If you’re struggling with ideas of things to do with your partner in New Orleans, we’ve got you covered!
This charming city has a lot to offer, from an energetic French Quarter with live music venues, restaurants and bars, to the historic Garden District with Southern architecture, museums and galleries.
Narrow down your options from this list of fun things to do in New Orleans for couples.
1. The National WWII Museum
Located near Lake Pontchartrain, this museum shares stories of the lives lost in WWII.
Get up close and personal with history – you’ll discover how Americans responded to the war, what sacrifices were made and why these events are still remembered today.
There are many interactive exhibits where you’ll get an inside look at what life was like during the war years and how World War II affected everyone across America.
2. Join a New Orleans Plantation Tour
Step back in time while touring one of Louisiana’s oldest plantations.
Learn about what life was like in the 1800s as you enjoy the beautiful gardens and courtyards along the way.
Explore antebellum architecture, cotton fields, and take a peek into the bleak history of the slave quarters at this estate.
3. New Orleans Swamp Tour
If you’re looking for a wild adventure in Louisiana, touring the bayou on an airboat is the perfect way to experience one of the country’s natural treasures.
The swamplands of Louisiana are some of the most biodiverse habitats on earth, and this is your chance to see them up close and personal.
From alligators to water moccasins, to red-headed woodpeckers and wild boars, the swamp is full of surprises.
Come for the thrill and stay for nature.
4. Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
This attraction boasts one of the largest private sculpture gardens in the United States.
It features statues throughout all seasons and represents various artistic styles, including classical realism, modern art and abstract sculptures.
Not only that, there are also pieces by international artists representing various cultures around the world.
5. Join a New Orleans Cemetery Tour
If you love cemeteries, then a cemetery tour is definitely worth checking out.
Take a guided tour through 200 years of rich history at the cemeteries in New Orleans, considered among the most haunted sites across America.
Learn about local legends and stories behind grave markers and visit tombs dating back as far as 1810.
You’ll find crypts that contain the remains of many famous historical figures such as Andrew Jackson, Marie Laveau, Jimmie Davis, Robert E. Lee and numerous others.
6. Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World
This attraction will give you a glimpse into what it’s like before Carnival season begins each spring.
Over 500 floats are decorated every year, all themed around New Orleans’ rich culture.
This place will surely add another fun spot for couples when visiting New Orleans.
The French Quarter
The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, is one of the most famous areas in New Orleans and has been since 1718, when it was founded.
This eccentric part of town is known for its lively Mardi Gras celebrations and contains about a third of all New Orleans’ tourist attractions.
With over 500 shops, bars, cafes and clubs located here, you and your significant other will find plenty of fun activities to keep you busy during your trip to NOLA.
7. Ride a Carriage in the French Quarter
New Orleans’ classic horse-drawn carriages are a unique way to experience the city.
You’ll feel like royalty as you travel through the streets of the French Quarter while enjoying views of the beautiful cityscape.
8. Stroll Along Bourbon Street
For those interested in spending their nights dancing until dawn, Bourbon Street is the best option.
Located in the central business district, there are tons of great bars and lounges to patronize.
From jazz joints to food stands, souvenir stores to art galleries, if you visit early enough, you might just catch some local musicians performing live on the streets.
Don’t forget to stop off at Café du Monde for authentic New Orleans coffee and beignets before heading home…or back out into the lively nightlife scene.
9. Visit the Iconic French Market
Located within the French Quarter, this market is chock full of fresh produce, dining options, artisan crafts, street performers and more.
Wander among street vendors selling hand-crafted goods and sample some fine wines as you browse the colorful produce stands.
10. Café du Monde
Opened in 1862, Café Du Monde is one of the oldest coffee shops in New Orleans and serves some of the best cafe au laits in the world.
If you feel like splurging on calories, go ahead and order the signature pastry, beignets, which are made with light batter, deep-fried until crispy and dusted with powdered sugar.
If that doesn’t satisfy your hunger, there are plenty of restaurants nearby.
11. Walk Around Jackson Square
Jackson Square is one of the most famous and recognizable places in New Orleans and was declared a National Historic Landmark.
Home to dozens of buildings that date back as far as 1820, this iconic square was initially known as Place d’Armes and is located near some of the most historically significant buildings in America, including The Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral.
The square also features beautiful fountains, monuments dedicated to famous figures such as Andrew Jackson, Benjamin Franklin, and Jefferson Davis
12. Louisiana State Museum
Within walking distance from Bourbon Street lies the Louisiana State Museum.
Covering 400 years of Louisiana’s history, the museum showcases exhibits like Native American artifacts, Civil War memorabilia, African American artifacts, Spanish Colonial Art, and so much more.
Each exhibit comes complete with detailed descriptions allowing you to truly understand what you are seeing.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Get under the skin of NOLA with this sightseeing bus tour!
Explore New Orleans’ most famous landmarks at your own pace.
During the ride, a professional guide shares insider stories behind local places and traditions, plus hidden gems not found in typical tourist brochures.
13. French Quarter Food Tour
The best way to explore this historic city is through food.
Take a walking foodie tour of the famous French Quarter, including stops at some of its most popular dining establishments.
Your guide introduces each restaurant’s history and menu offerings before taking you inside for tastings.
14. Take a Ride on a Historic Streetcar
For some reason, riding a vintage streetcar seems almost magical.
If you’ve never been on one before…don’t wait any longer!
There are four tram lines in New Orleans, but the St. Charles Streetcar is the oldest tram line that’s still in operation in the world.
With tram lines dating back to 1835, this is one experience that’s sure to make your memory book.
15. Stroll Through New Orleans City Park
The City Park is another great place to explore together; it’s the perfect spot for outdoor activities, especially during the summer months, where the park plays host to many free events.
From music festivals to concerts by local jazz bands, the park offers everything from family-friendly activities to romantic spots for walks through its vast green spaces.
Don’t limit yourself to just one activity; several popular attractions are all within walking distance of each other, so you won’t need to spend much time looking around for parking!
Check out:
New Orleans Museum of Art
New Orleans Botanical Garden
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
16. Ride the Bella Mae Gondola
Bring a bottle of champagne and take a romantic sunset cruise aboard the charming gondola, Bella Mae.
Enjoy views of the Big Easy from the lagoon as you float past lush vegetation along the way.
17. St. Louis Cathedral
The St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest Roman Catholic Cathedral that’s still in use in the USA.
Not to mention, the historic architecture is absolutely breathtaking.
The building has a Romanesque Revival style with elements from Gothic architecture.
18. Audubon Zoo
The Audubon Zoo is a great place to spend an afternoon with your significant other.
The zoo has over 2,000 animals from all around the world, including many endangered species.
There are also several interactive exhibits that allow you and your partner to get up close and personal with some of these amazing creatures.
Have you ever fed a giraffe before?!
19. Visit the Audubon Aquarium Of The Americas
Located on the Mississippi River, this aquarium is home to over 3,600 aquatic wildlife that’s native to the Americas.
It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with your significant other and has some really cool exhibits that you can check out together.
The new Shark Discovery exhibit is a must-visit!
20. The Garden District Walking Tour
The Garden District is the most famous section of the city outside of the French Quarter.
Home to some of America’s oldest and grandest mansions, this district showcases some of the finest examples of American residential construction for its time.
This neighborhood is a treat for architecture lovers, and the best way to see the Garden District is by going on a walking tour.
Tours last for about 1.5 hours, and you’ll get to explore historic landmarks such as the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and even get a glimpse of Sandra Bullock’s vacation home!
21. Audubon Park
Audubon Park is a beautiful urban park located in the uptown area of New Orleans.
Enjoy some fresh air and stretch out your legs on the 1.8 mile long jogging path, shadowed by ancient oak trees.
Ochsner Island, located on the eastern side of the park is an important natural habitat for Louisiana’s wildlife, providing critical breeding grounds for migratory birds and other species.
22. Cruise the Mississippi River on a Steamboat
Get up close and personal with some of the sights that make New Orleans so special.
Hop aboard Steamboat Natchez and enjoy fantastic views of the Mississippi River and the downtown city skyline as you sail off into the sunset.
The cruise takes approximately 2 hours with live jazz music to soothe your soul and an optional Creole-style dinner.
23. New Orleans Haunted Tour
Explore New Orleans on a ghostly tour that includes visits to some haunted sites throughout town, including the French Quarter’s most eerie locations.
You’ll hear ghost stories while touring these spooky sites, which include the Old Ursuline Convent Museum and Lalaurie Mansion, the former home of one of Louisiana’s first serial killers.
24. Frenchmen Street
Music lovers rejoice! Located just outside of the French Quarter, Frenchmen Street is known for its live music venues, late-night restaurants, and local culture.
Stroll through the streets lined by colorful creole cottage-style buildings and art galleries, and experience the authentic flavors of NOLA.