As the official tour guide for New Orleans and the French Quarter (dosen't anyone say 'Vieux Carre' any longer?) for LSU Law School for three years, allow me to add my $0.02.
First, choice of hotels:
Stay in the quarter. The Royal Sonesta at 300 Bourbon Street is my first choice, since it overlooks Bourbon Street, but to save a few bucks try any of the 'French Quarter Hotels', a group of 3 small hotels that can be located on this map:
[url]http://www.frenchquarter.com/?file=map.html[/url]
Their rates are probably the best you'll find.
Choice of Bars:
There's only one must-see bar - Pat O'Brien's at 718 St. Peter. This 'English Theatre' was built in the second year of George Washington's first term as President!
Choice of Food:
Almost anywhere. But avoid places like Antoine's and Court of the Two Sisters, and other commercial joints, where their motto seems to be get 'em in, get 'em out! My favorite restaurant is Galatoire's at 209 Bourbon Street, simply because that's where a lot of the 'Old Nawlins' folk go to dinner. It is a long and leisurely dining experience! $25.00 - $50.00 per person, lunch/dinner.
But even the worst restaurant in the Quarter will be better than most anywhere else!
What to Do:
Go to the Aquarium of the Americas located on the Mississippi River at the corner of Canal and Decatur in downtown New Orleans. It is one of the top 10 aquariums in the United States, housing an incredible number of exhibits. The Aquarium also houses an IMAX theater, with the worlds largest movie screen.
Stroll the French Quarter, go to the Cafe du Monde on Jackson Square, anytime, for some cafe au lait and beignets (powdered donuts, sort of). Go to Central Grocery on Decatur, just down from the Cafe du Monde and see what a grocery store in Sicily might have looked like 50 years ago. It was where muffaletta sandwiches were first made, and still are!
Buy a muffy sandwich, get a coke, and go sit on Moon Walk that's on the Mississippi. Watch the ships steam by, there's a Navy port across the River in Algiers.
Take the Canal Street ferry across the River at night - it's free! It gives you a real good view of the Quarter!
Eric The(AndDon'tCallIt'TheBigEasy'Please)Hun[>]:)]