Tremé
The oldest Black neighborhood in America. Birthplace of jazz, home to second line culture, and pure New Orleans soul.
Best time
October-May (avoid summer heat and hurricane season)
Currency
USD
Language
English
Mid-range / day
USD 200
Is New Orleans safe for Black travelers?
New Orleans scores 4.0/5 (Very good) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. New Orleans has a strong Black community that is warm and proud. The French Quarter and Garden District are very tourist-safe. Tremé and Seventh Ward are historic Black neighborhoods worth visiting — use common sense at night. Avoid wandering unfamiliar side streets after midnight. Uber is reliable. The energy during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest is electrifying but crowds require extra awareness of your belongings.
Community welcome
5/5
Police climate
3/5
Discrimination risk
4/5
Black-owned presence
4/5
Why this score: Most African US city; Tremé; jazz culture; Black hospitality embedded
Neighborhoods to Know
French Quarter
Iconic architecture, live jazz on every corner, Bourbon Street energy, and world-class Creole restaurants.
Garden District
Beautiful antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and upscale restaurants. Great for brunch and walking.
Frenchmen Street
The locals' alternative to Bourbon Street — live music every night, great bars, authentic NOLA vibes.
Must-Visit Places
Dooky Chase Restaurant Black-Owned
The Queen of Creole cuisine. Leah Chase fed civil rights leaders here. An absolute institution of Black New Orleans.
2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
New Orleans African American Museum
Located in Tremé, this museum tells the rich story of New Orleans Black history from free people of color to today.
1418 Governor Nicholls St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Second Line Parade
The most joyful tradition in Black America. A jazz funeral procession turned street party — check local schedules for Social Aid & Pleasure Club second lines.
Various neighborhoods, New Orleans
Preservation Hall
Legendary jazz venue in the French Quarter. Small, intimate, and absolutely sacred. Shows sell out — book ahead.
726 St Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Dakar Black-Owned
Black-owned restaurant in New Orleans.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Morrow's Black-Owned
Black-owned restaurant in New Orleans.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Hubbard Mansion Black-Owned
Verified Black-owned bed & breakfast in New Orleans.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Duchess Black-Owned
Verified Black-owned bed & breakfast in New Orleans.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Maison Dupuy Hotel Black-Owned
Verified Black-owned hotel in New Orleans.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast - New Orleans Black-Owned
Boutique Black-owned B&B by Monique Greenwood (Akwaaba network: Brooklyn, DC, Cape May, NOLA). Five guest rooms blending modern luxury with traditional sophistication. Email monique@akwaaba.com.
New Orleans, LA
La Belle Esplanade Black-Owned
Black-owned bed & breakfast on Esplanade Avenue blending Creole charm and modern comfort. IG @labelleesplanade.
2216 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA
The Inn on St. Peter Black-Owned
Black-owned boutique inn in the French Quarter owned by Wayne Holzenthal. Call (504) 524-9232.
726 St Peter St, New Orleans, LA
NOPSI Hotel Black-Owned
Black-owned luxury boutique hotel by Sheila Johnson (BET co-founder). Rooftop pool, city views, and prime location steps from the French Quarter and Superdome. nopsihotel.com.
317 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Dew Drop Inn Black-Owned
Black-owned NOLA legend revived — historic music venue, stylish hotel, and pool club in one. Each room is an artistic exploration of a musical or cultural legend who shaped the original Dew Drop. dewdropinnnola.com.
New Orleans, LA
Lincoln Beach
Opened in the late 1930s as the Black alternative to whites-only Pontchartrain Beach, this Lake Pontchartrain amusement park drew crowds for pools, rides and stars like Fats Domino and Nat King Cole before closing in 1965; it's now the focus of a community-led restoration effort.
Lincoln Beach, Hayne Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana
Visa
No visa required for US citizens
Frequently asked questions
Is New Orleans safe for Black travelers?
New Orleans scores 4.0 out of 5 (Very good) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. New Orleans has a strong Black community that is warm and proud. The French Quarter and Garden District are very tourist-safe. Tremé and Seventh Ward are historic Black neighborhoods worth visiting — use common sense at night. Avoid wandering unfamiliar side streets after midnight. Uber is reliable. The energy during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest is electrifying but crowds require extra awareness of your belongings.
Which neighborhoods in New Orleans are good for Black travelers?
Tremé, French Quarter, Garden District, Frenchmen Street. The oldest Black neighborhood in America. Birthplace of jazz, home to second line culture, and pure New Orleans soul.
Are there Black-owned businesses in New Orleans?
Black-owned presence in New Orleans is strong. Black-owned spots ROAM BLK recommends include Dooky Chase Restaurant, Dakar, Morrow's, The Hubbard Mansion, The Duchess.
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
October-May (avoid summer heat and hurricane season)
How much does a day in New Orleans cost?
Budget: USD 110 · Mid-range: USD 200 · Luxury: USD 400 per day, per ROAM BLK estimates.
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