Royal Street

Overview

Royal Street is the elegant counterpart to Bourbon Street, lined with antique dealers, fine art galleries, and street musicians. During the day, several blocks are closed to traffic for pedestrians.

Highlights

• Antique Shops: World-class dealers in French, English, and American antiques.
• Street Musicians: Some of the city's best acoustic performers play here daily.
• Art Galleries: Traditional and contemporary art in beautifully restored buildings.

History

Royal Street (Rue Royale) was the main commercial street of the French Quarter in the 18th century. It remains the most architecturally preserved street in the neighborhood.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Walk it from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue for the full experience.
• Tip 2: Many galleries allow free browsing with no obligation to buy.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.