Fun Things to Do in New Orleans for Couples: 12 Incredibly Romantic Ideas

Thinking of exploring New Orleans with a loved one? Plan your escapade with our curated list, promising a blend of excitement, culture, and romance in the Big Easy.

Our list of fun things to do in New Orleans for couples consists of walking hand in hand through the French Quarter on a spine-tingling ghost tour, listening to live jazz while feasting on classic Cajun and Creole dishes, and ramping up the fun with a lively pub crawl!

If this is your idea of an exhilarating, romantic experience, read on to find out how you can book these experiences for a budget-friendly price.

12 Fun Things to Do in New Orleans for Couples

Court of Two Sisters Live Jazz Brunch

Thinking of a fun date out in New Orleans? Start the day with an exquisite breakfast for two at the award-winning Court of Two Sisters.

Indulge in the perfect fusion of classic Creole and Cajun cuisine, along with traditional breakfast selections, all presented in a buffet-style brunch. If it’s a bright morning, ask for outdoor seating in the charming and picturesque backyard. It’s an enchanting setting under a canopy of wisteria, adding to the lovely ambiance.

And of course, true to New Orleans’ rich musical heritage, brunch is accompanied by live jazz music! As you dine, a skilled local jazz trio will serenade you in the courtyard.

This is undoubtedly among the top fun things to do in New Orleans for couples, offering a great mix of delicious food and enjoyable music.

Outdoor brick courtyard with a fountain and chairs with white table cloths and greenery
Photo Credit: The Court of Two Sisters via Facebook

Glamorous Garden District Tour

For a fun day out in New Orleans, venture beyond the French Quarter to discover how the locals live and have lived in the past. Join the Glamorous Garden District Walking Tour, where an expert guide will teach you about the Garden District’s rich history and architecture.

This 2-hour walking tour lets you wander past the homes of celebrities and notable sites like the Lafayette Cemetery. Additionally, highlights include the residences of Anne Rice, Sandra Bullock, and John Goodman.

You’ll also get to see houses that appeared in famous films, such as “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and the Buckner Mansion from “American Horror Story.” Take photos, have fun learning, and most importantly, experience a top-notch tour with a loved one.

Note: The Lafayette Cemetery is currently undergoing renovations, so it can only be viewed from outside its gates.

French Quarter Carriage Tours

Experiencing French Quarter Carriage Tours through old New Orleans is as quintessential as enjoying a plate of beignets or taking a ride on a steamboat. It’s not only a must-do for visitors but also a delightful date idea around the city!

On your tour, you’ll take in all the French Quarter’s top attractions, including St. Louis Cemetery, the Napoleon House, Jackson Square, The Saint Louis Cathedral, and Bourbon Street, all while comfortably seated in your carriage. Your carriage driver, a local and licensed tour guide, will provide a professional and personal narration of the tour.

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Your carriage tour extends to the Marigny Neighborhood, often referred to as the Faubourg Marigny. You’ll see a variety of architectural styles, including Creole Mansions, colorful cottages, and shotgun homes, as well as the vibrant, jazz-infused music district of Frenchmen Street.

French Quarter Carriage Ride - New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
photo credit: Royal Carriages via Facebook

Most Haunted Stories – Night Ghost Tour

If you’re in New Orleans and looking for exciting activities, adding a Night Ghost Walking Tour to your itinerary is a must. This Unique NOLA guided tour gathers the most chilling tales from experienced local guides. They’ve handpicked the most haunted stories and locations, resulting in a Unique NOLA “best of” ghost tour that showcases their mysterious and frightening favorites!

On this tour, you’ll be treated to narratives of mysterious deaths, unspeakable tragedies, and a twisted history that left many spirits wandering the places you’ll explore. And as you navigate through the spooky avenues of New Orleans, you’ll visit sites notorious for paranormal activities.

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This includes the infamous Lalaurie Mansion and various corners of the French Quarter. Prepare to be both terrified and thrilled, as eerie presences linger around every corner, waiting to recount their tales of the past.

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen

Looking for more exciting activities for couples in New Orleans? Hop aboard New Orleans’ unique Historic River Cruise and relax as you soak in the views. It’s the perfect setting for couples to unwind and connect!

Picture yourselves leisurely cruising down the river, hand in hand, absorbing the breathtaking vistas of the city and its surroundings. This cruise offers a tranquil escape from the bustling streets, providing an intimate experience where you can truly appreciate the unique charm and history of New Orleans. So, hop aboard and let the scenic beauty and serene waters enhance your romantic getaway.

Large cruise boat named Creole Queen on the water with a bridge and a bright blue sky behind it in New Orleans, Louisiana
photo credit: Paddlewheeler Creole Queen via Facebook

New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is one of the most unique attractions located in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans. The museum showcases a variety of Voodoo-related artifacts, including altars, sculptures, paintings, and tools used in Voodoo rituals. These exhibits also highlight the cultural fusion of African, Haitian, and Catholic practices.

When you visit New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, the exhibits and stories can spark fascinating discussions, making for a memorable experience. It’s a fun and unconventional date idea for couples in New Orleans, especially for those who are interested in exploring the more mysterious and historical sides of the city.

Mardi Gras World

In case you haven’t heard of Mardi Gras yet, it’s a festive season celebrated in many parts of the world, most famously in New Orleans, Louisiana. One of the most iconic elements of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the parades, featuring elaborate floats, costumes, and music.

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Mardi Gras is set to take the city by storm in February 2024, but don’t worry if you won’t be there! You can still experience the spirit of the vibrant parades at Mardi Gras World. If you join the tour, you’ll get a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes creation of Mardi Gras floats and costumes.

Additionally, the tour is interactive! You can try on costumes and pose for photos with the elaborate floats. This can be a playful and memorable experience for couples, offering lots of photo opportunities.

Close up of four people in full green, yellow, and purple Mardi Gras costumes handing out beads in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
photo credit: Mandina’s Restaurant via Facebook

New Orleans Museum of Art

The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) located in City Park is one of the oldest fine arts institutions in the city. Its permanent exhibition contains over 40,000 objects, spanning several thousand years of art from around the world. You can also plan to visit when there are events like film screenings, music performances, and art talks.

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For couples planning a visit, be sure to stop by the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden adjacent to the museum. It features over 90 sculptures set within a lush, landscaped environment–perfect for a leisurely day out. And of course, it’s an ideal spot to take Insta-worthy photos! Afterward, explore the surrounding restaurants at City Park and get yourself some much-deserved po boy.

Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours

Into wildlife and wilderness? Embark on a New Orleans Swamp Tour with a native Cajun guide! This adventure takes you into the heart of the marshy swamplands, a striking natural environment just 25 minutes from downtown New Orleans. You’ll be close to alligators, snakes, and a variety of other wildlife, all while safely seated on a Coast Guard Certified boat.

As you journey through Southern Louisiana’s swamplands, you’ll be in the protected areas of the Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve’s Barataria Preserve. These natural landscapes are rich in biodiversity and showcase the unique ecosystem of the region. And before the tour ends, you’ll get an opportunity to hold a young alligator, an unforgettable experience that brings you up close and personal with these fascinating creatures.

Family on airboat in the swamp lands in Louisiana
photo credit: Michael Gaylard via Flickr

New Orleans Irish Channel Pub Crawl

Experience New Orleans the best way possible–through its history and local brews! The New Orleans Irish Channel Pub Crawl is an ideal date night for couples looking for fun things to do in the city.

This 2.15-hour tour takes you through the Irish Channel, revealing a less-known side of the city. You’ll enjoy drinks at local bars, accompanied by an expert guide who will learn more about the city’s intriguing history.

It’s also a perfect opportunity to listen to live music and share laughs with fellow travelers from across the globe–all while savoring Louisiana’s local beers! This pub crawl is one of the best things for couples to do in New Orleans, combining exploration, history, and a fun memorable evening.

Felicity Plantation Guided Tour

The Felicity Plantation Guided Tour is perfect for couples seeking a fun, historical experience in New Orleans. As a sister plantation to St. Joseph and part of the Louisiana Sugarcane Museum, Felicity Plantation presents an opportunity to immerse in the rich history of the area. Marvel at the plantation’s stunning scenery and its blend of Greek Revival-Creole architecture. Meanwhile learning about the lives of its past inhabitants.

Like St. Joseph, sugarcane farming continues here, adding to its authenticity as a working plantation. In addition to its agricultural significance, Felicity’s grounds have been the backdrop for several renowned film and TV projects. Including ‘Skeleton Key’ and ‘12 Years a Slave’. After absorbing the history and stories on the guided tour, enjoy a peaceful walk hand in hand across the plantation grounds, exploring at your own pace.

Pro Tip: Plan to arrive a bit early to settle in. Take time to explore introductory exhibits or the grounds before the tour begins.

Vacherie, LA, USA - May 12, 2016: The tree canopy of Oak Alley Plantation. The oak trees were planted in the early 1800's and the property is designated as a National Historic Landmark.Plan a Romantic Escapade in New Orleans

Now that you have a list of fun things to do in New Orleans for couples, you’re ready to plan the best romantic getaway! Choose from exciting activities like a lively pub crawl, a mysterious ghost tour, or a scenic river cruise.

To make your trip both memorable and budget-friendly, consider a New Orleans Vacation Package. This option lets you bundle tour and attraction tickets with a hotel stay of your choice. It’s a convenient and cost-effective way to experience the best of New Orleans. Ensuring a romantic and unforgettable experience for you and your partner.

What Did We Miss?

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Written by Nicole King

There are only two things that make Nicole really happy–books and travel! When her head’s not buried in a book, she’s most likely...


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