How Safe is New Orleans for Visitors? | Tips from Locals (2024)

A lot of people worry about how safe it is to visit New Orleans, and while this is a generally valid concern, they are often a bit overblown.

I am a local walking tour guide, and I often get asked for tips on safety in the city during my tours, so I felt it prudent to create this guide to help answer some of the most common queries.

In the creation of this guide, I used my own personal experiences and expertise to come up with the helpful suggestions included.

And, in the video below, myself (Andrew) and James, local tour guides with us, Free Tours by Foot New Orleans, discuss these tips in greater detail.

I also considered some of the tips and suggestions that members of our New Orleans Travel Tips Facebook group have shared.

This popular group of roughly 40k members consists of locals, like our tour guides, regular visitors, and newbies to New Orleans who love sharing their first-hand insight with others.

• How Dangerous Is New Orleans?
• Is It Safe to Visit?
• 7 Safety Tips
• Which Areas of NOLA Are Safe?
• Tips from Locals and Recent Visitors
• NOLA Travel Ideas from our Facebook Group Members

How Dangerous is New Orleans for Visitors?

This is the question that visitors often neglect to ask, and it’s an important factor to consider because not all crime is inherently violent.

Like most mid to large-sized American cities, crime is an issue. New Orleans ranks above the national average in most crime statistics, including violent crime rates.

However, the majority of this crime in Louisiana's biggest city occurs in neighborhoods that visitors never go to and the majority of crime in New Orleans occurs between people who know each other.

Is New Orleans Safe to Visit?

The City of New Orleans has earned a bad reputation for robbery and other criminal offenses due to a variety of factors, but the truth is that it is fairly safe for tourists and visitors.

We advise you to not openly wear valuable objects like cameras or even a popular brand of purse, it could make you a target for petty theft.

Try to blend in as a local, but also be aware that most tourist areas have a very heavy and visible police presence, helping to defer crime.

Weather is a condition that tourists may not concern themselves with when booking vacations, but in New Orleans, you must.

Proper footwear, sunscreen, and hydration are imperative to one's comfort and safety in the Summer months.

You are much more likely to be a victim of sunburn or heatstroke than one form of crime or another.

Known as America's Atlantis the city can often flood, (remember Hurricane Katrina), and have occasional tornadoes, and extreme weather.

It is best to pay attention to the forecast, and even download a radar app for when you are here.

This is especially importantduring hurricane season, which runs from June to November, with the peak being the month of September.

Make sure that you have National Weather apps downloaded during "The Season".

7 Safety Tips for Tourists in New Orleans

We do have a few tips to help keep you safe and avoid any problems whatsoever.

Keep these ideas in mind while wandering around the Big Easy.

1. Regulate Your Drinking

You may have come to New Orleans to forget about life’s rules for a bit. However, it is best to keep your alcohol consumption in check.

Without a doubt, overly drunk pedestrians are prime targets for pickpockets and other petty theft. Do not set yourself up to be a victim.

LOCAL TIP: Hi, it's Andrew again. One of the things I go over in my video guide on this subject is the idea of staying sober the first night of your visit to New Orleans in order to get the lay of the land before you make it even easier to get lost by having a few drinks!

2. Take a Taxi, Uber, Lyft or Pedicab at Night

While it’s usually much easier to walk around locations such as the French Quarter, we recommend taking a cab or rideshare to get around the city after dark.

3. Look Like You Belong

When you think of New Orleans, beads are probably the main souvenirs that come to mind, even if you aren’t visiting during Mardi Gras season.

Unfortunately, visitors buying and wearing beads outside of Carnival Season is usually a sign to petty thieves that you are a tourist.

The same goes for wearing cheesy t-shirts or carrying around plastic hand grenade cups.

4. Travel in Groups

Pickpockets and other petty criminals are less likely to approach large groups of people who know each other.

If you’re alone or only traveling with one or two other people, make sure you are not the only person or group walking on the street you are on.

Or, join several of our walking tours. They are pay-what-you-wish tours and you will be joined by other travelers, including solo travelers.

5. Stay in Well-Lit Areas

This advice might seem obvious, but you’ll want to avoid any dark alleys at night when you’re visiting New Orleans.

Stay around the well-lit areas of the city if you want to stay safe.

With that said, the chances that you would run into trouble on one of these alleys in the French Quarter, for example, are almost zero but still significantly higher than the main illuminated strips.

6. Keep Luggage and Valuables Stored Away

If you’re carrying a wallet, backpack, or purse around the city, and it’s located somewhere on your body that you can’t see easily, it could be easy to pickpocket.

One way to avoid this is to keep valuables out of easily accessible areas of your bags, but another option is to use a luggage storage service.

There are storage options for as little as an hour or two.

7. Don't get Distracted by Pickpockets

The senses can be heightened when in New Orleans with so much to see, hear, smell, and taste.

For that reason, visitors can find themselves distracted, maybe enjoying some Dixieland Jazz being played on the street.

Pickpockets and thievesknow this and may victimize those who are unaware.

Bars and live music areas can be prime locations for opportunists to prey upon tourists.

Stay aware while still enjoying yourselves. Smart tourists leave valuables and some identification and money in their hotel room when heading out on the town.

When out in the Quarter keep your phones and cameras secure, put them away when not using them.

It is also advised to keep your ID and Wallet in your front pocket. Women often use crossbody bags that are harder to be snatched off their shoulders or from their hands.

It’s common for people to walk up to tourists and say, “I bet I can tell you where you got your shoes.” Walk past them and do not engage.

It is best to not engage with scammers, people trying to sell you trinkets (hats, beads, bracelets) often have accomplices who will try to distract you for theft reasons.

Read about these and other scams from our post,How to Avoid Tourist Traps.

Which New Orleans Neighborhoods Are Safe for Tourists?

Most of the time, tourists and visitors to New Orleans won’t experience any crime no matter where they go in this city.

Even so, some areas are going to be safer than others, and we recommend staying in these neighborhoods, mostly along the Mississippi River, if you have any concerns.

The French Quarter

This neighborhood is almost always safe during the day. It's the main area for tourism in New Orleans, so there's usually a decent amount of police presence in the area.

Popular streets and attractions are usually pretty safe even at night, but I still recommend walking in groups if possible.

The Garden District

Garden District is known for its historic charm, beautiful architecture, and affluent residents, which often contribute to a relatively safe environment.

However, like any urban area, it's essential to exercise caution and awareness of your surroundings, especially at night and in less populated areas.

While visiting the Garden District, remember not to pass Magazine Street towards the river.

This area is known as the Irish Channel. It is not a tourist neighborhood and you will stick out as not being a resident. Uptown and Lakeview are also good choices to hang around.

Armstrong Park

Armstrong Park is home to many music festivals, due to the fact that it's named after Louis Armstrong.

It has undergone revitalization efforts in recent years, making it a safer and more vibrant destination compared to its past reputation.

During the daytime, Armstrong Park generally sees more visitors, activity and tours, making it safer to explore.

At night, it's typically recommended to avoid secluded areas and to stay in well-lit, populated areas if you're visiting the park.

Treme

Treme, one of the oldest neighborhoods in New Orleans and home to St. Louis Cemetery #1, has a rich cultural history.

It has experienced significant revitalization efforts in recent years, with improvements in infrastructure, community engagement, and cultural preservation.

During the daytime, Treme is generally safe to visit, especially in well-trafficked areas and popular cultural attractions such as Louis Armstrong Park and the Backstreet Cultural Museum.

However, as with any urban neighborhood, it's advisable to remain vigilant, avoid walking alone at night, and stay in well-lit, populated areas.

City Park

City Park in New Orleans is considered safe to visit even at night due to several key factors.

The park is well-maintained, with adequate lighting and security measures in place to deter criminal activity and promote a sense of safety.

City Park is a popular recreational destination, frequented by both locals and tourists, which contributes to a higher level of foot traffic and social activity, particularly during evening hours.

One of the famous attractions of the park, City Putt (mini golf), opens late till 10 PM attracting large crowds and fostering a sense of community engagement and supervision.

Additionally, the park's layout, with well-defined paths and open spaces, allows for easy navigation and visibility, reducing the likelihood of encountering secluded or isolated areas where safety concerns may arise.

Oak Street

The Oak Street area of New Orleans is considered safe due to its vibrant community, active nightlife, and well-attended commercial district.

The area benefits from regular foot traffic, bustling restaurants, bars, and live music venues, fostering a sense of security.

Additionally, the presence of local businesses, residents, and visitors contributes to a watchful and engaged environment.

However, as with any urban area, it's essential to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, specially during night.

St. Claude (Entertainment District)

St. Claude in New Orleans is considered safe due to revitalization efforts, increased community engagement, and improved infrastructure.

The area benefits from a growing arts and cultural scene, with galleries, theaters, and music venues contributing to a vibrant atmosphere.

Regular foot traffic and active neighborhood associations foster a sense of community and security.

This entertainment area is safe as long as you stay on St. Claude Ave and stay on blocks with multiple businesses on them.

The Warehouse District is also good but you should avoid going there in night.

Be Careful in These Areas

Bourbon Street

You need to be cautious while visiting Bourbon Street due to its reputation for heavy crowds, excessive alcohol consumption, and occasional instances of petty crimes.

The street's lively nightlife attracts a diverse mix of visitors, which can sometimes lead to disturbances.

Additionally, the presence of intoxicated individuals and the potential for aggressive behavior can contribute to feelings of insecurity.

While efforts are made to maintain order, you should exercise caution and keep all our tips in mind while enjoying Bourbon Street's attractions.

The Garden District/Irish Channel

The Garden District and Irish Channel areas aren't considered unsafe but isolated incidents can occur.

The closer you get to the water in this part of the city, the more you want to avoid it at night.

Being aware of surroundings and taking standard safety precautions can enhance the experience of exploring these vibrant neighborhoods.

Central City

This is a local neighborhood that does have a high crime rate. There are no tourist attractions in this area.

But there are some hostels in this neighborhood. If you stay at one, do not walk back at night, take a ride share to the front door.

Frenchmen Street, and the Marigny

This area has a lot of nightlife and live music. It is a triangular neighborhood and it is easy to get lost, especially when imbibing alcohol.

During the day be aware and know where you are headed.

At night stay on Frenchmen St., It begins on Esplanade and Decatur Street and ends at “The John” at the corner of Burgundy and Frenchmen.

Limit your visit to this particular area and do not go further.

Special Tip: While the Audubon Zoo is a popular attraction on the southwest end of New Orleans, we advise only visiting during the day, as the city’s parks close at dusk.

Use a cab/bus/car to get back to the French Quarter afterward. You can take the #11 Bus, or the Saint Charles Streetcar back to Canal Street.

We advise a similar strategy for anyone visiting City Park to the north. You can take the “Museums” streetcar back to the French Quarter.

Is Public Transport in New Orleans Safe?

Yes, it is very safe, whether taking a bus or a streetcar.

Of course, the same advice above about avoiding certain areas at night applies,

Is The French Quarter Safe at Night?

Stay in bright areas and streets with high traffic like Decatur, Royal, Bourbon, Esplanade, and Canal St.

Is It Safe To Walk at Night In New Orleans?

Well-lit streets with people walking on them are safe, but for your safest bet taxis and rideshares are best when traveling distances.

Is Bourbon Street Safe At Night?

It is mostly safe. Keep an eye on your belongings and stay in bars, as to stay away from the riff-raff.

It is best to follow your instincts and not get too inebriated to stay aware.

Where Not To Stay In New Orleans?

You may be tempted to stay in an Airbnb or a hotel in an unrecognizableneighborhood.

We suggest against staying in short-term rentals or in hotels in neighborhoods outside of the touristcenter, for safety reasons.

Stay safe by staying in the French Quarter, CBD, Garden District, or Metairie.

Here are some suggestions of where to stay in New Orleans by neighborhood.

Tips on Staying Safe in New Orleans from Travelers and Locals

The comments below are from our New Orleans Travel Tips Facebook group and similar groups.

They offer a well-rounded look at safety in NOLA overall. Plus, some of these questions and comments may apply directly to you!

However please take them with a grain of salt. Everyone knows their comfort level when it comes to feeling safe.

If your gut tells you not to do something, you probably shouldn't.

Safety in General

Comments like these can be found in thousands of comments across NOLA Travel Groups on Facebook and they all agree with our safety tips above!

Safety Traveling With Kids in NOLA

While some people think of NOLA as an “adult-only” city, there are a lot of fun things to do in New Orleans with kids.

Here are just some of the thoughts that travelers and locals had on the subject.

How Safe is the French Quarter?

Tourists and locals alike feel that the French Quarter is generally safe. But day and night it is good to be on the lookout for scam artists so you can avoid them.

Also, be extra alert at night -- especially if you have had a drink or two!

Read about the “Beads and Monks” scam, the “Shoe” scam, and other con-artist tricks from our post How to Avoid Tourist Traps.

New Orleans Travel Ideas from our Facebook Group Members

Visitors often recommend exploring the cultural treasures of New Orleans beyond the usual spots.

A tip from our Facebook Community highlights two not-to-be-missed locations: The Historic New Orleans Collection in the French Quarter and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden in City Park.

These places are praised as remarkable and essential NOLA treasures, adding to the rich tapestry of experiences the city offers.

Navigating NOLA's Charm

Traveling around New Orleans doesn't require a car, according to shared experiences from our Facebook Group members.

Many suggest that streetcars and walking provide a charming and efficient way to see the city, with ride-sharing as a convenient fallback.

Another visitor adds that they've never needed a car on their trips to NOLA, walking extensively and using streetcars to navigate.

They also mention enjoying the city's parks by using e-bikes and regular pedal bikes, making for a fun and accessible experience.

Historical Exploration with Kids

Our Facebook Group members often share that for families with children, the amusem*nt rides in City Park next to Storyland are highly praised.

This delightful choice caters to younger tourists, providing a blend of education and entertainment.

Timeshare Stay Benefits

Accommodation choices can greatly enhance your stay in New Orleans.

A tip from our Facebook Community underscores the convenience of staying at a timeshare property like the Wyndham Avenue Plaza on St. Charles.

It's family-friendly with kitchenettes for those with children and is centrally located with the St. Charles streetcar right outside, offering easy access to dining and essential stores.

Such recommendations from those who have experienced the city firsthand can be invaluable for planning your visit.

Smart Stay Selection

When choosing your accommodation in New Orleans, some seasoned visitors strongly suggest opting for a hotel or boutique hotel over Airbnb.

Feedback from our Facebook Community cautions against potential hidden fees and strict no-refund policies that can sometimes accompany rental properties.

This advice is invaluable for those seeking a hassle-free lodging experience in the city.

Related Posts:

• How to Use the Streetcars
• Where to Stay in New Orleans
• Things to Do in New Orleans