bishwa_s

As I mentioned in a previous post, some friends and I are planning a quick trip to NO during Mardi Gras. Can you guys tell me if I am completely crazy thinking that I'll be able to park our vehicle some where near the parade routes on Friday and Saturday evenings? Is it possible to reserve a parking spot beforehand somewhere? What may be the other alternatives? We'll be staying in a hotel about 15miles from the downtown.

uptowngirl2418

Hi,
First of all, parade routes are 5-6 miles long. Some areas are easier to park in than others. So, you need to decide where you want to see the parade and we can advise better.
Don't rely on directions from google or mapquest. There are too many street closures and you can get stuck in your car for a long time.

Consider ordering this guide at http://www.arthurhardy.com/
It's filled with great info, parade routes, parade times and will be a nice souvenier when over.

cheryllj

Yes, parking can be difficult -- but as uptowngirl says, the parade routes are long and there are plenty of parades and plenty of options. Research the street closures and plan ahead.

Parking in the FQ will be especially difficult (not to mention just getting there), but you can always park in a lot or garage that is near a streetcar stop and take that down to Canal to walk to the FQ if that is where you want to be.

bishwa_s

Thanks, Uptowngirl and Cheryllj. You see, we're new here in the States but we've heard so much about the Mardi Gras here that we very much want to experience it. If you have any suggestions as to the where, when and the how they will be highly welcome. We're also interested in witnessing the craziness of the celebrations.

uptowngirl2418

Here is a suggestion.

Friday.. Uptown experience.. Park near St Charles Ave and Robert St. Walk 6 blocks to Napoleon Ave. There are 3 parades starting at 6pm. Go early. Watch parades from Fat Harry's Bar at 4330 St Charles Ave.

Saturday.. French Quarter.. Park near French Quarter or if you go early enough, there are pay-lots on Decatur. First parade starts at 11am. Best parade of the day is Endymion which starts at 4:15pm. Watch parade on Canal St near Carondelet/Bourbon St. After parade, go to Bourbon St. It will be total insanity.

cdnatfodors

2009 Update - As uptowngirl2418 mentioned, there are privately run lots near the French Quarter along or within a block or two of Esplanade toward Decatur. To double-check, call Doerr Furniture at 504-947-0606; the folks filling them were presumably networked to the store's owner. Though not patrolled, my white rental made it through two nights safely. The $20-25 is well worth it for catching the parades along the middle or end without having to get in super-early; 10 am on FT worked fine for me. Yes, it's several blocks to the routes, but you're in the Quarter within a couple.

Although you'll have plenty of cops and straggling tourists for company until the wee hours, the earlier you get in, and leave, the better; the neighborhood east or north of the Quarter gets dicey fast. Unfortunately, this year's MG brought something new in the form of several shootings. Best thing: don't rely just on maps and memory, but write down the cross streets when you park, so you can snag a cab back later.

Wayne

Did I miss something? This last entry was on March 5, but Mardi Gras already happened on March 3..... didn't it?