A word of warning - be very careful with your personal belongings as you walk around the Quarter! My wallet was stolen out of my purse (which had many other things in it which were NOT stolen) and I never even realized it until later.
There are some great things about the Quarter, but this definitely tainted my experience. PLEASE be aware of what's going on.

The French Quarter is such a unique and wonderful place. It's beautiful/elegant and shabby/dirty at the same time. The locals are friendly and willing to do their part to make sure that you have a good time. The food, drinks, music, shopping, people watching, and sightseeing will keep you going day and night. Or you can spend your visit relaxing and moving at a slow and easy pace, savoring the delicious food, drinks and fun just steps from your hotel. People of all ages and budgets will find plenty of activities suited to their tastes and wallets. There are many nice hotels in the Quarter, in every price range. I've stayed at the Monteleone, Dauphine Orleans, and Soniat House -- all were wonderful and I recommend each highly. In my three visits to New Orleans I haven't even begun to experience all of the sights, sounds, delicious food and happy times this magical place offers. The atmosphere is like no other place on earth and I can't get enough of it. Every time I leave, I cry as my plane takes off.

The French Quarter is a unique, interesting little corner of the world. Lots of charm, colourful people, and rich history. It doesn't feel like an American city, it was kind of surreal, felt like we were on a movie set. Try to include a haunted walking tour on your itinerary, you&rsquoll learn a lot about the city. Muriel's Bistro in Jackson Square is wonderful, the food is delicious, and the service even better, and you'll feel the presence of Antoine the ghost! Save room for dessert at Cafe Du Monde! Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, cobblestone streets are uneven and we saw a couple people fall. Avoid the fortunetellers...they won't tell you anything you don't already know.

The French Quarter is a Wonderful place to come visit & have loads of fun. just bring some comfy shoes because walking is a major requirement!! (but alot better than driving) There's never a lack of restaurants or stores. Jackson Square was my favoite though. I loved the cathedral & carriages there. Jax Brewery was ok too but I expected it to be alot better. The French Market is awsome!! If your looking for some good deals on souveneirs & other things you might see on the other streets in the quarter come here 1st!! When the sun begins to set,if you have your kids with you,AVOID Bourbon ST. There's alot of wild things going on that you might not want them exposed to.( 15 & under.....I'm old fashioned) If not & you're the partying & drinking type, this place was taylor made for YOU! Personally I'm not but went down it anyway just to see what all the fuss was about .....at 1 point,majority of the strip smelled of Alcohol (But Hey, it's Bourbon st right?) After I saw some other things I didn't need to be involved in ..that's when I decided to call it a night & head back to the hotel before it got too late. OVERALL this is a great place where everyone needs to visit at least once...maybe twice (smile)