New Orleans December 24 cruise Carnival dream

Hi we are staying near the airport the night before our Carnival cruise on December 24 2017. We would like to explore downtown New Orleans. any ideas would be helpful. We have considered Horse & Buggy ride or just a self guided walking tour. Our flight arrives at 430pm so we would be looking at heading downtown for dinner after we check in At the Holiday Inn Express Saint Rose. Thanks Russ

Just as an FYI, it is a bit of drive from the airport to downtown. That said, the horse and buggy (in front of Jackson Square) can be fun, as long as the weather is good. Otherwise, I always recommend that folks walk through the Quarter and get a sense of the place. Visit Cafe Du Monde and then stroll down Royal Street (or vice versa). Royal is a great street as it is lined with art galleries, gift shops, and generally has music on several corner. It is more of the "real" FQ than Bourbon Street, at least in my opinion.

dctravel