Booking.com Invites You to Find Your Inner Musician at a Top Music Destination

Research from Booking.com* revealed that in 2016, one in five (21%) global travellers took a trip because of a music concert or festival. With that passion for music in mind, and to celebrate the anticipated release of the latest 3D computer-animated and Day of the Dead adventure film in November 2017, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay is inviting travellers to embark on an adventure and visit the top destinations around the world endorsed by Booking.com travellers for the best live music.

Mexico City, Mexico

If looking for a time and place to find your inner musician, than what better way than by celebrating Day of the Dead (2 November 2017) in Mexico’s capital and renowned live music hub? Expect pulsing beats, colourful floats, marionettes and hundreds of dancers and performers. Top things to have on your checklist include a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology, Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Chapultepec Castle. For the top live music venues, make sure you visit the Auditorio Nacional, Bulldog Café and the Zinco Jazz Club. In addition to live music, top endorsements for Mexico City by Booking.com travellers include museums, culture and history. The top nationalities that travelled to Mexico City for last year’s Day of the Dead include American, Colombian and Spanish and the top types of accommodation booked were hotels, hostels and apart-hotels.

Where to stay: Housed in a beautiful 1890’s-era building, the exquisite Hotel Zocalo Central is situated next to the beautiful National Cathedral, where Moctezuma’s Palace once stood and is ideally located in downtown Mexico City. Have dinner with a view at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant overlooking the famous Zocalo Plaza and explore nearby attractions such as the Fine Arts Palace or Alameda Park.

New Orleans, United States

Nicknamed the “Big Easy” New Orleans is best known for its around the clock nightlife, vibrant live music scene and fusion of French, African and American cuisine and cultures. Arguably the most celebrated event in New Orleans is the world-famous Mardi Gras festival (13 February 2018), the late-winter carnival festivities are famed for racy costumes, parades, street parties and, you guessed it, live music. Along your travels be sure to check out the Spotted Cat Music Club, the Snug Harbour Jazz Bistro and the Preservation Hall for the fruity drinks and live bands.

Where to stay: Located in the Warehouse District of New Orleans is the trendy Ace Hotel New Orleans. Decorated with artwork from local artists, guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool and dine at the hotel’s onsite restaurant. After dinner take a trip to the hotel’s live music venue featuring some of the best local and regional music acts and for music lovers book a suite room which features a Music Hall turntable and an acoustic Martin guitar.

London, United Kingdom

Travel to London for a taste of culture and a splash of colour and celebrate in the musical festivities of Notting Hill Carnival. This annual event has been taking place since 1966 on the streets of Notting Hill over the August bank holiday. Expect a fusion of reggae, soca music and pop and admire daring costumes, street dancing and if you’re lucky, the British sunshine!

Where to stay: Stay in the heart of London at the Ampersand Hotel which feature rooms inspired by music, botany, geometry, ornithology and astronomy. Stay in a spacious superior room inspired and decorated with music and dine at the exclusive onsite Mediterranean restaurant.

Nashville, United States

Arguably one of the most well-known destinations for live music, Nashville is home to some of the legends of country music and the Grand Ole Opry House, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Johnny Cash Museum. For those who are lucky enough to make a last minute trip to Nashville, check out the ultimate country music experience and take a trip to the CMA Festival, from the 8 June to 11 June 2017. Or for a change of scene visit the Mercy Lounge for the best live rock acts, which has housed the likes of Lenny Kravitz and Iggy Pop.

Where to stay: The chic Commerce Street Apartments are located in the heart of Nashville’s nightlife and are a short stroll away from the West Riverfront Park. Wake up to impressive city views and eat like a king in your fully equipped kitchen. Travellers can reach the Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans, in just a short stroll, as well as the Bridgestone Arena and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Mindelo, Cape Verde

The port city of Mindelo is best known for its live music, nightlife and Brazilian-influenced Carnival celebrations. Expect powder soft sands, cerulean waters, colourful colonial houses, rugged mountains and volcanic landscapes. After spending the day soaking up the sunshine around the pool or beach take a trip to the Jazzy Bird Bar, or the La Pergola and the Caravela Mindelo for the best cocktails and live music in town.

Where to stay: Stay at the beautiful, eco-chic Casa Branca and take in impressive views of the sea from your balcony or the hotel’s terrace. Kick back at the Lounge Bar where you can sample a selection of exotic cocktails and tasty tapas.

Assago, Italy

If the hustle and bustle of street parades is not for you then take a trip to this quaint little town in Italy which is full of musical surprises. From the 12,700 capacity arena Mediolanum Forum which is the go to place for sport matches and live concerts, to the Teatro della Luna which was the first theatre in Italy that was designed specifically to host the biggest musicals and their awe-inspiring set designs. To carry on the evening check out Bar Story and Mangos 3.0 for the best music and dancing scenes.

Where to stay: If you’re looking for a quiet retreat after your night’s out dancing and singing along to the best of live music then look no further than the beautiful Camere Da Kico apartments. Nestled on an idyllic hillside, Camere Da Kico features an on-site restaurant, bar and picturesque garden. Perfectly situated, guests can reach the centre of Milan within just a short drive away.

*According to data collected by Booking.com among 44,878 respondents across 22 different markets. The results in this article focus on business travellers only, which consisted of 6,240 respondents. In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in 2016, be planning at least one trip for 2017 and either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel.