New Orleans
 

Thinking of going to NO in May but read an article that says crime is pretty bad. Should I not go because of this article, or is it well worth it. FYI - travelling with 2 men and one other women.

While there are some sketchy areas in N.O., do not let that deter you. If you stay in the French Quarter, you'll be fine. Tourism is a big money maker in N.O. and the authorities know this. I have been to N.O. 5 times now and have never felt unsafe even when venturing out of the quarter. Just use common sense as you would in any large city. It's a great place. <BR>

I agree with Brian. <BR> <BR>Stay in the French Quarter. New Orleans is just so many places. The crime stats are about areas where crime happens in any big city. The FQ is just different. I feel safe there day or night. You will probably want to go to the Garden District, but you can take the St. Charles streetcar ($1) in the daytime. It is really a lovely area, but the quarter is the place to stay. <BR> <BR>In May, you can probably get a suite (since there are four of you) at Le Richelieu or Royal Sonesta at a very good rate. <BR> <BR>It's probably best if you go to Fodor's "Create your own Miniguide" section and enter info about what you want to pay and what you expect in the lodging/food areas. <BR> <BR>I feel so much safer in the French Quarter of N.O. than I do in Chicago, St. Louis, Atlanta, Miami. You'll love it.

Everybody says "Stay in the Quarter, stay in the Quarter". I agree the Quarter "feels" safe and usually is safe. But the reality is, even tho I hate muggers, crooks, etc. they do have enough common sense to know that all of you tourists AND your money are walking around drunk in the Quarter. Don't be lulled into thinking you are safe just because you're in the Quarter! Use commen sense and consider other wonderful neighborhoods like the Garden Distric, Lower Garden District, Faubourg Marigny, Faubourg St John and Esplanade Ridge all have lovely B&Bs or small hotels worth staying in.

Crime is everywhere. You shouldn't assume it will absolutely happen in some areas, and never in other areas. I hear about terrible crimes happening in the suburbs. As everyone else would mention, <BR>use common sense, and don't wonder anywhere at night alone. <BR>While in New Orleans, you should definitely try eating beignets at the Cafe de Mont, unless you are staying away from junk food. They taste very good. <BR>Also, seeing Lake Pontchartrain is a must, along with the streetcar along St. Charles Ave.

Pick-pockets and hustlers work the crowds on Bourbon Street, but if you keep your hands on your purse and ignore the hustlers you'll be OK. It's great fun! GO HUNGRY! Do NOT ask a cab driver for a restaurant recommendation. You'll end up at some awful fish house on Lake Pontchartrain - the only bad meal I've ever had in Louisiana. You must make a pilgrimage to Preservation Hall. Bar hop. Cafe du Monde for beingets (sp?) and cafe au lait on the morning after. The Fairmont is a great old hotel. Emeril's is a fantastic restaurant as is K-Pauls. <BR>

Go, go, go! N'awlins is a lovely city and you will be so happy you made the decision. Good eating ideas in the post just above. Another must: check out the cajun dancing at Mulate's - what fun for the price of a beer! (They also serve food). Unless adolescent (of all ages) drunkeness is part of your idea of "fun," about 10 minutes on Bourbon Street is more than enough. But for the most part, that silliness is confined there and the other streets of the Quarter are quite wonderful, and very European, to stroll. Enjoy!

I was in NO last March and found that if you stay in the French Quarter you are quite safe. One bartender indicated that the Federal Marshals cleaned up the area several years ago and things have been good since. While there I saw several police cars in the evening. If you venture out of the French Quarter in the evening do so by cab. Also, so as to not invite trouble be very discreet in what jewelery you wear. A ring and small earrings are fine just stay away from loads of gold.

If you like music, you'll enjoy Bourbon Street. Keep walkin until you hear something you like. We took in some fabulous Cajun rock, blues, and jazz all on the same night. It's a real people watching experience too. Remember it can get really hot and humid. I found myself doing that "yuppie" thing and carrying around bottled water. It was a necessary thing!