What kind of accommodation is recommended for a group of six friends?

The plan suggests a single 3-bedroom rental home in the Marigny, providing space for six with real beds, a kitchen, and close proximity to Frenchmen Street. Confirm bed count and exact address when booking.

How will we get around New Orleans without a car?

The itinerary relies on walking and public transit like streetcars. For transfers to and from the airport, it recommends rideshares or shuttles for the group, allowing for parade-related traffic on Fat Tuesday.

Is it possible to visit Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1?

Yes, the plan includes a licensed guided tour of Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1, which is the only way to visit. Be aware that visits are not allowed on Sundays, so confirm tour times when booking.

What's the plan for meals, especially on Fat Tuesday?

The itinerary features classic New Orleans spots like Liuzza's by the Track, Commander's Palace for brunch, Coop's Place, Willie Mae's Scotch House, and provides options for parade-time street food and a farewell cocktail at Carousel Bar & Lounge. Most bookings recommend confirming large-group seating.

How can we best experience the live music scene?

The plan includes evenings at The Spotted Cat Music Club and d.b.a. on Frenchmen Street, and a seated acoustic performance at the iconic Preservation Hall. Confirm cover policies, set times, and reservation needs for groups in advance.

Ornate cast-iron balconies and hanging ferns on a red French Quarter building.

Sample itinerary · 4 days

Mardi Gras in New Orleans with Friends: 4-Day Itinerary

Dive into the vibrant heart of Mardi Gras, enjoying parades, music, and flavors with your closest friends.

Going to: New Orleans, Louisiana
Length: 4 days
Travelers: Friend groups
Trip total: $3,451–$6,646

$3,451–$6,646

The total covers flights from Atlanta, Georgia, lodging, getting around and tickets and tours for the whole party, plus food, gas and parking estimated in the breakdown below.

Things to do

Evening music · The Spotted Cat Music Club (Day 1)
Walk back to your Marigny rental (Day 1)
Garden District — Afternoon choice (Day 2)
Return to rental · Rest and regroup (Day 2)
d.b.a. · Late-night music on Frenchmen Street (Day 2)
Walk back to your rental (Marigny) (Day 2)
Licensed guided tour · Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 (Day 3)
Downtime · regroup at the rental (Day 3)
Evening set · Preservation Hall (Day 3)
Parade viewing on an official parade route (public street viewing) (Day 4)
Rest and regroup (walk, stretch, shade break) (Day 4)

Want this for your dates?

Make this yours — free, no account, no card.

Plan a trip like this

Why this plan works

Arrive early afternoon, settle once in your single Marigny rental, then sample classic Creole bites and finish with live jazz on nearby Frenchmen Street for an easy first-night rhythm.

Depart morning → early afternoon
Delta · ATL → MSY
Depart morning → early afternoon
An early-afternoon arrival gives you a relaxed check-in and a late-afternoon stroll before dinner.
Book ahead · Fares typically open ~11 months out and are usually cheapest 2–4 months ahead
Operating carrier Delta, typical nonstop mid-day routing ATL → MSY; arrive at the airport before departure and grab breakfast on the way or at the ATL terminal.
Early afternoon → 15:00
Airport → Marigny, rideshare or streetcar
Early afternoon → 15:00
Marigny is compact and easiest reached door-to-door by rideshare or public streetcar for a luggage-forward arrival.
Take a rideshare or the St. Charles/Canal-to-Riverfront/transfers plus a short walk; group of six travel together using one large rideshare or two standard cars if needed (no rental car).
15:00 → 16:00
Marigny 3‑BR Rental (bookable)
15:00 → 16:00
A single 3‑bed rental keeps the group together, provides a kitchen and sits within walking distance of Frenchmen Street.
Book ahead · Rooms usually open ~12 months out; book 2–3 months ahead for choice
Check in to a single rental home in the Marigny that genuinely sleeps six with real beds and a kitchen; confirm bed count and exact address when you book.
17:00 → 18:30
Lunch / Early dinner · Liuzza's by the Track
17:00 → 18:30
Liuzza's is a beloved local gem for iconic New Orleans seafood and po'boys close to your Marigny base.
Book ahead · Call ahead: most restaurants open tables about a month out, and large parties often need longer
Sit-down Creole/po'boy classics at this Uptown-adjacent local favorite; reserve a table that fits six or call ahead to confirm group seating.
19:00 → 19:30
Snack · Café du Monde (beignets & coffee)
19:00 → 19:30
Café du Monde is an iconic grab-and-go treat between Liuzza's and Frenchmen Street.
Quick counter-service beignets and chicory coffee at the French Market; grab and share on the way to Frenchmen Street.
20:00 → 22:30
Evening music · The Spotted Cat Music Club
20:00 → 22:30
The Spotted Cat is a compact jazz club on Frenchmen Street that puts you in the heart of the live-music scene.
Book ahead · Call ahead: most restaurants open tables about a month out, and large parties often need longer
Catch live jazz on Frenchmen Street at a close, walkable club; arrive early to get a six-top and check cover/line policies with the venue.
22:30 → 23:30
Walk back to your Marigny rental
22:30 → 23:30
Keeping the night within walking distance avoids a car and keeps the group together after music.
Short, easy walk from Frenchmen Street to your Marigny home; regroup and use the kitchen or nearby late-night spots if you want a nightcap.

If you fall behind

If you fall behind: skip Café du Monde after Liuzza's and go straight to The Spotted Cat to keep the night’s live-music anchor.

Plan a trip like this

Bookings & costs

$3,451–$6,646

0 of 10 bookable items booked

Food not included: about $1,680, listed below

0 of 10 bookable items booked

Locked in

paid or reserved

Still to book

$4,760

est. $3,270–$6,240 · 10 items

Gas & parking

$290

est. $181–$406

Booked prices are exact. Everything else is an estimate.

Know before you go

Practical notes for this trip — the things worth sorting before you leave.

Parade timing & street closures

Every parade mention here is a plan anchor only — check the official parade schedule and the city's street-closure notices the morning you go; parade routes and street closures change year to year.
Time-sensitive

Group logistics

You travel as one party of six with no car — plan to meet up at clearly named corners and allow 15–30 extra minutes to move across crowds between anchor spots.

Lodging & sleeping

Book one single Marigny or Lower Garden District rental that sleeps six in real beds with a kitchen and confirm occupancy rules and entry instructions with the host before arrival.
Time-sensitiveCheck in · Your rental home

Dining & reservations

Commander's Palace brunch must be booked for a Saturday or Sunday — confirm availability early; similarly call ahead for Willie Mae's and Liuzza's to learn their booking policy for a party of six.
Time-sensitiveCommander's Palace · Brunch

Museum & cemetery rules

Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 visits require a licensed guided tour and are allowed on non-Sundays only; check the official tour operator schedule and book the licensed guide in advance.
Time-sensitiveLicensed tour · Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1

Money & tipping

Bring cards and some cash for street vendors and musicians; tip servers and musicians as customary and confirm whether venues accept split checks for a group of six.

Getting around & streetcar

Move by foot and streetcar only — buy a short-term transit pass or use single-ride fare media, and expect slower movement along parade corridors where streetcars may be rerouted.

Safety & crowds

During Fat Tuesday wear identifiable group colors or a small leash card with your meeting spot; pick a paid viewing area if the group wants reserved seating and confirm that operator's policy.
Time-sensitiveFat Tuesday · Parade viewing (Option A / Option B)

Want this trip on your dates?

Make this yours — free, no account, no card.

Plan a trip like this

Questions about this plan

What kind of accommodation is recommended for a group of six friends?: The plan suggests a single 3-bedroom rental home in the Marigny, providing space for six with real beds, a kitchen, and close proximity to Frenchmen Street. Confirm bed count and exact address when booking.
How will we get around New Orleans without a car?: The itinerary relies on walking and public transit like streetcars. For transfers to and from the airport, it recommends rideshares or shuttles for the group, allowing for parade-related traffic on Fat Tuesday.
Is it possible to visit Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1?: Yes, the plan includes a licensed guided tour of Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1, which is the only way to visit. Be aware that visits are not allowed on Sundays, so confirm tour times when booking.
What's the plan for meals, especially on Fat Tuesday?: The itinerary features classic New Orleans spots like Liuzza's by the Track, Commander's Palace for brunch, Coop's Place, Willie Mae's Scotch House, and provides options for parade-time street food and a farewell cocktail at Carousel Bar & Lounge. Most bookings recommend confirming large-group seating.
How can we best experience the live music scene?: The plan includes evenings at The Spotted Cat Music Club and d.b.a. on Frenchmen Street, and a seated acoustic performance at the iconic Preservation Hall. Confirm cover policies, set times, and reservation needs for groups in advance.