New Orleans ... how safe?

[PIGLET38]

For anyone that’s been to New Orleans, how safe did you find it? We are planning a trip to Memphis & Nashville next year and would like to add a few days in NO but just want to check how safe it is.

[parkgirl]

I went a few years ago and was told on check in where not to go. The main tourist area we felt safe enough-but didn’t venture too far. We stayed in the garden district and got a trolley in to town.

[KarenG]

Wileycoyote loves it there and has been a few times, check out her trippies

[PIGLET38]

Thanks - I have read her trippies. I have been reading up a bit on the tripadvisor forum and its slightly concerning. I will do some more research. Thanks

[Olympiad]

Hi - as above, NOLA is relatively safe so long as you stick to the frequented tourist areas which you are likely to do anyway.

Take the usual precautions you would in any city.

[tiggertastic]

The tripadvisor forum is nothing but scare mongering.

Yes like in any city there are less safe areas, but these are not really the tourist bits. Just stay alert.

Garden district, french quarter, central business district, Frenchmen street are all fine. Please don't just stick to the French Quarter, so much more of a wonderful city to see.

[Beth_Disney]

We went to NOLA last Easter and didn’t feel unsafe at all. There was some homelessness/begging in the tourist areas but that happens in any big city.

I’d have to say that Bourbon Street was my least favourite area but we did try a few bars and cocktails, it’s pretty wild even on a Monday afternoon. Wileycoyote has some excellent recommendations in her trip reports. The grilled cheese sandwich and frozen Irish coffee in Erin Rose are very good.

[Pino_Spetzberg]

Have been several times.
Reading TA before going, or even guide books, they do make it sound scary. There was recently a tv series following emergency responders on Spike (I think) or maybe C5.
Having gone a bit further out than usual, and stayed out later than usual, to see musicians and bands, have to say we didn't feel unsafe in the tourist areas, especially whilst plenty of people about.
We were warned about Treme, the Louis Armstrong Cemetary #1, the promenade where the paddle boats land if out late after dark, behind Jackson Brewery, the end of the tram line at night (best to stay on tram), and to be careful in downtown parking garages.
In truth, we felt OK everywhere except when walking from the main tourist streets, Bourbon etc, back to our CBD (Central Business District)hotel(s). The crowds fall away quickly after a couple of blocks and everywhere can be very quiet.

For that reason alone, I would suggest staying in the main area. It costs a bit more, but it's brilliant just walking back to your hotel with the crowds, then just walking inside.

[PIGLET38]

Thanks for all the comments. There’s some good advice to take on board.

[Twiggy1953]

I don’t think I’d recommend taking children there. I saw things on Bourbon Street I can’t ever unsee😳