You should plan your vacation around the music scene in New Orleans. We saw Maceo Parker at House of Blues, a fabulous brass band at Donna's Bar & Grill and a soothing jazz band at the Funky Butt. Funky Butt is located at 714 North Rampart Street (558-0872). Donna's is located a few blocks away.
Quick Tips:
Check out what festivals are playing that weekend and plan your trip around them -- we caught the very end of the Louisiana Swamp Fest at the Audubon Zoo (6500 Magazine Street)(1-866-ITS-A-ZOO). The dust from the zoo was circling around us from the stomping (dancing) of everyone around us. It was incredible. SwampFest is free with paid zoo admission or membership.
We also luckily stumbled upon an art festival on Magazine Street. These monthly art festivals offer free cocktails, sandwiches and desserts. The art stores on Magazine Street, which has stores for 6/7 miles, are more sophisticated yet less expensive and less crowded than the stores in the French Quarter.
If you are not into the crowds and inebriation found in the French Quarter during the evening, check out the french quarter during the day -- it's filled with artists and is very entertaining. Best Way To Get Around:
Taxis are expensive, but they are the best way to get around. You can also take the trolley if you have time and are on a budget (wait for the trolley averaged 20-30 minutes, and the ride is slow). The trolley takes you to the french quarter, the zoo, Tulane, and many places in between.