The French Market is six-block-long bustling, open air shopping center that can hold as many as 220 vendors on a busy day. You can shop for local art, t-shirts and hats and all things Mardi Gras while enjoying New Orleans street music and the aroma of fresh gumbo and jambalaya from the food stalls. The market has a ton of history, having existed on the same piece of land for more than 200 years. Some of the best items to find here are the drooping ladies hats to help keep the sun out, graphic print coasters and great shawls/sarongs. While there is certainly plenty of kitsch on hand - genuine gator head anybody? - the market does have authentic goods and decent prices. There are free walking tours on weekdays, special events ongoing, and a farmers' market Wednesdays and Saturdays.