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.
Trip ideas
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.
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