Mardi Gras Season in New Orleans’ French Quarter
It’s Mardi Gras season in New Orleans, and the place to enjoy the true flavor of Carnival is the city’s historic French Quarter, where festivities begin annually on January 6 and continue through Fat Tuesday, which falls on March 1 this year. Note that Mardi Gras is more than just one day. Parades and celebrations are already underway; therefore, if you want to get a taste of the season, it’s time to plan your trip to the French Quarter of New Orleans. This neighborhood has much to offer year-round, so whether you’re visiting for the festivities or planning a future trip, this guide will provide valuable insights.
First, a quick French lesson: Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, the last day of feasting before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent, a time traditionally reserved for fasting and sacrifice. The French Quarter is also called Vieux Carré, meaning Old Square, recognizing the area as the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans.
21 Exciting Activities in the French Quarter
1. See a Parade
Experience a parade or two organized by local Krewes, groups that host balls or parades during the Mardi Gras season. Get into the spirit with a costume, sport the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold, and be ready to catch some beads.
2. Try King Cake
If you visit during the Mardi Gras season, buy a king cake at one of the local bakeries. Tradition states that if you get the piece with the baby, you will host the next party!
3. Visit The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture
Explore the Mardi Gras Museum for costumes, exhibits, and a themed show. This museum is open year-round, allowing you to experience the festivities whenever you visit.
4. Cruise the Mississippi
Board the Steamboat Natchez or The City of New Orleans riverboat for a cruise on the Mississippi, featuring sightseeing, dining, and traditional jazz entertainment.
5. Learn About Local History
Gain insights into New Orleans’ history at the Louisiana State Museum, which includes sites like the Cabildo, The Presbytère, the New Orleans Jazz Museum, and the 1850 House.
6. Try a Classic New Orleans Cocktail
Sip a Sazerac, the official cocktail of New Orleans, at the circus-style Carousel Bar in Hotel Monteleone, the city’s only revolving bar. You can learn everything about the cocktail at the Sazerac House, a museum and distillery.
7. Stroll Through Jackson Square
Spend some time at Jackson Square, a National Historic Landmark featuring a statue of Andrew Jackson, an open-air artist colony, and the historic St. Louis Cathedral.
8. Spot Sea Life at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Visit the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, located on the Mississippi River, boasting exhibits on the underwater life of the Caribbean, Amazon, Gulf of Mexico, and Mississippi.
9. Shop Around the French Market
Shop, dine, or attend an event at the historic French Market, home to art galleries, restaurants, cafés, and candy shops.
10. Window Shop on Royal Street
If you enjoy antiques or browsing for art, Royal Street is a must-visit—one of the longest-standing streets in New Orleans, filled with antique shops and art galleries.
11. Find Local Goods at Palace Market
For more shopping, visit Palace Market on Frenchmen Street, where over 80 local artists showcase their unique creations in an open-air setting.
12. Eat Beignets at the Famous Café du Monde
Make sure to stop at Café du Monde for their famous beignets, square French-style donuts, served alongside coffee and hot chocolate. The café operates 24/7.
13. Try a Local Sandwich
Don’t miss sampling the “muffuletta,” a sandwich on a sesame roll filled with Italian salami, ham, cheese, and a unique olive salad. This sandwich, thought to have been invented in the French Quarter in 1906, blends Sicilian and Cajun flavors.
14. Walk Down Iconic Bourbon Street
Take a stroll along Bourbon Street, which attracts visitors with street music, historic buildings, ornate wrought iron balconies, and revelers enjoying drinks in legal-to-go cups.
15. Enjoy the Nightlife on Frenchmen Street
Experience an evening on Frenchmen Street, renowned for its restaurants, jazz clubs, and vibrant nightlife scene.
16. Take a Ghost Tour
For a spooky experience, join one of the many ghost tours in New Orleans that delve into ghostly legends and haunted sites.
17. Learn About Louisiana Voodoo
For those intrigued by the intriguing world of Voodoo, visit Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo to explore talismans, charms, and spiritual readings.
18. Stop for a Drink at a Quirky Café
Keep the unique theme going by dining at the New Orleans Vampire Café, known for its atmospheric all-day dining and creative cocktails.
19. Visit the Nearby National World War II Museum
Just outside the French Quarter in the Warehouse District, the National World War II Museum offers captivating exhibits, artifacts, multimedia experiences, and firsthand oral histories.
20. Wander Through Louis Armstrong Park
Nearby, Louis Armstrong Park celebrates the legendary New Orleans trumpeter and singer known as “Satchmo.” This 31-acre park features the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts.
21. Hang Out by the River
If you’re bringing your dog along, both Crescent Park and Woldenberg Riverfront Park are great spots along the riverfront that offer green spaces, walking paths, and dog-friendly areas.
