10 Best Places to Go Shopping in New Orleans

The French Market crosses over 6 blocks of New Orleans and sits right in the centre of the action near Crescent Park. You’ll find a little bit of it all in the shops clustered here, from traditional souvenirs to handicrafts that you won’t find anywhere else. The market is also a good spot to stop if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or even fresh produce for whipping up a meal, if your accommodation offers a kitchen.

Of course, besides being one of the best places to go shopping in New Orleans, the market comes with a fair amount of historical appeal. Founded in the 1700s, the site was originally a Native American trading post that evolved into a market for French and Spanish colonists.

Canal Place Mall is a good fit for shoppers who want to browse both internationally known retailers and local spots. Situated in the French Quarter, the shopping mall offers a range of fashion for every member of the family, as well as home goods. Several restaurants and cafés are on-site as well.

Tax-free shopping is an option for international travellers. Expect the brands you likely already know and possibly love, from Banana Republic and Brooks Brothers to Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co.

Oak Street is an Uptown New Orleans locale that’s become a quaint stop for many a travelling shopper. Accessible via the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, Oak Street was originally one of the city’s main streets and was even among the best places to go shopping in New Orleans back then.

Now, when you visit Oak Street’s 7 blocks, you’ll find a range of picturesque art galleries, fashion boutiques and other small businesses, all worth visiting. And if you’re hungry or thirsty during your visit, you can find local purveyors ready to whet your whistle and appetite, too. Indeed, it’s known for housing some of the city’s finest restaurants and cafés, such as Maple Leaf Bar and Jacques-Imo’s.

The Shops at Jax Brewery is a fantastic example of a historic New Orleans space reimagined for the current day. Originally a 19th-century brewery, the mall now offers a range of fashion and gift stores.

You’ll find a few familiar brands, like Sephora and H&M, in this mall. But also see some that are completely new to most travellers, like Big Easy T-Shirt Co. and Gumbo Kids. International travellers enjoy tax-free shopping at The Shops at Jax Brewery, up to $500.

Head to Royal Street if it’s antiques and art you’re after while in New Orleans. As one of the best places to go shopping in New Orleans, this long and easily accessible street provides a lovely spot to not only take in the classic culture and history of the city, but also to buy some of it.

You can find shops selling fine antiques from throughout New Orleans’ long history on Royal Street, as well as small art boutiques selling works from today. Even if other travellers in your party aren't keen on shopping, they won't mind a trip to Royal Street as there’s plenty else to see and enjoy, from live street performances to restaurants.

Magazine Street, located right off New Orleans’ main thoroughfare of Canal Street, is 6 miles of great shopping. Easily ranking among the best places to go shopping in New Orleans, you can find shops of every shape and size along this street, whether you’re seeking a new piece of art, something new to wear or a unique souvenir for someone back home.

Most of the shops along Magazine Street are locally-owned, so you can feel good about your purchases. Don’t forget to take a look around while strolling; Magazine Street is flanked by some lovely architecture.

The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk is a go-to if you're up for some outlet shopping and bargain-hunting. Located on the Mississippi River and right off Spanish Plaza, the mall consists of nearly 100 different stores and restaurants, including internationally-known favourites like Calvin Klein and Coach.

Most stores offer discounts on their products between 25% and 65%. Beyond the shopping, make sure to stop in a New Orleans institution at the mall, Cafe Du Monde, for the café’s classic chicory coffee and beignets. It’s a can’t-miss in The Big Easy.

The South Market District within New Orleans’ downtown mixes old and new for an experience unlike any you’ll find in any other New Orleans neighbourhood. As far as the shopping goes, expect a mix of high-end and local boutiques, whether you’re after home goods, fashion for anyone in the family, beauty products or possibly something for your pet. 

The South Market District even has a few barbershops and beauty parlours scattered among the shops. It's a place to head to in New Orleans for whenever you feel like spiffing up your look.

Little Flea NOLA is an outdoor flea market that's just as unique and quirky as the city itself. Find a range of vendors offering a little bit of it all – antiques, furniture, vintage clothing, handicrafts and more. Every trip to the market is a bit of a treasure hunt, as you sift through the everyday items to find the truly special pieces.

You’ll find the market in a tiny park in the Garden District. And if you don’t find enough fun with the market’s live music and food vendors, you can easily walk to any of the surrounding bars or restaurants for more entertainment.

The Frenchmen Art Market is an outdoor market a short walk from the French Quarter and is absolutely the best place to go in the city for local art. Each day, nearly 100 New Orleans artisans descend upon the small market space to offer their wares.

Whatever your preferred medium, you’re sure to find artwork to catch your fancy here. The best part? The market stays open late, past midnight on some evenings, so there’s no need to roll out of bed early to find the good stuff before it’s gone.