I understand that you need to be aware of your surroundings anywhere you are. But, I am wondering if during the day,walking around New Orleans is safe? Specifically, what areas are safe and what areas are NOT safe??? Is there any place specifically to stay away from? I have heard bad things about New Orleans and just want to make sure I stay in a "safe" place.

Where are you staying?

In the French Quarter, stay in the main (touristy) area. Using the map (below) gives you a good guideline, but I would stay closer to the Jackson Sq area. The area near Rampart St can get very dodgy and toward Esplanade, it gets more residential which means darker streets and not as many businesses.

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I was told not to go north of Rampart St. We did a walking tour of the ST Louis cemetery one morning. After the tour we walked (husband and myself) west to Canal St. To catch the street car to go to the art Museum. The walks not that long and we thought it was ok.

When we first arrived by bus from the airport, we walked from the bus drop off spot near Tulane and Loyola Avenues to the French Quarter. That registered a bit higher on my concern meter.

But sticking to the main areas of FQ, using street smarts, in daylight should not be a concern. Carry a map so you know where you are going. There are several walking tours available, some even free except for a tip. Maybe that is something that you would be comfortable doing. It would allow you to wander and feel safe at same time as well as get the lay of the land, so to speak.

The French Quarter is one of the most highly policed areas in the country. If you stay IN it, and not on the fringes, you'll be fine. I wouldn't feel comfortable walking on, or certainly not across, Rampart. The street car is safe and covers a lot of territory.

To be extra safe, if you want to leave the French Quarter, I'd consider taking a cab. They're plentiful and not particularly expensive.

I wouldn't go through a cemetery unless you're on a guided tour. Tours are perfectly safe, but being alone in a cemetery might not be. Have fun...I've been going to NO for decades and love it!

Several of us recommend the Dauphine Orleans. I would be very comfortable staying there alone and walking around the French Quarter alone.

The cemetery tour we did was guided.

As others have noted, sticking to the "touristy" areas is the safest bet. If you have to leave there, just keep mind of your surroundings, as you already noted. If you are terribly concerned, it's worth paying a few bucks to take a cab.

Ask someone in your hotel to give you a street map with the safe and unsafe areas marked. Rampart St is NOT safe - you need to stay in the more central parts of the french quarter. Also you cannot necessarily walk between different safe areas - get a map and follow it.

We just came back from NOLA and stayed at the lovely Place d'Armes, 65 feet from Jackson Sq., we loved the hotel and NOLA. Our SF Fodors friends were at the Holiday Inn. Most hotels have a map and will talk you thru where to walk and not. There is so much to do/see/eat at the safer areas and take the streetcar or a taxi when you get tired. Enjoy NOLA, it's a great city.

We stayed by the convention center and easily and safely walked everywhere. We also walked around Louis Armstrong park on a rainy morning and we felt fine tho hardly anyone else was there. NOLA is a wonderful city, and like all cities, stay alert and don't wander down dark empty streets. You'll have a wonderful time.

I walked all over the French Quarter alone while my husband was in a conference during the daytime. No problems of any kind.