If music fuels your soul, why not let it inspire your travels too? From legendary cities that shaped entire genres to unique global festivals, these destinations strike all the right notes. Whether you’re into jazz, classical, rock, or something eclectic, here are 8 places every music lover should experience at least once.
1. Nashville, Tennessee
Known as the heart of country music, Nashville lives and breathes live performance. Walk down Broadway for honky-tonk bars that buzz with talent or visit the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame for a dose of history. Music is everywhere here — even the airport has a live stage.
2. Vienna, Austria
This elegant city was once home to Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, and it still feels like a classical music capital. Catch a performance at the Vienna State Opera or stroll through ornate concert halls steeped in history. Even street performers here sound like they’ve had conservatory training.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
Jazz was born here, and the spirit of it never left. From Frenchmen Street’s live clubs to impromptu brass bands in the Quarter, the rhythm of the city never stops. Don’t miss a jazz brunch or a visit to Preservation Hall for something raw and unforgettable.
4. Liverpool, England
The Beatles put Liverpool on the global music map, and it’s still a pilgrimage site for fans. Tour the iconic Cavern Club, visit Paul McCartney’s childhood home, or explore the Beatles Story museum. Beyond the Fab Four, the city has a thriving indie and rock scene worth checking out.
5. Austin, Texas
Nicknamed the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin has more than 250 music venues. There’s always something playing, from blues and rock to country and folk. The SXSW festival draws global talent, but even a regular weekend feels like a mini music fest.
6. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo’s music scene is wildly diverse — from high-energy J-pop and visual kei to underground jazz bars and classical concerts. Akihabara is a hub for anime and music subcultures, while neighborhoods like Shimokitazawa offer gritty live houses with up-and-coming bands. You never know what you’ll discover around the corner.
7. Havana, Cuba
In Havana, music spills out of doorways, dances through the streets, and fills every smoky club. Salsa, rumba, and Afro-Cuban jazz are everywhere, often played with infectious joy. The city’s music scene is as authentic as it gets, and it’s impossible not to move to the rhythm.
8. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a global capital for electronic music and avant-garde sounds. Legendary clubs like Berghain attract DJs and fans from all over the world. But beyond techno, the city’s rich musical history includes classical, punk, and experimental scenes that thrive year-round.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.