When most inexperienced travelers think of New Orleans, they envision the 24/7 debauchery or Bourbon Street. There’s nothing wrong with associating The Big Easy with an all-day party, but I would argue that the true heart the French Quarter is Rue Royal.
Royal Street runs parallel to Bourbon Street, one block closer to the Mississippi River. While Bourbon flows with beer, daiquiris and the hosed down remains of overindulgence, Royal Street fills itself with quiet cafes, courtyards, restaurants, antiques and art galleries.
There’s also endless history along Royal Street. Countless walking tours up and down the pavement focus on all aspects of Royal Street’s past — from its historic residents to the ghosts who reportedly frequent its courtyards. While strolling from point to point, I was able to pick out stories from no fewer than seven such tours filing back and forth simultaneously.
The Court of the Two Sisters is an open air restaurant famous for its brunch — residing in a space that’s been home to New Orleans native since 1726. While not quite that old, the classic and upscale Brennan’s is a prime dining establishment of one of the city’s biggest restauranteur families.
If you’re more into the dark side of The Crescent City’s history, Royal Street holds the LaLaurie Mansion where Madame Delphine LaLaurie tortured and murdered her slaves before escaping without a trace.
Antique stores, fashion boutiques and fragrance shops dot each block, but he prepared to pay legit prices as Royal Street serves as the French Quarter’s shopping HQ. Small art galleries serve original New Orleans works, including the main sale establishments for artists Ally Burguieres and George Rodrigue.
To give you a better sense of the sights lining Royal Street, there are a some additional photos collected below:
