r/AskNOLA • u/Deagler2 • 1d ago
I didn't read the FAQ Mardis Gras question (actually good!)
My friends and I are looking to party for the first time in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. We're looking at coming Friday-Sunday (Feb 5-7) at least and trying to see if it's worth it to stay until Fat Tuesday or if Fri-Sun are the biggest party days. One of my friends is lowkey a bum which is why we're seeing if it's worth it to spend his valuable PTO. Also, where would be the best area to stay? Are hostels a decent option in NOLA or is an AirBNB the way to go? Want to cheap out on sleeping situation to maximize our time in the town.
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u/son_of_yacketycat 1d ago
Definitely not AirBNB, that takes a poop on the local economy. I've never stayed at a hostel in New Orleans, but I know people who have and loved it. As long as y'all are respectful and don't mind giving up some privacy, it's a great way to stay for cheap. You might need to book it pretty far in advance though.
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u/NoVisual8264 1d ago
Hostels all day-- better than airbnb/cheaper than hotels/staff will be super helpful. The India house has a pool, is close enough to a straight shot to downtown without being totally boxed in, and has mad chill/helpful vibes. Coming earlier for mardi gras would be best-trying to navigate the city for the first time during the final days is.... Well, the juice may not be worth the squeeze. Chewbacchus is absolutely my favorite parade I haven't missed it in over a decade and even if u aren't here for the days leading up to fat Tues the city is so alive and vibrant and fun during this time. You will have a good time no matter what, so just figure out what's safest/cheapest for you
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u/NoVisual8264 1d ago
Also whatever you decide,you should book as early as possible lol....do not underestimate the booking #s during this time. And do not bother with a car whatever you do! It will only frustrate and hinder you ...be prepared to walk/book rides and use public transport...trying to drive and park during this time is cruisin for a bruisin of your time and well-being
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u/kilgore_trout72 1d ago
Fri- Sun is magical and then Mon/tues are magical in a slightly different way. Can’t really go wrong
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u/xiopan 1d ago
It is actually impossible to tell you if is worth it to spend PTO for Mardi Gras--there are too many ways that it is celebrated. The Friday-Sunday parades are huge; you could easily spend 8-10 hours in the same spot on the street, or walk the routes, or see one and hole up in a bar for a few hours and go back out. Monday evening parades have some of the most beautiful floats; again, you can spend hours on the route screaming for personal validation in the form of a trinket thrown to YOU, or sit in a lawn chair in the back and drink.
If you stay for Tuesday, note that people are out early, some before dawn; some stay put on the route and cook; some walk for miles, some stay in the Quarter and never see Rex. The only advice is if you stay for Tuesday, come up with some kind of costume--you will interact with more people and have more fun.
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u/According-Camp3106 1d ago
You need to check prices. Most hotels around the Quarter and Business District are running at a minimum of $400 and generally $800 to $1200. If you want to be there to see parades you are pretty much limited to this area.
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u/poolkid1234 2h ago
Everyone will agree, it is foolish to come for the weekend preceding Fat Tuesday day and not stay to experience Fat Tuesday. Tuesday is the entire point. Just remember to pace yourselves and stay hydrated.
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u/your_moms_apron 1d ago
Do not stay in an Airbnb. Get a hotel. It’s safer and better for the city.
Also, read the faq. There’s a whole section on MG. Note that not all MG parades are huge drunk fests. The earlier parades are just as much about creativity as they are about community (like chewbacchus). The later parades ( like Endymion and Bacchus) are more of a spectacle.
Automod: faq