31 Romantic, Fun Date Ideas in New Orleans for 2024

It’s no secret that the South has no shortage of fun things to do, and these date ideas in New Orleans prove just that. There are tons to do in the city for couples, no matter your interest and budget.

With a rich culture, bustling food scene and incredible weather, it’s the perfect backdrop for a fun or romantic outing. If you're wondering where you should go on a date in New Orleans, read on.

When it comes to making a list of must-do date ideas in New Orleans, you can rack up some pretty diverse options. From anniversary date ideas to double date ideas, each of these allows you to bond over a shared activity and create lasting memories. Plus, you’ll have an amazing time together along the way.

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• Foodie Date Ideas in New Orleans
• Creative Date Ideas in New Orleans
• Romantic Date Ideas in New Orleans
• Indoor Date Ideas in New Orleans
• Outdoor Date Ideas in New Orleans
• Free & Cheap Date Ideas in New Orleans

Foodie Date Ideas in New Orleans

New Orleans is home to some of the most iconic cuisine in the world, and these foodie date ideas allow you to experience it firsthand. Plus, as Good Net points out, eating together brings people closer and helps you create stronger bonds.

1. Take a Cooking Class

Preparing a meal together fosters cooperation and allows you to learn new kitchen skills. Cooking classes in New Orleans are a fun activity for couples of all culinary experience levels.

Your instructor will teach you to make everything from authentic Creole dishes to delightful desserts. If you want to have a fun date night at home, online cooking classes are the perfect interactive activity.

2. Embark on a Guided Food Tour

What better way to get to know the city’s food scene than with an expert-led food tour? This is a fun date night idea for New Orleans locals and tourists alike. You’ll get to experience the native cuisine and local hot spots as you taste your way through the city streets. 

3. Visit a Food Hall or Market

Food halls and markets are becoming increasingly popular thanks to the number of dining options all in one place. This is a great date idea for New Orleans couples that enjoy different cuisines.

Check out the bright, airy St. Roch Market to enjoy everything from sushi to crêpes. Or, head to the cozy Hall on Mag for a wide variety of ethnic cuisines.

4. Check Out a New Spot

Browse Yelp and make a list of five New Orleans date night restaurants that you each want to try. Then, select one at random and check it out.

Order an assortment of menu items to share and experience a variety of offerings. Then, work together to craft a review of the new spot, discussing what you loved about the meal.

5. Browse the Farmers Market

Thanks to its rich land, the South is home to a wide variety of produce offerings. Find a nearby farmers market and browse the fresh goodies.

Pick up a few ingredients that you’ve never used before and search for a recipe together. This is a fun two-part date idea for foodies to experience new foods and explore different recipes.

Creative Date Ideas in New Orleans

Getting your creative juices flowing can be fun and romantic. Plus, it allows you to unwind and you’ll pick up a few interesting new skills.

6. Sign Up for a Paint and Sip Session

What’s better than creating your own masterpiece? Doing it over your favorite beverage, of course! This is a unique date idea for New Orleans artists of all skill levels. Your instructor will guide you through the project as you cheer your partner over your new skills.

7.  Take a Pottery Class

Remember how romantic that infamous pottery scene from the movie Ghost is? You can let your sparks fly over the pottery wheel as well.

Sign up for a pottery class to make your own art and bond over your shared artistic expression. Plus, this is a great date idea in New Orleans for those that like to get their hands dirty.

8. Get Loose in a Dance Class

Dance classes are fun, interactive and an awesome way to get a workout in. What more could you want from a date? Whether you want to learn a little hip hop or immerse yourself in ballroom moves, there’s a dance class for you to get loose with your partner.

9. Learn About Glass Blowing 

Glass blowing is a fascinating art form. In a workshop, you can watch a demonstration of the process and learn a few new skills yourself. You might even get to take your own stunning piece home, making this a perfect New Orleans date idea with a memento built right in.

10. Enroll in a Sign-Making Workshop

Sign up for a sign-making workshop to create your very own custom wooden sign. The studio will provide everything you need for your project and instructions to guide you along the way. This is an ideal date night idea for couples looking to celebrate a big occasion like an anniversary. 

Romantic Date Ideas in New Orleans

There are some uber-romantic date night ideas in New Orleans. These are perfect when you want to show that special someone that you made an extra effort.

11. Relax at the Spa

Enjoy some romantic relaxing at a local area spa. Many have spa packages specifically designed for couples to allow you to get your pamper on together. Schedule one that works best for your preferences and enjoy a date idea in New Orleans that’s truly luxurious. 

12. Go on a Mini Road Trip

A mini road trip is a perfect way to spend time together and bond without distractions. Plus, there are tons of great places to visit within a short driving distance of New Orleans. Head down to the shoreline and enjoy the sights at some of the area’s beautiful bays.

13. Take in the Vue

Take advantage of the city sights and breathtaking views. Head to the observation deck at Vue Orleans for stunning views of the skyline and overhead stars. This is the perfect before or after-dinner date idea in New Orleans to round out the evening. 

14. Explore Nature

Exploring the peacefulness of nature can be super romantic. Check out one of the area’s many hiking trail networks or wildlife areas. This is a fun date idea in New Orleans for plant and animal lovers to bond over shared interests. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the Louisiana sun!

15. Enjoy Fine Dining

Sometimes splurging on a fancy dinner is well worth it, especially for something like a birthday date idea. Check out some of the best fine dining spots in the city if you're looking for something fun for couples to do in New Orleans at night that will impress.

Spots like Chemin à la Mer offer a cozy vibe with a decadent menu. Or, check out Broussard's Restaurant & Courtyard for a stunning atmosphere and authentic Creole fare.

Indoor Date Ideas in New Orleans

Despite the typically great weather, sometimes the southern forecast throws a curve ball. These indoor date ideas in New Orleans still allow you to have a fun time rain or shine. 

16. Have a Virtual Wine Tasting

Learning about wine and expanding your palette always makes for a fun time. With virtual wine tasting, you don’t even have to leave home. From reds to whites, your online expert will guide you through trying new vino and discovering new favorites.

17. Learn in an Online Mixology Class

An online mixology class is a perfect opportunity to learn to whip up drinks like a pro. Your instructor will teach you to make the classics as well as trendy concoctions. With this date idea in New Orleans, you’ll have new skills to host your next gathering.

18. Try Axe Throwing

Axe throwing is becoming a more and more popular date activity and for good reason. This fun game allows you to learn new skills and engage in a little friendly competition. Make a few bets to up the ante on the outcome.

19. Solve an Escape Room

What better way to work together than solving challenges to beat an escape room? With options designed for every skill level, there’s something for everyone. This is also a perfect date idea for a New Orleans group of couples looking to have a fun night out together. 

20. Cheer on the Home Team

One of the biggest perks of the Superdome is its enclosed design. No matter the weather, you can comfortably cheer the Saints to victory. This is the perfect date idea for New Orleans sports lovers to show their homegrown pride.

21. Check Out Live Music

In a city bustling with culture, there are plenty of shows and concerts to take in if you're looking for something fun for couples to do at night in the Big Easy.

Opt for a musical for a lively time or check out one of the many jazz bands that the area is known for. There are also lots of Broadway-quality plays for an inspirational good time.

Outdoor Date Ideas in New Orleans

If want to enjoy a little fun in the sun, check out these outdoor date ideas in New Orleans. These are the perfect opportunity to bask in the beautiful weather and enjoy each other’s company. Plus, these can be perfect last-minute date ideas if you're waiting to check the forecast.

22. Try Out Water Sports

New Orleans has some of the country’s best waterways and shorelines. Explore them together with a rented canoe or set of paddleboards. This adventurous date idea in New Orleans is sure to be one to remember. 

23. Go on a Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is one of the best ways to explore and get to know the city. There are fun options online and you can work together to find landmarks and notable spots. And don’t forget to take plenty of selfies together to commemorate your special day. 

24. Try Skydiving 

This is an ideal date idea for New Orleans daredevils. There are companies like Gold Coast Skydiving just a short drive from the city. Book a session together and see the areas from a bird's eye view. 

25. Pack a Picnic

If you're thinking, what are some low-key date ideas? A picnic is a classic choice for its ease and comfort. This is also an excellent first date idea to get to know someone new.

Pack your favorite sandwiches and sides and head to a local park. Or, for a no-prep option, order take-out from a nearby favorite and take it to your fave picnicking spot.

26. Have a Beach Day 

Head to Pensacola Beach for a sandy good time. This quaint shoreline is the perfect summer date idea for New Orleans nature and water lovers. Birdwatch, stroll the pier or spot the numerous fish native to the area together. 

Free & Cheap Date Ideas in New Orleans

What can couples do for fun in New Orleans on a budget? Well, dates don’t have to be pricey to be fun. These free and cheap date ideas in New Orleans are so enjoyable, you’ll forget they’re budget-friendly.

27. Plan a Game Night

Plan an old-school board game night to have a nostalgic good time. You can each share your favorite games or play one that you like together. Or, make it a double date and compete with another couple in a few rounds of Bridge or Eucre. 

28. Enjoy a Movie Marathon

Heading to the theater is a pricey ordeal. Instead, stay in and enjoy a few great movies and gourmet snacks at home. Pick out movies on your streaming service or check out the selection at the local library. Then, make microwave popcorn, enhance it with a flavored topping and settle in for a cozy date night.

29. Stroll Bourbon Street 

Take advantage of the lively vibe of Bourbon Street and explore the area together. There are plenty of spots to grab a low-cost drink or share a plate of beignets.

Plus, the sure-to-be entertaining people-watching is absolutely free of charge, especially if you make this a Halloween date idea!

30. Check Out the Museum

The New Orleans Museum of Art is one of the city’s most-loved cultural havens. Here, you can check out masterpieces from all over the world. Plus, on Wednesdays, admission is free to Louisiana residents, making this a fun date idea in New Orleans that’s also easy on the pocketbook. 

31. Explore the Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is a natural haven in the city and is home to over 2,000 plant species. Check out the wide variety of foliage and learn about climates all over the world. Admission is reasonable and is free to residents on Wednesday, making this a cheap date idea in New Orleans you’re sure to love.

Whether you’re looking for indoors or outdoors, there are tons of fun activities to enjoy together. What can couples do for a date? Well, you can get creative, let loose or get to know each other like never before.

Plus, these fun date ideas in New Orleans allow you to enjoy this world-famous city together and make lasting memories.

For even more fun date ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!