The Ultimate Honeymoon Destination: Discovering the Magic of New Orleans

Overview

Why Honeymoon in New Orleans – Romance, Creole heritage, live jazz, and a culture of celebration
Geography of New Orleans – Mississippi River setting, French Quarter charm, Garden District mansions, bayous, and plantations
Best Time to Visit New Orleans for Couples – Spring festivals (French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest), fall romance, mild winters, and lively summers
How to Get to New Orleans & Get Around – Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), sample flight costs, streetcars, walking, and rideshares
LGBTQ+ Friendly New Orleans Honeymoon – French Quarter and Marigny nightlife, drag brunches, Pride events, and inclusive hospitality
Best New Orleans Honeymoon Hotels – Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, InterContinental New Orleans, Hotel Indigo New Orleans French Quarter
Romantic Things to Do in New Orleans – Wander the French Quarter, explore the Garden District, hear live music on Frenchmen Street, take a riverboat cruise, visit hidden gems, and enjoy swamp or plantation day trips
Why Add New Orleans to Your Honeyfund Registry – Guests can gift jazz nights, riverboat cruises, hotel stays, and unforgettable Crescent City experiences

Introduction to New Orleans

Known as the Crescent City, New Orleans is one of the most romantic cities in the United States. Famous for its French and Spanish Creole heritage, this lively Louisiana city boasts a rich history, an unrivaled music scene, and architecture that whispers stories from another era. It’s also a place where celebration is a way of life—making it perfect for newlyweds starting their next chapter together.

Geography of New Orleans

Nestled along the Mississippi River in southeastern Louisiana, New Orleans is a vibrant patchwork of historic neighborhoods, scenic bayous, and leafy streets. From the cobblestone charm of the French Quarter to the stately mansions of the Garden District, the city’s layout invites exploration and intimacy. Outside the city, lush swamps and historic plantations offer memorable day trips for adventurous couples.

Weather in New Orleans

New Orleans has a subtropical climate, which means mild winters and hot, humid summers. For honeymoons, the best times to visit are spring (March–May) and fall (October–November), when the temperatures are comfortable and the festivals are in full swing. Expect blooming gardens, lively parades, and evenings that invite you to dance under the stars.

Travel Information for Your New Orleans Honeymoon

Getting There

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is about 20 minutes from downtown and offers direct flights from major U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.

Flight Costs (Sample Rates for June)

NYC (JFK) to MSY: $250–$400 roundtrip
Chicago (ORD) to MSY: $200–$350 roundtrip
LAX to MSY: $300–$500 roundtrip

Local Transport

Once in the city, you can explore easily on foot, by streetcar, or via Uber/Lyft. The St. Charles streetcar is especially charming and runs through the Garden District.

Best Time of Year to Visit New Orleans

The best time of year to visit New Orleans for a honeymoon is during the spring or fall. From March to May, the city comes alive with blooming flowers, mild temperatures, and lively festivals like French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest—making it the most romantic and vibrant season for newlyweds. Fall, from October to November, brings cooler air and fewer crowds, offering a more relaxed and cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for couples looking to slow down and soak up the city’s charm.

LGBTQ+ Friendly

New Orleans is one of the most inclusive cities in the South, with a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene centered around the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny. From drag brunches to Pride events and welcoming hospitality at nearly every venue, LGBTQ+ couples will feel celebrated and embraced here.

Where to Stay in New Orleans

Whether you want a chic boutique hotel or a refined historic stay, New Orleans offers honeymoon-perfect accommodations across its most romantic neighborhoods.

Kimpton Hotel Fontenot (Warehouse District)
A stylish boutique hotel with plush rooms, Southern charm, and the seductive Peacock Room bar—just steps from the French Quarter. Rates start at around $250 per night.

InterContinental New Orleans (Central Business District)
Elegant luxury hotel with rooftop pool vibes and Southern-inspired dining at Trenasse. Ideal for couples who want to explore the city in sophisticated comfort. Rates from $300 per night.

Hotel Indigo New Orleans (French Quarter)
Modern flair meets historic detail at this centrally located IHG property. Steps from Bourbon Street, it’s perfect for couples who want to be in the heart of the action. They have artfully designed rooms and some of the rooms include balconies overlooking St. Charles and CommonRates. Rates start at $200 per night.

All of the above hotels all part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, with even more in New Orleans and around the globe

Things to Do on Your New Orleans Honeymoon

Wander the French Quarter

Lose yourselves in the romantic ambiance of the French Quarter. Think gas-lit lanterns, wrought iron balconies, and cozy cafés. Don’t miss Café du Monde for beignets and café au lait, and plan for a candlelit dinner at Galatoire’s or Muriel’s.

Explore the Garden District

Hop on the St. Charles streetcar to the Garden District and admire the grand mansions and canopy of ancient oaks. Stop at Commander’s Palace for lunch—where martinis are famously just 25 cents.

Catch Live Music on Frenchmen Street

Experience the heartbeat of New Orleans nightlife. Frenchmen Street is lined with jazz clubs where the music pours out onto the sidewalks. The Spotted Cat and d.b.a. are must-visits for intimate, unforgettable shows.

Take a Riverboat Cruise

Set sail at sunset on the Steamboat Natchez for one of the city’s most romantic experiences. Live jazz, panoramic views, and champagne in hand—pure honeymoon bliss.

Seek Out Hidden Gems

Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art or catch a show at the historic Saenger Theatre. For a fun twist, try a couples voodoo reading or take part in a brass band-led second line parade through Royal Street.

Go on a Swamp Tour or Plantation Day Trip

For a change of pace, book a guided swamp tour and see the bayou’s natural beauty up close—alligators and all. Or explore Louisiana’s layered history with a day trip to nearby plantations.

Conclusion

From jazz to jambalaya, balconies to bayous, New Orleans offers honeymooners a romantic escape that’s anything but ordinary. It’s a place where every meal feels like a celebration and every street hides a story. Whether you’re dancing beneath chandeliers, sipping wine on a rooftop, or simply soaking in the soulful energy, New Orleans is a city that sings to lovers.