Romantic Itinerary
A Perfectly Romantic New Orleans Getaway for Two
(1) Café du Monde, (2) Mississippi River, (3) Jackson Square
Day 1: French Quarter
Breakfast
Start your day with breakfast at Café du Monde. You and your sweetheart can enjoy signature beignets along with coffee. If you’d like a more traditional breakfast, enjoy dining at Stanley or the Ruby Slipper.
Stroll along the Mississippi River
Next, take a stroll together along the Mississippi River. Catch a cool breeze, watch the ships pass by, and take in the iconic waterway of Louisiana. You can also check out Jackson Square where you’ll come across street performers and musicians.
Lunch
For lunch, enjoy a classic New Orleans restaurant like Brennan’s or Antoine’s. Both Creole restaurants in the French Quarter, these spots serve classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo, oysters, and grilled Gulf fish. If visiting over a weekend, stop in for jazz brunch at Broussard’s or Arnaud’s (Sunday only).
Shopping
A work of art by a New Orleans artist or a unique antique is the perfect way to commemorate your trip. Royal Street is home to many wonderful antique shops and art galleries. The French Market is your go-to flea market featuring local vendors selling candy, clothing, gifts and souvenirs. Also check out Dutch Alley Artists Co-Op nearby, showcasing fine art and crafts from local artists.
Dinner
After a day full of exploring the French Quarter, dine al fresco at one of the many romantic restaurants near you. Check out Muriel’s Jackson Square, Café Amelie, Patula, Cane and Table, or Tableau. Find more outdoor dining here and see here for balcony dining.
(1) Romantic Dining in the French Quarter, (2) Royal Street, (3) Dutch Alley Artist’s Co-Op, (4) French Market
Listen to Live Music
There’s no better place to club hop than Frenchmen Street! Visit d.b.a., the Maison, Snug Harbor, the Spotted Cat, and more. The Frenchmen Art Market is a great late-night stop for perusing local goods. Away from Frenchmen, Preservation Hall is a must for first-time visitors, and you can catch touring artists at Toulouse Theater or House of Blues.
Day 2: Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge
Breakfast
Mid-City is full of great breakfast and brunch spots to satisfy your cravings. Up&Adam Eatz, Biscuit and Buns on Banks, Smoke & Honey, Not Another Donut Café, and Wakin’ Bakin’ all are excellent choices.
Ride the Streetcar
There’s nothing more iconic New Orleans than riding the streetcar! The red streetcar begins in the French Quarter and follows Canal all the way to Mid-City! Make sure to board the #48 streetcar towards City Park/Museum for our next stop. Streetcar fare is $1.25 cash one way or $3 Jazzy Pass available on the Le Pass App.
City Park
Once you hop off the streetcar, take a stroll to City Park! New Orleans City Park is filled with endless acres home to unique wildlife, award-winning museums, abundant activities, endless greenery, and outdoor recreation. The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a great place for a date because of its free admission and peaceful atmosphere. The New Orleans Botanical Garden is another option for exploring over 2,000 species of plants and the Enrique Alferez Sculpture Garden. Enjoy beignets at the City Park location of Café du Monde (pro tip: it usually has a shorter line than the French Quarter location), stop and sit on a bench overlooking Big Lake, or take a walk under the Live Oaks.
Lunch
For lunch, enjoy dining at Café NOMA. This is not your typical museum cuisine, with special dishes corresponding to current exhibits and a menu that changes seasonally.
New Orleans Museum of Art
The New Orleans Museum of Art is a premier museum in the city with photographs, antiques, sculptures, paintings, and more. Rotating exhibits, panel discussions, and community events are also available to visitors throughout the year. If museums aren’t quite your thing, hop into a double kayak or swan boat on Big Lake! A variety of boats and bikes are available through Wheel Fun Rentals.
Photographer- Rebecca Todd
Dinner
Have dinner on beautiful Esplanade Avenue. Enjoy global cuisine like Spanish at Lola’s, French at Café Degas, English at The Bell, and Mediterranean at 1000 Figs. Dine outdoors at any of these restaurants for the ultimate romantic experience.
Dessert
For dessert, stay in Mid-City and visit Angelo Brocato, an Italian gelato and sweets shop open since 1905!
Day 3: Bywater/Marigny and downtown
Relax at the Spa
Before heading out on another day of exploring New Orleans, make some time for a spa treatment back at your hotel. Book a couples massage or another relaxing service. If your hotel doesn’t have a spa, find one here.
Lunch
Cooking classes are a great way to learn more about the Crescent City while enjoying quality time with your partner. Try your hand at making gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines, and then, enjoy the fruits of your labor!
(1) N7, (2) Saint-Germain, (3) Bacchanal, (4) The Elysian Bar, (5) Paladar 511
Shopping in the Bywater
Head over to the Bywater for some shopping. Shop records at Euclid, costumes and clothing at She Comes in Peace, and more at one of these shops.
Dinner
The Bywater is full of romantic dining spots like N7, The Elysian Bar, and Paladar 511. But for ultimate romance, make a reservation at Saint-Germain. Recipient of one MICHELIN Star in 2025, enjoy a multi-course tasting menu focused on seasonal ingredients.
Head to a Bar
After dinner, grab a drink at a bar in the Bywater. Bacchanal has lots of seating while NightBloom and Bar Brine offer a more intimate experience. All are open nightly!
See a Show
Why not see a show with your loved one at the AllWays Lounge? Catch a variety of acts, from burlesque to comedy. Visit New Marigny Theatre for dance or orchestra events.
Other Fun Things to Do in New Orleans
Take a Swamp Tour
It may not be your version of romance, but swamp tours are often a fun and silly way to learn about Louisiana’s ecosystem! Check out our swamp tours by type here.
Attend a Festival
Sit back and listen to live music, eat great local food, and enjoy the atmosphere at Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, or one of our many festivals.
