Live music is one of the highlights of the summer. Follow our guide to find the best gigs in the best musical cities around Europe
Summer is the best time to enjoy live music, whether that’s with your hands in the air in a festival mosh pit, or chilling outside a bar as the sun sets on a magical day. If you’re looking to take your ears (and your friends’) on the holiday of a lifetime, look no further than one of these great breaks…
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The Catalan capital is known for its sultry beachside vibes and its laidback sense of fun, which is why it’s one of the world’s best festival cities. Every May or June the city brings crowds from across the world together at Parc del Fòrum, for extra joy at its epic Primavera Sound festival. But don’t fret if you miss that one ‒ summer in the city is full of fantastic musical moments, including Cruilla in July, and Cap Roig’s roster of huge stars ‒ from Rod Stewart to Pablo Lopez (across July and August). Enjoy live music of all flavours together in bars across the bayside city too: experience whimsical woodland cocktail hub El Bosc de Les Fades, jazz at The Philharmonic, or, a local’s favourite, cocktails and band at El Paraigua in the Gothic Quarter.
Are you ready for the musical trip of a lifetime? You can experience every kind of sound here, from Jazz at Ronnie Scott’s to massive headliners at the O2. But you don’t have to pay out big to have a great return ‒ soak up some spontaneous vibes at one of London’s intimate pub venues, such as The Perky Nel orThe Betsey Trotwood, for joyful acoustic stylings on summer evenings. Seek out summer-only events at gorgeous venues like Somerset House, and Sky Garden, where the flaming sunset acts as backing band. Or celebrate together at one of the city’s 100-odd festivals ‒ book ahead for guaranteed good vibes.
The White Isle has more great music than you could listen to in a lifetime, but where do you go to celebrate those truly special musical moments? Well, the best sunset sounds need no introduction ‒ Cafe Del Mar is the spot for epic views and magic vibes, as you enjoy a chilled mix of electronic and acoustic talent. Also on San Antonio’s sunset strip, you can soundtrack your aperitivo at Kumharas, where live bands and DJs appear nightly. We also love UP, the new rooftop bar at The Standard hotel in Ibiza Town for cocktail hour with a swinging backing track. Cheers!
The Spanish capital has some seriously special spots to enjoy live music, and you’ll hear everything from jazz and soul, rock and pop to traditional guitar and flamenco. In the past decade dozens of rooftop bars have popped up, and these are perfect for chilled acoustic sets at sunset. Try the sleek RT60 Rooftop Bar, where you can share magic moments with friends, or experience concerts at centrally located Gingko, backdropped by amazing views over the Royal Palace and the city skyline. Back on the ground, you can catch a pre-dinner jazz set in a gorgeous vintage setting at Cafe en Vivo el Despertar and raise a glass to summertime and good vibes.
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