Best Cities For Music Lovers

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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, we check out research into the best cities for music lovers so you can plans your travels around the best music scenes.

Music is a universal language, a powerful force that transcends borders and cultures. But for the truly dedicated music fan, there’s nothing quite like experiencing a live show in a city that pulsates with rhythm. Whether you crave the electrifying energy of underground clubs or the grandeur of a world-class orchestra, the perfect city awaits.

But where do you start? We’ve delved into the latest research from the experts at SeatPick, who analysed global cities renowned for their music scene to establish the best cities for music lovers to visit. They explored everything from the sheer volume of live music venues to the diversity of genres offered. So, grab your headphones, crank up the volume, and get ready to embark on a journey to discover the cities that will have your heart strumming and your feet tapping.

Table of Contents

Top Ten Best Cities For Music Lovers

London

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Earning a stellar score of 9.3 out of 10, SeatPick can reveal that London takes the crown as the hottest music hotspot on the planet. But what exactly makes London the maestro of musical experiences? Let’s dive into the harmonious details:

A Concert Extravaganza: London isn’t just a city that hums with music; it’s a full-blown symphony! Get ready to lose yourself in a staggering 1,906 live concerts scheduled within the next year. Imagine the electrifying atmosphere of Taylor Swift’s iconic five-night residency at the legendary Wembley Stadium – and that’s just the tip of the musical iceberg. London boasts a plethora of iconic venues like the O2 Arena, the Royal Albert Hall, and Alexandra Palace, ensuring there’s a perfect stage for every genre and artist.

A Breeding Ground for Legends: London’s musical heritage is nothing short of awe-inspiring. This city has served as the launching pad for an incredible 2,850 bands and artists, placing it a close second only to New York City. Think of musical titans like Adele, Amy Winehouse, and the ever-rolling Rolling Stones – all hailing from this vibrant music hub! London’s streets are practically paved with platinum records.

A Symphony of Sounds: But London isn’t just about the megastars. This musical metropolis caters to every taste bud, with a thriving underground scene and venues dedicated to every genre imaginable. Whether you’re a headbanger seeking the mosh pit or a jazz aficionado craving a sultry saxophone solo, London has the perfect melody waiting to be discovered.

Los Angeles

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London may reign supreme, but the competition is fierce! Hot on its heels is Los Angeles, the City of Angels, scoring an impressive 9.14 out of 10. L.A. brings its own unique rhythm to the music scene, boasting a vibrant energy that’s hard to resist.

Here’s why L.A. deserves a standing ovation:

A Stage for Every Star: Get ready for a dazzling display of venues! Los Angeles takes the crown when it comes to sheer number of music spaces. From the iconic Staples Center, where the biggest names in music grace the stage, to the legendary Hollywood Bowl, a historic amphitheater with unparalleled acoustics, L.A. caters to every musical taste and scale.

An Arsenal for Aspiring Musicians: L.A. isn’t just about showcasing established stars; it’s a breeding ground for the next generation of musical giants. The city boasts an impressive number of instrument stores, ensuring aspiring musicians have everything they need to turn their dreams into reality.

West Coast Legends: L.A. has its own hall of musical fame, having birthed iconic bands like Guns N’ Roses, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rage Against the Machine. These musical giants continue to inspire aspiring artists and fuel the city’s ever-evolving soundscape.

Chicago

In a close third place with a score of 8.9 out of 10, Chicago steps onto the stage, proving it’s more than just deep dish pizza and architectural marvels. This vibrant city boasts a rich musical heritage and a scene that caters to a diverse range of music lovers. Here’s why Chicago deserves a spot on your musical travel itinerary:

A Venue Bonanza: Chicago takes the cake (or should we say, deep dish?) when it comes to the sheer number of stages! With a whopping 151 music venues, the city offers a platform for every genre imaginable. From the intimate sounds of Lincoln Hall to the electrifying atmosphere of the United Center, where even the biggest names grace the stage, Chicago ensures there’s a perfect spot to catch your favorite artist.

Festival Fanatics: Get ready to experience music overload! Chicago holds the title for the most scheduled music festivals in the entire US, boasting a staggering 11 events throughout the year. Whether you crave the diverse sounds of Lollapalooza or the smooth melodies of the Chicago Jazz Festival, there’s a festival guaranteed to set your soul on fire.

Musical Roots Run Deep: Chicago isn’t just a party city; it’s a breeding ground for musical legends. This city has birthed iconic acts like Earth, Wind & Fire and Fall Out Boy, proving its versatility and influence across genres. Chicago’s musical heritage continues to inspire a new generation of artists, ensuring the city’s soundscape remains vibrant and ever-evolving.

New York City

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Our exploration of music cities lands us on the energetic shores of New York City, snagging a respectable fourth place with a score of 8.87 out of 10. Sure, London might reign supreme for now, but New York holds its own with a rich musical history and a scene that’s as diverse as its boroughs.

Here’s why the Big Apple shouldn’t be underestimated:

Broadway Influence: New York City isn’t just the concrete jungle; it’s a theatrical wonderland. The abundance of Broadway theaters naturally translates to a high number of music venues – a total of 124! From intimate jazz clubs to grand concert halls, the city offers stages for every kind of musical performance.

Legendary Landmarks: Beyond the sheer number of venues, New York boasts iconic locations that have witnessed musical history in the making. Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and the Beacon Theatre have all played host to legendary artists, and continue to be coveted stages for performers today.

Birthplace of Musical Giants: New York City has an undeniable star power when it comes to music. This melting pot of cultures has birthed countless musical superstars across genres, from the pop stylings of Lady Gaga to the rap genius of Jay-Z and the piano man himself, Billy Joel. New York has nurtured musical talent for generations, and that legacy shows no signs of slowing down.

Nashville

Rounding out our top five music cities is the undeniably twangy Nashville, Tennessee, scoring a solid 8.7 points. This city isn’t just the undisputed birthplace of country music; it’s a vibrant hub that pulsates with live music of all genres.

So, what makes Nashville a must-visit for music enthusiasts?

A Country Music Mecca: Nashville’s musical identity is undeniable. The city boasts iconic landmarks like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can learn about the genre’s rich history and legendary artists. But the real magic happens live. Catch a show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a stage that has witnessed country music royalty for decades, or grab a beer and listen to up-and-coming stars at a honky-tonk bar on Lower Broadway.

Beyond the Boot Scootin’ Boogie: Nashville isn’t a one-trick pony. While country music takes center stage, the city also offers a thriving scene for other genres. Catch a rock show at the legendary Exit/In, a haven for alternative music since the 1970s. Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds at The Basement East, or sway to the rhythm of Americana at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

Intimate Venues, Big Dreams: Nashville fosters a sense of community and discovery. The city is peppered with intimate venues like the iconic Bluebird Cafe, a launching pad for superstars like Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks. You never know who you might catch performing before they hit the big time!

Music Tourism

So there you have it, music lovers! Our whistle-stop tour through the world’s top music cities has hopefully ignited your wanderlust and inspired your next adventure. From the electrifying energy of London to the genre-bending smorgasbord of Chicago, each city offers a unique soundscape waiting to be explored.

Remember, this is just the first verse of your musical travel symphony. Whether you crave the intimate charm of a jazz bar or the electrifying energy of a massive stadium concert, there’s a city out there with a rhythm that matches your beat. So, grab your headphones, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the world through the power of music. After all, the best cities for music lovers aren’t just places to visit – they’re experiences to be savored, melodies to be collected, and memories to be made.

Now, hit play on your favorite travel anthem and start planning your adventure – the perfect soundtrack to your journey awaits!

Methodology:

SeatPick conducted a study to find the best music hotspots across the world.
A seed list of the top 50 cities known for music was taken from ListChallenges.
The number of music festivals across 2023 and 2024 was analysed from Music Festival Wizard.
The number of live concerts across 2023 and 2024 was analysed from Songkick.
Data for music venues, Vinyl Record stores and music instrument stores were sourced from websites such as Yelp, Google Places and VinylWorld.
This data was then percent ranked to provide a total score out of 10 and ranked in order of highest to lowest scoring.
Data is correct as of 29 June 2023 and is subject to change.