Music and travel have always been intertwined, with certain destinations inspiring some of the most iconic songs in history. Whether it’s a street, a city, or an entire country, these places have left an indelible mark on the artists who visited them. For music lovers, visiting these destinations can offer a unique way to connect with their favorite songs, allowing them to walk the same streets, visit the same landmarks, and soak in the atmosphere that influenced legendary tracks. Here are some must-visit destinations for music fans, and playlists to accompany your travels.
Graceland, Memphis – the home of the king of rock ‘n’ roll
Graceland, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the most iconic destinations for fans of Elvis Presley. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll made this sprawling mansion his home, and it has since become a pilgrimage site for millions of fans around the world. Visiting Graceland offers an intimate look at Elvis’ life, with tours of the mansion, his private jets, and the Meditation Garden where he is buried.
- What to see: Explore Elvis’ home, complete with his music memorabilia, costumes, and personal artifacts. Don’t miss the Jungle Room, a highlight of the tour, and the Elvis Presley Car Museum.
- Playlist suggestion: Elvis Presley’s Greatest Hits – Travel through Memphis while listening to classics like “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
Abbey road, London – the Beatles’ legendary crossing
Abbey Road in London is immortalized by the Beatles’ famous album cover, where John, Paul, George, and Ringo famously crossed the street. The crosswalk, located near Abbey Road Studios, is one of the most recognizable in the world. For Beatles fans, a visit to this site is a chance to retrace the steps of the Fab Four and relive a piece of music history.
- What to see: Snap a photo while crossing Abbey Road, just like the Beatles did in 1969. Visit Abbey Road Studios (though the studio is not open to the public, the outside is worth a visit) and leave your mark on the graffiti-covered walls where fans have left tributes to the band.
- Playlist suggestion: The Beatles – Abbey Road Album – Walk along the streets of London while listening to iconic tracks like “Come Together,” “Here Comes the Sun,” and “Something.”
New Orleans, Louisiana – the birthplace of jazz
New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz, and its streets have long been alive with music. The city’s rich musical heritage, influenced by African, Caribbean, and European cultures, makes it a must-visit for any music fan. From the lively brass bands in the French Quarter to the historic Preservation Hall, New Orleans offers an authentic and unforgettable musical experience.
- What to see: Explore Bourbon Street, where live jazz fills the air, and visit the New Orleans Jazz Museum to learn about the city’s role in shaping this genre. Don’t miss a show at Preservation Hall, a historic venue that has hosted some of the most important names in jazz.
- Playlist suggestion: New Orleans Jazz Essentials – Enjoy tracks from Louis Armstrong, Wynton Marsalis, and Dr. John while wandering the vibrant streets of this musical city.
Haight-ashbury, San francisco – the heart of 1960s counterculture
The Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco became the epicenter of the 1960s counterculture movement, with music at its core. The neighborhood was home to some of the most influential artists of the time, including Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane. Visiting this iconic district today offers a glimpse into the music and culture that shaped a generation.
- What to see: Walk down Haight Street to see remnants of the 1960s, with vintage shops, murals, and historic homes of rock legends. Visit the nearby Golden Gate Park, which was the site of many free concerts during the Summer of Love.
- Playlist suggestion: 1960s San Francisco Sound – Listen to hits from Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane as you explore the streets where these legends once lived and performed.
Berlin, Germany – Bowie’s berlin trilogy
David Bowie’s time in Berlin during the late 1970s was one of the most creatively fruitful periods of his career. Known as the “Berlin Trilogy,” Bowie’s albums Low, “Heroes”, and Lodger were heavily influenced by the city’s gritty yet artistic energy. Visiting Berlin offers fans a chance to see the places that shaped these groundbreaking albums.
- What to see: Visit Hansa Studios, where Bowie recorded much of his Berlin Trilogy, and explore the districts of Schöneberg and Kreuzberg, where Bowie lived and found inspiration. Walk along the Berlin Wall, which inspired his iconic song “Heroes.”
- Playlist suggestion: David Bowie’s Berlin Trilogy – Immerse yourself in Bowie’s unique sound with tracks from Low, “Heroes”, and Lodger as you explore the streets of Berlin.
Woodstock, New York – the iconic music festival site
Although the original Woodstock Festival in 1969 didn’t actually take place in Woodstock, New York (it was held in Bethel), the town has since become synonymous with the festival and its ideals. Today, the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts stands on the original site of the festival, preserving its history and spirit.
- What to see: Visit the Woodstock Festival Monument at Bethel Woods, which commemorates the historic event. Explore the museum that chronicles the festival’s impact on music and culture.
- Playlist suggestion: Woodstock Festival Playlist – Relive the magic of 1969 with performances from Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, and Santana as you explore the grounds where music history was made.