Royal Street: One of the Most Beautiful & Entertaining Streets in New Orleans

Royal Street is Just As It Sounds: Sophisticated and Refined

One block over from the ribaldry that is Bourbon Street lays Royal Street, the French Quarter’s sophisticated and more refined epicenter for local art, antiques, and word-class restaurants. Royal Street is within easy walking distance from any point in the French Quarter, and one can easily spend an afternoon browsing the street’s art numerous galleries, fine jewelry shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants. 

With it’s picturesque buildings and iron lace balconies, tourists flock to the iconic street, making it one of the most photographed streets in the city. As you walk beneath Royal Street’s countless balconies that overflow with beautiful flower arrangements, the street’s enchanting aura will instantly pull you in.

Entertainment

From 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day the street is closed to vehicular traffic, leaving plenty of room for visitors to stroll Royal Street safely.  During this time, the street is flooded with street performers, offering unique routines to entertain passing pedestrians. From living statues to Dixieland jazz bands, pedestrians are sure to be entertained. 

World-Class Shopping

Royal Street is known for its world-class shopping. With numerous art galleries and antiques shops, Royal Street is the perfect place to find that perfect New Orleans relic. Exquisite crystal chandeliers, ornate hand-carved furniture, fine silver, jewelry, other table settings and so much more can be found on Royal Street.

The finer antique shops display items that are not only old, but rare, as some items were previously owned by royalty of past centuries. Be sure to check out Keil’s Antiques, which has been a French Quarter, staple since 1899. The 700 block of Royal features the art galleries of New Orleans-based artists Ally Burguieres and George Rodrigue. 

3 Restaurants/Bars You Have to Visit on Royal Street

1. The Carousel Bar

While on Royal Street, be sure to stop by Hotel Monteleone and have a drink at the hotel’s iconic Carousel Bar. This long-time favorite hotspot is home to the city’s only revolving bar and was recently named by Vogue as one of the Top 20 Bars in the World. For decades, guest have sipped Sazeracs on the bright, circus-clad Merry-Go-Round, but we would recommend the French 007, a sparkling pomegranate drink.  

2. Mr. B’s Bistro

Royal Street is home to some of New Orleans’ best restaurants. From classic Creole dishes to contemporary Louisiana fare, Royal Street has something for everyone. Mr. B’s Bistro, located at the intersection of Royal Street and Iberville, is considered the original New Orleans gourmet bistro. Mr. B’s is known for it’s Gumbo Ya Ya, a super-dark roux and spicy chicken and andouille gumbo, Barbecued Shrimp, a Worcestershire spiked butter sauce with garlic and black pepper, wood-grilled local fish and Creole Bread Pudding with Irish whiskey sauce.

3. Café Amelie

Café Amelie is another favorite here at Astrid Travel. It is the perfect spot for a cozy Sunday brunch with its lush courtyards and elegant atmosphere.  Café Amelie was named for Amelie Miltonberger, the mother of Princess Alice, the first American Princess of Monaco, who lived in an accompanying townhouse in the mid-1800s.

From the architecture to the galleries, it is no wonder tourists and locals alike flock to Royal Street when they want a real New Orleans experience. Royal Street is a perfect daytime destination. If you are looking for shopping, architecture, entertainment or just a leisurely walk down one of New Orleans' most beautiful streets, Royal Street will not disappoint.

Check out more of our posts about things to do in New Orleans by exploring the links below!