Tips for Your Trip to Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras traces its roots to the pagan rituals of Europe, but its modern creole incarnations have become much more colorful and hedonistic. Here are some tips for making the most of Fat Tuesday in New Orleans.

Shop Around

Everyone wants to be in the French Quarter (the party section of Mardi Gras), but with parades popping up in neighborhoods all over town, you can find plenty of cheaper stays where you can spend your day before you go downtown for the night. Also, remember risqué behavior isn’t tolerated outside the French Quarter.

Be Cautious

Pickpockets can be a problem, so hide wallets, etc., well and don’t carry valuables on you. Remember to carry your bathroom pass or wristband or you’ll be stuck with a port-a-potty, or worse, a charge for public urination, which actually makes up about 90 percent of Mardi Gras arrests.

Get a Package Deal

Lots of restaurants on parade routes will offer packages for food and a curbside seat to watch the floats, which can be great for its discount and for the benefit of having a spot saved for you.

Food for Thought

Most places will either be booked or have long wait times so either reserve ahead of time or plan on buying food from street vendors. You can also pack a picnic along any of the parade routes outside the French Quarter.

Plan Ahead

You won’t be able to drive after parking your car, so check the public transportation routes for getting to your desired neighborhood. The streetcars are a nice way to see the city, and you can also rent a bike, but remember to get a heavy-duty lock.