If you’re in New Orleans and want to get away from the busy French Quarter, take a walk down Magazine Street. This 6-mile road runs through the Garden District and Uptown, from Canal Street to Audubon Park.
The street got its name from an old munitions warehouse (called a “magazine” back then) that used to be in the area in the 18th century. These days, Magazine Street is a mix of homes, shops, and restaurants.
Explore the Hot Spots
There are a few key areas along Magazine Street where you’ll find lots of cool boutiques, art galleries, and cafés. We call these the “hot spots.” While you can’t walk the whole 6 miles, it’s easy to visit these hot spots.
To get from one spot to the next, we suggest biking, taking the bus, grabbing a taxi, or driving. But if you’re driving, parking can be tricky. Plus, if you’re like us, you’ll want to enjoy a few cocktails along the way without worrying about driving.
St. Andrew Street to Philip Street (Blocks 1800-2200)
Here are some of our favorite stops in this area:
- Thomas Mann Gallery (1812 Magazine St.): Check out unique handmade jewelry, home decor, and more from designer Thomas Mann and other artists.
- Aidan Gill (2026 Magazine St.): Step back in time at this old-school barbershop. They also sell men’s shaving gear, hair products, and accessories.
- Derby Pottery & Tile (2029 Magazine St.): Find reproductions of Victorian tiles and New Orleans-inspired pottery.
- Bella Umbrella (2036 Magazine St.): A cute little shop that sells – you guessed it – umbrellas!
- Miette (2038 Magazine St.): Browse a fun mix of jewelry, bags, and handmade items from various artists.
- Trashy Diva (2048 Magazine St.): Shop for vintage-inspired clothing, lingerie, and accessories.
- Grandmother’s Buttons (2105 Magazine St.): Discover one-of-a-kind jewelry made from antique buttons.
- La Belle Nouvelle Orleans Antiques (2112 Magazine St.): Hunt for unusual antiques, like early 1900s scientific glass slides.
- Gooring Bros Hat Shop (2127 Magazine St.): A family-run hat shop that’s been around for 4 generations.
Washington Avenue to Louisiana Avenue (Blocks 2800-3300)
Don’t miss these spots in this area:
- Discoveries Furniture and Finds (2850 Magazine St.): Shop for imported furniture and home decor.
- Sucré (3025 Magazine St.): Indulge in artisanal sweets like French macarons, gelato, chocolates, cupcakes, and Mardi Gras King Cake at this chic pastry shop.
- H Rault Locksmiths (3027 Magazine St.): The oldest locksmith in New Orleans, this shop specializes in antique locks and even makes unique jewelry from old hardware.
- Fleurty Girl (3117 Magazine St.): Find New Orleans and Louisiana-themed clothes, accessories, home decor, and jewelry made by local artists.
- Funky Monkey (3127 Magazine St.): A quirky boutique selling new and vintage clothing, costumes, and jewelry.
- Lush Cosmetics (3129 Magazine St.): Stock up on cosmetics, bath, and body products.
- Petcetera (3205 Magazine St.): Spoil your furry friend with pet clothing, accessories, grooming, photography, and even baked treats.
Getting Around Magazine Street
As we mentioned, it’s not really possible to walk the entire length of Magazine Street. The hot spots are spread out, so you’ll need to find other ways to get around.
By Bike
Biking is a great option if you want to enjoy the fresh air and get a little exercise. There are bike rental shops along Magazine Street, or you can use the city’s bike share program, Blue Bikes.
By Bus
The Magazine Street bus (No. 11) runs the length of the street and stops at all the major intersections. It’s a cheap and easy way to get around, especially if you’re not in a hurry.
By Taxi or Rideshare
If you’d rather let someone else do the driving, you can always hail a taxi or use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. This is a good option if you’re planning to enjoy a few drinks along the way.
By Car
Driving is possible, but parking can be a challenge. Most of the hot spots have metered street parking, but spaces fill up quickly. If you do decide to drive, be prepared to circle the block a few times to find a spot.
More Than Just Shopping
While Magazine Street is known for its boutiques and galleries, there’s more to do here than just shop. The street is also home to some great restaurants and bars.
Some of our favorites include:
- Coquette (2800 Magazine St.): A cozy bistro serving contemporary Southern cuisine.
- Shaya (4213 Magazine St.): An Israeli restaurant known for its wood-fired pita bread and inventive dishes.
- Rum House (3128 Magazine St.): A Caribbean-inspired spot with a huge selection of rum and tasty tacos.
- The Bulldog (3236 Magazine St.): A laid-back beer bar with a big patio and over 50 beers on tap.
So whether you’re in the mood to shop, eat, drink, or just people-watch, Magazine Street has plenty to keep you entertained. It’s the perfect place to spend a day exploring a different side of New Orleans.
