Is New Orleans Safe?

Is New Orleans Safe? We here at Nola Tour Guy get asked that question a lot and the answer might surprise you. Read on and find out more:

It is human nature to be wary of strangers and to view places we are unaccustomed to as fraught with danger. Consequently, we are taught that large cities are teeming with violence in contrast to small town America where you can leave your doors unlocked. It is an Andy Griffith myth to think we are safe outside of urban centers. In reality, violence happens everywhere. I grew up in rural Georgia and one of my formative memories is of the Allday family being murdered in an adjacent county. In one blood soaked day, six members of that family were butchered in their own home. It shattered the myth of security. When I grew up and moved to New Orleans, many in my family were horrified. They wondered how I could move out from under the aegis of small-town America for the unlawful wilds of big city life. I always reminded them that six members of the Allday family were killed in a single day, leaving behind a scene so grisly that it forever altered the psyche of that region. There are no safe spaces.

Obviously, I live in New Orleans and for the most part, I love it. For all the negative press the city endures, few if any journalists dare to talk about the good aspects of life here. Fear sells after all. There is good though. New Orleans has a strong sense of community. You might be shocked to learn that I know most of my neighbors and we look out for each other. Hell, one of my neighbors once fixed my truck tire without my ever asking. I came home to the delightful scene of him wrapping things up. Neighbors looking out for neighbors. These moments rarely if ever make the news.

Obviously, I live in New Orleans and for the most part, I love it. For all the negative press the city endures, few if any journalists dare to talk about the good aspects of life here. Fear sells after all. There is good though. New Orleans has a strong sense of community. You might be shocked to learn that I know most of my neighbors and we look out for each other. Hell, one of my neighbors once fixed my truck tire without my ever asking. I came home to the delightful scene of him wrapping things up. Neighbors looking out for neighbors. These moments rarely if ever make the news.

I am not naive and so I can admit that the city has problems. Every place does. There is a mental health and drug crisis here that fuels instability. Societal safety nets are eroding nationwide making people act in increasingly desperate ways in order to survive. There are gangs operating here and yes, we have our share of sociopaths.

New Orleans ranks approximately number seven on the country’s top ten most dangerous cities list, though in the past, it topped out at number one. It has flirted with or been the murder capital of the country multiple times but the last time we held that title was in 2011. Violent crime dropped significantly in 2023 as a part of a nationwide trend. Also, the above statistics do not tell the whole story. Most violent crime happens in our neighborhoods by and to people who know each other and are often gang related. This is in areas most tourists will never see. The areas visitors frequent the most are generally safe. You can feel secure wandering around the French Quarter, Central Business District, Warehouse District, Garden District, and other large swaths of Uptown. Still, there are common sense practices you should engage in while visiting:

Stay in well lit areas: If you are wandering around at night it is best to stay in well lit, high trafficked areas. As night gives way to the wee hours of morning, I encourage people to solicit a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft. Ladies, Lyft allows you to request female drivers and will match you according to availability. That adds an extra layer of security.

A Word About alcohol: New Orleans is hedonistic and we want you to come and revel in all the city has to offer but alcohol can cloud your judgment and make you more susceptible to crime. If you want to overindulge, maybe save it for the confines of your hotel. If you are out and about consuming cocktails, guard your drink. I never leave my drink unattended. If I go to the bathroom, my drink goes with me. If I am at a crowded bar and I look away from my drink, my hand covers it. It only takes a second for someone to slip something in your drink. Men, this advice is not just for women. More and more men are falling victim because it makes them easier targets for robbery.

Carjackings are on the rise: so if you plan on driving, always park in well lit and high trafficked areas if possible. Parking garages are ideal because they often have security cameras in place. You should always drive with your doors locked and pay attention to who and what is around your vehicle. Remember to remove all items you cannot live without in case someone does break into your vehicle. Lock it up. That seems intuitive but so many people forget.

Petty crime is a problem in the city. I recommend wearing across the shoulder bags, purses, and cameras. It is best to keep expensive jewelry and watches in the hotel safe since they attract unwanted attention. When you are moving in densely populated areas such as Bourbon street, keep your wallet and money in your front pockets and always pay attention to your surroundings.

Scammers are everywhere: They predominantly target tourists so try not to look like the quintessential visitor. Before you don the Mardi Gras beads, ask yourself if it is Carnival time. If so, great! If not, maybe just take them home as souvenirs. A word to the wise, you do not owe anyone anything. You do not have to be polite. You do not have to stop and engage with strangers. You can say no thank you and keep walking. You do not owe them your time, conversation, money, or smile. Oh, and if someone says they can tell you where you got your shoes, reply that they are on your feet and never break your stride.

A word to women and those traveling alone: Never tell people you are traveling alone. Women, At the sign of trouble, we are taught to “fawn.” We are taught to get quiet and smaller in order to defuse a potentially dangerous situation. Do not do that. Get LOUD. You should confidently walk down the street in order to appear bigger and more of a problem should someone target you. Do not be afraid to ask for help if someone is bothering you or you feel you are being followed and ALWAYS trust your instinct. If someone or something feels unsafe then it probably is.

Don’t Book an Air BnB:  Traditional Hotels offer 24/7 security and are often located in safer parts of the city. Find out about Air BnB alternatives here

Check out the New Orleans Crime Map: The New Orleans police dept complies all the crime stats into a map. You can use this data to check out an area your plan to stay in. Check out the crime map here

New Orleans is a great city to visit. It is easy to get swept up in our joie de vivre. The city has something for everyone. Great food, amazing architecture, expertly crafted cocktails, world class musicians, and rich history. Do not let one sided news reports fool you. The vast majority of our visitors leave without incident and carry with them memories to last a lifetime. Still, common sense goes a long way towards keeping you safe in any city. Remember to blend in, stick to well lit and high trafficked areas, guard your drinks, manage your alcohol consumption, and pay attention to your surroundings. If you adhere to these things we think you will have a wonderful time and New Orleans will work its charm on you. We are excited to meet you on a free walking tour!