4 day New Orleans romantic trip! Take two

Question

My husband and i want a do-over!

We are going first week of April (in comparison to last visit in Nov) We did a city bus tour, food tour and and a cemetery tour. We also ate Commander’s Palace, Arnaud, Dookie Chase, cafe du monde, Compre Lapin.

Want to do different things!

Interested in Natcheze? Is it better than Creole?

Definitely want airboat and pontoon! Worth to do both or just one? Recommend any tours? Leaning towards ragin Cajun.

Want to do ghost tour for adults! But also don’t want it chessy! Best one I ever did was Salem witch trials at night but it was stories based on real research! Looking for a tour group that does that?

Is going the voodoo route worth it?

We are staying on St. Charles street! Any jazz clubs and early breakfast places to check? We love early breakfast!

Restaurants on my radar: GW Fins, Cochone, Toups Meatry, Muriel’s, Willie Mae’s, Brennans,

Really want to do seafood and Cajun/creole while here! What else should be on radar?

Thank you all

Answer

It sounds like you had a great time on your first visit, but I completely understand wanting to mix things up! Here are some ideas for a more unique and romantic second trip to New Orleans in April:

1. Airboat & Pontoon Tours: Both types of boat tours offer a unique experience, but it really depends on the vibe you're after:

Airboat: If you want a more adventurous and fast-paced experience, an airboat ride is thrilling! It's a fun way to explore the bayous and swamps, and you might even see some wildlife up close. The “Ragin’ Cajun” tour is highly recommended for its entertaining guides and exhilarating ride.
Pontoon: For a more relaxing and scenic experience, a pontoon boat ride is perfect. You’ll have a more laid-back cruise through the swamps, with a focus on nature, wildlife, and local history. If you're looking for a romantic experience, a pontoon ride might be the better choice.

Both are great, but if you're limited on time, choose the airboat for something more exciting or the pontoon for something slower and more intimate.

2. Ghost Tours: If you're looking for something that is less cheesy and more grounded in real history, there are several excellent ghost tours in New Orleans. Look for ones that focus on the history and paranormal events related to the city’s rich past:

Haunted History Tours: Known for its in-depth research, this company offers tours focusing on real historical events and figures from New Orleans' haunted past.
French Quarter Phantoms: Another great option for a ghost tour based on local legends and actual events. They offer a less gimmicky, more authentic experience.

If you want a truly spine-chilling experience, try the St. Louis Cemetery #1 night tour, which focuses on the city’s history and spiritual traditions.

3. Voodoo Experience: The voodoo route can definitely be worth it if you’re interested in learning about the city’s unique spiritual traditions and history. The Voodoo Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the practices, while a Voodoo tour can give you a deeper understanding of the rituals and legends. It's not overly touristy if you focus on the historical aspects and local stories, rather than the commercialized side of things.

4. Jazz and Breakfast Spots: Since you’re staying on St. Charles, you’re in a great spot to catch some early jazz and enjoy a delicious breakfast:

Morning Call Café (located in City Park) offers a classic New Orleans breakfast with beignets and café au lait, and it's less crowded in the early morning.
The Ruby Slipper Café has a fantastic brunch menu and is known for its local flavors and casual vibe. They open early, making it great for an early start.
The Spotted Cat Music Club is one of the best spots to catch some intimate jazz in the French Quarter. For a more laid-back, romantic experience, this spot is perfect.
Preservation Hall is a must for any jazz lover. It's not typically early, but you can catch amazing performances during the evening.

5. Seafood & Cajun/Creole Restaurants to Add to Your Radar: You already have great options on your list, but here are a few more that you should consider:

Peche Seafood Grill: Known for its seafood, with a modern twist, Peche is perfect for a casual yet upscale seafood experience.
Shaya: This Israeli-Cajun fusion spot is a must for something unique and different. It’s highly rated, and the flavors are out of this world.
Luke: For a more traditional, upscale French-Creole menu, Luke offers fantastic seafood and classic New Orleans dishes.
Johnny's Po-Boys: For a casual, authentic New Orleans experience, don’t miss Johnny’s for some of the best po’boys in town!
Jacques-Imo’s: Known for its down-home cooking, this spot serves excellent Creole and Cajun dishes and is a true New Orleans experience.

6. Romantic Activities: Here are some romantic activities to make your trip extra special:

Garden District Walking Tour: Stroll through the Garden District to admire the beautiful antebellum mansions and oak-lined streets. It’s a peaceful and picturesque area.
Take a Steamboat Natchez Cruise: Enjoy a romantic evening cruise along the Mississippi River, complete with live jazz music and incredible views of the city.
City Park: Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk through City Park’s lush grounds. You can even explore the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and Sculpture Garden nearby.

It sounds like you're planning an amazing trip! With all these activities, you'll experience a great mix of history, culture, romance, and delicious food. Enjoy your time in New Orleans!