New Orleans holds a special place in my heart, which is why I chose it as one of the first destinations to share. My husband and I got engaged there, and before we had our first child, we spent at least one weekend a month in the city.

There is so much to explore in New Orleans, from the rich culture and stunning architecture to the incredible food and lively atmosphere. The city truly has something for everyone. For me, New Orleans has always felt magical — there’s something in the air that makes it unique. Over the years, I’ve experienced the city during different phases of my life, and I’ve always loved each visit.

I prefer trips to New Orleans on weekends from October through December. This is when the weather finally starts to cool off a bit, and the French Quarter is always decked out in Halloween and Christmas decor. The city is obviously very busy during February and sometimes into early March due to the Mardi Gras celebrations. March and April are both also good times to visit because the weather is still nice enough to be comfortable. It gets very hot during the summer, with the average high reaching the mid-90s. If this isn’t something you can tolerate, I wouldn’t recommend visiting from May through September.

While I plan to eventually share ideas for families, today I’m focusing on couples. Given that New Orleans has always been a favorite spot for my husband and me, I think it’s the perfect place to start. I hope you enjoy this post, and thank you for reading!

A Couples Weekend in New Orleans

My favorite hotel in New Orleans, and the one I always recommend, is One11. In my opinion, it’s perfect for so many reasons. The location is fantastic, with convenient parking right next door, and the hotel has such a cozy vibe. The rooms are stylish and spotless, and the lobby is quiet and welcoming. The staff is always friendly, which makes the stay even more enjoyable. Another great perk is the complimentary breakfast buffet. Plus, the rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the French Quarter and the Mississippi river, with comfortable outdoor furniture to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Friday:

• 3:00 PM: Check-in to One11 Hotel. If your room isn’t ready, leave your luggage with the concierge. Feel free to explore the rooftop for some amazing views or relax in the lobby. Once your room is ready, grab your bags and freshen up for the evening ahead.

• After checking out your room, head over to Fulton Alley for some bowling. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, though you can always take an Uber if you prefer. Enjoy some appetizers and drinks while you bowl. Our favorites are the sliders, loaded baked potato tots, nachos, wings, and fries.

• Next, make your way to Royal Street for pre-dinner drinks at Hotel Monteleone - Carousel Bar. The Carousel Bar can be hard to get a seat at, but the open seating area is also a great spot. I recommend trying a Pimm’s Cup or a French 75.

• For dinner, I suggest Orleans Grapevine, a small, quiet restaurant with a charming courtyard. We love starting with the cheeseboard and pairing it with their excellent wine selection. Other great menu items are the filet and lamb chops.

• To wrap up the night, take a stroll over to Jackson Square. Just across the street is Café Du Monde—perfect for grabbing some delicious beignets for dessert.

Saturday:

• Start your day with a coffee from PJ’s Coffee, located across the street in Canal Place. Enjoy your coffee while taking a walk along the river. It’s the perfect way to wake up and start your Saturday.

• For brunch, head over to Stanley’s, one of my favorite spots in New Orleans. My go-to is the Stanley Classic, while my husband loves the Omelet Sandwich. We’ve also tried their pancakes, Eggs Benedict Po-Boy, Reuben, and cheeseburger, all of which are great. We always grab a vanilla latte to-go!

• After brunch, take a stroll through the French Market, where you’ll find a variety of art, clothing, jewelry, candles, crafts, and food. It’s a perfect spot to pick up something unique or just enjoy the atmosphere.

• Next, walk over to Royal Street for some shopping. Some of our favorite stores include:

Roux Royale
Forever New Orleans
Royal Praline Company
Lush – For some bath products.
We also love checking out the unique and beautiful items at Fisher Gambino Lighting
Another interesting stop on Royal is Antique Weapons and Rare Coins. Cohen Antiques

• If you’re feeling hungry after all the shopping, stop by Royal House on Royal Street for lunch. Their chargrilled oysters, French onion soup, and shrimp po-boys are some of the best.

• After lunch, head back to your hotel to drop off your purchases and rest for a bit. You can relax by the hotel’s small pool. If that’s not your thing, hang out in your room or take a book up to the rooftop terrace.

• Once you’re refreshed, it’s time to go back out for the evening. Stop by Patrick’s Bar Vin for a glass of wine before dinner. The atmosphere and decor are amazing, and the staff is always friendly and helpful.

• For dinner, I highly recommend GW Fins, one of the best seafood restaurants in New Orleans. It’s popular, so be sure to make a reservation as early as possible. If you can’t get one, they’ll add your name to a waitlist, and seat you at the bar. Try the Firecracker Tuna Tacos, Sea Scallop Carbonara, Yellowfin Tuna, or Mushroom Risotto. You really can’t go wrong.

• If you’re up for it, cap off your night with a visit to Effervescence, a sparkling wine lounge and restaurant. It’s a 15-minute walk from GW Fins (or a quick Uber ride). They offer amazing bubbly flights, and our favorite is the First Class Flight with Crystal.

Restaurant Recommendations:

• Bourbon House

• Cafe Beignet

• Monty’s on the Square

• Mr. B’s Bistro

• Restaurant R’evolution

• Tableau

Bars in the French Quarter:

• Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

• Pat O’Brien’s

• Old Absinthe House

Hotel Recommendations: