Classical music is food for souls. It is deep; it is meaningful; and, it is moving. Europe has played a remarkable role in contributing to the genre, developing it immensely, and taking it to newer heights. Naturally, you can expect to have numerous attractions in European towns dedicated to music. If you are on a quest to explore the best of classical music and its related activities, European cities will deliver excellently. The following list identifies the top five Europe Destinations for classical music that should be on your list.
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1. Vienna, Austria
If you are searching for the best classical music cities in Europe, you cannot miss out on the best of such destinations. Not only is Vienna regarded as the musical capital of Austria, but it is also very commonly referred to as the leading face of the genre in all Europe. And none of this is unwarranted. A small glance at the city’s history reveals that Vienna has hosted tens of notable and world-famous classical musical composers. From Mozart to Beethoven to Johann Strauss I to Franz Schubert, you can find that all popular names had a love affair with the city. They cultivated a culture of music in the town, something that inspires generations to date. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Vienna has plenty of attractions for people interested in classical music.
Transport yourself to the nobility’s royal times, where ball dances were a norm by dancing in the Golden Auditorium as classical symphonies play in the background. Or visit the Great Hall of the Musikverein, which is not only an architectural marvel that facilitates excellent acoustics but also the site of the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra and annual New Year’s Concert. See if you can catch such iconic classical music events while you are visiting! You would love the Boys Choir’s performance that happens at each New Year’s Concert, for its voice is so heavenly, it transports your spirit to other realms.
You should also pay homage to the talents that once lived here by visiting iconic landmarks like Schlosstheatre (Haydn and Mozart performed here), Strauss II and Mozart’s statues, and the site of Haydn’s death mask. It will be a rewarding trip, etched in your memories, till the end of your days.
Vienna Travel Guide:
Find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to Vienna. Also, find the list of the best hotels in Vienna to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your Vienna itinerary? Find top attractions and things to do in Vienna, one of the best Europe destinations for classical music, in addition to what already mentioned here.
2. Salzburg, Austria
There is no doubt that Austria has a special affinity for classical music. After all, the credit of bearing and rearing some of the most iconic classical music legends goes to the country. Not only did Austrian towns birth such gems, but they also revered their talent and found ways to pay homage to them, especially after their demise years. This element is most evident in Salzburg, another one of the best classical music cities in Europe if you are on a classical music pilgrimage or are just traveling to learn more about the genre’s culture.
Salzburg is the City of Mozart. It is where the legendary Mozart was born and raised. And it seems as though the entire city strives to pay their tribute to the legend in all possible ways. Perched in the center of the town is the commanding presence of the Mozart Fountain. You will also find buskers, restaurants, souvenir stamps, and even chocolates bearing Mozart’s name. Eat in them to enjoy fantastic food and a Mozart-themed experience! Try that you can come here around the time of the Salzburg Whitsun Festival when the locals’ love for the music is the most apparent. This multi-day event hosts several classical dances, opera performances, etc. You do not want to miss it!
Salzburg Travel Guide:
Find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to Salzburg. Also, find the list of the best hotels in Salzburg to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your Salzburg itinerary? Find top attractions and things to do in Salzburg, one of the best Europe destinations for classical music, in addition to what already mentioned here.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is heaven for classical music lovers and therefore conveniently makes it to our list of the top five classical music cities in Europe. The city has a long history of being intertwined with the genre, enjoying the status of the first destination where Mozart premiered and the birthplace of Dvorak. Prague knows how to honor its most notable alumni, and it does so in the form of dedicated museums, restaurants, balls, concerts, and festivals. Honestly, the variety of possible options here is so exquisite that there is no chance one is turned away disappointed.
When you begin exploring the city for its classical music elements, be sure to start from its theatres or performance places. The Estate Theatre, St Nicholas’s Church, Lobkowicz Palace, and Jan Deyl Conservatory Concert Hall are a few of the many such sites that enjoy a historical affinity with classical music. They consistently host some of the world’s top-class operas that you must catch.
You can also plan a tour of the museum dedicated to Dvorak, which has a permanent collection devoted to Dvorak’s life. If you are here at the right time, you can also catch the Prague Spring International Music Festival, a multi-day event that captures the essence of the city’s music culture.
Prague Travel Guide:
Find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to Prague. Also, find the list of the best hotels in Prague to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your Prague itinerary? Find top attractions and things to do in Prague, one of the best Europe destinations for classical music, in addition to what already mentioned here.
4. Busseto, Italy
Photo credit: Tamino Autographs – Performing Arts & Historical Figures Autographs
Busseto does not shy away from explicitly showing its affiliation with the great musical superstar, Verdi. Even if you were unaware that the man was born here and lived here for most of his life, the city and its most popular attractions would make sure you know of the fact immediately. And this is understandable – although there was a tradition of classical music in the city before Verdi, it was he who did monumental work to take the craft to unprecedented heights. Today, the city is known for its dedication to the genre’s growth, perseverance, and flourishment. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that you will find several musical attractions while you are here.
Before you formally begin your exploratory journey, pay your regards to the legend that once lived here by visiting the house where Verdi was born. This is where it all began and, therefore, a must to see before you proceed. You can also visit the Villa Verdi, the villa that housed the same legend for several decades. Close your eyes and experience the feeling of knowing that this was the place where the great man once existed and breathed. It is a moving thought! Next, you should also consider visiting Teatro Regio, an opera hall that loves Verdi and often features his work. Sway to glorious melodies here and live your best life!
Busseto Travel Guide:
Find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to Busseto. Also, find the list of the best hotels in Busseto to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your Busseto itinerary? Find top attractions and things to do in Busseto, one of the best Europe destinations for classical music, in addition to what already mentioned here.
5. Leipzig, Germany
If you are headed on a Bach pilgrimage, aiming to capture the essence of the legend’s ingenious, Leipzig is the one destination you cannot miss. The city has been the musical hub of Germany for decades and still holds a very prestigious position in classical music centers all over Europe. Leipzig enjoys a great history of interaction with remarkable music men, who not only lived and worked here but also created some of their finest symphonies here.
If you are in town, the first destination you should be at is the St Thomas Church. This is where Bach served for the latter part of his life, composing secular and religious music pieces. An enormous amount of his classics were born here, and if you close your eyes and concentrate hard, it feels like the old man is still breathing in the halls, working his magic. Those who want a sneak-peak into Bach’s personal and public lives should pay a visit to the Bach Museum. You can find exclusive pieces of his original compositions, manuscripts, and even his family tree. Another thing you can do in the town is to participate in the Leipzig Bach Festival, an internationally renowned musical gathering that will satiate your inner classical music lover.
Leipzig Travel Guide:
Find the best flights, train tickets, or rent a car for your trip to Leipzig. Also, find the list of the best hotels in Leipzig to stay in. Need more ideas to add to your Leipzigitinerary? Find top attractions and things to do in Leipzig, one of the best Europe destinations for classical music, in addition to what already mentioned here.
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Travel Resources for Planning a Trip to Any Classical Music Destinations in Europe
To make planning your trip to any classical music destinations in Europe easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in each destination during your trip.
Flights:
Agoda: Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.
CheapOAir: You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!
Kiwi.com: What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “Nomad” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.
JetRadar: You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.
Hotels:
Agoda: Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.
Hotellook: They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.
Transportations:
Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi, Viator
Train: EuroRail, Trainline or RailEurope
Bus: Flixbus: Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.
Car Rentals: AutoEurope, EconomyBookings, or GetTransfer (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)
Bike Rental: BikesBooking (Bikes & scooter rentals)
Transportation Comparison: Omio (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)
Tours & Activities:
TakeWalks (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.
Tiqets: Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.
Musement: They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.
GetYourGuide: A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities
Viator: The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportations and transfers options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.
Need help planning a trip to visit Europe classical music cities?
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