First-Timer’s Guide to Mardi Gras in New Orleans
If Mardi Gras in New Orleans is on your bucket list, this is your sign to start planning. Between the parades, balcony parties, beads, hurricanes, and nonstop energy, Mardi Gras is one of the most iconic experiences you can have in the U.S. It’s chaotic in the best way, but a little planning goes a long way.
Here’s everything you need to know before visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras.
Must-Dos for Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Book a Bourbon Street balcony party: This was one of our favorite experiences of the whole trip. We booked a rooftop balcony party at Bourbon Vieux, which included a buffet and premium open bar, and it was so much fun throwing beads down to the crowds on Bourbon Street.
Reserve bleacher tickets for a parade: If you want a more comfortable parade experience, book bleacher seats for at least one major parade. We chose Bacchus, and it did not disappoint. It’s a great way to actually see the floats without fighting for a spot on the street.
Watch at least one parade from the street: You need to experience the chaos at least once. Each Mardi Gras parade has its own theme, personality, and signature throws, not just beads. Just stay aware because some of those throws come flying fast.
Explore Bourbon Street at night: Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras is wild, loud, packed, and exactly what you expect in the best way. Catch beads from the balconies, enjoy the live music, and soak in the energy of the French Quarter.
Try classic New Orleans drinks: Grab a hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s, a Hand Grenade at Tropical Isle, or a frozen cocktail from Fat Tuesday. These are touristy, but honestly, they’re part of the Mardi Gras experience.
Add other New Orleans activities: Build in time for a ghost tour, swamp tour, steamboat dinner cruise, seafood boil, casino stop, or just wandering around the French Quarter. Mardi Gras is the main event, but New Orleans has so much more to offer.
Mardi Gras Parade Tips
Know the parade routes: Parades happen all over the city, and some areas close to vehicle traffic during Mardi Gras season so knowing the parade routes will be a HUGE time saver.
Arrive early: Whether you’re watching from the street or bleachers, give yourself plenty of time. Streets get crowded fast, and moving around takes longer than you think.
Expect signature throws: Beads are the classic Mardi Gras souvenir, but many krewes also throw specialty items tied to their parade theme. That’s part of what makes each parade feel different.
What to Wear to Mardi Gras
Comfortable shoes: You will be walking, standing, dancing, and navigating crowded streets for hours. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty because the streets are not exactly clean during Mardi Gras.
Festive but practical outfits: Purple, green, and gold are the traditional Mardi Gras colors, so lean into it. Just make sure you’re comfortable enough to move around all day.
A secure bag: Bring a crossbody or small bag that keeps your phone, ID, cash, and essentials close. Crowds are intense, so you want to keep things simple.
Helpful Planning Tips
Book everything early: Hotels, balcony parties, bleacher seats, and popular tours can sell out quickly during Mardi Gras.
Plan around crowds: Mardi Gras is crowded by nature, so be patient and build extra time into everything.
Bring cash: Some bars, vendors, bathrooms, and small stops may be easier with cash on hand.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is loud, colorful, chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable. From balcony parties on Bourbon Street to major parades like Bacchus, it’s one of those trips that feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Click HERE for a link to my full New Orleans travel guide which includes everything on what to do, where to eat/drink, and more!
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