Looking to get lost in a whirlwind romance? Top-notch restaurant and attractions, and a bustling nightlife scene, provide visitors with a wealth of romantic things to do in New Orleans.
Not sure New Orleans is the right place for romance? Keep in mind that the city's scenery, personality, architecture, neighborhoods, culture and local people earned New Orleans a place on Orbitz’ coveted 2013 Annual List of America’s Sexiest Cities.
If you are planning a trip down Louisiana way, a picnic in the sculpture garden in the New Orleans City Park or a stroll through the French Quarter after a late night of snuggling in jazzy cocktail bars are just a few of our picks for the five most romantic places to steal a smooch in the Big Easy.
Picnicking in New Orleans City Park
Cozy up on the Canal Streetcar starting at the French Market and continuing to City Park at Beauregard Circle, where myriad of activities are available for a romantic afternoon.
Stop by Rouse’s Market for some cheese, crackers and perhaps a bottle of wine before taking a breather and relaxing under the largest group of mature live oak trees in the world. Embark on a $90 gondola ride on the Big Lake to enjoy a 50-minute tour of the lake on an authentic Venetian Gondola by Nola Gondola.
Not a fan of the water? Keep your feet on dry land with a visit to the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Sydney and Walda Bestoff Sculpture Garden.
www.neworleanscitypark.com
Summer Days, Jazzy Nights
New Orleans is famous for its jazz nightclubs located along Frenchman Street. Couples can enjoy some of the city’s best musicians at venues beloved by locals and travelers alike. Snug Harbor, d.b.a. and the Three Muses are among the most popular venues to share a dance or two.
For a more laidback atmosphere, be sure to swing by Palm Court Jazz Cafe or Pat O’s Patio Bar, where you and yours can sip on a classic Sazerac cocktail while listening to slow jazz. Most of the clubs are free and the area is also scattered with late-night eateries.
Feed the Love
For a more eclectic romance option, check out the New Orleans School of Cooking. From 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily and 2-4 p.m. on Mondays – Saturdays, the school offers demonstration classes of famous New Orleans dishes such as chicken and Andouille sausage gumbo, shrimp creole and chicken and smoked sausage jambalaya.
These classes last for about two hours and cost $25 per person. Copies of the recipes are included. Want a more engaging approach? Book a hands-on class offered Sundays from 3-6 p.m. and Fridays 6-9 p.m. Cut, chop and saute your own four-course meal for $125 per person.
neworleansschoolofcooking.com
Jackson Square
Start off your morning by perusing the famous Jackson Square located on Decatur Street. Plenty of historical state museums, shops and restaurants line the square, and visitors can also witness the creation of new art, as local artists display their work. Get your portrait drawn by one of the locals and then hail a horse-drawn carriage for a scenic tour filled with historical and humorous tidbits from the driver. Prices for Royal Carriages start at $18 for half an hour.
www.neworleanscarriages.com
Mississippi River Cruise
Steamboat Natchez is the perfect way to experience the sunset on the famous river with your loved one. Make reservations for the Dinner Jazz Cruise to experience New Orleans cuisine with a live jazz performance by the Grammy nominated band Dukes of Dixieland. Boarding starts at 6 p.m. and waterfront adventures last from 7-9 p.m. Prices range from $43 for just the cruise to $72.50 for the cruise and a buffet-style meal. If the sunrise is more your style, grab some authentic beignets from the 24/7Cafe Du Monde and cuddle until dawn.
www.steamboatnatchez.com
Looking for more romantic things to do in New Orleans? Watch the free TravelAge West webinar on Selling New Orleans Festivals from Alligator to Zydeco now.
