My favorite romantic places in New Orleans

Softly glowing gas lanterns, the rhythmic pulse of jazz, Spanish moss swaying from ancient oaks, the heady perfume of tea olive spilling over iron balconies: New Orleans is not only romantic, it's downright flirtatious. New Orleans also is also inherently intimate. Historic narrows alleys, tiny music venues, and crowded streetcars push you close together; delicious bites and sips beg to be shared; crooked sidewalks mean you have to hold hands to stay together.

I love how New Orleans can beckon forth your most free self—not to be confused with wild licentiousness—but a truly free self that releases insecurities for immersion into the present moment. New Orleans reassures you that it's okay to stop worrying so much about being perfect and grab onto the gift of this embodied life with full joy. And there's nothing more romantic than being fully yourself together with the one you love.

"Most romantic" is a highly subjective designation, but these are some of our favorite romantic places and things to do in the most lushly romantic city.

Wander City Park.

One of the largest city parks in the nation, City Park houses unbelievably massive, moss-draped live oaks, including the 800+ year-old McDonough Oak. You'll also find a bayou with fairytale stone bridges and a Cafe du Monde location that isn’t overrun with tourists. There's pure magic in strolling under the oak canopy, sitting on the bayou banks, or lying in the shady grass to talk for hours.

Eat something indulgent at Café Degas.

This humble French café is our all-time favorite for dates. The cottage-style building has no true walls because it's wrapped around a huge tree at its center. With tiny tables for two and twinkle lights draped through the surrounding gardens, it's perfect for an intimate dinner over mussels frites or paté and wine (also: wine is 30 percent off on Thursdays). Before dinner, add a stroll down romantic Esplanade Avenue and sunset on the banks of Bayou St John, and you may just have the perfect date.

Go for a drink and late-night snack at Chais Delachiase or Bar Delachaise.

Something about sharing delicious food feels especially cozy. At Bar Delachaise on St Charles Avenue, nestle into the dim lighting and relaxed atmosphere for up-close conversation and duck fat fries, buffalo cauliflower, and steak bruschetta. Chais Delachaise is a twin bar/ gastropub farther up the streetcar route on Maple Street. Both locations offer beautiful, casual ambiance that just begs you to hold hands.

Take a long, lazy streetcar ride (even better at sunset or after dark).

The St Charles Avenue streetcar route offers prime romance and conversation for $1.25 per ride. While the streetcar is technically functional for actual transit around town, it's slow and old-fashioned—not ideal for getting anywhere on a tight schedule, but perfect for a romantic hour of close, meandering conversation. I especially like the streetcar after dark, when the avenue lights cast deep shadows from the oak trees and historic mansions. Don't ride it with a destination in mind: go for the time snuggled close together in charming slowness.

Walk and wander one of a dozen unique, beautiful neighborhoods.

New Orleans' many distinct neighborhoods are a feast for the senses: incredible, unique architecture; dense and colorful gardens; soulful character you won't find anywhere else. Walk and wander through the Garden District, Uptown, the French Quarter, the Bywater, the Marigny, Audubon, Mid-City, Bayou St John, the Irish Channel, Lakeview, the Warehouse District, Treme, Algiers...I never tire of turning down this street or that to explore together.

Listen to blood-warming jazz at a crowded jazz club (our fave is Fritzel's).

There are infinite venues for live music in New Orleans, for all kinds of moods and occasions, but the most romantic are the teeny tiny ones where you have to squish close together and whisper in each other's ears to talk. We love the warm, come-as-you-are vibe of Fritzel's on Bourbon Street (the quiet end). The drinks are mediocre, but you're not here for that—you're here for the sauntering, sashaying, spectacular jazz. Don't be intimidated if you don't see an open seat at first—they open up often and quickly.

Kayak on Bayou St John.

One of my favorite romantic activities in New Orleans: kayaking sleepy Bayou St John. You'll be all to yourselves on the gently rocking water, enjoying views of City Park and delightfully eccentric neighborhood homes. Bring a bottle of something to share. We rent from this outlet. You can combine your kayak outing with lunch at a plethora of cozy cafés nearby.

Share a drink in the dark at The Columns.

The Columns Hotel occupies a cavernous historic mansion on St Charles Avenue, with a magnificent mahogany bar open to the public. Sip wine or a cocktail in cozy nooks illuminated by candlelight and gas lanterns. I love the elevated vintage vibes and rich paneling inside, but you could also sit on the wraparound veranda or garden patio—both offer a secluded magic.

A few more romantic places to try:

• MaMou: a beautiful, warmly ambient brasserie at the back of the French Quarter

• Audubon Park: moss-draped allées of live oaks, deep lagoons, and curvy paths are excellent for strolling hand in hand or a picnic

• Ferry to Algiers Point: a quick sail across the Mississippi River to one of the most charming neighborhoods

• Sculpture garden at New Orleans Museum of Art: a free-entry into eleven acres of meandering gardens and lagoons punctuated with a diverse collection of sculpture (but no matter how cute and adorable they may look, do not try to swan boats nearby: trust!)

Subscribe to get the weekly newsletter with exclusive essays and other content.

__________

Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, and traveler.

I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event.