New Orleans
USA

New Orleans

Photo by Aya Salman on Unsplash

Destination Overview

New Orleans just might be the most proudly outrageous city in the USA. Bursting with music, history, fun, and charm, it has a big party reputation stemming from the colorful pre-Lenten Mardi Gras Festival that takes over the town every year, but it’s also a great place for kicking back and soaking up sweet Southern romance at your own pace.

Through the warm southern air you hear the crooning of jazz saxophones, the gentle waves lapping on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, and the rushing of the great Mississippi River. Breezes rustle the sycamores and lights sparkle along cobblestone streets. At almost any hour of the day or night, you can grab some Champagne and take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the glowing French Quarter or steal a smooch on a rented boat in City Park.

Music is always in the air. This is the birthplace of Dixieland jazz, and it shows. Musicians play on street corners, in closet-sized clubs, and in big stadiums. You’re likely to see a band playing “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In” marching down the street at any hour of the day or night.

In the French Quarter, you can drink a daiquiri, a Sazerac, or a Sloe Gin Fizz as you go window shopping, enjoy a beignet (powdered covered doughnut) with your morning coffee, slurp a succulent fresh oyster at tea time, or enjoy ice cream for breakfast. As many couples who come to party also come to enjoy the food. New Orleans has some of America’s most famous restaurants, and some of the country’s best chefs have set up started restaurants in town. Old favorites like Antoine’s, Galatoire’s, and Commander’s Palace have been joined by August, Stella’s, Mr. B’s Bistro, and a host of others.

Make a reservation well in advance so you won’t be disappointed, and don’t eat a big meal before you go! There are crazy cooking classes for couples who like to learn to make popular local dishes like gumbo, pralines, and other Creole and Cajun specialties. You can usually buy some of the condiments that make them tasty on the spot.

There are plenty of other unique things to share. Embrace the mysteries of mystical Voodoo, the rich beauty of the land, the vibrant local art scene, sports galore, and the cultural fusion of France and the American South that make the city one of the funkiest, romantic, and unique honeymoon destinations in the entire USA. You’ll never forget it!

LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity
Few places in the U.S. embody the spirit of free expression like New Orleans. From the annual New Orleans Pride event held in June to the endless array of bars, restaurants, and nightlife destinations that welcome all groups, the city is an oasis for those looking to just be themselves. There’s even an LGBT Welcome Program in the city in which businesses can have a welcome sticker at their businesses to reflect these values.

About New Orleans

Most Romantic Spot in New Orleans

Located just 15 minutes from the French Quarter, Lake Pontchartrain is the largest inland body of water in the state. Taking in the views is a treat for anyone, but the sunsets are an unbelievably romantic capstone to any vacation day.  The lake’s boardwalk is a terrific location for the ultimate honeymoon photo, and once the sun sets, there are numerous restaurants in the area to enjoy a quiet, romantic meal.

Romantic Things to Do in New Orleans

  • The Steamboat Natchez with its iconic red paddle wheel is a favorite for seeing the city’s sights. Honeymooning couples will definitely want to opt for the “Evening Jazz Cruise,” though, where passengers enjoy a Creole-inspired dinner, live music from the Dukes of Dixieland, and unimpeded views of the illuminated skyline.
  • It goes without saying that the home of jazz music has some of the greatest jazz clubs in the world. Stop by Snug Harbor, Preservation Hall, or Davenport Lounge for a craft cocktail and a memorable performance.
  • Take a carriage ride through the French Quarter. Whether you want to just sit back and relax or enjoy a history lesson, New Orleans’ coachmen are the best of the best.
  • New Orleans City Park is packed with romantic things to do. You can rent a paddle boat and tour Big lake, check out the delightful wooden carousel, or enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush botanical gardens.
  • Take in the culture at Jackson Square, which is home to daily live music and performers. The historic architecture is also the ideal backdrop for Instagram photos.
  • Hop on a famous New Orleans streetcar for a wonderful tour of the city – and the low prices can’t be beat!

New Orleans Restaurants & Local Cuisine

From Po’boys and jambalaya to gumbo z’herbes and turtle soup, New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind haven for foodies. If you’re looking for the best Cajun, Creole, and French food in the city, don’t miss these favorites for romantic dining:

  • From Food & Wine to Southern Living, GW Fins has earned praise from the best of the best. The iconic restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and has created the ideal romantic ambiance for honeymooners touring the French Quarter.
  • An elegant dining atmosphere for enjoying both candlelit dinners and jazz brunches, Muriel’s Jackson Square is a local favorite set in an authentic 1800s building. You’ll enjoy dishes like shrimp and grits, wood-grilled pork chops, and sauteed snapper.
  • A New Orleans staple since 1893, Commander’s Palace lives up to its name with award-winning modern cooking and an extensive fine wine selection. As an added bonus, 90% of the restaurant’s ingredients are sourced within 100 miles of the restaurant, thus embracing the local vibe.
  • Perfect for both fine dining and leisurely cocktails, Irene’s on Bienville Street has curated an upscale Italian menu that has been wowing foodies since 1993. Add in a charming piano bar and one of the most impressive wine menus you’ve ever encountered, and you have the essential components of a romantic evening in New Orleans.
  • Known as the place “Where the Locals Dine,” Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro has received numerous awards for its wine menu and flavorful dishes like the Grapevine Black Angus House Filet and the Gulf Fish Amandine.
  • For top-notch service and a menu overflowing with Cajun delights and vegan options, look no further than Restaurant August. The 19th-century French-Creole building is New Orleans at its finest, and the restaurant utilizes Louisiana ingredients to great effect.

Things To Know About New Orleans

Traveling to New Orleans
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is just 15 miles from the downtown area, and there is a robust public bus system from both the Jefferson Transit Authority (JET) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to get you there with ease.

Getting Around New Orleans
No rental car is needed in New Orleans. Travelers can be comfortable relying on foot travel, Ubers, and even the streetcar system, which is a delightful way to see the sights and travel throughout the popular neighborhoods. Streetcars are also surprisingly affordable, with a trip costing around $1.25 and a Jazzy (unlimited) Pass costing just around $3 a day.

Weather in New Orleans
The weather is optimal between March and May, when temperatures are comfortable and the rainy season isn’t in full effect. October and November are also worth considering for their relatively little rain.

What is the best month to travel to New Orleans?
The most popular time for tourism in New Orleans is around the spring, typically between February and May. Things tend to kick off with Mardi Gras in February or early March and then keep right on going. Budget-minded travelers might focus on the late summer.

How many days do you need in New Orleans?
Conventional wisdom says at least 4 days. The sheer variety of attractions and restaurants requires at least a few days to enjoy, though there is plenty to see and do for a week or more.