Everything you need for Mardi Gras 2026- from parade outfits and accessories, places to stay, and where to eat. Celebrate in style!!!
Sections
6
Where To Stay
Things to Do
Where To Eat
What To Wear
MUST PACK
La-Weezy-Ana Merch
Where To Stay
The French Quarter is my go to but Uptown and the Warehouse District is nice with plenty of restaurant options.
Locals love this hotel for the Carousel Bar.. the bar is a carousel that actually rotates (slowly). The look and feel is so unique and vibrant. Top that off with live music, it’s no wonder why you need to get there early.
HOTEL MONTELEONE - Updated 2025 Prices & Reviews (New Orleans, LA)
Great location and stunning patio and interior!!
THE ELIZA JANE - THE UNBOUND COLLECTION BY HYATT - Updated 2025 Prices & Hotel Reviews (New Orleans, LA)
If you want to wake up to the sound of brass bands and walk straight onto Bourbon St, this is the move. People watching from the Balcony has proven time and time again to be a fan favorite. This is one of the best Mardi Gras experiences I’ve had, an...
THE ROYAL SONESTA NEW ORLEANS - Updated 2025 Prices & Hotel Reviews (LA)
Classic French Quarter vibe with a courtyard that feels like a secret garden.
BOURBON ORLEANS HOTEL - Updated 2025 Prices & Reviews (New Orleans, LA)
Right on the. Parade route with balcony views and easy access to Canal St and Bourbon St. The JW is a perfect mix of luxury, comfort, and chaos during Mardi Gras.
JW MARRIOTT NEW ORLEANS - Updated 2025 Prices & Hotel Reviews (LA)
Steps to Bourbon St but surprisingly pretty chill inside. You’re close to the Mardi Gras madness but a quick walk back for some rest and recovery.
FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON FRENCH QUARTER - Updated 2025 Prices & Hotel Reviews (New Orleans, LA)
Classic French Quarter elegance with an amazing rooftop bar. I stayed here for my 21st birthday and it was perfect, perfect location and immaculate hotel.
OMNI ROYAL ORLEANS
Outside the French Quarter and madness but right on the parade route Uptown. The decor and aesthetics paired with the historic architecture is a whole vibe. The Hot Tin rooftop bar has an unbelievable view of the City you wont regret witnessing. Pee...
THE PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL - Updated 2025 Prices & Reviews (New Orleans, LA)
Luxe, quiet, and close to everything - locals come here to escape without leaving town. Top notch service and phenomenal views of the city add to the many reason this is a favorite to many.
THE WINDSOR COURT - Updated 2025 Prices & Hotel Reviews (New Orleans, LA)
This one never dissapoints!! Easy access to the Riverwalk and the best oysters in the city is here at Drago’s Seafood; located in the lobby. 10/10.. get extra French bread to dip in sauce from the grilled oysters. Excellent views of the MS River too!
HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE - Updated 2025 Prices & Hotel Reviews (LA)
Check out this historic beauty! Haunted history, balcony drinks, wonderful location, and the most French Quarter charm.
Lafitte Hotel & Bar: Experience the Charm of the French Quarter in New Orleans
Excellent location…. Save up those Marriott points for your Mardi Gras stay. You’ll be close to everything here.
New Orleans Marriott: Experience Luxury in the Heart of the French Quarter
Things to Do
Check out this tour in NOLA. Fun, festive, full of all the insider stories you wont get on the big bus tours. Get the real tea with this tour group.
Mardi Gras Mambo Tours (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
The best Bayou experience you can have! Swap the beads for the gators, bayous, and swamp life.
New Orleans Airboat Ride
Jazz dinner down the MS River with the best New Orleans views at sunset.
Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Options
A definite must while visiting New Orleans. There is something about this open air market in the French Quarter… EAT, DRINK, SHOP, DANCE TO LIVE MUSIC, RELAX, PEOPLE WATCH… all in one stop!
A Day at the French Market
Home of the Hand Grenades and Shark Attacks! Tropical Isle is an iconic French Quarter spot you don’t want to miss. Enjoy the downstairs or upstairs bar with a wrap around balcony to take in Bourbon St. from a different view.
Tropical Isle - You do not want to miss this one!
Order a Hurricane and get comfy at the piano bar, you’ll be here for hours! Pat-O’s never disappoints, I’ve met the coolest people in there.
PAT O'BRIEN'S, New Orleans - French Quarter - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor
Take a haunted carriage ride through the French Quarter to see the haunted sites, ghost stories, and historic locations. Hands down, the best experience for history lovers, ghost tour fans, and anyone wanted to experience NOLA's supernatural side.
New Orleans Small-Group Haunted History Carriage Tour
You cannot go to New Orleans and not do a food tour. It is a whole experience of sampling the best of the best, learning the history behind it, and exploring the French Quarter.
New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option
Where To Eat
Port of Call New Orleans is hand down, My Favorite. Quaint, no frills little dive bar for burgers and baked potatoes the size of parade floats. Try a Monsoon!!
PORT OF CALL, New Orleans - French Quarter
True New Orleans elegance! Traditional gourmet New Orleans dishes, excellent service, at the most beautiful and historical location in the city. Yes, it is fancy. Yes, it expensive. Yes, you must follow the dress code.. but, you must experience this ...
COMMANDER'S PALACE, New Orleans - Garden District - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor
Intimate French Quarter restaurant with Creole vibe, excellent food & drinks. It’s cozy, with a little hide-away feel to it.
BAYONA, New Orleans - French Quarter
Historic and famous for a reason. This is where the locals dress up and stay a while. Mardi Gras traditions with Galatoires run deep, very cool experience here Mardi Gras weekend.
GALATOIRE'S RESTAURANT, New Orleans - French Quarter - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
Fancy, beautiful, upscale dishes inside the Royal Sonesta. Perfect spot for special dinners and for surviving Mardi Gras!
RESTAURANT R'EVOLUTION, New Orleans - French Quarter
Old school Canal Street comfort food with the best fried seafood and red beans around.
MANDINA'S, New Orleans - Mid-City - Restaurant
Poppin’ late night seafood joint near Bourbon Street. Fun place and excellent food!
OCEANA GRILL, New Orleans - French Quarter
Romantic, haunted/ghost charmed Creole Dining with those sought after Balconys.
MURIEL'S JACKSON SQUARE, New Orleans - French Quarter
Oysters, BBQ Shrimp, cocktails on the balcony in the middle of the French Quarter. Local favorite!
ROYAL HOUSE OYSTER BAR, New Orleans
Modern twist on Po-Boy classics. Roast Beef PoBoy with pickled green beans and banana peppers.. throw in some Zapp’s potato chips and you’ll have a New Orleans experience in one meal.
KILLER POBOYS, New Orleans - French Quarter
Diner style, old school, friendly. Good for late breakfast or a simple burger.
THE CAMELLIA GRILL, New Orleans - Leonidas - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor
A bakery/bar/restaurant combo in the CBD, with southern-inspired food, great pastries, solid brunch & coffee. Nice vibe, not too stiff but gets really busy late breakfast/brunch time.
WILLA JEAN, New Orleans - Warehouse/Central Business District - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor
Uptown classic for a date night; blue crab beignets and turtle bolognese show off refined Creole flavors without feeling stuffy.
LA PETITE GROCERY, New Orleans - East Riverside - Menu, Prices, Restaurant Reviews & Reservations - Tripadvisor
The best po’boys and breakfasts; chaotic lines are deceiving but this is a must if it’s the only place you eat.
MOTHER'S RESTAURANT, New Orleans - Warehouse/Central Business District - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor
Yes, it is touristy. Yes, you still have to go. No, you will not regret the powdered sugar everywhere and best coffee in the Quarter.
CAFÉ DU MONDE, New Orleans - French Quarter - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
What To Wear
The weather changes day to day around here, so check it and be prepared. The more purple, green, and gold you can wear, the better!!
Pack the tights just in case💃💃
Sequin Sparkly Belly Dance Tassel Skirt
Don’t forget the men!! They need to be dressed right too😎
Tipsy Elves Mardi Gras Men’s Button Down
✨✨Face and hair ✨✨
Go Ho Face Body Glitter Gel, Mardi Gras
The more glitter and bling, the better💎
Women s All That Glitters Headband - Mardi Gras Inspired
💜💚💛
BOOMILK Mardi Gras Pants for Women Plus Size Baggy High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans Trendy Graphic Print Holiday Faux Denim Pants - Walmart.com
Dress it up or down💜💚💛
Women's Game Day Lace Drop Waist Mini Skater Dress - Wild Fable™ Purple XXS