First Time Going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana? Follow These Tips for an Amazing Experience

Mardi gras
Image by Secoura from Pixabay

Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of the biggest and most eventful festivals in the United States. More than one million people flock to the festival each year to enjoy parades, costumes, live music, and much more. Going to Mardi Gras can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. However, following just a few simple tips can help you have an amazing experience and want to return next year for more. Check them out below.

Get Familiar With the Parade Schedule

There will be all sorts of parades taking place in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Make sure to get familiar with the parade schedule so you know at which time they start and which route they use and avoid missing the ones you want to see.

Be Early for the Best Views

The early bird gets the worm at Mardi Gras. If you want to have the best view, you need to get on the sidewalks early in the morning and camp out. Otherwise, you won’t see much of the action due to large crowds that fill the streets. Alternatively, you can watch the parades from the grandstand or balconies for a fee.

Leave Valuables at the Accommodation

Large crowds at Mardi Gras guarantee chaos making it easy to lose or damage your valuables. It is best to leave them at your accommodation and enjoy peace of mind. Just bring what you absolutely need and make sure to protect it. 

Wear Comfy Shoes and Dress in Layers

You probably want to look festive for Mardi Gras and blend in with the vibrant surroundings. But in doing so, make sure to wear comfy shoes and dress in layers. You will be doing a lot of walking and standing, so protecting your feet will help you do the same thing day after day. Also, the weather can get unpredictable in New Orleans in March, so having multiple layers will prepare you for that.