New Orleans | Let’s Jazz Every Night 🎵

During my 4-day, 3-night trip to New Orleans, I spent every evening soaking up jazz—here’s my breakdown of a few recommended jazz halls and what it was like!​ Preservation Hall​ This is the most recommended and classic spot in town! You must buy tickets in advance on the official website—front-row seats cost $50 (before tax), and there are also regular seated tickets and standing tickets available. No photos or videos are allowed during the show 📵.​ The hall is tiny—after the benches fill up, there’s a huge crowd of people standing packed behind them. The show I watched was only 45 minutes long total. There were five musicians: trumpet, clarinet, trombone, double bass, and drums… plus a piano that only made an appearance for the very last song!​ Personally, I’m not sure if this is just “old-school jazz” or if they were genuinely playing super serious jazz—all the musicians seemed pretty low-energy. Everyone had this tired, “I’m just here for work” vibe 😩… and this was even the first show of the night!​ Mahogany Jazz Hall​ My absolute favorite—10/10 recommend! 😍 I went here on my first night and had such an amazing time that I stayed the entire evening on my third night! All you need to do is order one drink, and you can sit and listen as long as you want. The small bar has such a cozy vibe, and the experience was top-tier.​ Compared to Preservation Hall, the musicians here are so passionate—they interact with each other and the audience with so much energy! Especially their bandleader and drummer, Gerald French—his bio says he’s also a DJ, which explains why he’s such a great storyteller and keeps the mood lively 🥁.​ The Spotted Cat Music Club​ After Preservation Hall left me wanting more, I walked 10-15 minutes to this spot. There’s a $5 cover charge to get in, and you don’t have to buy a drink once you’re inside. That night, the band was made up of all young people—they had a great vibe!​ The space itself is just a small stage, a big open area, and a bar—no seats to sit down, so I couldn’t stay very long lol 🪑.​ #DailyPhotography #NewOrleansGuide #USATravelGuide