New Orleans -- What to do before boarding?

[Joy2Day]

I just booked a last-minute cruise out of NO for 1/27. I'll arrive late Friday night and have a room at the Hilton Riverside. Rather than hang out at the hotel all day, I'd like to see some of New Orleans.

 

It looks like it would be easy to catch the streetcar at the hotel and head down to the French Market. What time does the area come to life (mostly the shops)?

 

How walkable is it from the Hilton to the Grandeur while pulling/carrying luggage? Would it be simpler to grab a cab?

[Ryffian]

If you're hoping to go to more of the "boutique-like" shops, they all have pretty normal business hours (9-5 ish). The "tourist shops" (the ones selling t-shirts, beads, etc.) as well as the restaurants, and of course the bars, open in the morning and stay open much later. People will have street vendor set-ups In Jackson Square starting mid-morning as well. This is based on my experience in New Orleans at new year's, don't know if things are different as we get closer to Mardi Gras season!

[Joy2Day]

Thanks for the info! Glad to hear that stores will be opening by 9 or so. I'll only have the morning/early afternoon since I'll need to board the ship by 3 or so.

[memphislonghorn]

Joy, you must try to stop at Cafe DuMonde. Its on Decatur St., very close by. The beignets and coffee are out of this world, a New Orleans tradition.

You can't say you've experienced NOLA if you miss it.:)