Is it safe to walk around New Orleans French Quarter?

Walking around the New Orleans French Quarter is generally safe during the day and in crowded, well-lit areas, but requires vigilance at night. It is highly walkable and bustling, but visitors should avoid quiet, dark streets, stay aware of their surroundings, and avoid excessive intoxication to minimize risks of petty theft.

Is New Orleans French Quarter safe to visit?

The French Quarter has a visible police presence, with officers patrolling the streets regularly. There are dedicated tourist police who focus on helping visitors and addressing concerns. While these measures help deter crime, visitors should remain cautious, especially at night.

How to avoid pickpockets in New Orleans?

Like in any city, you'll want to use common-sense travel safety, like leaving your valuables at home and keeping your belongings secure. In rowdy areas like Bourbon Street, make sure your purse and wallet are always in your possession (and not in your back pocket) to avoid pickpockets.

What is the safest area to stay in New Orleans?

Many of the safest areas of New Orleans are more residential and further away from downtown—including Lakeview, West End, and Old Aurora—and there are several safe suburbs in New Orleans, as well.

Is it safe to walk around the French Quarter by yourself?

A Note on Safety

Don't walk alone in quiet and dark places. Stick to bright, populated areas with foot traffic. The French Quarter in particular is an enchanting place, and it's tempting to explore its nooks and alleyways, but do it only when there are other people around.

Visit New Orleans - The Don'ts of Visiting New Orleans

What areas to avoid in New Orleans as a tourist?

Avoid isolated areas at night, especially outside the tourist core. Be cautious in some parts of Central City, New Orleans East, and unlit side streets. Always stay aware of your surroundings and avoid flashing valuables.

Is Bourbon Street safe at night?

Like any major nightlife district, Bourbon Street is generally safe but can get rowdy, especially late at night. Stick to well-lit areas, be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings, and remember to pace yourself — New Orleans cocktails are stronger than you think!

Is it better to stay in the French Quarter or downtown New Orleans?

TLDR: Stay in the Quarter if you have a short stay. You want to be in close walking distance to most attractions and don't mind a party or surprises. For a luxurious stay, The Ritz Carlton on the edge of the Quarter is a prime location for exploring the city.

Why are people moving away from New Orleans?

Still, for many like Williams, the calculus is simple: It is simply too expensive to live in a city where there aren't enough jobs – especially jobs that pay well enough to keep pace with the cost of living.

What not to do in New Orleans?

Exploring New Orleans like a native can lead you to hidden gems that can often be the highlight of your trip!

• Tip #4: Don't limit your hotel search to the French Quarter. ...
• Tip #5: Don't Eat at Chain Restaurants. ...
• Tip #6: Don't Buy From VooDoo Gift Shops. ...
• Tip #7: Don't drink from glass bottles in public.

How can I avoid being mugged in New Orleans?

Stay in well lit areas: If you are wandering around at night it is best to stay in well lit, high trafficked areas.

Why do they ask where you got your shoes in New Orleans?

One of the more common scams in New Orleans is when someone asks you “where did you get your shoes?” Or “I bet I can tell you where you got your shoes.” The obvious answer is “on your feet” and that's exactly the answer you'll get as a response if you play the game. The problem is, if you play, you have to pay.

What is the safest month to visit New Orleans?

If you're not interested in Mardi Gras mania, plan to visit in December or January, when the city is calm and you don't have to worry about making hotel reservations a year in advance. To save on room rates, travel in the summer or fall.

Is it good to stay in the French Quarter?

Whether you're drawn to the historic blends of architecture and wrought-iron balconies or the short walk from Bourbon Street clubs and bars, if you're taking a vacation to New Orleans, staying in the French Quarter will keep you in the heart of the action.

What is the safest way to get around New Orleans?

Buses & Ferry

The city bus system is a classic, reliable transportation option, and if you plan on traveling across the Mississippi River, you can always catch a ride on the Algiers Ferry.

What is the #1 attraction in New Orleans?

Whether you're a life-long local or you're in town for your first visit to The Big Easy, there are plenty of things to explore for every taste and preference. French Quarter Phantoms has been voted Voted #1 in New Orleans & America's Top Ten for over 8 years in a row, so we know a thing or two about our city!

What do I need to know before visiting New Orleans?

New Orleans is a blast, especially for a birthday celebration. For safety, stick to well-lit areas at night, keep your drinks close, and maybe use a ride-share service instead of walking alone after dark. Make sure to try some classic beignets at Café du Monde and hit up the French Quarter for great nightlife.

What is the safest part of New Orleans to stay in?

Uptown & the Garden District

Uptown and the Garden District are ideal neighbourhoods if you long to experience the culture and history of New Orleans, but you're looking for a more peaceful, residential feel than the French Quarter. These parts of town are only a small stretch upriver from the French Quarter.

Do New Orleans locals go to the French Quarter?

Definitely the most tourist-centric neighborhood in New Orleans, the French Quarter is famous for its restaurants, shops, music, and of course, nightlife. But do locals go there? The answer is yes!

What to watch out for on Bourbon Street?

Stay Safe. Where there are drunk tourists, there are pickpockets and scammers. This is true the world around and Bourbon Street is no exception. It's not a hotbed of violent crime, but petty thievery is sadly quite common.

What is the difference between French Quarter and Bourbon Street?

Bourbon Street is a famous street located within the French Quarter, which is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Bourbon Street is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, historic bars, and lively Mardi Gras celebrations.

Is New Orleans still recovering from Katrina?

Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans still hasn't fully recovered. Many people who left never came back. The city has about three-quarters of the population it had before the storm. Some areas in the French Quarter, the Garden District, and Uptown look fine.