Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras
4.5
About
The city of New Orleans is the place to be for Mardis Gras, the last hurrah of the carnival season before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. While much of the focus of the event is on the rowdy, debaucherous crowd that takes over Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, there is arguably more (family-friendly) fun to be had in other neighborhoods throughout the city, where parade 'krewes' toss beads, cups, doubloons, and stuffed animals from elaborately-decorated floats to spectators that line the streets. Locals in the know stake out prime spots for the best parades up to 12 hours in advance!
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Elizabeth S
Irving, TX87 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
So much to say, so little time... MardiGras is fun, awesome, nuts, confusing, crowded, and slightly smells. I always get irritated at the "younger crowd" who drinks too much and gets gross, but just keep moving and it'll be in your rear view mirror. The parades are great - watch for times and get there early. The viewing of parades and ability to get close enough to grab beads & coins can be tough. Restaurants and Bars are crazy busy so keep the cups full! You don't need to take beads with you, you'll get plenty - and trading is fun! Yes, you can do certain activities for bead payments (fun to watch, but no thanks)... The golden rule at MardiGras is patience and good hearted fun, altho slightly raunchy at times. If you get uptight, don't go!
Written February 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ProfessorOnzaga
Kenosha, WI679 contributions
Feb 2018 • Solo
There are so many adjectives that one can employ to describe Mardi Gras, yet unless you have "been there and done that" you cannot get a true understanding of its magnitude. It is, unarguably, one of the most unique celebrations that one can experience in his/her lifetime. Actually, the Mardi Gras season lasts for 3 weeks, but tourists tend to flock to New Orleans for the last long weekend into Fat Tuesday. The parades are unlike any in the rest of the USA: huge floats carrying predominately drunk people in costumes who throw, beads, toys, food, undergarments, etc., into the crowd; fantastic bands that play and dance their hearts out for miles; Royalty dressed in obscenely adorned gowns weighing no less than 25 pounds;and tens of thousands of spectators, most quite intoxicated, enjoying the show and those around them. These parades are much fun, but can also be overwhelming if one does not like crowds, drunk people, getting hit in the head with beads, etc. Then there is the French Quarter, which is jam packed with tourists, yet again drunk, either throwing beads from balconies or begging for them- sometimes in a manner that is not quite virtuous or chaste. Once again, if one does not like crowds or intoxicated people, stay clear of the Quarter. Lundi Gras (Monday) is a bit calmer, yet one can enjoy the tradition of Zulu and Rex, the two grand Kings of Carnival, meeting on the shore of the Mississippi. This is very interesting, but there is always a large crowd... although not necessarily as drunk. And then there is Fat Tuesday, the last and greatest day. I enjoy venturing into the Quarter in the morning, around 9-10 AM, when the locals, in particular, begin to come out dressed in some fantastic costumes. As the day progresses, more come out. By 4 PM, the tourists are coming back from the parades and the Quarter becomes much too crowded and bacchanalian for me, and I exit. If one remains, one can expect the highest level of partying until midnight, when the police on their horses ride through and clear the Quarter. The streets become still (not inside the bars and homes, however) and Carnival is officially over. I have wonderful memories of Mardi Gras from my youth, when I was in college. This year it was enjoyable, but I only participated in Endymion and Fat Tuesday. On the other days, I remained in the more quiet areas of the city. To fully enjoy the exuberance, titillation and joie de vivre of Mardi Gras, it is best if one is young (20-mid 30's) and resilient. We old people just can't take it! Nevertheless, it is an extraordinary experience and if you have the opportunity to join in the revelry, the I recommend that you do so. There is not place on earth like New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Laissez le bon temps rouler!
Written March 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bucketlist
Mandeville, LA44 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
The Endymion extravaganza has gotta way to big and the setup makes it hard to find your table and friends at different tables. 1-tables are way to close. Maneuvering through with all the ice chests is impossible. 2-Wearing a long gown is ridiculous when the floor gets absolutely filthy. Best to wear or bring comfy shoes b/c you will be walking on beads and through slop by the end of the night. Bathrooms for ladies, may have stairs so that's a challenge for those wearing heals. 3-once the parade is there, take cover. The riders literally hum their beads with no regard for your face or teeth etc. They throw a lot but the beads are heavy and it's hard for them to see with all the lights. Everything and anything on your table will be demolished from the beads so best to move all glass underneath, try to cover food etc 4-It's fun to catch the beads but there really is no way to carry out your catches which leads to a huge amount of waste and leave behinds. There are beads and throws everywhere. 5-watch your belongings and favorite catches. Best to side strap a small purse rather than leave it on the table. We had several instances where people just walk around and take anything they want from your table. We had several people grab bottles of liquor and some of our favorite throws. 6-after the parade, the barricades are not lifted forcing you to once again, weed your way through the tight tables, ice chests, beads etc to get to an area to dance in. Not much of a dance floor. 7-Bands play throughout but the feature band is usually at the end so be prepared for them to start at 2am. So here are my suggestions: . 1-Wear a long dress that you can tie up so it does not hit the floor therefore no need to invest in an expensive dress. With all the beads you will end up wearing, no one sees the dress 2-bring comfy shoes. 3-Bring your own liquor, regardless of whether you do the food and drink option. Lines are long and they will only serve you 2 drinks at a time. You will inevitably drink both before reaching back to your table 3-get an uber parking is far and walk is long especially after the event when you are carrying excess 4-Don't leave anything of value on your table- EVER! 4-plan and buy tables close to your friends. You will NEVER "just" find them when you get there. 5-make sure to look at the table layout before you enter the dome. 6-dress code is adhered to(still think the dress code is ridiculous). You will not get in if your dress is too short or if your tux tie is not on when you enter.
Honestly- it's so not worth it.Standing along the route and enjoying the whole day with family and friends is a much better experience and way less expensive. The extravaganza has gotten way too big and they are trying to accommodate way too many people.
Honestly- it's so not worth it.Standing along the route and enjoying the whole day with family and friends is a much better experience and way less expensive. The extravaganza has gotten way too big and they are trying to accommodate way too many people.
Written April 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Scott G
Los Angeles, CA460 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Mardi Gras this year was three days before my 50th birthday, so I decided it was the perfect excuse for me to finally go! Stayed in The Pontchartrain Hotel in the Garden District right on St. Charles (the parade route street), and got a room with windows facing the parade. It was freezing this year- 36 degrees when the parades started on Fat Tuesday morning at 8AM- so having a hotel room right nearby and with viewing access from indoors (which we occasionally did) was a huge bonus. The crowds were very friendly, with lots of families and food booths. We never had trouble finding a spot, though it was crowded there was always room to get up close, in some cases even right in front, and people were friendly and polite.
We arrived Monday night and saw the Orpheus parade, then saw Zulu and Rex on Fat Tuesday. Would have liked to arrive a few days earlier and seen Bacchus, but worked free airline miles and Monday was the only date I could arrive. FYI the parades on Fat Tuesday, the Mardi Gras "closing" parades, are at 8AM and 10AM, so be prepared for an early start! There are night parades in the days leading up to Tuesday, but none on Tuesday itself.
We walked out at about 8:30 AM on Tuesday and were able to find a spot near the front, right by our hotel. Caught lots of beads, both Monday night (Orpheus) and Tuesday (Zulu and Rex). Seemed like it was important to lock eyes with the thrower- I think that helps them know they aren't going to give you a head injury! Almost all the beads I caught were when I managed to maintain eye contact with someone on a float.
Each parade has about 40 floats, which are numbered, and they seemed to last a lot longer than the scheduled two hours. Of the three we saw Orpheus had the most elaborate floats- a dragon they had was my favorite, though Rex had a really cool bull that snorted out smoke that was my second favorite. Zulu had a lot of entertainment themed ones (Simpsons, Marvel, DC, etc.). Honestly the level of floats varied widely, some felt like highschool style floats, and it can feel a bit repetitive after awhile... but then along comes a giant bull snorting out steam and you start shouting for beads like a 5 year old again! (I caught a toss from the bull one, a bull pendant). Interspersed between the floats are energetic highschool marching bands, dancers, dudes in very weird colorful outfits including capes and masks, groups of old men wearing the same color jackets, and dudes wearing outfits that in any other context would look like KKK paraphernalia!
It was loud and colorful and chaotic and fun, everything I wanted. I never saw people fight over beads, and in fact the street and trees were covered with beads to be had. (tip: don't stand near an overhanging tree, it will catch the throws instead). If you can get there early and bring a chair, that will hold your spot the entire time, whether you're with the chair or not.
I saw no nudity during any of the parades. Just unlucky that way, I guess. ;) I also went to Bourbon Street Fat Tuesday night just to see it, and was mildly disappointed. It was PACKED wall to wall with people, but again no nudity or even any colorful costumes. No one falling down drunk either, no pushing, everyone was very civil, which was great. I will say that I didn't stay there too late though, I left around 11PM. I went in a few bars and was able to get served right away. In fact my fears about not being able to get in anywhere to eat or drink during Mardi Gras were completely unfounded, we had no trouble at all from the day before Fat Tuesday to when we left on Thursday.
One final suggestion: make sure you don't just see Bourbon Street. Try to experience the Garden District, Magazine Street, Frenchmen Street, and a swamp tour too, to get the full range of what New Orleans has to offer while you're there. I loved it before and I love it even more now. I had a great time, laissez les bon temps rouler!
We arrived Monday night and saw the Orpheus parade, then saw Zulu and Rex on Fat Tuesday. Would have liked to arrive a few days earlier and seen Bacchus, but worked free airline miles and Monday was the only date I could arrive. FYI the parades on Fat Tuesday, the Mardi Gras "closing" parades, are at 8AM and 10AM, so be prepared for an early start! There are night parades in the days leading up to Tuesday, but none on Tuesday itself.
We walked out at about 8:30 AM on Tuesday and were able to find a spot near the front, right by our hotel. Caught lots of beads, both Monday night (Orpheus) and Tuesday (Zulu and Rex). Seemed like it was important to lock eyes with the thrower- I think that helps them know they aren't going to give you a head injury! Almost all the beads I caught were when I managed to maintain eye contact with someone on a float.
Each parade has about 40 floats, which are numbered, and they seemed to last a lot longer than the scheduled two hours. Of the three we saw Orpheus had the most elaborate floats- a dragon they had was my favorite, though Rex had a really cool bull that snorted out smoke that was my second favorite. Zulu had a lot of entertainment themed ones (Simpsons, Marvel, DC, etc.). Honestly the level of floats varied widely, some felt like highschool style floats, and it can feel a bit repetitive after awhile... but then along comes a giant bull snorting out steam and you start shouting for beads like a 5 year old again! (I caught a toss from the bull one, a bull pendant). Interspersed between the floats are energetic highschool marching bands, dancers, dudes in very weird colorful outfits including capes and masks, groups of old men wearing the same color jackets, and dudes wearing outfits that in any other context would look like KKK paraphernalia!
It was loud and colorful and chaotic and fun, everything I wanted. I never saw people fight over beads, and in fact the street and trees were covered with beads to be had. (tip: don't stand near an overhanging tree, it will catch the throws instead). If you can get there early and bring a chair, that will hold your spot the entire time, whether you're with the chair or not.
I saw no nudity during any of the parades. Just unlucky that way, I guess. ;) I also went to Bourbon Street Fat Tuesday night just to see it, and was mildly disappointed. It was PACKED wall to wall with people, but again no nudity or even any colorful costumes. No one falling down drunk either, no pushing, everyone was very civil, which was great. I will say that I didn't stay there too late though, I left around 11PM. I went in a few bars and was able to get served right away. In fact my fears about not being able to get in anywhere to eat or drink during Mardi Gras were completely unfounded, we had no trouble at all from the day before Fat Tuesday to when we left on Thursday.
One final suggestion: make sure you don't just see Bourbon Street. Try to experience the Garden District, Magazine Street, Frenchmen Street, and a swamp tour too, to get the full range of what New Orleans has to offer while you're there. I loved it before and I love it even more now. I had a great time, laissez les bon temps rouler!
Written March 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NancyPale
Deer Park, NY3 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
1st off you need to know the city management encourages drinking at every possible opportunity. Bourbon Street reminded me of NYC Times Square, before Rudy cleaned it up. I'm sure there is a place which needs a "Larry Flynt's Hustler Mens Bottomless Club" but three (3) of them on the same street? Get real.
Now, all the trash on Bourbon Street stays on Bourbon Street. One block West and you are on Royal. Small shops, folks speaking French and restaurants worth the trip. Top notch is "The Court of Two Sisters". Like seafood? This is the town for it.
I have a family member who hails from the area and gave me a list of places to go for sights and dining. I did not find the Court by chance.
Her advice was simple, anyplace with a Chef name you recognize, avoid them. She likened it to the NYC tourist trap joints around midtown. Same advice for any Cajun which covers their seafood in spices making it unrecognizable.
Regarding the towns legendary Beignets, Here in NYC we call em Zeppoles. Only theirs are generally flat and triangular.
Their other "Must Do" is the Muffaletta. If they served this on 86th street in Brooklyn, the clients would be shouting 'Where is the meat?' It's a bread meal. Good bread but still, mainly bread.
To do, go in an organized Cemetery tour. The history of common English phrases we take for granted will surprise you. Go drink on the Steamboat Natchez during a river trip.
Best drink is the Sezerac and Oysters Rockefeller at Antoine's. Allegedly, they invented both and this is the same pre-civil war building.
Honestly, I'd go back just for Antoine's and The Court.
Now, all the trash on Bourbon Street stays on Bourbon Street. One block West and you are on Royal. Small shops, folks speaking French and restaurants worth the trip. Top notch is "The Court of Two Sisters". Like seafood? This is the town for it.
I have a family member who hails from the area and gave me a list of places to go for sights and dining. I did not find the Court by chance.
Her advice was simple, anyplace with a Chef name you recognize, avoid them. She likened it to the NYC tourist trap joints around midtown. Same advice for any Cajun which covers their seafood in spices making it unrecognizable.
Regarding the towns legendary Beignets, Here in NYC we call em Zeppoles. Only theirs are generally flat and triangular.
Their other "Must Do" is the Muffaletta. If they served this on 86th street in Brooklyn, the clients would be shouting 'Where is the meat?' It's a bread meal. Good bread but still, mainly bread.
To do, go in an organized Cemetery tour. The history of common English phrases we take for granted will surprise you. Go drink on the Steamboat Natchez during a river trip.
Best drink is the Sezerac and Oysters Rockefeller at Antoine's. Allegedly, they invented both and this is the same pre-civil war building.
Honestly, I'd go back just for Antoine's and The Court.
Written January 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GeorgiaPeach321
Smyrna, GA184 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
This was a bucket list item for my husband and me. I was a bit nervous, since we're mid forties and anticipated a crowd of rowdy college students. However, we had a fabulous time! I'll share a few tips on how we "managed the madness."
1. We stayed at the Ritz, which was a block away from the French Quarter. When we were done with the chaos, we had a short 1/2 block walk back to peace and quiet.
2. We rented grandstand space for the parades. We were able to sit and wait for the parade to arrive, and there was plenty of space for us to maneuver around to catch the throws. Tip 1: don't sit under a tree. The tree will catch more than you. Tip 2: book your space early enough to have your tickets mailed to you. That way you don't have to worry about crossing the parade route to retrieve them from the box office.
3. We rented balcony space on Bourbon St. Rather than joining the crowds of revelers moving through the streets, we were throwing the beads from up above. We booked late, but Felix's and Bourbon Cowboy still had space available. Both of these come with unlimited booze, food and clean bathrooms. It was a wild time. "Boobs for beads" is a real thing at Mardi Gras and we were amused to see a little grey-haired lady in the balcony across from us who would dangle her beads and demand to see boobs before she'd toss them!
4. The Zulu parade rolled past the Ritz, so I bought two stadium chairs from Walgreens and went out early to stake out our spots. I thought it was early - at 7 a.m., people already had their chairs, tables, tents and grills in place. I did find some space and used the carry bags to attach our chairs to the barricades. We went back to the room and watched the app to determine when the parade was approaching. When it was time to go out, our front-row spots were there waiting for us.
5. With the exception of Acme, we only ate at places where we could make reservations on Open Table, and we weren't disappointed. We never had to wait to be seated. Every place we selected was amazing - House of Blues, RedFish Grill and Mr. B's Cafe were most memorable.
I highly recommend doing Mardi Gras at least once. There's no experience like it.
1. We stayed at the Ritz, which was a block away from the French Quarter. When we were done with the chaos, we had a short 1/2 block walk back to peace and quiet.
2. We rented grandstand space for the parades. We were able to sit and wait for the parade to arrive, and there was plenty of space for us to maneuver around to catch the throws. Tip 1: don't sit under a tree. The tree will catch more than you. Tip 2: book your space early enough to have your tickets mailed to you. That way you don't have to worry about crossing the parade route to retrieve them from the box office.
3. We rented balcony space on Bourbon St. Rather than joining the crowds of revelers moving through the streets, we were throwing the beads from up above. We booked late, but Felix's and Bourbon Cowboy still had space available. Both of these come with unlimited booze, food and clean bathrooms. It was a wild time. "Boobs for beads" is a real thing at Mardi Gras and we were amused to see a little grey-haired lady in the balcony across from us who would dangle her beads and demand to see boobs before she'd toss them!
4. The Zulu parade rolled past the Ritz, so I bought two stadium chairs from Walgreens and went out early to stake out our spots. I thought it was early - at 7 a.m., people already had their chairs, tables, tents and grills in place. I did find some space and used the carry bags to attach our chairs to the barricades. We went back to the room and watched the app to determine when the parade was approaching. When it was time to go out, our front-row spots were there waiting for us.
5. With the exception of Acme, we only ate at places where we could make reservations on Open Table, and we weren't disappointed. We never had to wait to be seated. Every place we selected was amazing - House of Blues, RedFish Grill and Mr. B's Cafe were most memorable.
I highly recommend doing Mardi Gras at least once. There's no experience like it.
Written March 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bea C
Anaheim, CA19 contributions
Feb 2016
This was our first time in New Orleans and Mardi Gras. We knew there were going to be parades and non stop partying but had no clue it was going to be as awesome as it was! If you are planning on attending the parades make sure that you arrive hours in advance to get a good spot because if you don't you will not have a good view. There are thousands and thousands of people everywhere and police officers everywhere so you feel safe. The first two nights were Friday and Saturday and were so crowed you could barely walk through Bourbon street, although there are police officers everywhere you cant prevent theft so don't bring any valuables with you. My sister got her phone stolen right out of her front pocket on the second night. Sunday, Monday and Fat Tuesday were the best nights! The crowds were not as packed and we ended up on the balconies tossing beads which was so much more fun! So much better then being squished on Bourbon St. Im pretty sure anyone can get access to most balconies by purchasing beads. Enjoy!!
Written February 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ken-Karen G
New Orleans, LA21 contributions
Feb 2016
Of course, anybody that's been here knows. This is one crazy and great party. People from all over the world being hosted by a city that knows how to treat their guests. If you don't have fun at this gathering, you'll probably never have fun. Plan ahead. The sooner you get your rooms, the better. You will have to pay top dollar. It will be no problem finding great food and things to do. Uber and taxis are the way to go...but plan on doing some walking. Parking is expensive, so if you do drive in, prepare yourself for that. Other than that it is ALL fun!!! Have a GREAT time!
Written June 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HBGfromSD
Salem, SD99 contributions
Feb 2017
Mardi Gras, everything you heard it would be, and a lot you didn't thing about! One, yes it is a good time. Two, you are going to see things that are X-rated. Three, there is much more to Mardi Gras and the x-rated parts to encounter, so plan on taking it all in. Due to hotel rates in the French Quarater area, we spent Sunday thru Tuesday night in nearby Metairie. This was SUPER convenient via both Uber and Taxi. Don't plan on driving down there Monday afternoon through Tuesday night. We didn't Bourbon Street on Monday. We rented a balcony at Bourbon Vieux from 6 p.m. to midnight. If you want to be on Bourbon this is THE way to go. Food and drink included with the rental rate, beads are not so bring your own if you would like to participate in the activities. Be ready to meet new people and share the balcony in shifts. So many bars, restaurants, and shops to visit down there plan on visiting on not such a busy night as well! Wednesday we did this and found awesome music up and down the street - -and all kinds. We did the Hurricanes at Pat O's. Watch those things! They are easy to drink but pack a Holyfield punch. Parades-Lots of them around and we were told by some of the locals that they range from family friendly to raunchy, so depending on what you are looking for, there is something for everyone! Download the parade app (yeah, that's a real thing!) to find the parade times and the routes. And then, check out the history of the area. Go to the Civil War museum. Awesome. Visit a slave plantation (Whittney was great) to gain/enhance your understanding of that time period in the US. Visit the cemeteries either on your own or via one of the tours. We stopped in and walked one on our own. The churches are places of amazing architecture and history and shouldn't be missed. Walk on the river walk and watch the barges and cargo ships move products up and down the river. Just wear good shoes. There is a ton of walking to be done and the streets are everything from paved to cobblestone and the trees have heaved some of the sidewalks. Also, I didn't get the feeling from the places we went that the town would be considered handicapped accessible. Lots of steps and uneven sidewalks. Go, enjoy!
Written March 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rob D
Bournemouth, UK68 contributions
Feb 2020
A Bucket List Must Do!
We arrived just over a week before Mardi Gras and New Orleans was already buzzing with the build up parades and excitement.
Bourbon street gave us a glimpse of what to expect on the big day and it was amazing fun and crazy!!
After getting back from a weeks cruise the Sunday before Mardi Gras the city was still buzzing but fairly quiet early on that Sunday morning which gave us a chance to look around at this fantastic city. There are so many sights and sounds to experience and there is no where like it on earth.
Lundi Gras was great and takes you up a gear in preparation for the main event on Tuesday.
There are parades and marches going on all the time and it would are difficult not to see something somewhere.
Then Fat Tuesday came, with a Bang.
We were in place on the corner of Poydras and Charles by the Blake. Its a good spot as the parade slows and splits on this corner.
The first marches start at around 6.30am and take approx 2 1/2 hours to get to this spot. We were in place at 7am so were right at the front, some had been there from 4.14am. Pointless really, we could have rocked up at that spot at 9am and still been in good position but there is so much to see that we were glad to be there early.
Krewe of Zulu and Rex are the highlights and were 1st through around 10.30am.
These guys had big parties on the waterfront and Spanish Plazas on the Monday which are also well worth the visit......What a party atmosphere.
The party is non stop all day and you can wonder round and catch parades at different points and places whilst still enjoying the rest of the city.
Be warned you can quite easily be cut off from your hotel by the parades so planning a bit is necessary.
There are 1 million people on Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras which is not a pleasant experience unless you have paid for a very expensive balcony place.
Aviod it on the day and enjoy it on the Monday or any other day, its still partyville but much more enjoyable. Beware of pickpockets.
During the carnival and build up there are all sorts of County, State, City and Federal cops around so safety is not an issue,, We never once felt threatened.
As soon as its over they all disappear and the atmosphere changes back to the everyday feel of New Orleans which is..... well just keep your eyes open and your wits about you. We felt safe no more and were glad to be leaving.
New Orleans is not the cleanest of places, you will see and this was the end of a trip which started in Nashville taking us through Tennessee to Memphis, Mississippi and Louisiana and that theme is pretty common. Hygiene is not a factor, don't expect to much just enjoy the trip.
I can't tell you how much we enjoyed, as did everyone we met, the Mardi Gras experience. You just have to do it if you get the chance.
We arrived just over a week before Mardi Gras and New Orleans was already buzzing with the build up parades and excitement.
Bourbon street gave us a glimpse of what to expect on the big day and it was amazing fun and crazy!!
After getting back from a weeks cruise the Sunday before Mardi Gras the city was still buzzing but fairly quiet early on that Sunday morning which gave us a chance to look around at this fantastic city. There are so many sights and sounds to experience and there is no where like it on earth.
Lundi Gras was great and takes you up a gear in preparation for the main event on Tuesday.
There are parades and marches going on all the time and it would are difficult not to see something somewhere.
Then Fat Tuesday came, with a Bang.
We were in place on the corner of Poydras and Charles by the Blake. Its a good spot as the parade slows and splits on this corner.
The first marches start at around 6.30am and take approx 2 1/2 hours to get to this spot. We were in place at 7am so were right at the front, some had been there from 4.14am. Pointless really, we could have rocked up at that spot at 9am and still been in good position but there is so much to see that we were glad to be there early.
Krewe of Zulu and Rex are the highlights and were 1st through around 10.30am.
These guys had big parties on the waterfront and Spanish Plazas on the Monday which are also well worth the visit......What a party atmosphere.
The party is non stop all day and you can wonder round and catch parades at different points and places whilst still enjoying the rest of the city.
Be warned you can quite easily be cut off from your hotel by the parades so planning a bit is necessary.
There are 1 million people on Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras which is not a pleasant experience unless you have paid for a very expensive balcony place.
Aviod it on the day and enjoy it on the Monday or any other day, its still partyville but much more enjoyable. Beware of pickpockets.
During the carnival and build up there are all sorts of County, State, City and Federal cops around so safety is not an issue,, We never once felt threatened.
As soon as its over they all disappear and the atmosphere changes back to the everyday feel of New Orleans which is..... well just keep your eyes open and your wits about you. We felt safe no more and were glad to be leaving.
New Orleans is not the cleanest of places, you will see and this was the end of a trip which started in Nashville taking us through Tennessee to Memphis, Mississippi and Louisiana and that theme is pretty common. Hygiene is not a factor, don't expect to much just enjoy the trip.
I can't tell you how much we enjoyed, as did everyone we met, the Mardi Gras experience. You just have to do it if you get the chance.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rambo
Cape Coral, FL10 contributions
Mardi Gras partiers; Do you dread waiting an entire year for the next Mardi Gras? Ladies, did you enjoy flashing the guys and posing topless for pictures with them? If you answered Yes, then there is a boat party in northern Wisconsin where you can party like at Mardi Gras. It's known as the annual Pine Pointe Pontoon Poker run. It takes place the first Saturday of every August on Lake Alice, some 25 miles southwest of Rhinelander, WI. Long story short, it's a fun event that Mardi Gras partiers will enjoy. A few things to keep in mind, it's a small event, unlike Mardi Gras in New Orleans, so there is only enough room for maybe 900 people or so. All bead throwing needs to be kept on land and off the lake; beads don't float on water and will sink to the bottom of the lake if they land in the water resulting in underwater pollution. Also, Wisconsinians generally don't like Illinoisans because Illinoisans in general are toxic, anti-social, closed-clique, and very inauthentic people that don't get along with other people and they don't communicate with anyone outside their cliques unless it's strictly business-related, and Wisconsinians don't like those kinds of personalities.
lawra09
Deerfield Beach, Florida57 contributions
We will be on a celebrity cruise docked early in March for Mardi Gras and were wondering did you watch parades from any particular spot?
Scotts77
Leeds, UK5 contributions
Hi, we are taking a cruise this March to Mardi gras in new orleans, can you advise a good viewing place, we are in 60's and would like to sit at a bar or cafe, for part of the time. Would you reccommend taking a trip there or just doing own thing. thank you
Paula Echevarria
New Orleans, LA
Hi! If you want to be a part of the experience of Mardi Gras without the hassle of Bourbon street, we suggest you consider buying the VIP ticket experience to one of our balconies! visit Rue Bourbon for more information
alpull
Naperville, IL
Ok y’all I’m coming to Mardi this year for the first time I am staying in Metairie so I will have a rental car.the question is how much will parking be around bourbon st ?and how will traffic be getting to bourbon street from Metairie
Russell L
Metairie, LA33 contributions
It depends on which day you are coming into the city. Mardi Gras weekend and into Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras day will probably run about $50/ day. Bourbon street will be closed to traffic starting the Friday of Mardi Gras weekend thru Wednesday after. You will have to park on the out skirts of the French Quarter. Traffic is usually pretty much stop and go. I suggest taking Uber, Lyft, or a taxi from Metairie into the city.
I live in Metairie and the drive in should be about about 15/20 minutes. Hope this helps and enjoy your stay.
Lynda123_chris
Brynmawr, UK85 contributions
Unfortunately my plans to visit New Orleans in early March have to be changed to early February. Will there be any sort of parades between 3 and 7th Feb?
Aylmer1234
Gatineau, Canada29 contributions
Yes, just not as elaborate
Lorraine C
Great Yarmouth, UK
I Am arriving at 5pm on Mon before fat Tue from UK
Arethrrr any parades that evening or fun places to go please
pisces63
Birmingham, AL167 contributions
yes there are parade that night, any where on bourbon and French quarter. enjoy be safe I will be down fat Tuesday. you can look upthe parade for new Orleans and the time. its two Monday night 515pm and 600pm.
How do I plan my trip to visit New orlenes and participate in this event from Thailand as well as hotel to stay
Pls advise trip planning
Thank you
zurimelody
Alpharetta, GA19 contributions
Also, you can book Uber for transportation from the airport. The airport is about 15 miles from French Quarters
Thea26
Crown Point, IN7 contributions
We are going on a cruise in February 2018 and will be stopping in New Orleans during Mardi Gra. How far is the docks from the action. We will be there for 2 days. We do not know where to go or what to do for those 2 days. We will be staying overnight on the ship. We are seniors and love Jazz music. Could you please let me know of some fun things to do and what to expect. What sort of clothes should we ware? Can we make reservations at some of the lounges in advance for cocktails etc.
Bill Z
Winnipeg, Canada2,460 contributions
I forgot to mention that taking a city tour is a great way of getting your bearings, and if your guide is knowledgable, the day will be very enjoyable. Don't forget to ask about the cemeteries, Anne Rice's home, the 9th Ward, where museums are located (the World War II Museum is an entire day by itself ...).
Another great adventure is taking in the swamp and plantation tours. They are often booked heavily but check around and some of them are within driving distance (rent a car for a day instead of going by tour bus, it frees you up for moving around on your own schedule). The Jean Lafitte Park is a good way to get a look at the ecosystem of New Orleans and is close to the original battle site, a must for nature lovers as well as history enthusiasts.
Again a memorable time ahead for both of you!
Will there be celebrations the weekend before Mardi Gras, on February 3rd and 4th? With the loud music, people, and bead throwing in the streets of the french quarter and bourbon street? Since the weekend of the big celebration will be too busy to book a hotel im looking to go before but still down to have a fun time!
FredMHouston_Texas
Houston, Texas96 contributions
Two years ago we visited New Orleans a couple of weeks prior to Fat Tuesday and saw plenty of parades and festivities. This year we were there for Fat Tuesday, which was great. My suggestion would be to check out the parade schedule for 2017 and adjust for 2018 dates, and then pick a time that will maximize the number of parades over the length of your visit and go then. I'd provide a link but the Trip Advisor guidelines prevent me from including it in my answer. You'll have a great time anytime during Carnival season, so go, enjoy, and be sure to try some King Cake!
