Gig tripping in 2024. The beat of a drum. A sweaty dance floor. A field packed with like-minded people. Live music is everything.
Music has been bringing people together since the dawn of time. And today clubs, music venues and festivals all over the world continue the tradition. If you throw live music in when you’re travelling the globe (we’re calling it gig tripping), you’ll enjoy unique experiences, meet new people and have the time of your life.
The world’s most popular music hotspots
There are some places in the world that just live and breathe music. It’s woven into the fabric of society. And in 2024, more and more people are travelling to experience them. In the UK according to our Travel Trends Report, we’re all about travelling for gigs and festivals this year. So, to help plan the trip of a lifetime we teamed up with ticketing and gig platform DICE to reveal the destinations on the planet that the most people are travelling to for music.*
Laura Lindsay, Trends and Destinations Expert at Skyscanner shares:
We know that destination trends are tied closely to entertainment, the arts and celebrities, and it makes sense that artists and their tour dates are a major driver for destination trends. What’s more, today’s traveller wants to get to the heart of a place and really understand local culture. Music is an incredible way to experience the beat of a city. So many iconic locations are founded on music (Nashville, Manchester, Detroit), as well as music being so heavily tied to our memories of travel, with many of us having ‘holiday songs’ heard while travelling that take us back to certain trips. Not to mention all the songs about travelling. ‘Come fly with me’, has been covered by major artists in every decade since it was released in the 50s!
Get into the music in these top six locations
Put these music hotspots on your 2024 bucket list.
Ibiza
We all know that Ibiza is party central. Once of hippie culture and famed for the rise of the Balearic sound in the 90s, today you’ll find super clubs, beach parties and drumming circles at Benirras Beach. Head to DC10, Club Chinois, Amnesia, Eden, Ibiza Rocks and O Beach for big club vibes.
Northern England
Manchester and Leeds are two of the top music hotspots at home. The Warehouse Project in Manchester brings the big clubbing energy, while smaller independent spots in the Northern Quarter bring the DIY feels. Grassroots venues in Leeds like the Brudenell Social Club and Stylus are where the magic happens.
San Francisco
San Fran has a real music history, from the jazz of the 50s and 60s to the free love and psychedelia of the hippie movement around Haight-Ashbury in the 60s. Today, you’ll find popular spots and top nightclubs like Public Works and smaller venues including The Saloon and Atlas Café.
Barcelona
This Spanish city has fast become a go-to music hub with festival goers invading Barcelona every year. Head here for Primavera Sound at the end of May for one of the top festivals in Europe or come for Sonar for a fusion of electronic music, creativity and technology.
Nashville
Music is in Nashville’s roots. The capital of Tennessee and the home of music in America has tunes flowing through the fabric of the city. We’re talking country, bluegrass, rock, pop, Americana, gospel, classical, jazz and blues. You’ll find music around every corner here, with many venues offering free live music all day.
Toronto
Toronto is the centre of music in Canada. With the likes of Drake, Shawn Mendes and The Weeknd all hailing from here, you can’t argue with the city’s musical pedigree. Top venues for a music trip to Toronto include Massey Hall, the Reservoir Lounge, Lee’s Palace and Horseshoe Tavern.
Top gig tripping stats
Most affordable cities in the world for gig tripping
In combination with DICE, we also looked at the cities with the most gigs under £20 in 2024.** If you’re after grassroots music, then these are the spots to travel to. Hit up one of these locations for affordable concerts in Europe or gigs further afield and you’ll see more for less.
Leeds: 88% gigs under £20
Not only is Leeds famous for its eponymous festival, but the city is also packed with smaller venues offering cheap gig tickets. Make a beeline for this Yorkshire city and park up at spots including the Duck and Drake, Hyde Park Book Club and The Domino Club.
Bordeaux: 85% gigs under €20
Famous for its wine production, it might be a surprise to see Bordeaux so high on our list. That’s until you come here. As a big but relatively inexpensive city, Bordeaux has a real indie music scene. Top venues include Darwin where gigs are either free or under €5 and Le Rocher de Palmer.
Rome: 83% gigs under €20
Come for the ancient architecture, stay for the music and vibes. Post-punk, alt-rock, house, jazz and more, Rome is packed with smaller venues for music afficionados. Some of our favourites include Gregory’s Jazz Club and Monk Club.
Milan: 80% gigs under €20
LoreMilan has famous and storied music venues like Giuseppe Verdi Symphonic Orchestra, but you can also catch a gig for free or for a few Euros. Head to Santeria Social Club and Blue Note Milan.
Paris: 78% gigs under €20
Yes, you can have a very expensive time in Paris, but it doesn’t have to be expensive when it comes to music. If classical tunes are your thing, look for the Pariscope – the weekly listings guide. Here you’ll find free classical concerts held in churches around town. Also check out gigs at Canal 93 and Mains D’oeuvres Concert Hall.
Skyscanner’s top tips for festivals in 2024
Get yourself prepped for any type of festival anywhere in the world with our Skyscanner Ultimate Festival Guide. You’ll find out when to go, what to expect and what to pack for a festival at home and abroad. We’ll also throw in some top travel tips too.
Travel tips for music festivals abroad
- Get proper travel insurance: Check you’re covered for all activities you want to do. Gadget cover for smartphones is essential too.
- GHIC card for festivals and concerts in Europe: This makes sure you can get healthcare in EU hospitals if you need it.
- Bring a power block: It’s the easiest way to keep your phone charged up.
- Have extra cash: Bring an emergency fund in case there are no ATMs on site. Keep it away from your spending cash and only dip in if you need to.
- Baby wipes are your friends: Who knows how long the shower queues are?
- Check the accommodation options: For some music festivals in Europe there’s camping onsite, for others you might need to book a hotel or apartment in the city. Make sure you know what your options are and get it booked.
- Understand your baggage allowance: Choose a good backpack that maximises your baggage allowance without being too bulky.
- Know what you can and can’t bring: Gas canisters are a no-no on flights.
Looking for the perfect festivals in Europe this summer?
If you’re looking for the coolest festival vibes in Europe this summer then we don’t think you can go far wrong with these classic European festivals:
Primavera Sound Porto
Party in Porto!
Porto, Portugal
6th – 8th June 2024
Head to the historic Portuguese city or Porto to experience an eclectic mix of Indie, Hip Hop, EDM & Pop.
What to pack:
- Sun cream & after sun.
- Sunhats & shades.
- Collapsible water bottle.
Top tip: Keep yourself hydrated. It gets hot in Portugal, especially with all that partying.
Paredes de Coura, Portugal
Rock it out in Praia do Tobaoao
Coura, Portugal
Rock it out in Praia do Tobaoao
Rock it out this August at one of Europe’s leading rock & alt rock festivals.
What to pack:
- Light & airy clothing.
- Portable phone charger.
- Sun cream & after sun.
Top tip: Surrounded by beautiful countryside, a cooling river and grassy beach (yes grassy), book yourself a few days either side to prepare or unwind.
Mucho Flow
Future facing sounds in Portugal
Guimarae, Portugal
31st October – 2nd November 2024
Experience upcoming pop, electronic and experimental sounds at this one-of-a-kind, low-key festival in Guimarães, Portugal..
What to pack:
- Something warm for cooler nights.
- Your coolest outfits.
- Warm sleeping bag.
Top tips: Much Flow is in Guimaraes, not too far from Porto, so why not tag on a visit to this beautiful and historic city?
Primavera Sound Barcelona
Brimming with talent
Barcelona, Spain
29th May – 2nd June 2024
Porto not your vibe? Then soak up the sounds in beautiful Barcelona.
What to pack:
- Sun cream & after sun.
- Sunhats & shades.
- Collapsible water bottle.
Top tip: Same rules apply for Barcelona! Keep yourself hydrated. It gets hot in Spain, especially with all that partying.
Sónar Barcelona
Electronic music, arts & film
Barcelona, Spain
13th – 15th June 2024
Week one Primavera Sound? Week two Sonar? Why not make a holiday of two of the most popular festivals in Spain?
What to pack:
- Ice cream money.
- Collapsible water bottle.
- Sunhat and shades.
Top tip: There’s no camping available at Sonar, so you’ll need to book accommodation early if you’re planning to sleep at any point.
MIRA Digital Arts Festival
Festival of digital arts
Barcelona, Spain
November 2024
Expand your cultural horizons with this international festival of electronic music, eclectic installations, and digital arts.
What to pack:
- Warmer clothing.
- Lightweight waterproofs (just in case).
- Quality camera phone.
Top tip: Swot up on your electronic music to make the most of the myriad of DJ sets that lead the evening’s entertainment.
Feel the beat and get into the rhythm with a trip to experience the best of music in 2024.
Thinking of booking a festival or gig trip? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
*According to DICE, the world’s most popular music hotspots are the cities that see the most fans travelling into the area from elsewhere (correct February 2024).
**Average seat price for travel in April 2023 is based on bookings made on Skyscanner between 12 November 2022 and 13 February 2023. For live pricing go to Skyscanner.
