A Romantic Weekend in New Orleans

Whether you’re celebrating a golden anniversary or planning your first getaway with that special someone, New Orleans has all the charm and romance to create a memorable weekend escape. Read our three-day itinerary to get some ideas for your next romantic vacation.

After settling into your hotel, get out on the town for an enchanting dinner in the French Quarter. Also known as the Vieux Carré, this district is the city’s oldest neighborhood and features scenic courtyards, historic buildings and diverse architecture. Take it all in as you stroll to Bayona, a Mediterranean restaurant located in a charming Creole cottage. Try adventurous dishes such as peppered lamb loin with goat cheese and Zinfandel sauce, paired with wines selected by Bayona's expert sommeliers.

Afterward, walk to Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, a long-running club that hosts some of New Orleans' top performers, including Ellis Marsalis and Charmaine Neville. It's located on Frenchmen Street, one of the city's hottest spots for nightlife. Walk down Frenchmen and you'll hear the sounds of jazz, rock and blues coming from at least a half-dozen other venues, such as The Spotted Cat Music Club and The Maison.

Spend the morning window-shopping along Magazine Street, a six-mile stretch of clothing shops, lingerie boutiques, indulgent spas, antique stores and confectioners. Pick up vintage flatware at As You Like It Silver Shop and buy fine jewelry at Mignon Faget. 

After grabbing a quick lunch from one of Magazine Street’s numerous bistros and sidewalk cafés, catch the Canal Street streetcar up to New Orleans City Park. This 1,300-acre forested haven is filled with massive 100-year-old oak trees, peaceful lagoons and fragrant flower gardens. Here, you can spend the afternoon perusing centuries of masterful artwork at the New Orleans Museum of Art. 

Before heading back to the French Quarter, wander through the adjacent Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden to take a picture in front of the famous LOVE statue. 

After a day of sightseeing, relax with your loved one over a candlelit dinner. Broussard’s Restaurant is a New Orleans classic, with rustic brick archways, elegant dining rooms and a lush outdoor courtyard. Peruse their extensive wine list, which earned Broussard’s the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine. 

After dinner, walk to nearby Jackson Square, where you can enjoy a picturesque view of St. Louis Cathedral in the moonlight and catch a mule-drawn carriage ride. These romantic tours, which depart from the Decatur Street side of the square, will transport you to a bygone era, as the lit streetlamps, sound of hooves against cobblestone alleyways and nighttime views of historical architecture set the scene for a magical experience.

Enjoy your last morning in New Orleans at a leisurely jazz brunch sipping Champagne and Bloody Marys. Frequently voted “Best Place for Breakfast or Brunch,” The Court of Two Sisters Restaurant is famous for their buffet-style brunch, which includes carving stations, a cold seafood display and a cornucopia of breakfast pastries and desserts. Sit on their outdoor patio while listening to a live performance by the house jazz trio. It’s the perfect way to wrap up an exciting weekend of romance.