Amsterdam,
29
August
2017
|
00:00
Europe/Amsterdam

Catch the Performance of a Lifetime

Possibly the best part of travel is immersing yourself in a place that’s different from your home, understanding how their art has been influenced by their environment and witnessing the result of hundreds of years of culture. Many people travel purely for cultural value, and what better way to experience local rituals and familiarize yourself with a new destination than by catching a captivating local performance? Every country has a distinct cultural makeup and it can be hard to know what to prioritize, so Booking.com has found the best six destinations known for spectacular performing arts. Whether you’re captivated by the elegance of traditional dance, the power of classical music or the thrum of street performers, immerse yourself in the following destinations and enjoy one of travel's most rewarding aspects.

Opera, Vienna

With more than 27,000 endorsements for opera, the beautiful Austrian capital is one of the best operatic destinations in the world. Attending the Vienna State Opera is a thrilling experience from the moment you walk up its marble staircases to the curtain falling and applause filling the auditorium.

Where to stay: Just opposite the Vienna State Opera, Hotel Sacher Wien is stunning inside and out; an elaborate Art Nouveau building decorated with chandeliers, vintage furniture, and valuable paintings.

Tango, Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires and tango, tango and Buenos Aires- it's hard to think of one without the other! This vibrant destination is the best place to get the full and authentic tango experience throughout the city, regardless of whether you’re at a show or simply enjoying a street performance.

Where to stay: Featuring complimentary Wi-Fi and air conditioning, Sucre Suites are modern apartments located in Buenos Aires, 4.5 km away from Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires MALBA.

Ballet, Milan

One of the world’s most popular and revered art forms, the world of ballet is varied and impressive. Draped in crimson red and gold, the Teatro alla Scala in Milan is one of the world’s most treasured ballet venues. If you don’t have the time or the budget to nab seats at this prestigious venue then you can get a feel for it by visiting the La Scala Museum, contained in part of the opera house itself.

Where to stay: Set only 350 meters from the Scala Opera House and a 10 minutes' walk from Milan Cathedral, the carbon-neutral Hotel Milano Scala offers stylish rooms, decorated to depict a famous opera.

Theatre, London

Nothing says spectacle like a night at the theatre. If entertainment is what you’re seeking, London is the top destination endorsed for theatre by Booking.com travelers. Famous actors, newcomers, dramas, musicals, or avant-garde, you'll find everything you fancy in London’s West End.

Where to stay: In the heart of London’s theatre district, Haymarket Hotel is surrounded by restaurants and bars, and is conveniently located just next door to the Theatre Royal. Visitors can enjoy an afternoon tea with delicious cakes, scones, tea and coffee.

Street performers, Barcelona

It’s hard to miss Barcelona’s most famous spot for street performance, as the huge array of wild and wacky human statues (not to mention the music and dance) have turned Las Ramblas into a surreal street-performing wonderland. This location has been endorsed as the world’s best for street performers and it’s no baseless claim- there's never a dull moment in the colourful city of Barcelona.

Where to stay: Located just off Las Ramblas and La Boqueria Market, Rambla 102 offers bright apartments and lofts with a balcony overlooking the hustle and bustle of Las Ramblas. There are plenty of bars and tapas restaurants just steps from this apartment, so you won’t have to go far to indulge yourself.

Classical Music, Prague

Classical music has been a cultural mainstay for centuries, and with its ability to elicit raw emotion and weave stories with sound, it’s an experience everyone should cherish. As one of the top endorsed destinations for classical music, Prague has not only produced great composers, it has attracted them too. Visitors to Prague can enjoy an array of classical concerts in churches, historic buildings, concert halls and palaces.

Where to stay: Situated right on Old Town Square opposite the Astronomical Clock, the uniquely styled hotel U Prince is housed in a completely renovated 12th-century building. It offers rooms with antique furniture and magnificent views over the Golden City from the roof terrace.

Boilerplate

________

*According to data collected by Booking.com with 12,781 respondents across 13 markets in September 2016. Respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in 2016 and had to be planning at least one trip for 2017. All respondents had to consider themselves part of their travel decision-making process.