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Best tattoo shops in New Orleans

Compare established tattoo studios in New Orleans, United States, and find an artist for your next piece.

  • Updated May 8, 2025
  • 5 verified shops
  • English, While not always spoken, knowledge of French might be beneficial due to the city's heritage.

The history of tattoo art in New Orleans

Cityscape of New Orleans

Specific historical information about tattooing in New Orleans is limited, but the city's tattoo culture is undeniably influenced by its maritime past and diverse cultural fusion.

As a port city, New Orleans likely saw early influences from traveling sailors and their tattoo traditions. The city's unique blend of European, African, and Caribbean cultures has undoubtedly contributed to the evolution of distinctive local tattoo styles and imagery.

Tattoo price guide in New Orleans

Typical tattoo cost estimates in New Orleans. Prices vary by artist, studio, size, and complexity.
Small tattoo
$100-200
Simple designs, under 2 inches
Medium tattoo
$250-500
Detailed designs, 2–5 inches
Large tattoo
$600-1200
Complex designs, over 5 inches
Full sleeve
$1500-3000+
Multi-session project
Hourly rate
$150-200
For custom or large work

Explore New Orleans’s top studios

Jump directly to each featured studio below.
  1. Real Ink Tattoos & Piercings4.9
  2. Wicked 13 Tattoos4.8
  3. Lucky Dagger Tattoo4.9
  4. Catahoula Tattoo ️4.9
  5. 504 Ink Tattoos4.8

Real Ink Tattoos & Piercings

4.9(831 reviews)

  • Custom Designs
  • €€

Real Ink Tattoos & Piercings is located at 2020 Gause Blvd W #111 in Slidell, LA, near New Orleans [location]. With a high rating based on numerous reviews, they strive to provide an amazing experience for their customers [rating, reviews]. Many customers leave happy with the art created by the artists at Real Ink Tattoos & Piercings [reviews].

Location and hours

2020 Gause Blvd W #111, Slidell, LA 70460, USA

+1 985-726-0135

Opening hours

Monday
12:00–20:00
Tuesday
12:00–20:00
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
12:00–20:00
Friday
12:00–20:00
Saturday
12:00–00:00
Sunday
12:00–08:00, 02:00–20:00

Featured reviews

  • “This was an amazing experience. I've been on multiple occasions. I always leave happy. The artists explain everything, what will take place, and what to do after. Highly recommend checking it out.”

    William S5.0Mar 31, 2025

  • “Got a sleeve done and had 8 hours done in one session. The tattoo looks absolutely insane and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my overall experience. James is an outstanding artist and the vibe there is great. Next tattoo bring it to real ink you won’t be disappointed.”

    Austin Cavataio5.0Nov 20, 2024

Wicked 13 Tattoos

4.8(729 reviews)

  • Custom Designs
  • Tattoos
  • Body piercing
  • Body Modification
  • Cosmetic Tattoos
  • €€

Wicked 13 Tattoos, located in Harvey, Louisiana, is a tattoo studio offering tattoos, body piercing, body modification, cosmetic tattoos, and local art. The studio is LGBTQ friendly and welcomes walk-ins. With a high rating based on customer reviews, Wicked 13 Tattoos strives to provide a great environment where customers can get the tattoos they want.

Location and hours

1901 Manhattan Blvd # C101, Harvey, LA 70058, USA

+1 504-598-5551

Opening hours

Monday
12:00–22:00
Tuesday
12:00–22:00
Wednesday
12:00–22:00
Thursday
12:00–22:00
Friday
12:00–22:00
Saturday
12:00–22:00
Sunday
12:00–20:00

Featured reviews

  • “10/10 experience here! Everything down to the studio itself was amazing, and thats not even mentioning the tattoo work. The artist that worked with me was Rex and I can honestly say his work is outstanding and at a great value! This was my first big piece I planned on getting and he walked me through the entire process start to finish. Trust me when I say, the picture doesn't do the tattoo justice to how skillfully done it looks. Could not have asked for better. If youre ever in New Orleans, definitely hit these guys up! Rex will take care of you trust that!!”

    Trevin Smith5.0Apr 29, 2025

  • “The artist, Rich, was so patient and kind for my son's first tattoo experience. He took his time drawing up exactly what he asked for. He was very kind throughout the process; my 17-year-old son was nervous, and he made sure he was taken care of. I definitely recommend him. The staff and other artists are also great people with such welcoming personalities. I definitely recommend this business.”

    Tracy Davis5.0Dec 29, 2024

Take the idea a step further and make it feel real.

Turn your direction into a clearer concept, a better reference, and something easier to share with your artist.

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  • Paid plans from $12.99

Lucky Dagger Tattoo

4.9(352 reviews)

  • Custom Designs
  • Modern Electric Tattooing
  • Small Tattoos
  • €€

Lucky Dagger Tattoo, situated in New Orleans' Lower Garden District, aims to provide a comfortable and inclusive environment for all clients. The shop is LGBTQIA+ friendly and does not tolerate discrimination. All artists are licensed professionals in Louisiana with bloodborne pathogen, CPR, and first aid training. They use single-use needles and tubes, hospital-grade disinfectant, and vegan, cruelty-free tattoo pigments.

Location and hours

1124 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

+1 504-407-9208

Opening hours

Monday
12:00–18:00
Tuesday
12:00–18:00
Wednesday
12:00–18:00
Thursday
12:00–18:00
Friday
12:00–18:00
Saturday
12:00–18:00
Sunday
12:00–18:00

Featured reviews

  • “I’ve been tattooed twice now at Lucky Dagger, both times by Jacqui. Both experiences were amazing! For both of my tattoos, I just sent Jacqui some ideas and she did the rest to perfection! One was large cover up too so if you’re in need of a cover up I highly recommend Jacqui and the Lucky Dagger Team. Lastly, the shop is super clean, the staff is very nice and welcoming, and the experience overall is exactly what you’ll want for your next tattoo. Thanks again and keep doing great work!”

    Thomas Adkins5.0Apr 13, 2025

  • “Had such a lovely experience here! Immediately after walking in, I felt very safe and relaxed as the shop was super cute and clean. Emily was very helpful assisting me in finding the perfect design on my budget, and Christina did a wonderful job and kept me comfy during the tattoo process. As a local, I will be back! Thanks so much, yall! 🩷🐸🍓”

    Cindy Ladner5.0Dec 2, 2024

Catahoula Tattoo ️

4.9(325 reviews)

  • Custom Designs
  • Fine Line
  • Neo-Traditional
  • Lettering
  • Original Artwork
  • €€

Catahoula Tattoo, located at 929 N Broad St in New Orleans, is a tattoo shop and art gallery known for its custom, hand-drawn tattoo designs. The shop, named after the owner's Catahoula hound, Dottie, aims to provide a unique and comfortable tattoo experience with an eclectic music selection. Catahoula Tattoo also showcases local art, including jewelry, visual art, and ceramics. The shop has been recognized as a top-rated tattoo shop in New Orleans for multiple years.

Location and hours

929 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA

+1 504-655-9818

Opening hours

Monday
10:00–20:00
Tuesday
10:00–20:00
Wednesday
10:00–20:00
Thursday
10:00–20:00
Friday
10:00–21:00
Saturday
10:00–21:00
Sunday
10:00–17:00

Featured reviews

  • “Dominic was incredibly accommodating and patient with our crew of five tonight! From the moment we arrived, he made us feel welcome—offering us all waters and taking the time to walk each of us through our tattoo ideas. He made sure we were confident in what we wanted and never rushed the process. We all left with tattoos we love and an experience we’ll never forget. Highly recommend!”

    Jamie Bowers5.0May 4, 2025

  • “I had the most wonderful tattoo artist Raf on Saturday. She was efficient, light handed and provided great conversation when I could talk as I was getting my ribs tattooed. I’m from out of town but when I do come back to New Orleans I will be returning to the shop! The shop is clean and they open all of the equipment in front of you guaranteeing you are in a healthy and clean environment.”

    Ashley Strough5.0Apr 29, 2025

504 Ink Tattoos

4.8(376 reviews)

  • Custom Designs
  • (Based on reviews) Collaborative Designs
  • €€

Located in Slidell, Louisiana, 504 Ink Tattoos has garnered a strong reputation, reflected in its 4.8-star rating from 376 reviews. The shop's Instagram page serves as its primary online presence. Recent reviews praise the artists, including Devin and Casey, for their collaborative approach to design and overall positive experience.

Location and hours

303 S Military Rd STE 1, Slidell, LA 70461, USA

+1 985-259-4460

Opening hours

Monday
12:00–20:00
Tuesday
12:00–20:00
Wednesday
12:00–20:00
Thursday
12:00–20:00
Friday
12:00–22:00
Saturday
12:00–22:00
Sunday
Closed

Featured reviews

  • “I recently had the pleasure of working with Devin, and I can't speak highly enough about the experience. I came in with two projects: a lion tattoo I wanted to have done, and a sleeve that needed some major reworking. From start to finish, the entire process exceeded my expectations. The lion tattoo is nothing short of breathtaking. The level of detail and precision in the design is incredible. Seeing how happy Devin was when I mentioned that I wanted a lion tattoo was such a good sign. As for my sleeve, it was a bit older and needed some freshening up. I had my sleeve done in Florida and truthfully… I wasn’t very happy with it. I gave Devin the reigns to do whatever he felt like he could to do to spruce it up and make it look better. I must say, I was a little nervous giving him the reigns but he blew it out the water. It looks SO much better now. Overall, the professionalism, skill, and attention to detail that Devin brings to the table are unparalleled. I walked away feeling incredibly happy with both tattoos, and I’ll definitely be returning for future work. Highly recommend if you're looking for someone who truly understands their craft and can take your vision to the next level! It was a very enjoyable 2 days. Thanks again Devin!”

    Brent Bourgeois5.0Nov 28, 2024

  • “I had a wonderful time being tattooed by Casey. I didn’t know what design I wanted & he helped me choose one that I couldn’t be happier with. He was friendly & professional & gave me the best experience I could have asked for. Awesome shop, can’t wait to visit again!”

    Kale'a Lee-Fleischman5.0Mar 17, 2025

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about getting tattooed in New Orleans

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Best time to visit

The best time to visit New Orleans for getting a tattoo is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November). The weather is generally mild and comfortable during these months, which is ideal for tattoo healing. Avoiding the intense heat and humidity of the summer months can promote better healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Plan around weather, local events, and artist availability for the best experience.

Discover the tattoo aesthetics currently popular in New Orleans.
  • Traditional American

  • Fleur-de-lis

  • New Orleans-inspired (incorporating local symbols)

  • Dot-work

  • Neo-traditional

  • Fine Line