Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksTheaters
5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Monday
5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Tuesday
5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Wednesday
5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Thursday
5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Friday
5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Saturday
5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Sunday
5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
About
New Orleans' Preservation Hall was established in 1961 to honor one of America's truest art forms - Traditional New Orleans Jazz. Operating as a music venue, a touring band, and a non-profit organization, Preservation Hall continues its mission today as a cornerstone of New Orleans music and culture. Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, the Preservation Hall venue presents intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts over 350 nights a year featuring ensembles from a current collective of 100+ local master practitioners. On any given night, audiences bear joyful witness to the evolution of this venerable and living tradition.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area

Address
Neighborhood: French Quarter
A small and teeming network of laissez-faire living lounged out on the balmy banks of the Mighty Mississippi, the French Quarter has long been a port of call for folks in search of a good time and a great story. Perpetually inebriated Bourbon Street runs across its midriff like a strand of cheap ribbon tied around an otherwise rather pretty and impressively well-kept vintage dress. Throughout the rest of the Quarter, brightly colored Victorian homes and businesses, famously done up with wrought-iron features, provide a distinct and immediately recognizable backdrop for all varieties of fun. At any given moment in this historic riverside setting, some of America’s finest meals are being cooked, most potent cocktails are being mixed, and most engaging music is being performed.
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See what travelers are saying

  • recorder
    Pineville, Missouri1,922 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed it a lot.
    Having never been here before, I had nothing to compare it to. Having said that, we really had a great time here. The place hasn't changed since it was opened in 1961. The patina on everything is real. The music was great and although it was only 45 minutes long, it left me wanting more, not looking at my watch wondering when it would get over. Not sure where all the money goes, but I don't care. I got what I wanted to see and hear and felt like I had done something to preserve this great music.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 10, 2023
  • Katherine J
    London, United Kingdom16 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    You know what you’re getting into!
    I was really excited about going to preservation hall and intrigued by the mixed reviews here. Firstly the musicians are incredible, extremely talented and very varied in their skill sets. The music was 10/10. It’s true that the hall is small and not the most comfortable but that is to be expected for a historic venue. The show is short but they do tell you this when you’re booking and the cost is high for what you get, but overall I personally felt like the experience was worth it. It is also true that the musicians ask for tips, but last night they weren’t pushy about it. It’s pretty standard in the USA and we’ve been asked for tips on $400 meals so I don’t think it was that weird. All in all I would recommend it if you are aware what it is and want a great historic New Orleans jazz experience
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 11, 2023
  • Anand_Hari
    London, United Kingdom334 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Short, expensive but worth doing
    Pros The best musicians we saw during our whole trip. The venue was beautiful. Memorable experience. Cons Bad value for money given how short the show was, and cost of the tickets. The room got very hot. The seats weren't comfortable. No bar, and you can't bring outside drinks in except water. No toilet (but you can go next door). Hard to get tickets, we booked about three weeks in advance. Not sure what chance you'd have nearer the time or on the day. The performance ended abruptly. Overall, I would recommend. It's a great way to experience the highest quality music. I just wish we got a bit more of it. Perhaps it's turned into a bit of a tourist cash cow.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 11, 2023
  • 2berries
    Lake George, New York283 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    THIS is New Orleans Jazz
    If you’re looking to hear some classic jazz in a unique setting, this is the experience for you. The musicians are clearly top notch. The hall is dimly lit, has wooden bench seating or standing room options and the setting is very intimate as the musicians are maybe 6-8 feet from the first seated row. Very glad we saw a show in Preservation Hall!
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 20, 2023
  • Benjamin B
    Oslo, Norway4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unique experience with great musicians
    A true unique experience that should not be missed if you are in town amd want to experience some traditional jazz. As a tall person; a standing ticket is perfectly fine. The entire show is not that long, and if you still get great views from the standing platform in the back if you are not short. If you have a standing ticket I would recomment getting in line early and put yourself along the back wall, you get the whole atmosphere and great views of the band.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 23, 2023
  • royce n
    Eagan, Minnesota18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Authentic New Orleans Music
    You probably should get reservations in advance. They have bench seating and standing room. It’s a small venue. The music is authentic. The energy is enveloping. The band works the crowd well. This place is the real thing. The performance runs about 45 minutes. Expect to queue up outside before the show. If you have a need to use the facilities do so beforehand, maybe at a bar across the lane. Once you are admitted to the venue it’s show time.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 23, 2023
  • Julie S
    11 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Checked that off our list
    Excellent performance that lasted about 45 minutes. It is definitely something to experience, but I'm glad we brought our masks with us because we were packed very tightly in a warm room. We had standing room only seats. I recommend getting 'seats' if you can, which are wooden benches. Book early! If you get anxious in tight crowds and can't get a 'seat', stand in the back right next to the door. I wish we had done that. And be aware that the musicians will ask for money at the end of the show.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 26, 2023
  • Neo_Oracle
    Minneapolis, Minnesota14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thoroughly entertaining!
    I've read a few reviews where people were complaining about the length of the program, the seating, or the tip request. I would say, if you don't want to stand, pay for seating. If you can't appreciate a 45-minute set by legendary, accomplished musicians, or if you just can't tolerate sitting on a wooden bench, stay home. If you begrudge these senior citizens from getting a tip on top of whatever meager pay they get for each performance, especially during the holiday season, you're a miser. My husband and I were honored to attend a performance, and especially getting to meet the members of the band. Where else does that happen?!
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 21, 2023
  • MackBuffalo
    Buffalo, New York290 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing experience!
    Don't expect to be simply entertained for about 45 to 55 minutes. My experience was more than expected and better than reviews that I have read. Yes, the benches are hardwood with no backs, and there is no bathroom or air conditioning inside the hall. It's not built for comfort or long concerts, BUT the performance of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band gave a deep-rooted, soulful, passionate, and engaging performance. They gave a brief explanation into the background for some of their songs and were not pushy at all about tips, not mentioning tips at all until casually at the very end. They stayed after the performance to take pictures and engage with the audience. They each had highlighted solos that displayed their individual talents, mixed in with seamless and captivating jazz as they played together. Check-in was fadt and easy. We had the front row reserved, which was absolutely worth the price. We sat just off to the side in the front and had such a memorable experience. No regrets, and I would absolutely do it again!!!
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 30, 2023
  • lawdawg1
    Seattle, Washington161 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Up close is the way to go
    Attended a late afternoon show on New Year's Eve on our trip to the Sugar Bowl. Saw Leroy Jones for the from row. It was awesome. So enjoyed the show and its intimate setting. Recommend buying early and sitting in front row, well worth the extra money.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
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TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN5,971 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
I know this is a famous venue to listen to traditional Jazz music and has lots of history since it opened in 1961 but the whole experience felt very contrived. The musicians were exceptional and the room is very intimate holding only about 100 people but it just didn't feel authentic. It was just way too regimented. Shows are scheduled every hour and each set lasts 45 minutes. A group is herded in and out of the room every hour. Line up 30-45 minutes before each show for standing room only and have $20 cash at the door. You can buy tickets online guaranteeing you one of the seats on the benches in the front of the room but these cost $45-50. No bar available but you can get drinks at Pat O'Brien's next door and can drink these in line or bring them into the venue if in a plastic cup. Another issue that left me with feeling that I just visited a tourist trap is the absence of the headliner that night. Wendell Brunious was suppose to be headlining the 10pm show and was a no-show. I understand things happen but there was no explanation or apology as I suspect the staff didn't feel that these dumb tourists deserved to know anything. The live music venues on Frenchmen Street offered a much better and authentic experience.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cristinamazutis
58 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Family
Don’t miss a chance to be transported in time by listening to live Jazz Music at this venue.

We waited 2hrs for the 8pm show, totally worth it. Tip: if you are not paying for the $40 reserved tickets and prefer to make the line out side, people standing past the Pat O’Briens Sign will most likely not get in and will have to wait for the next show.

My kids and family members were skeptical that it was worth a 2 hour wait, but they all came out extremely satisfied.

The band is fantastic and their love for Jazz fills the room. You have to experience it for yourself!

Top 5 things to do while in NOLA for sure.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tinky321
Singleton, Australia245 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
The legacy band is awesome. This is a definite highlight of our trip. It is worth lining up for 1 hour to see this. If you book online you are guaranteed a seat but it is double the price. If you line up before the concert, it is cash only, $20 an adult and $10 per student. Very experienced and entertaining jazz musicians. Definitely the best jazz we’ve heard in the 5 days we’ve been in NOLA. The hall is small so if you line up less than 1/2 hour before the concert you will probably only get standing space. Well worth a visit, even with kids.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JanBoyee
Girard, Ohio5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
An historical music site in New Orleans. Great Jazz, reservations recommended unless you feel like waiting for a long time to pay less. Check the web site. No bathroom, no drinks, no air conditioning to take away from the sound. No photos or movies allowed. Just a beat up old place with great music!
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MooshLA
Calabasas, CA593 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Just paid a visit to the 10P show at Preservation Hall where I was able to secure tickets just a few days in advance for a mere $50 which covers a solidly performed 45 minute set by some of New Orleans' finest musicians. This tiny venue packs you in for a rally enjoyable and worthwhile experience. I can't say enough - so much so I was motivated to leave extra cash and donation along with some merchandise purchase on my way out. No bar or food served inside however you're welcome to bring in any beverage of choice from any of the neighboring bars. I suggest spending the extra $ (just $50!) for front row reserved seats - WELL WORTH IT! Enjoy!
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Emily Taravella
Nacogdoches, TX29 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Family
As many reviewers have shared, this is a quintessential New Orleans experience. The jazz is outstanding, and the performers are talented and entertaining. We are so glad we went.
That being said, it would have been helpful to know some things before we got there. We traveled on a tight budget, so we couldn’t afford reserved seating. We got there an hour early so we could get general admission tickets. We were first in line. As the line grew longer, the people working the door explained that they would only be able to fit those backed up as far as Pat O’Brien’s. I don’t know how many people that adds up to, but that’s the rule of thumb. If you get in line past Pat O’Brien’s, you won’t make it inside. Also - general admission tickets are standing room only. Our family of four got the very last seats available. The seats are for the people who bought reserved tickets. There were two long cushions on the floor right in front of the band that were the only other available seating for general admission. Some teens/college kids were able to squeeze in there. I saw lots of people with young children, and also older people, who had already stood in line for an hour who now stood for another 45 minutes for the show. That’s not a problem for some people, but for others it is, and I think it’s helpful to know that if you are general admission there’s a very high likelihood that you’ll be standing. Also, it’s a tight, tight space. In my mind I had pictured something like an old school auditorium with folding wooden seats. But it’s not like that. It’s a few wooden benches in a very small, dark room. You are packed shoulder to shoulder with other people with little or no room to move. Again - this didn’t particularly bother us, and I’m not saying it’s a negative. It made for a close up, intimate experience. But for germaphobes or people who get uncomfortable in tight crowds or close quarters, it helps to know this in advance.
They are very strict about the photo policy. No photos once the performers come out.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

60Ev
Medway, UK190 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
We lined up for an hour to get into the 5 pm show and only just made it in so would recommend joining the line earlier although it is a long time to wait. Once inside we stood for the entire show. There are a few benches at the front but these are probably reserved for those who pre book seats or who are first in line. It is definitely worth it though to be in an iconic building and the band were fantastic. They interacted with the audience and played some great old style jazz. Really pleased we went here.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

gardog
Glendora207 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
It has been on my bucket list to attend Preservation Hall, and my last trip to New Orleans found long lines every single night of the week, so this recent trip I was determined to see the show. Less than a dump, less than a dive, this death trap has a piano blocking a much-needed emergency exit, what appears to be electrical wiring not to code, no fire sprinklers, and a very large crowd in a very small space. Seating for about 40-45 on benches and standing room for around 30 more (you can also sit on a pillow on the floor), the show is about 45 minutes long, which amounted to five songs and a bunch of inane banter.
I love traditional jazz and the price was good but it seems one could find similar music elsewhere in the French Quarter. Yes of course the music was good but you already knew that. Don't go out of your way to attend this but if you have time shows are at 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

agt33
Winnipeg, Canada460 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Got into line about 4:30 pm hoping to see the 5pm show. Just squeaked in because they had two spots open and the next people in line ahead of us were a party of six. What luck! The venue is small and about 40% seating and the rest standing room only. It's about a 45 minute concert and was so good! At only $20.00 it is a bargain to be in such a historical venue and listen to excellent jazz music. A real highlight of our trip to New Orleans.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Road812451
Stony Brook, NY18 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
It is still a must see, although a better experience might be at some of the clubs. Reserving for $40 for a 40 minute set is quite pricey though. The lines weren’t really that bad. It’s great that you can bring in your own drinks.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Preservation Hall - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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