Where NOT to go!?

Question

We will be coming to New Orleans for the first time this, March with my husband for a long weekend. We are planning on staying at the JW Marriot while we are in town. After reading some things about safety concerns I was curious if it'll be safe to talk from our hotel to Bourdon street after dark? What area's should we avoid? Is the hotel location good for a first timer?

On Saturday we will be going to Commanders Palace for dinner, should we take an Uber or can we take a street car? TIA!

Answer

It’s exciting that you’ll be visiting New Orleans for the first time! The city has so much to offer, and it’s great that you’re being mindful of safety. Here’s some information to help you navigate your trip safely and make the most of your stay.

Hotel Location - JW Marriott: The JW Marriott is in a fantastic location for first-time visitors! It’s situated in the heart of downtown New Orleans, near the French Quarter, and is within walking distance of many attractions like the French Market, Bourbon Street, and the Riverwalk. The hotel is in a popular and busy area, which is generally safe, especially during the day and early evening. The location is great for sightseeing, dining, and exploring the historic parts of the city.

Safety Concerns & Areas to Avoid: New Orleans, like any major city, has areas that are safer than others, especially after dark. While the French Quarter and downtown areas are generally safe for tourists, it's always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in the late evening. Here are some general safety tips and areas to avoid:

Stay on Well-Lit, Busy Streets: If you’re out walking at night, it’s best to stick to well-lit and populated areas. Bourbon Street is usually busy at night, so it’s fine to walk there, but avoid isolated alleys and quiet streets after dark.
Avoid St. Claude Avenue (East of the French Quarter): This area can be a bit rougher, especially after dark. While it's more residential, it’s best to avoid it if you're unfamiliar with the area.
Central City & Tulane/Gravier: These neighborhoods can be less safe at night, particularly further away from the tourist areas. While they have some great attractions during the day, it’s best to avoid them late at night unless you’re with a local or on a guided tour.
The Treme Area: Treme is a historically significant neighborhood, but parts of it can feel a little sketchy at night. It’s best to explore it during the day when it’s busier.

Is it safe to walk from the JW Marriott to Bourbon Street after dark? In general, walking to Bourbon Street from your hotel is fine, as long as you stay in well-populated areas and are cautious about your surroundings, particularly late at night. Bourbon Street itself can get rowdy at night, but it is busy with tourists, which adds to the safety. Just avoid wandering into quiet alleys or less busy parts of the Quarter, especially if you're not familiar with the area.

Transportation to Commander’s Palace: Commander’s Palace is located in the Garden District, and it’s a bit farther from your hotel. You can definitely take a streetcar, which is a fun and scenic option. The St. Charles Streetcar is the most direct way to get to Commander’s Palace from downtown. The ride will take about 15-20 minutes, and it’s a great way to see a different part of the city. If you’re in a hurry or prefer a more direct route, an Uber is a good option, especially if you want to avoid waiting for a streetcar or if the weather is bad. The cost of an Uber to Commander’s Palace will typically range from $10 to $15 depending on traffic and demand.

Summary:

The JW Marriott is in a great location for first-timers, with easy access to the French Quarter and major attractions.
Be mindful of your surroundings, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit and busy streets, and avoid areas like St. Claude Avenue, Central City, and Treme at night.
Walking to Bourbon Street from the hotel is safe, but always stay in populated areas at night.
To get to Commander’s Palace, you can take the St. Charles streetcar for a scenic ride, or an Uber for convenience.

Overall, New Orleans is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, and with some common sense and caution, you can have a wonderful and safe trip!