Is New Orleans Safe in February 2026?

On Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, individuals approach tourists and make an unsolicited bet: "I bet I can tell you where you got your shoes." The answer is always "on your feet, in New Orleans." The tourist is then pressured to pay $10-$20 for the shine plus the bet regardless of whether they agreed.

How to avoid: If someone addresses you with "I got a bet for you" or any similar opener, keep walking and do not respond. This is a well-known French Quarter hustle. Saying nothing and continuing to walk is the most effective response.

Fraudulent listings for Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and French Quarter Festival accommodations appear on Craigslist and lesser-known booking platforms, often using photos stolen from legitimate Airbnb or VRBO listings. Victims pay hundreds to thousands of dollars upfront via wire transfer or Zelle, then arrive to find no rental exists or a property that looks nothing like advertised. Ticket scams follow the same pattern, with fake Mardi Gras parade viewing balcony packages and Jazz Fest tickets sold via social media DMs.

How to avoid: Book accommodations only through major platforms with verified host reviews and secure payment systems that offer buyer protection. Never pay via wire transfer, Zelle, or cash app for accommodation. For event tickets, purchase directly from official festival websites or authorized resellers only.

ATMs in bars and convenience stores throughout the French Quarter are frequently targeted with skimming devices, particularly on weekends during large events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. The high cash culture of the area makes tourists prime targets.

How to avoid: Use ATMs inside bank branches rather than convenience store or bar ATMs. Withdraw cash for the night before entering the French Quarter rather than using machines inside establishments. Check for any loose or unusual attachments on the card reader before inserting your card.

Daiquiri bars along Bourbon Street quote low prices for drinks but use souvenir cup upgrades and automatic refill charges that inflate the final bill. Some bars add a "Bourbon Street entertainment fee" or charge per person simply for standing in front of the establishment.

How to avoid: Confirm the exact price of your drink including any cup upgrade or fee before ordering. Check whether the venue charges a standing or seating fee. Reading recent online reviews for specific bars will flag common complaints about billing practices.

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.