Exercise Increased Caution
“Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.”
Updated Thu, 08 May 2025
Full advisory →Is New Orleans safe? 🇺🇸
United States · Safety report last updated
As of September 2026, New Orleans scores 70/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — New Orleans is generally safe for visitors who exercise increased caution and stay aware of their surroundings. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
New Orleans 🇺🇸
United States · Assessed 29 September 2026
70
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~72% of countries
What drives this score
Crime63/100FairHomicide 5.8 / 100k
Sentiment62/100FairCautiously positive
Advisories63Fair
Stability75Good
Health74Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Fair
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-08-18T09:29:04Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-09-28T13:39:06.6647711-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
62
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
High risk
58
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
65 / 100 (Cautiously positive)
65
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
363k residents
78
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
5.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
62
Robbery / mugging
ModerateArmed robbery of visitors is uncommon but can occur in isolated nighttime incidents, mainly in the outskirts of the city.
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag-snatching are frequent in the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and on streetcars, especially during festivals and large crowds.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Cautiously positive
62/100
Reported feel65Cautiously positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors generally feel comfortable during daylight and in well-patrolled districts, though some express concern about petty theft after dark. Many feel the city is safer than its reputation suggests when basic precautions are taken.
Yes — New Orleans is generally safe for visitors who exercise increased caution and stay aware of their surroundings.
While New Orleans has a reputation for crime, recent data indicates a significant decrease in violent crime, reaching historic lows. The primary risks for travelers are opportunistic theft, particularly pickpocketing and bag-snatching in crowded tourist areas, and moderate risk of robbery in isolated incidents.
Recent developments
- Aug 2026New Orleans police investigating a series of robberies across the city.— WDSU
- Jul 2026New Orleans on pace for lowest murder count in decades, with violent crime at its lowest level since 1969.— Axios / WDSU
- Feb 2026Coast Guard in New Orleans ensured visitors enjoyed a 'safe and secure' Super Bowl.— ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
- Dec 2025Federal agents arrived in New Orleans to combat violent crime and drug trafficking.— Louisiana Illuminator
Common scams
- Inflated ride or parking charges
- 'I know where you got your shoes' street hustle
Full briefing
New Orleans offers a vibrant cultural experience, and for the most part, visitors can enjoy its attractions safely by exercising increased caution. The city's composite safety index is 73/100, indicating it is generally safe, though it scores lower on everyday hazards and has a higher homicide rate than many other US cities. Official advisories from the US, UK, and Canada recommend exercising increased caution or normal security precautions, reflecting a need for traveler vigilance.
The primary safety concerns for tourists revolve around opportunistic crime. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are noted as high-risk activities, particularly in crowded areas like the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, especially during festivals. Robbery is considered a moderate risk, with incidents more likely to occur in isolated nighttime situations, often on the outskirts of the city. While violent crime has seen significant reductions, reaching historic lows according to recent reports, it's crucial to remain aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.
Recent reports from July and August 2026 highlight ongoing police efforts to combat crime, with a series of robberies being investigated, yet also noting that the city is on pace for its lowest murder count in decades. This suggests a complex safety landscape where crime is decreasing but still present. Common scams tend to be low-level street hustles, such as inflated charges for rides or parking, or the classic 'I know where you got your shoes' line. Travelers are advised to keep valuables secure, avoid displaying cash or expensive items, and to utilize rideshare services for nighttime transportation.
To ensure a safe visit, it is recommended to stay in well-lit and populated areas, especially in the French Quarter, CBD, Warehouse District, and Garden District, which are generally considered safer for tourists. Avoid wandering into less-trafficked or isolated streets, particularly late at night. Researching specific neighborhoods before visiting and heeding local advice is also prudent. While the city has a reputation that may seem daunting, by taking sensible precautions and staying informed, visitors can safely experience the unique culture and attractions of New Orleans.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 New Orleans districts for visitors: 3 safer, 4 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the New Orleans safety map.
Central CityavoidHigh violent crime; noted in Wikivoyage and crime data as area to avoid for casual visitors.
French QuartercautionGenerally safe by day but high pickpocketing risk, especially Bourbon Street at night and during crowds.
Faubourg MarignycautionLively but less chaotic than Bourbon Street; exercise caution after midnight due to sparse foot traffic.
TremécautionHistoric African American neighborhood with culture; generally safe by day but avoid isolated areas after dark.
BywatercautionTrendy area with arts scene; petty theft possible in quieter blocks, especially after dark.
Garden DistrictsaferUpscale residential area with tree-lined streets; very safe for tourists during day and evening.
Warehouse DistrictsaferWell-patrolled, popular for galleries and cafes; safe during business hours and evening.
Central Business District (CBD)saferDowntown business area near hotels; safe during day, well-patrolled, but can empty out at night.
07 · After Dark
Is New Orleans safe at night?
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Armed robbery of visitors is uncommon but can occur in isolated nighttime incidents, mainly in the outskirts of the city.
After dark, be most careful around Central City, French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny, Tremé. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
New Orleans safety FAQ
Is New Orleans safe for tourists right now?
Yes — New Orleans is generally safe for visitors who exercise increased caution and stay aware of their surroundings. While New Orleans has a reputation for crime, recent data indicates a significant decrease in violent crime, reaching historic lows. The primary risks for travelers are opportunistic theft, particularly pickpocketing and bag-snatching in crowded tourist areas, and moderate risk of robbery in isolated incidents. (Assessed 29 September 2026.)
Which areas of New Orleans should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Central City as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in New Orleans?
- Inflated ride or parking charges
- 'I know where you got your shoes' street hustle
How does New Orleans compare with other places in United States?
New Orleans ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 70/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
How is this New Orleans safety score calculated?
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
More United States reports
6 reportsNearby destinations
4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: new-orleans.json (CC BY 4.0).