Tis the season! Ditch the big malls and chain stores this holiday season and get a gift for everyone on your list at New Orleans' local boutiques and shops. New Orleans is always ranked high among travelers as one of the “Best Cities for Shopping.” This is no surprise, and the city's local shops are sure to have everything you are looking for! Shop local with our guide to New Orleans shopping:
On Magazine Street, stop by some of our favorite stores:
Fun clothing, art, and gifts from New Orleans-based Dirty Coast Press.
For the fashionista in your life:
For a “not-so-touristy” t-shirt:
Head to Dirty Coast
For the iconic New Orleans:
Mignon Faget, beautiful, locally-inspired jewelry
Peony, a magical shop offering a mix of clothing, gifts and curiosities for women.
For the funky, quirky and handmade:
Looking for a perfectly funky, handmade gift with tons of New Orleans charm? Check out Fleurty Girl for quirky one-of-kind gift ideas.
New and noteworthy, Lionheart Prints moved to Magazine Street earlier this year, specializing in hand-lettered greeting cards, cute gifts, stationery and accessories.
To pick up locally inspired gifts and artwork in the French Quarter, drop by the Historic New Orleans Collection or Dutch Alley Artist’s Co-op. Before you head to Royal Street, be sure to read our guide.
For antiques and home furnishings:
Stop by Hilltop Shoppe for the perfect "happy" or Perch for one-of-a-kind antiques and modern furnishings and home good. To the rest of our Magazine Street Guide, click here.
For the bookworms in your life:
Head to the Riverbend neighborhood. Home to many eclectic bookstores and home decor shops, Oak Street and the surrounding Riverbend neighborhood is an off-the-beaten path area that locals love and tourists love to discover.
Located near Tulane and Loyola universities, Blue Cypress Book Store specializes in new, used and rare books. A few blocks away, jewelry and accessory designer Sarah Ott serves up locally made, New Orleans-inspired T-shirts, purses, jewelry, scarves and hats. On Oak Street, be sure to stop by the gallery of world-famous New Orleans artist Frenchy, known for his New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest posters.
For music lovers and record collectors:
Check out Domino Sound Record Shack. The Mid City shop houses an eclectic mix of new and used records including jazz, rock, reggae, punk and world music. While you're in Mid City, check out the charming Home Malone on Carrollton Avenue which offers handmade items, New Orleans souvenirs, and Louisiana art.
Local Markets:
New Orleans's world famous French Market.
New Orleans is known for its markets, and the best way to get great local goods is to meet the vendors themselves. From farmer's markets to art markets, you can find one open any day of the week. Open seven days a week, the world-famous French Market should be on everyone's list.
Held on the last Saturday of each month, the Palmer Park Arts Market showcases handmade, affordable art from local and regional artists and artisans.
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Author: Julia Ballard
Julia was the first member of the Astrid Solo Travel Advisor team, and has helped shape our unique approach to travel writing which focuses on affordable, luxury ideas for the solo traveler. She is on top of all the cutting-edge in everything from technology to travel, and works to share her insights with our audience. To read more about her and each one of our Solo Travel Advisors, head over to the About page!