Is It Currently Safe To Travel To New Orleans?

New Orleans is a city with a high crime rate, including a police officer shortage and rising violent crime rates. In 2022, three people were killed in five shootings and four armed robberies occurred. However, the city has lifted its mandate requiring proof of vaccine or negative COVID test to enter certain businesses as of March 21, 2022. The New Orleans tourism board has issued a visitor safety guide, recommending travelers use personal safety precautions and stay vigilant.

While New Orleans has a reputation for being dangerous, it is generally safe for tourists looking to explore the city. Most visitors feel safe, especially in well-known neighborhoods and well-lit areas. Local Joe Furey shares tips on staying safe during Mardi Gras, stating that while there are no major incidents, tourists should not be too drunk or trying to buy drugs or sex.

NOPD numbers show that homicides in the city have decreased by 40%, armed robberies have decreased by 47%, and overall violent crimes have decreased by 26% in 2024. Most tourists and visitors won’t experience any crime, but some areas may be more dangerous.

Statistically, New Orleans has some of the highest per capita crime rates in the United States, particularly in violent crimes. Despite this, many visitors have never felt unsafe in New Orleans, especially during the Sugar Bowl and over New Years. Overall, New Orleans is generally safe for visitors, particularly in tourist areas, but has a higher serious crime rate than many parts of the United States.

Is it safe to walk around Bourbon Street?

Walking alone at night on Bourbon Street is recommended after sunset due to its numerous bars, nightclubs, and live music venues open until early morning, but it may attract opportunistic criminals.

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

For a short stay in New Orleans, consider staying in the Quarter, as it offers close walking distance to most attractions and is ideal for parties or surprises. The Ritz Carlton is a luxurious option, located near the French Quarter and along the streetcar lines to New Orleans City Park or the Garden District. The Hotel Monteleone, a mid-range option, is situated in the Quarter and features a famous Carousel Bar and a rooftop pool. For those with motion sickness, the Carousel Bar offers a relaxing atmosphere or a refreshing dip in the pool.

For budget-friendly accommodations, Hotel Le Marais offers a charming courtyard with cool vibes and a private restroom. The courtyard pool, uplit with characteristic Nola colors, is a great spot to relax and unwind.

Are tourists safe in New Orleans?

New Orleans is a safe city to visit, despite its high crime rate, as it is unlikely for tourists to be involved in any major incidents while exploring the vibrant city.

How to avoid pickpockets in New Orleans?

New Orleans is a popular destination for global meetings, conventions, and cultural festivals, offering an exceptional travel experience with world-class memories. The city’s top priority is the safety and well-being of visitors, residents, and those in the hospitality industry. The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is the best police force in the world at managing citywide events like Super Bowls, Final Fours, Major Festivals, and Mardi Gras. New Orleans and its hospitality partners enjoy great relationships with NOPD, urging visitors to use the same personal safety precautions and stay vigilant.

Crime fighting in New Orleans is on the rise, with homicides down 40%, armed robberies down 47%, overall violent crimes down 26%, and property crimes down 26% over the same period from last year. The NOPD is pleased to report that non-violent crime is also seeing significant decreases, with homicides down 40%, armed robberies down 47%, overall violent crimes down 26%, and property crimes down 26% over the same period from last year.

Is now a good time to visit New Orleans?

New Orleans is best visited from February to May for cool weather and Mardi Gras celebrations. For a calmer experience, visit in December or January. To save on room rates, travel in the summer or fall. However, these seasons are known for their heat, humidity, and hurricane threat, making travel insurance a worthwhile investment. To change dates, navigate forward and use the keyboard shortcuts for the question mark key. The National Climatic Data Center provides data on the city’s climate.

Is it safe to visit the French Quarter?

The French Quarter is generally considered safe by tourists and locals, but it’s important to be vigilant for scam artists, especially at night, especially after a drink. Be aware of the “Beads and Monks” and “Shoe” scams, and be extra cautious if you’ve had a drink.

Where is the safest place to stay in New Orleans?

Old Aurora, located in the historic Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans, offers affordable living with stunning views of the downtown skyline, just across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter.

What to avoid when visiting New Orleans?

To have a unique and native experience in New Orleans, avoid limiting your hotel search to the French Quarter, avoid eating at chain restaurants, buying from VooDoo gift shops, and drinking from glass bottles in public. Avoid picking up beads off the floor and don’t be in a hurry. Scammers may try to bet on your shoes, so choose not to engage. People in the South tend to move slower and be more relaxed, so don’t be in a hurry.

Go with the flow and don’t forget cash and your ID. If you look under 30, you’re likely to be carded at bars, and it’s easier to pay with cash at bars than with a credit card. Be wary of pickpockets if carrying cash.

How many days is enough for New Orleans?

New Orleans is a smaller city than other famous American cities, so a proper tour doesn’t have to be extended for weeks. A three or four-day stay is recommended for a comprehensive experience, while a week is recommended for a deeper understanding of the town. For a couple of days, it’s recommended to visit the most essential places in the city, such as the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Preservation Hall, and the luxurious Victorian houses of the Garden District.

The French Quarter is known for its many shops, curiosities, and iconic colonial French and Spanish architecture. Bourbon Street offers a taste of nightlife with live music, street food, and bars. Preservation Hall offers some of the best Dixieland jazz in the city. Outside the city, exploring the bayou is also worth doing, as it’s home to wildlife and lavish historical plantation houses, many of which are open to the public.

What month is hurricane season in New Orleans?

Hurricane season in New Orleans occurs from June to November, with peak activity in late August and September. The Atlantic hurricane season is from June to November, with New Orleans and other Gulf Coast areas experiencing the most tropical storm activity in late summer to early fall. Tropical Storm Risk predicts a highly active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, 30 above the 30-year norm. Louisiana has experienced 62 of the 301 hurricanes that have hit the United States since 1851, making it the third most affected state in over 170 years of record-keeping. As wetlands south of New Orleans are disappearing due to flooding and rising sea levels, homeowners should be well-prepared for the hurricane season.

What is New Orleans at risk of?

Climate change is significantly affecting New Orleans, LA, due to its water-related vulnerabilities, including sea level rise, tornadoes, and flooding. The city’s low elevation levels, a result of drained swamps, have led to increased risks from heat, precipitation, and floods. Hurricane Katrina, the costliest hurricane in the U. S., caused significant damage to the city’s safety, housing, and economic health. The city is rebuilding and replacing old structures to elevate buildings above flood levels for future storm events and implementing a sustainable integrated water management strategy.

Heat risk in New Orleans is also increasing, with an average of 50 days per year over 95. 5ºF by 2050. This is due to climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves, even in areas with cooler temperatures. To mitigate these risks, New Orleans is rebuilding and replacing old structures and implementing a sustainable integrated water management strategy. Everyone can take steps to reduce their risks from extreme heat.