The French Quarter is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood. Historic architecture abounds. Artwork, music, and colorful personalities line the streets. There’s just no place like it.
One thing the French Quarter also has going for it is its shopping options. There is a wide variety of locally-owned boutiques, galleries, and antique shops waiting to be explored. What’s even better is that all of these places are located within walking distance of one another.
A day of shopping in the French Quarter is sure to reveal many gems and surprises, and it’s all just a few steps away from our doors. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, our lovely neighborhood is the perfect place to start.
Our location on Royal Street provides our guests with prime access to French Quarter shopping. On foot, you’ll be able to visit several of the most sought-after shops in the city, all while admiring the beautiful architecture and unique environment of the neighborhood.
Clothing & Accessories
Let’s start with all the ways you can expand your wardrobe.
For Crescent City souvenirs, check out New Orleans graphic tees, hats, and pins at Dirty Coast Press (713 Royal St.). Dirty Coast opened in 2004, and ten years later, they’re a tourist destination and local favorite. Their shirts celebrate the local way of life.
Locally-owned clothing boutique Trashy Diva specializes in retro-inspired looks for women. Check out their dress shop (537 Royal St.) or lingerie shop (712 Royal St.) to find a vintage-inspired look to wear while sipping classic cocktails at The Carousel Bar & Lounge.
If you didn’t get your fill of vintage looks at Trashy Diva, try Bambi Deville (818 Royal St.). At Bambi, you’ll find vintage chic clothing that upholds the elegant, romantic notions that New Orleans is famous for.
There is also Krewe du Optic (809 Royal St.), a New Orleans influenced high-end eyewear brand with a diverse collection of styles. Snag a pair if you want to look sleek and trendy anywhere you go.
There are plenty of big box options in the French Quarter as well. Head to H&M (418 N Peters St.) for clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. Their N. Peters Street neighbors? Vans, Urban Outfitters, and Sephora. Looking for an incredible deal? Check out United Apparel Liquidators (UAL) at 518 Chartres St. for brand-new designer pieces at unbelievable discounts.
The Famous Antique Shops of Royal Street
Royal Street may be the best place in the US to shop for antiques. NewOrleans.com describes the scene: “Many of New Orleans’ most elegant estates of the 19th and 20th centuries are for sale there. Crystal chandeliers, ornate hand-carved furniture, fine silver, jewelry, other table settings, and so much more are there for the collector or those looking to decorate their homes or businesses.”
Royal Antiques is a fourth-generation antique shop located at 309 Royal and carries “period pieces from England and France,” as well as “exceptional Mid Century Modern and unique Chinese Antiques.”
M.S. Rau Antiques is another well-known shop that Southern Living has described as “akin to the visible storage section of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, making it worth a visit.”
These are just a few of the many incredible antique shops on our street. If you’re an antique buyer, strolling down Royal Street is a must.
The French Market
The famous New Orleans French Market District has been around for three centuries and is an absolute must-visit while exploring the French Quarter. It is divided into several sections, known as the Shops of the Colonnade, Shops of the Upper Pontalba, Craftz Bazaar, and Community Flea Market, each featuring their own unique variety of shopping options.
Highlights of the Colonnade include Aunt Sally’s Praline Shop, Dutch Alley Artist’s Co-Op, Merry Christmas & All that Jazz, and The Little Toy Shop.
The Upper Pontalba features a variety of clothing and jewelry boutiques, including Cella’s Boutique, NOLA Couture, and Ooh Lala.
One of the most interesting and active areas is the Community Flea Market, where merchants from across the globe offer their art, crafts, jewelry, and clothing in an open-air market that is full of culture and diversity.
To get the full experience, we recommend simply strolling where your interests take you within this historic gem. Find all of the shops and options available here.
Odds & Ends
The French Quarter also contains wonderful shops that are too unique to place into broad categories. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights is a family-owned, 4th generation company that has been hand-crafting copper gas and electric lanterns since 1945.
Bourbon French Parfums (805 Royal St.) is a perfumery opened in 1843. This historic shop individually prepares formulas tailored with care to the needs of their clients.
Crescent City Books (204 Chartres St.) specializes in used, out-of-print, and rare books. It also features a great collection of antique maps and prints from all over the world. You can get lost in its two floors of books and prints collected over the last 500 years.
Stay With Us While You Shop!
Once you’re finished shopping, head back to our hotel for a relaxing evening. Whether you experience live jazz music at The Carousel Bar & Lounge or enjoy a delicious dinner at our on-property restaurant, Criollo, you can count on having a great stay at the Hotel Monteleone.
Start planning your New Orleans shopping itinerary today!
