“America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco and New Orleans. Everything else is Cleveland.”
Tennessee Williams
You may have heard this famous quote before, but if you’ve never visited New Orleans, then you’ve yet to experience the distinct sentiment that Williams is expressing.
While Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, and being able to drink alcohol in the streets are some of the most well-known aspects of New Orleans, there is so much more to this unique city full of music, adventure, and romantic getaway potential. Looking to spend a little time in the South eating surprisingly spicy food, exploring a treasure trove of history and culture, and listening to all sorts of music while you honeymoon? Look no further than NOLA.
Romantic Things To Do In New Orleans
Spend some time outdoors:
- Tour the bayous: The natural swamp and marshland you can find just a short trip from New Orleans should definitely be a part of your visit. Parks such as Jean Lafitte National Park and the Bayou Sauvage Wildlife Refuge are great places to tour the Louisiana bayous.
- Helicopter tours: If you’d rather have an aerial view of the city, helicopter tours over NOLA are a great idea. The New Orleans Helicopter Tours will give honeymooners a tour of the French Quarter, the Mississippi River, the financial district, above ground cemeteries and historic cathedrals.
Relax in New Orleans
- Stroll Jackson Square: Oftentimes, the most underrated activities are the most romantic. Stroll Jackson Square under the starry sky and you’ll know what I mean. Honeymooners may hear live music or see dancing from a street performer. You may also decide to pop inside Cafe du Monde, a French Quarter landmark open 24 hours, for late night beignets and cafe au lait (strong coffee mixed with hot milk).
- Visit Spa Atlantis: This highly rated spa is one of the best in New Orleans. If you’re looking for a relaxing couples massage or a facial, Spa Atlantis is the place to go. Their dedication to relaxation, rejuvenation and serenity will make sure you leave feeling like a completely different person.
Romantic Things To Do In The French Quarter
While many honeymooners who aren’t interested in a party may be tempted to avoid the French Quarter, there are plenty of romantic things for honeymooners to do in this beautiful part of the city
- An elegant dinner: You can’t go wrong with an elegant dinner on your honeymoon. The Courtyard tables at Broussard’s provide an old world glamour feel while the spicy food at Bayona is excellent. If you’re really looking for exclusivity, seclusion and romance, you can’t do better than booking a private room at Antoine’s. But it’s hard to go wrong hitting an oyster bar and truly getting in the New Orleans spirit. Bourbon House has a wonderful couples friendly bar for just that.
- Horse drawn carriage ride: The famous carriages that can be found lining up in front of Jackson Square are actually pulled by mules and offer a private tour of the district’s breathtaking architecture. Each carriage driver is a licensed tour guide and it’s the perfect place to snuggle up with your new spouse.
Romantic Accommodations for your Honeymoon
New Orleans is full of amazing cozy accommodations and wonderful honeymoon suites. Here are some of our favorites for Airbnb followed by some local hotels.
LE PAVILLON HOTEL
The reimagined Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans is glamorous and grand. The property boasts 226 newly reinvented guest rooms and eclectic suites, a newly designed lobby bar, and signature restaurant, Bijoux. The historic hotel also draws honeymooning couples in with their intimate rooftop pool, and their seven one-of-a-kind suites inspired by the rich history of the vibrant city. If you’re looking for history, style, class and a beautiful place to relax on your honeymoon, you can’t do better than Le Pavillon.
LOEWS NEW ORLEANS HOTEL
The Loews New Orleans Hotel holds a AAA Four Diamond Rating and puts honeymooners in the center of downtown, and within walking distance to major areas including the French Quarter and Mississippi River. The building offers 12 suites with breathtaking views of the magnificent Mississippi River, the historic French Quarter or the New Orleans skyline.
The rooms are finished in modern colors while the iconic New Orleans photos accent the city’s rich history. The staff can help set up candles and rose petals both around the spa tub and in the bedroom, as well as champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries to create a truly romantic setting for newlyweds upon arrival. The best bonus? If you don’t want to leave your pet at home during your honeymoon? Loewsgladly welcomes your furry friends and offers gourmet room service menus for cats and dogs, e specialized bedding, leashes, and collars along with helpful amenities such as dog-walking route maps, pet placemats, water bowls, and treats.
THE BOURBON ORLEANS
This beautiful property is situated behind Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral, and offers an ideal setting for an unforgettable honeymoon. New Orleans’ oldest and grandest ballroom dating back to 1817 can be found in the Bourbon Orleans Hotel and offers an authentic French Quarter atmosphere for your post-wedding trip.
Each guestroom features private balconies with amazing views of Cathedral Gardens and the French Quarter’s street life, which is perfect for people watching. The Bourbon O Bar, is noted as the “first fresh cocktail bar on Bourbon Street,”and Cheryl Charming, former New Orleans Magazine “Mixologist of the Year” runs it. This hotel is quite famous for the weddings they put on and they also offer an LGBTQ package. 
When to Visit New Orleans
- The best time of the year to visit: New Orleans is from February-May. The weather is casually cool and the city’s oldest celebration, Mardi Gras, happens during this time period, as do multiple other festivals such as French Quarter Festival and Jazz Fest. However, visiting during these events can be hectic, as crowds fill hotels and restaurants. If you want a better honeymoon experience, avoid those dates.
- If you don’t want to Mardi Gras: If you’re not interested in experiencing Mardi Gras, the best time to visit is December and January. The city is calm and making hotel reservations won’t be nearly as difficult as it is in during the springtime. If you visit between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, you can see gorgeous holiday decorations and experience City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks, a magical light display in the city’s largest park.
Interesting Facts about New Orleans
- The city’s official motto is “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” (“Let the good times roll!”) Not surprising, right?
- Hurricane season spans from June to November and while most hurricanes are not as devastating as as Hurricane Katrina, the potential for bad weather is still something to keep in mind when making travel plans.
- New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz and offamous trumpet player Louis Armstrong.
- Until the mid-20th century, New Orleans had more miles of canals than Venice, Italy
- The city is also home to the longest continuous bridge over water in the world. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway clocks in at 23 miles in length.