Preservation Hall

Preservation Hall opened in 1961 with a simple purpose: to protect and promote traditional New Orleans jazz. In the 1950s the building at 726 St Peter Street was an art gallery run by the dealer Larry Borenstein, who invited local jazz musicians to play for tips, and the music soon drew more attention than the paintings. In 1961 the space became a music venue, and that September Allan and Sandra Jaffe, who had come to the French Quarter on their honeymoon, took over its management. They gave work to older local musicians and in 1963 began taking their bands on tour.

The focus has always been on the music itself. In its early years the Jaffes served no alcohol, used no amplification and did not advertise, and that stripped-back approach is part of the hall's identity: the point of a visit is to hear a traditional jazz band at close range. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is the house band associated with the hall, and touring has been part of its story since the 1960s.

There is live music every night. Check the calendar on the official website for dates and performers, and buy tickets in advance through the site, as the hall receives around 180,000 visitors a year and shows can sell out at busy times, especially at weekends, during festivals and over the holidays.

A concert here suits almost everyone: first-time visitors who want an authentic introduction to New Orleans jazz, music fans, couples and families with children who can sit still for a set. Arrive in good time for your show and check the ticket details for any rules on entry.

A show is one of the simplest ways to hear traditional jazz played by local musicians, and it makes an ideal first evening in the city. Tickets are sold through the calendar on the website, so pick your date as soon as your trip is fixed.

The hall's non-profit Preservation Hall Foundation supports music education, with lessons for young people taught by New Orleans jazz musicians, the Preservation Hall Junior Jazz Band and work to maintain the archives. Preservation Hall is on St Peter Street in the French Quarter, so it is easy to fit in before or after dinner in the Quarter.