Preservation Hall
8.4Friend Score / 10#5 of 20 Attractions in New Orleans
Known forjazzlive musictraditional jazzfrench quarter
A deliberately shabby 1750s-era room in the French Quarter where masters of traditional New Orleans jazz play short acoustic sets nightly — no bar, no AC, no amplification, just the music. Tickets run roughly $25-50 and sell out; book online ahead. It's 45 minutes that people fly in for.
Key facts
| Hours | Hours not verified |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Riverfront or Canal streetcar, then a short walk into the Quarter; the Hall is half a block off Jackson Square |
| Time needed | About 1 hour (sets run ~45 minutes) |
| Best time to go | The earliest evening set — easier tickets and you keep your night free for Frenchmen Street |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.4/10- Value8.5
- iconic8.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level4.0
- Authenticity9.5
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- How long is a Preservation Hall show?
- Sets run about 45 minutes, with multiple shows nightly — typically starting from early evening through around 10pm. Check the online calendar for exact times, as the schedule shifts by day and season.
- Can kids go to Preservation Hall?
- Yes — it's all-ages and alcohol-free, which makes it one of the few great New Orleans music experiences you can share with children. Just know a fidgety toddler and a packed silent room are a tough mix.
- Is Preservation Hall air conditioned?
- No, and in summer that little room gets genuinely hot. Dress light, and consider a later set when it cools down a touch. Nobody has ever regretted it once the band starts.
- Do I need to buy Preservation Hall tickets in advance?
- Yes — reserve online at preservationhall.com, since shows regularly sell out and they no longer take cash at the door. Booking a few days ahead is smart; same-day sometimes works for early sets on weeknights.
- How much do Preservation Hall tickets cost?
- Roughly $25-50 depending on whether you stand, sit on a bench, or spring for the reserved 'Big Shot' seats up front. For a 45-minute set of this caliber, even the top price is fair.
- Is there a bar or food at Preservation Hall?
- No bar, no food, no restrooms — it's just the room and the band, which is the point. Have your drink at Pat O'Brien's next door before or after.
- Where should I stand or sit at Preservation Hall?
- The room is tiny, so there's no bad spot acoustically. Benches go to those who arrive early in their ticket tier; the front cushions put you close enough to see the trombonist's spit valve. Standing in back is fine and cheapest.
- Is Preservation Hall worth it if I'm not a jazz fan?
- That's exactly who it's for. This is the origin-story version of jazz — melodic, joyful, and over in 45 minutes. Skeptics walk out converted more often than fans walk out disappointed.
Nearby in Ask New Orleans
- Preservation HallBar0.01 km · 0 min walk
- Pat O'Brien'sBar0.02 km · 0 min walk
- Peychaud's BarBar0.1 km · 1 min walk
- French Quarter (Vieux Carré)Neighborhood0.1 km · 1 min walk
- Pirate's Alley CafeBar0.13 km · 2 min walk
Where to stay near Preservation Hall
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