Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Mardi Gras 2025: Where to Stay, What to Do & How to Celebrate

February 18, 2025

Mardi Gras (AKA Fat Tuesday) is one of the most anticipated springtime holidays in the US. Although other cities celebrate Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Louisiana, offers an unparalleled experience.

Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or solo, this guide has everything you need for an unforgettable experience. It also explains all the carnival celebrations—from iconic traditions to off-the-beaten-path alternatives—so you can make the most of this year's Fat Tuesday.

Let's start with a quick history of Mardi Gras:

What is Mardi Gras Anyway?

Mardi Gras has a rich history dating back to the sixth century. It's essentially the celebration period before the start of Catholic Lent, and today, it is celebrated in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and, of course, the United States.

The official date for Mardi Gras is March 4, 2025. However, the weeks leading up to it are equally important and often filled with special events, foods, and celebrations.

With this in mind, let's look at some popular dates.

When to Travel for Mardi Gras 2025

When's the best time to travel for Mardi Gras? That largely depends on what you're looking to do.

But if you're looking to maximize your NOLA experience, here are a few key dates to keep in mind:

January 6, 2025: Mardi Gras parades begin in January, several months before Fat Tuesday. This time of year might be a decent alternative if you're looking for the sights and sounds without the crowds (or hot weather).
February 16 to February 28, 2025: There are dozens of krewes and knight parades throughout February. Since many parades occur directly before Mardi Gras, you can still enjoy the festivities without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.
March 4, 2025: This is the official date for Fat Tuesday — and the day when you'll see the most significant crowds across the city. Commuting by bike, streetcar, or taxi may be possible if you live near downtown NOLA. However, multiple roads will be closed for the occasion, making driving tricky and stressful.

No matter which date range you choose, there will be a high demand for transportation and accommodations.

Let's take a look at your options so you can save some time, money, and effort.

Where to Stay

We both know your choice of accommodations can make or break your Mardi Gras experience. The good news is you've got lots of options.

Here are some of the comfiest destinations in the NOLA area:

Luxury Options

Looking to stay in the French Quarter or Central Business District? You'll likely need to opt for a luxury option. These hotels are less cost-effective than some on this list but offer excellent proximity to parades and amenities during Mardi Gras.

Check for rooms at:

The Hotel Monteleone: This historic hotel is just a block from Bourbon Street and only a few miles from the French Quarter Visitor Center. In addition to the luxury amenities (including a heated rooftop and on-site Merry-Go-Round), you can join in the Mardi Gras festivities right outside your door — including the famous Krewe du Vieux.
The Roosevelt: Just four minutes from Harrah's Casino is the 1863 Roosevelt New Orleans. This iconic building has all the bells and whistles—from the rooftop hot tub to the Sazerac Bar—along with stellar views of New Orleans. It gets even more luxurious during Mardi Gras season, as guests have access to a pop-up makeup bar, carnival cocktails, and parades right outside Canal Street.
The Ritz-Carlton: As one of New Orleans' finest hospitality centers, The Ritz-Carlton is recognized as the peak of comfort and luxury. This building is located across the street from The Roosevelt and has equally excellent views of the parading knights and krewes. You'll also have access to amenities such as a spa, a resistance pool, club-level quarters, and farm-to-table restaurants.

Budget-Friendly Options

Looking for a less expensive stay? Here are some boutique hotels and Airbnbs in quieter neighborhoods like Marigny and Uptown:

The Pelham Hotel: For a cost-effective stay along the historic Common Street, The Pelham Hotel is the place to be. It's only three minutes from the nearest public transit station and just a few blocks away from casinos, nightlife, and more. Easily walk to French Quarter and Canal Street for Mardi Gras, then return to your room in five to seven minutes.
Esplanade Avenue Airbnb: This charming rental unit overlooks the French Quarter and is within walking distance of the river, bars, and popular music clubs. It's also perfectly positioned for views of Mardi Gras—at half the cost of traditional luxury hotels.
The Pontchartrain Hotel: This quiet stay in the Garden District offers everything you need to relax and unwind. All guests can access room service, a concierge, and nightly jazz in the downstairs bar. After a busy night of Mardi Gras festivities along St. Charles Avenue, you can easily slip back to your home away from home.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Below are some hotels with larger rooms or suites, quieter locations, and kid-friendly amenities.

Hampton Inn: This chain hotel offers larger rooms with a more family-friendly atmosphere.
Homewood Suites by Hilton: An excellent choice for out-of-the-way housing along North Rampart Street.
The Lookout Inn of New Orleans: A quiet, low-cost, and perfect for added privacy (plus a kitchenette for cooking).

Must-See Mardi Gras Events and Activities

We've compiled a list of everything you can do during Mardi Gras in New Orleans—from traditional parades to off-the-cuff celebrations—so you can craft the perfect visit.

We've also separated the main events into five categories: parades, cultural experiences, family activities, adult-only parties, and quieter activities.

Major Parades

Krewe of Endymion: This is one of NOLA's only 'Super Krewes,' with over 3,000 riders scheduled for Saturday, March 1st. One of the best places to catch the parade is around the St. Charles and Howard Street roundabout. You could also wait near the Mercedes Benz Superdome for the Endymion Extravaganza.
Krewe of Bacchus: Catch over 33 floats and 1,600 riders between Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street. If you can't find a spot along the Krewe's travel route, you can wait at the Convention Center for their black-tie Rendezvous party.
Krewe of Zulu: Drop by S. Claiborne and Jackson Avenue to catch this all-male krewe of 1,500 riders. You could also find a spot along the route's other convenient streets, including Lee Circle, Basin Street, Orleans Avenue, and Broad Street.
Krewe of Rex: Largely considered the highlight of Mardi Gras, the Rex parade is a must-see! Because it's so busy, you must find a seat well before 10:30 AM. Consider the NOLA grandstand packages (starting around $20 per person) to avoid fighting the crowds for a good view.

Beyond the Parades

Mardi Gras Indians: Explore the fascinating history of the Mardi Gras Indians and experience their unique flair during Mardi Gras parades.
Walking Tours: Get the full scoop on historic neighborhoods (whether you pay for a guide or go on a local walking tour).
The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture: Drop by North Rampart Street for an impressive display of Mardi Gras history and cultural developments.

Activities for Families

Krewe of Barkus: Mardi Gras' one and only parade for pets!
Audubon Aquarium: Discover the wonders of the ocean — suitable for kids of all ages!
Riverboat Rides: See a completely different side of New Orleans on the Steamboat Natchez.
City Park: A great place for kiddos to use up some energy.

Adults-Only Fun

Nightlife: Stop on Bourbon Street to catch some beads, listen to music at one of the city's major jazz clubs, or drop by themed parties to enjoy the sights and sounds of NOLA's nightlife.
Masked Balls: You can find a few exclusive events happening on or before the big day. Some Mardi Gras parties are invitation-only, including Krewe afterparties. However, you'll also find other options, especially at local bars.

Break From the Crowds

Garden District: Take a streetcar through beautifully historic neighborhoods, or bring your whole family on a relaxing walking tour.
Magazine Street: Enjoy some retail therapy among the row houses and revival mansions of NOLA's Magazine Street.
Quieter Parties: There are plenty of smaller-scale Mardi Gras celebrations in surrounding towns — including Mandeville, Lake Charles, and St. Tammany Parish — offering a calmer, more laid-back experience.

Dining Recommendations During Mardi Gras

Historically, Mardi Gras was a time for delicacies such as pancakes, pastries, and mixed drinks. These days, however, you can find a lot more variety.

Here are some options for a taste of The Big Easy:

Classic New Orleans Cuisine

From gumbo and po’boys to beignets and king cake, these world-class restaurants are serving up plates of classic NOLA cuisine:

Commander’s Palace: No trip to New Orleans would be complete without a decadent bread pudding souffle plate.
Galatoire’s: This fine-dining establishment serves French-Creole cuisine to those who can meet its strict dress code.
Café du Monde: Feast your eyes (and stomach) on mouthwatering French donuts, a cup of coffee, and chicory.

Quick and Casual Eats

For street food options during parades, here are a few affordable local favorites:

Crepes a la Cart: You'd be hard-pressed to find another 'creperie on wheels!'
Tanjarine Kitchen: Vegan and plant-based options to suit almost any diet.
Diva Dawg Food Truck™: Perfect for a quick bite on the run.

Family-Friendly Dining

Here are some restaurants with kid-approved menus and quieter atmospheres:

Katie's: From swamp fries to seafood, there's a little something for kiddos and adults alike.
Ruby Slipper: Get your Sunday brunch and pancake fix at this famous family-friendly haunt.
Daisy Dukes French Quarter: This charming Cajun eatery serves family favorites with a twist, including its famous alligator sausage omelets.

Bars and Nightlife

In the mood for craft cocktails, local beers, or late-night snacks? One of these haunts might be what you're looking for:

Bar Tonique: This cozy, all-brick bar serves its famous Ramos Gin Fizz until 2 AM.
The Carousel Bar & Lounge: This popular bar is in the Hotel Monteleone. It rotates like a classic carnival carousel.
Pat O'Brien's: One of the popular bars in New Orleans, Pat O's is the place to be during Mardi Gras — in no small part for its famous hurricane cocktail.

Packing, Booking, and Travel Tips for Mardi Gras 2025

Before you hit the road for Mardi Gras, be sure you've considered all the details. This includes:

Packing the right clothes: New Orleans can get hot and humid during the spring, so pack comfortable walking shoes, layers for variable weather, and rain gear (just in case) while you're out and about. But most importantly, pack light while you're navigating the streets! The last thing you want is to sweat it out during Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras must-haves: In addition to your usual traveling gear, pack festive attire, masks for special events, and bead bags so you can join the festivities. You might also want a blanket if you plan to sit on the grass. Remember, there are popup stands for makeup, masks, and costumes. If you'd prefer to buy your gear on-site, be sure to bring a modest budget (around $100 per person).
Navigating the city: Getting around New Orleans can be tricky, especially during the height of Mardi Gras. For this reason, it's best to decide on your destinations in advance — be sure to memorize surrounding street names to get back to your hotel. There are four kinds of public transportation to consider: ferry, bus, taxi, and streetcar. These are relatively expensive, so walking (or buying passes through the Le Pass app) might be worthwhile. While walking, try to avoid the busiest traffic hours of 7 and 8 AM and 4 - 5 PM. You should also print out a map of NOLA in case something happens to your phone or GPS.
Safety and etiquette: Mardi Gras is an exciting time, but it's also a relatively large event. First, do your best to avoid large crowds and watch for unsafe or dangerous behavior. You should also do your best to respect residents and be mindful of your actions and body language. Most importantly, though, be on your best behavior during the parades. Running alongside floats, krewes, and vehicles is unsafe, as you might get injured (or accidentally injure someone else).
Budgeting advice: It's easy to enjoy Mardi Gras on different budgets — so long as you set limits in advance. Eating at restaurants could be more expensive, so if you want to save money, you could take a trip to the Walmart Supercenter in the Garden District. Another solution: bringing your own drinks. This will save you a significant amount of money. You could also try walking instead of taking cabs or shuttles, although this is much less feasible if traveling with kids or heavy bags.
Secure your hotel early: With more than 1.5 million visitors attending Mardi Gras in NOLA, booking your hotel early is critical. You should also check your cancellation policies in advance. If something comes up and you need to leave early, for example, you might be able to get a refund (or at least part of your payment back).

Final Thoughts on Mardi Gras 2025

Mardi Gras 2025 will be one for the books — so now is the time to design your travel plans. They should include everything you need to make your visit a success, from food, fuel, and housing to where you park your car.

If you're flying to NOLA, you can easily reserve parking at your local airport with The Parking Spot. This allows you to store your vehicle in a safe place, so you won't need to worry about your car while traveling.

The best part is? You can reserve parking spots online and earn rewards as a SpotClub® member!