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10 of the Best Cities for Music Lovers Around the World

From afrobeats to samba, delve into cross-continental musical cultures from around the globe.

10 of the Best Cities for Music Lovers Around the World
Hi, I'm Grace!

Grace Goslin is a freelance culture journalist from South East London, and over her 5 year professional career has gained bylines in the likes of Lovefood, Stylist, Time Out, that's life, and BRICKS. Her writing often focuses on queer issues, music, and lifestyle and when she's not writing, she is also a drag king, a DJ, and studying for a MA in Queer History.

Nightlife and music culture are considered the beating hearts of many cities—a reflection of a place's geographical and political history—and countries worldwide champion differing music genres, ceremonies, and celebrations. Music is the reason why locals stay and tourists return. So whether you’re always on the aux at a party and inclined towards Berlin techno, or prefer to shop vinyl and listen to something a little less pounding, here are 10 of the top cities for music lovers around the world.

1. Berlin

A DJ in Berlin plays some tunes.
Berlin frequently hosts techno festivals where visitors can party the night away.Photo Credit: Ambartsumian Valery / Shutterstock

Germany

Berlin's rich political history precedes its reputation as a place for hedonism and, of course, techno. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, large abandoned buildings became occupied and people threw massive free parties in these spaces, and thus the city's techno scene was born. Don’t be put off by the infamous Berghain rejection stories, though, as KitKat Club and Sisyphus are among the other must-visits for techno heads. And after you’ve partied the night away, head out on a walking tour to uncover Berlin's hidden musical gems.

2. London

A London jazz performance takes place in a music bar.
London is home to a plethora of dimly lit jazz bars.Photo Credit: sirtravelalot / Shutterstock

England

The UK’s capital and home to a burgeoning queer scene, London has an underground and commercial music scene that is constantly in flux. As the site of some of the UK’s biggest day festivals, a plethora of city-wide live music venues, and dimly lit jazz bars, there’s something for everyone, from the party animals to the laid-back locals. Learn more about London’s rock music legacy on a walking tour, before heading off to catch some of the capital’s other top sights and sounds.

3. Rio de Janeiro

A woman perform the samba outdoors at night in Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro is known for its samba music and ornate festivals.Photo Credit: Delmiro Junior / Shutterstock

Brazil

Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro is home to both samba and bossa nova, which reflect the upbeat vibe of wider Latin American sounds. And when it comes to the city's explosive and colorful family carnivals or traditional samba shows, the music and the outfits are as extra as one another. Truly a spectacle for any visitor, the Ginga Tropical Show is a must-see, as are Rio’s Samba City carnaval preparations, where you’ll be privy to a full cultural display through the medium of music and dance.

4. Lagos

Lagos trumpet players make some afrobeats music.
Lagos is a lively port city that embodies the afrobeats music scene.Photo Credit: Tolu Owoeye / Shutterstock

Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria’s capital, is a destination that has incubated the afrobeats music scene, best experienced at the city's late-night bars. A lively and busy port city, Lagos’ bustling streets are also home to a music festival, Felabration, which celebrates the legacy of multiinstrumentalist and afrobeats pioneer Fela Kuti and takes place at The New Afrika Shrine, an open-air venue managed by Kuti’s children.

5. Nashville

A huge Nashville country music festival takes place with performers on the stage.
Nashville is the epicenter of country music.Photo Credit: Leeroy Todd / Viator

USA

Nashville, Tennessee—dubbed “music city” by Nashville locals—is the birthplace of country music and the city's musical roots play a key part in the region’s tourism. The folk-like origins of country music began as early as the 1700s and if you find yourself in Nashville you can learn more about the genre’s history (and present) at the outstanding Country Music Hall of Fame. Or, just catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry.

6. Tokyo

A performer in Tokyo takes to the music stage.
Tokyo's eclectic street style has influenced their music culture.Photo Credit: Andrew Faulk / Viator

Japan

Japanese pop music’s influence on global culture is virtually unrivaled … except maybe by the K-Pop scene. Over the last 20 years, the genre’s street style fashion trends have extended into the mainstream and arrived on the global stage. In Tokyo, explore the J-Pop vibes; dive deep into the city’s vibrant and popular karaoke world, a serious hobby for Tokyo’s locals; and pick up physical musical memories, in the form of CDs and records—shops punctuate the high streets. Meanwhile, if you want to go out, Liquidroom is considered the city's pinnacle music venue.

7. Ibiza Town

A DJ plays to outside crowds in Ibiza.
Ibiza has the reputation of a party island that never sleeps.Photo Credit: oneinchpunch / Shutterstock

Spain

Ibiza is a party person's haven. As renowned for its sunsets as it is for house music, if you’re a DJ, playing the island is considered a career highlight. Ibiza’s popularity as “party island” began with the influx of hippies in the 1970s and has gone from strength to strength from there, with household names escaping to the island every summer. Hit the island’s top clubs after dark—there’s something to suit most—or experience the party life at sea with an incredible boat party.

8. Budapest

Drummers play to the streets of Budapest.
Budapest offers a diverse array of music—from strings, to drums, and even techno.Photo Credit: Andocs / Shutterstock

Hungary

The musical preferences of Budapest can be best experienced in the city's historical and aptly named “ruin bars.” These architecturally stunning bars-turned-music spaces serve as the perfect backdrop to listen to local jam and string sessions; however, you can also hit the clubs, where techno plays a large part of the Budapest party scene. Feeling traditional? Opt for a traditional Hungarian folk extravaganza instead.

9. Mexico City

Mexico City mariachi performers take to the streets to play live music.
Mexico is most commonly associated with traditional mariachi music.Photo Credit: Scharfsinn / Shutterstock

Mexico

Mexico City's music scene transcends the traditional mariachi bands of Jalisco and—although it’s likely that a visit to the city will involve a sight of a sombrero wearing group—the Mexican capital has so much more to offer. From underground house music venues to punk and emo bars, this destination is one where music crosses genre binaries. (And it also welcomes numerous major world tour dates for artists from around the world.) Get to grips with the city on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, before heading to popular concert spots such as the Teatro Metropolitano.

10. Chicago

Chicago house music fans enjoy a mega-club.
Clubs in Chicago are filled with house music fans.Photo Credit: ezellhphotography / Shutterstock

USA

Tap into the history of house with a visit to Chicago, home to pioneering DJ and father of house music, Frankie Knuckles, who brought the genre to the city in the early 80s. Renowned for his epic long sets, it's safe to say that house music reigns supreme in Chicago, and that the city had been transformed by the genre. Take SmartBar, which has been going for over 30 years, and continues to boast some of the best house nights in the Windy City.

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