10 Spots to Get Tattoos in New Orleans
Love them or hate them, tattoos are here to stay! The ancient
art was vilified throughout the 20th century, even though it was a
pervasive ritual that was simply kept under clothing. Currently, tattoos are
seen by more and more people as artful and expressive. Tattoos tell a story and
can be a wonderful addition to a person's body.
New Orleans is home to dozens of tattoo and piercing shops that are taking clients. It's best to look up artists who are skilled in the style of ink that you really want to get.
1. SwampWater Tattoo
3933 Toulouse St., (504) 264-7795
facebook.com/swampwaterstudio
SwampWater Studio, developed by Brandi Bruce, is known for its quality, custom tattoos at a fair price. They pride themselves on having a clean, sterile, and safe environment.
They seek to preserve the history and traditions of the tattoo community while also educating their customers. Check their social media to find out which days they're accepting walk-ins.
2. Downtown Tattoos & Piercings
501 Frenchmen St., (504) 266-2211
downtowntattoosnola.com
Opened in June 2012, Downtown Tattoos & Piercings offers an optimal tattoo experience on NOLA's famous Frenchmen Street. The shop is owned by Terry Brown, who has over 20 years of experience tattooing all across the country, and his wife Hayley Waldner.
There are 11 skilled tattoo artists to choose from, and you can see of their high quality work on the shop's website. Downtown Tattoos & Piercings also offers tooth gems.3. TATTOOAGOGO
4421 Magazine St., (504) 899-8229
tattooagogo.com
TATTOOAGOGO is a tattoo shop located on Magazine Street and is definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Uptown. The shop's three tattoo artists, Donn Davis, Scott Allen, and Chris Blanchard, are all very talented and have many years of experience.
TATTOOAGOGO is the perfect place to go if you're looking for a tradition American tattoo or a irezumi/traditional Japanese tattoo. Check out Davis' portfolio and see all of the full body irezumi tattoos he has created over the years.
4. Space Tiger Tattoos
8718 Oak St., (504) 441-9275
spacetigertattoos.com
Looking for a top-notch tattoo experience in New Orleans? Look no further than Space Tiger Tattoos, home to the internationally renowned artist Derek Dufresne. With over two decades of professional experience, Derek has made a name for himself specializing in neo-Japanese, skulls, realism, and horror tattoos.
At Space Tiger Tattoos, you're not just getting inked—you're becoming part of a legacy. Dufresne's extensive background, including 14 years running the award-winning Fleshworks Custom Tattoo Studio in Canada, ensures that you're in the hands of a true professional.
5. We Bleed Ink Tattoos & Piercings
2126 Magazine St., (504) 441-9275
webleedink.com
There are several talented and practiced tattoo and piercing artists to choose from at We Bleed Ink, and the shop is open from noon to 9 p.m. every day of the week except Sunday. You can easily book an appointment on their website and see examples of each artist's work.
Walk-in customers are welcome to stop by if you have an urgent need for a new look, but don't be surprised if all of the stations are taken up. This is especially true on Friday the 13th when special flash sheet tattoos bring in a flood of customers.
6. Mid City Voodoux Tattoos
140 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 278-1465
voodoux.com
Mid City Voodoux Tattoos didn't start off at its present location, but the parlor does have around 15 years under its belt. Mid City Voodoux Tattoo also has one of the largest staffs you'll find at a tattoo shop, and they welcome walk-in customers who are curious about the process or want to stop in and get some ideas.
If you take a look at their social media pages, you'll see monthly specials that are the best in town. You can get cheap flash sheet tattoos chosen by the roll of a dice. Do you dare leave your next little tattoo to the hands of fate?
7. Idle Hands Tattoo Parlour
1815 Magazine St., (504) 581-2005
idlehandstattooparlour.com
This tattoo shop is aptly named; the artists here do not letting their hands be idle. Idle Hands Tattoo Parlour is open seven days a week from noon to 8 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are always appreciated, especially for large pieces.
The store only focuses on tattoos which means there are no piercings done here. Owner Flex Wenger is also one of the tattoo artists; his signature style is perfect for people who want something cool and classic. The other resident artists have all kinds of styles: illustrative, fine line, and even 8-bit video game styles!
8. Hell or High Water Tattoo
308 Magazine St., (504) 309-5411
hellorhighwaternola.com
Come to Hell or High Water to be tatted by some of the best artists in town. Hell or High Water Tattoo is open every day starting at noon and accepts walk-ins. You may prefer to make an appointment, however. Walk-ins are first-come, first-served as tattoo artists are available.
Hell or High Water is one of those shops that participates in Friday the 13th madness. When that special day rolls around, you may be able to get a flash tattoo for a great price. You can even choose to have your flash tattoo bigger than normal for a few more dollars. Keep up with the shop's social media to see the offerings. Hell or High Water does not currently do piercings.
9. Electric Ladyland Tattoo
610 Frenchmen St., (504) 947-8286
electricladylandtattoo.com
Electric Ladyland Tattoo is an iconic shop on Frenchmen Street that Where Y'at Magazine has dubbed the best in town on more than occasion. The bright yellow parlor is always whirring with activity. Tourists who are bar-hopping along the street love to stop in for a unique souvenir and the locals trust these artists with their most prized pieces.
What you should know about Electric Ladyland Tattoo is that they ensure that your tattoo looks great because they want to have the best reputation. The artists here won't be shy about telling you what will work and what just won't look great in the long term.
10. Forbidden Art Tattoos
1631 St. Charles Ave., (504) 304-7717
neworleanstattooshop.com
Forbidden Art Tattoos is the place to come to for late-night tattoo needs. The shop has specialized in that for decades now. The shop is open nearly around the clock: seven days a week from 11 a.m. to late at night and early in the morning.
Walk-in customers are welcome for both tattoos and piercings. Just look for the red neon glow emanating from that old house on St. Charles Avenue to know that you're in the right place for some forbidden art.
Most Popular NOLA Tattoos and Piercing Shops
Are you ready to add to your library of unique tattoos? Or
are you looking to get started on your tattoo collection? These New Orleans
tattoo shops would he happy to help you wherever you are on your journey. It's
always recommended to look up an artist's specialty before committing to them.
Every person does some styles better than others.
Did we miss the best tattoo or piercing spot in New Orleans? Let us
know where to go!
