Romantic New Orleans Itinerary

Whether its an anniversary, Valentine's Day, or just an excuse to rekindle the flame and spend some time together, New Orleans is the perfect place to celebrate the one you love. Whether you are here for just one night or a few days, we have the perfect romantic itinerary. If you only have one night in New Orleans, follow the day one itinerary, which contains all the romantic highlights of the Crescent City.

Day 1
A Perfect Romantic Evening

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Woldenberg Park Napoleon House Irene's Cuisine Bayona Jackson Square Carriage Ride Caf Du Monde

Make your first romantic evening in New Orleans completely unforgettable. Start your evening off with the sunset at Woldenberg Park and watch the sun dance across the Mighty Mississippi. Take a walk along the Moonwalk, which is on the river at Jackson Square.

Jackson Square

Horse and Carriage Ride

Cafe Du Monde

Toast your relationship over pre-dinner cocktails at Napoleon House. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time when you take a seat in the dimly lit, rustically romantic barroom. Order up the bar's signature Pimm's Cup, and take in the scenes from the street outside or just stare longingly into each other's eyes. Once the sun has gone down, get ready to dive into some good ole New Orleans cuisine. If you're in the mood for Italian with a distinctly New Orleans twist, stroll hand-in-hand down Chartres Street to Saint Philip Street, and duck into Irene's Cuisine. Aside from having outrageously delicious food, Irene's also has the added allure of being somewhat off the beaten path. Irene's does tend to get busy and even with a reservation, you may still have to wait. Pass the time with a glass of wine, some good conversation, and perhaps a quick kiss or two trust us, it's worth it.

Bayona is another top pick for romantic fine dining in the French Quarter. With its eclectic global cuisine crafted by beloved (and critically acclaimed) New Orleans Chef Susan Spicer, Bayona truly provides a feast for the senses. Linger over artistically crafted cocktails in the lush courtyard before taking a seat in the main dining room. The warmth from the walls seems to radiate throughout the whole interior of the restaurant, providing a dining experience so intimate, it will leave you glowing. After dinner, swing by Jackson Square (on the Decatur Street side), and sweep your loved one off of their feet literally! There are few things more quintessentially romantic than a late-night ride around the Quarter in the back of a horse-drawn carriage. Tales of the city and picturesque views envelop you on this 45-minute journey through one of America's most historic areas. In those rare cold winter months, blankets are provided, so snuggle up and get ready to go! Finally, it's always fun to end an evening with a little something sweet, so before heading back to your hotel, swing by Caf du Monde for a cup of caf au lait and an order of world-famous beignets.

Day 2
Esplanade and City Park

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Caf Amelie Johnny's Po-Boys (To Go) Canal Street Streetcar City Park City Park Boat & Bike Rentals Swirl Wine Bar and Market Cafe Degas or Lola's Frenchmen St.

Start your morning off right with a delicious brunch at Caf Amelie. The restaurant itself is enchanting; it's nestled in a beautiful courtyard along a quieter stretch of Royal Street. Their notoriously tasty brunch is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, so you'll want to call ahead and reserve a table.

Gondola Ride in City Park

Sculpture Gardens in City Park

Cafe Degas

After brunch, it will be time to hit the streets for a leisurely stroll around the French Quarter. Wander in and out of the galleries that line Royal Street, stopping to steal a quick kiss or two along the way. And be sure to look up to check out the lush "hanging gardens" that fill the wrought iron balconies of the homes as you explore side streets along the way. Slowly make your way up to Johnny's Po-Boys, where you'll grab a couple of sandwiches to go for a picnic in City Park. Don't think you'll be hungry enough for a full lunch? You can also swing by Rouse's Market on the corner of Royal and St. Peter streets and grab some cheese and crackers (and maybe a bottle of wine) to bring with you on your way. Head up to catch the Canal Street Streetcar (City Park/Museum line), which will bring you right up to the front of the City Park. Take a short walk along the City Park Avenue side, and settle down under a canopy of oak trees to enjoy your picnic. Prefer waterfront dining? Check out the beautifully ornate Peristyle that overlooks Bayou Metairie. Once you've finished your meal, wander over to the dock at Big Lake, where you can rent yourselves a pedal boat from City Park Boat & Bike Rentals. Feel like having someone else do the rowing? City Park also offers gondola rides, which take off from the same dock. Pedal boats are first come, first serve, but gondola rides require a reservation so be sure to call ahead. As the sun starts to set, and you're ready for a change of scene, head down Esplanade Avenue, crossing over Bayou St. John. This particular neighborhood, known as Esplanade Ridge, has a decidedly funky romantic vibe. If you're not quite ready for dinner, swing by Swirl Wine Bar & Market to have a glass of wine. If you like what you try, go ahead and grab a bottle most of the restaurants in the neighborhood will allow you to bring your own wine for a slight corkage fee. If you're in the mood for French, head right across the street to Caf Degas, a quaint little bistro tucked away on Esplanade Avenue. This charming caf provides the perfect intimate setting that makes you feel like you are in a world of your own away from the city scene. Or if you're craving Spanish food, walk across Esplanade to Lola's. What Lola's lacks in square footage, it more than makes up for in charm. Locals flock to the cherished neighborhood eatery for what many swear is the best paella in the city. With only a few tables, and a strict no-reservations policy, Lola's tends to fill up quickly, so be sure to factor a potential wait into your evening plans. After dinner, call a cab and have them drop you off down in the Marigny on Frenchman Street. This part of town is unlike any other in New Orleans, hosting artists, philosophers, musicians and anyone looking to live the chill, bohemian lifestyle. The jazz

clubs along this strip are some of the best in the city. Snug Harbor, d.b.a., and The Three Muses are just some of the popular venues to catch live, local New Orleans musicians. Looking to head back to the Quarter? Close the night out with a trip to the Palm Court Jazz Caf or Pat O's Patio Bar and listen to jazz while sipping on classic New Orleans cocktails. The laid back atmospheres make these great places to unwind and take in all the beauty of a traditional French Quarter courtyard while listening to the wonderful sounds of jazz. Or if you're in the mood for something unique and unforgettable, then check out the revolving Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone. Hop aboard and sample one of the many delicious signature cocktails served up in the famously lux setting of this legendary New Orleans hotel. This will be a night you will never forget!

Day 3
French Quarter/Uptown

1. 2.

Arnaud's or Commander's Palace St. Charles Streetcar Audubon Park/Audubon Zoo OPTION 1 - Dinner and Drinks at La Crepe Nanou or Upperline

You can't come to New Orleans without experiencing a Jazz Brunch! Arnaud's in the French Quarter serves up fantastically delectable New Orleans brunch fare in 4. a historic setting to the tune of live Dixieland Jazz.

3.

5.

OPTION 2 - Drinks at either The Columns or The Delachaise followed by dinner at Atchafalaya or Lilette

Commander's Palace

Audubon Park

La Crepe Nanou

Or if you're ready to jumpstart your Uptown adventure, go ahead and hop on the St. Charles Streetcar, ride it up to Washington Avenue, then walk down Washington to Commander's Palace. This iconic Garden District restaurant serves up a three-course Jazz Brunch that's absolutely to die for. Make sure you try out one of their delicious daytime libations (they're famous for their Creole Bloody Mary) they're too good to miss! Take some time to explore the Garden District after your meal, then hop back on the Uptown-bound streetcar, and take in the scenery as you glide down St. Charles Avenue to Audubon Park. When you get to the park, step off theStreetcar, and take a stroll under the canopies of oak trees, heading around the park through along the track until you hit Magazine St. Cross Magazine St. until you come to the entrance of Audubon Zoo and get ready to step into one of the nation's top-ranked zoos. The Audubon Zoo is a world of its own - see exotic animals, reptiles, elephants and more. Walk through The Louisiana Swamp exhibit, which is a re-creation of a 1930s swamp settlement equipped with a trapper's cottage, Spanish moss, white alligators and cypress knees. Sometimes one of the best ways to rekindle a flame is to act like kids again, and nothing is quite as care-free as a trip to the zoo. Pose for pictures by the elephant fountain, or check out a show at the sea lion pavilion. You may even learn a thing or two at this state-of-the-art nature facility. After you've seen your fill of wildlife, head back through Audubon Park until you hit St. Charles Ave. and hop on the streetcar back towards downtown. If you're ready for a bite to eat, get off at Robert Street (about five blocks past Jefferson Avenue), and head towards Prytania Street to a little restaurant called La Crepe Nanou. This charming neighborhood bistro feels straight out of Paris with its dim, rich lighting, and cozy red banquettes. Share an order of fondue for two, or try out one of their deliciously savory crepes. The restaurant does fill up quickly, and doesn't take reservations, so there may be a wait. Also nearby? Upperline Restaurant. The menu is decadent and delicious Creole contemporary at it's best. The walls are dripping with artwork from local artists, and the hominess of the building itself creates a comfortably upscale ambience. Try the restaurant's signature fried green tomatoes topped with shrimp remoulade, or opt for the opulently delectable roast duck. Or if you'd prefer to stop for a pre-dinner cocktail before settling into a meal, forgo the Robert Street stop, and continue riding down St. Charles until you reach the Columns Hotel. This iconic New Orleans hotel, and the bar that spills from its lobby onto its expansive front porch, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The dark, Victorian

lounge-y atmosphere of its interior lends itself to an almost scandalous sense of romance (after all, it was used as the bordello in the 1987 Brooke Shield's flick "Pretty Baby"). Feel like getting some fresh air? Take a seat outside where you can sip your cocktail while overlooking the beauty of St. Charles. Another great pick for romantic pre- (or post-) dinner cocktails is The Delachaise, located just two blocks down from The Columns. Sit under the light-strung patio out front, or grab a table inside and enjoy their delightfully extensive list of wines, beers and fine liquor. When it comes time for dinner, call a cab and head over to either Atchafalaya or Lilette. Atchafalaya serves up contemporary Creole cuisine in a quaint Uptown cottage located enough off the beaten path that you'll feel like you're an in the know local. Lilette, on the other hand, is an upscale bistro that specializes in Italian-French fare. The space itself is sophisticated and sultry, with deep red walls, and creamy white banquettes. The restaurant can tend to get a little loud as the night goes on, but that's all the more reason to lean in closer. As your weekend winds down, you may want to return to the Quarter for one last latenight stroll, or grab a nightcap at one of our picks for the city's most romantic bars. No matter how you choose to wrap up your romantic tryst in the Big Easy, one thing is certain; the memories you made in a weekend will last a lifetime. Now that's amore.

Ten Great Places to Kiss:

1. Moonwalk in Woldenberg Park at Dusk 2. Sculpture Garden in City Park 3. Lakefront at Sunset 4. French Quarter roof top patio 5. Carriage Ride through the French Quarter 6. Fountain at Audubon Park 7. Top deck of the Steamboat Natchez 8. Pirates Alley 9. On the Streetcar 10. In a corner booth at a dimly lit jazz club

Late Night Itinerary

There are many things that draw visitors from all over the world to New Orleans the fascinating history, rich culture, and incredible food rank high. But most visitors know that after their tours have ended, and the fantastic meal has been consumed, its time to hit the town and have an unforgettable night. Between our jazz clubs, cozy bars, and luxe lounges, New Orleans has what it takes to create the night of a lifetime night after night. Whether youre only able to party it up in the Crescent City for one night or if you and your friends have an entire weekend to devote to the late-night culture of the city, weve put together a collection of top-notch watering holes.

Night 1 Summary
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Columns Hotel Bar Jacques-Imos Maple Leaf Bar Bulldog Bar St. Joes Bar Tipitinas or Le Bon Temps Roule

Night 1
Uptown

While there is way more to New Orleans than bars and booze, the city does have some great late night hang outs, and while there may be a lot to chose from, there are certain destinations you simply cant miss out on! Uptown New Orleans has a lot to offer in the way of hip bars, great restaurants, and hoppin music clubs. Since it is about 15 minutes away from Downtown by car, we suggest taking a cab. While a lot of cabs tend to hang around the most popular haunts, you can also give a cab company a call and theyll come right to you! Start the evening off with a drink at the Columns Hotel Bar, a great spot for either before or after-Dinner drinks. Have a cab drop you off at this palatial mansion-turnedhotel on historic St. Charles Avenue. Grab a spot on the porch, order yourself a classic New Orleans cocktail, and take in the beauty of the Avenue at dusk. The seating inside is equally enjoyable; rich mahogany and plush seating gives patrons a feeling of Old New Orleans charm a perfect match to a refreshing drink. When it comes time for some dinner, have a taxi bring you to Jacques-Imos, a traditional New Orleans favorite located in the heart of Uptown. This funky restaurant

serves up a variety of Creole and Cajun comfort food including fried roast beef po-boys, alligator and shrimp cheesecake and barbeque shrimp, just to name a few. Show up early or be prepared for a wait, as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly. Pass the time by swinging next door to Maple Leaf Bar for a drink while you wait for your table. This Uptown bar almost always has live music later into the night. Before you know it, the time will be up and youll be feasting on decadently delicious dishes among the funky artwork and energetic vibe of one of New Orleans favorite dining institutions. For the true beer connoisseur, theres no better place to stop along the way than the Bulldog Bar. Its a great place to sit back and try one of the 50 beers on tap or 100 different brands available by the bottle. This quaint neighborhood bar features a great outdoor patio, and also offers indoor seating as well. Its the perfect place to gain momentum again after a big meal and fuel up for a big night ahead. Another great bar to stop at for a quick drink or two is St. Joes Bar located at the corner of Magazine St. and Joseph St. This neighborhood bar offers a great beer selection as well as several specialty drinks most notably, their blueberry mojito. While there isnt a great deal of indoor seating, the patio bar in the back is the real gem of this unique watering hole. The covered-outdoor bar is surrounded by wrought-iron tables, perfect for gathering with friends under a plethora of red-lanterns dangling from the ceiling. The undeniably hip vibe is ideal for conversation and plan for the next stop of the night. Uptown has great venues to hear music in a setting thats usually much more local than touristy. Along with the aforementioned Maple Leaf Bar, Tipitinas and Le Bon Temps Roule also offer great shows in laid-back environments. After dancing the night away, call a cab and crawl into bed believe us, youll be ready for a little rest.

Night Two
Marigny/Frenchmen Street

Night 2 Summary
With a big night out Uptown last night, you may be feeling the need for a quieter, more laid back night out on the town. Swing by Frenchmen Street in the Marigny for some live music in dimly lit and indisputably cool locations. No matter what kind of music you want to hear jazz, blues, funk, reggae youll find it in one of these hip, yet totally unpretentious, bars and clubs. Most dont require a cover either, so you can feel free to wander in and out at your leisure without worrying about spending too much money.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Port of Call Snug Harbor d.b.a. Spotted Cat Caf Brasil/Blue Nile/Apple Barrel Hookah Caf Igors Checkpoint Charlies

If you havent already eaten dinner, head on over to Port of Call the lower French Quarter establishment known for their amazing burgers, and delicious baked potatoes. While Port of Call is the perfect place to fill your stomach before a night out on the town, you can also get the night started with a Neptunes Monsoon, the bars signature drink which comes in a huge plastic cup, so if you dont finish it at dinner, you can always take it along until your next destination. The best part about Frenchmen Street is that no matter which bar you end up wandering into, youll find good music and great people. Start the night off with a cocktail and some jazz at Snug Harbor. Grab a table by the stage or opt to stay up closer to the bar. If you havent eaten yet, they also offer everything from seafood to steaks to make sure you get a good meal in your stomach before hittin the town again. The shows usually start at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., but make sure you check ahead to see who is playing and when. From there, walk a few doors down and check out d.b.a. a local favorite that offers live music and a huge selection of beers on draft, as well as a great wine menu. The bar has an artsy and cool vibe, making it a great place to either sit and drink with a group or catch up one-on-one with that special someone. Once you leave d.b.a., walk across the street and check out whats going on at the Spotted Cat. This intimate venue offers a wide range of performances thats perfect for both groups of friends and special dates. Live performances generally happen twice a night, with the first show at 6:00 p.m. and the second at 8:30, so you can either swing by for a surprise or check on the schedule to see who is playing and when. Caf Brasil, Blue Nile, and the Apple Barrel are also good locations for live music, and theyre all located within a few doors of each other, so you can check them all out without having to go very far. If you still feel like getting in one more bar, walk up the street to Esplanade and discover Igors Checkpoint Charlies. This late-night watering hole offers live music, bar food, and a good game of pool if youre in the mood. Youll also only be one block away from the French Quarter, so getting home wont be a challenge. If youre really tired, cabs

Night 3 Summary
1. Lafittes Blacksmith Shop 2. The Old Absinthe House/Napoleon House/French 75 Bar/Carousel Bar Preservation Hall

3.

4. House of Blues/One-Eyed Jacks 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Harrahs New Orleans Pat OBriens Cats Meow Gold Mine Saloon Caf Du Monde

usually swarm the area, so grab one and head home youll need the rest for your final big night out on the town.

Night 3
French Quarter

Go out with a bang on your third and final night out on the town! Youve always heard about how much fun the French Quarter bars are - find out for yourself with this insiders guide to the perfect night out. After dinner, take a right down Bourbon St. back into the quarter and walk until you hit Lafittes Blacksmith Shop the perfect place to stop and get a quick drink before really hittin the town. This historic building dates back to 1772 and provides the perfect location for getting a feel of old New Orleans while gearing up for a long night ahead. Other great historic bars include The Old Absinthe House, Napoleon House, The French 75 Bar at Arnauds or The Monteleone Hotels Carousel Piano Bar. Each of these destinations offer the perfect atmosphere for a classic New Orleans cocktail and a little friendly conversation. Make sure to check out the schedule for Preservation Hall its an experience you simply cant afford to miss. Theres no bar here, which makes it the perfect pla ce to take a little rest from drinking and just enjoy the music. Make sure you also check out the schedule for concerts at both the House of Blues and the Parish Room, located next door to the larger House of Blues restaurant and venue. One-Eyed Jacks also offers great live shows in a hip environment. Once the concert is done, youll be ready to hit the bars again!

Feel like havin a date with lady luck? Harrahs New Orleans is open 24 hours a day and offers entertainment, poker, slots, and table games so everyone from the first-time gambler to the highest of the high rollers is sure to have a good time getting in on the action who knows? You might even walk away a few bucks richer! If gambling is not your thing, venture back out onto Bourbon St. and make your way up to St. Peters Street, where you will find legendary Pat OBriens. Grab a seat outside in the courtyard bar and enjoy the tasty but potent Hurricane cocktail alongside the awe-inspiring fire fountain. From there, you can head inside to the Piano Bar to hear classic tunes played by dueling pianos. Sing along to your favorites, or just sit back, sip your drink, and listen to the music. Head back to Bourbon St. and stop in at Cats Meow for a little karaoke. Even if you dont want to sing, its always entertaining to watch others belt out the lyrics to great songs plus, you might even get to watch a friend embarrass themselves up on the mic. If youre not quite ready to call it a night, head over to the Gold Mine Saloon, located on Orleans Avenue and Dauphine street. This late-night dive offers dancing, drinking and even flaming shots, for the brave drinker. If youre hungry for a snack of some kind, dont worry there are plenty of late night options. Lucky Dog hotdog carts line the busy streets of the French Quarter and have become a staple for late nights out downtown. If youre in the mood for something sweeter, make sure you swing by the legendary Caf Du Monde for some beignets and strong coffee. No trip to New Orleans is complete without at least one plate of these delicious fried doughnuts, and while they taste amazing at any time of the day, theyre even better after a long night out. Depending on what time it is, theres no denying youve had an action-packed weekend. Make your way back to your hotel and crawl into bed for some much needed shut-eye. Just because youre treating yourself to a vacation doesnt mean you need to empty your wallet to have a good time once you get here. In a city known for great food, youre probably expecting to spend lots of money on expensive meals, then head out to bars with pricey drinks, and hefty covers for live music NOT SO! Its not only possible to do New Orleans on a budget its effortless! So put on your walking shoes, and get ready to experience the rich culture of New Orleans for the least amount of money possible. If you only have one day to spend in the Crescent City, stick to the first day of the itinerary; if not, enjoy this action packed, dollar-conscious guide to New Orleans.

Day 1

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New Orleans

Sure the French Quarter has its fair-share of expensive restaurants, fancy boutiques, and pricy cocktail bars, but not only will you not be missing out if you dont have the extra cash, youre about to experience the French Quarter the way its supposed to be experienced.

Day 1 Summary
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Croissant DOr Patisserie Old Ursuline Convent Royal Street St. Louis Cathedral/ Jackson Square French Market Central Grocery Woldenberg Park Algiers Ferry Ogden Museum of Art/National World War II Museum/ Confederate Museum/ Contemporary Arts Center Beauregard-Keyes House/Gallier House/Hermann Grima House Acme Oyster House Caf Brasil, Snug Harbor/d.b.a./ Spotted Cat

10.

11. 12.

Ursuline Convent

Royal Street

Tipitina's

Hoursof Operation: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Admission: Adults $8.00 Children ( 7-14 years ) $5.00, Children under 7 years old are FREE. School Groups Welcome. Contact Museum. ContactInformation: Louisiana's Civil War Museum at Confederate Memorial Hall Phone: (504) 523-4522 Email: memhall@confederatemuseum.com

French Market

Algiers Ferry

929 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 Old U.S. Mint 400 Esplanade St., New Orleans, LA 70116 [Map It] (504) 568-6968, (800) 568-6968 lsm.crt.state.la.us

Beauregard-Keyes House

Neighborhood: French Quarter Attraction Type/s: Museum, Historic Building, Research Facility Description: Built in 1835, the Old U.S. Mint is the only building in America to have Acme Oyster House served both as a United States and a Confederate Mint. President Andrew Jackson advocated the Mints establishment in order to help finance development of the nations western frontier.Today's visitor finds a number of stunning permanent exhibits in the Old U.S. Min including the New Orleans Jazz exhibit featuring instruments played by significant jazz musicians, sheet music, and memorabilia chronicling the history of Jazz from its humble beginnings on the streets of New Orleans. The 1850 House 523 St. Ann St., Lower Pontalba Bldg., Jackson Square, New Orleans, LA 70116 [Map It] (504) 524-9118, (800) 568-6968 lsm.crt.state.la.us Neighborhood: French Quarter Attraction Type/s: Museum, Historic Home Description: Faithfully furnished with domestic goods, decorative arts and art of the period, the 1850 House depicts middle class family life during the most prosperous period in New Orleans' history.

The Backstreet Cultural Museum 1116 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116 [Map It] (504) 522-4806 www.backstreetmuseum.org Neighborhood: Treme Attraction Type/s: Museum Description: At The Backstreet Cultural Museum, visitors can find an amazing assortment of memorabilia indigenous to Mardi Gras, jazz funerals and other traditions found only in New Orleans. The museum houses the citys largest collection of brilliantly colored and elaborately designed Mardi Gras Indian costumes hand made by local artisans costing upwards of $10,000 a piece. In this simple setting, the museum also houses an enormous collection of still photos and video footage of Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals and second lines.

Acme Oyster And Seafood House 724 Iberville St., New Orleans, LA 70130 [Map It] (504) 522-5973 www.acmeoyster.com Neighborhood: French Quarter Attire: Casual Price Range: Under $12 Open For: Lunch, Dinner (Call ahead for hours) Cuisine Type/s: Seafood, Sandwiches, Po-Boys Description: Acme has been doing what it does for nearly 100 years. Acme is a hard working, efficient and decidedly crowd-pleasing operation. Almost everybody starts with a dozen cold ones ordered at the bar. Besides the "New Orleans Specialties" such as red beans, creole jambalaya, and seafood gumbo, fried seafood plays a major role at Acme.

French Market 2 French Market Pl., New Orleans, LA 70116 [Map It] (504) 522-2621 www.frenchmarket.org Neighborhood: French Quarter Attraction Type/s: Other Attraction Description: Founded in 1791, New Orleans French Market is the oldest public market in the country. This open-air mall features shopping, dining and music in a tradition that is uniquely New Orleans, yet still reminiscent of some European markets.