Is NOLA safe? Is April a risk for tornadoes?

Question

Is it really safe there? We’re going for the jazz festival for three days but thinking about cancelling first because of the trump madness, second, I just saw on the news that I guy shot people around the French quarter( I heard of people getting shot in broad daylight near the centre) and third I heard that March to mag is tornado season. I find all of that extremely scary coming from Europe. We’re staying at Hampton inn French quarter which is 5 mins walking to bourbon street. We’re also going to Memphis which has a bad reputation. Should I be concerned? I’m almost cancelling the whole trip.

Answer

It's completely understandable to feel concerned about safety when traveling to a new place, especially when you're hearing news stories that raise red flags. However, I can offer some insight that might help you feel more confident in your decision to visit New Orleans.

Safety in New Orleans: New Orleans, like many major cities, has areas that are safer and others that require more caution. The French Quarter, where you're staying at the Hampton Inn, is a popular tourist destination, and the area around Bourbon Street can get crowded, particularly during the jazz festival. While it's generally safe during the day and early evening, like any bustling city center, it’s always a good idea to stay alert, especially late at night. Petty crime like pickpocketing or people getting scammed can happen in busy tourist areas, but violent crime is not the norm for tourists, especially if you're sticking to well-lit, populated areas.

It’s always wise to follow some basic safety tips:

Avoid walking alone late at night in less busy areas, particularly if you're unfamiliar with the surroundings.
Stay aware of your belongings, especially in crowded places like Bourbon Street.
If you're unsure about an area, ask locals or your hotel staff for recommendations on where to avoid.

Recent Violence: It's unfortunate when incidents like the shooting you mentioned happen, but they don’t represent the everyday reality of the city. News outlets sometimes sensationalize these events, and while any violent crime is concerning, these are typically isolated incidents. As with any large city, you should take basic precautions, but don’t let a few isolated cases deter you from enjoying the city. If you're worried, you can also get in touch with the hotel or locals for real-time updates on safety in your area during your stay.

Tornado Season in New Orleans: While it's true that tornadoes can occur in the spring months in the Gulf Coast region, they are not an everyday risk. April and May are part of the general tornado season in the U.S., but tornadoes in New Orleans specifically are rare. Severe weather can happen, and it's always a good idea to stay informed by checking local weather reports. The good news is that if there are any major weather concerns, your hotel will likely have protocols in place to keep guests safe. You might also want to download a weather app to keep track of any severe weather alerts.

Memphis: As for your concerns about Memphis, it's another city with its own areas of concern. Similar to New Orleans, there are parts of Memphis that are more tourist-friendly and others that are less so. As a tourist, if you stick to the popular destinations and tourist areas, you'll likely have an enjoyable and safe visit. Be sure to research where you're staying and what activities you're planning to do to make sure you're in safe and well-populated areas.

Conclusion: It's important to balance caution with an open mind. Many tourists visit New Orleans and Memphis every year without experiencing any problems. The key is to stay informed, take standard precautions, and enjoy the beauty and culture these cities offer. If you're particularly concerned, perhaps consider making an itinerary that includes more tourist-friendly and well-populated areas, and feel free to check in with your hotel for local tips on safety.

If you’re comfortable, you could also look into guided tours for certain parts of New Orleans or Memphis, as these will not only give you a local’s perspective but also ensure that you’re in safer, well-traveled areas.

Ultimately, the choice to go is yours, but many people travel to New Orleans each year, especially for events like the Jazz Festival, and have a fantastic time while staying safe. If you decide to go, I'm sure you'll enjoy the music, food, and unique atmosphere the city has to offer!

Is NOLA safe? Is April a risk for tornadoes?

More New Orleans Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions