New Orleans, United States
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in New Orleans.
The historic center with the most tourist infrastructure and police. Safe during the day and early evening for walking and eating alone, but Bourbon Street gets chaotic at night. Scams are constant.
Most tourists stay in the French Quarter. It's heavily policed with officers on corners during peak hours. During the day and early evening you'll see families, tour groups, and street performers around Jackson Square and Decatur Street. The architecture is the classic New Orleans look - colorful Creole townhouses with iron balconies. Eating alone at restaurant bars is common here. Bourbon Street is the issue. After 9pm it turns into a drunk party scene with aggressive crowds, pickpockets, and scammers targeting drunk tourists. The quieter streets like Royal or Chartres are better after dark. Common scams: people betting they know where you got your shoes, offering free beads then demanding payment, street performers getting aggressive about tips. Don't engage, just keep walking. Most hotels are in the French Quarter, so you can walk home instead of dealing with late-night transport.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
HighPolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
ModerateGetting By in English
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"Safe during the day with police everywhere, but Bourbon Street at night was too much"
"Ate alone at restaurant bars without feeling awkward"
"Scammers constantly trying the shoe bet and bead tricks"
"Could walk home easily instead of arranging rides"
"Skip Bourbon Street after 10pm - side streets are calmer"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
The music neighborhood centered on Frenchmen Street, with jazz clubs and late-night activity. The main strip has crowds and feels reasonably safe, but residential streets are quiet and poorly lit - use rideshare.
Business and arts district with museums and upscale restaurants. Safe during business hours but empties out at night - use rideshare instead of walking long empty blocks.
Residential neighborhood with City Park, local restaurants, and lower prices. Safe during the day but too quiet at night - use rideshare. You'll travel to other areas for nightlife.
Help other women stay safe in French Quarter
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.