If you want to hear jazz the way that it was originally done, there is no better place than Fritzel's.
Photo: Fritzel's European Jazz Club/Facebook
Fritzel's also doesn't limit its live jazz to the dark of the night, opening its doors starting at around noon.
Plus, the drinks are good and strong, and the setting is an 1831 building typical of the French quarter.
Maison Bourbon claims that it is "dedicated to the preservation of jazz," and its track record certainly holds that to be true.
Photo: Pgiam/Getty Images
Along with Fritzel's, this venue is one of two exclusively traditional jazz clubs left on Bourbon Street.
Throughout the years, it has hosted famous musicians, including Harry Connick, Jr. This has put it on the map for tourists, hungry to catch a glimpse of New Orleans' music history.
But locals who love jazz will sometimes brave the drunk crowds to spend an evening here, enjoying the mood that only jazz can create.
Fat Catz has one of the best vibes in town. During the week, you can hear funk, soul and R&B. Friday through Saturday is dedicated purely to rock.
Photo: Fat Catz 440 Bourbon Street/Facebook
Make sure you bring cash so you can tip the talented musicians, who'll transport you back to a time when rock was the music of youth.
The Jazz Playhouse will make you feel as if you've stepped back in time to the heyday of the Jazz Age.
Photo: The Jazz Playhouse/Facebook
If the Jazz Playhouse isn't at the top of this list, it's because it's located inside the Royal Sonesta New Orleans.
You don't have to be a guest of the hotel to go into the club, of course, but it can't match the other jazz houses, which have been around since before jazz clubs were cool.
This joint focuses completely on rock music, so it attracts fans of the genre who want to have a Bourbon Street experience without dealing with frat-boy vibes.
Photo: Krazy Korner 640 Bourbon Nola/Facebook
You'll see cover bands delivering great renditions of classics from Journey, Guns N' Roses and more.
But some bands also play their original music.
If you love knowing all the indie groups that haven't yet reached the mainstream, you'll definitely feel like an insider here.
Though not a venue, if you want to listen to live music on Bourbon Street, you can always head to Musical Legends Park.
Life-sized bronze statues of some of New Orleans' biggest musicians dominate the small park.
These include Fats Domino, Ronnie Cole, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Al Hirt and Chris Owens.
While taking pictures with the statues is the main attraction, the real honey that brings in the bees is the live music.