Sorry it took me a while to spot this post--with the playoff game going on today, I've been a little distracted, but the Seahawks are driving right now and I can't bear to watch, so here I am.
Have you looked into special rates related to the conference you're attending? Spring and fall are super-busy times in the city due to conventions, but since you're going to attend one, it could actually work in your favor. If not, then your best bet might be to stay a bit farther from the Convention Center and closer to the Superdome; it would be too far to walk to the CC, but a short and cheap taxi ride. Your best bet, though, is to see if you can book into the convention blocks of rooms.
As for where to go and what to do, there's such a long list that I don't think you'd have time for half of it.
If you're staying anywhere downtown, you'll be within walking distance or at most a short cab ride from the French Quarter. The Quarter has an entirely different character during the day than it does at night. During the day (assuming you're not in your conference), you might enjoy walking down Royal Street--lots of art galleries and antique shops.
If you want to splurge, you can have breakfast at Brennan's which is kind of a traditional thing to do, but I'd actually recommend Petunia's or The Palace on Canal Street for brunch. You can get the same eggs Sardou for half the price at either of the other two places and it's just as good.
The French Quarter at night is a lot rowdier and raunchier, especially along Bourbon Street. Bourbon's fun to walk on for a little bit to people-watch, but probably not where you're going to want to hang out for very long. Instead, try Decatur Street toward Esplanade. There's a bar called Coop's Place that serves a nice range of beers and some excellent food in a cozy atmosphere; it's a little off the beaten touristy track, but that's part of what makes it great.
Wherever you decide to go, finish the evening at Cafe du Monde right near Jackson Square. Beignets are freakin'
delicious, but they are also heavy little gut-bombs. Splitting an order might be a good idea just because they fill you up so much. CdM is open 24/7, so whenever you go, there's cafe au lait and beignets waiting.
Anywhere in the Quarter is fun to stroll around in, but if you get a little tired of seeing the Quarter, the best way to see a big swatch of the rest of the city is via streetcar, believe it or not. You get on the streetcar on Canal Street, the main drag that separates the FQ from the rest of downtown. The streetcar line itself is a bit of history, as it's the oldest in the country; the cars themselves are from the 20s for the most part, though thanks to Katrina we did have to invest in some newer ones. The main streetcar line curves along St. Charles Avenue and lets you see the Garden District. It's one of the best tours you'll get of the city--and it costs a buck twenty-five.
If you do decide to take the streetcar, you might want to get off and walk toward the river a few blocks to Magazine Street if you enjoy shopping. It's a really eclectic mix of places and though it's gotten more gentrified in spots, there are other stretches that feature a Salvation Army right next to a luxury spa--it's a fun mixed bag. Great coffee shops, too!
If you have the time to see it and if sea life is your thing, the Aquarium of the Americas is right downtown at the foot of Canal Street and not too far from the Convention Center. It's tranquil and pretty and makes a nice respite from the heat of the day (which may be pretty hot during March, as you know from being in east Texas
).
If there's anything at all I can help with or anything you'd like more information on, I would be happy to lend a hand. I hope you have an absolute blast here and that you decide to make it a regular vacation spot--everyone should love this place as much as I do.