Here are the US cities for live music, chosen for American travellers. From country to jazz and blues, these cities are the soundtrack of America.
US cities for live music
1. Nashville
Nashville, Music City, is the home of country music, with honky-tonks on Broadway, legendary venues like the Ryman Auditorium and a booming food scene. Read our Nashville travel guide.
- Best time: April to May and September to October
- Getting there: About 3.5 hours to the Great Smoky Mountains; 3 hours to Memphis
- Don’t miss: Lower Broadway, Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
2. New Orleans
New Orleans is unlike any other American city: jazz drifting from doorways, Creole and Cajun cooking, historic architecture and festivals almost every week of the year. Read our New Orleans travel guide.
- Best time: February to May and October to November
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours from Baton Rouge
- Don’t miss: French Quarter, Frenchmen Street and Garden District
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
3. Austin
Austin is the live music capital of the world, a laid-back city of barbecue, swimming holes, food trucks and festivals. Read our Austin travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and October to November
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours to San Antonio
- Don’t miss: Sixth Street and Red River, Barton Springs Pool and Texas State Capitol
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
4. Chicago
Chicago is a city of bold architecture, a sparkling lakefront, world-class museums and deep-dish pizza, with neighbourhoods full of blues clubs and restaurants. Read our Chicago travel guide.
- Best time: May to October
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours to Milwaukee; 5 hours to Detroit
- Don’t miss: Chicago Architecture Center river cruise, Millennium Park and Cloud Gate and Art Institute of Chicago
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Tech that makes the trip easier
- Airline-safe power banks BuyrSkip
Navigation, photos and cold weather drain phones fast; a 20,000 mAh bank keeps you going. - How to choose a power bank for travel Buyzello
Understand capacity, airline limits and charging speed before you buy. - Top-rated wireless earbuds VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
5. Memphis, Tennessee
Graceland, Beale Street and Sun Studio.
6. Detroit, Michigan
Motown Museum.
7. Seattle, Washington
Grunge history.
8. Las Vegas
Residencies.
Live music tips
Check schedules and buy tickets early for big shows.
How to choose
Start with when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Some destinations on this list shine in summer, others in shoulder season; some suit active travellers, others are made for slow days and good food. Pick one or two that match your style rather than trying to see everything, and read the linked guides for timing, costs and where to stay.
How we chose
We picked destinations that consistently impress first-time and returning visitors, balanced famous names with lesser-known gems, and considered access, value, seasonality and the quality of the experience on the ground. Prices, opening dates and reservation rules change, so confirm the details before booking.
Plan a trip around it
Nashville
Nashville, Music City, is the home of country music, with honky-tonks on Broadway, legendary venues like the Ryman Auditorium and a booming food scene. Read our Nashville travel guide.
- Best time: April to May and September to October
- Getting there: About 3.5 hours to the Great Smoky Mountains; 3 hours to Memphis
- Don’t miss: Lower Broadway, Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
New Orleans
New Orleans is unlike any other American city: jazz drifting from doorways, Creole and Cajun cooking, historic architecture and festivals almost every week of the year. Read our New Orleans travel guide.
- Best time: February to May and October to November
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours from Baton Rouge
- Don’t miss: French Quarter, Frenchmen Street and Garden District
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Austin
Austin is the live music capital of the world, a laid-back city of barbecue, swimming holes, food trucks and festivals. Read our Austin travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and October to November
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours to San Antonio
- Don’t miss: Sixth Street and Red River, Barton Springs Pool and Texas State Capitol
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Pack smarter
- Travel backpacks for weekend trips BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Travel phones and smartwatches Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Best wireless earbuds for travel VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best choice on this list?
It depends on your travel style, but Nashville is a standout for most travellers.
When should I go?
Most of these destinations are best in spring and fall, when crowds are lighter and prices lower.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least two to three days per destination.
Are these good for families?
Most are; check each guide for family tips.
How much should I budget?
Mid-range travellers typically spend $250–$400 per person per day.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Nashville Travel Guide: Music, Food and Where to Stay
- New Orleans Travel Guide: Jazz, Food and the French Quarter
- Austin Travel Guide: Live Music, BBQ and Swimming Holes
- Chicago Travel Guide: Architecture, Food and Neighbourhoods
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips