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 and streets bustling with vibrant celebrations, New Orleans offers the perfect blend of romance and adventure.
If your relationship thrives on the spontaneous, New Orleans is the city for you. Check out some of the best places to visit, where you should stay, and what to explore during your romantic getaway.
Romantic things to do in New Orleans
From candlelit dinners to dancing your way down Bourbon Street, there’s something for every relationship in New Orleans.
To make your trip equal parts smooth and romantic, we’ve made a list of some charming date ideas for your trip.
Explore City Park
If you want to reconnect with nature, a stop by City Park is sure to do the trick. For art lovers, take a walk through the sculpture garden and admire the different shapes, textures, and shadows of the installations.
After that, you’ll want to hit the New Orleans Museum of Art. Here you’ll find over 40,000 objects, 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 rent kayaks, boats, and bikes – perfect for adventure lovers. Or, if you prefer exploring on foot, stroll through the park’s acres of greenery at your own pace.
Have an outdoor dinner
With over 100 days of sunshine each year, New Orleans’ best dining spots are outdoors.
From picnics in the park to the peak of fine dining, NOLA offers a vast array of food options to choose from.
If you’re after a classic touch of charm, Café Amelie and Napoleon House are some of the most romantic places in New Orleans. Café Amelie is in the heart of the French Quarter, with an intimate setting and delicious gumbo.
Napoleon House has a historical vibe, perfect for a relaxed dinner thanks to their casual dress code. From their 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 spot perfect for people-watching, look no further than Muriel’s. Offering contemporary Creole Cuisine and jazz-fueled brunches on the weekends, this eatery sits right next to Jackson Square. Not sure where to start? No worries. There are various food tours to 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 must rank high on your list.
The French Quarter is a great spot to simply stroll around and soak in the views and atmosphere. Brimming with history, it features vibrant architecture, busy streets, and a lively vibe throughout.
Follow the cobblestone streets to 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 the food in NOLA is a must when planning for a romantic getaway. After all, the city is home to some of the best food invented in the US.
From the doughy deliciousness of beignets to rich and colorful gumbo, there’s a wide variety of treats to choose from.
If you love 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 lines, so if you want more of a grab-and-go option, explore the eponymous Cafe Beignet. Serving flavors just as big with less bustle, it’s perfect for food lovers.
For those after the best of New Orleans’ Po’ Boys, here are some spots to check out.
Some notable eateries for this local treat include Domilise's, Killer Poboys, and Parkway Tavern, popular with locals and visitors alike.
If you’re new to Po’ Boys, these sandwiches became popular during the Great Depression. They consist of a variety of fillings, from shrimp to roast beef and “fixin’s” (pickles, mayo, and hot sauce), which together make for a tasty sensation you won’t want to miss.
Once you’ve eaten, head for the Mississippi River and enjoy the views.
Listen to jazz on the Mississippi River
On your romantic getaway, watch the sun set over the Mississippi River.
To reach the river, wander a bit farther from the French Quarter to 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 from the water. Rent a paddle boat, travel at your own pace, and enjoy each other’s company.
If you want a night of rhythm, romance, and culinary delights, you can enjoy dinner and live jazz on a cruise. Nothing sounds more romantic than traveling through New Orleans while delighting in the city’s delicacies.
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 a romantic getaway in New Orleans by finding a hotel with a 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 great locations, The Ritz-Carlton is the spot for you.
You’ll find this hotel at the edge of the French Quarter with Bourbon Street only 1,640 feet away, so you’ll be in the heart of the action.
If you’re looking for relaxation, this hotel features a spa offering more than 100 treatments. With so much to choose from, you’ll get to unwind however you want after a day of exploring.
With extra finishing touches like plush bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries, you’ll feel pampered at non-stop.
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 eclectic design throughout the hotel, featuring some of its original architecture combined with a bohemian feel.
What makes it especially charming are the finishing touches. 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 New Orleans getaway.
The Eliza Jane, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
If you’re in search of a romantic hotel with an urban feel, The Eliza Jane, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is an excellent choice.
Here you’ll find that many of the rooms have exposed brick walls, giving them an intimate feel. Paired with plush furnishings and brass accents, the rooms embody a true vintage retreat.
Do you and your partner enjoy reading? This hotel also features a lending library.
Not to mention, there’s also an atrium with a shaded terrace, perfect for taking in city views after enjoying a meal at the on-site French brasserie.
La Galerie French Quarter Hotel
La Galerie French Quarter Hotel is another stay with romantic appeal. This modern hotel features stylish decor, sure to set the tone for date night.
Perfect for those who love architecture, La Galerie French Quarter Hotel is just a ten-minute walk from the St. Louis Cathedral.
Want to stay close to the bustle of New Orleans? This hotel is less than a five-minute walk from Bourbon Street.
You can also eat and drink on site, which is ideal if you want to stay in for a night.
The Windsor Court
The Windsor Court is a romantic spot with a great location. This hotel is just a five-minute drive from the French Quarter, making it central for any adventure you’d like to embark on.
If you want some quality time together, this hotel also features The Grill Room, a fine dining restaurant serving up New Orleans flavors.
Looking for a drink on your getaway? Enjoy the on-site cocktail bar, along with some live jazz. It doesn’t get more NOLA than that.
Did we mention there's also a rooftop pool? This hotel is sure to check all your romantic boxes.
Hotel Monteleone
Known for its charm, Hotel Monteleone is just one block away from Bourbon Street. Here you’ll be treated to a restaurant, bar, and heated rooftop swimming pool.
The room’s finishes add a touch sure to make your trip as romantic as possible. Enjoy the marble and granite accents in the bathroom and plush bathrobes.
If you’re after the ultimate romantic break, opt for a couple’s massage at the on-site spa. Why not explore the gift shop and look for a souvenir to remember your trip?