7 best travel destinations for music lovers this summer

15 July 2019, 11:40 | Updated: 26 January 2021, 16:49

Looking for a summer trip idea? Absolutely adore music? We've come up with some of the greatest places to visit this summer.

Music definitely soothes the soul, while travel always broadens the mind.

Whether you want to see where your favourite music originated from or want to sample the local sights and sounds, there are many wonderful places to visit.

  1. Country, rock & roll and blues in America's Deep South

    Lower Broadway in Nashville
    Lower Broadway in Nashville. Picture: Getty

    America’s Deep South is simply full of music heritage.

    For the roots of rock and roll, head to Memphis and discover where the likes of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash found fame. And there's always Graceland if you want to go full 'Walking in Memphis' mode.

    Or go to Nashville for all the country vibes you need, including iconic recording studio Studio B, and the Grand Ole Opry.

  2. Classical music in Vienna

    The golden statue of Johann Strauss, by Edmund Hellmer, in Stadpark in Vienna.
    The golden statue of Johann Strauss, by Edmund Hellmer, in Stadpark in Vienna. Picture: Getty

    Austria’s capital is a must for lovers of classical music. Mozart himself considered Vienna his home, and lived in over a dozen locations throughout the city.

    In fact, you can visit the one home of his that is still around — Mozarthaus Vienna — and discover where he wrote some of his most famous works.

    You should also check out the Vienna Philharmonic, particularly when there's any open air events by Schonbrunn Palace in the summer. There are also plenty of operas and other performances in various city parks.

  3. Tango in Buenos Aires

    Tango in Buenos Aires
    Tango in Buenos Aires. Picture: Getty

    The favourite style of music and dance in Argentina’s capital is most definitely tango. You know, that saucy one off Strictly.

    When the sun goes down, you'll no doubt experience plenty of tango sounds from various bars and dance venues, as dancers across the land of all abilities get ready for a night on the boards.

    The summer season is full of outdoor festivals and events. Just follow the sound of strumming guitars to the bars of Palermo for a fantastic night out.

    Have a go yourself, how bad can you be? 😉

  4. Samba in Brazil

    Samba in Brazil
    Samba in Brazil. Picture: Getty

    Brazil's musical soundtrack is undoubtedly the lively samba, and the city of Salvador is considered its birthplace.

    Head out to the local bars or music clubs to take in the vibe, and the Rio Carnival may take place at Easter, but there's plenty of rhythmic sounds going all year round in the iconic destination.

  5. Jazz in Mississippi

    Mississippi River
    Mississippi River. Picture: Getty

    You can't quite experience Mississippi properly until you've taken a scenic river cruise on a traditional Southern steamboat, complete with paddle-wheel.

    To get an overall idea of just how important jazz is in Mississippi, then New Orleans is where to start. Get stuck into some trad jazz in the home of Louis Armstrong by taking a walk down Royal Street where it's only a matter of time before some group starts jamming.

    There are countless bars and venues on Frenchman Street, and of course the local cuisine of Creole and Cajun fish is gorgeous too.

  6. Europop in Sweden

    Stockholm
    Stockholm. Picture: Getty

    Sweden is, of course, the home of ABBA.

    If you're a fan (we know you are), then head to Stockholm for a visit to the ABBA Museum, or try out singing with the band in the Polar studio via the use of hologram illusions.

    Plus, take a trip to the Swedish Hall of Fame, to learn all about the country’s amazing legacy of pop, such as Roxette, the Cardigans and beyond.

  7. Electronica in Berlin

    A colourful scene of people letting off party poppers and dancing at a trendy open air nightclub.
    A colourful scene of people letting off party poppers and dancing at a trendy open air nightclub. Picture: Getty

    Berlin is known for its heavy house music and iconic nightclubs, but in more recent years, music fans have fallen even deeper in love with the city's experimental music, or Echtzeitmusik.

    You can find all kinds of experimental musics across the German capital, or the art deco theatre C-Club Berlin. Or perhaps even Europe's first music hotel, nhow, featuring two music recording studios.

    It's not just electronica, the city is perfect for all kinds of music tastes, from classical concert halls to grimey underground clubs.

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