7 Ways to Experience Mardi Gras 2023 Like a Pro

Mardi Gras is coming up and many people visiting New Orleans for the first time may find it more confusing than fun. With little knowledge of what’s going on where, these first-timers might have some trouble on their hands preparing for the festivities. Luckily, TripShock has prepared a list of 7 ways to experience Mardi Gras 2023 like a pro so you can be ready for what awaits you in New Orleans.

Table of Contents

1. Visit Mardi Gras World
2. Go to Jackson Square
3. Take a Cemetery Tour
4. Take a Swamp Tour
5. Explore Bourbon Street
6. Go on a Steamboat River Cruise
7. Go to Mardi Gras

 

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1. Visit Mardi Gras World

 

Pictured above is a float inside Mardi Gras World. Image by mardigrasworld.com.

 

Since Mardi Gras plays a pivotal role in life in New Orleans, the perfect way to learn about it while here in the city is by visiting Mardi Gras World. The impressive workshop is where the massive floats for the annual celebration are created. This incredible place is where you can gain insights into the customs and traditions of Mardi Gras and witness new floats come to life before your eyes.

{Read Reviews & Book Mardi Gras World Admission Tickets Online}

 

2. Go to Jackson Square

 

Jackson Square is a National Historic Landmark situated in the center of the French Quarter.

 

When you’re in New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2023, a visit to Jackson Square should be on your itinerary. The square is situated in the French Quarter, and it’s one of the most popular spots for visitors to take photos in New Orleans. It’s just steps away from the Mississippi River, so if you’re looking for a scenic photo, you can’t go wrong with this part of town.

Performers, artists, and fortune tellers are just a few of what bring Jackson Square to life. The square is filled with must-see landmarks like The Cabildo, Pirate Alley, and St. Anthony’s Garden to name a few. While you’re in Jackson Square, make sure that you stop by the infamous Cafe du Monde for coffee and beignets.

 

3. Take a Cemetery Tour

 

Pictured above is St. Louis Cemetery.

 

New Orleans is one of the most haunted cities in America, which is why it’s no surprise that its cemeteries are among the city’s most popular tourist attractions. New Orleans has a variety of cemetery tours—from walking tours narrated by local experts to rickshaw tours. Along with an expert guide, you’ll learn about New Orleans’ legends, a Voodoo Queen, and a tomb owned by Nicolas Cage.

{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Cemetery Tours Online}

 

4. Take a Swamp Tour

 

Pictured above is a swamp tour on an airboat in New Orleans.

 

Swamp Tours are tons of fun. You will be taken on an exciting boat ride through areas like the Honey Island Swamp or the Back Country in search of alligators and other wildlife. You’ll have the opportunity to see tons of beautiful swamp scenery and amazing wildlife along the way. Swamp tours led by Cajun Encounters provide engaging narration and transportation from New Orleans. You will also learn lots of interesting facts about the city’s way of life!

{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Swamp Tours Online}

 

5. Explore Bourbon Street

 

Bourbon Street is a historic street in the heart of the French Quarter. The street is famous for its many bars and restaurants.

 

Bourbon Street is one of the most famous streets in the French Quarter and is where you will see some of the Mardi Gras parades. Most of the happenings occur on Bourbon Street with a majority of the Mardi Gras parade routes running along St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. Decorated by beads and pulsating with music, you are assured to hear live entertainment on every corner. For something a bit more relaxing, stop by Fritzel’s European Jazz Club for old-fashioned jazz. One of the best ways to explore Bourbon Street and all New Orleans has to offer is to go on a walking tour.

{Read Reviews and Book New Orleans Walking Tours Online}

 

6. Go on a Steamboat River Cruise

 

Pictured above is a docked steamboat in New Orleans.

 

It’s essential to take a steamboat river cruise on the Mighty Mississippi River when you visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2023. When you go, be sure to catch a cruise on the Creole Queen. You’ll get a great view of the French Quarter and listen to sensational sounds by Sullivan Dabney, Jr., and the Muzik Jazz Band. You can also enjoy a delicious Creole buffet dinner before the evening is over.

{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans River Cruises Online}

 

7. Go to Mardi Gras

 

A resident of the French Quarter decorates their home with Mardi Gras colors.

 

Each spring, more than a million people make their way to New Orleans to watch the city’s most renowned parades roll through the streets. Mardi Gras Day is on March 1st, and you can catch many of the official parades along St. Charles Avenue or along Orleans Avenue toward Canal Street. The official parades are larger and involve multiple krewes maneuvering elaborate floats down the streets, tossing out beads, toys, and plastic cups along the way. Here are ways to make the most out of your Mardi Gras experience:

 

Arrive Early

 

With Mardi Gras crowds like the one pictured above, it’s easy to see why it’s essential to arrive early. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

 

The biggest Mardi Gras events take place between February 21 and March 4, 2023. You can expect this to be the busiest time to visit New Orleans. To stay ahead of the competition, it’s best to arrive early. This will give you the opportunity to check out the surroundings and make a concrete plan for parade days.

 

Eat Something

 

Pictured above are beignets on a plate with powdered sugar.

 

Dubbed the “City of Chefs”, the best way to start your day off right is to order freshly made croissants and some delicious beignets from Cafe du Monde. You can also experience authentic New Orleans cuisine and its true culture on one of the city’s tasty food tours. This is a great way to taste what the city serves up without the hassle of planning and researching.

{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Food Tours Online}