The best souvenirs in New Orleans are pieces of culture, flavor, and music that you can take home.
I’ve been to the Crescent City countless times, and every trip I find something new to love. This guide will show you where to shop and what to buy, so you can bring a little magic of New Orleans back with you.
Is New Orleans Famous for Shopping?
Yes, New Orleans is absolutely famous for shopping.
While you may think first of parades and jazz clubs, the city also has a vibrant tradition of craftsmanship, artistry, and food culture.
Shopping here means exploring boutique mask shops, historic French Quarter markets, voodoo stores filled with handmade charms, and stalls where artists sell paintings at Jackson Square.
The best souvenirs in New Orleans are tied to its history, from pralines that trace back to Creole kitchens to jazz records only found here.
5 Best New Orleans Souvenir Shops
Skip the guesswork, some of the best New Orleans souvenir shops are in the French Quarter, where you’ll always find something cool to see, do, eat, and buy.
These are some of the best New Orleans souvenir shops for both unique finds and cheesy tourists classics:
- French Market: A historic open-air market where you can shop for everything from food gifts to local art. The French Market is the oldest public market in the U.S. dating back to the 1700s when it was a trading post for Native Americans. (1008 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70116)
- Maskarade: A boutique specializing in beautifully handcrafted Mardi Gras masks. (805 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116)
- Toulouse Royal Gifts: Been here sooo many times, never disapoints; everyday and unique souvenirs including posters, arts, t-shirts and sauces. (601 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130)
- Aunt Sally’s Praline Shop: The go-to place for traditional pralines and other sweet treats. (810 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116)
- Royal Street Galleries: A cluster of galleries offering fine art, prints, and photography from local and international artists.
Top New Orleans Souvenirs to Buy
When people ask me what to buy, I always say the best souvenirs in New Orleans are the ones that tie directly to the city’s culture.
Here are the souvenirs you should not miss:
New Orleans Souvenir Shirt
You’ll see them everywhere, from Bourbon Street to Jackson Square.
A T-shirt is one of the best souvenirs in New Orleans because it’s affordable, easy to pack, and can be worn for snuggly/sleep time back home.
Tip: Go for a dirty Bourbon Street quote or a typical fleur-de-lis design.
Treats
If you are wondering what food to bring back from New Orleans, pralines and beignet mixes are at the top of the list.
Treats make some of the best souvenirs in New Orleans because they let you relive your trip via taste.
Pack pralines in a gift box for friends or grab chicory coffee from any of the major coffee shops.
New Orleans Souvenir Coffee Mug
A mug from Café du Monde or a Bourbon Street shop is a practical and fun reminder of your time in NOLA.
You’ll find mugs with jazz prints, Mardi Gras masks, or iconic city landmarks. They’re durable for the plane, affordable, and can remind you of your vacay every day.
Magnets
Magnets are one of the most common souvenirs, and you can find them in nearly every shop in the French Quarter.
They’re small, easy to carry, and usually highlight landmarks like Jackson Square, the streetcars, or Mardi Gras.
Also, I’m biased because I’m one of those people who buys magnets from every single trip. My fridge is full inside and outside.
Artwork from Royal Street
Royal Street is the art center hub of New Orleans, and people come from all over the world just to drop stacks here.
You’ll find high-end galleries with fine art, but also affordable prints by local and traveling artists.
Many galleries sell hand-carved cypress wood pieces and driftwood sculptures, and locally made soaps or perfumes inspired by romantic themes, like magnolia blossoms or the French Market.
Read: The Streets of New Orleans
Shot Glasses
Shot glasses are everywhere, frequently shaped like Mardi Gras masks or decorated with images of the St. Charles Streetcar.
They are fun, affordable, and easy to collect.
Tip: I recommend shot glasses for that coworker or aunt who always asks for souvenirs from your trip but doesn’t know what they want.
Street Art from Jackson Square
Jackson Square has been a place of inspiration for artists since the 1920s.
Local painters, sketch artists, and street performers line the iron fence of St. Louis Cathedral, selling their work.
These are some of the best souvenirs in New Orleans because buying art here supports local creatives.
Read: The Guide to Jackson Square
Local Records or CDs
Local music in New Orleans grew from a mix of African, Caribbean, and European influences in the 19th century, giving birth to jazz.
You’ll see many record stores and small shops in the French Quarter and Garden District that sell jazz and blues recordings you won’t find anywhere else.
Frenchmen Street Art Market Finds
Frenchmen Street is known for its nightlife, but its art market is just as cool.
Local artists sell everything handmade you can think of (think jewelery, art, perfume), so you can bring home something truly unique.
With live music often drifting in from Frenchmen’s jazz clubs, the whole street feels like an open-air show mixed with a street party.
Also, food.
Insider Tips for the Frenchmen Street Art Market:
- This is an after dark market.
- Cash is king, since not every vendor accepts cards.
- Take your time browsing, many of the artists are happy to chat, and you’ll can find pieces that never make it into traditional shops.
Mardi Gras Masks
Masks are one of the best souvenirs in New Orleans because they represent the soul of the city.
Mardi Gras masks date back to the 18th century, when French colonists brought Carnival traditions to New Orleans.
Wearing masks allowed people of all social classes to celebrate together in anonymity; to this day, it is still one of the city’s most iconic symbols.
You’ll find simple, affordable masks in souvenir shops and elaborate, handcrafted versions in specialty stores.
Whether you hang it on your wall or wear it for Mardi Gras, these are cute and easy-to-find NOLA souvenirs.
Read: The Truth About the French Quarter of New Orleans
What Food to Bring Back from New Orleans?
Some of the best souvenirs in New Orleans are edible.
Here are the food gifts worth packing:
- Beignet Mix and Café du Monde Coffee: A classic combo. Grab a gift set in New Orleans or order online if you miss it.
- Pralines: Sweet pecan candies that originated in New Orleans. Try Aunt Sally’s Pralines or the Royal Praline Company. I have also ordered both directly from their websites when I was craving pralines throughout the year.
- Hurricane or Hand Grenade Cups: Colorful cocktail cups from Bourbon Street that make fun souvenirs.
- Authentic New Orleans Cookbook: Bring the recipes home. Or check out my list of the most authentic New Orleans cookbooks on Amazon.
- Gator Jerky: A quirky and fun edible gift straight from the bayou.
- Zatarain’s or Local Creole Spices: Adds authentic Louisiana flavor to your kitchen.
Read: The Food Guide to New Orleans
FAQ: Best Souvenirs in New Orleans
What is the most popular souvenir from New Orleans?
Mardi Gras masks and pralines are some of the most popular, but magnets and beignet mix are also classics.
Where is the best place to shop for New Orleans souvenirs?
The French Market, Royal Street galleries, and Jackson Square are the best places to shop for a mix of unique and traditional souvenirs.
Can I bring food souvenirs home on a plane?
Yes, packaged yummies like pralines, beignet mix, and spices travel easily. Just avoid liquids over TSA’s 3.4 oz limit.
Are New Orleans souvenirs expensive?
There is a wide range. Magnets and mugs are inexpensive, while original art, masks, and alligator leather goods can be $$$.
Read: How to Visit New Orleans on a Budget
Souvenir Check
What souvenirs did you buy from New Orleans? Comment below.
Read
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