8 musical destinations around the world

Want to get an earful on your next trip? Let’s head for the 10 best music destinations around the world.

Music has always fascinated human beings. We have a natural tendency to be lulled by rhythm and appreciate enchanting melodies. Music has always been of great cultural importance to us, and we know how to pay tribute to it, whatever its origin. In fact, many musical festivals and attractions are organized all over the world! They can be found in every country, and have been for many years. Thanks to tourism, these sonic festivities are within the reach of visitors from all over the world. The race is on to see who can offer the most grandiose, magical and majestic spectacle to those who come to discover it. Europe, Asia, Africa, America or Oceania… Whatever your destination, there’s sure to be a melodic treasure to be discovered.

Whether you’re a music fan or not, it’s worth the effort! Here’s the proof: a selection of the world’s best music destinations.

1. Berlin, Germany

Techno may not have originated in Berlin, but it was the German capital that helped spread it across the European continent. This fast-paced style of electronic music was first played at illegal parties in disused factories. This was in the 1980s, before the fall of the Berlin Wall! Techno music played an important social and cultural role among young people during German reunification.

Today, Berlin is considered Europe’s mecca for electronic music. People party into the wee hours of the morning at the Berghain, the Chalet or the IPSE, to name but a few prestigious clubs. Countless local artists have exported Berlin’s distinctive style all over the world. Whether you’re into hardcore, minimal or trance, you’re bound to find the right club in Berlin.

2. Ibiza, Spain

When it comes to electronic music, here’s another renowned musical destination: welcome to Ibiza, Spain’s wildest island. People come here from all over Europe during the summer season, to swim and enjoy the beautiful scenery… but that’s not all. The island is known as a party paradise! They come to dance at the Ushuaïa, the Pacha, theAmnesia, the Privilège… All these mythical clubs have made or continue to make generations of music lovers dream.

Oriented towards tourism, the island is easily accessible by plane or ferry from the mainland. Hotels are plentiful, and the music season itself runs from May to September. So there’s plenty of time to plan your stay on this Mediterranean gem! Our favorite? Café del Mar, in Sant Antoni de Portmany.

3. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. In addition to its ancient center and European historical importance, did you know that it is also a leading musical destination? Yes, Vienna is internationally renowned for having propelled a number of classical composers to stardom. Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Mahler or Haydn… so many artists who made their careers in this city of diverse influences.

Waltz and opera have acquired their letters of nobility in the Austrian capital. To see for yourself, why not visit the Wiener Festwochen? This five-week festival takes place every year between May and June. Here you can discover the importance of music in Viennese culture, whether classical or contemporary. So, when are you going?

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a very special city in Europe. Destroyed by an earthquake, then rebuilt in the 18th century, it is now one of the world’s leading music destinations. Numerous festivals are held here, such as Rock in Rio. Fado, Portugal’s emblematic musical style, is also on offer, particularly in the picturesque Alfama district. The nostalgia of the songs seems to emanate from every bistro, restaurant or window in these narrow, winding streets!

Most of the time, it’s the Clube de Fado that the locals will tell you to go to if you want to know all about Fado. This is the most famous establishment in the Portuguese capital, but don’t forget to visit the Fado Museum. In fact, Unesco has included this distinctive musical style on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

5. Seoul, South Korea

Does K-Pop sound familiar? Yet this style of urban music with an electro sound is a cultural institution among young Koreans! Fast-paced rhythms, brightly-lit video clips and artists elevated to the status of demigods by their fans: this is the winning cocktail of a phenomenon that has gone global. Some of the groups are performing in the USA, Asia and even Europe! To get a fuller picture of this exotic and unusual musical style, we recommend a visit to the scene.

It’s in Seoul that you can experience the fervor of fans at K-Pop parties and festivals. BigBang, Exo, Blackpink… these groups are all the rage in South Korea, attracting thousands of people to each concert. Will you be one of them?

6. Havana, Cuba

Cuba is a splendid island at the tip of the Caribbean arc. A land of crossbreeding, cultures have been blending here for almost 500 years! In addition to its Spanish heritage, Cuba has been influenced by its American neighbor, by the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean and by the influx of African immigrants. This melting pot is reflected in Cuban music: rumba, songo, mambo and Afro-Cuban jazz are all styles that originated on the island. People come from every continent to discover this exceptional musical destination.

Havana offers a wide variety of musical styles, from slow to fast rhythms, and above all, a territory where people express themselves as much by singing as by dancing. On the tropical beaches, it’s easy to get carried away by the mellow melodies before dancing the salsa in good company. Cuba has opened up to tourists and offers those lucky enough to visit the country the chance to discover its unique sounds.

7. Liverpool, United Kingdom

That’s right! We don’t know it well enough, but Liverpool, a coastal city in north-west England, is one of the world’s leading music destinations. And with good reason: the Beatles and Frankie Goes To Hollywood all hail from here! In fact, Unesco has recognized Liverpool as a « City of Music », not only for its artists, but also for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the events it organizes. Indeed, concerts, festivals and musical evenings are organized regularly throughout the year. The city has been considered the capital of European pop music for several decades now.

We recommend taking part in the famous Liverpool International Music Festival, held in July. Young and old alike can also enjoy theInternational BeatleWeek Festival, dedicated to the Beatles. Sixties atmosphere guaranteed!

8. Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Abidjan is one of Africa’s largest cities. This metropolis is also the capital of Côte d’Ivoire, and the cradle of many musical styles and artists of all kinds. Inhabitants often come to relax in the clubs or « maquis » (typical musical bistros) to listen to their favorite tunes or dance. As well as the famous coupé-décalé, you can also discover the astonishing zouglou, more contemporary and typically Ivorian. Ivorians Alpha Blondy and Tiken Jah Fakoly are international artists renowned for their African-tinged reggae.

If you’re lucky enough to visit this extraordinary country in April, don’t miss the FEMUA. The Festival des Musiques Urbaines d’Anoumabo is a cultural landmark throughout Africa, and beyond!