Hi...I will be travelling to New Orleans for the New Year this year. I have heard there are not some safe areas in this city as well as high crime. I travel to New York City frequently and was wondering the comparision bewtween the two cities...should I be on guard all the time or not? Thanks...

I went to NO several years ago for New Year's and had an absolute blast. We stayed in the Garden District, and of course we would go down to the quarter to party. We would take the streetcars down to the quarter, but then we would always taxi it back to our hotel. I never felt unsafe in NO. I always stayed on the main streets, which were always crowded with people. Of course if you start walking down a deserted street at night, it is going to be unsafe, just like any place. There will be swarms of people, so most importantly, be careful if you carry a purse, and just be aware of who is around you.

I'm not sure where you're staying, but the French Quarter is probably one of the most heavily policed areas in the country. If you're even moderately careful you'll be perfectly safe.

You will be fine in New Orleans. Just exercise the same good sense that you would in any major city. N.O.'s crime rate is not even in the Top 20 anymore and much of the serious stuff is confined to bad neighborhoods that tourists never see. That having been said, it's smart to not carry wads of cash, pay attention to people around you, etc.

Enjoy!!

Just like any city; it's safer where
there are people about.

One special place to be careful in NO;
the historic cemetaries. I know a few
people who have gone to lay flowers
recently and run into residents who
were very much alive. There is also
sometimes debris on the ground to trip
over. The older cemetaries are best
explored as part of a tour.

Just remember, falling bullets kill.

New Orleans is a great place. You'll have fun if you use good sense. Do not wander west of Burbon St. in the quarter (especially at night). Stay on the main streets. If you leave the quarter, take a cab. I also heard that the Riverside area is not especially safe at night. The daytime is safe, though. I've been there many times and never had any problems (but I've heard stories...).

I live here. I hat the crime, I want to move!!!

Be careful, don't go off the main streets. Don't wear nice clothing on new Years in Jackson Square unless they are washable.

Stray bullets have killed here several times on NYE.