Five Cities to Visit if You Love Live Music

From pubs with tiny stages and lots of character to salsa sessions in city plazas, explore some of the world’s best cities for live music

There is an expression that says, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” It conveys this idea that music, no matter the origin, defies barriers both cultural and vernacular, acting as a common ground for those otherwise divided by locale, beliefs, or history. At the same time, music also has the power to express a group’s unique individuality. It’s an intriguing, yet powerful, cultural medium that both reflects a place’s heritage while simultaneously connecting with those who come from different backgrounds.

There is no better way to experience this universal power of music than through travel. Personally, I notice it most when I’m in a crowded pub and the band plays that one song that everyone knows. As all the patrons raise a glass and belt out the lyrics, the room transforms from a random bar to a sanctuary full of new friends. Others may notice it when they are strolling down a busy avenue and come across a street performer playing their favorite tune. Suddenly, that foreign destination feels a lot more familiar. Regardless, most people can agree there is something inherently magical about these moments.

But while music can be found in every corner of the world, there are some destinations where it’s permanently woven into their cultural tapestry. For musical experiences that will remain ingrained in your memory forever, check out these five cities. 

Speaking of crowded pubs and loud sing-alongs, Dublin’s musical pride is evident in every nook and cranny of the vibrant city. Just stroll through Temple Bar and you will hear live music pouring out of almost every establishment. Grafton Street is teeming with buskers stationed along the sidewalk singing "Zombie" by The Cranberries — a quintessential Ireland anthem.

To experience the timeless charm of an Irish pub firsthand, pop into The Temple Bar Pub or The Auld Dubliner, both of which boast a good pour of Guinness and some of Dublin’s best musical acts. Don’t let the tiny corner stage fool you — it has housed some of the biggest personalities. For live Irish music seven days a week, pay a visit to The Old Storehouse. You may even catch some Irish dancing if your timing is right. 

It’s widely known that Great Britain has had quite the historical impact on music all over the world; just look back at the 1960s British Invasion. Today, it remains a hub of musical talent, continuously evolving due to the increasing multicultural influence and fusion of various genres. Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music, is exemplary of this musical diversity. Within blocks of each other you will find swanky jazz bars, rowdy rock ‘n’ roll joints, and the regal Glasgow Royal Concert Hall coexisting together peacefully.

Not only is Glasgow a melting pot of genres and sounds, it’s also home to legendary venues where some of the world’s favorite bands kickstarted their careers. King Tut's Wah Wah Hut helped lay the foundation for '90s rock, hosting icons like Blur and Radiohead before they rocketed to fame. In fact, it was here that Oasis was first discovered and signed in 1993. The Barrowland Ballroom, a 1930s dance hall turned esteemed musical venue, is another Glasgow hotspot whose dazzling neon sign has welcomed rockstars from around the world.

There is emotion in all music, but while the British Isles may specialize in loud-and-proud anthems, Southern Europe is where you will find the certain type of musicality that simply exudes passion. It’s destinations like Spain, Italy, and Portugal that draw visitors from around the world to experience that specific romantic allure that can only be found along Europe’s coast. In Barcelona, this lust for life is evident in all aspects of society, music especially. Whether it’s the soulful, intricate beat of flamenco or the groovy melody of jazz, Spanish passion permeates every note.

You don’t need to be in a venue to experience this enthralling atmosphere; in fact, you’re almost more likely to encounter it on the city streets, where locals stop in plazas to admire street performers and dance unabashedly in squares. In Barcelona, music teaches us an important lesson, both in travel and life: It encourages us to take a few minutes to live in the moment and savor the small things.  

From intimate jazz shows to salsa dancing in the streets with strangers, this vibrant coastal destination celebrates music as a colorful expression of culture. Another UNESCO City of Music, Havana’s music scene has a rich heritage, combining elements from Spain, Africa, the United States, and other Caribbean islands to create something uniquely their own: a captivating fusion of percussion, strings, and powerful vocals. Like Barcelona, music is deeply entwined into Cuban daily life. It’s difficult not to stop and dance when you hear the lively beat of drums and shake of maracas coming from down the road — a jaunt down Callejón de Hamel will certainly prove this.

If you’re looking for a place to truly settle in and enjoy, La Zorra y el Cuervo has earned the title as one of the best jazz clubs in the city. Or, for a livelier setting, try your hand at salsa at Casa de la Música de Miramar. No matter which way you choose to do it, Havana is the place to open your eyes to the poetic lyrics of trova, the smooth rhythm of son Cubano, or the upbeat yet sensual pulse of rumba.  

No one does rock music quite like the Aussies. Their uninhibited bravado, raw energy, and boundary-pushing spirit lay the groundwork for some raucous tunes sure to get your blood pumping. Consequently, Melbourne’s abundance of moody underground bars and historic rock venues makes it a perfect city for the genre to thrive. The iconic Cherry Bar is not only a foundational establishment in the rock world, but also a popular spot for artists to commune post-performance. For a more diverse selection of music, The Corner Hotel and The Night Cat host gigs featuring both local and visiting acts ranging from funk to indie to pop.

Fans of AC/DC will especially enjoy a visit to Melbourne, the city having a deep connection to the band after they resided there for a time and filmed the music video for "It's a Long Way to the Top" during the 1970s. Be sure to stop by ACDC Lane and check out the murals that decorate the city walls.