Go to NO! As a native, you will love it. Just a few suggestions: Audubon Zoo and Park, streetcars, Aquarium, the mighty Mississippi, Jackson Square, Bourbon St, antique shops on Magazine, music food, Lakeshore Drive on Lake Pontchartrain ( Landry's is right on the water with great views), catch a pro basketball game (pelicans), take a drive to Biloxi and check out the beach, take a drive up the river on river road and go plantation house looking (e.g. Oak Alley), and none need to be done at night.
NO is like any other big town. Just stay where all the people are any you'll be just fine.