Description

When the boom boom boom of Bourbon Street has worn you down and you are craving a little elegance and relaxation, look no further than one block towards the Mississippi River for Royal Street. Named at the inception of the city, to win favor among the French Royals, Royal Street has kept true to its name as one of the high-end destination streets in America. Lined with antique shops, galleries, exquisite lighting boutiques, restaurants, and more, everything you need to make New Orleans your temporary home is right there on Royal Street.

Spend a night at the historic Hotel Monteleone at 214 Royal St. Have a drink at the fully-operational and spinning Carousel Bar, where you are more than likely to be sitting next to a celebrity as well as a local. Check out the hotel's gift shop for its trademark teddy bear collections. The Hotel has been used in many major motion pictures and is a regular fixture on television shows about the Big Easy. If something a little smaller is more to your liking, with perhaps a haunted history, check in at The Cornstalk Hotel located at 915 Royal St. Famed for its Cornstalk wrought iron fence, (you are likely to see a lot of horse carriages stopping for a view), the hotel is allegedly part of the inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

It's no wonder to locals that so many visitors flock to Royal Street for a shot of some of the most picturesque buildings and wrought iron work in the country. Like lace, the iron stretches the 13 blocks of Royal Street from Esplanade Avenue to Canal Street. It is easy to tell the season and the holiday on hand by looking at the balconies of Royal Street, where locals decorate and light their homes to fit the season. Christmas season on Royal Street is particularly beautiful.

All that looking up can make you hungry. Well you are in luck. Royal Street is blessed to have two world famous gourmet restaurants a stone's throw from each other. Brennan's Restaurant, the oldest staple in the Brennan family food dynasty, sits at 417 Royal St. The mimosas are amazing and the service is astounding at this New Orleans eatery that offers an amazing breakfast menu. The crabmeat omelet topped with hollandaise is the headliner. Just a few steps up the street, is the Court of Two Sisters at 613 Royal St. Catch their daily brunch buffets 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a romantic dinner by candle light in a lush New Orleans courtyard, Café Amelie at 912 Royal St. is the perfect 150-year-old spot to fill the bill.

On a street like Royal, there is nothing better to do than to shop. Whether it's high-end or mid-range pricing you are looking for, Royal Street has it ready and waiting for you. The Blackett-Peck Gallery at 509 Royal St. is a leader on the street for local artists, and artists that are shown nationwide. Look for scenes of Royal Street by local artist Matthew Peck. The Angela King Gallery has become a staple in the French Quarter's art community and whether you are buying or just looking, the space at 241 Royal St. is worth a visit.

Craft makers have held a strong hold on Royal Street for years. Jewelry makers have launched New Orleans themed designs from the sidewalks of Royal Street to world acclaim, while perfumeries have established markets branching nationwide for their homemade fragrances and oils.

If relaxation is what you need try one of the many salons and spas along Royal Street, particularly Salon Diversion's Aveda concept boutique salon that specializes in color and cuts that are on the cusp of trendy. Located at 838 Royal St. this small but talented team keeps a mostly local clientele in the know when it comes to what is 'hot hair.'

Sip a bananas foster latte at Royal Blend at 621 Royal St. or have a serving of beignets at Café Beignet in the three hundred block of Royal, to round out a perfect day on Royal Street. 

Most unguided walking tours can be completed in approximately five hours including lunch. For guided tours, you can either book a walking tour or see the horse and buggy drivers at the foot of Jackson Square for the "Total Royal" experience.