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New Orleans is constantly bursting at the seams with live music. By heading into a random venue or even walking around aimlessly on the streets, there’s a very good chance you’ll hear something jazzy, lively, or funky. If you’d rather plan it all out so you have the best music experience, check out this list of eight live music venues in New Orleans favorited by a local musician. There’s more than enough for 3 days in New Orleans.

Before you embark on the ultimate live music trip, check into a convenient IHG hotel in New Orleans. Opt for one in the French Quarter to get a feel of the ornate and historical French architecture or in the Marigny neighborhood right next to it for easy access to the music venues.
Live Music Venues on Frenchman Street
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
Image via Flickr by Witty Name
At Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, kill two birds with one stone by listening to live music and eating upscale Creole food. This intimate brick-walled spot dating back to the 1800s hosts regular concerts by Charmaine Neville and Ellis Marsalis, who are not to be missed.
Location: 626 Frenchmen St.
Website: Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
Spotted Cat Music Club
Get intimate at the Spotted Cat Music Club, considered the jewel of Frenchmen Street, as jazz music fills this weathered bar from a tiny stage. A cover of $5 on the weekend will get you at least three sets of music and a fun crowd to dance with.
Location: 623 Frenchmen St.
Website: Spotted Cat Music Club
Blue Nile
This spot is a bit bigger than the typical hole-in-the-wall venues on Frenchmen Street, and with more space comes more atmosphere. It’s hip, trendy, and bound to be playing something for your musical senses to get lost in, with classic New Orleans jazz downstairs and a drastically contrasting sound upstairs.
Location: 532 Frenchmen St.
Website: Blue Nile
Maison
It doesn’t matter who’s playing at Maison, because you’ll never be disappointed with the performances. With multiple bands playing each night, it’s easy to get a variety of music that even attracts other musicians who are recognized both locally and nationally.
Location: 508 Frenchmen St.
Website: Maison
Live Music Venues in the French Quarter and Beyond
Tipitina’s Uptown
Image via Flickr by louisianatravel
Tipitina’s draws in a lot of big names, like Dr. John, Galactic, and Bootsy Collins. However, it doesn’t forget about its local community. Tipitina’s offers a free Friday concert series with a lineup of great local bands.
Location: 501 Napoleon Ave.
Website: Tipitina’s
One Eyed Jacks
There’s never a bad seat in the house at One Eyed Jacks, and with the perfect combination of decor, atmosphere, and great music, this place is an easy choice for a fun night out. In addition to live music, varied events are offered, such as a ’70s funk dance party night and burlesque shows.
Location: 615 Toulouse St.
Website: One Eyed Jacks
Howlin’ Wolf
Howlin’ Wolf has live music every night of the week, a wide selection of beers, and great food. It’s got a ton of space so is the place to go for an easy night out and room to dance.
Location: 209 S Peters St.
Website: Howlin’ Wolf
Maple Leaf Bar
If you’re in New Orleans, check out the Rebirth Brass Band’s weekly residence at the Maple Leaf Bar. They put so much soul into their performance that the crowd rocks out like it’s the weekend.
Location: 8316 Oak St.
Website: Maple Leaf Bar
No matter which venue you pick, you won’t be disappointed with the live music. Check out this map to see where these music venues in New Orleans are located, and then get your tickets and go. Your music adventure awaits!
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Travel Items That Are Always By My Side
If you liked my friend’s suggestions on where to see music in New Orleans, then you may like my recommendations for travel items that are always by my sides, even when I’m not traveling!






Dual-Voltage Hair Straightener (Read everything you need to know about using hair appliances abroad here.)

Reusable, Foldable Bag (See 8 Reasons Why Here)

Thanks to Trent Bower for sharing your eight favorite live music venues in New Orleans!
Howard says
Tipitinas French Quarter has been closed for years. The Tipitinas Uptown location is where it always has and still goes down 501 Napoleon Street
Sarah says
Hey Howard. Thanks for letting me know! Since I got these recommendations from a friend but didn’t personally go, I got wrong information off the web! Fixing it now. Thanks for catching that!!
Paige Wunder says
I always love getting a local’s perspective and who doesn’t love live music? In a place so well-known for their music, you have to scope out some jazz! These are some great suggestions and I’ll have to take advantage of this list the next time my husband and I go to Louisiana to visit his grandma. Cheers!
Candy says
I’ve been to New Orleans countless times when living on the Gulf Coast, but never really indulged in the music scene. Next time I visit, I’ll be sure to check out at least one of these spots. My first choice would be the Blue Nile 🙂
Chantell - Adoration 4 Adventure says
Nice list! I love Jazz music but haven’t seen a live performance since I lived in NYC – that was back in 2012 so how tragic is that?? I only visited New Orleans once and can’t say I experienced much more culture than cocktails ha ha. I would love to go back and experience some authentic southern food and live music 🙂
Claire says
A couple of my friends used to live in New Orleans and they loved it, I am going to have to go and check it out for the music – and for the food of course! A New Orleans Gumbo was their dish of choice 🙂
Christine says
I really need to visit New Orleans!! I’ve been wanting to go for so many years but always find myself going abroad.. haha travel problems. Thanks for sharing, I definitely will use this when I visit.
Viraj - Harry Potter music box for sale says
People always prefer to visit local live music concerts. But, New Orleans is too far from my distance. And, I want to attend this.
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