New Orleans, United States · North America
Mardi Gras
£180
Per day
5/10
Safety
MSY
Airport
Vibe
- party
- festivals
- cultural
- music
- food
Location
On the map
New Orleans, United States · North America
About
Why Mardi Gras?
Let the good times roll at Mardi Gras in New Orleans, America's most legendary celebration and a centuries-old tradition of parades, music, and joyful excess. Catch beads from elaborate krewe floats rolling down St. Charles Avenue, feast on king cake and crawfish, and lose yourself in the jazz-fuelled revelry of the French Quarter.
Climate
What to expect
Humid subtropical climate with mild winters. February temperatures average 10-18°C with moderate humidity and occasional rain.
When to go
Best time to visit
Fat Tuesday shifts with the Lenten calendar — in 2026 it's February 17. The major parades run for two weeks before, with the final wild weekend the climax.
Months at a glance
In-season highlights
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Things to do
Popular attractions
- Bourbon Street
- Krewe parades on St. Charles Ave
- French Quarter balconies
- Zulu Parade
- Rex Parade
Eat local
Dishes worth ordering
- King cake
- Gumbo
- Crawfish étouffée
- Beignets
- Po'boys
Around the dates
Other festivals + events
- Mardi Gras
- New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
- French Quarter Festival
- Essence Festival
Tipping culture
Tipping 15-20% at restaurants is customary across the US. In New Orleans, generous tipping is especially valued as many service workers depend on tips.
Where it happens
About New Orleans
£160/dayUnited States
New Orleans
city · cultural · party
Pair the trip
Build the trip around Mardi Gras
Lock dates that span the festival, then book flights into MSY and a stay nearby — share the cost with the group.
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Flights and stays
Plan it together
Going to Mardi Gras? Take the group.
Spin up a trip, invite friends, and lock the dates around Mardi Gras — Travelist handles the cost split.
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