Concierge.com's insider take:

Abutting the convention center, this reclaimed industrial area crackles with energy and is home to hip restaurants and contemporary art galleries. Repurposed warehouse space has given birth to a mini museum district. The newly constructed Ogden Museum of Southern Art is its showpiece; affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, the Ogden has the largest collection of Southern art in the world, dating from the 1730s to today (925 Camp St.; 504-539-9600; www.ogdenmuseum.org). Across the street is the comprehensive National D-Day Museum, founded by the late historian Stephen E. Ambrose as "America's National World War II Museum" (945 Magazine St.; 504-527-6012; www.ddaymuseum.org). The cavernous Contemporary Arts Center hosts a hodgepodge of events, including dance, theater, and music (900 Camp St.; 504-210-0224; www.cacno.org). Currently, most museums maintain a partial exhibition schedule—the better to maximize weekend visitors—so call ahead before hopping in the cab.