Friday, February 24, 2012

Top 5 things to do in New Orleans during Mardi Gras

A quick must do list for those who haven't been in New Orleans.

1. Walk around French Quarter and savor its architectural magnificence.

St. Louis Cathedral, built in 1718. It is the oldest cathedral in US


quaint Spanish inspired ironwork balconies and Creole townhouses
Every angle and every street in French Quarter looks like a postcard. Spanish inspired townhouses, old fashioned courtyards, cast iron balconies and carriageways brings you back in time and makes you feel that you've time traveled in the 17th century. Everything is authentic. Worn out buildings and brickhouses looks so amazingly beautiful. It proves to show that imperfections make things beautiful. 

2. Dress/Undress to impress. (The choice is yours!)


Pink all the way


A body paint and gold bikini ensemble on a 10C/50F weather. I hope this nice lady is already recovering from pneumonia.

Overdress is a foreign word in New Orleans especially during Mardi Gras. Feather boas, tons of bead necklaces, furs, colorful masks and ridiculous headpieces are normal sightings in Bourbon street and all around French Quarter. 

3. Watch the Mardi Gras parade.




Join the excited crowd in Canal Street as they watch all the colorful floats go by. Oh and grab your favorite drink on the way since the parade can lasts for hours.

4. Eat, drink and be merry.

Hickory Grilled Redfish with tasso and wild mushroom Pontalba potatoes, topped with sauteed Louisiana jumbo lump crabmeat and lemon butter sauce from Red Fish Grill

world famous beignets and cafe au lait from Cafe du Monde. We waited in line for 45 minutes (2 hours for full service) to get a taste of these!



Sizzling oysters from GW Fins. The best thing on earth. Let it swim in butter for an added ecstasy!

New Orleans is known for its outstanding cuisine. Skip red meats because their seafood selection is to die for.  Don't hesitate to indulge on local and popular dishes such as sizzling oysters, (a must! If you can just eat one thing in New Orleans, go straight to GW Fins and get 5 portions of it) gumbo shrimps, jambalaya, beignets and cafe au lait. Restaurant reservations during dinner time is necessary or you'll either wait 45 minutes to an hour to get a table.

Booze is available in every corner of French Quarter especially in Bourbon St. You can drink on the street all day and all night since there is no bar time in New Orleans. [This information is based on three locals I talked to. The 'no bar time rule' is not just during Mardi Gras. It's all year round] So drink and be merry! Just don't pass out on the streets and leave your valuables tucked safely in your hotel room's safe. 

5.  Join the jazz festivities in Frenchmen St. and party in Bourbon St. like there's no tomorrow. 

Blue Nile Jazz Nightclub along Frenchmen St. This band did their own rendition of 'Rolling in the Deep'.



Bourbon Street at 2 am

Frenchmen Street is a long strip of jazz clubs frequented mostly by locals, hippies, poets and artists. Bourbon street is more popular among the tourist as it is always featured in travel programs. There's a long line of strip clubs and people in balconies throw beaded necklaces for people willing to show their tits. If you're not comfortable showing yours, it's OK. They will not condemn you for it.  Bourbon is more crowded and crazy. Check out both streets. Party all you can!


Even though my trip to New Orleans was very brief, I'm so ecstatic that it happened. Aside from the fact that I was able to cross it off my bucket list for 2012, I honestly think that it was one of the most beautiful city in America. I'm dead serious about this. I never thought that it would be this AMAZING! If you think you've already seen the best parties because you've been to New York, Miami, Chicago and Las Vegas, you are absolutely wrong. New Orleans has a lot to offer. Authentic old world feel, amazing food, incredible party scene and an over all unique experience, you'll never run out of things to do.



2 comments:

  1. i enjoyed reading your blog! very well done... cant wait for more blogs from u! keep up the good work, girl!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! Thank you! That was really heartwarming! =)

      Delete