The ever-lively and bewitching city of New Orleans in Louisiana, known as NOLA, is one of the coolest US destinations you’ll ever visit. If you’re thinking of a post-wedding holiday where romance, music, and good food seamlessly mesh, a New Orleans honeymoon is the vacation you deserve.
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Is New Orleans a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Head to the southeastern US with your new spouse and experience a city where the festive atmosphere never wanes. While it’s not the ultimate destination for beach-loving honeymooners, it’s more than ready to capture the hearts of hip newlyweds.
Nicknamed ‘The Big Easy,’ this city is full of festive streets and squares, restaurants and cafes offering the tastiest menus, live music hubs where the fun never stops, and historical attractions that showcase NOLA’s interesting past.
This city on the Mississippi River is a melting pot of cultures and will give you many reasons to return.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in New Orleans?
- Stroll around the French Quarter. The oldest area in New Orleans provides the perfect setting for a leisurely walk. It’s home to key attractions such as Jackson Square and Saint Louis Cathedral, North America’s oldest cathedral.
- Go on a riverboat date. Want to admire the beauty of NOLA from a different perspective? Head to the Mississippi River and cruise with your loved one. Some tours offer live music and dinner for a more unforgettable experience.
- Experience jazz music and lively nightlife. New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz music, so it would be a crime not to visit any of the city’s jazz clubs. Frenchman Street and Bourbon Street are great places to experience live music and nightlife.
- Attend a festival. Festivals are a big thing in NOLA, and if you want to have a fun honeymoon with your partner, going to events like Mardi Gras and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is highly recommended.
- Explore New Orleans City Park. If you wish to take a breather from the city’s vibrant atmosphere, this park is the perfect place to unwind. You can find the New Orleans Museum of Art and lush gardens here.
What Is the Best Month to Visit New Orleans?
December through May is the best period to visit New Orleans. The weather is mild during this time, unlike the hot and humid summer months and hurricane-prone fall season.
To enjoy the Big Easy in its most festive state, it’s best to visit the city between February and May for its Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest celebrations. Just bear in mind that it’s also the peak season.
Is a Honeymoon in New Orleans Expensive?
A weeklong New Orleans honeymoon typically costs between $2,600 and $4,000 per couple. This amount includes mid-range accommodations, food, and excursions. Depending on your standards of luxury, this number can significantly increase.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in New Orleans
- If you can’t travel during the off-season and want to experience major festivities during the peak travel season, plan early and look for deals and discounts.
- Book accommodation with a kitchen. Cook some of your meals and bring home your leftovers.
- Score affordable yet delicious meals at street eateries and local restaurants.
- Invest in a sightseeing pass to save money while accessing the best NOLA attractions and tours.
- Wander around, listen to New Orleans’ music, head to a swamp, visit a park, and sail across the iconic Mississippi River. These are some of the free and cheap things to do in the city.
6 Best Areas to Stay In New Orleans
French Quarter
This old and charming neighborhood is at the heart of New Orleans. It’s ideal for couples who want a romantic and historic stay while accessing the city’s renowned culinary scene and nightlife. Here is where you’ll find the famous Bourbon Street.
The French Quarter also offers the iconic French Market, an open-air market with many shops and cafes. Jackson Square is a picturesque area that’s ideal for spending an afternoon people-watching.
Central Business District
New Orleans’ commercial hub is also a convenient base if you want to be near some of the city’s best hotels, restaurants, and shops. Canal Street is the dividing line between the modern CBD and the colonial-era French Quarter.
Among the popular spots here are the Superdome (home of the football team New Orleans Saints), Audobon Aquarium of the Americas, and the National World War II Museum.
Garden District
Considered one of NOLA’s most picturesque neighborhoods, Garden District is famous for its 19th-century mansions, verdant gardens, and towering oak trees. If you want to stay somewhere quieter, this is the place to be.
One of the nearest attractions is Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, where you’ll find above-ground tombs. Another hub is the majestic Commander’s Palace, which features a spacious food hall.
Uptown
A quieter experience also awaits when you stay in Uptown. Graced with oak-lined streets and historic homes, it’s most suitable for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the so-called inner city.
Located on the east bank of the Mississippi River, it has an array of lush parks (including Audobon Park and Zoo) where you can relax with your significant other. This residential area will give you a peek into everyday life.
Faubourg Marigny
This artistic and bohemian neighborhood is downriver from the French Quarter. You’ll find jazz clubs, bistros, and eclectic studios that showcase the work of local artists.
Led by the famous Frenchmen Street, this city offers a great nightlife and music scene for tourists and locals alike. Expect an alternative and authentic NOLA experience when you choose to stay here.
Warehouse District
Once an industrial area, the Warehouse District is now a trendy neighborhood that appeals to newlyweds looking for a sophisticated New Orleans experience.
Staying here exposes you to modern art galleries, museums, and several fine dining restaurants. Since it’s within walking distance of the city center, you’ll get access to other major attractions.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to New Orleans?
The fastest way to get to New Orleans if you’re coming from another state is by plane. Fly into the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, located 15 miles from downtown. If you’re nearer or simply want to travel by land, you can take a bus or drive your own car.
Traveling Within New Orleans
You won’t need a car rental once in New Orleans. You can walk, grab an Uber, Lyft, or taxi, or hop on a streetcar (or rail-guided tram) for a more local experience. The city also has bus and ferry systems to help you reach your destination.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in New Orleans?
Being a place that welcomes millions of tourists annually, NOLA has no shortage of lodging options.
Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels — fully equipped with tubs, pools, a fitness center, and a front desk with a friendly receptionist — or romantic hotels on the cheaper side, there’s a New Orleans hotel for you.
Some of the most famous names in the local hospitality industry include The Ritz-Carlton, Sonesta New Orleans, The Windsor Court, The Roosevelt New Orleans, and Dauphine Orleans Hotel (a boutique hotel with cottage-style accommodations). Perhaps the most iconic is Hotel Monteleone, which is also home to the Carousel Bar & Lounge.
As alternatives, New Orleans also has a range of inns, apartments, Airbnb rental properties, and adults-only guesthouses.
What Type of Food Should You Try in New Orleans?
New Orleans is famously known for its party scene, and one of the most famous drinks to try is a sazerac (their spin on a whiskey cocktail). Their culinary world is just as thriving. These are the best foods to try while in NOLA:
- Beignets. These square-shaped, deep-fried doughnuts are generously covered with confectioners’ sugar and are best paired with hot beverages like tea or coffee. Pro tip: Head to Café Du Monde in French Market for the best beignets and café au lait.
- Po’boys. This giant sandwich is made with French bread and filled with a pile of lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a meat of your choice — roasted beef, fried shrimp, or oysters.
- Gumbo. This dish showcases New Orleans’ West African and French roots. It’s a hearty stew made with sausage (or seafood), vegetables, and a roux (butter and flour) base. This meal is usually served over rice.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a New Orleans Honeymoon
New Orleans isn’t just about parties and live music. As a city with a rich and utterly unique heritage and culture, you can make your honeymoon more memorable by embarking on cultural tours.
For instance, a walking tour of the French Quarter will let you know more about Louisiana Creole people. If you want to explore Cajun culture (another ethnicity), a New Orleans Bayou swamp tour is for you.
The city is also known for its voodoo traditions. These types of tours will take you to the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where you can find the tomb of voodoo queen Marie Laveau. Speaking of cemeteries, a cemetery tour will guide you through the graves of famous and infamous figures in the city.
Other interesting experiences include tarot reading, fortune telling, and cooking classes.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in New Orleans:
Depending on when you visit, your romantic getaway in New Orleans will likely coincide with warm weather. Hence, it’s important to pack lightweight and light-colored clothes. Pair your casually stylish clothes with comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot. For nights out, fancier clothes are ideal.
As for your protection against the sun, bring sunscreen; for bugs, pack insect repellent.
Is New Orleans Safe to Visit?
The touristy neighborhoods of New Orleans are generally safe from the violent crimes that the city is known for. But bear in mind that some busy areas are more prone to petty crimes (e.g., the French Quarter). To keep you safe and your valuables secure, here are some New Orleans honeymoon safety tips to remember:
- Stay in populated and well-lit areas, especially at night. Day or evening, you must keep an eye on your belongings. It’s better to dress modestly and keep a low profile to avoid attracting pickpockets.
- Always take a licensed cab or a rideshare when traveling at night instead of walking.
- Moderate your drinking. Never leave your drinks attended or accept drinks from strangers. Being a party town, drink spiking is a known issue.
- When on excursions and tours, always stick with your guide.
- Keep in mind these areas to avoid: St. Claude, Desire, Central City, and Seventh Ward.
- Limit the amount of cash you carry. If you’re using ATMs, do so in a safe place (i.e., use ones inside and connected to a large banking institution).
- Stay hydrated because, as mentioned, the weather can be very hot in New Orleans.