Okay, so last month I planned this trip down to New Orleans, right? Heard all about the music and food on Evangeline Street, sounded amazing. But then my buddy texted me like, “Yo, you sure about that area? Read some sketchy stuff online.” Honestly made me pause. Instead of just winging it, I figured I’d check it out myself before booking anything.
First, I Started Digging Online
Cracked open the laptop and searched everywhere. Read local news articles, scrolled through city safety forums – even found some random neighborhood Facebook groups. Wasn’t just looking for crime stats, ya know? Wanted real people talking about walking around there at different times. Saw mixed stuff: some said it’s lively and fine if you’re smart, others talked about avoiding empty blocks after dark.
Actually Talking to Humans Helped
Called up my hotel and straight up asked the front desk guy: “How’s Evangeline Street for tourists during the day? Evening?” He was real chill about it. Said stick to the main strip with businesses, especially near the music joints, and grab a rideshare after 9 PM. Then I messaged a college friend who lives in NOLA. She basically said: “Don’t wander off looking confused with your phone out, and watch your bag in crowds.” Felt way better hearing it from locals.
My Own Scouting Mission
Got there last Thursday afternoon. Took the streetcar straight to Evangeline. First impression? Busy! Music blasting, people eating, shops open. But I walked the whole stretch. Paid attention to where the crowds thinned out and marked those spots in my head. Checked which places had security outside restaurants. Peeked into alleys – some looked kinda dark and messy even in daylight. Grabbed a coffee just to sit and watch foot traffic for an hour. Saw families, tourists… felt normal. Left around sunset as planned.
Key Tips I Figured Out:
- Timing matters big time. Daytime = totally fine for jazz brunch or shopping. Post-dinner? Nah, call a car.
- Use your eyes. Stick where the lights and people are. Felt way safer near packed music venues than quiet side streets.
- Act like you know where you’re going – even if you don’t! Glued my phone to my hand only for quick directions, then shoved it deep in my pocket.
- Don’t carry dumb stuff. Left passport in the safe, split cash between front pocket and bag. Fanny pack under my shirt felt kinda nerdy but secure.
End of the day? Went back twice for po’boys and jazz. Felt totally fine using common sense. Truth is, lots of places have rough edges if you go looking for trouble or space out. Evangeline’s got soul, and yeah, it’s safe enough if you move smart.
