Some Fun and Special Places to Date in New Orleans

Planning a date in New Orleans? There is no shortage of options. NOLA is one of the best cities in America for couples, whether you’re taking a relaxing night-time stroll in the park, grabbing some delicious southern fare at a restaurant, or enjoying a drink at a bar. Check out the following ideas for budget-friendly, fun, or romantic dates in New Orleans.

Top Date Night Destinations in New Orleans

Date night is easy in New Orleans. You have plenty of fun options to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites.

Prytania Theater

The Prytania Theater has been around for over a century. It’s a historic, family-run theater showing new and classic films. Cinemas are a classic first-date destination. It might seem a little cliche, but for a reason—who doesn’t love to relax in front of the latest blockbuster? You won’t have much chance to talk to your date, but you can always grab some food or drink afterward and then chat about the film over some entrees or a round of drinks.

Bacchanal

For a quick date idea in New Orleans, you can’t go wrong with Bacchanal. It serves cocktails, has outdoor seating, and is always buzzing with life and activity. You can enjoy some drinks with your date as you watch people walk by on the street. It’s a great way to spend the evening in New Orleans.

Cafe Amelie

Cafe Amelie is near the top of everyone’s list when it comes to romantic date ideas in New Orleans. It has one of the best courtyards in the city, but it’s not just about the setting and the view—the food is amazing too. They serve dinner until 9:30 pm, Thursday through Sunday, and you’ll find a variety of fresh seafood dishes on the menu, including gumbo, catfish, and shrimp & grits. Finish off the evening by sharing a bread pudding or ordering the famous Susan’s Seasonal Delight, a massively popular dessert that sells out very quickly.

Criollo

Criollo is another popular eatery in a unique setting. It offers something a little different and even comes with a show. Enjoy a delicious menu filled with seasonal produce and amazing cheeses and then head over to the ballroom for a burlesque show. It has a little bit of everything, and makes for the perfect experience whether it’s the first date or the tenth.

Unique Activities in New Orleans

In a city like New Orleans, there’s always something interesting happening, and a fun, unique destination is sure to make your first date memorable.

Audubon Zoo

Audubon Zoo spans 53 acres and is home to over 2,000 animals. It makes for a unique date idea, one that takes you away from the music, dancing, and general revelry of the French Quarter and makes for a pleasant day enjoying the sunshine and animals.

Hatchet Throwing

The hatchet-throwing trend seems to be dying down somewhat, but there are still plenty of places in New Orleans where you can toss an ax at a target. Check out Stumpy’s Hatchet House, which costs just $15 per person per hour at the time of writing.

Take a Cooking Class

The best meals are the ones you cook yourself, so add a twist to the usual dinner date by taking your date to a cookery class. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to cook—that’s the whole point. You could learn a thing or two and sharpen your skills in the kitchen. If not, and you make a mess, that works too. You might not be able to make a successful dinner, but at least you can have some fun and make your date laugh!

Go to an Escape Room

Escape rooms are another big trend, but this one doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. It’s a fun group activity and a great option for a date. The idea is simple—you’ll get locked in a room with your date and must find and solve clues to escape. You can show off your puzzle-solving skills while getting close to your date. After all, you’ll be trapped in a room with them, so it’s the perfect chance to get to know them.

You have a few different options here, including Clue Carre.

Free and Budget-Friendly Things to Do in NOLA

In a city such as New Orleans, you don’t need a lot of money to enjoy yourself. Sure, the bars and restaurants can be expensive, especially if you visit around Mardi Gras, but you can spend the day walking around the city park, visiting a museum, or even having a picnic. Here are a few other cheap date ideas in New Orleans:

Visit a Museum

You can visit many of the city’s museums for less than $15 per person. The National WWII Museum is a prime example and an absolutely stunning location with excellent exhibits. It makes for a chilled and thought-provoking date. You’ll have every opportunity to talk and get to know your date, but silence is also expected in museums, so you don’t need to worry about long and awkward silences.

Some other museums in NOLA include:

• New Orleans Museum of Art
• New Orleans Jazz Museum
• Southern Food and Beverage Museum
• New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Take a Bike Tour

People in New Orleans love to cycle, and there are several companies offering bike tours of the city. You rent the bike from them and they take you around the city’s hot spots while talking you through it. It’s a great way to get some sunshine and exercise while learning more about the city. Although it won’t appeal to residents, bike tours are fun and a great idea if you and your date are visiting the city or you’re showing a newcomer around.

Tour the City’s Darker Side

In addition to bike tours, New Orleans has a number of walking tours devoted to the city’s dark past and supernatural connections. There are tours that delve into vampire mythology, as well as ones that take you to the most haunted parts of the city. Tickets are cheap and the tours usually take place at night. Some of the highest-rated ghost tours in New Orleans include Gray Line in the French Quarter and Streets of Sin Tours.

You will be in a group, but if you want something a little more private, you can book a tour for a couple.

Romantic Stays and Overnight Escapes

If it’s luxury romantic date ideas you’re looking for, head to the Four Seasons Hotel. It’s one of the city’s best luxury destinations and has everything you need for an indulgent, relaxing stay. It’s also ideally located, so you have all of New Orleans city at your disposal. Other romantic stays include the Eliza Jane Hotel, which has an excellent restaurant that will serve you some of the best food in the city, and the Higgins Hotel.

To do things your own way, rent an apartment or house on Airbnb. Do your research and check reviews—don’t base your decision solely on the photo and price. Also, bear in mind that the prices will climb considerably around Mardi Gras.

Conclusion

From live music, happy hour, and a raucous night to a relaxing wine bar or dinner, New Orleans is perfect for new couples and long-term partners looking for date nights with a difference. Check out some of the date ideas above to get inspiration, and if you have yet to find the perfect person to join you on your date night, sign up for a Match account.

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