Don your best carnival attire — along with the ubiquitous colorful beads — and get ready for this year’s Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans.

Though the holiday, also known as Fat Tuesday, is celebrated in various locales across the globe, Mardi Gras has become a quintessentially New Orleans event.

The parades and celebrations typically kick off in January, but most visitors tend to arrive March 1 and stay through Ash Wednesday (March 6). The biggest — and most popular — events culminate with the end of Carnival on Tuesday, March 5.

The largest parade is the Krewe of Endymion, which boasts more than 37 floats and finishes its march through town at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for the Endymion Extravaganza party. This year’s performers include Lionel Richie, Flo Rida, Chicago and more.

Whether you’re ready to book your trip now or just interested in what's available, take a look at these forthcoming flights between Miami and New Orleans, which we pulled from travel site Skyscanner.

We've also included top-rated hotels, restaurants and attractions in New Orleans to showcase the range of local amenities that travelers will find there.

(Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Flight deals to New Orleans

The cheapest flights between Miami and New Orleans are if you leave on March 2 and return from Louisiana on March 8. Frontier Airlines currently has roundtrip, nonstop tickets for $306.

Top New Orleans accommodations

Regarding where to stay, here are some of the city's top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.

The Hotel Monteleone (214 Royal St.)

If you're looking to splurge on top quality, consider The Hotel Monteleone. The hotel has a 4.7-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $179.

The Hotel Monteleone stands in the French Quarter within four blocks of Jackson Square, the Canal Street Shops, Harrah's New Orleans Casino and Bourbon Street.  

The Columns Hotel (3811 St. Charles Ave.)

If you're looking for an inexpensive place steeped in history, there's The Columns Hotel, which has rooms for $100/night.

"Built in 1883 and listed in the Registry of Historic Places, The Columns grips you from the moment you spy the white columned building and step onto the path toward the porch, which has been the site of many a sultry summer, mint julep-sipping cocktail hour or wedding party," wrote visitor Barbara.

The Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans (300 Bourbon St.)

If you're looking to splurge, try The Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans. With a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner, the hotel is one of the most luxurious in the city. Rooms are currently listed for $189/night.

Set in the heart of New Orleans, this hotel is close to Bourbon Street and the Riverwalk Marketplace, as well as Jackson Square.  

Featured New Orleans food and drink

If you're looking for a popular spot to grab a bite, New Orleans has plenty of excellent eateries to choose from. Here are a few from Skyscanner's listings to help you get started.

Cafe Du Monde (800 Decatur St.)

First things first: where to get a classic beignet. For a popular option, check out Cafe Du Monde, which has an average of 4.6 stars out of 405 reviews on Skyscanner.

This 24/7 French cafe (only closed on Christmas and during hurricanes) serves its patrons a cup of dark roasted chicory coffee. Complement your coffee with one of the spot's famous beignets.   

Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave.)

If you're looking for a local favorite restaurant pick, head to Commander's Palace, with 4.8 stars from 94 reviews.

 "Jazz brunches are a tradition here in the garden room overlooking the courtyard," wrote reviewer Michelle.   

 Lilette (3637 Magazine St.)

Finally, there's Lilette, which has five stars out of 16 reviews.

"Even though this restaurant is only 13 years old, it’s history in the making," wrote Justin. 

Featured local attractions

Not sure what to do in New Orleans, besides eat and drink? Here are two top recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.

The French Quarter (501 Basin St., New Orleans)

First up is The French Quarter. It has 4.7 stars out of 279 reviews.

The French Quarter, known also as as the Vieux Carré, is the heart of New Orleans as far as tourist attractions go. The iconic Bourbon and Royal Streets run parallel here, offering a rambunctious nightlife at the former and unique boutiques at the latter.  

Jackson Square (700 Decatur St.)

Then, there's Jackson Square. It checks in with 4.7 stars from 193 reviews.

The pleasant green square located near the waterfront of New Orleans serves as the home of the statue of Andrew Jackson. Bars and restaurants border the park, and the legendary Cafe Du Monde is just across the street.  

This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.