Legendary Music Venues in London

London is a dream destination for music lovers, who are spoilt for choice when it comes to live gigs. The capital is home to numerous legendary music venues that cater to different tastes and there are always new spaces opening up.

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London attracts the biggest names as well as up-and-coming new stars who come to perform live at the myriad of venues across the city. Head to Wembley Stadium if you want to watch a spectacular pop production, get your classical fix at the Barbican or check out rising talent at the Moth Club. Whatever your taste in music, there’s bound to be a concert that will take your fancy any night of the week.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.

CentralAmerica

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

CentralAmerica

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.

CentralAmerica

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.

SouthAmerica

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

SouthAmerica

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.

Europe

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Europe

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.

Europe

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.

Asia

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Asia

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.

Asia

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price

Africa

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Africa

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.

Africa

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.

O2 Academy, Brixton

Theatre, Music Venue

Originally opened in 1929 as a cinema and theatre, the O2 Academy has since been transformed into one of London’s most famous music venues. The Grade II listed building first opened its doors as Brixton Academy in 1983, attracting big-name acts like Madonna, The Smiths, Arcade Fire, Sex Pistols and Debbie Harry over the years. It rebranded as the O2 Academy in 2004.

Wembley Stadium

Stadium

Wembley Stadium normally hosts football matches but has also been used for live gigs since 1972. Many of the world’s most famous musicians have performed at the venue at historic events like the Live Aid charity show in 1985 and Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday tribute concert. Michael Jackson holds the record for the most performances by any artist at the stadium, having played here 15 times.

Somerset House

Building, Cinema, Music Venue

Somerset House, once the site of a Tudor palace, is one of London’s oldest and best-known cultural venues. It’s famous for its film screenings, art exhibitions and talks but it also hosts a Summer Series every year, a music festival that showcases rising talent and high-profile artists in its spectacular courtyard. The Neoclassical building is notable for having survived extensive bombing during World War II.

George Tavern

Music Venue

This Grade II listed pub in Stepney dates back to the 17th century and used to be a halfway house. George Tavern has been mentioned in the work of famous writers Samuel Pepys, Charles Dickens and Geoffrey Chaucer. It was transformed into a nightclub in the 1970s and has been running as a music venue since 2002, hosting acts like Nick Cave, The Magic Numbers and Anna Calvi.

Royal Albert Hall

Building, Concert Hall, School

Opened by Queen Victoria in 1871, Royal Albert Hall is one of London’s most magnificent buildings. It has hosted music events since 1941, when it first held the Proms, a famous festival of classical music. The Classic BRIT Awards also take place in the Grade I listed building in Kensington, which also holds concerts across all different genres of music.

Ronnie Scott's

Music Venue

Saxophonist Ronnie Scott opened this small basement club so there would be a place where local musicians could jam; since then it’s become one of the most famous jazz clubs in the world. Miles Davies, Nina Simone, Curtis Mayfield, Chet Baker and Ella Fitzgerald are some of the big names who have performed here, and Jimi Hendrix played his last ever gig at Ronnie Scott’s in 1970.

Koko, Camden

Concert Hall, Music Venue, Theatre, Building

Koko was originally known as The Music Machine before rebranding as Camden Palace in the 1980s. Madonna performed her first UK gig at the venue, which has also hosted the likes of Coldplay, Grace Jones, Prince, Lady Gaga and Kanye West. The club has been known as Koko since 2004.

The Roundhouse

Theater, Music Venue, Theatre, Building

This Grade II listed former railway engine shed was declared a National Heritage site in 2010. The arts and music venue has hosted the iTunes Festival and the BBC Electric Proms and is famous for being the last place where the late singer Amy Winehouse performed. Other notable shows include gigs by The Doors, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.

100 Club

Music Venue

This renowned West End basement club started life as Feldman Swing Club and quickly became a mecca for jazz fans. David Bowie, Louis Armstrong, Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols and Oasis are some of the major artists who have graced the stage. At one point in the 1970s, it even had a Chinese takeaway inside the club, wedged in between the male and female toilets.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

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I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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