With its multicultural history, music and fine dining, New Orleans is an inherently romantic city. Whether you’re exploring the streets of the French Quarter or watching the sunset over the Mississippi River, there are plenty of ways to woo your one-and-only in the Crescent City.
If you’re visiting for Valentine’s Day or during any time of the year, it’s easy to make room for romance – simply explore one of our favorite romantic places in New Orleans!
What’s big, blue and served in a clamshell? It’s called the Aquadesiac, it’s built for 2 and it’s served at our in-house tiki bar, Latitude 29.
1. Latitude 29
With a world-famous tiki expert behind the bar, Latitude 29 guarantees an unforgettable cocktail. We love how Jeff “Beachbum” Berry has created shareable drinks like the Aquadesiac – you can sip side-by-side with your sweetheart for a nostalgic moment. This drink built for two features an enticing blend of Gold Barbados rum and Blue Curaçao, teased with lemon, almond, caraway and Bénédictine.
Other standout romantic drinks include the eponymous Latitude 29 (with sensuous Madagascar vanilla syrup) and the Outcast of the Islands (it’s got cinnamon in it, an aphrodisiac!).
2. Café du Monde
There’s really no beating fresh, warm beignets covered in powdered sugar. Café du Monde’s al fresco setting is perfect for people watching, and their petite plates are just the right size for drawing powdered sugar hearts – after you finish your beignets, of course.
3. Jackson Square
Part of the magic of New Orleans is its constant flow of live music. There’s always an excuse to dance, especially when you’re with your loved one on Valentine’s Day! Jackson Square is beautiful as is, but live music creates an incredibly romantic atmosphere to dance hand-in-hand under the stars.
While you’re there, you can also pick out a piece of local artwork to bring home, or have your palms read by one of the fortune tellers seated around the square. Top it off by taking a mule-drawn carriage ride through the French Quarter – carriages are available for hire along the riverside of Jackson Square.
Take a quiet moment at St. Louis Cathedral as part of a romantic Valentine’s Day. (Photo by EMR via Flickr)
4. St. Louis Cathedral
Reflection is an important part of any relationship. You can take time for quiet introspection at the St. Louis Cathedral as you admire the architecture and artwork within this historic building. Located at the center of Jackson Square, this iconic cathedral has hosted numerous weddings over the years. It’s open daily from 8:30am until 4:00pm with Daily Mass at 12:05pm. Self-guided brochures are available in the entrance for a $1.00 donation.
5. Frenchmen Art Market
Explore locally made jewelry, crafts, gifts and artwork under a twinkling canopy of lights as you walk hand-in-hand with your honey at the Frenchmen Art Market. Located at 619 Frenchmen Street, this charming outdoor craft fair opens only at night and is nestled between some of the most popular nightclubs in the area. After you’re done shopping, pop over to The Spotted Cat Music Club for live jazz music in an intimate setting.
6. The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen
End your Valentine’s Day on the mighty Mississippi when you take a steamboat like the Creole Queen for a moonlight dinner cruise. The experience provides fabulous photo-ops, and there’s an exhilarating feeling of wind in your hair and the whole world ahead of you – a lot like how love feels, we think.
City Park features plenty of romantic nooks and crannies to explore together. (Photo by Infrogmation of New Orleans via Flickr)
7. City Park
An expansive oasis in the middle of an urban setting, City Park offers plenty of opportunity for romance. Begin your date at the New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden, and then take a stroll around Big Lake, where you can book an authentic Venetian style gondola ride. The twelve acres of gardens and art at the New Orleans Botanical Garden are also an inspiring spot to explore with your sweetheart.
Book your romantic weekend now!
Whether you are rekindling the romance or exploring a new flame, our French Quarter hotel offers the perfect accommodations for a romantic getaway with your special someone.
Book a room now at Bienville House for unparalleled access to all the romance of the French Quarter.