My wife & I have a lot of fun just walking the Quarter. Might start out on Bourbon, if you've never been before, just to see the debautchery before dark, but all side streets have great little bars & restaurants. We have a drink or two, order some gumbo or similar appetizers, sit for a while, then start walking. Will find another in no time. Check out the French Market & the area near JB's Margaritaville Cafe, & Coop's (across Decature) from it. You'll see all kind of sights even during the day, a band or two out on the street, all the artists, etc. There's plenty of tips on TA for quaint places to check out. Might take a carriage ride starting at Jackson Square near the cathedral. You'll enjoy your day.

Shop at the French Market, people-watch from Cafe DuMonde, take a buggy ride, hop on the streetcar to see the beautiful mansions on St. Charles, or take a ride on the Riverfront or Canal Streetcar, have a drink at LaFitte's Blacksmith Shop...there are many fun things to do in New Orleans.

If you are arriving on M-F, take a taxi from the airport to check in your hotel and then go for lunch at Commander's Palace. They have affordable lunch specials and a selection of martinis for 25cents. After lunch, walk across the street to one of the oldest cemetaries in NOLA and take a free tour. Then walk around the neighborhood to see some beautiful houses. Then take the streetcar either direction ($1.25 each)...uptown to see more mansions, Irish town, Riverbend, Audobon Park etc. or downtown to see the warehouse district and old financial district. If going downtown, get off at the end of the line, and walk across Canal to the Quarter...one of the oldest still functioning neighborhoods in the US. The names of the streets change as you cross Canal. Royal St. is one of the most famous antique streets in the world, Bourbon, of course, is the entertainment street. Chartres has some grand shopping. Decatur is shopping and the front of Jackson Square. The other streets are residential and below the 900 block of any street is predominatly residential. However, you will find restaurants and local bars on most any street. The Gazebo on Decatur close to the entrance to the French Market is a wonderful outdoor place to stop, have a drink, people watch and listen to the live Blues Band that normally plays there.

If you arrive on Sat. instead of M-F, take a cab to your hotel and then go to the Quarter for lunch at Baccos on Chartres, next to the W hotel.Ask for a window seat. Nice lunch specials and 10cent martinis.

skt54: .25 martinis is something to look forward to:)

Thanks for your detailed responses!

I would agree with the Commander's Palace lunch suggestion. A perfect way to start your visit. If you like shopping you might venture from there down to Magazine Street and stroll awhile.

http://www.magazinestreet.com/

Lots of shops and boutiques to duck in and enjoy.

If you go the the Quarter, I'd recommend walking up and down Royal street to see things that you'll not see anywhere else. Fine antique stores and galleries including the very fine A Gallery for Fine Photography a block over at 241 Charters.

http://www.agallery.com/

You could always check out Harrah's Casino....