Magazine Street

The basics

Shoppers flock to Magazine Street for its antique stores brimming with vintage goods and funky boutiques hawking local and handmade clothing, accessories, and home items. When you need a break from buying, grab a table at a café with an outdoor patio and watch the lively scene go by.

After dark, the street transforms into a nightlife destination with rooftop bars, music clubs, and casual pubs perfectly spaced for a Big Easy–style bar crawl. Many New Orleans sightseeing tours include Magazine Street via biking, walking, Segway, or hop-on, hop-off bus tours.

Things to know before you go

• Well-behaved and leashed dogs are welcome at many Magazine Street businesses. Just be sure to ask before you bring Fido inside. 

• Check out the work of local artists at galleries like Alex Beard Studio, Carol Robinson Gallery, Hands in Clay, and the New Orleans Glassworks and Printmaking Studio.

• As you stroll, admire the colorful Creole architecture of the street's historic buildings.

How to get there

Magazine Street runs parallel to the Mississippi River across parts of the Central Business District, Lower Garden District, Touro, and Uptown neighborhoods. The most shops and restaurants are on the stretch between Napoleon Avenue and Felicity Street. It's easy to reach by taking the #11 RTA bus or the St. Charles Streetcar, and best explored on foot.

When to get there

Visit during the daytime for shopping and people-watching, as most Magazine Street shops and galleries maintain standard business hours. Bars and clubs get bumping in the late evening and often stay open until the wee hours of the morning. During Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day, many parades snake along the street. 

Magazine Street Pub Crawl

For a break from the crowds of Bourbon Street, plan a night out among the dozens of bars and clubs along Magazine Street. Try more than 150 beers on tap at the Bulldog, sip a craft cocktail at Barrel Proof, and get a bird’s-eye view of the scene below from the rooftop at the Balcony Bar & Cafe. For fun and games, belt out your favorite karaoke tune at the Saint Bar & Lounge or test your trivia skills at the Prytania Bar.

Ways to explore

Shoppers flock to Magazine Street for its antique stores and funky boutiques hawking local and handmade clothing, accessories, and homewares. When it’s time for a break, sidewalk cafés and people-watching patios offer a perfect retreat. To explore beyond Magazine Street, book a guided sightseeing tour; walking tours, guided bike rides, van tours, and hop-on hop-off bus trips all stop by the street. Some food tours also include stops here to sample and spotlight local flavors. After dark, the vibe shifts, and the street becomes a nightlife hub, with rooftop bars, live music venues, and casual pubs perfectly spaced for a Big Easy–style bar crawl.

Accessibility

Magazine Street is generally accessible for wheelchair users, but it’s best to check individual venues for access details.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Bottled water, tote bag for shopping, power bank

What to wear

Layered clothing, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Littering, riding bikes on sidewalks

Amenities

Shops, restaurants, parking garages, art galleries

Address

Magazine Street stretches for 6 miles (10 kilometers) through several New Orleans neighborhoods. Most visitors access it by streetcar, bus, or rideshare from the French Quarter or downtown, depending on which section they plan to explore.

Driving

From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, take I-10 E to exit 234 B, then continue on Podras Street Drive to Magazine Street, where you can find metered street parking.

Public transportation

The Canal Street and St. Charles Avenue streetcar lines stop near Magazine Street at multiple points, providing easy access without the hassle of parking. Alternatively, you can get the 11 bus.

Best times to visit

Come in the daytime—ideally in the morning or afternoon—for people-watching and shopping.

Best days to visit

Weekends feature a lot of buzz, while Mondays through Thursdays typically offer a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

March through May are great months for a trip if you want to spend time exploring outdoors.

Special events

White Linen Night, usually in August, is a fun celebration of local artists on Magazine Street and beyond.