As far as bars go, Bourbon Street is the place to be. I've been to New Orleans eight times in the past six months, and even on a Sunday night in January, Bourbon Street is still hopping. There's something on Bourbon Street for everyone, from drunken karaoke at the Cats Meow, to a more upscale crowd at the Olde Absinthe Bar. Just make sure you don't go past St. Ann St...unless you're into that sort of stuff