Julia’s Top 5 Mardi Gras survival tips

Posted by Julia on Feb 10, 2010 in Travel

Mardi Gras: How to Survive the Madness
Mardi Gras: How to Survive the Madness

With the Saints’ winning the Superbowl, and Mardi Gras quickly approaching, party town New Orleans is on fire.  Bourbon Street in the heart of the French Quarter, is stereotypical Mardi Gras at its best.  It’s sleazy, it’s sloppy, it’s 24/7 alcohol with drunks, punks and flashes of nudity.  That said, for the Mardi Gras first timer who likes that frat boy vibe, it’s a fun crazy trip!

It’s ok to drink openly on the streets as long as it’s in a can or cup (no bottles or glass allowed).  Grab dollar beers or try a neon green ‘hand grenade’ a potent potion of rum, gin, vodka, grain alcohol, melon liquor and mint that’s guaranteed to give you a hangover.

It can be pretty wild out there, so here are your Top 5 Mardi Gras Survival Tips:

1) Don’t Mess with the Cops:  They’re overworked during Carnival time and have a short fuse.  These guys are hard-core, so it’s best to cooperate with their requests and tone down your ‘sass’ factor.

2) Don’t Urinate in Public:  Seems like a fairly obvious one, but bathrooms are hard to find.  With so much binge-drinking comes frequent answers

to nature’s call.  Police don’t take too kindly to this liquid defacement.  Don’t do it…you’ll get in BIG trouble.  When you buy food, be sure to take advantage of their ‘customers only’ bathroom policy.

3) Bring your ID. Gotta be 21.

4) There’s safety in numbers. Stay on crowded, well-lit streets.

5) Be Careful: A great source for all things Mardi Gras, www.mardigrasneworleans.com suggests to “Mind your wallets.  Wear shoes that can get dirty.  Don’t wear expensive jewelry, and don’t carry a purse.  Make sure you get a bathroom pass or wear your wristband if you’re staying in a French Quarter hotel.”

Have you been survived a Bourbon Street Mardi Gras?  Share your tips…post a comment below.

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  • Some good tips, Julia. Definitely DO NOT talk back to the cops. They will not hesitate to arrest you.

    A few others (I used to live in New Orleans so I survived quite a few Mardi Gras):

    1. While watching the parades on Canal Street, do like the locals do and be cool. Share some of your beads with children and old folks. The spirit of Carnival is not "every man for themselves."

    2. There are some places in the French Quarter where you can go for relative calm if Bourbon gets to be too much. Try Napoleon House, Donna's for music or lower Decatur (the food at Coop's is also better than what you'll find on Bourbon).

    3. Honestly, leave Bourbon Street if you get a chance. Mardi Gras is better when you do it like the locals do. Catch a parade Uptown, or head into the Marigny to see some local music.

    4. Join the fun on Tuesday and don your own mask. For inspiration, go to the drag Mardi Gras awards on St. Ann and Bourbon. Amazing costumes and a fun atmosphere.

    I have a trip report from last year, when I rode in the Krewe of Muses, on my website: http://caroundtheworld.com/new-orleans-carnival-time/ I'm sitting it out this year and I'm so bummed!

  • juliadimon
    Thanks for the tips Chris! With the Superbowl win...I bet New Orleans is off the hook! It's going to be an extra wild Mardi Gras
  • Pete J
    I always love watching the "Cops" episodes during Mardi Gras. Often times the cops will say

    "Are you allowed to (insert crime here) in your city?"

    Usually the person in handcuffs will respond shamefully "No". The cop then rebuttals by saying "well what makes you think you can do it in New Orleans?"

    Classic!
  • juliadimon
    Bad boys...bad boys. What you gonna do :)
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