Shopping in New Orleans, Louisiana

While there’s always lots to see and do in New Orleans – from visiting historic sights to dancing to the sounds of jazz and Zydeco – for some visitors, there’s always time for shopping. And in New Orleans, shopaholics will certainly find plenty of unique shops and lots of bargains as well.

Throughout the downtown area of New Orleans, there are many different kinds of stores to browse. Visitors will find plenty of boutiques offering a variety of apparel, some by international designers and others by local entrepreneurs who are eager to break into the fashion world. Along the streets the historic city, you’ll also encounter numerous art galleries featuring a wealth of different visual arts offerings from painting and sculpture to pottery and jewelry. Antique shops are a regular sight as well and can be found in the French Quarter, the Garden District, and in many other neighborhoods. Many sell items with a decidedly French feel, indicative of the city’s history, while others peddle a variety of different antiques from many eras and locations.

Visitors will find many of those art galleries and antique shops along Magazine Street, a six-mile stretch of road that extends from Uptown to the Garden District. It’s a favorite location with Bohemian types and also features places to eat, book stores, and coffee shops.

Once you’ve browsed through all the unique neighborhoods, head to The Riverwalk, a modern shopping area located by the waterfront. The Riverwalk opened in 1986 and boasts a huge collection of stores including ones you’ll recognize and others that are unique to the area. You’ll find popular favorites like The Gap, Brookstone, The Body Shop, Ann Taylor, Chico’s, Foot Locker, and many others. Situated on the site of the 1984 World’s Fair, this is a pretty location to browse and there are also plenty of places to eat.

In addition, the Shops at Canal Place offer a very upscale shopping experience that includes Banana Republic, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Brooks Brothers, Williams Sonoma, Coach, Kenneth Cole, Pottery Barn, Saks Fifth Avenue, and many others. In addition to the shops, there’s a movie theater on site, some excellent restaurants like Morton’s Steakhouse, a fitness center, and much more. It sits on the edge of the French Quarter and is within walking distance of a number of attractions and many hotels.

If it’s souvenirs you seek, there are plenty of shops that peddle New Orleans-themed items ranging from t-shirts and sweatshirts to mugs, key chains, and everything in between. They are scattered throughout the city with many located along popular Bourbon Street, where you’ll also find a variety of other shops, some a little questionable as far as good taste is concerned. And don’t miss the opportunity to shop at one of a few Voodoo stores located in the French Quarter. Even if you don’t buy anything, they are an interesting place to browse.

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