15 Fun Things to do in New Orleans for Couples

New Orleans, often called “The Crescent City,” is a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and music nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River in Louisiana. It is known for its vibrant nightlife, rich history, and unique blend of French, Spanish, and Creole influences. The city is a top destination for couples seeking romance and adventure.

If you plan to tour the Crescent City with your lover, here are my top picks on things to do in New Orleans:

1. Things to do in New Orleans: Explore the French Quarter

The heart and soul of New Orleans, the French Quarter is a historic district brimming with charm and character. If you plan a romantic getaway, you will find fascinating things to do in New Orleans along this attraction. There are several spots to explore with your significant other.

Walk down narrow cobblestone streets, hand-in-hand with each other, admiring the colorful architecture, ornate iron balconies, and lush courtyards. You can take a guided tour and learn about hidden gems and secrets of some neighborhoods.

Be sure to visit iconic landmarks such as Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the lively entertainment hub of Bourbon Street. Jackson Square is a historic park with iconic landmarks like St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, and the Presbytère. It’s a great place to soak in the atmosphere and see street performers if you are looking for fun things to do in New Orleans.

Another must-visit is Bourbon Street, known for its lively nightlife and lined with bars, clubs, and live music venues. It offers a festive atmosphere for couples to celebrate themselves.

To balance your visit, try some Creole and Cajun-style cuisines in the numerous restaurants lined up in the French Quarters. Don’t miss trying classics like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.

If you would love to prepare fresh farm-to-table dishes, visit French Market for locally produced ingredients and seafood. They also have some pieces of arts and crafts. It is a great place to shop for souvenirs.

You can also visit the Preservation Hall if you are a music enthusiast, explore Royal Street for its boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries, visit the historic Voodoo Museum, and more.

The French Quarter’s romantic ambiance and bustling atmosphere make it a favorite spot for couples looking for fun things to do in New Orleans.

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2. Take a Romantic Carriage Ride

Experience the romance of New Orleans with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the picturesque streets of the French Quarter and beyond. Snuggle up with your loved one as you clip-clop past historic landmarks, fragrant gardens, and hidden gems while your guide shares tales of the city’s storied past.

It feels refreshing and fulfilling doing something little, yet extraordinary with your lover. One of them is taking a romantic carriage ride in New Orleans. It doesn’t matter if you are a local or a visitor, there is always something to enjoy here.

Besides, you can opt for a daytime excursion or a moonlit ride under the stars because it is a unique and intimate way to explore the city’s beauty. A romantic ride is one of the sweetest things to do in New Orleans with your partner.

3. Indulge in Culinary Delights

New Orleans is a culinary paradise, renowned for its mouthwatering Creole and Cajun cuisine. When it comes to food, only a few cities in the world can compete with it. Many of the city’s culinary scenes were influenced by its French colonialists, with diverse flavors and spices.

If you are looking for Creole classics, try some tasty seafood, po’boys, gumbo jambalaya, or beignets dusted with powdered sugar. Their simple street foods are delicious, especially with a glass of wine or cocktail.

Try iconic eateries like Café du Monde, Commander’s Palace, and Galatoire’s, or go on a food tour with companies like Cocktail and Food History Tour.

However, for a truly memorable experience, book a romantic dinner at a fine-dining restaurant in the French Quarter. It promises an awesome time with your significant other if you look forward to exciting things to do in New Orleans.

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4. Cruise the Mississippi River

Step aboard a romantic riverboat cruise and set sail on the majestic Mississippi River. Being one of the longest in the world and the second longest in the US, this river flows for 2,340 miles, passing through 10 states before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.

But that is not all to know about the Mississippi River. You can enjoy some cruises on the river in June and October. You can spend a few days out there, having fun and bonding with each other.

You will enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline and historic landmarks while sipping champagne and dancing to live jazz music. American Cruise Lines and other companies offer cheap options with a guided tour. The Upper and Lower Mississippi are exceptional for couples looking for a romantic getaway in this beautiful city.

Whether it’s a sunset dinner cruise, jazz brunch excursion, or moonlight paddlewheel ride, a riverboat cruise offers couples a romantic escape and a unique perspective of New Orleans’ beauty.

Address: 2 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

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5. Immerse Yourself in Jazz Music

No visit to New Orleans is complete without experiencing the soul-stirring sounds of live jazz music. It boasts several places to spend a romantic evening listening to jazz music.

Cozy up in intimate jazz clubs like Preservation Hall or enjoy outdoor concerts in Jackson Square and Armstrong Park. Listen to traditional jazz or funk and blues, taking in the city’s vibrant music atmosphere.

Whether you’re dancing in the streets during a festival or swaying to the rhythms in a dimly lit club, sharing the magic of New Orleans’ music with your partner is an unforgettable experience. Make it a date this weekend if you want fun things to do in New Orleans.

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6. Romantic Carriage Ride

Step back in time and embark on a romantic carriage ride through the enchanting streets of New Orleans. It can be a wonderful experience on weekends or vacation trips.

One of the most popular places for carriage is the French Quarter, a popular place in the city for carriage rides. It offers a romantic setting with lovely historic structures, beautiful gardens, and lively streets.

You can book a carriage ride through local companies that offer guided tours. Snuggle up with your lover, as you clip-clop past historic landmarks, grand mansions, and hidden courtyards.

With the guide, you will learn about the history and culture of New Orleans while enjoying a leisurely ride with your partner. They also share fascinating stories and local lore.

It’s a memorable and romantic way to explore the lovely sights of the city, such as Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the bustling streets filled with music and art. So, make it a date with your partner, as you enjoy a leisurely and intimate tour of the city’s most romantic spots.

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7. Picnic in City Park

With numerous themed gardens and an abundance of natural resources, City Park is a great place to release stress. It provides many attractions for couples who want something fun and unique.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to the lush greenery of this Park. Spread out a blanket under the shade of majestic oak trees and enjoy a romantic picnic with your partner.

Before then, a stroll through the winding trails and beautiful gardens provides a tranquil oasis. Stop by the lagoons and admire the beautiful waters. You can even rent a paddleboat and ride through the waterways or join the locals to catch some fish. Then, return to the picnic area to relax and reconnect.

This park is a great place for a romantic getaway in New Orleans. You will meet friendly people in a relaxed setting.

The beautiful oak trees and Spanish lining the park also bring great relief on a sunny day. Stop by Café Dumond and relish some delicious meal before leaving.

Address: 1 Palm Dr., New Orleans, LA 70124, United States

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8. Haunted History Tour

Get your adrenaline pumping with a spine-tingling haunted history tour of New Orleans. Join a guided walking tour through the city’s historic districts and discover the darker side of its storied past. There are both walking and by-bus tours through the city you can join.

Don’t forget that it is a night adventure and you will see eerie creatures and vampires. From voodoo rituals to ghostly legends, these tours offer a captivating blend of history and mystery. It will be accompanied by offbeat, theatrical presentations that make it exciting.

Some tours include cemetery tours, garden district tours, etc., each having a specific goal. As usual, the French Quarter is the main place the tour takes place with spooky sights that would make your body shiver.

Get set to find out what makes New Orleans the most haunted city in the US. Whether you are exploring the eerie corridors of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 or visiting haunted mansions under the cover of darkness, it’s an unforgettable experience for couples with a taste for the supernatural. The cost is around $30 per person. If you want adrenaline-surging things to do in New Orleans this weekend, you will appreciate going on this tour.

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9. Cocktail Crawl

Experience the city’s legendary cocktail culture with a romantic cocktail crawl through its famed bars and lounges. This tour usually covers a half-day with classic drinks to enlighten your day. You will enjoy some cocktail tasting in the company of a knowledgeable tour guide, who adds spice to the experience.

Start your evening with a classic Sazerac at the historic Roosevelt Hotel’s Sazerac Bar. After that, move on to iconic spots like the Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone or the sparkling French 75 Bar at Arnaud’s Restaurant.

Sample signature drinks like the Ramos Gin Fizz or the Hurricane as you toast to love and adventure in the city that invented the cocktail. It is an exceptionally informative and fun tour with a small group, making it intimate.

Be ready to see many parts of the city and learn about their histories with your significant other.

10. Sunset Jazz at the Fly

Cap off your romantic getaway with a breathtaking sunset jazz concert at the Fly. This is a scenic riverfront park located along the Mississippi River. It is one of the most popular places in New Orleans, with lots of exciting activities designed for you and your partner.

The place is called ‘Fly’ because of the 1960s butterfly-shaped shelter demolished in 1980. It is tucked behind the Audubon Zoo, across the River. Besides, it is a wonderful place to relax and take a breath from work and other life demands.

Grab a bottle of wine and watch the sunset with your partner. You can also spread out a blanket on the grass and cuddle up as you listen to the smooth sounds of live jazz music against the backdrop of a spectacular sunset.

Another fun thing to do here is to pack a picnic basket filled with wine and cheese or grab takeout from a nearby restaurant. Then, enjoy an evening of music, romance, and unparalleled views. It’s the perfect way for couples to savor the magic of New Orleans as the sun dips below the horizon.

Address: 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118, United States

11. Cooking Class at the New Orleans School of Cooking

Spice up your romance with a hands-on cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Learn to whip up classic Creole and Cajun dishes alongside your partner as you master the art of gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines.

Led by expert chefs, these interactive classes offer a fun and educational experience. This is perfect for couples looking to bond over food and culture. Plus, you will enjoy the fruits of your labor as you sit down to savor your delicious creations together.

If you love doing interesting things with others, joining this cooking class will be a way to make it happen.

Address: 524 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States

12. Day Trip to Oak Alley Plantation

Step back in time with a romantic day trip to Oak Alley Plantation. The place is just an hour’s drive from New Orleans but offers incredible activities. It is a historic plantation located on the Mississippi River’s west bank, in the Vacherie community.

Stroll down the majestic oak-lined path that leads to the Greek Revival mansion, known for its stunning architecture and lush gardens. You can take a guided tour of the historic plantation home. There, you will explore the grounds at your own pace and enjoy a leisurely picnic beneath the shade of the ancient oaks.

If you enjoy some home-away-from-home activities, it will be exciting to visit this lovely attraction. It’s a picturesque retreat where couples can immerse themselves in the beauty and history of the Old South. o, add it to your list of exciting things to do in New Orleans.

Address: 3645 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090, United States

13. Art Gallery Hopping in the Warehouse District

Discover the vibrant arts scene of New Orleans with a stroll through the Warehouse District. This popular attraction is also known as the Arts District. Numerous art galleries, studios, and exhibition spaces display works by local and international artists.

Some include George Schmidt Gallery, Callan Contemporary, Jonathan Ferrara Gallery, BECA, Gallery, etc. Their owners are knowledgeable about art. You can even turn it into a little tour.

Spend the afternoon browsing contemporary art, photography, and sculpture with your partner. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the artists and learn about their creative process.

It’s a cultural adventure that’s sure to inspire and delight you and your significant other if you are passionate about art and expression.

14. Swamp Tour

Get up close and personal with Louisiana’s unique wildlife on a romantic swamp tour through the bayous and marshes surrounding New Orleans. You will see over ten unique swamp tours in this location.

During the tour, you will climb aboard an airboat or pontoon boat and embark on an adventure through the scenic wetlands. Here, you’ll encounter alligators, turtles, and exotic bird species in their natural habitat.

Many tours also offer opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and even sunset cruises for couples looking to add a touch of romance to their swamp exploration. It’s an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the wild and mysterious beauty of the Louisiana Bayou. This weekend, leave the bustling streets and enjoy a great time with nature. Add it to your list of fun things to do in New Orleans.

15. Day of Relaxation at a Spa

Treat yourselves to a day of pampering and relaxation at one of New Orleans’ luxurious spas. The city boasts numerous spas where you can pamper yourself after a stressful week. You can choose from traditional European-style spas to holistic wellness centers offering ancient healing rituals.

Indulge in couples massages, facials, and body treatments designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. One thing is sure; there’s no shortage of options for couples looking to unwind and recharge together.

After your spa day, continue the relaxation with a romantic dinner at a nearby restaurant or a quiet evening in the comfort of your hotel room. It’s the perfect way to escape the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with your partner in a tranquil setting. It is another way to add fun to your list of things to do in New Orleans.

Conclusion

Couples from all walks of life flock to New Orleans to indulge in its rich culture, delectable cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Whether celebrating an anniversary, planning a honeymoon, or simply seeking a romantic escape, the city’s diverse attractions and lively atmosphere offer something for everyone to enjoy. The above options for fun things to do in New Orleans do not cost much, but they will give you and your partner something to reminisce about.

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