Many people may think of New Orleans as the perfect destination for a bachelor party or a wild weekend reminiscent of the parade of reckless debauchery exhibited in The Hangover. While New Orleans has the capacity to accommodate such goals, it also can be one of the most romantic cities in the world if you let it. Besides the fact that the streets and buildings look more European than American and history oozes out of every sidewalk crack, there are a ton of intimate bars, restaurants and activities perfect for falling in love for the first time or all over again. Use this guide as your New Orleans romantic itinerary for Valentine’s Day or any time of the year.
Monday: There is something about sitting in a dimly lit room and listening to live music that just puts people in the romantic mood. Every Monday catch Charmaine Neville and Friends at the famed Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Snug Harbor is open seven days a week, so if Charmaine doesn’t fit your bill, check out their monthly calendar. Across the street on Frenchmen is the Spotted Cat, one of the best jazz clubs in the city that resonates with the French gypsy sounds of the Jazz Vipers at 10 p.m. A fun, interactive way to spend a night with the object of your affection is to combine music and dancing with a free lesson from the NOLA Jitterbugs at Mimi’s in the Marigny at 9:30 p.m.
A romantic carriage ride through the French Quarter (Photo courtesy of Texas Pepper)
Tuesday: Carriage Ride Through the French Quarter. It may be cliché, but who doesn’t get weak in the knees at the thought of riding through the French Quarter at sunset cuddled up next to your sweetheart? Not only is a carriage ride one of the most fun ways to see the city of New Orleans, it’s one of the most romantic things to do with your loved one.
Wednesday: I love a good cocktail, and Bar Tonique is one of my favorite spots for hand-crafted cocktails and good conversation. If you’re already downtown, come here for a post-dinner cocktail or just for a round or two. If you’re eating dinner uptown, or just in the neighborhood, The Delachaise is another great spot for a cozy, romantic night. Their wine and beer lists are very extensive and their cocktails are fantastic. The seating is a little tight, which, if you’re on a date or with your loved one, shouldn’t matter.
Thursday: Champagne & chocolate at Sucre. Again, it may be cliché, but nothing says romance like champagne and chocolate (think Valentine’s Day). Now make that chocolate hand-crafted, artisan chocolates from Sucre and you’re in business. Sucre on Magazine Street, which is open until 10:00 pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends, is my go-to spot for desserts. Get two glasses (or a bottle) of champagne, an assortment of chocolates and take a seat outside — it doesn’t get much better.
The patio outside Cafe Degas
Friday: Dinner at La Crepe Nanou or Cafe Degas. There are plenty of romantic restaurants in New Orleans, but my two favorites happen to both be French restaurants: La Crepe Nanou, which is located in Uptown New Orleans on the corner of Robert and Prytania Streets, and Cafe Degas, which is in Mid-City on Esplanade. The seating at both is a little tight, which I think is ideal for one-on-one conversation. If you’re going to enjoy one of these restaurants, try to sit in the back room at Crepe Nanou, which is a dimly, slightly blueish, lit room and try to sit on the patio near the tree at Cafe Degas.
Saturday: City Park is a tremendously romantic place to picnic and it’s even more romantic when you’re touring the lagoons on a Gondola. The New Orleans Gondola is easily one of the most unique and romantic things to do in the city. Robert Dula, also known as Gondola Guy, runs 30 minute and hour-long rides through the lagoons of city park and he encourages you to bring wine, champagne or grape juice, he’ll provide the glasses.
Sunday: If you’re anything like me, you love a classic movie — especially a classic romantic movie. Lucky for people like us, The Prytania Theatre does a classic movie matinee every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at noon. Past movies have included Casa Blanca, Singing in the Rain and many others. For a full list of their classic movie series, midnight movie series and regular movie series, please check their website.
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