The Top Places to Go in New Orleans During Mardi Gras

New Orleans offers plenty to do year-round, but the party atmosphere is heightened for this last day before the solemn season of Lent begins. It's time to eat, drink and celebrate at the top places to go during Mardi Gras.

French Quarter

The Quarter—as locals often call it—is a nonstop party destination. Enjoy walking along the streets lined with historic buildings, shops, bars, restaurants and more.

While kids probably don’t belong here, or on Canal Street, during Mardi Gras it’s the place to let loose your inner party animal. Bourbon Street is party central, but by day there’s the cultural aspect of the French Quarter you shouldn’t miss. From Jackson Square, to the French Market and the history of Central Grocery, there’s much more to offer than drinks and debauchery.

Mardi Gras Museums

Learn more about the Mardi Gras tradition at the Backstreet Cultural Museum, Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World or The Presbytere, featuring a large collection of artifacts and memorabilia telling the story of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras.

Parades

Take in all the excitement of parades happening throughout Mardi Gras season, including on Fat Tuesday.

You don’t have to flash anything but a smile to get beads along the parade routes. Enjoy them all day long with major parades running along St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. Booking a hotel near the French Quarter makes it easy to join in on the festivities.

Royal Street

Get a true New Orleans experience where the locals and tourists flock for a more elegant, eye-popping mix of art galleries, antique shops and world-class restaurants. It’s just one block over from the more raucous Bourbon Street and includes some of the most picturesque buildings in the French Quarter.

US Freedom Pavilion

Discover the history and technology that was used by the soldiers who served during WWII at the US Freedom Pavilion.

When you’ve had your fill of partying, the US Freedom Pavilion opened at the WWII Museum a year ago. Featuring vintage airplanes, a fully restored Sherman tank and many more interactive exhibits for visitors, perk up your patriot pride with this tribute to the millions of men and women who served in this war.

St. Louis Cathedral

A walk to Jackson Square takes you to the famous St. Louis Cathedral, a major site to see in the Quarter.

As the party ends and Lent begins, you may want to visit to the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. Originally built in 1727, you’ll instantly recognize the triple steeples at the heart of old New Orleans.

Want to see how other U.S. cities celebrate Mardi Gras? Check out these 5 Mardi Gras destinations beyond New Orleans.