Preservation Hall

The Basics

It’s hard to miss Preservation Hall if you’re in the French Quarter; it has a prime location between Bourbon and Royal streets. The jazz bands that play at the hall are made up of a roster of more than 100 “master traditional New Orleans jazz musicians” who have learned from the hall’s former greats. Many music-themed walking tours pass by or stop at this venue, and shows take place several times a night.

Things to Know Before You Go

• All ages are welcome at Preservation Hall.

• There are two types of tickets at Preservation Hall: general admission (which can be purchased with cash after standing in line before a show) and “big shot” tickets, which reserve the best seats in the house. All tickets are only good for one show.

• The hall is very popular, and the line for general admission typically starts about an hour before each show.

• The hall holds roughly 100 people. There is bench and floor seating for 40; the rest of the hall is standing-room only.

• Food and beverages are not sold at the venue, but you may bring your own drinks in plastic containers (food is prohibited).

• Visitors with a disability or a handicap should call the hall to request accommodations.

How to Get There

Preservation Hall is located on St. Peter Street in the French Quarter and is walking distance from Jackson Square, the waterfront, Louis Armstrong Park, and many other bars and attractions. The hall is about a 5-minute walk from the Toulouse Station tram stop.

When to Get There

The hall hosts up to five shows a night, and the first generally starts at 5pm. Each lasts about 45 minutes.

New Orleans Music Tours

If you want to know about New Orleans’ many musical traditions, you can book one of the city’s many music-themed tours. Learn about how the city became famous for blues, jazz, and gospel; and hear about the histories of venues like Preservation Hall, Place d’Armes, and the Royal Orleans hotel. You can also take a tour that will introduce you to the city’s jazz, food, and drink scenes all in one day.

What do you wear to Preservation Hall?

You should wear comfortable clothing to Preservation Hall. There’s no dress code to worry about, but most travelers suggest wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing that will keep you cool during performances, as the space lacks air-conditioning and can get warm and stuffy, particularly in the hot and muggy summer months.

Should I go to Preservation Hall?

Yes, you should go to Preservation Hall, especially if you’re a music fan. Since its opening in 1961, Preservation Hall has become a French Quarter institution. Even people who don’t usually listen to jazz may have a change of heart after listening to the New Orleans genre style.

Can you take photos in Preservation Hall?

Yes, you can take photos in Preservation Hall, but only during intermissions or before or after the shows. During performances, audience members are requested to keep their phones silent and refrain from recording or taking photos to not distract actors or other guests.

Is Preservation Hall kid-friendly?

Yes, Preservation Hall is kid-friendly. The content of performances is suitable for children and adults alike, and guests of all ages are welcome. If your kids like music, they'll have a great time, but it can feel crowded, and some children might get restless during their visit.

Is Preservation Hall accessible?

Yes, Preservation Hall is accessible, and there's a mobility ramp available for those who need to enter. Wheelchair users can remain in their chairs or transfer to bench seating. You'll just need to email the venue ahead of time so that they can prepare for your visit.

What is the best day to visit Preservation Hall?

The best day to visit Preservation Hall depends on what you want to see. Brass shows are typically held on Mondays, the Preservation All-Stars play on Tuesdays, and featured performers take the stage along with the All-Stars on other nights. However, all this can change, so check the website for up-to-date schedules.

Ways to explore

Thanks to its convenient location in the heart of the French Quarter—as well as its multiple nightly shows—Preservation Hall is an excellent choice for music lovers who want to see a traditional New Orleans jazz show while they’re in town. The venue’s three in-house bands perform at varying times of the week, and feature a rotating roster of expert local musicians.

Check the venue’s calendar for specifics, and book tickets online in advance to guarantee your entry. To complement your visit to Preservation Hall, consider joining a New Orleans music history walking tour.

Accessibility

Preservation Hall is accessible to wheelchair users. However, it does not have an accessible bathroom.

Age limits

None. The venue is all-ages, but very young kids may not be an ideal audience, and there are no bathrooms on-site.

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, credit cards, handheld fan to keep cool

What to wear

Wear lightweight, comfortable clothes—Preservation Hall does not have air-conditioning.

Not allowed

Taking photos or videos of performances, buying tickets at the door, using cash

Address

Preservation Hall is in the French Quarter, between Bourbon and Royal Streets. Driving in the area is not recommended, so opt for taxis, rideshare services, or public transportation. Tours with included transit can also get you there.

Driving

The French Quarter can be challenging to navigate by car, and there is little parking available. Use taxis or rideshare services instead.

Public transportation

Take a streetcar to Preservation Hall. Both the Rampart-Loyola Line (46) and the Loyola-Riverfront Line (49) stop a few blocks away.

Best times to visit

The venue hosts four 45-minute concerts nightly, so reserve tickets online and plan a French Quarter evening around your show.

Best days to visit

You can catch a show any night of the week—if you book in advance—but expect weekend shows to sell out more quickly.

Best months to visit

Since Preservation Hall does not have air-conditioning, consider visiting outside of the summer season.

Special events

Time your visit for mid-spring, when the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is on, so you can soak up as much live music in the city as possible.