Art Markets -- If you’re in town between March and December on the last Saturday of any month, consider a trip to the Palmer Park Arts Market (S. Carrollton and S. Claiborne Aves., last stop on the St. Charles streetcar line; www.artscouncilofneworleans.org; tel. 504/523-1465). From 10am to 4pm you’ll find paintings, pottery, glass, mosaics, jewelry, handmade frames, and more from quality, juried artists. At the Marigny’s hip Art Garden and Palace Art Market (http://palaceartmarket.com), we like the cool leather jewelry, music photography, and vintage box cameras upcycled as lamps. Both neighboring markets are open Thursday to Saturday 7pm to midnight (Palace till 1am); Palace adds Saturday noon to 4pm and Sunday to Wedsnesday 7am to noon (619 and 613 Frenchmen St.; www.frenchmenartmarket.com). The browsing is free; goods are original, local, and affordable.
Shops at Canal Place -- At the foot of Canal Street (333 Canal St.) near the Mississippi River, this sophisticated shopping mall holds more than 30 shops, many of them elegant retail chains like Michael Kors, Brooks Brothers, Saks Fifth Avenue, Armani, and a sparkling Tiffany & Co. There’s also a two-story Anthropologie, a recently expanded branch of local jeweler Mignon Faget, and the Guild gallery of (mostly) locally made goods. It's open Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm, and Sunday noon to 7pm (www.canalplacestyle.com).
The French Market -- These historic shops begin in the colonnade along Decatur Street across from Jackson Square. Offerings include candy, housewares, fashion, crafts, and toys. The open-air section (the oldest continuously operated open-air market in the country) begins at Ursulines Avenue and N. Peters Street. There’s a stage for live music and cooking demos, and food booths including an oyster bar, a terrific fresh juice bar, and tasty Meals from the Heart. The farmer's market and foodstuff stalls—including local seafood, meats, and spices—will pack your purchases for travel or shipping. The flea market section has low-end souvenirs (good buys, if not good quality) and a smattering of actual art and handmade goods. It’s a fun stroll (www.frenchmarket.org; daily 10am–6pm).
Jax Brewery -- Just across from Jackson Square at 600–620 Decatur St., the old brewery building is now a jumble of shops and cafes (and good bathrooms). It’s a good stop for clothing and souvenirs, particularly the crawfish logo’d polo shirts and other preppie wear at Perlis (www.jaxnola.com; tel. 504/566-7245; daily 10am–7pm).
Julia Street -- Some of the city’s best contemporary art galleries (many listed under “Art Galleries”) line Julia Street from Camp Street to the river (and fork off into surrounding side streets). The quality of local talent exhibited here—among both creators and curators—is quite astounding.
Magazine Street -- The Garden District’s premier shopping drag, 6 miles of antiques, boutiques, galleries, and all manner of restaurants in 19th-century brick storefronts and quaint Creole cottages, from Washington Street to Audubon Park. Prime sections are, roughly, the 3700 to 4300 blocks (with the odd block or so of nothing); 1900 to 2100; and 5400 to 5700 blocks. A car or JazzyPass will help you traverse the avenue.
The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk -- Whoa. New in 2014, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Coach, Nordstrom Rack, Le Crueset, and 75 other outlet stores fill this sprawling, three-story mall. Bargains are a bonus when you can walk from the French Quarter, shop with a daiquiri in hand, and enjoy the best view from a mall food court in existence at tables overlooking the Mississippi. It’s behind the Hilton at 500 Port of New Orleans Place just steps from the ferry and cruise terminals (www.riverwalkneworleans.com; tel. 504/522-1555; Mon–Sat 10am–9pm, Sun 10am-7pm).
Riverbend, MAPLE & Oak Street -- To reach these fetching Carrollton area shops, ride the St. Charles Avenue streetcar to stop no. 44, then walk a block down Maple Street. There cool designs at Sarah Ott and the delectable Maple Street Patisserie inhabit renovated Creold cottages and old buildings. Four blocks up Dublin Street is the happening Oak Street shopping and dining district. Check out the excellent Blue Cypress Books, high-end knives at Coutelier, and the weird and wacky Rabbit Ears vintage-goods gallery. For refreshments, try famed restaurant Jacque-Imo’s, Breads on Oak, something chill from Ale on Oak, or an icy Plum Street Snoball a block away.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.