Worrying about safety when planning a trip somewhere new is always a concern – especially when it’s a big city. You might be wondering… Is New Orleans safe? What are the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans so I know where to stay?
Here’s the thing. New Orleans is like any other major city – unfortunately, things happen. You might hear about an incident in the media or receive outdated information from a well-meaning friend, but often the negatives that get reported paint a false narrative about cities being unsafe.
In every city, some areas are safer or more tourist-friendly than others. The same is true for NOLA.
But the truth is, crime in NOLA is actually way down this year (2024) – and it’s declining more here than in most other cities in the country.
As with a visit to any destination, as long as you enter your trip with a little awareness and planning, you’ll be able to fully enjoy NOLA’s vibrant culture and unique neighborhoods without worrying.
In this guide, we’ll help you plan a worry-free stay by providing information about New Orleans’s safest neighborhoods and offering travel tips so you can book your trip with confidence.
Safest Neighborhoods in New Orleans
What are the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans to stay and explore? If you’re staying in any of our Book NOLA properties, you can rest assured it’s a safe area. We only manage properties we know are in safe and desirable neighborhoods, so you can book any of our properties with confidence.
We have homes in the following areas:
That said, some areas of NOLA are definitely more tourist-friendly than others. Here are a few of our favorite neighborhoods for guests to explore:
The French Quarter – Lively, well-populated, and well-patrolled area, brimming with bars, restaurants, nightclubs, historic sites, and tourist attractions.
Garden District – Beautiful architecture and upscale homes, with boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, and cafes lining the streets.
Marigny – Artsy, vibrant neighborhood with Cajun bistros, Bohemian bars, jazz clubs, and the popular nighttime Frenchmen Art Market. Check out our Marigny guide!
Bywater – Up-and-coming neighborhood with mom-and-pop cafes, live music, unique artwork, and laidback nightlife. Check out our Bywater guide!
When planning your stay, we encourage visitors to research neighborhoods and find accommodations in safe, well-populated areas. For more information on New Orleans neighborhoods, check out our neighborhood guide,
General Safety Tips for New Orleans Visitors
Once you choose which NOLA neighborhood you’d like to stay in, it’s time to explore the city!
The same general safety guidelines that apply to any major city also apply to New Orleans. If you maintain awareness of your surroundings, stay in populated areas, avoid scams, and keep track of your belongings, you’ll be able to enjoy NOLA worry-free.
Stay in well-lit, populated areas
There’s a certain feeling of safety and security that comes with being in a well-populated area. (And there’s often more police presence in these areas too.) Stay in popular, well-lit areas and avoid venturing down alleys or side streets alone, especially at night.
Travel in groups or pairs
When you don’t know the area very well, it’s best to stay in pairs or groups. Venturing out solo can leave you vulnerable to getting lost or taken advantage of. So, particularly at night, it’s best to travel with others for an added layer of security.
Keep track of your belongings
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.
Avoid overly intoxicated behavior
NOLA is known for its nightlife, especially in areas like Bourbon Street. Definitely have fun, but be sure to enjoy the nightlife responsibly so you can stay aware and reduce the likelihood of having something go awry.
Avoid tourist traps and scams
When they say nothing in life is free, it also applies to NOLA. If a “monk” hands you a bracelet, a stranger offers you beads, or a local bets you $10 they can guess “where you got dem shoes at,” don’t engage. These are all popular tourist traps that could lead to them hassling you for payment.
Use ride-sharing apps or reputable taxis
Make sure you have a quick and easy way to get home, especially at night. Rather than walking at night in unfamiliar areas, use Uber/Lyft or a taxi. You can also use the Streetcar or bus, but make sure you plan for that in advance so you know what to expect.
Leverage Local Knowledge
One of the potentially scary aspects of traveling somewhere new, especially a big city, is that you’ve never been there yourself and you don’t necessarily have anyone who’s local to ask your questions. Can you really trust the information that’s out there, offered up by random strangers?
That’s why we always recommend seeking insights from locals you can trust. If you’re staying with us at Book NOLA, for instance, you can ask for our recommendations on places to visit and areas to avoid. Since we live here and genuinely want you to have an excellent experience, you know you’ll be getting trustworthy information from us.
You might also consider booking a guided tour to ensure you’re exploring the city safely. If you start your trip with a knowledgeable guide, you’ll be able to ask questions and get insider tips about the areas you’re exploring, boosting your confidence for the rest of your trip.
Experience New Orleans with Confidence
New Orleans is a dynamic city with plenty of safe areas to explore. By following basic safety practices and keeping practical travel tips in mind, you can explore NOLA with confidence and enjoy all the city has to offer.
When you stay with us at Book NOLA, you can rest assured that every one of our vacation homes is in a safe area, and we’re happy to help you plan your trip so you can explore NOLA worry-free.
Browse our Book NOLA properties to find the New Orleans vacation rental that’s perfect for you.
We can’t wait to host you in NOLA!