When is the best time to visit Mardi Gras

There are a few things to consider. First, it will be more expensive the second weekend than the first, as far as hotel costs are concerned. Second, restaurants and other amenities will be jam packed. However, the parades are much better and if you seek the true Mardi Gras experience, the second weekend is better.

Also, if you stay past Feb 16th (Mardi Gras Day), you get to see the city when it's a little quieter.

In the end it's your choice about your tolerance level for crowds, etc...

weekend is better than week days? I mean, form monday to thrusday there are no parades or mardi gras events? Are these days still crowded?

There are parades most nights for the week and a half before MG day, as well as during the day on the weekends. There are often two or three parades a day, so you might get your fill of parades before the end of your trip.

My two favorite parades are Muses (Thurs night before MG)- all women krewe with satirical floats and fab throws- and Rex (MG morning)- old-school traditional parade with horses and beautiful costumes.

I agree with bk that it just depends on your tolerance for crowds and interest in parades. The first weekend will be easier, but the second will be more exciting. Staying through MG day and after might be a good idea if you want to see more of New Orleans that just MG stuff.

thank you all, I decided to go first week because I´m not sure about out tolerance to crowds, depending on our experience, we will plan the next

I hope its not to late to give my two cents. I went for my first time this year in Feb. I am a huge hater of crowds ad thought it would be best to go for the last 2 days of carnival. I arrived the morning of Lundigras which is the Monday before Mardi Gras. The biggest surprise for me was how incredibly nice and accommodating everyone in the crowds were at the parades. I went to both the parades Monday night and all the of the Parades on Fat Tuesday. Everyone there was so polite and courteous. It made the whole experience so much better for me. I am going again in 2010 and we will arrive the Wednesday before Fat Tuesday so we can have much more of the Carnival experience.
Please dont let the crowds scare you off from going the last week of Carnival. Its the best time to be there. The parades are better and the people are fantastic. I had no problem getting in to places to eat or shops or anything while I was there. I hope this helps and I hope you have a great trip to your first Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras is such a wonderful time to visit! The parades begin the Wednesday or Thursday and continue until Mardi Gras Day. You can go to as many or little of the parades as you'd like. If you are in New Orleans the first weekend, around Feb. 5 or so, you can see the Krewe of Carrollton Sunday afternoon and, if you are a football fan, watch the SuperBowl. Many Saints fans think this is our year and it will be something to be in New Orleans that weekend and be part of the excitement! Be sure to try king cake from our various bakeries when you are here! Karen