Royal Street New Orleans: 7 Amazing Things to See and Do
Royal Street in New Orleans is worth visiting for its old buildings, antique shops, art galleries, street music, and local food. It’s one block from Bourbon Street, but the two feel quite different. Royal Street is a good place to slow down, look around, and spend a few hours on foot. If it’s your first time in the French Quarter, you may not know where to start. Should you visit the shops first? Where can you get beignets? And is it worth taking a guided tour?
You can see quite a bit on your own. But if you want to try the food New Orleans is known for, Tastebud Tours offers guided walking food tours through the French Quarter. Here’s what to see on Royal Street and how to plan your visit.
What Is Royal Street in New Orleans Known For?
Royal Street is best known for its antique stores, art galleries, old buildings, and street performers. It runs through the French Quarter, with many popular stops between Canal Street and Esplanade Avenue.
The street has been part of New Orleans since the early 1700s. Much of the Royal Street New Orleans history you see today comes from the city’s French and Spanish past. Fires destroyed many early buildings, so much of the architecture dates to the late 1700s and 1800s. You’ll see iron balconies, tall windows, and old brick buildings as you walk. Some are now shops or restaurants. Others still look much as they did generations ago.
1. Browse the Antique Shops on Royal Street
Start with the antique shops. Even if you’re not buying anything, they’re worth a look. You’ll find old furniture, paintings, jewelry, and pieces that have been around for hundreds of years.
One of the best-known shops is M.S. Rau at 622 Royal Street. It has been in business since 1912 and sells fine art, antiques, and rare collectables. You don’t have to be a collector to enjoy looking around. Just keep in mind that some pieces are very valuable, so ask before touching anything. There are smaller shops nearby, too. If something catches your eye through the window, go in and have a look.
2. Listen to Live Music on Royal Street
Walk toward the intersection of Royal and St. Peter streets, and you may come across musicians playing outside. This part of Royal Street is known for its street performances. You might hear jazz, blues, or a brass band. Sometimes a crowd gathers around one group while another musician plays farther down the street. There’s no fixed show schedule. Some days you’ll hear music as soon as you arrive. Other days, you may need to walk a few blocks.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Late morning and afternoon are good times to look for performers.
- Some blocks are closed to vehicle traffic during set daytime hours.
- You can listen for free, but tipping the musicians is appreciated.
If you enjoy the music, stay for a while. There’s no need to rush to the next stop.
3. See the Historic Buildings Along Royal Street
One thing you’ll notice on Royal Street is how different the buildings look. Some have iron balconies. Others have large windows, old shutters, and narrow entrances. The Louisiana Supreme Court building at 400 Royal Street is worth seeing. The large Beaux-Arts building takes up a full block and stands out from the smaller French Quarter buildings around it.
You can also stop outside Brennan’s at 417 Royal Street. The restaurant is a New Orleans landmark, known for its Creole food and Bananas Foster dessert. If you enjoy history, take a few minutes to look at the buildings instead of walking straight past them. You’ll notice details you might miss from a car or tour bus.
4. Eat Beignets at Café Beignet
By now, you might be ready for something to eat. Café Beignet at 334 Royal Street is an easy place to stop. Beignets are square pieces of fried dough covered in powdered sugar. They’re served warm, and they’re messy. That’s half the fun.
Order a plate with coffee or café au lait. If you’re sharing, get enough for everyone. It’s hard to stop at just one. But beignets are only one part of New Orleans food. The city is also known for gumbo, po-boys, jambalaya, and pralines. If you want to try several local dishes without spending hours choosing restaurants, consider booking a New Orleans walking food tour. You can taste different foods while learning why they’re such a big part of the city.
5. Visit the Historic New Orleans Collection
Want to know what Royal Street looked like years ago? Stop by the Historic New Orleans Collection at 520 Royal Street. It’s a good place to learn about the city’s past.
Inside, you’ll find old photos, maps, paintings, and items that tell the story of New Orleans. There’s also an interactive French Quarter map where you can see how the buildings and streets have changed over time. Admission is free, and the museum is usually open Tuesday through Sunday. Plan to spend about an hour here, or longer if you enjoy history. It’s also a nice place to cool off on a hot day.
6. Explore the Art Galleries
Royal Street has plenty of art galleries. Some show Louisiana landscapes and local scenes. Others feature modern paintings, sculptures, and work by artists from around the world. One well-known stop is Rodrigue Studio, which features art by George Rodrigue. He’s the Louisiana artist behind the famous Blue Dog paintings.
You don’t need to know much about art to enjoy the galleries. Walk in, look around, and see what interests you. Most galleries are free to browse. Just check their opening hours, since some close earlier than nearby restaurants and bars. If you’re visiting with someone who loves art, give them a little extra time. You could easily spend an hour looking through just a few galleries.
7. Take a Guided French Quarter Food Tour
Royal Street is easy to explore on your own. But what about the rest of the French Quarter? There are so many places to eat that it’s hard to know which ones are worth trying. That’s one reason people book food tours.
At Tastebud Tours, we take guests on guided walks through the French Quarter. You’ll stop for local food, hear stories about the neighborhood, and learn how different dishes became part of New Orleans life. Our Flavors of the French Quarter Food Tour is a three-hour experience with several food tastings. There’s enough food for lunch, so you won’t need to plan another big meal right after.
Here’s what makes a guided food tour useful:
- You try several foods: Instead of ordering one dish at a restaurant, you get to taste different New Orleans favorites.
- You learn about the food: Your guide explains the dishes and their connection to the city.
- You don’t have to plan every stop: The route and food tastings are arranged for you.
- You see more of the French Quarter: The walk takes you beyond Royal Street to other parts of the neighborhood.
You can browse our New Orleans food tours and choose the experience that suits your visit.
How to Plan Your Royal Street Walking Route
You don’t need a complicated plan to explore Royal Street. Most of the popular sights are close enough to visit on foot.
If you’re starting near Canal Street, try this route:
- Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal Street: Start near this historic French Quarter hotel.
- Café Beignet, 334 Royal Street: Stop for coffee and warm beignets.
- Louisiana Supreme Court, 400 Royal Street: Take a look at the grand courthouse building.
- Brennan’s, 417 Royal Street: See one of the city’s best-known restaurants.
- Historic New Orleans Collection, 520 Royal Street: Spend some time learning about the city.
- M.S. Rau, 622 Royal Street: Browse antiques and fine art.
- Royal and St. Peter streets: Look out for street musicians.
You can walk this stretch in much less than an hour if you don’t stop. But that would mean missing most of what makes it worth visiting. Allow two or three hours if you want to browse shops, visit the museum, and stop for food. A guided food tour will need its own time.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Royal Street?
Late morning or early afternoon is a good time to visit Royal Street. Most shops and galleries are open during the day, and you may find musicians performing outside. The street can get busy on weekends and during festivals. If you prefer fewer crowds, try a weekday morning.
A few things will make your walk easier:
- Wear comfortable shoes. Some sidewalks are uneven.
- Bring water, especially during the warmer months.
- Check museums and shop hours before leaving.
- Leave extra time if you plan to eat at a popular restaurant.
Royal Street is also nice to see in the evening, but many shops and galleries will be closed. If shopping and sightseeing are your main plans, daytime is the better choice.
See Royal Street, Then Taste More of New Orleans
Royal Street has enough to keep you busy for a few hours. You can spend the morning browsing shops, stop for beignets, listen to music, and learn about the city’s past. But don’t leave New Orleans without trying more of its food. If you’re ready to explore beyond Royal Street, book a guided walking food tour with Tastebud Tours. We’ll show you more of the French Quarter and introduce you to the dishes that make this city special.
You came to see New Orleans. Why not taste it, too?
FAQs About Royal Street New Orleans
Is Royal Street worth visiting?
Yes. It’s one of the best streets in the French Quarter for art, antiques, architecture, food, and live music. You can enjoy much of it without spending money.
Is Royal Street better than Bourbon Street?
That depends on what you want to do. Royal Street is better for shopping, galleries, history, and daytime walks. Bourbon Street is known for its bars and nightlife.
How long does it take to walk Royal Street?
You can walk the main sightseeing stretch in less than an hour. Allow two or three hours if you want to visit shops, stop for food, and explore the museum.
Can you explore Royal Street for free?
Yes. Walking along Royal Street is free, and you can enjoy the buildings and street music without buying a ticket. Food, shopping, and certain activities cost extra.
Are food tours in the French Quarter worth it?
If you enjoy trying local food, a guided tour can be worth it. You get several tastings, learn about the dishes, and visit places you might not find on your own.