Well there is no place else like Bourbon Street.
Just walking up and down and watching people. You can get a to go cup of beer and just hang out, of course if you hear some music that you enjoy, then you can carry the beer in but they will make you purchase one there. Sometimes its fun to just hang out on the street and listen.
There are lots of shops and restaurants on Bourbon Street also. Some are very expensive and some are inexpensive like the Cajun Cabin.
The T-shirts and souvenirs are less expensive at the French Market.