1. Browse through famous blues, jazz, and folk records at Honest Jon's.
The iconic Notting Hill record store has an impressive collection and its own label to boot, not to mention it's situated on west London's most creative and unique street, Portobello Road.
More about Honest Jon's here.
2. Or get a touch of the old and new at Phonica records.
Soho's Phonica is one of London's most reknowned record stores, famous for its collection of house and electronica records. While its catalogue is modern, Phonica is also currently playing host to one of two working historical Voice-O-Graphs in the world. The refurbished recording booth lets customers record a message straight to vinyl, just like the popular gadget once did for families, friends, and lovers in the 40's.
More about Phonica records here.
3. Tour the shooting locations for some of London's most famous albums.
David Bowie, Oasis, Carly Simon, Pink Floyd, the Clash and more have featured London's diverse city scape on their album covers over the years. Explore the city and see behind the scenes of your favourite records by following the trail of London's iconic album covers.
Check out where you can find them here.
4. Brush up on the history of composer Handel and rocker Jimi Hendrix at the Handel House Museum
Mayfair's affluent Brook Street is host to a treasure trove of musical history. A visit to Handel House Museum will take you back to the 18th century to uncover the life of the famous composer, and as an added bonus, you'll get a little taste of rock and roll, since Jimi Hendrix lived in a flat just next door centuries after Handel's death.
Find out more about Handel house here.
5. Jam at the Ain't Nothing But Blues Bar.
This snug bar tucked just off Oxford Street is a favourite haunt for musicians and lovers of the blues, and the perfect place to let your hair down and play a bit... or just enjoy the impromptu shows by anonymous and well known musicians alike, you never know when you might spot the Next Big Thing.
More about Ain't Nothing But here.
6. Or look out for a celebrity cameo at the Spice of Life.
This Soho pub has seen performances from Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens and Jamie Cullum, and hosts regular open mics every Monday night, so you never know who you might get the pleasure to see on on stage.
More about The Spice of Life here.
7. Catch a production of Stomp in the West End.
This explosive and inventive show at the Ambassador's Theatre in the heart of London's theatre district is a must see for music fans. The production is less musical and more visual and auditory spectacle as performers turn everyday rubbish into instruments and create a fascinating, grungy, and exciting display of music's reach and versatility.
More about Stomp here.
8. Or check out The Commitments.
The musical is a rocking and soulful homage to some of the the 20th centuries greatest musician, and is just the right west end pick for a theatre-goer who's more about jamming along than following a stereotypical plot, and the story is bound to resonate with anyone who's ever tried to build a band from scratch.
More about The Commitments here.
9. Check out the impressive instrument collection at the Horniman Musuem.
This charming museum in Greenwich is known for its aquarium and natural sciences collection, but it's also home to a fascinating assortment of images from throughout history and across the world. Check out antique pianos, unique strong instruments, plenty of hand made drums and more with a walk through the instrument hall.
More about the Horniman's musical instrument collection here.
10. Or browse through centuries of musical history at the Musical Museum.
Just a few minutes walk from Kew Gardens is the fascinating Musical Museum, where you'll find a collection of artifacts from the days before microphones and electronics. The museum features impressive organs, historical music boxes, and self-playing instruments.
More about the Musical Museum here.
11. Follow in the Beatles' legendary footsteps at Abbey Road.
Beatles fans in London should definitely take a field trip to the iconic Abbey Road before heading on an obligatory trip to Liverpool. The unsuspecting street corner may not look like much, but fans have been making pilgrimages there for years and leaving their love behind on the sidewalks and brick buildings surrounding the zebra crossing, and it's an absolute must-see.
More about Abbey Road here.
12. Chill out to some jazz and some of London's top jazz clubs.
London is riddled with cosy clubs where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink alongside some languid and moody live jazz. You could hit up the speakeasy-style Nightjar, or visit Ronnie Scott's for one of the world's oldest jazz bars. Whatever you do, keep it cool and enjoy the easy listening.
Check out more stellar London jazz bars here.
13. Educate yourself at the Royal College of Music.
If you've got a taste for the classics, don't miss the collection at the Royal College of Music. The prestigious conservatory program has been in business since 1882 and has produced some of the world's most reknowned composers, conducters, singers, and instrumentalists in history. The college's museum is home to a fascinating exhibit on the history of early music, and if you're lucky, you might catch a recital while you're there.
More about the Royal College of Music here.
14. Catch a gig at the Royal Albert Hall.
The stunning venue hosts one of London's most diverse event calendars. From the mega-popular Ed Sheeran to the niche rocker Devin Townsend to film soundtrack-inspired orchestras to Christmas proms, RAH offers something for anyone. Even if something in your preferred style isn't on, there's no better place than trying something new than at the Royal Albert's impressive auditorium.
More about Royal Albert Hall here.
15. Or the historic 100 Club.
For a delightful slice of London's pop music history, head for the atmospheric 100 Club, which started out hosting swing nights in the '40s before transitioning to an underground punk club in the 70's. The club has played host to names including Joe Strummer, Louis Armstrong, Mick Jagger, The Clash and The Sex Pistols. A trip to the unceremonious venue will take you right back to its heyday in the 70s, as the decor hasn't been changed a bit, but you'll find plenty of modern acts rolling through their regular line up.
More about the 100 Club here.
16. Take a tour of London's most iconic rock and roll haunts.
The excellent London Rock Walks will take you through all of London's most legendary rock and roll back alleys. From the iconic Marquee Club to the studio in Tin Pan Alley where the Stones recorded their first album, to the sight of Oasis's What's The Story Morning Glory album shoot, you're sure to find your new favourite place among the ghosts of some of Britain's most famous recording artists.
More about the London Rock Walks here.
17. Stuff your face at the original Hard Rock Café.
It may seem like a cliché, but if there was ever a time to indulge your inner tourist and head to a Hard Rock, it's in London. The Regent's Park establishment just so happens to be the original Hard Rock Café, opened in 1971. The collection of memorabilia hosted at London's Hard Rock makes up a mini museum, featuring belongings of John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, and more. And full disclosure, their cheesecake is actually pretty good.
More about the Hard Rock Café here.