If you’re into your expressive, modulated, swing-feel tunes, there’s no such thing as too jazzy. Dynamic and energetic, this genre of music knows just how to get you up off your seat and groove along to sax solos, terrific trumpets and rumbling, hip-shaking bass strings. But where to hear this on holiday? Let our guide to Europe’s trendiest jazz bars clue you in...

Casa del Jazz, Rome

Less bar, more event space, the Casa del Jazz is Rome’s razzle-dazzle one-stop shop for concerts of the genre. Throughout the year, it lays on individual gigs, as well as a few festivals, so you can pick something musical to match when you’re in town. The three buildings within one park make this such a special environment.

Porgy & Bess, Vienna

This non-profit club is one of Vienna’s finest for jazz, as it aims to promote collaboration between local artists and more well-known ones, who all come to grace the stage. It’s very much a place that wants to break down the boundaries of music and totally immerse people. Definitely a cool spot to hang out in!

Harris Piano Bar, Krakow

A bit of a rawer, almost dive-bar gig venue, this Krakow mainstay is a must if you’re after a fusion of fab food (we’re talking pizzas and paninis), cracking cocktails and an events calendar to boot. Each night, Harris Piano Bar offers live music to devour. So whether you’re into classic jazz or you prefer funk, soul or hip-hop, you’ll be in your element here.

New Morning, Paris

Back in 1981, New Morning opened its doors in the croissant capital, specialising in jazz and blues shows. It isn’t massive, so you can look forward to more intimate performances, and they’re usually less mainstream too. That said, it’s welcomed Miles Davis, Prince and Chet Baker there before, which means its reputation now precedes it in Paris! Pretty cool, hey?

A-Trane, Berlin

With its doors flung open until the early hours, A-Trane lures you into its four walls to present jazz gigs almost every night. The events guide is usually varied, so you’re bound to catch an artist you either know or can discover for the first time. Its amps are loud and its setting is fairly cosy – ideal for a drink and a boogie. There are seats if you’d prefer a table though.

Jazzhus Montmartre, Copenhagen

Although it seems French, you’ve got a very Danish institution here. Since 1959, Jazzhus Montmartre has been at the centre of all things jazzy, carving out a name for itself locally. Around 200 concerts a year are thrown and it’s another to have had Chet Baker on the billing – among loads of other American and European acts! There are tables and chairs set up, and the red curtain gives the stage its regal look.

Reduta, Prague

Reduta was founded back in 1958, and it’s been in full swing (pardon the pun) ever since. It’s renowned culturally and in the city, and it’s been a big player in connecting traditional jazz with new-wave styles as well. So if you’re after a way to round off your evening, pull up a pew, order one of their excellent cocktails and enjoy!

Events

Psst, did you know, there are a few of our beach holiday destinations that host dedicated jazz festivals each year? There’s an annual one every July held in Vamos, Chania, in Crete, for instance. The tones are seriously smooth in a super setting.

So, jazz fans, where will you follow your ears to?