re: NOLA for my first time

I personally wouldn't stay in the FQ. A lot will disagree for a first time visitor but the FQ isn't my favorite place, personally. I'd stay in the Warehouse District or CBD. Or rent a house in the Marigny. Again, a LOT of people will disagree for a first time visitor.

Nola public transit doesn't exist so budget to take Uber and Lyft everywhere. Don't take taxis they are abysmal.

See Bourbon Street once and then promptly don't go back. It's cool to see once but it's pretty shitty. Spend some time at Pat O's. The usual tourist stuff. You'll have a lot of fun.

Royal Street in the FQ is pretty cool during s weekend day with all the art galleries and stuff.

Music: Frenchmen Street in the Marigny (downriver from the FQ). No doubt. Hit up all the jazz clubs there. Walk around.

Hit Magazine St uptown during the day for shopping. Magazine from Washington to Jefferson is a good corridor to walk. Good shops and bars and restaurants.

WW2 Museum is a really really great museum and massive, if that's your thing.

Some wonderful restaurants to consider:

Commanders Palace
Shaya
Peche
Herbsaint
Compere Lapin
Cochon Butcher
Bevi Seafood
Bacchanal
Parkway (poboys)
Atchafalaya (spectacular and fun weekend Brunch)
Lilly's (Vietnamese)
Company Burger

By no means a comprehensive list, but should be a nice little mix of high end and casual, old and new.

Avoid the tourist traps in the FQ like Oceana at all costs.