I don't know New Orleans very well without my brother to guide me. All I can say is, don't eat anywhere on Canal Street if you can help it.
I agree with this 100%. Canal Street is overpriced for what you can get elsewhere.
If you like bar hopping, might want to consider skipping Bourbon St., try the bars on Frenchman St. instead. Much better atmosphere for the price.
Even if you are not really into history, you should make time and go to the WW2 museum. It is really worth it, one of the better museums I have ever been to. Also, the bar in the American Sector at the museum is not bad, though the food there can be pricey.
New Orleans has a assload of museums if you like that sort of thing. The Cabildo is a nice history museum, Mardi Gras World is a short ferry hop to the Westbank, I think it's free for pedestrians, that gives a history of Mardi Gras and the floats themselves. Not much else to do on the Westbank though. There are small museums all over town, in the historical houses in the city.
Harrah's on Canal St. if you like to gamble every now and then, not a bad casino.
If you are bringing anything back home, probably best to get it from the French Market. Probably best prices for that kind of thing in town.
Try out some of the Audobon Institute attractions. The zoo, aquarium, and insectarium are all top notch.
As for places to eat, you really can't go wrong in this city. Just ask someone at the hotel where to eat and you really can't miss.