Is New Orleans safe?

[likesandlikes]

Just asking those of you who have recently been. Thanks

I was last there a couple of years ago and had a great time. Just do your research and make sure you're staying in a safe area. Most areas you would want to visit as a tourist are fine. Like in an any big city, look out for pickpockets and scammers.

Haven't been for years admittedly but didn't feel unsafe. Be cautious as you would be in any big city. Have an amazing time!

Are you white?

It is the only city I have visited where I didn't feel safe.

It’s often named on here on threads about places that felt weird/uncomfortable/unsafe but sticking to the tourist trail should be fine.

I went 18 months ago. It's a poor town and you can see it in streets. We had a guide told us that there is no hurricane insurance available now so people who can afford to have moved out

it was an absolutely fabulous trip, the people who are there really really appreciate the people visiting. Walk a few streets along from Bourbon street and do as many local tours as you can and you'll love it

just remember to walk out backwards from any ghost tours of graveyards

Thanks all

I'd like to bump this as I've come here to ask the same question.

I'm travelling in a few weeks on my own (woman in late 30s).

I consider myself quite streetwise and not easily spooked but having read some threads about NOLA, even I am a bit worried.

Any areas I should avoid?

Any other safety tips people have?

TIA

I went 2 years ago as a lone female traveller and like all cities, just observed sensible behaviours and had a fabulous time. Book a ghost tour for sure! I did the night one and it was a riot.

NOLA like all Cities has areas which highlight the extreme poverty and drug issues but the main tourist areas are very well policed.

My DH was born there and we were there in November. It's a great city. Amazing food, interesting museums (art and history,) amazing culture. I am not sure what point @LittleSpanishFlea is making since over half the population of N.O. is black and the city is a real gumbo of races and nationalities. We treat it like any urban center and don't wander into areas we don't know but we've never had a bad experience there.

The point I was making is that if you are black you may not want to go to NO.

Yes, and I don’t understand why. Over 50% of the population there is black, so why would you hesitate to visit if you are black?

I absolutely loved it. Keep your wits about you for sure. But it's an amazing place.

Same! I’ve travelled a lot for work and it’s the only place I wouldn’t go back to.

I went for Mardi Gras earlier this year, it was crowded obviously but I didn’t feel unsafe.

I did a few tours as well. Lots of fun.

Hi, Which areas would anyone consider unsafe?
I'm going as part of a US tour for 4 nights next month.
Friend has booked a cheapish apartment which worries me a little!

Yes like any place keep your wits about you but I didn’t feel unsafe even though there were some dodgy characters around. They all gave the tourists a very wide birth

I went a long time ago now and it did feel sketchy. Bourbon St is fine but Louie Armstrong park was dodgy. We also ordered a cab from reception to see the Garden District and were warned off the idea in no uncertain terms. The taxi driver who eventually took us was also not happy about dropping us off and tbh after wandering around like lambs to the slaughter for a while I could see why! We eventually found a cab to take us back and I have never been so relieved! That said we had a brilliant time when we weren't scared to death :-)

How long ago were you there @Puppylucky ?

Years ago so it has probably changed a lot to be fair

That's very weird about the Garden District. We were there in Feb and it was fine. We got an Uber to Commander's Palace for the Sunday jazz brunch then meandered on foot through the Garden District enjoying the architecture. We eventually got the streetcar back to our hotel (just by the French Quarter).

We had zero problems as two women in NOLA. Actually we had a fabulous time! Met some lovely people (even met up for dinner on our last night with some of them) and were treated so well by the locals and had some really great experiences. Sure there are a few sketchy people around and you need to be streetsavvy but that's the same where I live in inner London.

My favourite place in the USA! Just go!!!!

We were there earlier this year.

We took the old tram and wandered around the Garden District, loved the houses, surprised to hear that area was suggested to be an issue, it was the least intimidating area of all IMO.

There are some druggy/drunk people around the main part of town we just avoided them and felt perfectly safe. We really enjoyed our NOLA trip, the music, food, museums, general ambling around. I don't recommend dining on the steamboat Natchez though, the food was grim!

We went to New Orleans this year in July and never felt unsafe it’s like anywhere else in the world be vigilant of your surroundings and be in an area where there’s tourists
We live in London and I’m cautious when I go out there’s always going to be an element of crime anywhere you go

Can you explain? New Orleans, for all its problems, is quite diverse. The mayor is a Black woman.