Best European Cities for Classical Music

Europe has served as the home to some of history’s best classical music composers and performers including Beethoven (Germany), Liszt (Hungary) and Mozart (Austria). If a trip to Europe is in your future and you long to listen to the tunes of famed European composers, make a point to visit the following cities where concerts take place almost every night.

Salzburg, Austria © minnystock | Dreamstime

Salzburg, Austria

The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is also the setting of a world-renowned music festival inspired by the Austrian composer. The festival features operas, plays and concerts during its summer program.

Lucerne, Switzerland © Mihai-bogdan Lazar | Dreamstime

Lucerne, Switzerland

Beginning as one festival focusing on one style of classical music, the festival in Lucerne has now expanded to various dates throughout the year and features a variety of music styles including piano-only music and religious music during Holy Week each spring.

Don Giovanni at Estates Theatre © Dental Ben | Flickr

Prague, Czech Republic

Nightly concerts take place throughout the city at Lobkowicz Palace, St. George’s Basilica and even at the tiny Café Mozart in Old Town Square. Although not as well-known for classical music as some of its European neighbors, Prague’s selection of stunning concert halls and fairly inexpensive entry fees make it an enjoyable experience.

Wiener Staatsoper, The State Opera House © Aronbrand | Dreamstime 3437234

Vienna, Austria

The biggest names in classical music — including Beethoven, Mozart and Strauss — either performed in Vienna on a regular basis or even spent time living in the Austrian capital. Each year, the city hosts more than 15,000 classical music events at awe-inspiring venues such as St. Charles Church, the Musikverein and the Konzerthaus.