There’s music all around us, all you have to do is listen. And sometimes, you need to pack your bags and get on a flight to be swept away by the music. If you like the idea of unearthing the musical history of cities or losing yourself in jazz bars and opera houses, we’ve rounded up some of the best music destinations across the world.
From the thriving jazz scene in South Africa to a quiet Japanese town where music is a way of life, here’s our in-depth coverage complete with a playlist to inspire your next holiday!
Memphis, USA
Sam Phillips, a radio engineer in Memphis, Tennessee, had always dreamed of having his own recording studio. By the early 1950s, not only did he turn that dream into reality but Sun Studio, (his record label), recorded what is widely considered to be the very first rock n roll song – ‘Rocket 88’ by Jackie Brenston And His Delta Cats. The studio went on to introduce some of the most iconic artists of all time including the likes of B.B King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Howlin’ Wolf, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley, earning Memphis its moniker, The Birthplace Of Rock n Roll and Home Of The Blues.
This city on the banks of the mighty Mississippi river is steeped in musical history. To fully understand the legend behind its most famous resident, Elvis Presley, visit Graceland. The King’s sprawling mansion is now a museum that gives you deep insights into his life, work and his eccentric wardrobe.
Walk in the shadows of acclaimed musicians at the meticulously preserved Sun Studio and browse through rare photographs and memorabilia at the Blues Hall Of Fame Museum. Delve into the world of soul music at The Stax Museum Of American Soul Music and Rock n Soul Museum. Feel the rhythm at Beale Street (in the map above), the beating heart of Memphis, that thrums with bars and live music venues including BB King’s Blues Club. Every year in the month of May, The Beale Street Music Festival brings in top-billed musicians and bands from across the world.
| OUR PICK: A musical sojourn across the Deep South with stops at Memphis, Nashville, the undisputable country music capital, and New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. |
Bogota, Colombia
The high-altitude Colombian capital is among the world’s liveliest cities. A cultural melting pot, it has been designated as a UNESCO City Of Music, and you can see why as you walk down its streets. Music permeates every aspect of life in Bogota, and it has played a huge role in helping the city heal after a particularly violent period in the early 90s.
Festivales Al Parque (Festivals In Parks), launched in 1995, is a case in point. The free festival is held across parks and public spaces in the city to help create a positive impact on the community. There’s no dearth of musical talent in the city. From hip hop, electronic, cumbia and salsa to rock n roll, Bogota’s music scene is as diverse and inclusive as it gets.
One of the best places to soak it all in is Chapinero (in the map above), a trendy neighbourhood rife with energetic pubs that come alive with music every day. Armando Records, Matik-Matik, Latino Power and Gaira Cafe are just some of many venues where you can sit back with a drink while acquainting yourself with the local music scene.
Explore the main square, Plaza de Bolivar, with its towering cathedrals and public monuments, and take in sweeping views of the beautiful city from Cerro de Monserrate, a wooded hill rising up to over 10,000 feet above sea level.
| OUR PICK: Combine Bogota’s sights with our Pearls Of South America Tour that lets you uncover the very best of Peru, Brazil and Colombia |
Hamamatsu, Japan
Nestled between the bustling cities of Tokyo and Osaka, this unassuming town is deeply entrenched in music. In 1897, a young man called Torakusu Yamaha decided to make his own organ, an uncommon musical instrument in Japan in those days. In a span of three years, he was manufacturing and selling pianos, besides other Western-style instruments, putting Hamamatsu on the global map.
Factory tours are quite the norm in this town. You can see how a harmonica is made at the Showa Musical Instrument Manufacturing Factory or witness the various stages involved in the making of a grand piano at Yamaha Piano Factory. Soak in the magic of an opera or a kabuki play at the harmonica-shaped ACT City that hosts some of the finest music concerts and competitions.
The Museum Of Musical Instruments showcases a collection of musical instruments from across the world, including the country’s traditional ones. Trace the origins of the city’s vibrant musical history at Yamaha Innovation road where you’ll also get to see the first ever organ made by the company.
| Our Pick: Deep dive into the culture of Japan on our immersive tour of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. |
Johannesburg, South Africa
South Africa brings to mind spectacular wildlife experiences, but the capital city has a thriving jazz culture. Jazz in Johannesburg is a confluence of diverse influences resulting in a distinct local form called marabi. While African-American jazz penetrated the country in the early 20th century, the scene evolved over time towards the end of apartheid, with the return of exiled musicians.
Today, the city is home to several renowned jazz musicians and bars that cater to the serious music lover. The Orbit has been at the forefront of heralding a jazz revival in the city, while other venues such as Marabi Club and Niki’s Oasis host regular jazz nights.
The city’s many landmarks are testimony to its turbulent history. The Apartheid Museum and Mandela House open a window to the past with stories of the freedom struggle. Head to the Market Theatre Complex in Newtown to watch a play, catch a concert, relish a meal or browse books at the inhouse store.
| OUR PICK: Our Grand Tour Of South Africa gives you the perfect mix of exclusive experiences – from game reserves and vineyards to culture-packed cities |
Discovering a city through its music can be a rewarding experience. If you are keen on an immersive cultural holiday, get in touch with us, and we’ll design a bespoke itinerary for you.
Here are some sample itineraries to get you started
Colombia Tour From Bogota
South Africa And Seychelles Holiday
Japan And Fiji Holiday
Here are some sample itineraries to get you started.
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