Five cities around the world with incredible music scenes

Great music is a wonderful reason to travel since it usually dovetails nicely with good food, good drinks, and good times.

Taiko drummers perform songs on a Yagura (wooden scaffold)...
Taiko drummers perform songs on a Yagura (wooden scaffold)... | SOPA Images/GettyImages

There are a lot of reasons to go on a trip, from traveling to see family to needing some time to relax. One great reason to hit the road is music. And that doesn't just mean the Eras Tour, not that there's anything wrong with that, A lot of travel seems to be driven by Taylor Swift these days.

Around the world, there are certain cities that just make you think about music. It could be because of the performers who got big there or even styles of music innovated on its streets. Either way, planning to travel to enjoy live music is a magnificent reason to take a few days off.

New Orleans, Louisiana

General Views Of New Orleans
General Views Of New Orleans | Chris Graythen/GettyImages

Without question, New Orleans is one of the world's food and culture capitals. It's hard to imagine eating better than basically any restaurant in the French Quarter. But the Big Easy is also hot spot for live music. It is the hometown of jazz, one of the most ecelectic and electric musical genres. And you can in enjoy it in numerous clubs and restaurants, not to mention just hanging out in Jackson Square.

Tokyo, Japan

When you think of Japanese music, your mind probably takes you to very traditional styles and instruments. Those traditions are still alive and well in Japan but the scene is far more diverse than that, particularly in Tokyo. All forms of music have a home here but rock and jazz have definitely taken root over the decades. There are several iconic venues throughout the city.

Melbourne, Australia

Daily Life In Melbourne
Daily Life In Melbourne | Alexi Rosenfeld/GettyImages

Unlike most of the cities on this list, Melbourne is not a place you immediately associate with any form of music. You assume it has some sort of music community, as most big cities do, but not that it would be a destination scene. In truth, Melbourne has a rich, world-class music scene that has spawned several notable artists who have had a global impact.

London, England

To be honest, this is the easiest entry on the list. London's music scene has been prominent for centuries, producing some of the most influential performers and composers from any number of eras. That hasn't changed. There is an endless stream of musicians coming from the London scene. As such, it makes sense to hit the clubs and check out the next generation before they hit it big.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil - Travel - Corcovado
Brazil - Travel - Corcovado | Christopher Pillitz/GettyImages

Day and night, this city pulses to the beat of one of the dozens of music styles endemic to the region. The streets of Rio de Janeiro are filled with music, and not just during Carnival. You can step into one club to enjoy Brazilian hip hop, then duck across the block to take in some Samba. Music is the lifeblood of Rio. if you don't experience it in some fashion, you haven't truly experienced Rio.