The Best Live Music Venues In New Orleans

Whether it’s with large clubs or small parades, the New Orleans music scene never disappoints the eight million visitors it gets each year. We have compiled a list of the best places to enjoy live music in the music city par excellence.

If you’d like to catch an exclusive live jazz performance at the storied Preservation Hall, consider booking Culture Trip’s four-day New Orleans tour, which includes this must-do activity – and several more – to give you an all-round excellent experience of the Big Easy.

1. Chickie Wah Wah

Bar, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub, American

Located in Mid-City, this music bar is a great place for visitors to relax and hang out with their friends. Chickie Wah Wah is a smoke-free club due to the artists’ strict no-smoking policy. The room adapts to bands of different sizes and welcomes different styles. Each artist or band that plays at the club is in charge of setting the entrance fee for their visitors. Here, music lovers can dress in any attire; the bar is laidback and allows casual outfits.

2. d.b.a.

Bar, Beer

Palmetto Bug Stompers, d.b.a. Jazz Club, 618 Frenchman Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Established in 2000 and located in the historic Fauburg Mariginy, d.b.a. was among the first music venues in New Orleans to become smoke-free. The goal of this venue is to create a healthy environment for you, as well as the staff and musicians. This allows patrons and artists alike to rejoice and connect through a cultural and entertaining space. d.b.a. features local and regional acts nightly, which means everyone is welcome to join the festivities every day.

4. Preservation Hall

Music Venue

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA - 2020: People wait in line before a live performance by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band at the famous Preservation Hall.

Preservation Hall is a cornerstone of music and culture. It was established in 1961 to honor traditional New Orleans jazz. Every night, you can witness the wonderful musical evolution of jazz culture. The popular bar hosts a variety of musical performances, including gospel, hip-hop, bluegrass and rock. The best aspect , though, is the non-profit affiliation. This is more than a music hall; it is a place for the community, helping with education and social programs.

5. Maple Leaf Bar

Bar, Cocktails

27 Sept 2005 - New Orleans, LA - Hurricane Katrina aftermath, New Orleans, Louisiana. Music returns to the city at the infamous Maple Leaf bar in Uptown New Orleans. Legendary local jazz man Walter The Wolfman Washington (far left) and Tom McDonald (at

Maple Leaf Bar is home to two types of artistic events: musical performances and poetry readings. Sometimes called the Leaf, this bar hasn’t stopped being a place for up-and-coming bands and for local music students from Tulane University, Loyola University and University of New Orleans. Other than being a popular music bar, the Leaf hosts fashion shows which showcase the latest New Orleans fashion.

6. Rock 'n' Bowl

Bowling Alley, Music Venue

AL Carnival Time Johnson Sr. sings for the Krewe of Tucks Queen, Susan Clinton, at the Krewe of Tucks Queens Party at Mid-City Lanes Rock N Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana, Sunday, January 15, 2006. (Photo by Vernon Bryant/Dallas Morning News/KRT)

Located in the heart of New Orleans, Rock ‘n’ Bowl is a unique venue that promotes both live music and bowling. Due to the rustic Southern roots, this famous bar and bowling alley tends to have a full house every night. To make sure you receive a bowling lane and place to dine, you must reserve long in advance.

7. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

Bar, Bistro, American

Musician having a nap outside a jazz club in Frenchmen Street, New Orleans

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro has been hosting live jazz performances for more than 30 years. Located in the Faubourg Mariginy, the place has been home to most major modern New Orleans jazz musicians. In this space young musicians gain real-world music experience from veteran bandleaders. The Bistro is only able to host 80 people; their stage is small, but it can hold a grand piano and large bands have played on it. Every night, patrons can witness two shows, at 8pm or 10pm.

8. Tipitina's

Bar, Cocktails

Established in 1977, Tipitina’s has encouraged the development of the best New Orleans artists for almost four decades. Located near the Mississippi River, the bar is dedicated to piano wizard Professor Longhair, one of the most renowned rhythm and blues musicians in New Orleans music history. His visage overlooks the stage and greets guests at the door. Tulane University and Loyola University music students frequent the music club. Tipitina’s also support a variety of community-based projects.

9. Blue Nile

Music Venue

Large crowds turn out at the Blue Nile on Fridays. Its one of the top clubs for live music on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Granger/Charlotte Observer/MCT/Sipa USA)

Blue Nile is a long-standing music club in the heart of the historic Frenchmen street. It was originally called Dream Palace, and has been home to funk, blues, soul and brass music concerts. It offers a full bar and features live local, national and international performances; they have music acts on most nights of the week. Renowned artists like Kermit Ruffins, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and Soul Rebels Brass Band have played here. Blue Nile also offers special party rooms for private occasions.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.