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Preservation Hall

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.0 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #14 of 276 attractions in New Orleans
Traveler Description: Historic and inexpensive jazz venue may not serve food or drinks, but the music it serves up is first rate.
Familiar with Preservation Hall? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Jazz bar, Performance, Other, Landmark/point of interest
Activities: Nightlife
Address: 726 St. Peter Street New Orleans, LA 70116
Tel: 504-522-2841
Fax: 504-522-2841

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of Preservation Hall

( 1-10 of 20 )
5 of 5 stars
Texas
Aug 11, 2008

Going to Preservation Hall is probably my favorite New Orleans experience whenever I visit NOLA. Yeah, it's hot and cramped and muggy, but I love the ambiance and the music. The lineup changes constantly and only 25% of the pre-Katrina musicians are back, but I was told whenever one of the old gang visits town they are invited back to... more

4 of 5 stars
Dallas, Texas
Jun 25, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

My husband and I greatly enjoyed this experience. It's definitely a unique and historical experience. Music only. No alcohol. $10 cover for in and out all night. There are three shows each night. You may have to stand, or if you get there at the end of one set you can get a seat for the next set. We loved... more

May 2, 2008

Yes its small, yes its crowded, yes its hot... But you will never get an experience like it in your life! Worth the lines and the conditions, the small space with it's low lighting and dingy walls invite you in- like your visiting uncles who love their music so much they were willing to overlook the old interior because it... more

Feb 17, 2008
1/2 found this review helpful

They charge $10 a head to cram you into a tiny, overcrowded little room with no seats like cattle. You cannot even see the musicians from 5 feet away because there are so many people in front of you. Long wait in line to get decent 'first come first serve' standing room. The music is very average - take a... more

5 of 5 stars
Michigan
Aug 15, 2007
4/5 found this review helpful

I knew going in that this place is not your typical music "hall" but it was even SMALLER than I imagined! It is probably as big inside as a 2 1/2 car garage, dark, dingy, with NO AIR CONDITIONING! The crowds are standing room only and the place is packed! In July it was oppressively hot and humid. But the... more

Jan 22, 2007
3/3 found this review helpful

I love this place. Just great jazz and wonderful atmosphere. Get there at 8pm and pay $8. Stay as long as you want. Each set lasts about 45 minutes with about a 10 minute break. Bench seats are in short supply so it pays to get there early. more

5 of 5 stars
Illinois
Oct 31, 2006
3/3 found this review helpful

Historic, classic, and best music in town. Inexpensive. No smoking, eating, drinking, flash cameras. This band is what NOLA is about. Prepare for a hot, stuffy room, with limited seating in close proximity to others. Get there early to guarantee entry...you will wait in line for about an hour. Say Hi! to the Preservation Hall house cat! MUST SEE! more

1 of 5 stars
Hilliard, OH
Feb 4, 2006
3/9 found this review helpful

The most overrated tourist trap in New Orleans. Surly people working the door, refusal to make change for their "cash only" cover charge, and the music is no better than what you can hear anywhere else in the Quarter. If you want to sit on one of the meager benches, best be in line 2 hours before opening. Just not... more

Aug 31, 2005
9/13 found this review helpful

The whole intention of the absence of alterations in Presevation Hall is to ensure that the acoustic quality of the room remains unchanged. Putting air conditioning and extra fans into such a carefully controlled environment would seriously alter the musical environment which has been described as "near perfect " If tourists are not prepared to accept that jazz is taken... more

Aug 30, 2005
1/1 found this review helpful

What's not to love! To sit in the same place (on the floor or on a wooden bench) listening to the same music that my parents and grandparents enjoyed generations ago on visits to New Orleans! Of course you can't take your own drinks in, it's a living museum! A really fantastic slice of history, don't miss it. more

Reviews of Preservation Hall

( 1-10 of 20 )
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Preservation Hall: Management Resources

Preservation Hall Address

726 St. Peter Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Tel: 504-522-2841 Fax: 504-522-2841