I'm planning a trip to New Orleans for new years and I heard recently that the city is not safe and the crime rate is high. Should I cancel? I'm staying in the French Quarter, and I figured that as a tourist spot it would be relatively safe. What areas should I avoid? What are some things I can do to keep safe?
2007-11-23 09:39:12 · 17 answers · asked by Lady Madonna 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ New Orleans
Go! Have Fun! The crime rate is high, but there's no need for you to cancel. As has already been mentioned, the crime is in certain pockets of the city, and is mostly gang and drug related. Use your good common sense that you would if traveling to any other city. The French Quarter is one of the safest areas you will find. My husband and I walk the Quarter 3 or 4 times a year, never had a problem.
Oh, and make sure you go to Cafe du Monde and have some beignets and real New Orleans coffee. Donuts can't even compare to these bad boys. Enjoy!
2007-11-25 07:05:55 · answer #1 · answered by ~RedBird~ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, the fact is New Orleans has always had a high crime rate. It's just that after Katrina people are looking at it more. I have been in Jackson Square and the French Quarter many times since the storm w/out one problem. You just don't want to go to the bad parts of town, and you won't need to. You are staying at the best place/area to stay in while you're in New Orleans! Hope you have a blast!
2007-11-23 22:18:31 · answer #2 · answered by ljhsullivan 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Oh No ! Please Come !
Yes .. the crime is horrible .. but its mostly gang related..
The precaution you take in NOLA is the same you should take anywhere.. dont walk down dark or empty streets.. know where you are going .. stick with the crowds.. and dont take your purse at night. If I know there wont be many people where I am going at night.. i'll leave my purse at home or in the car.. and put everything in my pockets .. but during the day is fine.. the french quarter is safe and comforable .. and usually have cops in certain locations.
New Years is the BEST in NOLA ! I went for the 1st time last year ( i live 45 miles north of NOLA ) I found it more fun then Mardi Gras or any other festiviaty.. I am EXTREMELY excited to go again this New Years ... Make sure to make reservations at a retaurant far in advance .. last year it took me 2 hours and 15 restaurants later to find one where I could eat .
HAVE FUN !
2007-11-24 04:28:57 · answer #3 · answered by nola_cajun 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was just in the French Quarter over Halloween weekend. I felt perfectly safe there and while I was out and about all the time..I never saw any crime. Count on Police for New Years being abundant. I LOVED my visit and am going back late next summer.
2007-11-23 23:57:51 · answer #4 · answered by KathyS 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The crime rate is on a gradual rise since evacuees are returning to NO. I would walk the FQ as a group. Generally there are police officers at most intersections. Try to stay in the crowded areas and not wonder down a side street. Take a walking tour of the Quarter. Do not carry a purse or anything of value. put your cell phone in your sock and money in your sock or front pocket. Visit the St. Louis Cathedral, aquarium, eat the powdery donuts at the Cafe Mundo, etc... Have fun!
2007-11-24 08:42:11 · answer #5 · answered by Lady F 1 · 1⤊ 3⤋
The French Quarter is safe. Stay away from the areas that haven't recovered, unless you go on a disaster tour. Also, don't go out too late at night on the streets.
2007-11-24 11:06:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The FQ is one of the safest area, I have lived here for over 57 years. The police like to keep the area sfe so that the city can get the tourist money they spend ,while they are visiting our city.
2007-11-24 01:49:23 · answer #7 · answered by WC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not at all, especially you are staying around french quarter.. the area is well patroled.
However AVOID the less-crowded streets, and NEVER walk by yourself especially after sun down.
New Orleans is a great place with jazz, history, good cajun food, and great night life on town!
2007-11-23 18:05:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's like Cancun... as long as your with in tourist area's they're well policed. Their crime rate is through the roof, and they do have the highest murder rate in the country as of now, but the french quarter is fine. For any future travel questions, including hotel do's and don'ts. A great web site is tripadviser.com
2007-11-23 09:57:32 · answer #9 · answered by Jr the travel guy. 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
New Orleans is not dangerous. The French Quarter is fine as long as you're not wandering the little side streets after dark! Stick to the main drag (Bourbon St.) if you want to be out late. Again- avoid the darkened side streets!
2007-11-23 09:45:02 · answer #10 · answered by Nina 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋