Daytime isn't bad at all. But obviously things pick up when the sun goes down.
New Orleans has a reputation as a bad city, and in some cases it is. Just like any big city you have to be thinking on your feet. With the crowds around and lots of law enforcement it isn't so bad. That's why when it's dark you will want to stay in an area with people around. Keep your wallet in your side pocket if you bring it even at all...there are pickpockets. If you have a front pocket with a button or zipper, better yet.
Watch out for beads! There are some balcony patrons that will whip them down and you have to watch out. Never pick up beads from the ground. If you really want to you can, but put your foot on it first or else you just may get a broken finger. It's OK to push and shove to get beads so don't get mad if you get beat to something...there's always more where that came from.
Don't get hustled. First off red card black card. If you see someone win at that game it's because the dealer wants them to. The second you throw money in you will misteriously lose.
I got hustled...here's my account.
Guy walks up...I just was in the city because I wanted to go out. Fresh from Michigan a man comes up and starts talking to me. Nice guy, he says, "I bet you $5 that I know where you got them shoes at."
Being a betting man I go with him on it, I mean I just flew in from Michigan, how the hell would he know?
"You got them shoes in New Orleans Louisiana right now son, give me $5 please sir."
Needless to say I paid the man.
And it was worth it. It goes against the norm but the man took the time to tell me where things were going on, gave me a few ideas for things to do, and told me what else to look out for.
Watch out for drunks. People just get rowdy, you will see it happen. Just ignore it and get away from the scene. You'll be saving yourself from getting mobbed when these dudes on horses start coming into the scene. The police there are there to help you believe it or not and their main job is crowd control.
Try to stay in the quarter at night. Anything much past Chareles or Canal isn't where you want to be when it's dark out.
Most of it's just common sense, %99 of the people are there to have fun so you really shouldn't have to worry about things so much alright?
