Mardi Gras World - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
United States
Louisiana (LA)
New Orleans
Things to Do in New Orleans
Mardi Gras World
See all things to do

Mardi Gras World

See all things to do
See all things to do
Mardi Gras World
4.5
#31 of 586 things to do in New Orleans
Speciality Museums
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Write a review
About
Mardi Gras World is the most unique attraction in America’s most uniquely attractive city. Come see how Mardi Gras is made and get up close to Mardi Gras' grandest floats and sculptures.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Lower Garden District
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,454 within 3 miles
Two Chicks Cafe
676
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cajun & Creole • Cafe
Surrey's Juice Bar
827
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Cochon Butcher
3,073
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cajun & Creole • Bar
Restaurant Rebirth
421
0.7 mi$$$$ • Cajun & Creole • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
Cochon Restaurant
2,696
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cajun & Creole • Gluten Free Options
French Truck Coffee
171
0.6 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Galliano
348
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • Cajun & Creole • Seafood
Twisted Waffle
22
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe
Debbie Does Doberge, Bakery Bar
60
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • American • Cafe
Annunciation Restaurant
265
0.6 mi$$$$ • Cajun & Creole • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
See all
Attractions
585 within 6 miles
Mardi Gras
132
76 ftCultural Events
River City Venues
1
115 ftArenas & Stadiums
The National WWII Museum
31,019
0.8 miMilitary Museums • Speciality Museums
NOLA Tropical Winery
186
0.7 miWineries & Vineyards
Jackson Square
16,395
1.6 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
RTA - Streetcars
16,302
1.5 miPublic Transportation Systems
The Sazerac House
405
1.2 miDistilleries • Speciality Museums
Frenchmen Street
12,066
2 miNeighborhoods
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
651
0.8 miArt Museums
Memorial Hall Confederate Civil War Museum
596
0.8 miMilitary Museums • Speciality Museums
See all
See what travelers are saying
  • SGMHT
    28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved Mardi Gras World!
    We noticed Mardi Gras World on Google Maps and decided to visit while we were in town. We are so glad we decided to visit. It was so much fun, and the staff there couldn't have been nicer or more welcoming! The location was easy to get to from our hotel in the French Quarter. It is a fascinating place; don't miss it!
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 17, 2023
  • Kristen
    26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great for all ages
    We had a great time at Mardi Gras world! Our tour guide was awesome and taught us all about the history of Mardi Gras as well as how the floats are made and changes from year to year. The tour included a slice of King’s Cake. It is worth noting that it is very warm in the warehouse where most of the tour is led. Overall, highly recommend for all ages.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 11, 2023
  • Joyce J
    Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina131 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun Family Outing
    Used a Groupon. Good value with Senior discount. Shuttle pick up when you call. Short film then a walk through the work area where float characters are produced. Work area was colorful, informative and great place for pictures, but very hot!
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 22, 2023
  • William C
    50 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mardi Gras Central
    Quite a unique place. Worth doing as you won't find many places like this. A little out of the way so consider Uber. They DO have a shuttle so consider calling to see if you are in their pickup area. Much of the display is in a large warehouse which gets very hot in warm weather so keep that in mind. But it is a fun place to visit.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written September 8, 2023
  • mplstravel
    Minneapolis, Minnesota391 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unique, Don't Miss Experience
    So I wasn't particularly interested in going. I visualized a warehouse full of dusty floats that hadn't been used for decades. Boy, was I wrong. We had an amazing guide who was clearly passionate about Mardi Gras, and is an active participant, so he spoke with authenticity. The props were amazing, and it was so great seeing the artisans at work. One of our favorite stops in New Orleans!
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 22, 2023
  • Lucylaprof
    Abingdon, Maryland113 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well planned fun time
    A very interesting way to spend a couple of hours- they will pick you up in town with their own shuttle to get you there and back. The tour is interesting with a slice of King cake, and you can roam and take all of the pictures you want. Plus, there is a large deck overlooking the Mississippi. Don’t miss it.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 27, 2023
  • Lynn C
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tucked away gem!
    Go even though it’s off the beaten path! Derrell was our tour guide and he gave us so much history about how parades “krewes” are put together. Behind the scenes look at floats and decorations. Many discounts available.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 10, 2023
  • ihatecats
    Coaldale, Pennsylvania272 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I never realized the work that goes into a parade float
    The tour started with a short video about the history of the Mardi Gras parade floats, and a piece of King cake. It is actually a working parade float factory. They show the workers performing different tasks on the art of molding, cutting, and there's even a robotic machine that does some of the cutting, painting, and plenty of finished product in the warehouse to touch and view. Carla our tour guide was very informative.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 16, 2023
  • AsylumResident
    Port Saint Lucie, Florida47 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Backstage at Mardi Gras
    Get to see where the sausage is made for all those fabulous New Orleans parades. It’s a whole mess o’ fun. …like getting Willy Wonka to give you a private tour of the chocolate factory. Get up close and personal with the floats and see how those giant figurines are designed and produced.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 21, 2023
  • TheGoBird
    Jacksonville Beach, Florida694 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not to be missed
    May be better than going to the actual parade. An interesting and informative tour. You get to see the floats up close and you can spend as much time looking as you wish. was a highlight of our week-long visit to New Orleans.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 25, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles4,429 reviews
Excellent
2,548
Very good
1,416
Average
340
Poor
79
Terrible
46
Louise P
Gatineau, Canada33 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Not a good value for money
Feb 2020
The tour is interesting and it's nice to see all the floats and the decorations, but at $22 per person, plus $20 for parking, it makes for a very expensive tour, especially since the tour itself is not even one hour. You can spend a lot of time with the floats and decorations, but after a while, you've seen them all. Overall, I'm glad to have gone, but would not recommend it if you're time in NOLA is limited. there are other attractions that are more worth it.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pirate Gal
Lexington, SC135 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Interesting floats
Jan 2020
Sound/microphone system used by tour guide was crap. The group was way too large, and the sound/microphone system didn't allow us to hear in the back. Got to see the artists working on float and other display pieces, which was very cool, but it was incredibly loud and hot in the workshop. Pretty good gift shop.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tami P
Red Deer, Canada66 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great way to spend the afternoon
Jan 2020
Mardi Gras World has a free shuttle that picks you up at some hotels in the French Quarter. Our driver was so friendly and gave you a little history of New Orleans and Mardi Gras World on the drive over. We loved the tour. They show you a video and let you try king cake. Then they take you into the warehouse and show you the artists at work on the parade floats. After the tour you are free to wander and spend as much time as you want which we appreciated so you don't in any way feel rushed.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie S
Atlanta, GA36 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A great surprise of Mardis Gras appreciation
Jan 2020
You may not think to go here, but if you go to New Orleans 1-2 months before Mardis Gras, this place is especially special. The floats are already partially built, you get to really appreciate the history of Mardis Gras and how hard the artists work to make it so special. And they do it for free fun. Harry Connick, Jr. has a group of people that create these floats and an awesome experience. Who knew?
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie
New York City, NY58 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Spectacular
Feb 2020 • Friends
Luckily I visited here 2 weeks before the Mardi Gras and could see some artists doing final touches to the marvelous work they have done for the parade. I wish I could take a tour but I got here less than 1 hour before the closing time and tried to see and take photos as much as I could. I entered with a Go New Orleans pass. One of a kind.. this place.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth B
Saskatoon, Canada54 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A Highlight of our trip
Jan 2020
Definitely a Must See. 11 minute film gives the history and explains the importance of Mardi Gras to New Orleans. A sample of King Cake was handed out to everyone. The workshop and rows of floats was amazing - going in Jan we saw the floats ready for the parades. Good tour guide. Good gift shop with plenty of items for kids too.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie
Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Israel459 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Entertaining and large scale everything.
Jan 2020 • Couples
I did not take a tour but walked through the venue. I was amazed at all the work that goes into creating these larger than life flotillas and parade items. There were artists at work and it was interesting to see how the model figures become real life figures for the parade. It’s a really colorful place and worth a visit.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlie Duncan
New York City, NY193 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Craftsmanship at its peak
Feb 2020 • Couples
Yes it’s a tourist trap but what a beautiful one it is. We went the week before the large parades roll through town and it was great to see the mostly finished product. The tour was fine but having free reign to explore the craftsmanship up close and personal was worth the visit. We enjoyed comparing the kern floats to the others when we saw parades later in the weekend
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carlanmcd
Brooklyn, NY376 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mid winter recess
Feb 2021 • Family
Visited for the first time and was amazed by the production that goes into these floats and was thrilled to see artists at work. Endless sculptures. So beautiful and nice touch to give visitors king cake in celebration of Mardi Gras
Written February 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidiks1
New York City, NY82 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
MARDI GRAS UP CLOSE - The Backstage Experience!
Jan 2023
Don't miss this!!! It is an out-of-the-way world of fun!

I was afraid it might be a bit hokey but instead it was amazing! It is like having a front row seat to seeing how the Mardi Gras floats are created.... like being backstage at a theater and seeing all of the sets and props up close.

You actually get to wander through the warehouse and watch the people working on the different design elements. And you can wander endlessly around the gigantic and brightly colored creations that fill the warehouse.

They even have a shuttle that will pick you up downtown.

I would not, however, recommend walking there because it is not a beautiful walk, and it is a bit remote and isolated.
Written January 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 4,327
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Mardi Gras World - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Mardi Gras World
According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World:
Restaurants near Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World: View all restaurants near Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World on Tripadvisor
All New Orleans HotelsNew Orleans Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in New Orleans
All things to do in New Orleans
Day Trips in New Orleans
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.
Terms of UsePrivacy and Cookies StatementSite MapHow the site worksContact us

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.