105 Best Places to Shop in New Orleans, Louisiana

For more than 50 years, this has been the stop for a mix of New Orleans souvenirs, miniature die-cast metal cars (from the Model T to the Hummer), character lunchboxes, puppets, plastic animals, and collectible Madame Alexander dolls. There is a second location in the French Quarter at 513 St. Ann Street.

A favorite resource for New Orleans and regional music—new and old—the Louisiana Music Factory has records, tapes, CDs, DVDs, sheet music, and books, as well as listening stations, music-oriented T-shirts, original art, and a stage that hosts frequent live concerts.

If you are easily overwhelmed, you should take a deep breath before you walk into this expansive shop, where every possible inch of counter and shelf space is filled with antiques and vintage goods. You will find an array of costume and fine jewelry, vintage photographs, antique clocks, home decor, glassware, clothing, silver, furniture, china and ceramics, and a variety of other collectibles from a number of vendors.

The Magazine Street Merchants Association publishes a free brochure with maps and descriptions of the myriad stores, galleries, restaurants, and shops that line the city's boutique strip; it's available in hotels and stores, or you can request or download one from the association's website.

This toy shop, beloved by both children and adults, sells the kind of items you won't find in big-box stores. While they do carry popular toys by LEGO and Playskool, the emphasis is on independent brands. You'll find everything from baby toys to play items for older children to party games for adults. The staff go above and beyond with customer service, and can help with shipping and assembly.

Artist Dalili fabricates his intricate but wearable masks out of leather at a workstation in the front of the store. There also are masks made by other local artists, as well as Venetian and feather versions, pewter sculptures, jewelry, and figurines.

One of the South's largest hat stores has been in operation for more than a hundred years and is currently run by the fourth generation of the Meyer family. A favorite of locals and out-of-towners, the shop carries a large selection of fedoras, tweed caps, Kangols, cowboy hats, and just about any type of topper you can put on your head.

Local artist James Michalopoulos showcases his abstract visions of New Orleans's architecture, street scenes, and personalities in oil paintings, lithographs, prints, posters, and serigraphs.

This store specializes in French and English antiques from the early 19th century, including jewelry, wooden boxes, furniture, porcelain oyster plates, sculpture, objets d'art, walking sticks, and silver services.

One of the South's largest glassblowing and printmaking studios has a viewing room where visitors can watch glassblowers at work. The gallery also displays and sells functional and decorative art and sculptures.

Stocked with art and photography books, children's items, puzzles, jewelry, and locally made crafts, this gift shop is well worth a visit, even if you're not browsing the museum's exhibits. The shop has its own cookbook, as well as items created exclusively for it by local favorite jewelry designer Mignon Faget. You don't have to pay museum admission to enter the shop; just say you are shopping at the front desk, and you will receive a special pass.

Learn how to make a roux and other Louisiana cooking techniques at this school that's inside a renovated 1800s molasses warehouse. Lessons are seasoned with history and tales of the state's famous cuisine. The general store stocks all kinds of regional spices, condiments, sauces, snacks, gift baskets, and cookbooks.

Preppy motifs and New Orleans pride are the twin hallmarks of this line of locally designed accessories. You'll find belts, neckties, pet leashes, wallets, hats, headbands, bags, glassware, and totes emblazoned with tiny Crescent City symbols—fleurs-de-lis, sno-balls, pelicans, hurricane swirls, streetcars—all in repeat patterns. There is also a location Uptown, at 3308 Magazine Street.

Local and regional blown-glass artists are represented in this Riverbend neighborhood studio, which also carries an eclectic mix of jewelry, pewter, ceramics, lamps, T-shirts, and more.

The building's contemporary architecture stands out, and the attractive layout inside invites customers to leisurely browse a selection with an emphasis on architecture, art, and fiction as well as books of local interest. The store hosts frequent book signings.

Imported porcelain, vases, ceramics, jewelry, and the store's own line of smocked children's clothing are popular gift items. The shop also has a showroom of home furnishings, including accent furniture, lamps, and antique accessories.

This locally owned music shop specializes in vinyl as well as CDs, with a focus on New Orleans rap, hip-hop, and bounce. You'll also find jazz, gospel, classic soul, and a few music accessories. Live shows are sometimes presented in the café at the front of the store.

This wine-and-spirits shop is connected to Pearl Bar next door, and you can grab a bottle here and enjoy it at the bar. Besides wine, the store also has a well-stocked spirits selection with a wide array of Scotches, bourbons, vodkas, and tequilas. The shop also offers tastings and frequent wine classes that take participants on virtual wine tours around the world.

The first floor of this venerable New Orleans retail institution is devoted to outfitting men with classic suits (white linen and seersucker are very popular), sportswear, shoes, ties, and accessories, as well as the store's signature crawfish-logo polo shirts. The second floor is filled with dressy, casual, and formal wear for women.

A smaller version of the locally owned Perlis boutique on Magazine Street, this shop features such items as polo shirts and neckties with crawfish logos, as well as everything from Hawaiian shirts to boxer shorts printed with images of Tabasco products and New Orleans themes.

Gemologist and gold- and silversmith Ken Bowers designs contemporary jewelry in gold, silver, and platinum and carries a selection of antique pieces.

A throwback to the days of Southern belles, this shop on Jackson Square has linens and lace, ranging from christening outfits for babies to table runners, napkins, women's handkerchiefs, and more. It also offers a charming array of antiques and reproductions, such as perfume bottles, tea sets, fleurs-de-lis, and crosses.

The name stands for Right Here In New Orleans, which is where most of the artists involved in this upscale co-op live and work. You'll find original paintings in a variety of styles, metalwork, sculpture, ceramics, glass, functional art, jewelry, fashion accessories, and artwork made from found objects. The gallery also holds art classes for children and adults.

One of Louisiana's most successful artists, George Rodrigue (1944–2013) is best known for his series featuring the Blue Dog, which has become a local icon. But it's the images of his Cajun ancestors in stylized Acadiana settings that got the most praise from art critics. His work is available in original paintings and signed and numbered silkscreen prints, mixed media, and sculpture.

French, English, and Continental antique furniture and Biedermeier pieces can be found alongside chandeliers, sconces, trumeau mirrors, accessories, and estate jewelry in this shop, which was founded in 1899.

The Italian-leather address books, fancy journals, hand-decorated photo albums, specialty papers, custom stationery, handmade invitations, and high-quality fountain pens sold here are fitting tributes to the art of handwriting. The store also creates gorgeous stationery with New Orleans themes.

Even if you aren't looking for environmentally friendly furniture and accessories, this chic home-decor store is worth a visit for its carefully chosen collection of Jonathan Adler ceramics and lamps, John Robshaw bedding, and Greenform outdoor items. The owner has a sharp eye for design, and an environmental consciousness that makes going green seem smart and easy. Note that you can visit by appointment only.