New Orleans is a French girl by heart; she is a lover of romance and intimacy. Her essence exudes closeness and desirability, making her one of the most sought out destinations for couples.
There are plenty of activities in New Orleans that will help keep the sparks flying in your relationship and to lessen the burden of planning your date. Keep your love connection strong with this curated list of romantic ideas.
10 Romantic NOLA Activities
1. Gondola Boat Ride in City Park
Big Lake Trail, (504) 491-3245, nolagondola.com/gondola-tour
NOLA Gondola offers boat rides in their Venetian-styled gondola boat in City Park. Enjoy an hour of boating through City Park's lagoons while being serenaded by romantic Italian music.
Alcoholic drinks are not allowed on the gondola; however, you are more than welcomed to bring non-alcoholic beverages, and the gondolier will provide glasses, ice, and an ice bucket. The ride is $100, and you must book a reservation prior to going.
2. Perfume Making at Tijon
631 Toulouse St., (504) 428-8422, tijon.com
Tijon is a perfume making company that originated on the French Caribbean island of St. Martin. Going to a Tijon lab allows participants to curate their own personal perfume scent.
No prior experience is necessary; professionals will be available to assist with your creation. There are personal classes available for date night, so prepare your nose to smell some sensual scents.
3. Omakase at Kenji Omakase
kenjinola.com/home
Omakase is a meal consisting of ingredients and dishes chosen by the chef; it is also a Japanese phrase meaning "I'll leave it up to you." Fortunately for New Orleans, there are a few omakase restaurants located here.
It would be in your best interest to visit Kenji Omakase. Their 14-course omakase is $135 per person with dishes featuring uni, Italian black truffle, and caviar. The experience and ambiance will bring you and your date closer together.
4. Spa Day at Woodhouse Spa
Multiple Locations, woodhousespas.com
Woodhouse Spa offers couples massages at their New Orleans location. You have the options of 50, 80, and 110-minute intervals.
The spa suggests the pairing of a hot stone enhancement to further deepen the relaxation and experience. The couple massage is meant to reduce tension and increase unity and connection.
5. Cooking Classes at The Southern Food & Beverage Museum
1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., (504) 569-0405, southernfood.org
If feeding your partner is your love language, this class is just for you. What's more romantic than learning nee recipes together? The Southern Food and Beverage Museum hosts cooking classes on Mondays and Fridays.
Participants pay $115 ($85 for members) to learn how to cook delicious Creole and Cajun dishes. The demonstration is about two and a half hours long with a wonderful menu featuring smothered okra and tomato, jambalaya, French bread, and Bananas Foster with ice cream.
6. Dinner Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez
Woldenberg Park, steamboatnatchez.com/index.htm
Spend the evening aboard the Steamboat Natchez at their evening jazz cruise. Boarding begins at 6 p.m., and the boat will depart at 7 p.m. To further enhance your cruising experience, add the dinner option in the price of your ticket.
Chef Eddie Thiel curates the dinner menu for the evening and it is subject to change based on the season. Steamboat Natchez is romance personified. Grab your tickets and enjoy a great experience with your favorite person.
7. Helicopter Ride around New Orleans
6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd. Ste. 148, (504) 285-2576, heli-co.com
Heli Co. is a company that offers helicopter rides to guests who want to experience an expanded view of New Orleans. Day and nighttime rides are offered, and if you want to romanticize the helicopter ride, champagne is offered to guests upon request.
Heli Co. also offers helicopter rides to those who want to propose to their partner. The prices are based on the duration of the flight. Book now!
8. Performances at New Orleans Jazz Market
1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., (504) 371-5849, thenojo.com/home
The New Orleans Jazz Market is a jazz curated experience you and partner will enjoy. The facility has a cocktail bar guests can partake in while being serenaded by the smooth sounds of jazz.
Upcoming events are located on the website. The Grammy Award-winning New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and other renowned local musicians hosts musical events there that you do not want to miss.
9. Wine and Live Music at Bacchanal
600 Poland Ave., (504) 948-9111, bacchanalwine.com
Bacchanal Wine is located in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans. This alluring establishment has a wine cellar with excellent selections, a craft cocktail bar upstairs, and live music right in their backyard.
In addition to great drinks and music, their seasonal food menu is also delicious. Charcuterie boards are also available, and you can choose which meats and cheese you want. Bacchanal is a great date night spot; it is away from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, which enhances the intimacy of the place.
10. Evening at the Saenger Theatre
1111 Canal St., (504) 525-1052, saengernola.com
The Saenger Theatre's ambiance and scenery is a perfect background for date night. Broadway plays, musicals, comedy shows, and musical performances are held at the Saenger, making it the quintessential place for spending quality time with your partner.
The box office is open Monday-Friday from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Make sure to regularly check the Saenger's website for upcoming performances and shows.
10 Great NOLA Date Ideas for Couples
The purpose of date night is to spend quality time with your partner. Whether it is reestablishing feelings or creating a new bond, the scenery is just as important as the person. Enjoying each other's company is essential, and these wonderful establishments can infuse more excitement and life into the relationship. Plan a date with one or more of these suggestions, and you are ensured to have a great time.
