It’s almost Carnival time in New Orleans! If you haven’t planned your Mardi Gras trip yet, it’s time to start! We’ve compiled our Mardi Gras in New Orleans local’s guide (KJ) with recommendations on all of the parades and fun happenings including insider tips on where to stay, what to see, and what to avoid during our Mardi Gras season.
New Orleans is famous for many events and festivals throughout the year, but Mardi Gras is at the top of many lists of why people love the Crescent City. Mardi Gras day this year is on February 13, 2024, but the fun starts way before then!
Table of contents
- When to Visit for Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Where to Stay
- What to See at Mardi Gras: Local Favorite Parades and Activities
- How to Dress and What to Pack for a Mardi Gras Trip
- Some Common Misconceptions about Mardi Gras in New Orleans
- What to Watch out for at Mardi Gras and how to Stay Safe During a Visit
- Where to eat during a Mardi Gras New Orleans Visit (Our Favorites)
- What Not to do During a Mardi Gras Visit to New Orleans
- Bottom Line on our Mardi Gras in New Orleans Local’s Guide for Your Trip
- Keep Reading for More New Orleans Travel Articles
When to Visit for Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Where to Stay
Mardi Gras is not just a day! Well, not really. It is a whole season and parades start in early January reaching a crescendo of fun on Fat Tuesday. Keep this in mind when planning your trip that the week leading up to Mardi Gras day is the climax of the season. Mardi Gras day is the end of the season. So, planning for the week before will help you maximize your parade time.
You can check the full list of Mardi Gras parade dates and routes here to help with planning. We like doing a Mardi Gras staycation from the Thursday before Mardi Gras Day through either Lundi Gras (Monday before) or Mardi Gras Day so that we can catch our favorites. Some of our faves are the Krewe of Babylon, Chaos, Muses parade, Krewe of Tucks, Endymion, Bacchus, Thoth, and Mid-City. We don’t actually go to any parades on Mardi Gras day and instead try to catch the non-parade fun times in the French Quarter that day.
Many hotels book up far in advance of the Mardi Gras season so you may have to check serveral hotels a bit if not planning months before. There are usually still rooms available in our favorite locations, however. We also book late often (and use hotel points) because many of the hotels have restrictive cancellation policies for Mardi Gras and if something comes up you could stand to lose big bucks so make sure to check cancellation policies before you book.
Our Favorite Hotels to Stay in During the Mardi Gras Season:
The best area to stay in for catching the parades (for us anyway) is not in the French Quarter. There are actually not many parades that roll through the French Quarter. Staying there may be an easy walk everywhere, but It is harder to drive through all of the crowds and get in and out if you need to.
We love staying in the CBD/Warehouse District area hotels near Poydras Street. An added bonus of staying in this area is that most of the parades pass across Poydras on St. Charles Avenue and our favorite parades (including Muses and Orpheus) pass on St Charles across Poydras and then double-back on Tchoupitoulas St. and cross Poydras again so you can catch them twice! This is how we have caught most of the famed Muses high-heeled shoes at the end of the parade.
- Le Meridien Hotel – 333 Poydras Street – This hotel is in the perfect location and valet parking is offered so that you don’t have to worry about finding a lot. It is only a short walk to the parade route as well as the French Quarter, Riverwalk, or anywhere else in the area you’d like to visit.
- The Eliza Jane (Hyatt’s Unbound Collection) – 315 Magazine St. – The Eliza Jane is a charming boutique hotel only 2 blocks away from the parade route! The best part is that it is (even during Mardi Gras week) only around 15,000 Hyatt Points per night so it is a solid choice if not booked up.
- Kimpton’s Hotel Fontenot – 501 Tchoupitoulas St – We recently did a review of Hotel Fontenot New Orleans. It is one of our favorites (not just at Mardi Gras) and it is in the middle of the action, but still easy to get to when driving. There is a parking lot across the street and valet parking.
- Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown – 226 Carondalet St. – This is a usually budget-friendly option and very close to most of the parade routes. Some of the rooms have balconies too so that is a bonus!
- Embassy Suites (Hilton) – 315 Julia St. – We absolutely love this Warehouse District hotel and the rooms are great for families or larger groups. One down side is that many of the parade krewes stay here also because it is close to the Convention Center and Mardi Gras World (where many of the parades end) so it fills up quickly.
- There are many VRBO rentals in this area that would be great too for their location! This 1 bedroom condo sleeps 5 and has a balcony besides being walking distance to all of the parade fun!
What to See at Mardi Gras: Local Favorite Parades and Activities
- An early parade nignt in the season (Feb 4th in 2023) that we love and don’t miss is the Krewe Du Vieux. It is followed by Krewedelusion. These are a couple of the parades which DO go through the French Quarter. We usually catch these parades on Royal Street directly behind the St. Louis Cathedral. However, they also roll down Tchoupitoulas and cross Poydras Street if your hotel is in that area.
- Muses is an absolute favorite and must-see parade for the famous hand-decorated shoes and beautiful floats. For a matching purse, Krewe of Nyx has you covered!
- Krewe of Orpheus is also a favorite and must-see parade if you are in town. You’ll usually catch a great view of Harry Connick, Jr. and other celebrities riding in this fun parade!
- Bacchus is also a must-see parade and the floats are beautiful!
- Our favorite parade krewe that we think are the most generous with the throws is Krewe of Tucks! We don’t miss this parade!
- The Krewe of Endymion is famous for their big-name celebrity featured riders and the Extravaganza after the parade. However, we love catching the beginning of this parade in the Mid-City neighborhood and the all-day Samedi Gras Celebration with free music and fun. It’s a huge block-party and we try not to miss it!
- Don’t miss the Lundi Gras Celebrations on the Monday before Fat Tuesday. There is one along the riverfront at Waldenberg Park sponsored by Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club and one at The Riverwalk Spanish Plaza! We attend these free events each year and love the music and fun!
- Our favorite non-parade activity on Fat Tuesday is the Bourbon Street Awards . This event is a must-see on Mardi Gras day in the French Quarter at the corner of St. Ann and Dauphine St.
- We also love just walking around and seeing all of the great costumes is another part of the fun. Of course, being on a balcony above the crowds makes people-watching even better!
- Visit Mardi Gras World to see how the floats are built and designed
- TIP: If you want to experience being on a balcony looking down on the Bourbon Street crowds for FREE we have some recommendations! Head to the 2nd floor of Cats Meow (701 Bourbon St), Tropical Isle (721 Bourbon location), Tickler’s Dueling Piano Bar 2nd floor (635 Bourbon st) and enjoy the crazy fun from above.
How to Dress and What to Pack for a Mardi Gras Trip
The weather in New Orleans can be super hot during the Mardi Gras season or super cold so check with weather outlooks to get an idea of what to pack. You may even experience both extremes during one trip! Comfortable walking shoes are a must and I wouldn’t recommend open-toed sandals in the huge crowds. I’ve broken my own rule many times and had my food stomped on in the crowds so please learn from my mistake.
- Pack sunglasses and a hat if sensitive to bright sun.
- A waist bag (fanny pack) or sling bag/backpack is also helpful for holding beads and you can even pack a plastic grocery bag inside of that to hold more throws.
- Hand sanitizer and napkins or some toilet tissue is a must for using the portable toilets (port-o-lets) along the parade routes if you can’t find a restroom.
- A hidden travel wallet or other concealed pocket to hold cash and credit cards is a good idea since things get kind of crazy in the crowds.
Some Common Misconceptions about Mardi Gras in New Orleans
- The best time to visit for Mardi Gras is not just on Mardi Gras Day, it starts long before that date (Mardi Gras Day is the end of the season). The season starts in the beginning of January so make sure to check parade dates to plan your trip.
- Despite seeing shirts with “Show your t***” on them no local does this! If you see someone on Bourbon flashing their boobs for beads it is most definitely a tourist! Same goes for at the parades – you don’t need to flash any body parts to catch great throws!
- There are more throws to catch than just beads at Mardi Gras parades! Most krewes have a special throw and some even hand-design amazing and special beauties for handing out.
- Mardi Gras parades are not all in the French Quarter (very few are) so make sure to check routes before deciding where to stay.
- We dress up for many parades, not just on Mardi Gras day.
- Mardi Gras is not just celebrated in the New Orleans area (They are the best…I am biased, I know)!There are great parades throughout Louisiana and even Mississippi and Alabama.
Below is a video of some Mardi Gras fun in NOLA!
What to Watch out for at Mardi Gras and how to Stay Safe During a Visit
Our law enforcement in New Orleans does a great job during Mardi Gras and things are generally safe for parade-goers, but it is always important to take some steps to stay safe when traveling.
- Don’t bring big purses with valuables or have anything valuable hanging out where it can get stolen. Big crowds and easily removable valuables don’t mix.
- Watch out for pickpockets in any large crowd. It’s a good idea to keep your cash or cards in a travel wallet under your clothes or in your front pocket. This is a good idea at any time when traveling even if you carry a bag or purse because if your purse happens to get snatched you still have your valuables safe.
- Don’t get drunk! It’s important to stay alert and that is harder when you are drunk.
- Watch what is going on around you and if there seems to be a fight or trouble in the area move away to another location.
- Stay with your group of friends/family – don’t leave anyone behind, especially on Bourbon Street! Also, have a meeting spot picked out if anyone from your group gets separated so everyone can find each other.
- Don’t forget to eat something! It can be hard when there is so much activity and moving around, but remember to eat!
- Don’t get distracted by looking at your phone and leave your cellphone the perfect target for a snatch. This can happen in large crowds and it is a good tip for anywhere.
- Stay in well-lit areas with people around.
- Have fun, but stay alert no matter where you are!
Where to eat during a Mardi Gras New Orleans Visit (Our Favorites)
- G.W. Fins – 808 Bienville St. – We love the firecracker tuna tacos here
- Bombay Club – 830 Conti St – Amazing cocktails and food. They even have a small-bite happy hour menu.
- Criollo – 214 Royal Street – inside of Monteleone Hotel – Amazing Jazz Brunch
- TuJague’s – 429 Decatur Street – Great brunch and bottomless mimosas on weekends
- Drago’s – 2 Poydras Street – Inside of Riverside Hilton – The best chargrilled oysters in our humble opnion!
- The Vampire Cafe – 801 Royal Street – We love the food and cocktails here – Try the fried deviled eggs!
- Manolito – 508 Dumaine Street – Delicious food and cocktails – it is small so get there early!
Find out more of our local food and drink recommendations on our recent New Orleans craft cocktail tour article.
What Not to do During a Mardi Gras Visit to New Orleans
- Don’t drink too much alcohol that you get yourself in trouble or get lost
- Don’t run in front of the floats during a parade. It isn’t safe and there have been many accidents because of someone doing this.
- Don’t buy beads! There really is no need you will catch so many!
- Don’t bring young kids to Bourbon Street or really anywhere with rowdy crowds in the French Quarter. There’s a more family atmosphere in Metairie (nearby city) where they even have a Family Gras celebration. The parade routes in New Orleans are fine for families, it just gets crazy in the French Quarter sometimes.
- Like mentioned before, don’t wear uncomfortable shoes or open-toed sandals if you can help it.
- Don’t park your car where it will get towed. Find a parking lot and make sure you download the app to pay or pay the booth. There is usually parking restrictions near all of the parade routes.
- Don’t pee in people’s yards or in public! You can get arrested. There are portable toilets in different areas on the routes if you can find them.
- Don’t forget to bring a costume! We dress up for all parades not just on Mardi Gras Day! It is part of the fun.
Bottom Line on our Mardi Gras in New Orleans Local’s Guide for Your Trip
Being a local New Orleanian, Mardi Gras season holds fond memories and is one of our favorite times of the year to have fun! Hopefully, you will use some of these insider tips to help plan a trip! It’s the best way to experience what locals have loved since they were kids (and maybe catch a Muses shoe). It’s also the perfect time to bring out your favorite costumes and laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)!
Happy Mardi Gras!