Where to go shopping in New Orleans

Magazine Street is hands-down the best street for shopping in the city. The walkable street stretches about six miles from Canal at the edge of the French Quarter all the way Uptown to Audubon Park and Zoo, with oak trees, houses and character the whole way. Shop artists and galleries of all types like New Orleans Glassworks, Alex Beard Studio, Esom Art, Zele and Carol Robinson Gallery. Find locally-made home goods, quirky gifts, and t-shirts at shops like Home Malone, Fleurty Girl, and Dirty Coast. For vintage and vintage-inspired clothing, shop Trashy Diva or Miss Claudia's, and check out Funky Monkey for costumes. You’ll find a unique reminder of New Orleans at Mignon Faget—her jewelry that reflects the art, architecture, wildlife and style of the city. You can find everything you might need on Magazine Street, plus plenty of restaurants and bars along the way.

You can’t visit New Orleans without listening to fabulous music, whether in the clubs or just drifting through the air. You can usually buy music directly from the bands at their performances, but shopping the city’s local music shops is an experience in itself, and you can discover new (and old) local music that you’ll love. Louisiana Music Factory in the Marigny is the longtime source of local music (and knowledge), respected among aficionados worldwide. Peaches Records on Magazine Street has been family-owned since 1975. Find music, gear and local gifts, plus occasional performances by local musicians. Indie-owned Euclid Records in the Bywater is as hip and happening as its neighborhood. Find new and used vinyl and more. Domino Sound, on Bayou Road, carries music from local to global. It’s also a label. See live New Orleans music, then bring it home with you!

The city’s top attraction for visitors is a destination for shopping in addition to food, music and nightlife. While Decatur Street has big-name stores like Urban Outfitters and H&M, the shops further into the Quarter are much more unique. Head to Royal Street to browse antique stores like the elegant, cavernous M.S. Rau and visit eclectic and high-end art galleries. Even if you’re not in the market for a lamp, browse gorgeous, timeless gas lighting and more at Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights. Fifi Mahoney’s will get you set up with a fantastic wig for your next costume. For stylish specs made in New Orleans, check out Krewe. Find your perfect scent at Bourbon French Parfums. Of course, you can’t miss the historic French Market, spanning six blocks of flea market vendors, local craftspeople, eateries, and produce. As you walk up and down the historic streets of the Quarter, you’re sure to find something unique or downright weird.

For bookworms, history lovers or casual readers, the city’s small, independent bookstores offer both excellent reading options and only-in-New-Orleans experiences. Many authors, like William Faulkner, Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams, were inspired by New Orleans. On the bottom floor of the house where Faulkner lived is Faulkner House Books, specializing in rare works alongside the works of Faulkner. Cozy Octavia Books, tucked away Uptown, encourages browsing to find your perfect read. Crescent City Books in the Quarter carries rare, antique and out-of-print books, plus antique maps and prints. Blue Cypress Books on Oak Street carries quality secondhand books and has a loyal following from local readers. Baldwin & Co. is a buzzy independent bookstore and coffee shop on Elysian Fields that hosts author talks and other events. For books focused on the intriguing history of New Orleans and Louisiana, check out the shop at the Historic New Orleans Collection.

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New Orleans hosts several art markets where you can find local artists and craftspeople selling everything from photography and paintings to ceramics and festive Carnival-style decor. The Arts Market of New Orleans, presented by the Arts Council, takes place every second Saturday in City Park and every last Saturday in Marsalis Harmony Park. The Freret Market, with more than 70 vendors, draws shoppers to Freret Street on the first Saturday of each month. Piety Market at Hotel Peter and Paul is a monthly market featuring art, vintage, flea and local eats. Check out these art markets for local art, straight from the source.

If you can't get enough of the amazing food at New Orleans restaurants, you can bring some of the flavor home with you. Rouses—a local grocery chain—has plenty of New Orleans and Louisiana-made seasonings, snacks and mixes, as well as beloved local products like Camellia Beans. Pick up a cookbook or other regional cooking necessities at New Orleans School of Cooking's General Store. You can take home a famous Central Grocery muffuletta, wrapped and ready to go, at several local spots, including Sidney's right next door to the temporarily shuttered shop. Gris-Gris To Go, next door to the buzzy Magazine Street restaurant, will ship jars of its award-winning gumbo and other items around the country. NOLA Boards, also on Magazine Street, carries local pantry items, Louisiana honey and local cocktail supplies in addition to its beautiful, locally-made cutting boards.