The best places to go shopping in New Orleans range from fancy malls to fantastic markets. The city has such a distinctive character, from The French Quarter to Bourbon Street, during Mardi Gras or any time of the year. The best way to take a little of it home with you is with a shopping trip.
When it comes to looking for souvenirs, you really are spoilt for choice in New Orleans. As you’ll see below, the options available cover a wide variety of budgets, interests and locations. The Big Easy may not be particularly famous as a shopping destination, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to fit in a bit of shopping around seeing the sights.
Check out one of the oldest markets in North America
Good for: Shoppers, History
The French Market crosses over 6 blocks of New Orleans and sits right in the center 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 accommodations 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 mail that evolved into a market for French and Spanish colonists. Read more
Location: 700-1010 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Open: Thursday–Monday from 8 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 504-636-6400
French Market
Explore a mix of international and local fashion
Good for: Shoppers
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 onsite as well.
Tax-free shopping is an option for international travelers. Expect the brands you likely already know and possibly love, from Banana Republic and Brooks Brothers to Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. Read more
Location: 333 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm
Phone: +1 504-522-9200
Canal Place Mall
Discover this local artisan and artist hub
Good for: Shoppers, Food
Oak Street is an Uptown New Orleans locale that’s become a quaint stop for many a traveling 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. Read more
Location: Oak Street, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Oak Street
Walk just steps from iconic Jackson Square to visit this mall
Good for: Shoppers, History
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 travelers, like Big Easy T-Shirt Co. and Gumbo Kids. International travelers enjoy tax-free shopping at The Shops at Jax Brewery, up to $500. Read more
Location: 600 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA70130, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm
Phone: +1 504-566-7601
The Shops at Jax Brewery
Find high-end purchases on this shopping haven of a street
Good for: Shoppers, History, Food
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 travelers 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. Read more
Location: Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Royal Street
See the sights along 6 miles of one of New Orleans’ best neighbourhoods
Good for: Shoppers, Photo
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. Read more
Location: Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Magazine Street
Head to the banks of the Mississippi for great deals on favorite fashions
Good for: Shoppers, Food, Budget
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 favorites like Calvin Klein and Motorcoach.
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. Read more
Location: 500 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 504-522-1555
The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
Find a uniquely curated mix of lifestyle and fashion boutiques
Good for: Shoppers
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 parlors scattered among the shops. It’s a place to head to in New Orleans for whenever you feel like spiffing up your look. Read more
Location: O’Keefe Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113, USA
South Market District
Hunt for treasures at this outdoor flea market
Good for: Shoppers, Food
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. Read more
Location: Sophie Wright Park, 1933 Sophie Wright Place, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Open: Biweekly Saturdays
Little Flea NOLA
Immerse yourself in a bevy of local art and artisans
Good for: Shoppers, Nightlife
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. Read more
Location: 619 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Open: Sunday–Wednesday from 7 pm to midnight, Thursday–Saturday from 7 pm to 1 am
Phone: +1 504-358-8287
Frenchmen Art Market
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.