, La Galerie French Quarter Hotel is situated a ten-minute walk away from St Louis Cathedral.
Want to be close to the bustle of New Orleans? Well, be assured that this stay is less than a mere five-minute walk away from Bourbon Street.
You’ll also be able to eat and drink at the hotel making it perfect if you want to stay in for the night.
The Windsor Court
The Windsor Court boasts a romantic spot for those in a relationship with a great location. This hotel is located a five-minute drive from the French Quarter, making it central for any adventure you’d like to get up to on your break.
If you want some quality time together, this hotel also features The Grill Room, a fine dining restaurant that features the flavours of New Orleans.
After a drink on your getaway? Well, you’ll be able to enjoy the cocktail bar in the hotel alongside some live jazz music. It doesn’t get much more NOLA than that.
Did we mention that there's also a rooftop pool? This hotel is sure to tick all your romantic boxes.
Hotel Monteleone
Known for its charm, Hotel Monteleone can be found one block away from Bourbon Street. Here, you’ll be treated to a restaurant, bar and a heated rooftop swimming pool.
Also, the finishes of the rooms add another touch that is sure to make your trip as romantic as possible. Enjoy the marble and granite accents in the bathroom alongside the plush bathrobes.
If you’re after the ultimate romantic break, opt for a couples massage at the spa that can also be found onsite. Why not explore the gift shop and look for a souvenir to remember your trip by?