North America·USA

Is New Orleans Safe for Tourists in 2026?

New Orleans is generally safe for tourists relative to other popular destinations. Our database documents 14 scams, with only 2 rated high severity. Standard travel awareness applies — staying alert in crowded areas and using vetted transport covers the majority of documented risks.

Generally Safe

Overall verdict

14

Scams documented

2

High severity

Overall verdict

Generally Safe

Lower scam risk compared to similar destinations

Scams documented

14

High severity

2

Medium severity

8

Top risk type

Street Scams

Priority warnings

High-severity risks in New Orleans

These are the most serious documented scams — rated high severity based on frequency, financial impact, and confirmation across multiple sources.

Drink Spiking on Bourbon Street

high

Drink spiking incidents — most commonly with GHB — are well-documented on Bourbon Street and in the surrounding French Quarter club scene. Victims frequently report waking up with no memory of the latter part of their evening and missing cash, cards, or personal belongings. Incidents are most common in late-night hours after midnight.

How to avoid: Keep your drink in hand at all times and never set it down unattended on a bar or table. Use the buddy system and establish a check-in plan with your group. If you begin to feel dizzy or disoriented disproportionate to your alcohol consumption, alert a trusted person immediately.

Where: Bourbon Street between Canal St and St. Ann St (the densest bar block), Frenchmen Street jazz clubs in the Marigny, and club venues on Decatur St

Fake Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Fraud During Mardi Gras

high

Fraudulent short-term rental listings surge around Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and Essence Fest. Scammers post fake units in the French Quarter and Garden District at premium prices, collect full payment upfront, and either ghost victims before arrival or provide a locked address that does not match the listing. Demand so far exceeds supply during peak events that victims often cannot find alternative housing on arrival.

How to avoid: Book only through platforms with verified host badges and secure payment systems. Never wire money or pay via Zelle directly to a host. For Mardi Gras bookings, confirm your reservation at least 60 days out and save the host's phone number for day-of contact.

Where: Listings marketed as French Quarter (near Jackson Square), Garden District (near St. Charles Ave streetcar), and Marigny Triangle; scam volume peaks November–February for Mardi Gras bookings

By traveler type

Is New Orleans safe for you specifically?

Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in New Orleans.

Solo travelers

Higher risk

Solo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.

First-time visitors

Higher risk

Unfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for New Orleans before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.

Families with children

Lower risk

Families with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.

Budget travelers

Higher risk

Budget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.

Where risk concentrates

Areas to be cautious in New Orleans

These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for New Orleans. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.

Shoe Shine Bet Scam

Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, especially the stretch between Iberville and St Ann Streets, and around the corner of Canal and Bourbon near the Bourbon Street entry point for many tourists

low

Fake Event Ticket & Vacation Rental Fraud

Primarily targets visitors booking for Mardi Gras season (January–March) and Jazz Fest (late April–early May); listings often reference addresses near the French Quarter, Garden District, or on St. Charles Avenue

medium

French Quarter ATM Skimmer

ATMs inside bars and convenience stores along Bourbon Street, Royal Street, and Decatur Street in the French Quarter, and standalone kiosks near the Frenchmen Street music venues in the Marigny neighborhood

medium

Overpriced Bourbon Street Daiquiri Bar

Daiquiri and frozen drink bars along Bourbon Street between Canal Street and St Ann Street in the French Quarter, particularly the high-volume establishments with walk-up windows

low

Drink Spiking on Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street between Canal St and St. Ann St (the densest bar block), Frenchmen Street jazz clubs in the Marigny, and club venues on Decatur St

high
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in New Orleans?

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

5

36% of reports

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

2

14% of reports

Online Scams

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.

2

14% of reports

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

1

7% of reports

Accommodation Scams

Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.

1

7% of reports

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

1

7% of reports

Money & ATM Scams

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.

1

7% of reports

Other Scams

Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.

1

7% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for New Orleans

2 High — 14%
8 Medium — 57%
4 Low — 29%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for New Orleans

01

Before booking any tour or activity in New Orleans, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.

02

Street Scams scams are the most documented risk in New Orleans — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near New Orleans's main tourist attractions.

04

Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.

05

If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.

06

Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.

Common questions

Is New Orleans safe — answered

Is New Orleans safe for tourists in 2026?
New Orleans is generally safe for tourists based on our database of 14 documented scams. 2 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are street scams, taxi & transport, online scams. Millions of tourists visit New Orleans safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is New Orleans safe for solo travelers?
New Orleans has documented scams that specifically target solo travelers. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for New Orleans before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in New Orleans for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in New Orleans include: Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, especially the stretch between Iberville and St Ann Streets, and around the corner of Canal and Bourbon near the Bourbon Street entry point for many tourists. Primarily targets visitors booking for Mardi Gras season (January–March) and Jazz Fest (late April–early May); listings often reference addresses near the French Quarter, Garden District, or on St. Charles Avenue. ATMs inside bars and convenience stores along Bourbon Street, Royal Street, and Decatur Street in the French Quarter, and standalone kiosks near the Frenchmen Street music venues in the Marigny neighborhood. These areas are associated with street scams, online scams, money & atm scams incidents.
Is New Orleans safe at night?
Nighttime risk in New Orleans is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.
Is New Orleans safe for female travelers?
New Orleans is broadly accessible for female travelers with standard precautions. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.
What scams should I watch for in New Orleans?
The top documented scams in New Orleans are: Shoe Shine Bet Scam, Fake Event Ticket & Vacation Rental Fraud, French Quarter ATM Skimmer, Overpriced Bourbon Street Daiquiri Bar, Drink Spiking on Bourbon Street. The full database covers 14 individual scams across 8 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for New Orleans?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to New Orleans. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Is USA safe to visit in 2026?
USA as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. New Orleans specifically has 14 documented scams with a generally safe safety rating. Check the full USA country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.

Editorial note: This safety assessment for New Orleans is based on 14 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →