New Orleans Jazz Tours
Experience birthplace of jazz with live music, historic clubs, and NOLA soul!
Discover New Orleans - the birthplace of jazz music! Jazz tours explore legendary Frenchmen Street (better than Bourbon for authentic music!), historic Preservation Hall (intimate jazz venue since 1961), Congo Square (where slaves gathered creating jazz foundations), old jazz clubs, brass band culture, and music venues throughout the city. Experience live jazz in intimate settings, learn about Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and jazz legends, visit Louis Armstrong Park, and understand how African, Caribbean, and European musical traditions fused creating jazz. Tours include club hopping, second-line parades (if lucky!), music history lessons, and possibly catching street musicians. It's jazz immersion!
Why Choose Jazz Tours in New Orleans?
Birthplace of Jazz
Where jazz was invented - authentic music history!
Preservation Hall
Intimate venue preserving traditional New Orleans jazz!
Frenchmen Street
Better than Bourbon for authentic live music - locals' favorite!
Live Music Nightly
Jazz clubs, brass bands, and street musicians everywhere!
Types of Jazz Tours in New Orleans
Frenchmen Street Jazz Tour
Club-hop authentic music venues with live jazz.
Preservation Hall Experience
Traditional jazz show in historic intimate venue.
Jazz History Walking Tour
Visit jazz birthplace sites and learn music history.
Jazz Dinner Cruise
Steamboat cruise with live jazz and Creole dinner.
What to Expect on Your New Orleans Jazz Tours
Duration
Club tours: 3-4 hours. Preservation Hall: 1 hour show. Walking: 3 hours.
Live Jazz
Hear authentic New Orleans jazz in intimate venues - trumpet, trombone, clarinet!
Preservation Hall
No-frills venue (benches, standing room) with traditional jazz - pure music!
Frenchmen Street
Three blocks of music clubs - jazz, funk, brass, blues - locals' favorite!
Street Musicians
Brass bands and street performers throughout French Quarter.
Jazz History
Learn about Louis Armstrong, jazz birth, and New Orleans musical legacy.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Frenchmen Street better than Bourbon for authentic music - locals agree!
Preservation Hall tickets ($20-45) sell out - book online weeks ahead!
Snug Harbor (Frenchmen) has best jazz - $20-30 cover, worth it!
Spotted Cat Music Club (Frenchmen) FREE entry with donations.
Second-line parades happen Sundays - follow brass band through streets!
Tip street musicians generously - they're often incredible talents.
Jazz clubs don't serve food usually - eat before club-hopping.
Late night (10 PM-2 AM) Frenchmen Street peaks - that's when locals go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is Preservation Hall?
A: Preservation Hall is intimate jazz venue (since 1961) dedicated to preserving traditional New Orleans jazz. No-frills room (benches, standing), no drinks/food, pure music! Shows $20-45, 1 hour. Tickets sell out weeks ahead. Acoustic, intimate, authentic - essential NOLA experience!
Q:Is Frenchmen Street better than Bourbon?
A: For music: YES! Frenchmen has authentic live music in multiple clubs. Locals go here. Bourbon is touristy party street. Both worth experiencing but Frenchmen has better music quality. Safer, cleaner, more about music than drinking. Three blocks of clubs!
Q:Can you hear jazz for free in New Orleans?
A: Yes! Street musicians throughout French Quarter (tip them!). Some Frenchmen clubs have free entry (Spotted Cat, d.b.a.). Jackson Square has performers. However, best venues charge $10-30 cover. Budget $20-40 for evening of quality jazz.
Q:What is a second-line parade?
A: Second-line is New Orleans tradition - brass band leads parade, crowd follows dancing with umbrellas and handkerchiefs! Happens Sundays in different neighborhoods. It's spontaneous, joyful, free to join! Follow the music. Quintessential New Orleans experience!
Q:How much do jazz tours cost?
A: Jazz club tours: $45-80 (3-4 hours, multiple clubs). Preservation Hall show: $20-45. Jazz history walking: $40-60. Dinner cruises: $80-120. Club covers separate ($10-30). Tours handle logistics - worth it for first-timers!
Q:Who was Louis Armstrong?
A: Louis Armstrong ("Satchmo") was New Orleans native who became jazz legend - revolutionary trumpet player and singer. Influenced all jazz. Birthplace now Louis Armstrong Park. His legacy is everywhere in NOLA. He put New Orleans jazz on world stage!
Q:When is the best time for jazz?
A: Year-round! Jazz Fest (late April-early May) massive festival. However, live jazz happens nightly 365 days. Evening (8 PM-midnight) clubs peak. Frenchmen Street best Thursday-Saturday nights. Music never stops in New Orleans!
Q:Do you need tickets for jazz clubs?
A: Preservation Hall: YES (book weeks ahead!). Most Frenchmen clubs: $10-30 cover at door (first-come). Some free entry. No reservations needed except Preservation Hall. Arrive early for seats - many venues standing room only.
Why Visit New Orleans?
Iconic French Quarter and historic architecture
World-famous jazz music and culture
Authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine
Rich history and cultural heritage
Mardi Gras celebrations and festivals
Perfect blend of music and culture
Best Time to Visit
Weather
New Orleans enjoys a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 50°F (10°C) in winter to 90°F (32°C) in summer.
Best Months
February to May and October to December offer the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.
Peak Season
June to August brings peak tourist season with hot, humid weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.
Off Season
January and September offer lower prices and fewer crowds, though with occasional hurricanes.
Plan Your New Orleans Trip
Transportation Tips
Public transportation includes streetcars and buses. Walking is perfect for exploring the French Quarter, and ride-sharing services are widely available.
Car Rental Deals in New Orleans
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Where to Stay
Find the perfect accommodation for your New Orleans adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.
Best Hotel Deals in New Orleans
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