Is New Orleans safe for tourists?

Question

Some friends and I are going there in October. Just wondering if the crime rate is up or down.

Answer 1

just like any city play it safe stick to the tourist area's
and dont wander off without a local you trust to show you around.

Answer 2

I went there in 2001 and spent most of the time in the tourist areas of the French Quarter (which escaped the hurricanes mostly unscathed) and the Garden District. Even late at night, we never felt nervous or scared, but you DO need to use common sense -- traveling in groups, staying in well-lit areas, etc. -- just as you would in any city. The cops patrol quite a bit in the tourist areas, so assuming you stay there, you should be fine. The exception is the "Cities of the Dead". The above ground crypts provide all sorts of shelter for would-be attackers. All the guide books tell you to be on your guard even in the daylight when you're visiting the famous cemeteries. Don't stray from the path!

I would recommend buying the very latest version of a Fodor's or Frommers guidebook (both of which update annually, I believe.) Either one should have a clear statement of what tourist areas are still fit to visit. The $15-or-so investment will pay off in the long run.

Answer 3

New Orleans has alway been a place where crime was high. Pick pockets are the worse!

Before Katrina,,,we were told to not go after dark, don't carry purses,, don't wander off... so just think now what will happen if you venture off and without using all of your wits.

The tourist bureau will tell you that everything is fine,,, because they want you to visit/spend money.
I plan on making a visit soon, but will stay in one area, and plan to be in my room before dark.

Answer 4

first of all some of those answers are so stupid and not true. i am from new orleans so i know. it is safe to go for a visit or a tour. to tell you the truth it isnt that safe to live in. some parts are very safe. people dont even worry about tourist they just go on about their business.
i have seen many tourist out there having a lovely time.

Answer 5

New Orleans was always a dangerous city with some of the nation's highest crime rates, even in the best of times. It's down now because all of the thugs have been displaced. I've been reading local news accounts how it's beginning to rise as the thugs return to reclaim their territory.

Answer 6

i was there four weeks ago.... People are in tormoil. if you stay downtown, canal street and poydras area its safe. Do not go out after dark in an area you should not be
I tell you no lie when I say that between July 28th and 29th when i was there, there were 8 murders. Some of them not too far from downtown.

But go, take a look; just stay safe. don't do anythign stupid...... some people who are tourist and get hurt were someplace they shouldn't have been.... or drawing attention to themselves.
Is anyplace really safe these days. The city is rebuilding looks beautiful in some places and they need the money.... enjoy your trip

Answer 7

It really depends on what area you are in. The touristy areas are safe enough, if you don't go looking for trouble . Try not to stand under a streetlight at night in a deserted street looking at a map. Stay away from Uptown at night; that's where most of the latest shootings have been. Do take one of the disaster tours, most people don't seem to understand the scope of what happened here. Definately go eat at the Gumbo Shoppe next the St. Louis Cathedral; fantastic food. Have fun.

Answer 8

Heard on TV this morning that crime is up at an alarming rate. I would be afraid in New Orleans these days.

Answer 9

I just read that New Orleans is worse, crimewise, than it was before Katrina. Hurricane season is also coming up again, so hopefully, the levees will hold, but the Army Corps of Engineers said that they aren't promising anything. I thought about going there myself, but at this point, I think I'll skip it; at least for the moment.

Answer 10

i've been to n.o. numerous times in the last 4 years including the last three mardi gras,and halloween directly following katrina,i've never once felt scared.several of these times,by myself,drunk..i also don't act like a "tourist".and i don't feel uncomfortable when i'm in the minority as far as "color"goes.i had always heard new orleans was dangerous,and i'm sure it can be.there's bad people all over.but i'm from dfw,so it just doesn't phase me that much and i'm not paranoid.