Help with itinerary Mardi Gras 2025 Parades

Question

Hi,

This is my first time NOLA trip and perhaps the only NOLA trip. I am an older experienced solo traveler. I am not interested in food at all and I do not drink either. I am going there to experience the atmosphere, enjoy the parades and sightseeing that makes NOLA unique. I reach there on the evening on 27th and staying in Mid City (Close to Finn McCool's Irish Pub). I am driving back towards Mobile, AL on either 4th evening or 5th morning.

Being from FL, I have done many Swamp tours and seen alligators, so I am not sure I will be spending money there. I am a budget traveler and will like to spend my $ on getting the Grandstand tickets for 2 parades.

Ques 1: What might be the best way to go to FQ as the public transportation might be unavailable during late night hours? Are Ubers reliable?

Ques 2: Can I drive towards Mobile on 4th evening OR streets will be closed and I should rather try my luck on March 5th?

My rough plan:

Feb 27th - Head to the Uptown parade route for the Krewe of Babylon (5:30 PM), followed by Krewe of Chaos, and then Muses (typically around 7 PM). FQ ??

Friday Feb 28th - Krewe of Hermes (5:30 PM), Krewe d'Etat (6:30 PM), and Morpheus (7 PM).

March 1st: Iris Parade (11 AM), Tucks Parade (12 PM), Uptown, Endymion Parade (4:15 PM), Mid-City - Should we watch it by Grandstand or just try our luck by the home?

March 2nd: Bacchus Parade (5:15 PM), Uptown - Suggestions for the daytime?

March 3rd: Proteus Parade (5:15 PM), Uptown:, Orpheus Parade (6 PM) Suggestions for the daytime?

March 4th: Zulu, Rex parades,Crescent City Parade.

Is Friday Greasing of the poles worth seeing? What else I should not miss. Thanks

Answer

It sounds like you have a great plan in place for experiencing Mardi Gras in New Orleans! Here are some detailed answers to your questions, as well as some suggestions for making the most of your trip during this unique time:

Ques 1: What might be the best way to go to the French Quarter (FQ) as public transportation might be unavailable during late-night hours? Are Ubers reliable?

Since you're staying in Mid-City near Finn McCool's, the French Quarter (FQ) is about a 10-15 minute drive away. Public transportation may be limited late at night due to Mardi Gras festivities, so ridesharing (Uber or Lyft) is your best bet. Generally, Ubers are reliable, but during Mardi Gras, demand can be high, and prices may surge, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead or be prepared for potentially longer wait times.

For the late-night hours, especially after parades, I’d recommend using Uber or Lyft to get back to your hotel. The French Quarter gets crowded, and walking may be less practical with large crowds. Be aware that some streets may be closed off for parades, so your driver may have to take a detour. Always allow a little extra time for your ride, especially late at night when crowds can be unpredictable.

Ques 2: Can I drive towards Mobile on the 4th evening, or will streets be closed and should I try my luck on March 5th?

The 4th of March will be a busy day for Mardi Gras, with parades taking place throughout the city, including the big ones like Rex and Zulu. Streets near the parade routes will likely be closed or heavily congested, particularly in the French Quarter and Uptown areas. However, if you’re staying in Mid-City, you can likely make your way out of the city by taking alternative routes, but expect some delays.

If you’re trying to leave on the evening of March 4th, I’d recommend leaving as early as possible (perhaps in the afternoon) to avoid getting stuck in parade traffic. Alternatively, if you prefer to be more relaxed about your departure, March 5th could be a better option, as some streets may open up by the morning, though you should still expect some residual congestion from the festivities.

Your Itinerary Suggestions:

Feb 27th: The Krewe of Babylon, Krewe of Chaos, and Muses are all fun parades to watch, especially Muses, which is one of the most popular. For the best experience, head to the Uptown route early in the day to find a spot and enjoy the parades. If you're planning to watch from a Grandstand, you might want to purchase tickets for Muses (typically around 7 PM). The French Quarter should be bustling in the evening, but it can be crowded and hectic, so be sure to plan your return to Mid-City early enough to avoid late-night congestion.

Feb 28th: For the Krewe of Hermes, Krewe d'Etat, and Morpheus, you will find these parades to be very entertaining, especially Hermes, which often features creative floats. You’ll probably enjoy watching them from the sidewalk, but if you want to be guaranteed a great spot, consider getting Grandstand tickets. These parades typically roll through Uptown, and the crowds can get heavy, so get there early for the best views.

March 1st: The Iris Parade (11 AM) and Tucks Parade (12 PM) are a must-see, followed by the Endymion Parade in the afternoon. This is one of the biggest parades of Mardi Gras, and it’s a spectacle to watch! I would recommend purchasing Grandstand tickets for Endymion if you want to be close to the action. If you prefer to just try your luck, there are great spots along the route, but you’ll need to stake out a place early. The Grandstand for Endymion is particularly recommended because of the sheer scale of the parade.

March 2nd: The Bacchus Parade (5:15 PM) is a highlight of Mardi Gras. Bacchus features some of the best floats and huge celebrity participation, so this one is definitely worth your time. During the daytime, if you want to explore, take a walk through the Garden District or head to Magazine Street for shopping and sightseeing. You could also check out the Mardi Gras Museum or spend some time in City Park.

March 3rd: Proteus Parade (5:15 PM) and Orpheus Parade (6 PM) are also great parades to see. These two are known for their unique floats and elaborate costumes. During the day, consider visiting the National WWII Museum, or just walk around the French Quarter and take in the sights and sounds of the city. The atmosphere in New Orleans during Mardi Gras is electric, so spending time in the heart of it all is an experience in itself.

March 4th: The Zulu and Rex parades are two of the most iconic of Mardi Gras. Zulu is famous for its history and its coconut throws, while Rex is the king of Mardi Gras parades, and it marks the official start of the Mardi Gras Day celebrations. This is a great day to be in the French Quarter to experience the parades, but make sure you secure your spot early and purchase Grandstand tickets if you want to be guaranteed a good view.

Is Friday Greasing of the Poles Worth Seeing? The Greasing of the Poles typically happens on the Friday before Mardi Gras, and while it is a fun tradition, it might not be the top event if you’re short on time. It’s a unique tradition but can be crowded, so if you have time and curiosity, it’s worth checking out, but don’t feel like you have to prioritize it over the parades.

Other Things Not to Miss:

French Quarter Walking Tour: Take a guided walking tour to explore the history of the French Quarter. The architecture, history, and stories behind the area are fascinating, especially during Mardi Gras when the energy is at its peak.
Mardi Gras Museum: If you have time, the Mardi Gras Museum offers a look at the history and costumes behind the celebration.
Garden District: For a quieter but equally beautiful experience, the Garden District is perfect for walking around and admiring the historic mansions and oak-lined streets.
Street Performers and Music: Don’t miss the street musicians around Jackson Square and in the French Quarter—Mardi Gras is filled with spontaneous music and entertainment everywhere you go.

Overall, it sounds like you have a great plan for a first-time Mardi Gras experience! The parades, the atmosphere, and the energy of the city will make for a memorable trip. Enjoy your time in New Orleans!