The New Orleans Mardi Gras is one of the world's most significant events, drawing thousands of visitors each year to the southern metropolis. The area has an interesting culture and there is an incredible lot to see and do during Mardi Gras.

Here's a list of activities you may do during the celebrations to get the most out of the occasion.

1. Have some King Cake.

The king cake is a tasty and unique Mardi Gras delicacy cooked with a small plastic baby doll buried inside. The person who discovers the infant will throw the King Cake Party the following year.

The cake itself is an oval ring of Danish bread typically decorated with sugar toppings in festive hues such as purple, green, and gold. Every year, tens of thousands of king cakes are devoured across the country, particularly in Louisiana, where the dessert originated.

Some bakeries, such as New Orleans' Haydel Bakery, have started shipping their delectable cakes all over the world. If you don't have a chance to sample it while you're there, you may always order one to eat later.

2. Watch from the best balcony views.

During Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the balconies offer a different experience. While just a few provide you with a bird's eye perspective of the parade route, they're all worth seeing, especially on Bourbon Street.

The Bourbon Vieux, which has the most extensive balcony in New Orleans and boasts an open bar, gourmet cuisine, and a private toilet, is one of the most popular balconies.

The St. Christopher Hotel also has some beautiful views of the city and is conveniently located in the French Quarter. This allows you to experience the activity while relaxing in a more tranquil setting.

The Avenue Pub also features an open balcony with a capacity of 100 people. It quickly fills up during the occasion, but you will not regret visiting it.

3. Try your luck in catching prizes.

New Orleans organizes many parades every few days from January through Fat Tuesday. "Throws" such as baubles, beads, and other objects, are hurled from floats to the crowds.

This has been a practice since 1870, and all parade-goers compete for the beads, cups, and doubloons. The throws encourage everyone to participate in the thrill of the event, including float riders and visitors. It ensures that everyone takes home a keepsake from the exciting celebration.

4. Tour the city.

It would be a pity not to stroll and discover more about the town from experts, as New Orleans is rich in culturally intriguing. The NOLA City Segway Tour is a beautiful choice for visiting the city because it only takes three hours and visits the French Quarter, the Mississippi River Front, Bourbon Street, and more.

Free Tours by Foot provides name-your-own-price tours like the New Orleans Voodoo Tour and the French Quarter Tour if you want a slower-paced tour that takes a deeper look at particular locations. These trips last around two hours and cover about a mile.

5. Drink, drink, drink.

Mardi Gras is a massive celebration in a community that loves to celebrate. If you're going to the event, make a point of trying a Sazerac, an elegant rye whiskey or bourbon-based drink that has been dubbed America's original cocktail and was developed in New Orleans.

The town is also one of the few cities in the United States without an open container legislation, which means you may walk about with your alcoholic drinks in hand. If you're not a lover of scotch or bourbon or just don't know what to order, check out various menus for some fantastic Mardi Gras cocktails.

6. Experience the local cuisine.

The spicy tastes of Cajun and Creole cuisine are well-known in New Orleans. Gumbo, a popular meal, comprises several ingredients that vary depending on where you go, but it usually includes okra, rice, sausage, spices, and chicken. Galatoire's Restaurant on Bourbon Street, operational for almost 100 years, is a fantastic spot to enjoy some New Orleans gumbo.

The po'boy is a roast beef and seafood sandwich served on French bread created in 1929. and has since become a mainstay of New Orleans cuisine, is another famous dish.

7. Mask up.

Masks were first used at Mardi Gras to get away from the limitations of socio-economic classes. Regardless of social level, everyone was permitted to chat and interact together for a few days out of the year.

By law, float riders are even expected to wear masks during Mardi Gras parades. Many balls are masquerades, and all participants are required to wear masks.

Although they are usually private, you may be able to acquire a ticket and attend. So, whether you make and design your mask or buy one from stores, you should indeed participate in the long-standing custom. Disguise your face and assume the identity of anybody you like, at least for a few hours.

8. Dress up and stand out.

One of the finest ways to completely immerse yourself in the Mardi Gras celebration is to dress up in costume. So select something strange, bright, or even elegant and have fun. You may either pick up some great options from several local stores or make your own. Mardi Gras is one of the few occasions of the year when you will be the only one in the crowd if you aren't dressed extravagantly.

You may order fabulous mardi gras costumes from a reputable online store like Charismatico. It provides hassle-free services so you can make the most out of your mardi gras experience.