"Is it safe to visit New Orleans?" This is a common question would-be visitors to New Orleans have, and it's not entirely undeserved, given the city's relatively high crime rates. Most of the city's crime takes place far from the neighborhoods frequented by tourists, though, and the answer is yes, it's absolutely a safe city to visit.
A little common sense goes a long way when it comes to staying safe in New Orleans (or any city): don't carry valuables, don't wander down dark alleys, travel in pairs or groups when possible, be extra-cautious at night, etc., but these additional tips will help you stay entirely safe.
1. Watch Your Neighborhoods
The majority of New Orleans neighborhoods where tourists spend a lot of time are quite safe. The French Quarter is well-lit and well-populated, even at night (though the closer to the river, the safer). The Garden District, particularly the Upper Garden District, is also very safe, though less populated at night.
Neighborhoods like the beautiful historic Tremé, the Marigny/Bywater, and Mid-City can be more "checkerboard" in nature, with safety varying from block to block, and are best for strolling in the daytime only for unfamiliar visitors. Taking a taxi or Uber to specific locations at night is typically fine. Double-check with your hotel's front desk or your bed and breakfast host before making nighttime plans in these neighborhoods if you're concerned about it.
2. Beware of Scams
Though the French Quarter is generally quite safe as far as violent crime goes, it can be a bit of a hot spot for scammers and pickpockets. To avoid the latter, carry minimal cash and keep it in your front pockets or a purse held across your front.
To avoid the former, just keep your wits about you. If someone walks up to you with a bet like, "Betcha I can tell you where you got dem shoes," just walk away (spoiler: you got dem shoes on your feet!). Don't play three-card monty or other gambling games -- they're not only unwinnable, but they can be set-ups for pickpockets.
If a costumed person offers to take a picture with you, know in advance that they're probably going to ask you for tips for the favor (this isn't necessarily a scam, but the transaction is often completed after the picture is taken).
3. Don't Get Blackout Drunk
It's fun, fun, fun to have drinks on Bourbon street or at any one of the fantastic bars around town, but if you get drunk, you become a target for pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and worse. If heavy drinking is on the menu, do it in large groups and watch out for each other.
If you're alone or in a smaller group, consider having one or two strolling drinks on the street (hey, it's fun and you can hardly do it anywhere else) and finish your evening at your hotel bar.
4. Don't Engage in Illegal Activity
Common sense, indeed. Most of the violent criminal activity in New Orleans is drug-related on some level. By buying drugs, you're automatically engaging yourself with that particular underworld, which is just not a good idea. The same goes for hiring prostitutes and other tempting illegal activities that might seem like a good idea when you're on vacation but really, really, really aren't, particularly if personal safety is your goal.
5. Beware Weather Hazards
Crime is not the only personal safety hazard that travelers face: the Gulf Coast also runs the risk of hurricanes. It's entirely unlikely that a surprise hurricane will spring up during your trip. We know many days in advance if a storm is even headed into the Gulf of Mexico. But if you make plans to continue on with your vacation when there's a small chance of a storm, do be prepared: What To Do if a Hurricane Strikes During Your NOLA Vacation
