First Impressions of New Orleans
Driving into New Orleans during Mardi Gras felt like entering another world—one filled with color, music, and a sense of celebration in every corner. We were there for two weekends, and honestly, it felt like we experienced a lifetime of parades, beads, and incredible food. With roads unexpectedly closed, we parked near the French Quarter on N Peters St, per a local (that we knew) recommendation. Turns out, that was a blessing in disguise! From there, we could walk everywhere, soaking in the energy of the streets without worrying about moving the van.
Where We Stayed
Our van was our home the entire time, parked in the heart of all the action. Being on a busy street meant the van rocked a bit as cars passed by, but honestly, we didn’t mind. The tradeoff? It was free and incredibly convenient! If you’re used to a little city noise, this kind of urban van life can be a great option. Plus, knowing we had a secure place to sleep just steps from the French Quarter made it all the more enjoyable.
Our Favorite Things to Do
We made the most of our time in NOLA, exploring the French Quarter and admiring its unique architecture, vibrant street performers, and bustling markets. We also checked out some of the historic cemeteries, which were beautiful and eerie at the same time. And of course, Bourbon Street—even though we aren’t huge partiers, we loved wandering through at different times of the day. The city truly never sleeps, and the atmosphere changed as the day went on, giving us something new to experience each time we walked through.
The Food—Because Let’s Be Real, That’s Why We Came!
Food was a huge part of our trip, and Ethan was in absolute heaven. Rebeca, however, had a slightly different experience due to her shellfish allergy—New Orleans is not the easiest city for avoiding seafood! That didn’t stop us from indulging in beignets every morning. Since Café du Monde had insane lines, we opted for Café Beignet, and let me tell you—no regrets. We also tried Morning Call Coffee Stand, which was just as amazing.
One of our favorite surprises? The $5 martinis at The Royal Frenchmen Bar during happy hour. Seriously, how can you beat that?
The Live Music Scene
New Orleans wouldn’t be New Orleans without its music. One of the best spots we found was Three Muses, a cozy jazz café just outside the French Quarter. The music was soulful, the atmosphere intimate, and it felt like a true local gem. Walking through the city, we stumbled upon countless street performances, all of them incredibly talented—it’s as if music is just woven into the DNA of the place.
The Mardi Gras Parades—An Experience Like No Other
Before we arrived, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect from the parades. Would they be rowdy? Chaotic? Turns out, Mardi Gras is actually super family-friendly. The entire community comes together to celebrate, and we had an absolute blast catching beads, listening to marching bands from across the country, and watching some of the most creative groups roll through. We saw Elvis impersonators, orchid-themed krewes, and so much more. It was an explosion of culture, creativity, and pure joy.
Tips for Van Lifers Visiting New Orleans
- Parking: Do your research ahead of time! We lucked out with our spot, but knowing the city layout can save you time and stress.
- Safety: We felt safe the whole time, but staying in a well-lit, busy area is key.
- Transportation: We walked everywhere, choosing to spend our money on food and experiences instead of Ubers. If you’re up for it, this is the best way to explore the city!
- Must-See: If you have time, check out the WWII Museum—it’s a powerful, must-visit experience that really puts history into perspective.
Would We Go Back?
We loved New Orleans, but for us, it felt like a one-and-done trip. Visiting during Mardi Gras was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it also meant that a lot of museums and attractions were closed. If we returned, it would be to see more of the city’s historic sites during a quieter time of year.
That said, we came for crawdads, parades, and the full Mardi Gras experience—and we got exactly that! If you’re thinking about visiting, we say go for it. Just be ready for an adventure unlike any other!
Have you done van life in New Orleans? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
Wandering with Charlotte 
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