We love the process of tailoring every trip we book to fit each individual client, and it is even more special when a trip is specific to your niche likes and interests. However, one interest that spans generations and all types of travelers is music. Whether it’s the hum of a street performer or a world-class concert in a grand hall, the magic of music has a way of connecting us to new places and making travel memorable. If you’re looking to combine your love of travel and music, here are five destinations that every music lover needs to experience.
Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow is a hidden gem for music lovers. The city is brimming with iconic music venues, from the legendary Barrowlands to the intimate King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, where Oasis famously got their big break. Glasgow is a city where live music pulses through its veins, from indie bands to folk musicians to electronic beats. While in Glasgow you can explore Argyle Street and Ashton Lane - home to these famous venues and also a great area for local pubs and exploring the old cobblestone streets. But it’s not just about the venues for pop music through the years that makes Glasgow famous. Glasgow is home to the Scottish Opera, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the Glasgow School of Art – which all add to its vibrant arts scene and are certainly worth a show or tour.
Throughout the year, music festivals happen in and around the city bringing all sorts of music-lovers to the area. Depending on when you are in Glasgow, experience live music in June at the Glasgow International Jazz Festival or in January at the Celtic Connections festival, both of which showcase the city’s rich musical history with incredible talent.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is often regarded as the birthplace of classical music. With a long-standing tradition of musical excellence, the Austrian capital is home to some of the world’s most famous composers - think Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Whether or not you're a lover of classical music, as you're strolling the streets surrounded by the stunning architecture you'll experience a sense of romance and storytelling. Looking around, you can really feel how this city became the heart of artistic genius in the 18th and 19th centuries.
If you're into opera, the Vienna State Opera is a must-see, offering performances that will leave you breathless. You can also visit the House of Music and the Mozarthaus to dive deeper into the history of the composers who shaped Western music. And don’t forget to attend a classical concert at the stunning Musikverein or the Wiener Konzerthaus – with world class acoustics and history of music that has been within those wall make it a reason alone to see an act while you are there.
Berlin, Germany
If you have a more modern taste in music, Berlin may be for you. Berlin has become a global hub for electronic music, making it the perfect destination for those who thrive on techno, house, and experimental sounds. The city’s underground club scene is world-famous, but you can feel the culture of music both day and night.
During the day, Berlin has a thriving classical and opera scene, with the Berlin Philharmonic offering unforgettable performances. The city is constantly evolving musically, with new music festivals and pop-up concerts, but you can also experience the vibrance of Berlin in its neighborhoods. Prenzlauer Berg offers a lively boho scene with cafes, live music, bars, and some great historic spots. Or Friedrichshain which is filled with street art, vintage shops and boutiques, among many hidden gems. At night, the streets and music clubs come alive! Whether you’re into dark techno beats or more avant-garde performances, Berlin's diverse electronic music scene has something for everyone.
London, England
London is known for its musical influence, especially for rock and roll. For generations, music enthusiasts have flocked to London to experience some of their favorite musicians, past and present. Explore the Soho district to experience the legendary music neighborhoods where David Bowie got his name, where the Stones recorded their first song, and where Elton John worked. While in Soho, hop over to the rest of the West End to experience London's theaterland, if not stopping for a show, then at least for lunch at the famous Theater Cafe. If you're in the East End, see an immersive ABBA show at the ABBA Arena. Or head to Camden Town to take a walk through the Music Walk of Fame to see The Who, The Ramones, Oasis, and Amy Winehouse honored. Catch live performances at the Dublin Castle, where many of these artists performed.
If you're a Beatles fan and have the desire to spend time outside of the city, enjoy an outing to Liverpool to visit Abbey Road Studios crossing, locations that inspired Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, and the venue that started the band's success, The Cavern Club.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a dream destination for music lovers of all tastes. The Netherlands' live music scene is sought after by travelers around the world. If you visit in summer, there are festivals dedicated to the performance of live music. In Rotterdam, the North Sea Music Festival, the biggest indoor jazz festival in the world, hosts over 1,200 musicians to honor jazz, swing, blues, funk, and soul music. In August, Amsterdam hosts the Canal Festival, Grachtenfestival, where young artists across the world fill the streets and canals with live music, making the experience truly magical. The World Music Festival in Kerkrade brings solo musicians, percussion ensembles, brass bands, marching bands, show bands, and conductors - from around the world together - highlighting how music spans culture and truly is a universal language.
Amsterdam, in particular, is a hub for live music, with venues like Paradiso and Melkweg hosting some of the biggest names in rock, pop, and indie music. The city is also home to a rich classical music heritage, with the Concertgebouw being one of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, while the Residentie Orchestra at The Hague and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra are also pillars to the genre.
If one these destinations strike a chord with you, we’ve got you covered for all the planning and making it the most immersive experience.
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