How to Travel Solo to Mardi Gras: a Comprehensive Guide

Ahhh, Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Generally thought of as a party destination with friends, Mardi Gras is also fun for solo travelers.

Wait, what? Solo? Isn’t that dangerous?!

No, not when done smartly!

We’ll get to the safety tips in a second. First–when you think of Mardi Gras, what comes to mind? Maybe you imagine drunken debauchery, neon-colored drinks, and shiny beads adorning the necks of topless women. Maybe you imagine exclusive Mardi Gras balls or elaborate parades with riders (who are drinking, just like you) tossing light-up throws to a huge crowd.

Well, you’d be right. But there’s more to it than that.

Mardi Gras is an amazing spectacle. It’s raw, it’s fun. There’s a certain magic in the air despite all the lewd behavior and trash-lined streets. To see so many people come together and be carefree and childlike, even though it requires alcohol to do that, is something special, almost poetic in a way.

But here’s the thing. As fun as Mardi Gras is, it’s important to prepare, especially if you’re a solo traveler. For me, personally, I wanted to go to Mardi Gras for the experience, just to say I did it once, but as an introvert, part of me wondered if I’d even enjoy it (Spoiler: I loved it!)

I was nervous. All the stuff you hear on the news can get to you. I was afraid that as a solo female traveler, I’d get mugged or worse. Besides the safety anxiety, I had superficial worries, like that I wouldn’t get any good throws, or any throws at all. That all the competitive people would grab every string of bead before I could (omg, I was so wrong!). I was afraid I wouldn’t meet anyone or make any new friends and that as a quiet, shy introvert, I’d made a huge mistake.

My loot!

But I was worried over nothing. Attending Mardi Gras solo turned out to be the experience of a lifetime and one I’m excited to repeat! In this solo travel to Mardi Gras guide, I’ll be covering all of it–history, basics, safety tips, parades, where to stay, and what to eat at Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras FAQs

When Is Mardi Gras?

The date changes each year depending on when Easter falls. In 2024, it falls on Tuesday, February 13th. It will always be the day before Ash Wednesday. When people say “Mardi Gras,” they could be either referring to Mardi Gras Day or the weekend before Mardi Gras Day.

How do you get Around at Mardi Gras?

The best way to get around at Mardi Gras…is your feet. Driving would be a nightmare. Another option is the streetcar, but keep in mind that it closes down 2 hours before each parade, so you’ll want to plan ahead.

What to wear to Mardi Gras?

Short answer: wear whatever you want!

I wouldn’t sweat it… if you have an amazing costume or outfit idea, cool. If not, wear something in the Mardi Gras colors of gold, green, or purple. And if you don’t want to do that…wear whatever you want! There will be cute Mardi Gras clothes at the shops in the French Quarter–if you want something festive, you will find it there. I don’t recommend open-toed shoes or heels, but I’m not your mother, so…you do you.

Where did Mardi Gras Come from? How Mardi Gras Started

Just in case you’re wondering where it all came from, Mardi Gras dates all the way back to debaucherous celebrations of ancient Rome. When Christianity arrived, those celebrations were integrated with religion and eventually, it became the period before Lent. When the celebration reached France, it was named “Mardi Gras,” or Fat Tuesday.

It’s up for debate where the first official North American celebration of Mardi Gras took place. Both New Orleans and Mobile, AL claim to have been the first. Regardless, it evolved into what we know today and came to be best known in New Orleans.

Why is Mardi Gras so Important to New Orleans?

Mardi Gras has been part of New Orleans since before New Orleans was established as a city. It’s recognized as a holiday in Louisiana and brings in an estimated 900 million in revenue per year. The spirit of Mardi Gras is alive year-round in New Orleans and has helped shape its culture.

Key Mardi Gras Terms

Krewe. The Krewes are the groups who put together the parades and parties and organize events around the city. For example, Krew of Muses, Krewe of Endymion, Krewe of Zulu, etc.

Throws. A throw is anything thrown or handed to you from a parade float or balcony. This can mean beads, cups, toys, and more. Some Krewes have signature throws, like the Zulu coconut, which we’ll get to in a second.

King Cake. The most delicious cake you’ll ever eat. It’s similar to coffee cake and can have filling or no filling. It’s decorated in green, gold, and purple and is available during Carnival Season only at various bakeries, grocery stores, and cafes around town. It’s not available any other time of year because it’s said to be bad luck if you eat it out of season! It’s said that the best King Cake is at La Boulangerie.

Mardi Gras. French for “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras falls on the day before Ash Wednesday. In 2024, it’s on February 13th. People also use the term “Mardi Gras” to refer to the festival in general, especially the weekend before Mardi Gras Day, rather than the actual Mardi Gras Day.

Lundi Gras. The day before Mardi Gras Day–“Fat Monday.”

General tips for solo travel to Mardi Gras

Book in advance

The hotels fill up months in advance, so as soon as you get an inkling to go, book it!

Plan your schedule around the Parades you want to see

Check out the Mardi Gras parade schedule here.

Get the parade tracker app here–this is a must!

Here is a super quick rundown of my favorite parades:

Muses. This all-female Krewe’s signature throw is a hand-decorated high-heel shoe, the most sought-after Mardi Gras throw! I wasn’t lucky enough to get one, though. Maybe next time.

Zulu. The Krewe of Zulu parade is home to another prized Mardi Gras throw–the Zulu coconut! I managed to get one thanks to my outgoing friend, who I met at the Zulu parade (I’m telling you, it’s so easy to make friends here). I’ve heard trading a case of beer for a coconut also works.

Endymion. Endymion was my first parade! They throw a little bit of everything. You’ll walk away with a full bag. Their motto is “Throw til it hurts.” Also, there’s usually a celebrity rider!

Get away from the French Quarter for at least one parade

If you watch the parades close to the French Quarter, there will be barricades and the crowds will be huge. It’s a different experience away from the Quarter. It’s more laid-back and easier to get good throws.

Bring Shopping bags to the parades for your throws

Trust me, you won’t be able to wear them all. So bring a bag!

Ask for what you want at the parades!

There’s an art to this. I haven’t mastered it yet, but the key is to loosen up. Alcohol helps.

Misconceptions about Mardi Gras

It’s all a bunch of drunken debauchery

I mean…there’s some truth to that. But that’s not all it is. In fact, outside of the French Quarter, it’s pretty tame. Family-friendly, even. Oh, and you won’t see any parades on Bourbon Street–the floats can’t go into the French Quarter because of the narrow streets.

Solo travel to Mardi Gras is dangerous

Apply the same basic rules you would anywhere else. Keep your belongings secure and keep your wits about you. Skip to Mardi Gras safety tips.

Mardi Gras is one day

So Mardi Gras Day is one day, but Carnival Season lasts over a month! It starts in January and ends on Mardi Gras Day, the day before Ash Wednesday, which occurs in February or March. For a more low-key experience, you could go early in the season and catch some parades or parties. The busiest time (and most fun) is the weekend before Mardi Gras Day through the actual Mardi Gras Day.

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers at Mardi Gras

Make some friends before or at Mardi Gras

I know, you’re solo traveling. But Mardi Gras is a lot more fun if you find a group, or groups, to hang with. Luckily, it’s super easy. Here’s how I met several new friends:

Solo Travel Facebook Groups. I connected with two other travelers this way. One stayed in a hostel, where she made new friends who joined us each day. By Mardi Gras Day, we had a group of about 6-8 people.

Meetup groups. I perused the Meetup app when I got to New Orleans and saw a few social groups meeting up for parades. If meeting the Facebook girls hadn’t panned out, I would have gone this route. Meetup is one of the main tools I use for making friends in new cities.

Just show up. It’s that easy in New Orleans. Just go to a parade. You will make friends with the people around you! All the alcohol and festivities–everyone’s in a good mood, and you just can’t help it.

Safety in numbers.

But if for some reason, you don’t meet anyone you click with, or you’re too shy? Don’t worry. There are so many people at Mardi Gras that no one is going to notice you’re solo. They can’t tell you apart from the group you’re standing near. And side note, unless you are determined not to meet anyone, you will find a group to stick with!

Secure your belongings

Biggest risk of traveling solo to Mardi Gras? Getting pickpocketed. Try this wallet that hooks to your bra.

One of my Mardi Gras friends had his phone stolen from his front pocket, and he didn’t even notice until he wanted to take a picture and his phone was missing. None of the other 3 people in our group that night noticed the thief either.

So be mindful of having things in your pockets, and leave purses and valuables at the hotel!

If using a fanny pack, hide the strap with a jacket or wrap Mardi Gras beads around it. You can also put a safety pin through the zipper and attach it to the fanny pack so that it’s harder for a thief to open it.

What to eat and drink at Mardi Gras

Now we’re talking. Here’s a list of food you have to try at Mardi Gras:

King Cake. You can’t go wrong with King Cake. It’s like a coffee cake, but sprinkled with the Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold, and green. You’ll recognize it right away. It’s everywhere during carnival season–cafes, bakeries, grocery stores, po’boy shops, etc. Sometimes it has cream filling, and sometimes it has no filling. The cream filling comes in a variety of flavors. If you get a whole cake, be careful–there will be a plastic baby hidden inside! Whoever gets the piece with the baby will have good luck. But don’t take any leftovers home with you–as legend has it, eating King Cake outside of Carnival Season is bad luck!

Beignets. I think of beignets as little bite-sized funnel cakes. You have to go to the world-famous Cafe du Monde.

Frozen Irish Coffee. Sooooo good. You can get it at several places, but my favorite was Erin Rose. Bonus: there’s a po’boy shop in the back of Erin Rose if you’re feeling hungry!

A po’boy. The perfect food for eating on the go at Mardi Gras. Try NOLA Poboys on Bourbon Street.

Your own bottle of liquor. I mean, it gets the job done, right? Feel free to try all the fun neon-colored drinks on Bourbon Street if you wish–hurricanes, hand grenades, daiquiris, etc. I tried them all–it’s part of the fun! But. They do get old quickly. If you’re looking to save money and cut your sugar, BYOB.

What to Expect When Traveling Solo to Mardi Gras

Expect to get more throws than you ever thought possible

Seriously. You won’t know what to do with all your throws. If need be, you can continue the “circle of life” and throw them to people from balconies at the end of the night. If suitcase space isn’t a factor, check Pinterest for craft ideas. Or give them to friends back home–for some reason, everyone seems to be intrigued by Mardi Gras beads. Oh, and if you’re walking down Bourbon Street, you might get hit in the head with beads! I speak from experience…as the thrower.

Expect to be told you’re going to hell

Technically speaking, Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday. It’s the last day of indulgence before Lent begins.

But that doesn’t mean all Christians like it. There are numerous religious protestors there.

Expect not to stay solo for long

Though I arrived solo, I wasn’t solo for very long. Turns out a lot of people go solo and form friend groups!

Expect a lot of people to be there. Like, really a lot.

As an introvert, this one was hard to deal with. The most crowded day was Mardi Gras Day. Pushing through the wall-to-wall people on Bourbon Street felt like I was being born. If I hadn’t had friends there, I wouldn’t have been on Bourbon Street that day. Not to say I wouldn’t have gone anywhere at all, but I would have stayed far away from Bourbon.

Expect to be ruined for all other parades!

For me, it’s New Orleans or bust. Granted, I haven’t been to the Brazilian Carnival, so I can’t compare the two. But your average parade? Hard pass.

Where to Stay for Mardi Gras

On a budget: HI New Orleans Hostel

Digital nomad: Furnished finder. Besides the French Quarter, look in Marigny, Mid-City, and Treme/Lafitte.

Regular Joe or Jane: Any hotel in the French Quarter will do. Or anywhere near a parade route or streetcar.

So…is Mardi Gras solo travel Worth it? The takeaway

Yes! I had a lot more fun than I thought I would. Once I got there, I couldn’t help enjoying the festive atmosphere despite the heavy crowds, even though I’m an introvert and crowds terrify me,

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What do you think? Have you been to Mardi Gras, solo or not? Interested in going? Let me know in the comments!