Running in the footsteps of music: 8 cities to explore through music

From the spellbinding rhythm of the tango in the backstreets of South America to the classical melodies that echo along the Danube, certain cities possess a unique musical soul. In their streets, sound isn’t just something to be listened to: it’s something to be experienced, danced to, and it sets the rhythm of the locals’ daily lives. For this new episode of our ‘Running in the Footsteps of…’ series, join JOOKS on a round-the-world tour in eight vibrant stages, discovering cities where every stride resonates to the sound of the blues, reggae, hip-hop or indie rock.

Chicago (United States) – Electric blues and house music

The legendary sign of the Blue Chicago, a mecca for blues music at the heart of the American night

Our musical journey begins in the heart of the American Midwest, on the shores of Lake Michigan, in a city inextricably linked to two major movements in modern music.

It was here that the blues went electric in the mid-20th century in the legendary clubs of the South Side, giving rise to Chicago blues. A few decades later, the city once again reinvented the global soundscape by becoming the birthplace of house music in the warehouses of the West Loop. As you explore Chicago with JOOKS, move to the rhythm of a city where the vibrations of the electric guitar and electronic basslines still resonate beneath the elevated train lines.

Kingston (Jamaica) – The sacred home of reggae

In Kingston, the Marley family’s musical legacy is displayed in colour on the walls

Leaving the American skyscrapers behind, our itinerary takes us to the Caribbean, to an island whose signature musical genre has been designated as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage.

Kingston is the undisputed birthplace of reggae, ska and dub. From the backstreets of Trenchtown to the legendary Studio One, the Jamaican capital has seen this musical style emerge to become a truly universal message. With JOOKS, explore Kingston amidst its cultural vibrancy, colourful murals and tropical atmosphere, whilst strolling through the streets where the sound of reggae echoes from every corner.

Buenos Aires (Argentina) – The passionate elegance of the tango

An impromptu tango against the colourful backdrop of the Caminito, the heart and soul of Buenos Aires

Our journey continues southwards across the American continent, stopping off in a capital city where music and dance go hand in hand.

In Buenos Aires, tango is not just a musical style: it’s a way of life. Having emerged in the working-class neighbourhoods of the 19th century, tango culture permeates every cobblestone in San Telmo and La Boca. The Argentine capital also shines for its excellence in classical music and opera, epitomised by the majestic Teatro Colón. As you explore Buenos Aires with JOOKS, let yourself be guided by the sound of the bandoneon and discover a city where this musical heritage accompanies your every step.

Liverpool (United Kingdom) – The birthplace of Merseybeat and pop-rock

The Fab Four watch over Liverpool’s seafront at Pier Head

Let’s cross the Atlantic to Europe and stop off at a British port that has become a symbol of the pop-rock revolution of the 1960s.

Liverpool is the iconic birthplace of Merseybeat, the musical movement that blended rock ’n’ roll, pop and skiffle to take the world by storm. It was in legendary venues such as the Cavern Club that this distinctive sound came into its own, before laying the foundations for modern pop-rock. From Penny Lane to Matthew Street, join JOOKS as you explore the streets of Liverpool and discover how an industrial port became the capital of a genre that has left its mark on generations.

Vienna (Austria) – The Mecca of Classical Music

The imposing State Opera House, a symbol of Vienna’s great classical tradition

As we journey deep into the heart of the European continent, we arrive at an imperial capital where classical music has reached the very pinnacle of elegance.

For centuries, Vienna has been the epicentre of musical classicism and romanticism. It was here that the waltz came into its own and that the great symphonies of European history were composed. From the State Opera House to the sumptuous halls of the Musikverein, classical music is an integral part of everyday life in Vienna. As you explore Vienna with JOOKS, stroll along the Ring and wander through majestic parks to the rhythm of a musical heritage that is unique in the world.

Marseille (France) – The epicentre of French hip-hop

The brightly coloured staircases of the Cours Julien, the creative and urban heart of Marseille

Let’s stay in Europe but head to the shores of the Mediterranean, to a city in the Phocaea region with a distinct urban identity.

Since the late 1980s, Marseille has established itself as the second capital of French-speaking hip-hop. The city has developed its own distinctive style of rap: sunny, socially conscious, infused with Mediterranean sounds and a unique flair for lyrics that continues to influence the entire contemporary urban scene. As you run through Marseille with JOOKS, from the bustling alleyways of the Cours Julien to the Vieux-Port, discover a vibrant, working-class city where hip-hop culture is displayed on the walls and echoes through the streets.

Seoul (South Korea) – The global K-Pop phenomenon

The dazzling neon lights of Hongdae, the heart of youth and music in Seoul

Our journey now takes us across the Asian continent to an ultra-modern metropolis buzzing with cultural activity.

Seoul is the nerve centre of K-Pop, a globalised music genre that blends pop, hip-hop, electronic music and meticulously choreographed dance routines. But the South Korean capital is also home to a thriving indie and alternative rock scene, particularly in the trendy Hongdae district. With JOOKS, explore Seoul – a city straddling tradition and futurism, from royal palaces to the neon lights of its trendy neighbourhoods – to the beat of a metropolis where tomorrow’s musical trends are being created today.

Melbourne (Australia) – The Mecca of indie rock and live music

The murals of Hosier Lane, a reflection of Melbourne’s indie and creative spirit

To round off this musical world tour, we’re flying off to Oceania and one of its most creative cities.

Melbourne is world-renowned for its indie rock scene and live music culture. The city boasts the highest concentration of concert venues and independent pubs per capita, fostering the constant emergence of new alternative music scenes. As you explore Melbourne with JOOKS, wander from its famous laneways covered in street art to its large, leafy parks, and experience a city that breathes indie rock every day.

Find all these cities and over 500 other destinations on the JOOKS app!

JOOKS