Music Travel

The love of music is universal, filling our days with inspiration and beauty, providing a soundtrack to complement our emotions and daily life. Music often compels people to travel, too. The experience of a destination can be greatly enhanced by witnessing local music, whether in the form of live entertainment or exploring the musical history of a place through its museums and other attractions.

Music can be found all over the world, whether in cities like the music culture in Havana, Cuba, found in indigenous cultures like the traditional Andean music in Bolivia, or in Europe, where classical capitals are steeped in history but you can also find plenty of modern musical innovation.

Vienna

Vienna is one of the world’s top music destinations, as The Journeyers found out:

“For classic music buffs, Vienna is a must. It is the mother and mistress (a lot of the great artists weren’t actually from here but had their greatest work done while living in Vienna…maybe that should be wife but that doesn’t quite sound as romantic) to great composers like Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. However, do not be fooled into going to a tourist aimed opera that 18th century dressed sales men try to push on you as you stroll around the old part of Vienna. Our Austrian friends warned us that the quality of those musicals are very poor indeed. They suggest to instead try and see something at ‘legit’ places like the Raimundtheater or the Wiener Konzerthaus.” (more…)

Realtraveler icehockeypunk11 wrote about her experience with Vienna’s music scene in her blog Mozart, Mozart, every where:

“The vast amount of creative work that came out of this city in the past cannot be ignored or forgotten. It spills into the current day. Classical music and opera still flourish here and the modern music scene lives vibrantly alongside these classical icons of artistic achievement. I was only there for a week and without any serious effort, managed to see an opera, ballet, and classical music concert– it was all so easily accessible and inadvertently drew me in. i looked back on every night and thought…wow I did a lot!

I also enjoyed going to one of Mozart’s former homes (he lived in about 14 different places while in Vienna…) which has been turned into a museum. So awesome. Packed with information and just the fact that I walked through the same place dear Wolfgang once sat and wrote his music was enough to put a permanent smile on my face.” (more…)

Other European Musical Destinations

— Salzburg, Austria is a classical music lover’s paradise, birthplace to Mozart and home of the world-famous Salzburg Festival which is held annually during the months of July and August. Travelers should stop by the Mozart House and Museum, as well.

— See the birthplace of another classical great, Beethoven, in Bonn, Germany.

—Each summer, Rome hosts the Rome Summer Festival, or the Estate Romana, a six-week, mostly outdoor extravaganza of shows at more than a dozen sites around the city. Music dominates the festival, though outdoor films are shown as well. Venues span from the Auditorium Music Park to historic ruins around the city, and the eclectic mix of music varies from opera and classical to reggae, rock, and jazz.

—Ireland is replete with music, especially of the traditional Irish genre. From small corner pubs to concert halls to street performers, travelers will find great music throughout this charming country. Galway in particular is known for its lively music scene.

—Visit the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod festival in Corwen, Wales for a unique treat! Read more about this festival, and a Realtraveler’s experience of it, here.

Europe Resources:

Ireland: A 10 Day Itinerary
Summer Arts in Rome (from the New York Times)
Live Music in Salzburg, AustriaEurope Travel Guide
Top Spots in Europe
Winter Festivals in Europe

United States

The United States is filled with music-filled destinations, from the vibrant country scene in Nashville, to the vast variety and quality of bands in New York City and Los Angeles, to blues and Graceland in Memphis, to the independent rock scene of Austin and more. There’s no shortage of places to go if you’re looking to experience amazing music.

One absolute must for music lovers is a visit to New Orleans, Louisiana, the “birthplace of jazz.” While Mardi Gras season is the most popular time to visit this musical mecca, a trip to the Big Easy during other times of the year is recommended, for the crowds and chaos are less and the music is just as plentiful.

I just returned back from a visit to New Orleans, one of my favorite cities, and what always strikes me about it, even post-Katrina, is the sheer amount of live music. Even without taking advantage of the many incredible music venues, you’ll hear great soulful music just walking down the street. In the French Quarter, music not only spills out from various bars but the street performers are worth a listen, from serious violinists to makeshift bluegrass bands. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, held each spring, is one of the most famous and remarkable music festivals in the world. Many people don’t know that it features many genres of music besides jazz. Plan a trip there– you won’t regret it!

To plan your excursions to popular musical destinations in the United States, visit:

New Orleans Travel Guide
New Orleans Attractions
New Orleans Hotels
Nashville Travel Guide
Memphis Travel Guide
Austin Travel Guide
New York City Travel Guide

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