Booking.com Celebrates World Music Day With Stays That Hit The Right Note
World Music Day is celebrated annually on June 21 for people around the world to honor and rejoice in the spirit of music. It’s a well-known fact that this universally loved art form brings geographies and groups together by creating a sense of unity and shared experience. Of the 10%* traveling for a music or festival concert this year, 36%* say they want to do so to connect with friends and family, while 40%* are traveling just to make a trip out of the occasion. Driven by its mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, we unveil our list of music-inspired destinations worth traveling to and where travelers can turn up the volume and celebrate the tunes from both established and emerging artists.
Chengdu, China (Classical)
Chengdu is the starting point of the famous Silk Road in Southern China. The city embraces Tianfu Culture, which loosely translated is a Chinese way of life that encapsulates culture, music, aesthetics, and a sense of maintaining balance in life. This philosophy is integrated into the planning and design of the city’s gardens, buildings, and public art. Curious music fans, in particular, will love famed landmarks such as the Sichuan Conservatory of Music which is one of the oldest establishments of musical education in China, specializing in classical music. Alternatively, those seeking light-hearted entertainment reflective of this destination’s culture should head to the Sichuan Opera Show. Fusing acting, acrobatics, puppetry, music, and dancing, travelers are in for a treat like none other.
Where to stay: Travelers with a passion for the arts, gastronomy and wellness will love The Temple House which is a 15-minute drive from the electric Sichuan Opera Show. This stunning property blends Chengdu heritage with modern architectural elements. Built on the grounds of a 1,600-old Daci Temple, guests walk through its bamboo tree framed entrance into tranquil and minimalist designed surroundings. Guests can also head to the property’s traditional teahouse or take a swim in the sky-lit subterranean pool.
Prague, Czech Republic (Electro)
Like many other Czech art forms, the electronic music scene in Prague blossomed after the Velvet revolution. Inspired by British and European dance music, the city has become a hotspot for techno music with a bustling and lively nightlife with clubs, such as ROXY, Chapeau Rouge and Cross Club hosting respected and credible electro DJs from across the globe. To delve a little deeper, music enthusiasts can discover the rich tapestry of Prague’s arts scene by taking a Prague Music Tour.
Where to stay: Just a short stroll from the Old Town Square and located next to the Powder Tower and Municipal House, Golden Angel Suites by Adrez are a range of stunning, fully equipped apartments. This Travel Proud property is situated in an elegant building and surrounded by an array of shops, dining options and most importantly a buzzing city center dotted with electro music stores, captivating theaters and trendy clubs.
Medellin, Colombia (Reggaeton)
At the heart of northwestern Colombia lies Medellin. Although revered for its year-round sunny weather and natural beauty leading to its nickname ‘City of Eternal Spring’, this metropolis is also home to a vibrant reggae culture reflected in its streets lined with extraordinary graffiti and murals. Here, reggae is more than just a music genre; once an outlet for young artistes in the 80s and 90s to channel their frustration as the city grappled with social unrest, now a cultural form of expression for locals to tell their stories. Travelers looking to learn more about the colorful culture of Medellin should take advantage of this Tour of Comuna 13, to explore the neighborhood that is known for its energetic street performances, bright colors and spectacular graffiti.
Where to stay: Reggae lovers will be pleased to know that the Loma Verde Aparthotel is at the heart of El Poblado district which is known for its elite bars and nightclubs where guests can enjoy live reggae music. After an exciting day, unwind at this gorgeous stay boasting spacious rooms with mountain views, an outdoor pool as well as a dining area for feasting with loved ones. Alternatively, guests can enjoy some electric beats whilst grilling with family, thanks to the on-site barbecue facilities provided at this property. Visitors could also take a 30-minute drive to nearby El Poblado Park, which has become a hotspot for local food vendors, artisan street stalls and live entertainment.
Manchester, United Kingdom (Britpop)
Referred to, often by its proud Mancunian locals, as the Music Capital of Britain, the north western city of Manchester is renowned for its musical legacy. Boasting a provocative scene that has produced some of the most iconic indie and alternative bands in the world, Manchester has shaped the British music landscape. The Britpop movement, which was coined in the late 80s and saw British bands in the 90s produce a new melodic, guitar-based pop music was predated by ‘Madchester’. The era saw Mancunian bands such as The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays drawing inspiration from 60s rock, 80s indie and the infamous punk scene, with Oasis, considered one of the “big four” of Brit pop, later emerging as Mancunian music moguls. Visitors to this bustling and walkable city can learn more with a glimpse into Manchester’s music scene with an experienced local on a Guided Music-themed Tour with Beer, where they’ll get the chance to discover iconic spots that have contributed to the city’s music scene.
Where to stay: In the heart of Manchester’s bustling city center, Kula Manchester offers serviced apartments with modern decor and amenities. A stone’s throw from several live music venues including the Band on the Wall, Gorilla and the Albert Hall, guests to the city can easily take in a gig or two over a weekend.
Detroit, United States (House)
Known as the birthplace of house music thanks to a group of DJs and producers namely Juan Atkins, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson, who experimented with synthesizers in the city’s underground basements, to produce a blend of soul, synth and driving beats. In recent times, the destination has influenced other music genres and birthed the likes of MoTown, Punk Rock as well as electronic dance music (EDM) which have contributed to its musical legacy. Travelers seeking to learn more about this city’s history should take advantage of this City Highlights Self-guided Walking Tour which provides the opportunity to see major attractions such as the Parker’s Alley and The Belt; home to captivating murals by local and international artists, alongside fine restaurants as well as music joints; perfect for those looking to integrate into the culture of the city.
Where to stay: Travelers can embrace the industrial feel of Detroit at the Shinola Hotel which boasts fully-equipped modern suites offering room service, a fitness center perfect for those looking to unwind after a day’s discovery of the city, and its restaurant/bar where guests can enjoy live house music while sipping delicious cocktails.
*Research was commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who took a leisure trip with an overnight stay in the last 12 months, plan to travel in 2024, and are involved in trip planning. The sample is comprised of 32,300 respondents across 32 markets (2,000 from USA, 800 from Canada, 1,800 from Mexico, 800 from Colombia, 1,800 from Brazil, 800 from Argentina, 1,800 from Australia, 500 from New Zealand, 800 from Spain, 800 from Italy, 1,800 from France, 1,800 from UK, 1,800 from Germany, 800 from Netherlands, 500 from Denmark, 500 from Sweden, 400 from Croatia, 800 from Switzerland, 800 from Belgium, 800 from Ireland, 800 from Portugal, 1,800 from India, 800 from China, 500 from Hong Kong, 800 from Thailand, 800 from Singapore, 500 from Taiwan, 800 from Vietnam, 800 from South Korea, 1,800 from Japan, 500 from UAE) surveyed in January or February 2024.