Allow time to explore the French quarter on foot. There are many interesting shops and restaurants. If you have time take a tour of near by old plantation homes on the river. New Orleans used to have a good zoo also, not sure how it fared through Katrina. Mardi Gras is great fun, but use caution and common sense, lots of wild and crazy folks who've had too much to drink. Eat as much as you can! The food is great.