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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Shopping

Magazine Street

A six-mile stretch of independent shopping, dining, and history, stretching from Canal Street to Audubon Park through the heart of New Orleans' most iconic neighborhoods.

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Magazine Street
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What is Magazine Street known for?

Magazine Street is a major shopping, dining, and strolling destination known for its antique stores, independent shops, galleries, bars, bakeries, and fine dining.

Is it free to visit Magazine Street?

Yes, there is no cost to visit Magazine Street.

Where is Magazine Street located?

It stretches approximately six miles parallel to the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Audubon Park, passing through the Central Business District, the Garden District (including the Lower Garden District), and Uptown.

What is the history of Magazine Street?

The street's origins date back to the late 1700s and early 1800s when it became home to various 'rue de magasins' (shops). It developed spontaneously without a master planner and was once divided by four distinct markets.

Is it worth visiting as an alternative to the French Quarter?

Yes, it is often visited as a Garden District alternative to the tourist-trafficked French Quarter.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Magazine Street is a legendary thoroughfare in New Orleans, stretching six miles parallel to the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Audubon Park. It traverses three distinct areas: the Central Business District, the Garden District, and Uptown. Its origins date back to the late 1700s and early 1800s, when it became home to 'rue de magasins', or shops, which gave the street its name. While the first five blocks were created by city surveyor Carlos Trudeau, the rest of the street developed spontaneously without a master planner, once being divided by four distinct markets. Today, the street is a shopper's paradise, offering a mix of vintage stores, galleries, bars, and fine dining. It serves as a local alternative to the tourist-heavy French Quarter, featuring a stash of antique stores and independent shops. Visitors can explore the Lower Garden District, where the site at 1911 Magazine Street once served as an open-air bazaar known as the Magazine Street Market. Architecturally, the street's character is shaped by its surroundings. In the adjacent district between Magazine Street and the Mississippi River, you will find an unparalleled collection of historic masonry warehouses with shared common walls. This area, known as the Warehouse District, is historically significant and architecturally notable, adding a layer of urban depth to the shopping experience.

Visitor tips

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the street is six miles long and you may want to explore several blocks.
  • Visit the antique stores and independent galleries to experience the local flavor of the neighborhood.
  • Explore the Lower Garden District section to see the transition from historic warehouses to residential architecture.

Nearby context

Magazine Street acts as the main commercial artery for the Garden District and Uptown, running parallel to the Mississippi River and bordering the Warehouse District's historic masonry buildings.

Sources

Evidence and links