The top six global music cities to add to your 2026 travel wish-list
In celebration of New Orleans’ becoming UNESCO’s latest World Music City, we’re taking a look at some of the chart-topping favourites from each continent.
In a sense, music shares a few similarities to travel. It brings people together, goes beyond national boundaries and is the perfect way to get a taste of other cultures across the world. Our team are firm believers that some of the best experiences come when you combine the two, and to celebrate the introduction of six new UNESCO Music Cities, we’ve been thinking about our favourite musical hotspots around the world. From New Orleans to Vienna, here are six global music destinations to add to your travel wish-list.
The best music cities across each continent
Vienna, Europe
While the modern music industry has made itself at home in Western Europe’s major capitals, classical music historically resided amongst the cafés and concert halls of elegant Vienna. Often branded the ‘Home of Classical Music’, this Austrian capital has a rich orchestral heritage and was once home to the world’s greatest composers, including Mozart, Johann Strauss and Beethoven. The best part about the city is that it’s just as active now as it was in its musical heyday, with concerts from local and international artists, including André Rieu and Andrea Bocelli.
Our recommended tour – Prague, Vienna & Budapest
Memphis, North America
Though there are numerous North American cities that deserve a spot at the top of any musical itinerary, it’s almost impossible to ignore Tennessee, which launched many an American superstar to worldwide fame. Memphis, formerly home of the legendary Elvis Presley, stands out when it comes to chart-topping contributions, and is a city which simply must be seen to be believed. From Beale Street, the USA’s most iconic musical highway, to the King’s magnificent Graceland Mansion, there are plenty of fascinating ways to connect with the city’s rock ‘n’ roll roots. Better still, with easy access to nearby Nashville, the ‘World Capital of Country Music’, and toe-tapping New Orleans, you won’t be limited to just one music city across the Deep South.
Our recommended tour – Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans & Nashville
Rio de Janeiro, South America
Known as the birthplace of the bossa nova and samba genres, Rio de Janeiro is a city which deserves a place at the top of any music lover’s travel wish-list. While there are almost too many fascinating music cities in South America to choose from, Rio narrowly beats the likes of Bogota and Buenos Aires to our top spot thanks to how widely available and accessible its music scene is. While samba rhythms can be felt across the city, the best spots to get a taste for Rio’s diverse music scene are its carioca bars. To truly immerse yourself in the music, why not also plan your wish-list Brazilian break to coincide with the country’s annual Carnival celebrations?
Our recommended tour – Brazil & Argentina
Johannesburg, Africa
Possibly the most modern of the choices on this list, Johannesburg has become a hub of the amapiano genre, which rose to popularity in the early 2000s, and has equally successful jazz and classical music industries. A staple of many African cities is the sound of Afro-fusion, a genre which combines traditional local styles with elements of jazz, rock ‘n’ roll and hip hop, and Johannesburg is no exception. For an authentic taste of South Africa’s diverse musical heritage, the ‘City of Gold’ is the ideal choice.
Our recommended tour – Kruger Safari & the Garden Route
Seoul, Asia
Another contemporary genre which has taken the world by storm since the turn of the century is K-pop, Korea’s answer to western pop music, and nowhere is it more prevalent than in vibrant Seoul. As the home of most of South Korea’s entertainment industries, Seoul has become one of the most rapidly growing culture cities in the world and is worth a spot at the top of any travel wish-list. To put its surging popularity into perspective, the country’s music industry has been labelled a Hallyu (Korean Wave) by Chinese media outlets, and has since outperformed the likes of Australia, Canada and China in the global music market.
Our recommended tour – South Korea and Japan Discovered
Melbourne, Australia
While Australia alone has plenty of options to choose from, including UNESCO-listed Adelaide and harbourside Sydney, it’s Melbourne which takes our pick for Australia’s finest music city. Victoria’s regional capital, despite actually being named a UNESCO City of Literature, is home to some of the continent’s most famous venues and hosts over 62,000 concerts each year – that’s almost 170 every single day! The city was also the launchpad for numerous artists, including Kylie Minogue and Men at Work, and has more than earned the moniker of Australia’s ‘Live Music Capital’.
Our recommended tour – Australia Uncovered
Press play on your own musical adventure with Newmarket Holidays
Whether you’re a connoisseur of classical music or can’t get enough of America’s rock ‘n’ roll icons, we’ve got the itinerary for you. To get the ball rolling on your own music-themed holiday, or for more information on our wide range of itineraries, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. For more information on our entire escorted touring collection, check out our dedicated destinations page. If you’re looking for more inspiration, we also have a range of Spotify playlists to help get you in the mood for music!
