Soho, Chelsea, Camden - iconic names inextricably connected to Punk, Pop, and Rock. Where legends were created and music history has been written. Unparalleled to any other city on the planet.
subTOURING isn’t about mainstream sightseeing. It is travelling inspired by music. A hand-picked guide from passionate music lovers for enthusiasts of Rock, Indie, Metal, and Punk tunes. Offering a unique music travel experience in London.
Get your authentic music experience in and around London.
EXPLORE THE MUSIC MAPSUp for a weekend trip with concert in London? Check out the venue city guides focussing on before and after the concert. Get our best tips for accommodation and day activities including record stores as well as bars and restaurants.
Get the most music out of your trip. Hit the road. Follow your band.
GET YOUR GUIDESightseeing inspired by music
London is a must-visit if you’re a music enthusiast. Its streets hum with the memories of legendary artists who have lived, played, and recorded here. Whether you’re a fan of a specific band or more into a genre from a certain era, delve into the city’s unique music history. When in London, also be prepared to be spoiled for the daily choice of live performances.
Explore hidden music gems when on tour. Discover music stories beyond the common sightseeing spots. Where history of Rock is revealed and brought to life again.
Camden Town. Where music history has been written. Where the 90s Britpop of Blur, Pulp, and Oasis is rooted. Where the Punk movement started in the 70s. Explore the life and death of Amy Winehouse, legendary singer and songwriter.
This vibrant area has more record stores, street art, and live music venues than you can shake a stick at.
Discover the unique atmosphere of independence and revolution in these streets and stalls.
When in London don't miss this place marking music history like no other: Abbey Road. Iconic and legendary recording studio from where world-famous tapes changed the history of music. Also a synonym for The Beatles and their album Abbey Road. With its cover featuring the band members walking across the zebra crossing in front of the studio. Is there a better place to take a souvenir picture of your London trip?
Also explore the spot that marks another great Rock band and one of its hit singles: Coldplay's Violet Hill.
Knightsbridge, Kensington, Hyde Park - names that are directly connected with noble housing, elegant restaurants, and leisure time in green surroundings. Take a bike to explore these streets. From famous shopping temple Harrods to live venue Royal Albert Hall and royal Kensington Palace - this is London at its best.
Nevertheless, this area also provides places telling Rock 'n' Roll history beyond the obvious:
visit the Sticky Fingers restaurant owned by former Rolling Stones member Bill Wyman for a deep dive into the world of music memorabilia. Then learn about Elton John and the life and death of legendary Queen singer Freddie Mercury.
Chelsea, Belgravia and around: the best from the best on bike. Start at London Eye with its spectacular views upon the city.
Afterwards, scratch Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street as well as Big Ben & Houses of Parliament from your bucket list. Iconic Hard Rock Hotel & Café is next.
When in Chelsea, discover Rock 'n' Roll history beyond the walls of rather unimpressive buildings. Learn about The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Both inextricably linked to London.
Want to explore a true Punk place? Legendary World's End is telling music tales from the 60s until today.
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #1 reveals iconic music places from The Beatles and The Bee Gees to The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. Not to forget legendary Jimi Hendrix.
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #2 reveals the famous album cover from Oasis' (What's The Story) Morning Glory? On your way, take your time to discover the countless record shops in the district. It's time for some vinyl shopping!
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #3 reveals famous album covers from The Beatles and David Bowie. Discover a recording studio that has been the birthplace to legendary songs and albums. Also explore live music venues where Rock history has been written. Finally, check out the location of a legendary Fab Four rooftop performance.
Islington. Probably not on top of your London bucket list. But full of music history that just cannot be ignored.
Discover places that are inextricably linked to British superstars Pink Floyd. In Islington, the Punk movement with legendary The Sex Pistols and The Clash evolved in the 70s.
Finally, also learn about a men's prison and its famous inhabitants, when around here.
Shoreditch and Spitalfield. Immerse into this trendy district loaded with vibrant bars, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Stop for snacks at one of the street food booths. Shop vintage clothing, modern accessories, or street art. Browse the shelfs of numerous record stores. Dive into the busy atmosphere of Brick Lane. And come back in the evening for a live performance in one of the music venues.
Definite highlight of the walk is Columbia Road Flower Market with its lush and colourful scenery.
On the way, explore the location of a music video everybody knows.
Notting Hill. Known from all those love story movies. An idyllic and colourful place and characteristic part of today's London. Enjoy its lush greens, combined with small streets, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Famous Portobello Market is just around the corner. For all the lovers of vintage clothing, old furniture, and lots more antiques.
Don't forget to discover the musical importance of this area. Discover Samarkand Hotel, the place where legendary American artist Jimi Hendrix spent the last hours of his short life.
Get your authentic music experience
London is one of the world’s absolute top destinations in terms of live music. With an abundance of intimate as well as huge world-class venues, the capital boasts with local event calendars and major festivals. You name it, London has it. Its creative music scene constantly reinvents itself and generates an ever inspiring counterpart to mainstream commercial music.
Check out the venue and festival guide below to get our best tips for accomodation, day activities as well as bars and restaurants before and after the gig.
Get your authentic music experience in and around London with subTOURING.
Use the map to discover the venues in London with surrounding places to enjoy before and after the gig.
London is definitely on top of any band’s schedule when touring the UK.
Up for a really big show? Head to Wembley Stadium or London Stadium in summer to see the top performers in music business. If you’re more into something special, join an acoustic gig in Royal Albert Hall with its unique atmosphere. For intimate evenings, The Black Heart offers small but yet incomparable live acts.
For more live music experiences, explore our full list of venues and festivals.
Global success made in London
A leading figure in music
Founders of Punk Rock
Lemmy’s legendary Heavy Metal
Once performing at Woodstock
Legendary Heavy Metal with Eddie
Key player in British Punk Rock
London Pop Rock superstars
Legendary Freddie Mercury
Britpop at its best
The one and only Rock stars
Formed in 1965 in London
British Rock with Sting
With origins in Blues music
Named from Shepherd’s Bush
Indie Rock since 1998
Indie from Southern London
From London to worldwide success
From the 60s until today
Alternative Rock from outsiders for outsiders
One of the Britpop giants
Just legendary
Part of Genesis or as solo artist
An 80s icon
Iconic Camden artist
Pop Rock meets Wave and Gothic
Legends from the 60s
Mark Knopfler and his fellows
Britpop meets Psychedelic
Number One in Rock ’n’ Roll history
When it comes to the history of Rock ’n’ Roll, London probably has way more monumental landmarks than any city elsewhere in the world. From famous and legendary clubs to the neighborhoods of Soho and Camden Town, the British capital is a great place to catch the story of Rock ’n’ Roll, Punk, Britpop and beyond and dive into its lively music history.
Some of the most important sites in London’s Rock history focus on the big names in music business such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, or The Beatles. Either being formed, having recorded a chart breaking album, or lived and died here - London has always rocked.
The explosion of the UK Punk Rock scene is a prime example. In July 1976, The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, and The Clash all stepped onto the world’s music stage. It’s beginnings? Here, in London. That’s what the city specialises in. Whatever music genre, be it Punk, Jazz, Rock, Heavy Metal, Pop, or Hip Hop - London caters to everyone in a wildly diverse variety of iconic live music venues. From the intimate ones to the really big stages.
The birth of Pop here began in the late 50s in Soho’s coffee bars, followed by the explosion of Pop and Rock in the Swinging Sixties and fuelled by Blues and more Rock ’n’ Roll influenced acts. The late 70s and early 80s saw the evolution of Rock and Punk, as well as the infamous New Romantic movement. The 90s belonged to Britpop. And the evolution of music genres still goes on.
London has not only launched numerous iconic music acts over the past decades. It has also been host to memorable gig debuts and last ever public performances. In 1985, famous Live Aid concert took place at Wembley Stadium. Apart from such legendary sold out gigs, intimate secret gigs in smaller venues happen constantly. With all the world’s major acts keen to play in this vibrant music loving metropolis.
Last but not least London has always played an essential role when it comes to song lyrics or album cover locations.