Been reading a fair amount on unsafe areas in N.O. but no one says just where they are. Any in the French Quarter?

For a 1st timer to FQ, would I (female) be safer to choose a hotel on the Canal St. side of F.Q. or the Esplanade St.side? Want to be close to all the action, too, but not too noisy. Appreciate your suggestions.

I have a terrible sense of direction in New Orleans. If I was staying alone in the Quarter, I would look at Prince Conti. Only half a block from Bourbon, but no noise when I was there. For sure, I wouldn't stay any further from the river than Dauphine.

In general, I would stay closer to Canal than Esplanade. The closer you get to Esplanade the more residential the neighborhood gets. Great for walking during the day, but awfully quiet for walking alone at night.

I would stay between Royal and Decatur, and Canal and perhaps St. Peter. Then you will be in busy areas 24hrs/day but not the noise (or smells) of Bourbon.

I would not suggest staying in the Rampart St area. It has always been the "seedier" side & less safe. Plus there is the long walk to all the Quarter hot spots. I also don't suggest staying past Esplanade but that is my own personal preference. It has been reviving in the recent past & many people enjoy the unique feel of the neighborhood. Again, you have a bit of a walk to get to the other Quarter places. I guess it just depends on what is most important. Do you want to pay more & stay closer in or find a bit cheaper place to stay & possibly use a cab to travel at night. Usually the rule of thumb is that the busier the area, the safer it is.

I'd stay on or close to Bourbon. We stay at Royal Sonesta which is right on Bourbon but you don't hear any noise from the street w/an interior courtyard room (usually the rooms on the street are more expensive anyway). It is obviously in the heart of the party, but you can walk to everything and there are lots of people and security around Bourbon. In my opinion, you are pretty safe in any of the popular touristy areas, it's when you wonder onto a deserted side street that it gets a little iffy.

I second the vote for the Prince Conti, especially if you're on a budget. Very close to everything, nice place and ridiculously cheap for what you get. But anywhere in the FQ is probably fine.

I probably wouldn't wander around the north of Rampart by myself, but I during the day would feel safe exploring the Garden Disrict, parts of Uptown (esp. Audobon Park), and Faubourg Marigny. The thing about NO is you might have one street of gorgeous, recently renovated homes next to a street that is kind of scary, so just use your common sense. Pay attention to where you are and don't wander around with a big fanny pack and an expensive camera around your neck, and you'll be fine.

Most of all, don't let all the horror stories scare you to the point you don't leave the FQ. New Orleans can be a little rough around the edges, but that's part of its charm.

I must add that oliviadawg's post is one of the most sensible I've seen in a long time. There are great neighborhoods to explore in New Orleans as long as you stay smart. (Much of the "don't go there" info comes from 10 years ago, when you really shouldn't have gone there!)

We just returned from NO we were there for 3 days. We stayed out of the french quarter on Esplanade St. It was several blocks from the Quarter The walking was fine, and very quiet, but quite bit of walking in the p.m. I was not alone but I wouldn't have wanted to be walking by myself. We always felt very safe in NO. I would stay in the quarter as all ready said. The Quarter is very safe so we felt, all around Jackson Square. Always many tourists and police as well. You will be fine.

avoid the area around the st. louis cemetery, especially after dark.

Esplanade 5 years ago was a war zone. But has benefited greatly recently with safety and some just EXCELLENT attactions. In December I walked down Chartres several nights to Frenchman several times, never any problems. Snug Harbor was my destination as well as the Spotted Cat and Praline Connection.

Correct in avoiding the area around and along North Rampart Street, especially around Armstrong Park.

BudgetQueen is a bit dramatic today as Esplanade was never a "war zone." She's absolutely correct in that the area is far better today than it has been in recent memory, however! From Poydras to Elysian Fields is all pretty good these days and that's amazing to those of us who have been here for a few years.

I had stayed on Canal, (the Radisson) at the north edge of downtown. I was a bit concerned about the location, but Canal is very busy day and night. I always felt safe walking to the quarter and towards the casino/riverfront.

Sorry no exaggeration when I was there several years ago. There was a shooting and I was on a bus that the driver insisted I not get off the bus and he drove me back through the quarter. Certainly not safe at that time- about 5-6 years ago??

As a lifetime native of NO I would recommend if you are alone staying closer to Canal, avoiding Rampart ST area amd Esplanade area. Better to be safe than sorry. Ours is a beautiful city if you are wise and use your better judgement. Also, I would not walk alone at night unless the area is heavily populated. Take a cab. Enjoy our great city and have a safe trip!!