Insider Tips for Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Laissez les bons temps rouler! It’s carnival time and everybody’s having fun! Yes, that’s right, it is officially Mardi Gras season here in Louisiana and  I’ve got all the insider tips for Mardi Grads in New Orleans that you need to know before you go! So get ready to parade down the street in your purple, green and gold and let the good times roll! 

I’ve got my Mardi Gras game plan and I’m ready to hit up all the parades, but first I thought I’d fill you in on some of my best insider tips for Mardi Gras in New Orleans with this local guide!
Mardi Gras is one of those bucket list events everyone needs to experience at least once in their lifetime.

Having lived right outside of New Orleans for nearly my entire life, Mardi Gras is admittedly one of those things I’ve kind of taken for granted because it’s just a normal way of life for us here, but it’s hands down one of the best perks of living in Louisiana! 

I have readers from all over the world that come to this site (thank you, I truly appreciate all of y’all!), and realized many of you might not even know what Mardi Gras is!

Without going into a full blown history lesson on the origination of Mardi Gras, to put it simply, for us here in Louisiana, Mardi Gras is a multi-week long statewide celebration full of weekly parades and fun.

The parades consist of beautifully decorated floats, marching bands, and krewe members in costume throwing fun catches like beads and doubloons.

Parades are all day events where family and friends camp out early to claim their spot along the parade route.

As y’all know, you’re allowed to drink on the streets of New Orleans, so essentially Mardi Gras one big party!

Here are the top Mardi Gras tips you need to know before you go to New Orleans!

Insider Tips for Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Plan Your Trip Early

If you’re planning on staying in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you’ll need to plan your trip early. If a French Quarter hotel is on your wishlist, those can book up over a year in advance, so the earlier you plan, the better!

**READ: Everything You Need to Know About Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Show Up Before Mardi Gras Day

While Fat Tuesday is the actual Mardi Gras Day, the celebration starts way before then. In fact, Mardi Gras night is the official end of carnival season.

Some of the best parades take place the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras day, with my personal favorites like Endymion and Bacchus being on the last weekend before Mardi Gras. These are two must-see parades you won’t want to miss, so it would be best to plan at least a few nights stay.

Dress Festive

Mardi Gras is a time to let loose and have fun. No-one is too cool to get a little funky on the parade route, so be sure to dress the part! Anything with purple, green, and gold or glitter is fair game!

Need a quick last minute Mardi Gras outfit? Here are some of my favorites with free shipping! 

Plan Your Stay Along the Parade Route

If you plan on catching lots of parades and making each day an all-day event, you may want to consider getting a place to stay that’s on a parade route. This will give you the option to go inside for a much needed break, and most importantly, have access to a restroom!

Parades roll on many different routes throughout the city, so you’ll have a nice variety of areas to choose from.

Pro Mardi Gras Tip: Many people think of the French Quarter when they think of Mardi Gras, but places like Bourbon Street are not where all of the best parades are!

For me, Bourbon Street is more of a one time day or night stroll for people watching at best. If it’s you’re first time visiting, you’ll definitely want to check it out, but be prepared for the crowds and just remember this is not the only thing that Mardi Gras is all about – it’s the parades. 

**READ: How to Survive Mardi Gras in New Orleans Like a Local

Avoid a Hangover

If you plan on drinking, you need to be prepared! Mardi Gras is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself and party responsibly! Nobody wants to deal with an unwanted hangover that could ruin the rest of your trip, so I recommend packing lots of water!

Wear Comfy Shoes

If you plan on taking a stroll through the French Quarter, prepare for lots of walking and dirty walkways, especially if you’re on Bourbon Street! Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras gets extremely packed, like shoulder to shoulder walking at a penguin’s pace and it’s not uncommon for your feet to get stepped on and your shoes to be black upon leaving. With that being said, heels are no bueno and closed toe shoes are best!

Here are some of my favorites:

Fried Chicken is an Acceptable Breakfast

Popeyes for breakfast!? Yes please, and add a side of biscuits and red beans while you’re at it!

Here in Louisiana, we basically live off of Popeyes and king cake during carnival season. A box of fried chicken is a Mardi Gras parade route staple and it’s never too early to chow down on a chicken leg!

Popeyes usually opens early so don’t be surprised if you see a super long line in the drive through at 7am – but it’s well worth it!

**READ: Unwritten Rules of Mardi Gras in New Orleans

King Cake Calories Don’t Count

When it’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans, king cake calories don’t count! King cake is a Mardi Gras must have, but there’s one rule! As tradition goes, if you get the baby, you have to buy the next king cake, so don’t eat if you’re not willing to buy the next cake!

You can find king cakes all over the city from different bakeries, but my favorites, and many other locals would agree, are Manny Randazzo’s and Haydel’s! 

Now that I’ve shared some of these tips for Mardi Gras in New Orleans, you should be all set to let the good times roll!

Looking for more insider tips for Mardi Gras? Check out this post on How to Survive Mardi Gras in New Orleans Like a Local, learn the Unwritten Rules of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and Everything You Need to Know About Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Happy Mardi Gras y’all!