New Orleans is generally a safe city to visit, but as with any major tourist destination, it's essential to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Safety conditions change. Always check your government's current travel advisory for New Orleans before traveling.
Quick Facts
Overall Safety Assessment
New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich history, jazz music, and delicious Creole cuisine. While it's a popular tourist destination, the city has a higher crime rate compared to other major cities in the United States. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings, especially at night, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. The city's police department has implemented various initiatives to improve safety, including increased patrols in tourist areas and a dedicated tourist police unit. However, it's still important for visitors to be mindful of their surroundings and take common-sense precautions to stay safe.
The city's safety can vary greatly depending on the area, with some neighborhoods being safer than others. The French Quarter, for example, is generally well-patrolled and safe, but it's still important to be aware of pickpocketing and scams. Other areas, such as the Central Business District and the Garden District, are also considered safe, but visitors should still be cautious, especially at night. On the other hand, some neighborhoods, such as the Lower Ninth Ward and parts of the Bywater, are considered higher-risk areas and should be avoided, especially at night.
Safety By Area
| Area/Region | Safety Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| French Quarter | High | Well-patrolled, but beware of pickpocketing and scams |
| Central Business District | High | Safe during the day, but be cautious at night |
| Garden District | High | Safe, but beware of occasional burglaries |
| Marigny | Moderate | Some crime, but generally safe, especially during the day |
| Bywater | Moderate | Some crime, especially at night, but has a strong police presence |
| Lower Ninth Ward | Low | Higher crime rate, avoid at night |
| Bourbon Street | Moderate | Can be rowdy at night, beware of pickpocketing and scams |
| Magazine Street | High | Safe, with a strong police presence and plenty of shops and restaurants |
Common Risks & Scams
- Be aware of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas like the French Quarter.
- Scams are common, especially those targeting tourists, such as fake tour guides and street performers asking for money.
- Burglaries can occur, especially in areas with less foot traffic, so be sure to lock doors and windows.
- Traffic accidents can happen, especially on busy streets like Canal Street, so be cautious when crossing the street.
- Drunk and disorderly behavior can be a problem, especially on Bourbon Street, so be aware of your surroundings.
- Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, can occur, so be sure to check the weather forecast before traveling.
- Mugging can occur, especially at night, so be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas.
- Credit card skimming can happen, especially at ATMs and gas pumps, so be sure to monitor your accounts.
Health & Medical
- Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required, but it's always a good idea to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations.
- Water Safety: Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available.
- Medical Facilities: New Orleans has a number of high-quality hospitals and medical facilities, including Tulane Medical Center and University Medical Center.
- Pharmacy Access: Pharmacies are widely available, including CVS and Walgreens, and many are open 24 hours.
Practical Safety Tips
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas.
- Keep valuables secure and consider using a hotel safe or a secure bag.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and use credit cards or traveler's checks instead.
- Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid using them at night.
- Keep your hotel room door locked and use the hotel's safe.
- Avoid engaging with panhandlers or aggressive solicitors.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches or other places of worship.
- Stay informed about local events and demonstrations, which can sometimes turn violent.
For Solo & Women Travelers
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas.
- Consider staying in well-lit and populated areas, such as the French Quarter or the Garden District.
- Keep your hotel room door locked and use the hotel's safe.
- Avoid engaging with aggressive solicitors or panhandlers.
- Be mindful of your drink and avoid leaving it unattended, as drink spiking can occur.