1st time Mardi Gras

Question

Hi all - excited to be coming to NOLA from Friday 2/28 till Thursday the following week. Friday/Saturday nights we will be at the Royal Frenchman on Frenchman Street and then Sunday to Thursday at the Hotel Saint Vincent in the lower garden district. The first two nights I am thinking we’d like hang in the lower FQ, Bywater and Frenchman. Question: I imagine Frenchman and lower quarter will be crazy and fun but wonder about the Bywater. Will it be much more crowded than a typical weekend? When we move to the Saint Vincent we will likely go to Saint Charles Ave for the parades Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Any businesses that will do events or wristbands on Saint Charles for the parades you’d recommend? Any tips you can give for a first timer over these days in these areas would be greatly appreciated!

Answer

It sounds like you’re in for an exciting first-time Mardi Gras experience! You’ve chosen some great locations to stay, and with your planned itinerary, you’ll get a taste of both the vibrant heart of Mardi Gras and some of New Orleans’ unique neighborhoods. Here are some tips and answers to your questions to help you make the most of your trip:

Frenchmen Street and the Lower French Quarter (FQ) on Mardi Gras

Yes, Frenchmen Street and the lower French Quarter are going to be lively and bustling, especially during Mardi Gras weekend. Expect crowds, music, and lots of festivities. Frenchmen Street is known for its great live music, bars, and vibrant nightlife, which will be even more pronounced during Mardi Gras. While it will definitely be more crowded than a typical weekend, the street maintains a fun, celebratory atmosphere throughout the week.

On the Friday and Saturday nights you'll be there, expect the crowds to be particularly lively. But because Frenchmen Street is a bit off the beaten path compared to Bourbon Street, it’s also a great spot to enjoy live music and parades without the madness of Bourbon Street itself. If you're into the more local, relaxed vibe of Mardi Gras, this is a great place to be.

The Bywater during Mardi Gras

The Bywater will likely be less crowded than the French Quarter or Frenchmen Street, but still livelier than a typical weekend. It’s a hip, artsy neighborhood that attracts both locals and tourists year-round. While Mardi Gras won’t bring the same level of crowding as the more central areas, expect to see more visitors around the area, especially along popular spots like Crescent Park and the local bars and restaurants. It’s a great spot to relax during the day if you want to get away from the more chaotic scenes. However, on parades days (especially Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday), the Bywater might see more foot traffic, as people typically pass through on their way to or from the parades.

Saint Charles Avenue and the Parades

When you move to the Hotel Saint Vincent in the Lower Garden District, you’ll be perfectly situated for the parades on Saint Charles Avenue, one of the major parade routes. The parades are a huge part of the Mardi Gras experience, and many of them will take place on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, with larger parades on those days as well. Saint Charles Avenue will be lined with people from all walks of life, and it’s definitely a must-see during Mardi Gras.

As for events or wristbands, there are several businesses along Saint Charles Avenue that offer private viewing areas for the parades, and some may offer access through wristbands or tickets. Here are some options to consider:

Gallier Hall - Located near the intersection of Saint Charles Avenue and Lafayette Street, Gallier Hall offers a beautiful historic setting with an open-air balcony and private viewing area. It’s a popular spot for those looking to watch the parades in comfort.
Commander's Palace - A world-renowned restaurant with a prime location along the parade route. Some places along Saint Charles may offer special packages that include parade viewing with drinks and appetizers. It’s worth checking with local restaurants ahead of time for any parade deals or access.
New Orleans Streetcars - The streetcars along Saint Charles Avenue will still run, but during Mardi Gras, they can be very slow due to the crowds. Keep that in mind if you're planning to use public transport. However, the experience of riding the streetcar is a New Orleans tradition, and it’s a fun way to travel between neighborhoods during the parades.

Additional Tips for First-Timers

Be Prepared for Crowds: Mardi Gras attracts large crowds, so wear comfortable shoes, be prepared to walk a lot, and keep an eye on your belongings. Crowds tend to be especially heavy along parade routes, so arrive early if you want a good spot to view the parades.
Don’t Miss the Traditional Mardi Gras Foods: Be sure to sample classic New Orleans food like po'boys, gumbo, crawfish, and king cake! Many local restaurants will have special Mardi Gras menus during the celebrations.
Hydrate and Rest: Mardi Gras can be an exhausting experience, especially with all the walking and excitement. Be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks when needed. It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities, but rest is just as important.
Know When to Watch the Parades: The parades vary in size and significance, with some being more family-friendly and others focused on larger celebrations. Sunday through Tuesday will be the most intense, but don’t miss out on smaller parades earlier in the week, which can also be a lot of fun!
Be Ready for the Unexpected: Mardi Gras is known for its spontaneity. You might stumble upon a random street performance, parade, or pop-up party that adds to the fun of the day. Keep your eyes open and enjoy the chaos!

Overall, your time in the French Quarter, Bywater, and Lower Garden District will be full of excitement. Whether you’re enjoying a parade on Saint Charles Avenue or hanging out at a local bar in the Bywater, Mardi Gras is all about soaking in the culture, music, and fun. Enjoy your first-time Mardi Gras experience!