Music and travel are two of the most popular forms of escapism. So, why not combine them and see what incredible adventures you can go on following music around the world? The best destinations for music lovers don’t have to be at major festivals or tour dates on the calendar of the world’s biggest musicians and bands. From jazz to classical, country to metal, house, techno, pop and hip-hop – the world is full of incredible destinations for music lovers to learn about the roots of their favourite genres and artists.
Where are the best destinations for music lovers?
Let’s be clear on something. You don’t have to visit a place just for its roots in music history. However, if the music or connection to a particular artist of any destination isn’t particularly to your taste, then you can always fall back on exploring more of your new surroundings! Not everyone in Stockholm listens to Abba these days but that doesn’t mean the city has nothing for Abba lovers who wish to visit.
Our list is eclectic, both in terms of the destinations we’ve included and, the links they have to music from both the past and the present. We’ve put our list together of the best destinations for music lovers to visit around the year, come rain or shine, with plenty of options for sightseeing and more conventional tourism on top of diving into a destination that is, of course, filled with music.
10. Liverpool, United Kingdom
Known for:The home of The Beatles and the host city of Eurovision 2023.
Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison changed the landscape of world music forever when they burst onto the scene in the 1960s and formed, arguably, the greatest rock band in history. The Beatles. The Beatles Story exhibition at the Royal Albert Dock is a must for fans of the group whose hits include Hey Jude, I Want to Hold Your Hand, Let It Be and Yellow Submarine.
Any visitors looking for live music can find it at The Cavern Club, a regular gig for The Beatles back in the day, Playing a whopping 292 times between 1961 – 1963, before their star grew too large. Other famous bands from the city include Frankie Goes To Hollywood, a Flock of Seagulls and The Wombats. For anyone wanting to listen to something a bit more contemporary during their visit, we would recommend checking out the Baltic Triangle. An area of converted warehouses that host raves, pop-up restaurants and other hangouts.
Best time to visit
May – October when the weather is milder and hopefully drier.
Other reasons to visit
Football fans will delight in taking trips to watch local rivals Liverpool and Everton in the infamous Merseyside Derby. If you’re not in town for the big game, then visit either Anfield or Goodison Park for a match or a stadium tour, and discover more about the history of one of England’s greatest football rivalries.
9. Stockholm, Sweden
Known for: The birthplace of music royalty Abba, house music super-group Swedish House Mafia and the iconic late DJ, Avicii.
Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad formed a group that would change music in the Swedish capital in 1972 and dominate the charts for decades to come with hits like Money, Money, Money, Mamma Mia and Waterloo. Nowadays, Stockholm is home to the Abba Museum where you can virtually try on the group’s famous outfits and sing along with them karaoke-style – a dream for any true Abba fan! Stockholm’s music scene has come a long way since Abba. The evolution of house music gave birth to the rise of more than one of Sweden’s most successful contemporary artists. Swedish House Mafia.
Producing hits like One, Don’t You Worry Child and Greyhound, the trio of Swedish DJs dominated clubs and festivals around the world for half a decade. But Stockholm currently holds the legacy of one artist whose name cannot be forgotten for his achievements in such a tragically short time. Avicii, whose music is still played with what seems like a never-ending frequency at festivals, clubs and bars all everywhere, also has a museum dedicated to his life and career that opened in 2022. You can visit the Avicci experience at the digital culture centre near Sergels Torg square for an immersive and emotional look at the late great artist’s life and career in music.
Best time to visit
May – September.Swedish summers are hot and there will be plenty of open-air gigs and concerts happening!
Other reasons to visit
The Stockholm Archipelago is a jaw-dropping day trip of thousands of islands of various sizes that are begging to be explored. Failing that, staying in the city is never a bad thing so, perhaps take a trip for afternoon tea (or Fika as it’s known by the locals) in the cobbled and colourful old town of Gamla Stan or, enjoy the weather relaxing in the stunning Haga Park.
8. Ibiza, Spain
Known for: The party island capital of Europe (and possibly the world).
Each summer for the last several decades, the world’s best DJs, including David Guetta, Carl Cox, Tiesto and Calvin Harris, head to Ibiza to play to thousands of revellers all looking for a great time. Ibiza has been at the centre of partying to different forms of music, whether it be house, techno or trance, since the 1970s and it shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Pacha, Amnesia and Eden are the only four remaining super clubs to still exist from the original era of partying on the island.
Music in Ibiza is all about dancing from before the sun goes down until the sun comes up. You won’t be alone in your endeavours, as aside from your fellow party animals, the clubs on the island are gateways for all types of performers from professional dancers, to fire-eaters and acrobats. Whilst at a major music festival like Tomorrowland or Glastonbury, the fun has to stop after a week, in Ibiza, the party just keeps going all summer!
Best time to visit
The island is in party mode from May to October and you can expect plenty of hot weather to go with it.
Other reasons to visit
It’s not all about partying as Ibiza is a beautiful destination to explore throughout the year. Head to the stunning Old Town for a reminder that you’re still in Spain and enjoy the tranquillity of your surroundings with a glass of Sangria. Similarly, beaches and towns such as Puerto San Miguel and Cala Llonga are great places to escape from the partying if you’re feeling burnt out from all the dancing you’ll be doing.
7. Havana, Cuba
Known for:Incredible Cuban salsa, jazz, as well as more contemporary pop music.
Havana nights are legendary. Filled with incredible music, dancing and maybe the odd glass of rum or a Mojito or two! Whilst some may expect to find Havana exclusively filled with the sound of salsa, you would be wrong to assume that this is all the capital of Cuba brings to the table when it comes to music, although, Cuban salsa is popular around the world for good reason. It’s impossible to not want to start dancing when you hear the music start to play!
Jazz is just as big a deal in Havana as salsa and there is plenty to discover. Book a place on a jazz tour of Havana where you can meet local musicians responsible for some of the city’s most popular music. You can also visit the studios behind the sounds, such as EGREM, the national record label of Cuba located in central Havanna. Pop star Gloria Estefan is the city’s most famous export and has sold more than 75 million records worldwide so don’t be surprised if you hear her music more than once as you explore the city.
Best time to visit
January for the Havana Jazz Festival or anytime between November and April for the driest weather.
Other reasons to visit
The Viñales Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth a day trip to escape the sounds of the city for the quiet countryside. Take a trip to the beach at Playa Megano or Playa Santa Maria del Mar and soak up the Caribbean sunshine and take a relaxing dip in the sea whilst you enjoy your stay.
6. Nashville
Known for: The home of country music and one of the biggest recording cities in the world.
World-beating artist and pop sensation Taylor Swift relocated to Nashville as a child to pursue a career like her icon Shania Twain and they’re just two of the famous names that made their careers off the back of Nashville. The Ryman Auditorium, which has previously hosted Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Hank Williams, is often considered one of the best music venues in the world due to its intimate atmosphere and design. Even if you’re not able to catch a show, it’s well worth a visit for a tour of the city’s most famous music hall.
If you want to broaden your knowledge and understanding of country music even further, The Country Music Hall of Fame houses the world’s largest collection of country music artefacts and chronicles the history of its considerable list of inductees. Lower Broadway, also known as the Honky Tonk Highway, has music sounding at almost any time of the day from the multiple bars and is a must-visit for travellers who’ve made it this far into the deep south of Tennessee.
Best time to visit
June during the city’s Country Music Festival. The weather is driest between August and March for anyone looking for better weather during their trip.
Other reasons to visit
The Frist Center for the Visual Arts houses fine and decorative arts in a beautiful art deco post office. Fill your boots with delicious (and sometimes spicy) local dishes like Nashville Hot Chicken and then mount up for a ride around the Belle Meade Plantation for a lesson in history.
5. Memphis
Known for: The home of ‘The King of rock and roll’, Elvis Presley and the ‘Queen of Soul’, Aretha Franklin, among many others.
Memphis is a buzzing place with lots of references to the life and career of the superstar, whose biggest hits include Suspicious Minds and Jailhouse Rock. Elvis Presley is the most famous name to ever emerge from the bright street corners of this city, although, he keeps pretty fine company. Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Otis Redding and many, many more of the greatest artists of all time, all got their start gigging in Memphis. Many of them began recording at the now iconic, Sun Records label and studio, which you can still visit today.
Fans of ‘The King’ can get a tour of Elvis’ opulently decorated home, Graceland, including the iconic jungle room. There is also the new interactive Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex which features his famous outfits and memorabilia. You can also visit the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum if you’re still interested in the city’s rich music heritage, which also includes galleries and recordings of Memphis blues, which was created in the early 1900s. Visit Beale street during the day for the various live performances going on both on the street and in some of the incredible restaurants and bars still standing from the glory days of Rock N’ Roll.
Best time to visit
The summers are very warm but visiting between July and February is the best time to visit Memphis if you aren’t a fan of walking in the rain.
Other reasons to visit
You can see giant pandas at the awesome Memphis Zoo. There are a lot of reportedly haunted buildings in Memphis so strap up for a spooky ghost tour of the city by night if you’re not afraid of the dark. Failing that, you can always hop in the saddle for a horseback tour of the countryside for some more traditional recreation in this part of the world.
4. New Orleans
Known for: Jazz music, delicious food and Mardi Gras celebrations which are amongst the best in the world.
New Orleans is an eye-opening experience. Among its many plaudits, it’s vaunted as the birthplace of jazz, the home of Louis Armstrong who from the 1920s, was one of the most famous voices of the time and is indeed, still regarded as one of the greatest singers of all time. On top of this, New Orleans is one of the best destinations to visit in the world for Mardi Gras celebrations during March. The city transforms into a colourful carnival of street performances, dancing and music.
Speaking of music, New Orleans isn’t entirely stuck in the past when it comes to either its jazz or famous artists. Grammy winner Frank Ocean hails from the city and whilst traditional jazz is still very popular all over the city, you can find more than a few spots where the music is more experimental, such as the Snug Harbour Jazz Bistro, Dos Jeffes Uptown Cigar Bar, and The Little Gem Saloon. But for anyone wanting to embrace the traditional sound of jazz, then the best place for you is without a doubt, Preservation Hall.
Best time to visit
March for Mardi Gras but avoid visiting between June and November if you’re not keen to experience Hurricane season.
Other reasons to visit
Take a trip back through time with a steamboat trip along the Mississippi River. Explore the culinary delights of New Orleans by eating as much Gumbo, Po-Boy sandwiches, Jambalaya and Beignets, as you can handle.
3. Berlin, Germany
Known for: The undoubted home of techno music and some of the greatest nightclubs in the world.
What do you know about the history of Berlin? As the city recovered and unified after the fall of the Berlin Wall, abandoned buildings were turned into temporary nightclubs, ushering in a new wave of electronic music. The city’s vast selection of nightclubs is now the result of this progression. Berghain, an old power plant between East and West Berlin is perhaps the most famous (or notorious) of Berlin’s clubs due to its seemingly random entrance policy. But, if you do make it in, you can expect to party long after the sun comes up (and the blinds).
Other popular and highly rated additions include YAAM, Anomalie, Kit Kat Club and Tresor. But there is more to Berlin than just late-night raves. The Mercedes-Benz Arena, is a fantastic destination for concerts, with some of the best artists and musicians regularly selling out the venue throughout the year. You’ll find many of Berlin’s neighbourhoods are home to everything from jazz to cabaret, to secret raves in basements and rooftops. There is always something going on wherever you are in Berlin.
Best time to visit
Berlin is a year-round destination for big nights out but if you don’t want to queue for Berghain in the cold, we recommend going between May and September.
Other reasons to visit
The city may have a pretty sombre history but it’s also hugely interesting to visit the old Berlin wall and the tunnels that run underneath. Relax in Tiergarten if you don’t feel like exploring the city’s immersive history or, head to the river on a warm day for a trip to the man-made beach and a chance to sun yourself.
2. New York, USA
Known for: As one of the most influential music cities in the world there isn’t a genre of music that New York hasn’t had an impact on.
New York is one of the greatest cities in the world so it would make sense that it is a massive destination for music lovers. Frankly, the sheer weight and impact of the city’s historical influence on music and the number of artists, bands, composers and institutions it is home to, is overwhelming. The amazing Carnegie Hall has seen performers from all genres and disciplines perform there, from the eternal vocals of Sir Tom Jones to Lady Gaga. Maddison Square Gardens has seen sellout performances from acts such as Elvis, Madonna, Queen and Beyonce.
Broadway is one of the greatest destinations for musical theatre in the world. Tin Pan Alley was at the core of publishing and producing music in the 20th century across a range of genres. Jazz, blues, swing, hip-hop and rock – New York has seen it all, heard it all and still continues to. Artists from Blondie to Jay-Z have grown up here and been influenced by the many sounds the city has produced and it’s really no wonder, why New York is such a crucial destination for music lovers.
Best time to visit
It’s a great city to visit at any time but Christmas is an experience all in itself.
Other reasons to visit
Shopping. Fifth Avenue is home to an amazing selection of designer shops. Catch a baseball game at Yankee Stadium or watch a tussle between the Patriots and The Giants at an NFL match.
1. Vienna, Austria
Known for: The spiritual home of classical music and one of the most beautiful cities to listen to it.
If you’re a classical music fan then Vienna is our pick. The city has been home to more of the greatest composers than any other place in the world. Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Gluck and Brahms have used the Austrian capital as a base at some point in their life and have all left their mark on this incredibly beautiful city. Is there any better time to learn how to waltz as you glide around the beautiful streets and architecture of this treasurer of the classics?
The world-famous Vienna State Opera is a real show-stopper with nightly concerts that draw crowds in the thousands. You’ll be hard-pressed to get a ticket to some shows during the peak of summer but there are other options for immersing yourself in Vienna’s musical history. You can learn more about the lives of the master artists that lived in the city at the Haus der Musik museum and Mozart’s Apartment.
Best time to visit
The city is a year-round destination for music lovers. Visit in October for a chance to visit all of the city’s museums in one night at the Long Night of Museums.
Other reasons to visit
The Christmas markets in December are lovely for some festive cheer and delicious food and wine. The Vienna Zoo located on the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace is one of the city’s best attractions. When it’s warmer, take a hike up into the vineyards outside the city or even go for a dip in the Danube.
Other incredible destinations
The world is made for exploring which is why it’s important to see as much of it as possible. From flights to hotels and incredibly detailed guides to amazing locations, start exploring more of the world now. Want to know the best time to visit Italy? Fancy exploring more of the UK including the best castles to visit for a fun Medieval day out? Visit our blog for more great destination tips and travels hacks and get planning your next incredible adventure away.
