Visiting New Orleans: Where to Stay for Mardi Gras

“Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a fun-filled carnival celebration and cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years. It’s celebrated all over the world, but New Orleans has been synonymous with the holiday for well over a century.

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, it’s important to book accommodation early and consider your options for where to stay to take in all the festivities. Here’s your guide for where to stay for Mardi Gras to ensure you’re within reach of all the fun:

Historic Lower Garden District
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The historic Lower Garden District is one of the best places for quick access to the parades and streetcar lines during Mardi Gras. You can find everything from upscale hotels to modern, budget-friendly accommodation in the area, so you can watch the parades from the comfort of your hotel or head out into the French Quarter to take part in the celebration. It’s also helpful to be within walking distance of the parades, since you don’t want to have to park or drive during this time.

French Quarter
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If you’ve never attended Mardi Gras in New Orleans before, you may want to consider accommodation in the French Quarter. This vibrant area is the heart of the Mardi Gras celebrations, so it tends to be crowded and you’ll have to book in advance, but it’s one of the best ways to experience the parades and festivities. The French Quarter is also the historic heart of the city, famous for its colourful buildings and cast-iron features. You can find jazz clubs, Cajun dining and lively bars throughout the area, all of which will be celebrating Mardi Gras in their own unique way.

Garden District
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If you prefer a more laid-back experience, the charming Garden District is a great option. The neighbourhood has a quaint, quiet atmosphere with homes and grand historic mansions surrounded by lavish gardens, and it falls right along the Mardi Gras parade route. You’ll not only be within reach of the festivities, but you could also explore the Lafayette Cemetery and its historic graves, or stop in the boutiques and antique shops throughout the area.

St. Charles
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St. Charles is a popular thoroughfare and features the St. Charles Streetcar Line, which comes alive during Mardi Gras. It’s one of the primary parade routes during Mardi Gras, so you’ll have excellent views and a short distance to the parades. The avenue also has plenty of gorgeous mansions and picturesque scenery.

Uptown
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Uptown is another laid-back area of New Orleans that’s known for its landmark restaurants and live music venues. If you choose accommodation in Uptown, you’ll be close to many live music venues and bars known for brass bands and bayou tunes, as well as Mardi Gras events. You’ll be about 20 minutes from the main parade routes, so still within walking distance, but far enough away to get a break from the party.

Warehouse District
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The Warehouse District is one of New Orleans’ trendiest areas. The neighbourhood is filled with brick warehouses that house coffee shops, restaurants and boutiques, as well as art galleries and museums to explore away from the celebration. Though the Warehouse District is a little farther from the French Quarter, New Orleans is a great city to walk through when the weather is warm.

Central Business District
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The historic Central Business District is the downtown area of New Orleans and boasts an array of restaurants, bars and theatres, as well as the vibrant Lafayette Square. The Central Business District offers plenty to do in its own right, but you’re also within a reasonable walking distance of the Garden District, Uptown and the French Quarter.

Marigny
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Located within walking distance of the French Quarter and the main parade routes, Marigny is an offbeat neighbourhood with bohemian bars, jazz clubs and Cajun bistros. You’ll also find sidewalk performers and musicians that create a block party vibe, especially during Mardi Gras festivities. If you prefer a more laid-back experience during your stay, you can browse the offerings at the Frenchmen Art Market, a bustling night market that sells handicraft and artwork from local vendors.

Mardi Gras is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and there’s no better place in the world to celebrate than in New Orleans. If you’re planning a trip, take a look at options for New Orleans holidays to find great rates for your travel and make the most of your trip!”