World of Music; must see destinations with a musical soul

 

As any music lover can tell you. some places just speak to you. Whether it is the history attached, the names that made it famous or that music is so deeply embedded in the culture, the atmosphere is undeniably synonymous with music.

I asked some fellow bloggers to tell me about some of the places they have travelled that left them with this sense, the result is a bucket list to appeal to all the music lovers!

 

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Music destinations in The Americas

Austin; Live Music Capital of the World

by Erin from Sol Salute

 

Feel the Samba music in Brazil

by Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan

 

Colombian Salsa

by Daniel from Layer Culture

 

Whilst looking for the best destinations in the world for music lovers, check out Colombia.  While many people think it is Cuba, it is actually Colombia that is known as the ‘Salsa capital’ of the world.

Located in the Valle del Cauca close to the Pacific Ocean you’ll find that Cali is a sizzling hot city that has Salsa music and dance at the heart of every street and on every corner. There isn’t a best time to visit Colombia for salsa music, you will find it all year round. Every December there is a Salsa fair that is one of the most important cultural events of the year for Colombia.  Visitors party in the street and attend various live music events that have a host of artists performing live Salsa music. A Salsa parade known as Salsódromo spans over a 1-mile radius in which hundreds of certified Salsa dancers pass through the streets.

People come from all over the world to see, hear and taste the sounds of Salsa in Cali, so, if you are a Latin music lover, why not give Cali a try!

 

Cuba; Afro-European rhythms

by Holly from Globeblogging

When I think of all the places I have been there is one that stands out to me as having a pure soul of music; Cuba. It really is a place you can come away from with the feeling that music was everywhere, pure heaven for the music lovers!

Walking the streets of old Havana is like walking a procession of talented performers, delighted to entertain you to make their living. Cuban rhythms spill out of open doorways and larger establishments will often have a live band playing. Expect to tip liberally, even if you’ve only just sat down! It really is how many of them are earning a living and is a small reward for the talent you will see. I couldn’t help but stop to absorb them all.

With strong African influence evident in the percussion and rhythms, blended with the Spanish guitar influences, Cuban music has become immensely popular and influential, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Cuban’s seem to have an innate sense of rhythm, learning to dance is part of their schooling, and if Salsa is your jam then you wont have to look too far to find it. I danced in clubs in Havana, Vinales and Trinidad and the dance floor was always packed!

Benny Moré is widely regarded as the most famous Cuban singer of all time, and a statue of him is erected in the town of Cienfuegos where he was born.

Spend an evening at the famous Buena Vista Social Club and enjoy authentic Cuban performances over dinner.

 

Memphis; the birthplace of Rock and Roll

by Ashley from My Wanderlusty Life

 

If you’re looking for the ideal music destination, you must check out Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis is known as the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the Home of the Blues.

To start, head over to Graceland–the former home of Elvis Presley and now an entire Elvis museum complex. Here you can see the mansion (and his grave) on a tour led by John Stamos, visit the impressive Elvis career museum, see his automobile collection, and go inside his personal jets.

And while most people associate Memphis with Elvis Presley, there’s so much more to see here related to music history. You should also visit Sun Studio, the recording studio where Elvis was discovered, but also major music names like Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and many more. You’ll learn all about the birth of rock ‘n’ roll and get to take a picture at the most famous microphone in history.

The list of music-related things to do in Memphis also includes the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame with local inductees like Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, and Justin Timberlake. You can also check out incredible live music all over the city every night of the week.

And no trip to Memphis would be complete without a trip down iconic Beale Street. Here you can eat world famous BBQ while listening to some home-grown blues in one of the many music halls. All day, every day, all year long.

Grab your combined ticket to the Memphis Rock n Soul and Music Hall of Fame.

 

 

Mexican Mariachi

by April from Just Leaving Footprints

It’s almost impossible to plan a trip to Mexico and not hear Mariachis performing during your stay. Mariachi music emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries, or the colonial period in Mexico. Nobody knows exactly where Mariachi Music started, although many believe it began in the state of Jalisco or perhaps another state in Western Mexico. The music was influenced by the stringed instruments brought by the Spanish along with rhythms introduced by Indigenous groups creating a totally unique sound. The kinds of instruments that Mariachis typically use are the vihuela, guitarrón, trumpets, acoustic guitar, violins and sometimes a harp.

Mariachi music is typically played to celebrate birthdays, weddings, and other important events. You can enjoy Mariachi music in so many places but I’m going to share my two favorite places to listen to it in Mexico City. The first one is in Xochimilco. This is basically the ‘Venice’ of Mexico City and is known for it’s colorful boats that take passengers around beautiful canals. Many people choose to get a big group together to go there and party but you can also take a more leisurely boat ride as well. While you are on your ‘trajinera’ (boat) other trajineras (boats) filled with Mariachis will pass by. For a small fee they will attach their boat onto yours and serenade you with traditional Mariachi Music.

My other favorite place to listen to Mariachi Music is at the Folklore Ballet. The Folklore Ballet happens every Wednesday and Sunday night in the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Not only will you get to hear some incredible Mariachi Music, but you will also get to see traditional dances from all over the country! It’s one of my absolute favorite things to do here in Mexico’s capital.

Enjoy a night out with Mariachi Music in Mexico City!

 

 

Nashville country music

by Holly from Four Around the World

Music has always been an important part of our lives, with Simon being a musician, however, Nashville for me was the ultimate girls trip with friends and a city I cannot wait to visit again!

While country music isn’t the number one genre of music for many people, Nashville is so much more than that. While you can discover some of the best up and coming country musicians playing bars and clubs, every musical taste is catered for in the city.

Nashville’s neighbourhoods are each known for different musical genres and come with their own unique charm and appeal. If it’s country music you want, The District is the place to be, home to the famous Honky Tonks and some of the best nightlight around. Most bars have daily live music playing and many also offer line dancing lessons, in case you fancy yourself a bit of a boot-scooting natural.

Don’t miss the chance to catch a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry. It is on this stage many famous faces have had their early break. You will also love the chance to visit the many music-themed museums or the walk of fame.

For fans of the Nashville television show, this is another popular Nashville attraction, taking a tour to some of the many locations used for filming over the several seasons of the popular show.

Nashville is a lot of fun for music fans and it also happens to be a family-friendly city too, with so many fun things to see and do.

While you’re in Nashville take this night tour of music city and check out the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

 

 

Seattle grunge

by Dani from Diapers in Paradise

 

Seattle, Washington is synonymous with a few things: coffee, software, and grunge music. While grunge may have been a short-lived musical fad, it had an enormous effect as the bridge between the heavy metal of the 80’s and what became mainstream alternative rock.

Nirvana and Pearl Jam are undoubtedly the biggest names in grunge music, but they were not the only Pacific Northwest bands on the scene. Mudhoney, Soundgarden, Screaming Trees and others also found success in Seattle in the early 90’s.

The emergence of grunge coincided with a massive economic boom and growth in Seattle, and grunge became a part of the story of Seattle’s cultural rebirth. To this day, grunge fashion remains a defining characteristic of Pacific Northwest style.

Music fans coming to Seattle should visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop), just below the Space Needle. Formerly the Experience Music Project, this weird-looking interactive museum will take you on a deep dive into Seattle’s musical history.

You can also visit the home where Kurt Cobain lived and died, although it is privately owned now and not easily visible from the street. At nearby Viretta Park you can find a small shrine to Cobain where people constantly leave tributes.

Easy Street Records is an independent record store and another must-visit for music fans. This is the tiny record shop where Pearl Jam hosted a surprise performance, which sounded so amazing they released it as a record and it became a huge hit. Easy Street has hosted over a thousand performances in their tiny shop. See who’s playing while you’re in town!

It should be noted that Seattle’s musical significance predates grunge music. Any music lover that visits should also take time to see the burial place of Jimi Hendrix, another Pacific Northwest musical legend taken too soon. It is truly beautiful.

Check out the Capitol Hill Art and Music tour while you’re in Seattle.

 

 

Music destinations in Asia

Kerala drums

by Inma from A World to Travel

 

Korea; the home of Kpop

by Arabela from the Spicy Travel Girl

As the home and birthplace of K-pop music, the South Korean capital of Seoul is on top of many music lovers’ bucket lists. It is the place where not only BTS but also many other artists rose to fame. And if this is the main reason why you want to visit this city, you will not be disappointed!

Music labels, stores for kpop merchandise, and more can be found all across the city, however, the wealthy Gangnam district is the hotspot of K-Pop culture. Not only will you encounter plenty of music labels and artist-owned cafes in this area, but Gangnam is also home to the gargantuan SM Coexartium, a six-story entertainment complex owned by South Korea’s biggest music label, SM Entertainment. In the SM Coexartium, you can have a tea at K-Pop themed cafes, stuff your bags full of original (and very expensive) CDs and merchandise, get closer to your favorite idols through hologram concerts, and even audition for SM Entertainment yourself! (Don’t set your hopes too high though, only seven people ever have passed this notoriously strict weekly audition.)

To satisfy your cravings for K-Pop merchandise in a more affordable way, check out the numerous K-Pop shops in the underground shopping center of Myeongdong Subway Station. And if K-Pop got you completely broke with all those CDs and merchandise, don’t worry! You can always walk into one of the city’s many noraebangs (karaoke rooms) and make yourself a superstar for a night!

 

Music destinations in Europe

Dublin street performers

by Lara from Both Feet on the Road

Dublin is one of the best places to visit for music lovers. It is the birthplace of the great band U2, it is home to one of the most famous streets in the world for street performers, and every night you will find a great live performance in almost every pub in Dublin.

One of the best things to do in Dublin for music lovers includes a (self) guided tour visiting U2’s highlight in Dublin. Such as the Bonovox Store, which is where Bono got his name. Or The Clarence hotel, which is owned by Bono and The Edge and which is where they performed many times at the start of their career.

Don’t worry if you’re not a U2 fan.

Around the Clarence hotel, you will find many bars for great live music while enjoying a pint of Guinness (such as the Temple Bar).

But the best part about Dublin is that you can even enjoy great performances for free!

On Grafton street you can listen to amazing street performers on almost every corner.

Don’t make the mistake of comparing Dublin street performers to those in any other town. To be able to perform in Dublin, you need to be granted a permit. And there are strict rules around these permits and performing on Dublin street. Meaning that only the most talented and ambitious musicians will make it to the streets of Dublin!

There is even an annual Street Performance World Championship in Dublin, called the Laya Healthcare City Spectacular. It’s a free event and takes place in summer, making this the best time to visit Dublin for music lovers. If you can’t visit the event, spring and summer are still the best time to visit Dublin, if you want to avoid cold rainy weather.

To experience Dublin differently, get a group together and check out the Singing Dublin Walking Tour.

 

 

Hamburg; a Beatles beginning

by Helen from Helen on her Holidays

Liverpool in England might be most closely associated with the Beatles, but Hamburg in northern Germany is where they honed their craft. In August 1960, John, Paul, George and original Beatles Pete Best and Stuart Sutcliffe arrived in Hamburg for the first of a 48-night run of gigs at the Indra Club in the St Pauli area. Over the next two years they played at clubs on and around the Reeperbahn, playing hundreds of gigs.

George Harrison later described the Beatles’ Hamburg years as their “apprenticeship” years. John Lennon said, “I might have been born in Liverpool – but I grew up in Hamburg”. Hamburg is also where the Beatles adopted their iconic “mop-top” haircuts, courtesy of local photographer Astrid Kirchherr.

Since the Reeperbahn and St Pauli is still a thriving nightlife area rather than a museum, it’s not really surprising (and nor would it be appropriate) that not a lot survives from the Beatles’ time in Hamburg. Only the Kaiserkeller club is still open, but you can visit the sites of the Star Club, the Top Ten and the club where it all began, the Indra Club. A square at the corner of the Reeperbahn and Große Freiheit streets is the focal point for Beatlemania in Hamburg. Outlined figures holding guitars represent John, Paul, George and Stuart Sutcliffe, while a fifth figure seated at a drum kit represents either Ringo Starr or original drummer Pete Best.

 

Ibiza; island beats

by Sylvie from Travels With Eden

 

Manchester music legends

Pauline from Bee Loved City

 

 

If you love music, Manchester should definitely be at the top of your list. England is well known for being a home to some of the best music legends!

Manchester has played an important role in the history of music. Famous Manchester bands include Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division and The Chemical Brothers. It is also known for having hosted one of the first Sex Pistols concerts. It was later acknowledged as the gig that changed the world, inspiring an entire generation to make their own music. At that time, the musical scene was so developed in the city that it was nicknamed Madchester!

When you go to Manchester, the first place you should head is to the Northern Quarter and Deansgate. Most pubs offer live music so grab a pint and sit back and enjoy! If you walk towards Oldham Street, you will find Manchester’s Music walk of fame, celebrating its most famous musical memories.

If you are a Smiths fan, you will want to go to Salford. That is where you will find the Salford Lads Club which was on the cover of their album ‘The Queen is Dead.’

Manchester is also home to the biggest free tribute festival in the UK, Festwich, and the Parklife Festival.

Being in the North of England the best time to visit is from May to September when the weather should be best and there are plenty of festivals going on.

For some unique fun, why not listen to the hits as you walk through Manchester on this Silent Disco Adventure.

 

Paris; Jazzy since the roaring twenties

by Elisa from World in Paris

 

 

Portugal; Fado in Lisbon

Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan

Nothing epitomizes the Portuguese spirit better than the local musical style known as fado, which literally means “fate” or “destiny”. Fado began in the gritty, bohemian streets of Alfama and Mouraria. Two of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, they used to be full of bars frequented by sailors and prostitutes. Indeed, it was often the prostitutes themselves who sang fado to entertain their clients.

The most famous of these women was Maria Severa, who became the courtesan of a wealthy count and accompanied him to bullfights and other social events, thereby introducing fado to the higher classes of Lisbon society. Tragically, she died of tuberculosis in 1846 at the young age of 26, but she is still widely remembered today.

In the 20th century, during the decades-long dictatorship of António de Oliveira Salazar, fado was promoted by the dictatorship and was used along with football and religion as a way to placate the masses. Unsurprisingly, when democracy finally returned in 1974, many people stopped listening to fado because it reminded them of that difficult period.

Only recently has fado started to enjoy a resurgence, largely among the younger generation, who did not grow up under the dictatorship. Tourism has also given it a huge boost, with many casas de fado (“fado houses”) now offering dinner and a live performance by local musicians. This has become one of the quintessential Lisbon experiences that visitors want to tick off their bucket list.

You can check out Fado and the Lisbon music scene in a private music scene tour.

 

 

Prague; classical music

by Veronika from Travel Geekery

You can almost hear classical music when wandering the picturesque streets of Prague Old Town.

Some of the Czech composers are widely known worldwide, such as Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Dvořák and Leoš Janáček. Many others have stayed in Prague or visited frequently – be it Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, Tchaikovsky or Chopin. Mozart especially enjoyed a lot bigger success during his visits to Prague than in his home Vienna.

If you love Classical Music, there’s plenty of theatres and venues (e.g. churches) with daily concerts available.

Rudolfinum is one of the most important buildings in Prague when it comes to classical music. Not only have many world-known composers performed there, it’s also currently the seat of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

Estates Theatre belongs to one of the oldest European theatres and it was right here where Mozart premiered two of his operas.

The State Opera fills three stages with opera performances and is the go-to place for any opera fan.

Municipal House built in Art Deco also often sees operas and classical music performances in a hall named after Smetana.

If you’d like some extra festive atmosphere for enjoying classical music in Prague, December is a good time to come. Or, for when the whole city celebrates classical music, visit at the end of May for the annual Prague Spring Festival.

 

 

Scotland; musical heritage

by Kat from Wandering Bird

 

If you ask someone to describe Scotland, within a few words they’ll mention music. And if you visit Scotland, you’ll soon see why.

Go into any bar, any public place (and often any street corner), and you’ll hear traditional Scottish music. Often bagpipes – which are a LOT harder to play than they look – as well as traditional Celtic music.

Music is a huge part of the heritage of Scotland and the locals are very proud of it. Competitions are fierce for ‘best band’ or ‘best bagpiper’.

In many towns and villages, you’ll find notices for ceilidh bands or ceilidh dances. A ‘ceilidh’ just means a gathering or social get-together, but traditionally it involves dancing. Lots and lots of dancing. And the music is often played live, on fiddles, drums or even convenient tables.

You’ll see many men wearing kilts to these dances (no – I’m not going to tell you what they wear underneath!) And traditionally the music and dancing is done by the men, although you’ll find plenty of women taking part too.

Music is common-place in Scotland year round, but some of the best times to visit include Christmas and New Year, where every venue is practically bursting with entertainment and the music festivals – which happen throughout the year and include jazz, folk, pop, rock, blues and traditional.

If you’re planning a Scotland road trip, you can definitely plan your itinerary around some of these – I guarantee you won’t regret it!

 

Southern Spain; Flamenco in Seville

by Or from My Path in the World

A trip to southern Spain must be on every music lover’s travel bucket list. The southern region of Andalusia is where Flamenco was born, so if you love the trio of Spanish guitar, rough singing voice, and dance full of emotions, this is the destination to enjoy authentic Flamenco shows and performances that will literally bring tears to your eyes.

A few fun facts about Flamenco:

• Flamenco history has only been documented for the past 200 years, but supposedly, it was born centuries earlier. It’s mostly associated with gypsies, but essentially, it’s a cultural mix of gypsy, Moorish, and Jewish music and dances.
• There are actually more than 50 different Flamenco styles, each associated with specific areas in Andalusia.
• UNESCO declared it one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

One of the best places to go to a Flamenco show is the city of Seville. You can see the amount of love, hard work, and respect for the culture that are put into every performance, and I can guarantee you’ll want it to last forever. There is even a Museum of Flamenco Dance.

Another great spot to watch Flamenco is the neighborhood of Sacromonte in Granada. This hillside is where the gypsies of the city created cave houses for themselves and from where many famous Flamenco performers came. While Sacromonte’s cave Flamenco venues are considered more touristy, the unique experience is still worth it.

Take in an authentic Flamenco Show in Granada.

 

 

Vienna; take a Classical pilgrimage

Anjali from Travel Melodies

Dubbed as the capital of classical music, Vienna is no less than a pilgrimage for the connoisseurs of classical music. Vienna has music and art firmly ingrained in its soul. World’s great musicians from Mozart, Strauss, Schubert, Haydn, to Beethoven have called Vienna their home. It deserves a special place on every music lover’s bucket list. 

 

You can feel Vienna’s strong musical tradition and culture while strolling its streets alive with the sound of music. Its musical legacy can be seen in its architectural marvels, museums, monuments, and original homes of the musicians. You can literally walk the footsteps of the music prodigies.

 

The iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral is where Hayden, Mozart, and Strauss got married. Not far away from the cathedral, Mozarthaus Vienna is where Mozart lived and composed some of his famous compositions. You can witness the life and times of Beethoven and Haydn at Pasqualati House and Haydnhaus.

 

The House of Music, Vienna’s famous museum takes you on an enchanting and authentic musical journey. A visit to Vienna is incomplete without visiting the temples of music – Wiener Konzerthaus, Musikverein, and Vienna State Opera.

 

St. Michael’s Church still echoes the symphony of Mozart’s Requiem, a musical masterpiece that was originally performed here. You can’t leave Vienna before you attend a classical music concert. Every year Vienna organizes classical music events to celebrate its music legacy – Mozart concert at the Golden Hall in Musikverein and Mozart, and Strauss at the State Opera are two of the best musical events in Vienna.

 

Hey, and don’t forget to visit the beautiful marble statue of the greatest composer in history, Mozart monument in the Burggarten Park around Hofburg Palace at the Ringstrasse.

 

June to August is the best time to visit Vienna for the music lovers as Vienna hosts various musical festivals – The Vienna Summer of Music, Festival of Early Music, and many more.

 

Vienna is full of classical music experiences, check out some options below.

 

 

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