When you think about travel, it’s easy to picture iconic landmarks, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. But there’s another way to experience a place that’s just as powerful—through its music. Music has a way of connecting people and telling stories that sights alone can’t capture. With the right guide at ToursByLocals, you have the chance to dive into the local music scene, whether that’s listening to soulful flamenco in Spain, tapping your feet to Irish folk tunes, or dancing along to the vibrant rhythms of samba in Brazil. These musical experiences aren’t just about listening—they’re about feeling the heartbeat of a culture.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best musical experiences offered by ToursByLocals. Whether it’s a cozy live performance in a tucked-away spot, a walk through classical music haunts, or a hands-on session where you get to try out traditional instruments yourself, these tours give you a real taste of the local vibe. You don’t have to be a musician to enjoy these experiences—just a music lover who’s curious about the world. So, get ready to discover how music can make your travels even more memorable.
Memorable tours for music lovers
Learn to create Afro-Brazilian Rhythms in Bahia
As soon as you arrive in Salvador, you’ll feel the energy that emanating from the people in this city of vibrant sounds and rhythms. As local guide Gabriela writes, “the historical musical instruments used in Bahia, in particular those brought by the various African peoples that gave birth to Brazil's unique racial and cultural mix, create our city's distinctive rhythm, music and dances.” Experience berimbaus, drums, caxixis, rattles, agogôs, xequerês, afoxés, atabaques, reco-recos and cuicas, which all give life to Bahia's remarkable musicality. Read more about
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Be a songwriter for a day in Nashville, Tennessee
Experience the life of a Nashville songwriter! Take in the Songwriter Walk of Fame, then get a driving tour of Music Row's historic studios, publishing houses, and record labels, before you enter a writer's room where your guide Jenny will have a keyboard, guitar, paper, and pens on hand. She’ll share a few originals, then collaborate with you to write your very own original song. Share your ideas, learn the basics, and see how your lyrics transform into song structure, then into music. Feeling brave? Perform it outside the iconic Bluebird Cafe once you’re done! Read more about
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Learn how to blow a Swisshorn, in the Alps
I mean… do we really need to say anything else? Imagine yourself beside a pristine alpine lake, surrounded by rugged peaks and meadows of wildflowers… your guide Benno will introduce you step by step to the blowing technique of the Swisshorn, and will share with you the history and background of this legendary Swiss national instrument. Listen to how your instrument’s sounds merge with the echo and the silence of the mountains: pure vacation magic. Read more about
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Explore Chopin’s Warsaw
For classical music lovers, a visit to the birthplace of Fredric Chopin is a must, 60 km outside of Warsaw, in the town of Zelazowa Wola. Then tour Warsaw with your guide Ewa, to visit places where Chopin lived, composed, and fell in love. You’ll be able to listen to Chopin's music in its natural environment, among Poles who are forever proud of this national treasure. Read more about
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Rock and roll in Dublin
Get firsthand insight into Irish musical royalty with Dermot, a musician turned local guide who’s been “right at the heart of this world for years, having played in almost every venue, released platinum albums, and toured extensively.” Starting with a drive through the East quarter, he’ll bring you on a journey that includes U2 and The Cranberries as well as countless other artists that have graced Dublin’s boards. You’ll visit venues and studios, the East Quarter, the Old Town and Indy City - and even a famous bridge that's being turned into a guitar! You’ll come away with some fabulous anecdotes from an insider who’s worked with some of the best in the Irish music scene. Read more about
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This is just a small sampling of the global beats you'll find with ToursByLocals! Use our search tools to find and book music tours in over 170 countries.