This was a hard review to write. Being our first time in New Orleans, we felt we had to visit Bourbon Street. We walked here in the day time, night time, for drinks, for dinner, for desserts.
First of all, we were not disappointed by all the history and the gorgeous fences, gates, railings, and balconies built with wrought iron going back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It is definitely rich in history. The amount of restaurants, shops, cafes, bars, dessert places is worth the visit. We found so many good places to enjoy. In the evening, we saw a nice parade with a brass band and a lot of people in costumes and some even walking on tall stilts. Very fun. Lots of street performers. They close the street down at night so it is pedestrians only.
Second, yes, it is urban. You will smell stuff that is not pleasant. You will see homelessness and drunkenness and people doing whatever they are doing that is "not to your liking". It is urban. Most of the people are probably from out of town. Manage your expectations then you will not be disappointed.
Very glad we visited the area several times. Is it a place we want to visit every year? Probably not.