How Safe is the French Quarter in New Orleans?

New Orleans is a city that is renowned for its lively atmosphere, rich history, and colorful culture. One of the top attractions in this city is the French Quarter, which draws thousands of tourists every year due to its fantastic architecture, jazz music, and lively nightlife. However, like any part of a big city, the French Quarter has its share of crime and safety concerns that visitors need to be aware of.

In this blog post, we will look at how safe the French Quarter is in New Orleans and what you need to know to stay safe during your visit.

Crime Statistics in the French Quarter

According to the New Orleans Police Department, the French Quarter has seen a decline in crime in recent years. The 8th District of the NOPD, which covers the French Quarter and the Central Business District, has reported a 27% decrease in violent crime and a 35% decrease in property crime from 2019 to 2020.

However, some crimes still occur in the French Quarter, and visitors should take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Safety Tips for Visitors

Following are a few safety tips that visitors can follow to ensure their safety in the French Quarter:

Choose Your Accommodation Wisely:

Choosing the right accommodation is essential to ensure your safety in the French Quarter. Avoid booking a hotel in dark or isolated areas. It’s best to book a hotel near the bustling streets, shops, and restaurants where there are higher foot traffic and public safety.

Stick to Highly Crowded Areas:

The French Quarter is a bustling area with lots of things to see and do. Stick to highly crowded places where there are lots of people around you. Avoid alleyways, deserted streets, or places with no lighting.

Be Alert:

It’s important to be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Stay vigilant of the people around you, especially during late-night walks or when walking alone. Always keep your phone charged and carry a spare battery or a power bank to avoid getting stranded without communication.

Don’t Get Too Drunk:

The French Quarter is famous for its nightlife, so don’t forget to enjoy it. However, it’s essential to keep your limit in check, as getting too drunk can make you vulnerable to criminals.

Avoid Flashing Cash or Valuables:

Avoid flash cash, jewelry, or any expensive appliances in public places. It’s best to leave your valuables in your hotel or vacation rental when you’re exploring the city, and if you must carry cash, keep only a small amount in your wallet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the French Quarter is a vibrant and unique part of New Orleans. While certain safety concerns exist, it’s a generally safe place to visit, a fact backed up by recent crime statistics. Visitors should take precautions as they would in any similar location.

By following the safety tips shared above, visitors can ensure their safety in the French Quarter and enjoy all the beauty and vibrancy that the city has to offer.

An Insider’s Guide to New Orleans, Louisiana: The Ultimate Tourist’s Handbook

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, there’s a good chance you’re considering spending some time in the French Quarter. This historic district is one of New Orleans’ most popular and crowded neighborhoods, known for its colorful buildings, live music, jazz clubs, and lively nightlife. We know that you may have concerns about safety if you’re traveling to an unknown city, so let’s answer the lingering question on your mind: how safe is the French Quarter in New Orleans?

The Safety Situation in the French Quarter

Before we dive into this question, let’s set the record straight. New Orleans is an urban city, and like any urban area, there is the possibility of crime, including in the French Quarter. However, the city takes safety seriously, and the NOPD (New Orleans Police Department) works hard to keep the streets safe, especially in tourist areas like the Quarter. As long as you take the usual precautions while traveling, you shouldn’t have any major concerns. These include not leaving your belongings unattended, watching your drink at bars, and sticking to well-lit areas at night.

Things to Do in the French Quarter

Now that we’ve addressed the issue of safety, let’s dive into what you can do while you’re in the French Quarter.

First up on the list is the world-famous Bourbon Street. Known for its jazz clubs, bars, and party culture, Bourbon Street is an essential stop on any New Orleans itinerary. However, don’t forget about Royal Street. Its history dates back to the city’s origins as a French and Spanish colony, and it’s now peppered with art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and boutiques.

You can’t miss out on the oldest square in New Orleans, Jackson Square, where you can sit under the trees, observe local artists, and good view of the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral. And if you want to go deeper into the history of the city, the Cabildo and Louisiana State Museum, which has a vast collection of historical artifacts and artifacts from Louisiana’s past, will be a perfect fit.

If you’re a fan of live music, Frenchmen Street is where you want to be. This vibrant street is home to some of NOLA’s best jazz and blues clubs and is a great spot for an authentic evening out.

Eating in the French Quarter

One of the major draws of New Orleans is its unique cuisine, and the French Quarter is no exception. For breakfast, you can try Cafe Du Monde for some of NOLA’s best beignets and coffee. For lunch, try the po’boys at Johnny’s Po-Boys, or check out Verti Marte for delicious deli sandwiches. For dinner, there are countless options, but a few standout spots include GW Fins for seafood, Brennan’s for classic New Orleans cuisine, or Cochon Butcher for Cajun charcuterie and sandwiches.

Cultural Experiences

New Orleans is known worldwide for its rich cultural heritage, and the French Quarter is an excellent place to immerse yourself in it. You can visit Madame John’s Legacy, a historic townhouse that was one of the few buildings in the Quarter to survive the fire of 1794, the Backstreet Cultural Museum to learn about Mardi Gras Indian traditions, or the Historic New Orleans Collection Museum, which has a vast collection of NOLA historical artifacts

Off the Beaten Path Suggestions

If you’ve already done the main tourist attractions in the French Quarter, there are still a few lesser-known spots worth checking out. The Pharmacy Museum is a unique museum dedicated to the history of medicine and pharmacy, which is both fascinating and informative. If you want to go off the beaten path, make sure you visit Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve which includes the Barataria Preserve, a beautiful wilderness area just outside of New Orleans. It’s a perfect place for a hike, kayaking, or to go on a nature walk.

Conclusion

Overall, the French Quarter in New Orleans is generally safe for tourists if you take the appropriate precautions. With so much to see and do, it’s an excellent area to include in any trip to New Orleans. Get ready for some amazing food, history, music, and culture on your next adventure to NOLA and the French Quarter.