New Orleans's crime rate is an area of difficulty. Over the years, it climbed so high the city became the murder capital of the country. Concentrated efforts paid off, and the city became pretty safe again. But even before Katrina, crime was starting to rise, and now after the storm, there are even more problems, thanks to a decreased police force and a low-income population under great stress and frustration. Most of the serious crime is drug-related, and confined to areas where tourists do not go, but once again, we need to urge you to be very cautious about where you go at night.
Street Smarts -- The short version is you should behave with the same savvy you would demonstrate in any big city. The French Quarter is fairly safe, especially during the daytime, thanks to the number of people present at any given time, but some areas are better than others. (Rampart and the north part of Esplanade have had bad reputations.) On the other hand, anything can happen anywhere, so just pay attention and use basic street smarts. On Bourbon Street be careful when socializing with strangers and in particular be alert to distractions by potential pickpocket teams. Dauphine and Burgundy are in quiet, lovely old parts of the Quarter, but as you near Esplanade, watch out for purse snatchers. At night stay in well-lighted areas with plenty of both street and pedestrian traffic and take cabs down Esplanade and into the Faubourg Marigny.
Conventional wisdom holds that one should not go much above Bourbon toward Rampart alone after dark, so it's best to stay in a group (or near one) if you can; and if you feel uncomfortable, consider taking a cab, even if it seems silly, for the (very) short ride. In the Garden District, as you get past Magazine toward the river, the neighborhoods can be rough, so exercise caution (more cabs, probably). At all times try to avoid looking distracted or confused. If you appear confident and alert, you will look less like a target. Speaking of which, one way to ensure you will look like a tourist -- and thus, a target -- is to wear Mardi Gras beads at any time other than Mardi Gras day or right after one of the parades leading up to same. Sorry if we sound like spoilsports, but it's clear that criminals target unseasonal bead-wearers (the reasoning probably goes something like: 1) not local since locals never wear beads out of season, 2) therefore probably has vacation money/other valuables on them, 3) likely to be drunk or otherwise distracted), and honestly, you look kind of dorky wearing them out of season anyway.
Travel Smarts -- Don't hang that expensive camera around your neck when it's not in use. Put it out of sight, if you can, in a camera bag or other case. If the bag or case has a shoulder strap, carry it so the bag is on your hip with the strap over the opposite shoulder so that a simple tug won't dislodge it. That goes for purses as well. You might consider using a money belt or other hidden, pickpocket-proof type of travel wallet. Women probably won't want to bring purses to clubs where they plan on dancing. And never leave valuables in the outside pocket of a backpack. Should you stop for a bite to eat, keep everything within easy reach -- of you, not a purse snatcher. If you're traveling in a car, place your belongings in the trunk, not under the seat. It's always a good idea to leave expensive-looking jewelry and other conspicuous valuables at home anyway. And finally, unless it's Mardi Gras, avoid wearing beads.
