Top 40 Rock 'n' Roll Travel Destinations: The Ultimate Countdown (20-1)
Continuing our rock 'n' roll travel odyssey, we've reached the top half of the list. Discover the world's #1 rock 'n' roll destination and other iconic spots that every music fan must visit.
Explore #40-21 in the first part of our countdown
20. Budokan, Tokyo
In 1966, The Beatles shattered conventions by performing five nights at this historic judo hall, blending martial arts with music. Cheap Trick's 1978 live album from the venue elevated it to rock legend status. Since then, artists like Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam, Chic, John Hiatt, and Oasis have recorded iconic live albums here.
Newspaper ad for Cheap Trick at Budokan
19. Waterloo Bridge at Dusk, London
The poignant narrative of The Kinks' 1967 hit 'Waterloo Sunset'—ranked #42 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs list—transforms a twilight stroll across this bridge into an essential London experience. Ray Davies shared with Rolling Stone that the deeply personal song felt like 'an extract from a diary nobody was allowed to read.'
Waterloo Bridge at dusk, by Garry Knight. Creative Commons attribution share-alike license.
18. Ed Sullivan Theater, New York City
This venue propelled rock into American living rooms. The Beatles ignited the British Invasion here in 1964. Memorable moments include Jim Morrison defying censors with The Doors' 'Light My Fire' and Mick Jagger's sly lyric tweak for 'Let's Spend the Night Together.' Since 1993, it's hosted the Late Show with David Letterman. Nearby, the Paley Center for Media archives original Beatles performances.
17. Beverly Hills Hotel (Hotel California), California
Featured on The Eagles' 1976 album cover, this iconic Beverly Hills landmark embodies the glamour lamented in 'Hotel California'—'you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.' A classic photo captures Faye Dunaway poolside after her Oscar win, evoking the song's themes. Note Don Henley's clarification in interviews that the wine is not a 'spirit.'
16. Freddie Mercury's Birthplace, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Queen's Freddie Mercury (born Faroukh Bulsara) entered the world in 1946 in Stone Town, Zanzibar's historic core. Gallery Tours offers immersive Freddie Mercury tours, including the family home on Kenyatta Rd & Gizenga St, the Zoroastrian temple, and Mercury's seaside bar on Minzingani Rd—complete with memorabilia and a charming video.
15. Museum of Pop Culture (formerly Experience Music Project), Seattle
Seattle birthed grunge, Hendrix, and Heart. This Frank Gehry-designed architectural marvel houses 80,000 artifacts, rivaling Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Highlights include Kurt Cobain's handwritten Nirvana lyrics and Jimi Hendrix's smashed guitars in the dedicated gallery.
14. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Ashram, Rishikesh, India
In Rishikesh, the 'Yoga capital of the world,' The Beatles meditated with the Maharishi in 1968 at Swarg Ashram, inspiring much of The White Album—including John's pointed 'Sexy Sadie.' Abandoned since 1997, the site is now reclaimed by nature, offering a serene glimpse into rock history.
13. Gram Parsons' Cremation Site, Joshua Tree National Park, California
This stark desert landscape inspired U2's 1987 album and drew country-rock innovator Gram Parsons for acid trips. Parsons overdosed here in 1973; friends stole his body from LAX and cremated it at Cap Rock, honoring his wishes. Visitor tributes mark the unofficial memorial.
12. Buddy Holly's Hometown, Lubbock, Texas
A pioneering songwriter who influenced the British Invasion (The Rolling Stones covered 'Not Fade Away'), Buddy Holly hailed from Lubbock. Visit the Buddy Holly Center for his glasses and Fender guitar, explore Buddy Holly Avenue venues, and pay respects at Lubbock City Cemetery.
11. Jim Morrison's Grave, Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris
The Doors' Lizard King rests among luminaries like Chopin, Balzac, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf in this 1804 cemetery. Morrison's site draws the biggest crowds—approach respectfully. As Balzac noted, it's a peaceful Parisian retreat.
10. The Beatles' Liverpool
A pilgrimage essential: Rebuilt Cavern Club, Fab Four Taxi Tours of childhood homes and Penny Lane, plus Strawberry Field on Beaconsfield Rd—inspiring Lennon's song. Bob Dylan visited recently, echoing its timeless appeal.
Beatles tourists at Strawberry Field, Liverpool, by radarsmum67. Creative Commons attribution license.
9. Whisky A Go Go, Hollywood, California
Opened in 1964, this Sunset Strip icon birthed go-go dancing and launched countless acts. Frank Zappa met his wife here; Van Morrison's Them residency, The Doors' firing over 'The End,' and events like Black Sabbath's 2011 reunion define its legacy.
8. Dylan's 'Subterranean Homesick Blues' Alley, London
The cue-card video from D.A. Pennebaker's Don't Look Back (1967)—rock's first?—filmed on Savoy Steps off Savoy Hill near the Savoy Hotel. Use online maps to locate this dead-end gem.
7. The Dakota, New York City
Built in the 1880s, this Central Park West landmark gained tragic fame on December 8, 1980, with John Lennon's murder. View from outside, then walk to the 'Imagine' mosaic in Strawberry Fields. Yoko Ono resided here.
6. Abbey Road Crossing, London
Recreate The Beatles' iconic cover at this zebra crossing near St. John's Wood tube. Abbey Road Studios' live webcam offers real-time views of fellow fans.
Still shot from the Abbey Road webcam
5. The Crossroads, Clarksdale, Mississippi
Rock's blues roots trace to this Delta legend, where Robert Johnson allegedly bargained with the devil. Visit during April's Juke Joint Festival for BBQ, blues, and Morgan Freeman's Ground Zero Blues Club.
4. Graceland, Memphis
Elvis bought this $100,000 mansion in 1957, redecorating it in 1974. Explore its kitschy splendor and his grave. Take the free Sun Studio shuttle from downtown.
3. Sun Studio, Memphis
Rock's birthplace: Sam Phillips recorded 'Rocket 88' (1951), plus Howlin' Wolf, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and Elvis. The $12 guided tour features original tapes.
2. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland coined 'rock 'n' roll' (Alan Freed, 1952) and funded this I.M. Pei pyramid. Interactive exhibits include Elvis cars, Beatles suits, Beastie Boys lyrics on Tide notepads, Hendrix art, and quirky hate mail to The Stones.
1. Chuck Berry Live at Blueberry Hill, St. Louis, Missouri
Rock's Hall of Fame inductee pioneered guitar duckwalking and witty lyrics. Catch his intimate Wednesday shows (when scheduled) at this 300-capacity venue. $35 tickets sell fast. Daughter Ingrid joins on harmonica. Watch Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll (1987) for proof of his genius. Enjoy memorabilia, local brews, and burgers.
Inspired to travel? Our Spotify playlist features tracks from these legends. Listen now and add your favorites.
