Areas to Avoid in New Orleans
United States
|⚠️ CautionHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting New Orleans. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
New Orleans is generally Use Caution
2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: French Quarter, Marigny, Garden District
Travel Insurance for New Orleans
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in New Orleans are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Lower Ninth Ward (east of St. Claude Ave)
While experiencing a resurgence, this area is still largely residential with limited tourist infrastructure and can feel isolated. It's also far from most major attractions and can have higher crime rates in certain pockets.
🛡️ Stay here instead: French Quarter
Historic heart of the city, brimming with iconic architecture, lively music, and abundant nightlife.
Central City (west of St. Charles Ave)
This area has pockets of poverty and can have higher crime rates, particularly at night. While there are some emerging businesses, it's not generally recommended for casual tourist exploration.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Marigny
Bohemian neighborhood renowned for its vibrant live music scene, especially on Frenchmen Street.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in New Orleans
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
New Orleans Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover New Orleans on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
New Orleans Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through New Orleans with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
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Best of New Orleans: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into New Orleans's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
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Day Trip from New Orleans: Scenic Excursion
Escape New Orleans for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
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New Orleans Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with New Orleans's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
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Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in New Orleans
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
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Explore New Orleans safely with a local guide
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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
French Quarter
Historic heart of the city, brimming with iconic architecture, lively music, and abundant nightlife.
Generally safe during the day with crowds, but be highly aware of your surroundings at night; pickpocketing is common, and some side streets can feel unsafe after dark.
Marigny
Bohemian neighborhood renowned for its vibrant live music scene, especially on Frenchmen Street.
Generally safe due to the crowds around Frenchmen Street, but exercise caution on quieter side streets, especially late at night.
General Safety Tips for New Orleans
At Night
The French Quarter and Frenchmen Street are generally busy and safer due to crowds, but petty crime is common. Avoid walking alone on quieter streets, especially those away from the main tourist hubs. Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help.
Solo Female Travel
Exercise caution, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables. The French Quarter can be overwhelming; stay on main streets after dark.
Emergency Number
911
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in New Orleans
- 1Overly friendly strangers offering 'free' tours or advice that leads to expensive recommendations.
- 2Pickpocketing in crowded areas like Bourbon Street and streetcar stops.
- 3Bogus charity collectors, especially around tourist hotspots.
Travel Insurance for New Orleans
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
French Quarter
Historic heart of the city, brimming with iconic architecture, lively music, and abundant nightlife.
Generally safe during the day with crowds, but be highly aware of your surroundings at night; pickpocketing is common, and some side streets can feel unsafe after dark.
Marigny
Bohemian neighborhood renowned for its vibrant live music scene, especially on Frenchmen Street.
Generally safe due to the crowds around Frenchmen Street, but exercise caution on quieter side streets, especially late at night.
Garden District
Elegant residential area famous for its stunning Victorian mansions and lush gardens.
Very safe during the day for walking tours; generally safe at night, but stick to well-lit main streets.
Uptown (Irish Channel/Touro)
Lively, diverse neighborhood known for its excellent restaurants, bars, and proximity to Tulane and Loyola Universities.
Generally safe, especially along Magazine Street; exercise standard city precautions at night on less populated streets.
Safety in New Orleans
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Exercise caution, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables. The French Quarter can be overwhelming; stay on main streets after dark.
At Night
The French Quarter and Frenchmen Street are generally busy and safer due to crowds, but petty crime is common. Avoid walking alone on quieter streets, especially those away from the main tourist hubs. Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help.
Emergency
911
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overly friendly strangers offering 'free' tours or advice that leads to expensive recommendations.
- 2Pickpocketing in crowded areas like Bourbon Street and streetcar stops.
- 3Bogus charity collectors, especially around tourist hotspots.
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