Never been but the wife wants to go. Any recommendations on places or food?

carry concealed

Maybe a couple each….

Stick to the main streets, especially after dark

Horse buggy tour of the French quarter is pretty cool.

WWII museum.

The Audubon Zoo is world renowned and worth a stop IMO and Audubon Park is pretty nice. You should probably take a walking tour of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street just to say you've been there. And might as well drink a hurricane at Pat O'Briens just to say you've done it. Be sure to grab a PoBoy at NOLO's or some place like it. But like the others advise, not a place to hang into the wee hours. Daytime and early evening for dinner is safe enough. I'd suggest getting outside of New Orleans and do a plantation tour or a air boat swamp tour.

F-that place.

Go to Vegas or Nashville instead.


New Orleans is a cess pool

Drago's for the charbroiled oysters.

Very sound advice! Visiting once was enough for me.

A "Leaving New Orleans" sign.

WWII museum is really good. I have been told they have added several wings since I was there 4 years ago. Give at least a half a day or longer to visit.

Other than that...not much honestly. Some good food stops there, but other than food, not much to see there.

That was my first thought.

Yes, it could be dangerous if you wander off the beaten path. Never once even remotely had any sort of dangerous situation in the ~15 times I've been there. That includes the French Quarter, Uptown, Downtown, Arts/Warehouse District, and the west suburbs. Don't do anything dumb, don't get annihilated, and use common sense.

So many great restaurants. One of the best dining cities in America at all price points.

As for non-eating/drinking things to do, go to the WW II Museum and give yourself at least 3 hours. I think you could spend a full day there. The zoo is good. The Audubon Aquarium right on the river is fantastic with or without kids. Take a long walk right outside the French Quarter. Check out Frenchman St. for live jazz. Go to Jackson Square and take in street music, vendors, and people watching. Walk the Miss. River. Walk the Garden District. Take a tour of the old cemetery, can't remember the name. I don't really care for Harrah's, but it's a big casino.

New Orleans School of Cooking is a good way to spend an afternoon. You won't be cooking , only observing and eating.

The after noon we were there , we were served Gumbo , breadpudding and pralines.

You will learn a lot about history of New Orleans as it pertains to the origin of Creole and Cajun cooking,

A strong second on Drago's for grilled oysters.

MO

My Wife went to Tulane and has friends that grew up and still live there so we get to see a non tourist point of view.
We spoil ourselves and stay at The Royal Sonesta (on Bourbon between Bienville and Conti). A little pricey but If you go that route request a room that DOES NOT overlook Bourbon St.
Desiree Oyster Bar at the Sonesta is a great restaurant.
I think there is still a good place just across Conti from the hotel that serves a good breakfast.
I like to walk through the Quarter in the morning as the shops are opening up. You get an appreciation of the history of the City and the architecture without the crowds
Get off of Bourbon St. Go a block over to Royal and walk around . Really fun shops and at night some of the better jazz bars (without the Bourdon St drunks).
If you really have to go to Pat O'Brian's, go in the early afternoon and be done with it.
I discovered a place called Cafe Pontalba ( at the corner of St Peter and Chartres) on the corner of Jackson Square. Good food, a great place to people watch and the building has a really cool history.
If you really have to eat at the big name places go for lunch and then find someplace you have never heard of for dinner (think adventures in dining) and don't be restricted by staying in the Quarter.
I second the Zoo. It's out by Tulane and Loyola. There are some little places out there that are mostly locals and students.
The WWII museum is good but make sure you can reserve tickets in advance.
The Garden District is cool as well.
Big thing to remember is it is a walking city.
I always tell people...'There is more to New Orleans that THe French Quarter and there is more to the Quartet than Bourbon Street'.

Make sure to wear a dark shirt (black preferred) at Cafe Du Monde. It's a must.

tatas

Been there a couple times and enjoyed it. If you not sure if you are going to return I'd say you need to do these things.

Jackson Square including the cathedral.
French Market
Cafe du Monde - Late night beignet and cup of their coffee was way better than I expected. Way up there on my list of culinary experiences.
Bourbon street - earlier the better. Totally acceptable to go in the morning, the streets have just been washed, there will already be music and its completely acceptable to drink for breakfast.
Acme Oyster house. I get it its touristy buy I really enjoyed it.
Pick a sketchy gas station in the wrong part of town, go in and get a po boy.

^ Speaks the truth! You get off the plane and it hits you, smells like a waste water plant!

I would say the same thing about Houston.

dont let the dude polish your shoes.

Agree!

I second that.