I'm going to New Orleans this weekend but feel quite concerned about safety there. Some guidebooks I've read warn tourists not to walk alone at night on any street in New Orleans. Is it really unsafe? This scares me a lot since I'm traveling alone. Are there any specific locations I should avoid? I'll stay at a youth hostel called Marquette House in the Garden District. Is it in a good location? Suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Like all cities, there are unsafe areas in New Orleans. And yes, there ARE parts of the Garden District you might not to walk at night. But the trolley goes between the French Quarter and the Garden District and is a perfectly safe and convenient way to travel. Your best bet would be to ask the people at the hostel which areas to avoid. The busiest parts of the French Quarter are some of the safest parts of town. Don't worry, you'll have fun!!

Remember New Orleans is like any other big city. At nite, stay on the busy crowded streets.Talk with the people in your hotel and always remember, its a big city even if the French Quarter is small. Take cabs at nite- they're inexpensive and safe! have a great time!!

This should make you feel better. Crime is WAY down in New Orleans, and it will take guidebooks a couple of years before the update editions come out. Since 1994, our murder rate has been more than halved and overall violent crime is down 57%. In fact, New Orleans now ranks below Minneapolis, Portland, Atlanta, and 15 other major cities. Ask your hotel about safe streets, do's and don'ts, etc., but if you're like nearly every other visitor to the city you won't have any problems. Have a great time!!

The streetcars on St. Charles are reliable transportation to the Quarter. I would not recommend taking them late at night to get back to your hotel. Take a cab. Uptown scares the hell out of me. A really nice neighborhood can turn into a really bad one from one block to the next. The Quarter is the most patrolled area in the entire city. The thing to remember - if you turn down a street and you feel uncomfortable, turn around and go a different way or step into a bar, restaurant, whatever is nearby and have them call you a cab. Just use sense and exercise caution as you would in any strange city.

Thank you very much for all the suggestions. I appreciate that. Anyhow, the fact that I'm not American (I'm Thai) may make me the easy target. I mean, bad guys will know right away that I'm a tourist. Still a little worried.

Today's New Orleans newspaper reports that violent crime in the city is the lowest in 3 decades! Yes, decades!! If you're worried, splurge for a cab when you go to the French Quarter at night. Otherwise, you will be okay!!

11/16/99 The Times-Picayune reported New Orleans has the lowest crime rate in 30 years

Well, gee, considering that it's so near Florida I can't see how it would be safe from the rampant raping and pillaging that goes on there.

(Hee hee. Sorry, I couldn't resist).

Crime is down in Nola, however the responses you have received are on the money so to speak. You can be in an incredibly beautiful neighborhood on one block then a horrible neighborhood two blocks away. The streetcar is a great way to get around & natives of Nola use "United Cab" locally owned & trustworthy. They will get you there quickly and safely. P.S. Nola is a melting pot, I promise you will not stick out unless your camera is around your neck, your wearing black socks w/flower print shorts. This is one of the most incredible cities in the world and the people are fabulous. Enjoy and have a great time in my hometown!!