A French Landmark in New Orleans
Connect with us!
Image may be subject to copyright


New Orleans Date Ideas: 12 Activities Your Date Will Love



The only thing harder than finding a date in the first place is deciding what to do!

Whether this is your first or 100th date, you want to find the perfect place to stir up an exciting conversation, enhance your connection, and spark or rekindle the romance. Thankfully, you've found yourself in New Orleans, a charming and romantic place full of fun and exciting things to do. We know what happens, though; the second you ask someone on a date, you immediately forget every single date idea in the book and result back to the classic "grabbing a drink" date.

We're here to help! You're about to find that New Orleans is the land of great date ideas. We've created a list of activities to help you stand out against your competition and leave your date desperate for more. We're not responsible for what happens after the date, but you'll likely have a great outcome after one of these romantic date ideas!
Image may be subject to copyright
Date at New Orleans City Park

#1 - Picture Perfect Picnic in New Orleans City Park


There is no better way to surprise your date than by setting up a Pinterest- worthy picnic. Pour a glass of bubbly, and cheers to a great date! The best part about a picnic is that it can be at any time of the day. Sunrise picnic? Precious. Mid-day picnic? Perfect for a first date. Sunset picnic? A great way to heat up the romance.

Not confident in your ability to set up a picnic on your own? No worries, tons of people can do it for you! Some of our personal favorites are NOLA Pop-Up Picnic, Luxury Picnics NOLA, and NOLA Picnics! They can provide all the Pinterest-worthy decor, or you can go with the classic quilt and picnic basket in the park; up to you!

New Orleans City Park Hours:

Open 24-hours/day

New Orleans City Park Cost:

Free and open to the public
Image may be subject to copyright
Luxury Cocktail at Bijou

#2 - Enjoy a Luxury Cocktail at Bijou


Nothing says a romantic date better than a luxury cocktail bar! Get all dolled up and hit the town for a delicious drink at Bijou. Bijou Restaurant & Bar was featured on Brett Anderson's Top Ten Restaurants in New Orleans in 2019. The legacy continues today as Executive Chef Eason Barksdale continues to showcase his expertise from dinner to drinks. Bijou is known for its magnificent martini's so be sure to order one here!

Bijou Hours:

Monday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday: 5:00pm - 12:00am
Saturday: 5:00pm - 12:00am
Sunday: Closed

Bijou Cost:

Drinks vary in cost from $7 - $20 each. Check out their menu here!
Image may be subject to copyright
Staycation at The Degas House

#3 - Staycation at The Degas House

Sometimes (or we'd argue always) a weekend getaway is just what you need to reset! If you're looking to turn up the heat with your date, stay at The Degas House. The Degas House is a charming historic hotel in the heart of New Orleans. This unique bed and breakfast is a beautiful retreat from the outside world. Get away from the chaos in the city with a luxurious stay at The Degas House!

Try a morning date if you're looking for something a little quicker. Bring your significant other to our legendary breakfast, and then come along for our riveting Museum tour and walking tour!

The Degas House Hours:

Bed & Breakfast open upon availability
Breakfast and Creole Impressionist Tour begins between 9-10 AM and lasts 2-3 hours.

The Degas House Cost:

Pricing starts at $159/night. Book your stay today!
Breakfast and Creole Impressionist Tour is $50/per person.
Image may be subject to copyright
placeholder

#4 - Walk the French Quarter


The iconic French Quarter of New Orleans is known as the crown jewel of the city! When in town, it is a must-visit place in the city. The French Quarter is completely walkable with historical scenery from every point of view. Complete with charming shops and delicious restaurants, there is no better way to explore the city with your date. Just make sure to wear walking shoes.

French Quarter Hours:

Open 24hrs/day

French Quarter Cost:

Completely free
Image may be subject to copyright
Jazz Cruise in New Orleans

#5 - Take a Jazz Cruise Across the Mississippi


Something about water and music stirs up the romance instantly! Bring your date on an adventure across the Mississippi while relaxing to beautiful music and scenic views. Many ships also include a delectable meal to be eaten to the sound of onboard jazz music. This is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience! Cruises run from midday to evening; find one that best suits you.

Jazz Cruise Hours:

It varies depending on the cruise line and availability

Jazz Cruise Cost:

It starts at just $39/per person. Check out the upcoming cruises here!
Image may be subject to copyright
Carriage Ride through the French Quarter in New Orleans

#6 - Ride a Carriage Through the French Quarter


Make your date's fairytale dreams come true with a magical carriage ride through the French Quarter. We can guarantee a wonderful experience to remember! You'll feel like you've stepped back to another decade to experience the city through a new lens. Learn about local history as you ride by each historic site along the French Quarter!

Carriage Ride Hours:

Hours vary depending on availability

Carriage Ride Cost:

Private carriage rides start at $300. Check out upcoming rides here!
Image may be subject to copyright
New Orleans Gondola Tour

#7 - Pop Some Champagne on a New Orleans Gondola Tour


Are you in New Orleans, or are you in Venice, Italy? Your date will not be able to tell the difference as you ride on a NOLA Gondola. A gondola ride is a magical and alluring experience that can give your relationship the magic it deserves. A private ride on the gondola mixed with the charm of New Orleans will leave you enchanted. They'll remember the date forever!

New Orleans Gondola Tour Hours:

It varies depending on availability

New Orleans Gondola Tour Cost:

50-minute private rides start at $100. Book here!
Image may be subject to copyright
Live Jazz Performance at Preservation Hall

#8 - Attend an Intimate Live Jazz Performance at Preservation Hall


You cannot visit New Orleans without listening to one (or ten) live jazz performances. That is practically a sin! Lucky for you, there are hundreds of opportunities to attend jazz performances in the city. At Preservation Hall, there are four intimate live jazz performances daily! Bring your date to Preservation Hall for an evening of music and love.

Preservation Hall Hours:

Showings at 5:00pm, 6:15pm, 7:30pm, and 8:45pm daily

Preservation Hall Cost:

Pricing starts at $25/person. Book your tickets here!
Image may be subject to copyright
Shopping on Royal Street New Orleans

#9 - Go Shopping on Royal Street


Royal Street is a shopper's dream destination! The street is full of family-owned antique shops, art galleries, fine dining, and street performances. You can spend hours just in this one place! If your date loves to shop and explore new places, take them here! You can stroll the streets and window shop, followed by gelato at Amorino Gelato on the corner of Royal St. and Canal St.

Royal Street Hours:

Hours vary by store

Royal Street Cost:

Free (unless, of course you buy anything)
Image may be subject to copyright
French Quarter New Orleans

#10 - Private New Orleans Helicopter Tour


Now, who doesn't want to go on a helicopter tour? We can almost guarantee you could get anyone to go on a date with you if a private helicopter ride is promised. This date is perfect for an anniversary, birthday, or if you want to show off on a first date, we won't judge! Take a fly over the city and see the epic skylines and geography of the area.

Helicopter Tour Hours:

Varies depending on availability

Helicopter Tour Cost:

Starts at just $109. Check out availability here!
Image may be subject to copyright
placeholder

#11 - Learn About Mardi Gras at the Presbytere Museum


When in New Orleans, it's a must to learn about or celebrate Mardi Gras! When it isn't Mardi Gras season, stop by the Presbytere Museum to learn more about the festival's history. The museum is located in the heart of the French Quarter and is a beautiful place for a casual first date!

Presbytere Museum Hours:

Tuesday - Sunday: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Presbytere Museum Cost:

Adults - $7
Students, Seniors, & Active Military - $6
Image may be subject to copyright
placeholder

#12 - Catch a New Orleans Saints Game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome

Nothing screams date night like going to a sporting event! When in New Orleans, go check out the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Your date is bound to love attending a Saints game at the stadium! If they don't love sports, they'll still love dressing up and eating the expensive, though somehow delicious concession food.

New Orleans Saints Schedule:

Check out the New Orleans Saints schedule here!

New Orleans Saints Game Cost:

Tickets start at $42