Surviving New Orleans

Mardi Gras in New Orleans has always had a wild, untamed allure. Let’s be honest: I wasn’t drawn to the history or the pageantry. No, it was the debauchery that piqued my interest. American pop culture has painted Mardi Gras as the ultimate no-holds-barred street party, and I needed to find out for myself if the stories were true. Spoiler alert: they are.

Landing in New Orleans, I was greeted by a city that was as colorful as it was chaotic. Mardi Gras vibes were everywhere—think decorations dripping from balconies, beads strung like ornaments, and an overall electric buzz. However, what wasn’t in the guidebooks was the less festive undercurrent. Crime here felt inescapable. One blacked-out SUV, clearly on a mission, nearly ran my cab off the road, and distant gunshots punctuated the night. Let’s just say that a heightened police presence didn’t exactly bring a sense of calm. Still, despite the edginess, New Orleans was unmistakably alive, prepping for the party of the year.

I flew into New Orleans from London, courtesy of British Airways, and to my utter delight, I was bumped up to business class. It was smooth sailing until the inflight entertainment took an unexpected turn—a lovely elderly woman next to me decided to watch Magic Mike on her laptop, blissfully unaware her headphones weren’t plugged in. Cue loud, raucous male-stripper action for the entire cabin. Let’s just say I laughed all the way to Fort Worth, Texas, where I caught my much less glamorous connection to New Orleans.

Mardi Gras is all about the balconies if you’re not in the parades themselves. I secured a prime spot at the Cornet Balcony on Bourbon Street, which was a game-changer. For the uninitiated, Mardi Gras revelers on the streets earn beads by flashing, dancing, or showcasing over-the-top costumes. The action was so mesmerizing that I booked another night just to keep the party going from above. While the parades were in full swing, I wasn’t too keen on battling the crowds, so the balcony was my personal VIP spot. Who knows, maybe next time I’ll dive into the parades myself.

In between Mardi Gras madness, I stumbled upon a café called Two Chicks for what I thought would be a hearty meal of shrimp and grits. The long line outside suggested I was in for a treat, but the post-lunch bathroom trip begged to differ. New Orleans cuisine and my stomach didn’t exactly get along, and this would be a recurring theme throughout the trip. From jambalaya to grits to pancakes, nothing sat right. After that, I stuck to club sandwiches for survival.

Now, let’s talk accommodations. I stayed at the NOPSI Hotel, a grand, 1920s-era building with a fantastic rooftop pool and bar. The hotel had an industrial-chic vibe, complete with restored Art Deco features. When I wasn’t gallivanting around the French Quarter or Bourbon Street, I hung out at the hotel’s bar chatting with a friendly Scottish bartender. The NOPSI was a much-needed escape from the city’s intensity, offering a slice of luxury amidst the Mardi Gras mayhem

If you’re heading to Mardi Gras, a balcony is a must—trust me on that. But if you’re walking Bourbon Street at night, keep your wits about you. The streets are relatively tame during the day, but things can get sketchy after dark. For parade lovers, download the WDSU Parade Tracker app, or you might end up blocked from your hotel by an impromptu parade. Oh, and prepare your stomach: New Orleans’ cuisine is famous, but if your gut’s not ready for heavy Cajun spices, you’ll be bonding with the nearest restroom.

Would I do Mardi Gras again? Maybe, but not alone. While I’m thrilled to check it off my bucket list, the city’s danger and my rocky food experience made it a one-time affair. The madness of Mardi Gras was unforgettable, and for that, I’m glad I went. But next time, I’d bring a friend to share in the chaotic fun—and maybe, just maybe, pack a few more club sandwiches.

If you’ve been to Mardi Gras or are planning a trip, drop a comment below! Let’s swap stories about beads, balconies, and food fails!