Royal Street, New Orleans facts for kids
Royal Street (also known as Rue Royale in French and Calle Real in Spanish) is a famous street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.. It's one of the oldest streets in the city, built way back in the early 1700s. Today, it's well-known for its cool antique shops, art galleries, and hotels.
Royal Street starts near Canal Street and stretches through several neighborhoods. These include the historic French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny, Bywater, and even the Lower Ninth Ward. It's a long street that shows off different parts of New Orleans.
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Exploring Royal Street's History
Royal Street has been an important part of New Orleans for centuries. It was one of the first streets planned when the city was founded. This means it has seen a lot of history unfold right on its sidewalks!
What Makes Royal Street Special?
This street is famous for many things, especially in the French Quarter. It's a place where you can find unique shops, see amazing art, and enjoy live music. It's a must-see spot for anyone visiting New Orleans.
Shopping and Art on Royal Street
The part of Royal Street in the upper French Quarter is famous for its fancy antique shops and art galleries. These shops often have very old and special items. You might even see rare furniture that belonged to kings and queens from long ago!
Finding Unique Treasures
While some shops can be quite expensive, they offer a chance to see incredible historical items. The 700 block of Royal Street is home to galleries of artists from New Orleans, like Ally Burguieres and George Rodrigue. Their art adds to the street's creative vibe.
Royal Street's Pedestrian Zone
Every afternoon, a few blocks of Royal Street in the French Quarter become a special area just for people. This means cars aren't allowed there! It happens between St. Louis Street and St. Ann Street.
Enjoying Street Performers
When the street is closed to traffic, many street performers set up their acts. You can often hear talented New Orleans jazz musicians playing their instruments. It's a lively and fun place to walk around and enjoy the local culture.
Hotels and Restaurants
Royal Street also has many places to eat and stay. One famous hotel is the Hotel Monteleone. It's a tall, family-owned hotel that has been around since the late 1800s. It's a historic landmark on the street.
Royal Street and Hurricane Katrina
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused a lot of damage in New Orleans. However, most of Royal Street was lucky and did not flood. This is because the French Quarter, where much of Royal Street is, was built on higher ground. This natural elevation helped protect it from the storm's waters. Only the very end of the street in the Lower Ninth Ward experienced flooding.
