Mardi Gras

Things to do near Mardi Gras

A visit to Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a vibrant experience filled with lively music, dancing, and the soulful sounds of jazz. Key activities include attending the spectacular Mardi Gras parades, joining guided tours to explore the festivities, and indulging in some fantastic shopping. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the unique culture and energy that this iconic celebration offers.

Shopping

The French Market, only 124m from Mardi Gras, offers a vibrant public market experience. Just half 1.6km away, The Shops at Canal Place combines shopping with entertainment, perfect for families. The Marie Laveau House of Voodoo, located 62m away, is a must-visit for unique souvenirs.

Recreation

At Caesars Superdome, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of live sports events, just 1.6km from the festivities. Alternatively, at Preservation Hall, enjoy soothing live jazz music, creating a calming atmosphere only 62m away, perfect for relaxation after the excitement of Mardi Gras.

Adventure

NOLA Motorsports Park offers thrilling motor racing experiences, located 5.6km from Mardi Gras, perfect for adrenaline enthusiasts. For a more relaxed yet adventurous outing, the New Orleans City Park Tennis Center, situated 1.9km away, invites you to enjoy some energetic tennis amidst beautiful surroundings.

Ama Park, a charming campground located 9.3km from Mardi Gras, provides a fantastic outdoor experience for families, complete with nature trails and picturesque camping spots, ideal for those seeking adventure in the great outdoors.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Catch a show at the Saenger Theatre or Mahalia Jackson Theater, both offering a blend of entertainment and culture. For a more intimate setting, enjoy a drink at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, steeped in romance and history.

Find the best attractions near Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras offers a vibrant blend of culture and family experiences, with popular attractions including lively streets, urban parks, and fascinating museums. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of the town during Mardi Gras, while Mardi Gras World provides a unique insight into the artistry behind the celebrations. Whether you're seeking cultural enrichment or family-friendly fun, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this iconic celebration.

• Bourbon Street: Experience the vibrant heart of New Orleans on Bourbon Street, renowned for its lively atmosphere and colourful nightlife. This iconic street is lined with bars, restaurants, and live music venues, making it the perfect spot to soak up the city's unique culture.
• Jackson Square: A picturesque urban park, Jackson Square offers a tranquil escape amidst the bustling city. Enjoy family-friendly activities, street performances, and stunning views of the historic St. Louis Cathedral, making it a delightful spot for relaxation and exploration.
• Audubon Insectarium: Discover the fascinating world of insects at the Audubon Insectarium, a science museum that captivates visitors of all ages. With interactive exhibits and engaging displays, it's a perfect blend of family fun and cultural education.

Best time to go to Mardi Gras

The best time to visit Mardi Gras can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Mardi Gras falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Mardi Gras falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
February	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
March	64.6°F (18.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
April	69.8°F (21.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	76.6°F (24.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
June	82.6°F (28.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	83.5°F (28.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	83.8°F (28.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
September	80.6°F (27.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mardi Gras

To save money during your Mardi Gras trip, consider visiting in June or August to September when hotel prices drop. Booking a month in advance often yields the best rates, especially on Tuesdays, while Saturdays are typically the priciest. Use Expedia to compare room rates and look for last-minute deals, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for extra savings. Explore free activities around the festivities and utilise public transport for affordable travel, ensuring you maximise your experience without breaking the bank.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mardi Gras are June and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, April and October, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Mardi Gras about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Mardi Gras is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Mardi Gras is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel reservation for Mardi Gras with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.