Top cities around the world for live music

Beyond chasing adventure, embracing the unknown, and escaping the stress of daily life, travel is also about immersing yourself in culture. Experiencing the arts of a destination, tasting the food, learning the history, admiring the art and architecture, can be one of the greatest joys of any trip. Getting to know the local music is no exception, which is why we’re sharing our top music destinations around the world for unforgettable live music experiences.

A country’s sound can depict its history; tell stories of celebration and independence, fusion and influence. A recognizable style goes hand in hand with national identity, such as reggae with Jamaica, flamenco with Spain, and bhangra with India. Finally, when you’ve returned home, music can transport you back to a destination with nothing but a few opening bars.

Top cities around the world for live music

Below, we describe our top music destinations around the world for live music to help you create those vivid, sound-tracked memories for yourself.

1. Buenos Aires, Argentina – Tango takes center stage

The effect of African, Portuguese and Spanish influence throughout history has produced in Latin America a culture of dance, passion and celebration. In Argentina, it’s all about the tango, and its vivacious rhythm seeps from every milonga in Buenos Aires. The tango is more than just a dance for Argentinians, it’s a way of life – and witnessing a sea of couples flaunt these impassioned moves with a live band is an unforgettable experience. 

From the outdoor plaza demonstrations to more tourist-oriented shows such as Tango Porteno, tango is everywhere in the city. For a truly local hangout, try Milonga Parakultural, or Maldita Milonga; where live music plays all night long, and the red wine flows aplenty.

Although Argentina is synonymous with the Tango, the city has much more musicality on offer. From classical to indigenous folk music to raucous rock and punk, jazz and other Latin beats from around the continent, sometimes it feels like every other person in Buenos Aires is a musician. 

2. Sevilla, Spain – The feisty flit of Flamenco

Quintessentially Spanish, the image of a flamenco dancer has become emblematic of southern Spain’s Andalucía region where it first originated. The attitude, the outfits and the fiery foot stamping cut a potent image, and experiencing this soulful and intimately entwined duo of music and dance is mesmerizing. This compelling art form was created by the Roma gipsy people who migrated to Spain from India in the Middle Ages. It is thought that it originated right here in Sevilla, the capital of Andalucía province. 

Strolling through Sevilla, you’ll feel like you have well and truly arrived in traditional Spain. Here orange trees grow along the streets, dropping their fruits on the pavement, the afternoon siesta is still observed in the full-throttle heat of summer afternoons, and at night (late at night) the city comes alive with alfresco dining, drinking and music.

One of the best places to catch live Flamenco is in the longstanding venue, La Carboneria, in the Barrio Santa Cruz district. It’s a casual and fun affair with long wooden benches, shared tables and pitchers of sangria flowing. There are many more options for experiencing live Flamenco, from larger more elaborate shows to small intimate venues or simply stumbling across a guitarist busking in the street or an impromptu jam session in a backstreet bar. 

3. Bogota, Colombia – The infectious rhythms of Cumbia and Salsa

Blending Spanish guitars, indigenous flutes and the drum structure of the country’s African diaspora, Colombia has created multiple strains of dance-worthy, homegrown sounds. Its most famous style is the cumbia – originally a courtship dance for African populations on the Caribbean coast.

Today, cumbia forms the inspiration for plenty of modern artists in Bogota trying to break the national music scene; while flirtatious salsa, jaunty, folk-inspired vallenato and Latin pop music pulse through Bogota’s live venues. For a tightly packed but truly local evening of Colombian sounds, head to Gaira Cafe to dance to an 11-piece band.

4. Varanasi, India – The evocative tones of Indian Classical

The sheer amount of music, dance and performance art to come out of India is comparable to its geographical size. Music and dance is a big deal here; the pairing of movement and melody is seen as a nod to legend, an act of gratitude to spirits and gods. Arguably its holiest, oldest and most cultural center, Varanasi has a deep musical heritage, earning it ‘City of Music’ status from UNESCO. 

Sitar, tabla, tanpura and flute blend in an exotic sound that is quintessentially Indian, emanating from guesthouses, restaurant concerts, music schools and annual festivals. The 43-day Sur Ganga is one of its newest, while Drupad Festival celebrates Hindustani classical music every March or April.

5. Yerevan, Armenia – The ceremony of holy music

Perhaps not the first place you’d consider a musical hub, but Armenia’s religious mountain heritage, as well as its Soviet history, has produced a distinctive musical identity steeped in acapella and folk. The national instrument, the duduk, is a low-pitched wooden flute which produces a lonely, haunting sound – and live demonstrations are common in Yerevan restaurants. As the first country to embrace Christianity, Armenia’s holy music carries a sense of ceremony that is ethereal to witness in an ancient setting. Try to catch the female acapella choir in a sacred singing performance at Geghard; a 1700-year-old monastery with superb acoustics, just north of Yerevan.

6. Santiago de Cuba, Cuba – Distinctive rhythms built for dancing

Walk down almost any street in Havana and you’ll catch the familiar rhythms of the Buena Vista Social Club rolling lazily out of bars, cars and open windows. Street life here is engaging and lively, with much of the city’s socializing taking place al fresco. Streetside bars serve classic rum cocktails, beat-up Chevrolets cruise down the Malecon Ocean Road and there is always plenty of music, making it a worthy addition to our list of top music destinations.

However, the real musical heart of Cuba lies at the other end of the island in the less-visited city of Santiago de Cuba. This gritty port city has been dubbed a Creative City of Music by UNESCO, and it’s the place to come for a deep dive into traditional Cuban sounds. There’s a real variety of rhythms to move to, Son Cubano being the city’s most famous style, blending Spanish and African musical elements.

n the melting pot of Santiago’s musical scene, you’ll also hear Rumba, Trova, Salsa, Jazz and Conga. There’s live music to enjoy here year-round, but you might like to plan a visit to coincide with one of the city’s many annual music festivals. 

Make it happen

From the passionate tango of Buenos Aires to the haunting duduk melodies of Yerevan, these top music destinations offer unforgettable live experiences that connect you deeply to local culture. Ready to plan your next trip to one of these incredible top music destinations? Get in touch with our local experts who can help craft the perfect itinerary tailored to your musical adventure.