nashville tennessee tourist guide

Nashville Visitors Guide

Get the Nashville Visitors Guide for all your trip-planning needs. 

The Nashville Visitors Guide is the official city guide to assist with planning a trip to Music City. It’s designed to help you explore key events during each season of the year, provide insider tips on what to see & do, and provide the best lists and resources available to help plan your best experience yet in this must-see city!

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Attractions & Events in Music City!

Nashville is an exciting vacation destination, with all of the live music and history there are a ton of fun things to do. Plan your Nashville Tennessee Vacation with us. Make the most of your Music City Vacation! Tune into every sweet note Nashville Tennessee has to offer. Start here with our Nashville Vacation Planner & Guide. We also have a What to See and Do in Nashville and a Nashville Vacation with Kids Guide. We hope you enjoy all the Nashville happenings.

Live Music Downtown

It would be a shame to visit Nashville without checking out all of the live music downtown. 2nd Avenue and Broadway are the well know (and for a really good reason) venues, but you can travel (by foot, car, or trolley) to a number of other streets to find fun and happening honky-tonks. Most downtown Honky-tonks are kid & family friendly until 9 PM because they know everyone enjoys great music & dancing!

Vacation Ideas and Travel Guide for Nashville

Nashville Tennessee is full of fun, lets start with our Nashville Entertainment Guide and Nashville Attraction Guide . If you are traveling with kids check out our Nashville Kids and Family Vacation Guide .

Nashville Vacation Attractions by Interest

• Music Attractions
• Kid's & Family
• Historic Locations
• Zoo & Animal
• Galleries & Museums
• Vineyard & Wineries
• Microbreweries
• Sightseeing Tours
• Sports & Recreation
• Leisure Activities
• Night Out with Friends
• River Cruises

Complete Your Nashville Vacation Plans

After checking out Nashville Attraction you need these guides to wrap up all of your final vacation plans.

• Where to Eat
• How To Get Around

Don't Miss These Music City Attractions!

You have to see the Grand Ole Opry get your Friday or Saturday night tickets. There are music related museums such as The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum , The Ryman (original home of the Grand Ole Opry, and the Antique Archaeology seen on American Pickers.

Nashville Tours

Nashville Art Scene

When a city is full of creative people the city has an appreciation for all things art, check out Nashville's Frist Center for the Visual Arts and The Parthenon two more MUST SEEs in Nashville. Here are a few other attractions you will want to visit while in Nashville:

Don't leave Nashville without hearing Brit Stokes and the Brit Stokes Band performing in the downtown honky-tonks. Live music is everywhere in Music City! Enjoy Life - Nashville Life!

Nashville History

New Classes for you and your friends!

Not only do we tell you about places to go and what to do we also have a great list of classes where you can sign up and get started doing right away! Enjoy!

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• Performing Arts
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Your Trip to Nashville: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Ivey Redding

There once was a time when travelers planned a visit to Nashville simply to attend a music festival or spend hours in the city's legendary honky tonks listening to the latest up and coming country band. While those activities remain deeply rooted in the local culture, Nashville now has much more to offer travelers as well.

Over the past decade or so, it has become a culinary hub , offering some of the best food found anywhere in the southern U.S. The city also features an array of outdoor green spaces to explore, a thriving art scene, and some of the best local breweries to sample too. Oh yeah, and the music still remains pretty great, offering a mix of genres and big name stars, along with the hottest new talent looking to make it big.

This guide will give you a good overview of what to expect when visiting the Music City, providing you with valuable information that will help you make the most of your stay.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit : The good news is that the honky tonks are open all year round and live music can be found pretty much every day of the week in Nashville. That said, the city is well known for its hot and humid summers, which can be challenging for visitors to endure. That also happens to be the busiest tourist season too, with larger crowds filling up hotel rooms, restaurants, bars, and other attractions. The shoulder seasons of mid-March through May and late-September through November provide better temperatures and fewer people to contend with. Winters are relatively free of snow and ice, although it can still get quite cold. Just pack a warm jacket and you'll be fine.

Getting Around: Nashville's public transportation system mainly consists of semi-reliable bus service. The purple WeGo buses can be found throughout the city and can get you to where you want to go provided you're not in a hurry. The Music City Transit Tracker app can help make it easier to catch the bus, but honestly using the transit directions option in your favorite maps app (Apple Maps or Google Maps) is just as good, if not better. Nashville is a driving city however, so most visitors bring a vehicle, rent a car, or use ride sharing apps. Electric scooters are common throughout the busier parts of the city as well and are a popular option for getting around.

Check out our guide to Nashville's public transportation for more info on the MTA bus system.

Travel Tip: Nashville welcomes around 16 million visitors annually   and a lot of them are long-weekend visitors, meaning travelers tend to show up on Thursday and head home on Sunday. That means the city can be surprisingly quiet from Sunday evening through Wednesday. If you can plan a visit at that time of the week, you'll find crowds are less of a hassle. Or, if you can extend your stay to incorporate one or two of those days, you'll have an easier time booking a reservation at that hot restaurant or getting into a music show.

Things to Do

For many visitors to Nashville it is all about live music. If that's your goal, chances are you won't be disappointed as there are always bands playing somewhere. But the city also has plenty of great food to sample as well and a number of top-notch breweries too. You'll also find historical places to explore, unique shopping, surprisingly great parks, and an array of professional sports teams as well. Whether you're coming for just a day or two, or have an extended stay planned, chances are you'll find plenty of things to keep you busy in the Music City.

Music: If you have trouble finding live music in Nashville, you're simply not looking all that hard. You're likely to find artists and bands playing at the airport upon your arrival, but for a more suitable venue head down to Lower Broadway to check out the honky-tonk scene. Many of the bars in Nashville have bands playing every night, but for a real treat check the schedule at the Ryman , which just might be one of the best live music venues on the planet.

Museums: Nashville has a wide variety of museums to explore, which are great on a hot, muggy day. The Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-see for fans of the genre and the Tennessee State Museum is a walk through the local history and it's absolutely free to visit. Kids of all ages will love the Adventure Science Center , where you can actually have fun and learn something new at the same time.

History: For a slice of Civil War history, head over to Fort Negley to learn about the largest fortification built for Union troops after the city fell in 1862.   Nashville's Hermitage allows people to learn about the life of President Andrew Jackson and of the people enslaved there through tours of the estate. Nashville's Hermitage was For a different kind of history, head over to Music Row to see the iconic Nashville recording studios, some of which have been named to the National Register of Historic Places .

Parks: The Nashville greenway crisscrosses the city in a variety of places, offering visitors a place to take a quiet stroll and just stretch their legs a bit. But several other parks have a lot to offer as well, including Centennial — which has a full-size replica of the Greek Parthenon – and Radnor Lake , which features six miles of walking trail and the chance to spot an array of wildlife.

Sports: The Music City is home to both the Tennessee Titans of the NFL and the Nashville Predators of the NHL. It also has a AAA baseball team called the Nashville Sounds and a pro soccer team called the Nashville SC (soccer club). In short, that means sports fans will find a lot to love no matter what time of year they visit.

What to Eat and Drink

Nashville is one of those great destinations where the food can range from simple, down-home fare up to gourmet options that are so good you'll think you've died and gone to heaven. The city's signature dish is without a doubt Nashville Hot Chicken, which brings enough spice to test the taste buds of the most adventurous eaters. Give it a try at Hattie B's or Princes Hot Chicken to see what the fuss is all about. For something a bit more elevated and upscale, try the homemade pastas at Rolf & Daughters or sample just about anything on the menu at City House and Adele's .

As with most cities across the U.S., Nashville is home to some outstanding breweries as well. Yazoo is probably the most well known of the local brands, but places like Jackalope and Black Abbey make many fine options as well. If bourbon is more your style, head over to the Oak Bar to sample their stock. The famous and historical bar has been open for more than a century and has 130 bourbons to choose from. For great wine and great atmosphere, pack a picnic lunch and head out to Arrington Vineyards , where the setting is just as enchanting as what's in the bottle.

Where to Stay

There are a number of great hotels to choose from in Nashville, with many of them being centrally located in the downtown area. This makes them a convenient option for those visiting Lower Broadway, or partaking in the city's vibrant nightlife. You'll find some well-known chain hotels located on the periphery of the region, but places like the Hermitage Hotel and Noelle are found right in the middle of the action. If you want to stay a bit further out, the Opryland Hotel is a popular choice, with restaurants, shops, lush gardens, and even a waterpark found on premises.

Getting There

The best way to get to the Music City is by flying directly into the Nashville International Airport . The airport services around 18 million passengers annually.   Centrally located in town, travelers can rent a car, catch a bus, take a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service. It is roughly a 20-minute drive to downtown in a car. Alternatively, many people drive into Nashville too, with interstates 24, 40, and 65 providing good access from several directions.

Culture and Customs

In case you haven't figured it out just yet, music is the soul of Nashville. But don't be fooled, this isn't just a place for country fans. On any given night, visitors can find blues, jazz, rock, bluegrass, and a number of other genres being played too. Don't expect to find any locals wearing cowboy hats or boots, this is a rapidly growing, forward-thinking, and enlightened city where diversity, culture, and creativity are embraced.

That said, the city is still Southern to the core, which means the local hospitality is warm and welcoming. While Nashville has grown dramatically in recent years, it has also stayed in touch with its roots. Technology has become just as pervasive as barbecue and fried chicken, making this large city feel like a small hometown at the same time.

Money-Saving Tips

• Most live music is free. Sure, some bars will charge a cover, but it is easy to find places that to don't charge an admission fee to listen to the band.
• The area parks are free to use as well and often host events like farmer's markets, art festivals, sports activities, and even live music.
• Several of the city's museums, including the Tennessee State Museum and the Tennessee Agricultural Museum have no entry fees.
• Take a self-guided walking tour of downtown. There is a lot to see and do in the downtown area of Nashville and it is easily accessible on foot. You'll find shops, restaurants, parks, and other attractions that you can explore completely on your own.
• Discover more free things to do here .

Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. "Statistics & Facts."

Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee. "Fort Negley's History."

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. "BNA to Close One Runway for Full Reconstruction." April 3, 2020.

Downtown Nashville's Hotels

A Guide to Nashville’s Neighborhoods

The 9 Best Hiking Trails in Nashville

48 Hours in Nashville: The Ultimate Itinerary

Henry Horton State Park: The Complete Guide

Nightlife in Nashville: Best Bars, Honky-Tonks, & More

The 15 Best Things to Do in Nashville

The 15 Best Free Things To Do in Nashville

Your Trip to Memphis: The Complete Guide

10 Can't-Miss Annual Events in Nashville

6 Destinations to Beat the Post-Breakup Blues

The 15 Best Bars in Nashville

September in Nashville: Weather, What to Pack and What to See

Where to Go on a Family Vacation in 2019

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Your Trip to Minneapolis: The Complete Guide

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This Southern U.S. City Is Known for Great Eats and Even Better Music — Here's How to Plan Your Trip

Visit Nashville for an unforgettable adventure. Discover the best hotels, restaurants and things to do with this highly curated Nashville travel guide.

Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Nashville, Tennessee's capital city, is located in the north central part of the state on the Cumberland River. Founded in 1779 and named for Francis Nash, a Continental Army General during the American Revolutionary War, Nashville is the most populous city in Tennessee and one of the nation's fastest growing economies.

Called "Music City," Nashville is home to the Grand Ole Opry, known for country music performances and legends like Johnny Cash, Reba McIntire, Loretta Lynn, Minnie Pearl, Vince Gill and others who have graced the stage there. The Ryman Auditorium has also seen stars like Dolly Parton and Hank Williams, and now hosts shows of all genres. Bars, restaurants, and performance venues offer live music every day of the week, and it's not just country music. Bluegrass, rock, pop, and a wide range of styles can be heard throughout the city.

Another nickname for Nashville is "Athens of the South" for its many institutions of higher learning, including Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, and Belmont. The Parthenon in Centennial Park, a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, is a reminder of the city's reputation. It was built in 1897 for the state's Centennial Exposition.

Nashville is in the Central Time Zone, though the state of Tennessee is divided into Eastern Time Zone and Central Time Zone. (Daylight Savings Time is observed seasonally.)

Spring (April, May) and Autumn (September, October) are good times to visit Nashville because the weather is generally comfortable. The summer months of July and August are quite warm and humid, and winter is often cold and rainy. If weather is not an issue, it may be more economical to visit during winter months when there are fewer tourists.

Festivals like the springtime Cherry Blossom Festival , Fashion Week , CMA Fest , Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival , Pride Festival , Nashville Film Festival , or Germantown's Oktoberfest attract visitors based on their interest in the event rather than the time of year.

The elegant Schermerhorn Symphony Center , located downtown across from the Country Music Hall of Fame is the place to hear classical, jazz, world music, and Broadway.

Nashville is the home of Hot Chicken, and Prince's Hot Chicken is considered the original. Choose your heat level from Plain to XXX Hot, but be aware that they really mean XXX HOT!

The AT&T Building is nicknamed the Batman Building because its two towers make it resemble Batman's pointed ears.

Nashville was the first Southern city to desegregate public establishments after a series of downtown sit-ins by African-American college students in 1960.

Elvis Presley recorded more than 200 of his songs on Music Row at RCA's Studio B . (The year-round Christmas lights there commemorate his recording of his Christmas album when they were put up in July, along with a Christmas tree, to inspire the holiday mood.)

Tennessee is called "The Volunteer State." Volunteer soldiers from Tennessee played a large role in the War of 1812, especially during the Battle of New Orleans. Later in the Mexican-American War of 1846, Tennessee sent 30,000 soldiers for the effort.

Nashville is home to the National Football League Titans, the National Hockey League Predators, and Major League Soccer team the Nashville Soccer Club. The city also has a minor league baseball team, the Sounds.

A Nashville hotel led to the name of Maxwell House coffee. Their popular brew was given the hotel's name, and, during a 1907 stay, President Theodore Roosevelt supposedly said, "Good to the last drop," creating the brand's familiar slogan.

Nashville's main public transit system, WeGo Public Transit , has purple buses covering more than 50 routes throughout the city. Plan ahead of time using the service's convenient trip planner as a guide. WeGo offers an bus service to and from the Nashville Airport (BNA). It also offers a park and ride service with free parking at designated locations

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) operates ten bus routes between Nashville and several other cities as well as linking riders with the WeGo system. In addition, RTA oversees the Music City Star regional rail line.

Taxis, Uber, and Lyft all operate in Nashville.

Bobby Hotel

Address: 230 Fourth Avenue North Phone: (615) 782-7100 Book Now

This creative hotel in historic Printers Alley offers luxury, fun, and a variety of rooms, including one and two-bedroom suites. There's a full-service spa and several dining and cocktail venues including the rooftop lounge where you can sip your drink in a retrofitted 1956 Greyhound bus. When it comes to the best hotels in Nashville . this property pretty much checks all the boxes.

21c Museum Hotel

Address: 221 Second Avenue North Phone: 615-610-6400 Book Now

Set in a restored 1900s building, the hotel offers 124 guest rooms and suites with luxury amenities and original art. The hotel features a fitness center, business center, curated art exhibitions and dining at Gray & Dudley, named for the original building.

Moxy Downtown

Address: 110 Third Avenue South Phone: (615) 986-2091 Book Now

Steps from the Country Music Hall of Fame, the hotel features urban-chic rooms and amenities like locally roasted coffee, a 24-hour fitness center, and Plug & Meet areas. The casual Bar Moxy is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails.

Dream Hotel

Address: 210 Fourth Avenue North Phone: (615) 622-0600 Book Now

The Dream offers 168 art deco-inspired rooms set in two historic Printers Alley buildings conveniently located near Nashville's popular attractions. There's a fitness center, six dining and nightlife options, and luxury amenities.

Holston House

Address: 118 Seventh Avenue North Phone: (615) 391-1234 Book Now

Set in a historic building, the boutique hotel offers 191 rooms, including six suites blending modern and art deco styles. Roomy corner and penthouse suites offer even more room to relax. The signature restaurant is TENN, and the rooftop lounge, TENN on Top, boasts spectacular city views.

Hotel Indigo

Address: 301 Union Street Phone: (615) 891-6000 Book Now

This former Printers Alley bank building is now a modern hotel featuring a printer-themed lobby and a speakeasy-inspired lounge with local artists and songwriters performing seven nights a week. The District Bar & Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Address: 231 Sixth Avenue North Phone: (615) 244-3121

This five-star hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with soft bedding, plush robes, Bose docking stations, and excellent service. The signature Capital Grille restaurant first opened in 1910 and still serves authentic Southern fare made from the freshest ingredients. With more than 130 bottles, The Oak Bar boasts one of the largest collections of bourbons in Nashville.

Westin Nashville

Address: 807 Clark Place Phone: (615) 248-2800 Book Now

This luxury boutique hotel features guestrooms and one-bedroom suites, including the Presidential Suite with round bed and dazzling city views as well as the highest rooftop lounge in the city, L27. The on-site Rhapsody Spa offers CBD treatments, and their fitness studio is open 24 hours.

Grand Hyatt Nashville

Address: 1000 Broadway Phone: (615) 622-1234 Book Now

This luxury property at Nashville Yards is conveniently located within walking distance of the Gulch and Midtown. The Grand Hyatt boasts one of the highest outdoor rooftop bars in Nashville as well as a pool, spa, and seven dining and beverage options.

Fairlane Hotel

Address: 401 Union Street Phone: (615) 988-8511 Book Now

This retro-modern hotel was originally a bank built in 1972, and its mid-century architectural details have been preserved. Guestrooms and suites are luxuriously and uniquely furnished, and Penthouse Suites offer outdoor terraces with fire pits. Ellington's Restaurant continues the mid-century vibe with its modern take on classic dishes.

Aloft Hotel

Address: 1719 West End Avenue Phone: (615) 329-4200 Book Now

This design-forward hotel is in a lively area near Vanderbilt University less than a mile from downtown. The first floor is for socializing, with a pool table, regional art, and a grab-n-go pantry. The loft-style rooms feature comfortable platform beds and showers with rainfall showerheads.

Graduate Nashville

Address: 101 20th Avenue North Phone: Book Now

This playful and funky hotel in the heart of midtown, and near Vanderbilt University, features luxe guest rooms, animatronic karaoke, and Poindexter, its lobby-level cafe. Its Dolly Parton-themed rooftop bar, White Limozeen , provides stunning views of the Nashville skyline.

Kimpton Aertson

Address: 2021 Broadway Phone: (615) 340-6376 Book Now

This boutique hotel is the centerpiece of the Aertson Midtown mixed-use destination. Its industrial details and refined finishes include a live green wall, open living room, poured concrete floors, and double-sided fireplace. There's a seasonal swimming pool, expansive spa, and views of the Vanderbilt University campus.

Thompson Nashville

Address: 401 11th Avenue South Phone: (615) 262-6000 Book Now

This hip, Gulch hotel offers an inviting space with panoramic city views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Their indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant, L.A. Jackson, boasts incredible views of downtown Nashville's skyline.

East Nashville

Urban cowboy.

Address: 1603 Woodland Street Phone: (347) 840-0525 Book Now

The boutique hotel's eight uniquely furnished and decorated suites are housed in a historic Victorian mansion. The Public House serves craft cocktails in rustic surroundings or the stylish backyard.

The Dive Motel

Address: 1414 Dickerson Pike Phone: (615) 650-9103

Each of their 23 rooms is one-of-a-kind and equipped with their signature "Party Switch" that spins a Disco Ball with a choice of four channels. Pool, hot tub, and The Dive Bar & Lounge make a stay at The Dive a truly Nashville experience.

Other Nashville Locations

Gaylord opryland resort & convention center.

Address: 2800 Opryland Drive Phone: (615) 889-1000 Book Now

The 3,000 room resort destination is set on the Cumberland River, minutes from Nashville International Airport and a short drive (or riverboat cruise) from downtown. The resort includes nine acres of indoor gardens, an indoor river and waterfalls, a spa, fitness center, golf course, and a range of dining options and events.

Address: 221 Second Avenue North Phone: (615) 610-6460 Website

Adjacent to a museum and historical building, the restaurant honors both with a traditional Southern menu of appetizers, snacks, entrees, and delicious cocktails.

Frothy Monkey

Address: 235 Fifth Avenue North Phone (615) 600-4756 Website

Frothy Monkey has it all, seriously: breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, specialty coffees, signature coffee drinks, cocktails, wine, and a kid's menu, salads and sandwiches, and more — just to name a few.

Address: 303 Demonbreun Street Phone: (615) 522-0685 Website

Award winning chef Deb Paquette helms this modern restaurant with an open kitchen and a chef's bar where guests can watch and interact with her. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant's menu includes seafood, venison, veal, and a steak carpaccio appetizer.

Address: 611 Commerce Street Phone: (615) 493-4050 Website

Michelin-star Chef James Kerwin serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner of fresh Southern and traditional American fare along with cocktails, specialty drinks, and local draft beers.

Address: 401 Broadway Phone: (615) 254-1892 Website

This three-floor restaurant set in an 1892 building starts with a street level bistro offering cocktails and food. The second floor, a bit more upscale, is open for lunch and dinner with a refined menu and extensive wine offerings. The third floor is a private dining space for business dinners and events.

Nashville Underground

Address: 105 Broadway Phone: (615) 964-3000 Website

This live music venue, restaurant, bar, and event space features the largest and highest double-deck rooftop on Broadway. Southern-inspired dishes including signature Nashville Hot Chicken and BBQ are served on the first and second floors. They serve wine, spirits, and the coldest draft beer in Nashville at 29 degrees.

Address: 505 Third Avenue North Phone: (629) 236-0035 Website

This rooftop bar and restaurant serves a creative menu of appetizers, snacks, entrees, and desserts along with cocktails, wine, and beer in a spectacular setting.

Deacon's New South

Address: 401 Church Street Phone: (615) 994-1994 Website

The restaurant is located in a historic building, but their cuisine is modern, with dry-aged meats and seafood dishes inspired by the Gulf Coast. Traditional and creative cocktails and an extensive wine list are offered.

The Farm House

Address: 210 Almond Street Phone: (615) 522-0688 Website

Chef and owner Trey Ciocca serves lunch, brunch, and dinner offering traditional favorites and Southern classics like cornbread, fried catfish, and pimento cheese beignets along with cocktails, beer, and wine.

B.B. Kings Blues Club

Address: 152 Second Avenue North Phone: (615) 256-2727 Website

Dinner and weekend brunch are served along with blues, rock n' roll, and soul music. The menu is just as varied, with a selection of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts. Cocktails, wine, and beer are on the menu too.

Hattie B's Chicken

Address: 112 19th Avenue South Phone: (615) 678-4794 Website

Choose your heat level, but know what you're in for if you go with the hottest of the six. Sandwiches, plates, and sides like coleslaw and pimento mac and cheese are served, and there's peach cobbler and banana pudding for dessert.

Address: 2023 Broadway Phone: (615) 340-6378 Website

Billing itself as a "modern American brasserie," Henley is located in the Kimpton Aertson. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Henley's menu includes Southern favorites like Charleston hot crab dip, roasted Tennessee mushrooms, and smoked chicken with Alabama white sauce.

Address: 202 21 Avenue South Phone: (615) 925-3362 Website

Nada's extensive modern Mexican cuisine menu includes guacamole, ceviche, and cochinita pibil, with interesting additions such as cumin roasted beets, Peruvian chicken, and Romenesco al Pastor. Lunch and dinner are served as well as brunch and cocktails.

Jasper's

Address: Nashville, Tennessee 37203 Phone: (615) 327-4410 Website

This casual restaurant is also a grab n' go market with prepared foods like salads, soups, sandwiches, and pastries. The all-day menu includes meatballs, cornbread, enchiladas, wings, and burgers. Weekend brunch offerings include omelets, beignets, and house-cured gravlax.

Address: 1904 Broadway Phone: (615) 320-8580 Website

This gastro-pub style dining spot features creative cuisine in addition to extensive options for cocktails, wine, spirits, and beers. Sports fans will enjoy the fourteen TVs, and foodies will love the menu choices ranging from creative starters to tacos, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and fries. Weekend brunch and late night dining are available.

Mason's

Address: 2100 West End Avenue Phone: (615) 321-1990 Website

Mason's serves seasonal Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. They offer craft cocktails, wines, spirits, and an extensive list of beer from local breweries.

Other Neighborhoods

Rolf and daughters (germantown).

Address: 700 Taylor Street Phone: (615) 866-9897 Website

Located in a historic building and serving Italian and Mediterranean inspired dishes on their seasonally driven menu, the restaurant offers communal tables, patio, and bar for walk-ins as well as dining room reservations.

Redheaded Stranger (East Nashville)

Address: 305 Arrington Street Phone (615) 544-8226 Website

Authentic Tex-Mex dishes include tacos, burritos, and their own signature hot sauces. Cocktails, wine, and beer are served.

Adele's (The Gulch)

Address: 1210 McGavock Street Phone: (615) 988-9700 Website

Dinner and weekend brunch are served with a focus on seasonal comfort food like pork ossobuco, lasagna, and a meatball with polenta appetizer. Weekend brunch offerings include buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy, egg casserole, and brioche French toast.

The Bluebird Cafe

Address: 4104 Hillsboro Pike Phone: (615) 383-1461 Website

The Bluebird, one of the "world's preeminent listening rooms," presents two shows a night, seven days a week, featuring acoustic singer-songwriter style music by famous and up-and-coming artists.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Address: 222 Fifth Avenue South Phone: (615) 416-2001 Website

Located in downtown Nashville, the museum includes photographs, artifacts, recordings, vintage video, memorabilia, and interactive activities to tell the story of country music. Performance spaces in the CMA Theater and Ford Theater host live music and cultural events.

Grand Ole Opry

Address: 2804 Opryland Drive Phone: (615) 871-6779 Website

For nearly one hundred years, the Grand Ole Opry, called "home of American music," has showcased country stars on stage, as well as on WSM Radio. See a live show or take a guided backstage tour, starting with an immersive theater experience starring Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

RCA Studio B

Address: 1611 Roy Acuff Place Phone: (615) 416-2001 Website

Built in 1957, the studio was home to the "Nashville Sound" in the 1960's, and artists like Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, the Everly Brothers, and Floyd Cramer recorded there. Today, you can tour the studio as part of a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Ryman Auditorium

Address: 116 Fifth Avenue North Phone: (615) 889-3060 Website

Known as one of the best performance halls in the world, this historic venue was home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 until 1974. The Ryman hosts numerous concerts and events throughout the year, and visitors can take tours of its star-studded exhibits.

The Johnny Cash Museum

Address: 119 Third Avenue South Phone: (615) 256-1777 Website

This downtown museum contains the largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia. Visit for a self-guided tour to see instruments, hand-written notes, awards, stage costumes, and more. Stop for a bite at the cafe next door or at the gift shop for a souvenir.

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike Phone: (615) 833-1534 Website

Nearly 3,000 animals representing about 350 species reside at the zoo, including amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish. The 1810 Grassmere Historic Home, on the property, is open for tours. There's a zip line, carousel, playground, and Australian landscape with kangaroos.

Frist Art Museum

Address: 919 Broadway Phone: (615) 244-3340 Website

Exhibits, which rotate periodically since there's no permanent collection, have included Picasso, Albrecht Durer, and a variety of sculpture, vintage automobiles, prints, photography, and video as well as displays by local Nashville artists and Native American art.

The Hermitage

Address: 4580 Rachel's Lane Phone: (615) 889-2941 Website

The home of President Andrew Jackson, a National Historic Landmark with over 30 historic buildings over 1,120 acres, is one of the most visited presidential homes in the U.S. Self-guided and interpreter-led tours of the mansion and grounds are available.

Belle Meade Plantation

Address: 110 Leake Avenue Phone: (615) 356-0501 Website

From an 1807 log cabin set on 250 acres to one of the largest thoroughbred horse farms in the South, Belle Meade tells of Tennessee history, architecture, and equestrian legacy. Several tours are available, including the Mansion Tour and the Journey to Jubilee Tour that tells the stories of the enslaved African-Americans who were at Belle Meade from its beginning through the years following Emancipation.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Address: Enter on 3rd Ave. S between Broadway and Demonbreun, across from the Schermerhorn Symphony Center

The bridge connects downtown Nashville with East Nashville and Nissan Stadium, linking the two sides of the Cumberland River. Closed to automobile traffic in 1998, the bridge provides excellent views of the Nashville skyline

Centennial Park

Address: 2500 West End Avenue Website

The 132-acre park includes a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, historical monuments, a sunken garden, band shell, dog park, sand volleyball courts, and the Parthenon . The full-scale replica serves as an art museum with a recreation of the 42-foot statue of Athena at its center.

Tennessee State Museum

Address: 1000 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard Phone: (615) 741-2692 Website

The Tennessee Time Tunnel tells the story of the state through artifacts, exhibits, and stories from the permanent collection. The exhibits include natural history, archaeology, Civil War and Reconstruction, as well as temporary shows like "Women and the Right to Vote" and "Tennessee's Musical heritage."

White's Mercantile

Address: 2908 12th Avenue South Phone: (615) 750-5379 Website

With two Nashville-area locations, this nostalgic general store carries a variety of products including leather bags, handmade soap, home decor, antiques, and more. Shopping is a pleasure with artistic displays and a surprising assortment of beautiful things.

Hatch Show Print

Address: 224 Fifth Avenue South Phone: (615) 256-2805 Website

The Hatch Show Print show posters served as advertising for concerts from 1879 through the 20th century. Today, the posters are still popular with musicians and performers of all genres. In the downtown shop visitors will find apparel, greeting cards, prints, and custom work.

Imogene + Willie

Address: 2601 12th Avenue South Phone: (615) 292-5005 Website

This chic store specializes in denim, but also offers clothing for men and women, including tee shirts, jackets, accessories, and jewelry. Their signature candle incorporates scents of sage, palo santo, frankincense, and shiso leaf.

Rachel's Boutique

Address: 231 Sixth Avenue North Phone: (615) 345-7149 Website

From fashionable clothing to custom jewelry, this boutique carries creations from Nashville's local artisans. It offers home decor, gifts, linens, kitchen products, candles, and more.

Fanny's House of Music

Address: 1101 Holly Street Phone: (615) 750-5746 Website

Fanny's is a full-service music store with a variety of new, used, and vintage guitars and amps. It also offers professional lessons and repairs as well as clothing and gifts.

Antique Archaeology

Address:1300 Clinton Street, Suite 130 Phone: (615) 810-9906 Website

This is the home of the American Pickers , and it's the place for antiques, clothing, home goods, gifts, drinkware, and more. They offer clothing and accessories in Mike Wolfe's Two Lane brand.

Goorin Brothers

Address: 107 Second Avenue North Phone: (615) 248-4287 Website

Set in The District neighborhood, this is the place to find a wide selection of top quality hats for men and women. They offer fedoras, flat caps, baseball hats, straw hats, and cold weather beanies.

High Class Hillbilly

Address: 4604 Gallatin Pike Phone: (615) 840-7328 Website

Hand-selected vintage items from across the U.S. fill this boutique with vintage boots, hats, leather goods, tee shirts, and more. Denim jeans, jackets, shorts and accessories for men, women, and children are on display in addition to belts, belt buckles, jewelry, and purses.

Music Valley Antiques and Marketplace

Address: 1300 Clinton Street Phone: (615) 557-6560 Website

More than 30 vendors offer vintage furniture, home decor, accessories, and art.

Shopping Malls

Address: 433 Opry Mills Drive Phone: (615) 514-1000 Website

Tennessee's largest outlet, retail, shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.

The Mall at Green Hills

Address: 2126 Abbott Martin Road Phone: (615) 298-5478 Website

More than a hundred stores, including top luxury designer brands, can be found at this mall located three miles from downtown Nashville.

Downtown : This is the business center of Nashville as well as the location of Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans. Printers Alley, once the center of newspaper publishing, is now full of lively nightlife. Hotels, restaurants, and museums, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, reside in downtown Nashville.

Midtown : Adjacent to Vanderbilt University, with its 18th century architecture and sculpture gardens, Midtown is a neighborhood between downtown, Music Row, and West End. Restaurants, bars, hotels, and Centennial Park are conveniently located in this walkable neighborhood.

Music Row/Demonbreun/Edgehill : Just southwest of downtown, this area is Nashville's entertainment industry. This neighborhood is home to a variety of recording studios including the historic RCA Studio B. At its entry, a 40 foot bronze sculpture named "Musica" features nine figures celebrating the energy and diversity of the music industry.

Germantown : This urban residential community is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A few blocks northwest of downtown, the neighborhood is home to the Tennessee State Museum. Boutiques and restaurants abound in this area named for European immigrants who settled there in the mid-19th century.

The Gulch : This walkable community is located just south of downtown in a revitalized industrial area. Street art, live music venues, breweries, hotels, and restaurants make it a popular destination.

East Nashville : Dive bars, craft breweries, coffee shops, historic homes, art galleries, and vintage stores make up the culturally-diverse, artsy neighborhood. East Nashville is located across the Cumberland River from downtown.

Opryland : This neighborhood, located ten miles east of downtown, is home to Music Valley, Grand Ole Opry, and the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. The Opry Mills shopping center, Willie Nelson Museum, SoundWaves water park, and a variety of family-friendly restaurants can be found in this area.

West End/Elliston Place : Centennial Park, with its replica of the Greek Parthenon, is located in this neighborhood adjacent to Vanderbilt University.

Nashville has a subtropical type of climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Annual precipitation is about 47 inches, with the majority occurring in spring, particularly during the month of May. Spring is tornado season in Middle Tennessee.

Temperatures begin to cool in September, and autumn typically receives the least rainfall. Winter is colder, with little snow, usually about seven inches total, mostly during January.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month.

January 28 - 47 February 32 - 52 March 39 - 61 April 47 - 71 May 57 - 78 June 65 - 86 July 69 - 89 August 68 - 89 September 61 - 82 October 49 - 72 November 39 - 60 December 31 - 49

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The 20 best attractions and sights in nashville.

Whether you’ve lived here for years, just moved to town, or are visiting for the weekend, there’s no excuse for being bored in Music City. From must-see museums to iconic music venues, consider this your Nashville bucket list.

Nashville Zoo

Kids of all ages can enjoy a field trip to the Nashville Zoo , which has grown leaps and bounds since taking over the Grassmere property in 1996. Interactive exhibits like Critter Encounters and Lorikeet Landing as well as exhibits dedicated to flamingos, and meerkats keep local animal lovers intrigued.

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Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Perhaps the most gorgeous 55 acres in the greater Nashville area, Cheekwood is a hit with locals and visitors year-round. From the Cheekwood Mansion art gallery to the estate’s 12 sprawling gardens to special exhibits from world-renowned artists, you could spend hours taking in all kinds of stunning visuals. Cheekwood also has a variety of seasonal installations including Cheekwood in Bloom , Cheekwood Harvest , and Holiday Lights at Cheekwood .

Frist Art Museum

With exhibits that rotate every six to eight weeks, no visit to the Frist Art Museum is ever the same—but you’re always guaranteed to leave inspired. Housed in an art deco building, Nashville’s hub for visual art displays works from local, state, and regional artists as well as national and international exhibitions.

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The Hermitage

The home of Andrew Jackson, located on the outskirts of town, is one of the most popular attractions in the state. Open as a museum since 1889, The Hermitage sits on more than 1,000 acres and comprises the seventh U.S. president’s stately mansion, its surrounding gardens and grounds, and the Jackson family tomb. The million-dollar exhibit, Andrew Jackson: Born for a Storm , features interactive displays and a deep dive into his multifaceted life.

GEODIS Park

GEODIS Park , situated in the heart of Wedgewood-Houston, is home to the Nashville Soccer Club. This 30,000-seat stadium is the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States and Canada. Looking to catch a match? See the Nashville SC’s home game schedule here .

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Fifth + Broadway

Fifth + Broadway is a mixed-use development conveniently located on Broadway in Downtown Nashville. The building combines restaurants, shops, office space, a museum, and residential units. Restaurants include local favorites like Slim + Husky’s and Hattie B’s as well as nationally-known eateries like Shake Shack and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. On the retail side, visitors can purchase Nashville-centric apparel at The Nash Collection or shop at one of the only brick-and-mortar Ariat stores in the world. Explore the 55,000-square-foot National Museum of African American Music or stay indefinitely at The Place.

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Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

It’s known as “the Smithsonian of country music” for good reason, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum spans 350,000 square feet of prime Downtown Nashville real estate, which it packs with thousands of artifacts, two performance theaters, and countless rotating special exhibitions. The museum’s permanent installation, Sing Me Back Home , takes visitors through the evolution of country music from its roots in the nineteenth century to today’s biggest hitmakers.

Bluebird Cafe

The world-famous and incredibly intimate Bluebird Cafe is where you go to hear your favorite songs—and their backstories—straight from the people who wrote them. (Yes, just like on TV.) Nearly every night, this tiny cafe hosts a group of songwriters who play and banter their way through acoustic rounds, captivating those who got lucky enough to score a seat.

Grand Ole Opry

An essential Nashville music experience is a trip to the historic Grand Ole Opry —it’s the only place where country music stars of past, present, and future have shared the same stage. Spring for the backstage tour, where you can see the Opry’s 18-themed dressing rooms, learn behind-the-scenes secrets, and, if you’re lucky, step foot in “The Circle” yourself.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge , completed in 1909, is a steel-trussed bridge that connects East Nashville with the hustle and bustle of Downtown Nashville. Runners, commuters, and sightseers alike can be found crisscrossing this skyline landmark at all hours of the day, often pausing to admire the picturesque Cumberland views.

Ryman Auditorium

Your first show at the prestigious Mother Church—famed for its acoustics and pew seating—will be a turning point in your concert-going experience. Formerly the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman now shines on its own as a hallowed performance hall for all genres of musicians as well as comedians and authors. Self-guided tours are available daily, tickets are $27+ for adults and $18+ for children (4-11).

Broadway Honky-Tonks

Though they might complain about it, even locals have a hard time staying away from Nashville’s glittering main strip—it’s that much of a good time. Lined with perennial honky-tonks like Robert’s Western World and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge , Lower Broadway has seen a revitalization with trendier establishments like Acme Feed and Seed and Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa .

Radnor Lake State Park

Offering 1,300 acres of serene forests, trails, and wildlife, the Radnor Lake area is a literal breath of fresh air for cooped-up Nashvillians. And this natural treasure offers even more than just exercise and a break from daily stressors—The Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center can turn your visit into a full-on learning experience.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Stop at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery for a part history lesson and part good old-fashioned whiskey tasting. Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson revived their great-great-great-grandfather’s family business in 2009. The tour guides here will take you back to the start over a century ago and its subsequent shutting down during Prohibition—cheers to the Nelsons’ happy ending!

The Parthenon

The Parthenon , originally constructed as a temporary exhibit for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition, is a full-scale replica of the iconic Athens structure that became so popular it is now a permanent Nashville fixture. Updates over the years have included the creation of the surrounding Centennial Park, a complete overhaul of the structure’s exterior, and the installation of a 42-foot-tall Athena statue. When you visit, don’t miss the fine art museum on the lower level.

Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar

The Goo Goo Cluster isn’t just your ordinary sweet treat—it’s the world’s first-ever “combination candy,” a swirl of caramel, marshmallow nougat, peanuts, and chocolate. Fittingly, the Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar’s headquarters isn’t just a shop—it’s a decadent destination, featuring Goo Goo’s rich history, a dessert and coffee bar, and a clear view of the confectionary kitchen’s skilled candy makers.

“I Believe in Nashville” Murals

You won’t find a more “Nashville” photo-op than the “I Believe in Nashville” murals . Music City native Adrien Saporiti has created two of them across town, one each in 12 South and Marathon Village —both neighborhoods are a must-visit!

Johnny Cash Museum

Whether you’re a casual listener or a die-hard fan of the Man in Black, it’s hard not to be emotionally moved as you walk through the Johnny Cash Museum . From his humble beginnings in Arkansas to his groundbreaking Folsom Prison performance to his love affair with June Carter, this is a fully-encompassing journey of Cash and his legacy.

First Horizon Park

First Horizon Park , is home to The Nashville Sounds, a Minor League Baseball team of the International League. This massive ballpark situated in Germantown, boasts an unrivaled view of the field, a guitar-shaped scoreboard, and limitless concessions. The stadium also hosts occasional concerts, events, and festivals.

Soundwaves + Gaylord Opryland

SoundWaves , the upscale indoor-outdoor water attraction at  Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center , offers over four acres of entertainment, including 11 slides, a wave pool, FlowRider wave simulator, rapid and lazy rivers, an activity pool, a restaurant, adults-only pool and bar, private cabanas, and kids areas. This attraction is open year-round.

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7 Comments on "The 20 Best Attractions and Sights in Nashville"

looking forward to visiting

I need to see my beautiful city! Summer 2001 here we come!!!!!

Hello, thank you for the information. I would like to suggest one more place to enjoy night life in Nashville and it is called as Legend’s Corner.

Free 1910 year old car factory museum showing how they made car in the early 1900s

I will be visiting Nashville soon, so excited can’t wait!!!

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Grand Ole Opry, CMA Fest, Morgan Wallen, Amy Grant, Def Leppard > TICKETS!

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The Everything Guide to Nashville

By Chris Chamberlain

Best Season to Go Hard to beat Nashville in autumn, when temperatures are still in the 80s and the city's big sports franchises—Predators hockey, the Tennessee Titans, and Vanderbilt college football—are all competing. Bonus: Nashvillians are very friendly to visiting fans, even if they are whupping our local teams. Music lovers also turn out for events like the annual Country Music Association Awards (CMAs, on Nov. 2 this year) and induction ceremonies to the Musicians Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame.

How to Use Public Transportation Like a Local Thing is, locals don't necessarily use public transit—they prefer to drive, and rush hour can get nutty. Avoid the chaos by renting a bike through Nashville’s B-Cycle program. Since this is a river city, many downtown streets slope toward the Cumberland, so you can coast down at affordable prices. You might want to Uber back uphill, though.

The Museum You Should Visit Now Fisk University has an arrangement with the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas to share the famous Alfred Stieglitz Collection , donated by Steiglitz's widow, the not-a-bad-artist-in-her-own-right Georgia O'Keeffe, after his passing in 1949. Each museum displays the roughly 100-piece collection—sculptures, Modernist paintings, lithographs by everyone from Renoir to Toulouse-Lautrec—for two years before swapping. Fisk has dibs until 2018, so go see it in their Carl Van Vechten Gallery.

The Museum You Should Always Revisit Frist Art Museum has no permanent collection, so its galleries are always changing to show off exhibits from around the world. Shows range from paintings by Impressionist masters to a celebration of the souped-up automobile designs of 20th-century Italian car makers. Even if you're not sure what to expect inside, the exterior of this building is a beauty: Originally built in the Deco-mad '30s, it once served as Nashville's central post office.

The Restaurant to Go for a Special Occasion In the buzzy Gulch neighborhood, just across the street from the Thompson Hotel, Prima is as much a restaurant as it is a showpiece for a huge fiberoptic light sculpture by British artist Bruce Munro. But the art doesn't distract from the food so much as complement it. Chef Salvador Avila's Tennessee upbringing and Mexican roots combine in dishes like grilled lamb "chorizo" with burnt avocado salsa and octopus a la plancha with corn and chimichurri.

Those are bonuts, folks: doughnut holes made with biscuit dough.

The Most Instagrammed Restaurant in the City Right Now After waiting in line (trust us, it's worth it) for brunch at Biscuit Love diners definitely feel the need to share their experience with their Instagram followers. Taunting your friends with a shot of the East Nasty, a fried chicken and cheese biscuit smothered in sausage gravy, is just par for the course.

Where to Get the Best Hot Chicken in Nashville Prince’s is still the revered originator of Nashville’s iconic mouth-melting chicken dish, but judging by the lines out the door, Hattie B’s wears the crown as current king. And if you're a glutton for punishment, there's a Hot Chicken Festival every Fourth of July.

The Neighborhood to Visit Now Germantown was Nashville’s first “suburb,” even though it’s only a few blocks north of downtown. Now, though, it is a hotbed of restaurant and boutique openings. Look for rows of beautiful, well-preserved 19th-century homes, streets lined with more than 100 varieties of trees, and, owing to those Teutonic roots, an annual Oktoberfest.

The Three Hotels We Love The Hermitage Hotel exudes classic luxury and Southern hospitality. The 404 Hotel is a modern five-room "invisible service" property (translation: don't expect a concierge to be there when you arrive) right in the middle of the action in Nashville’s hot Gulch neighborhood . The new Thompson Nashville is right next door to the 404, but its 12 stories of stylish accommodations offer loftier views through floor-to-ceiling windows in every guest room.

The Hermitage Hotel

The Best Place for a Cold Brew If your idea of cold brew is coffee, try Frothy Monkey for a fantastic cup of sustainably sourced beans steeped for 23 hours. But if you’re seeking a brew in a different sort of mug, Robert’s Western World will sell you a beer, a bag of chips, and a fried baloney sandwich for $5.

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Hannah Towey

The Three Best Places for a Perfectly Poured Cocktail The Patterson House popularized the craft cocktail movement in Nashville and is still one of the best. Bastion and Old Glory are both new options that nail the high-low mix of top-shelf cocktails paired with bar snacks like nachos. If you're feeling indecisive, head to Bastion for a new-fashioned old-fashioned with the liquor of your choice; if you're feeling adventurous, Old Glory's drinks have ingredients that run the gamut from beet infusions to Greek yogurt (sometimes together).

Where to Buy Souvenirs Hatch Show Print sells letterpress printed postcards and posters that have been used as advertising materials for everything from lectures at libraries to headline shows at the Grand Ole Opry for more than a century. You can watch the printing process in real time as you shop.

Where to Buy a Little Something for Yourself White's Mercantile is a postmodern general store on the edge of 12 South neighborhood. Imagine a dry goods store where every item, no matter how basic, was made of the absolute finest materials: The deodorant has natural eucalyptus, ginger, and rosemary; the doggie beds from organic cotton. The store also holds yoga classes and the occasional jewelry-making workshop, making it as much experience as shop.

Where to Spot a Celebrity Nashvillians are noted for treating their celebrity neighbors as, well...neighbors. This lack of fawning attention and autograph hounding means you might very well spot Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman sharing a plate at the dining counter at Whole Foods or Taylor Swift taking a trail walk in Percy Warner Park.

The Sporting Event That Is So Nashville Take in a minor league baseball game at First American Park, home of the Nashville Sounds, and you can track the balls and strikes on the stadium’s iconic guitar-shaped scoreboard and enjoy a frozen whiskey drink at The Band Box in right field.

The Outfit Everyone Seems to Be Wearing (and Where to Get It) For the bachelorette party set, sundresses and cowboy boots are still de rigueur, even during the chillier months. Nashville native Reese Witherspoon's 12 South boutique, Draper James will set you up—you may even spot Witherspoon herself, who's been known to stop by occasionally to visit with her fans and customers. Lower Broad is full of discount boot stores, or you can splurge on a custom pair by Texas outfitter Lucchese, which has an outpost in the Gulch.

Two Old Hippies in the kind of Gulch store we love.

The Best Neighborhood for a Walkabout Super-hip East Nashville sometimes gets called the Brooklyn of Music City, but this neighborhood has a singular, hard-earned charm. Start in the Five Points area packed with bars and shops, then head east on Woodland or north on Gallatin to see more of what this 'hood has to offer (like a lot of good craft beer).

Where We Go to Hear Live Music Right Now The Ascend Amphitheatre is attracting new acts like Eric Church and Old Crow Medicine Show as well as nostalgic tours by Earth, Wind & Fire, Peter Frampton, and Cheap Trick. They all play big open-air shows against a beautiful backdrop of downtown Nashville.

The Local Trend Everyone Is Talking About Everyone already knows about Nashville's music and food chops—but the fashion scene is particularly hot right now, thanks to designers making an impact on runways around the world. Project Runway alum Amanda Valentine produces her own fashion line out of a studio in a converted factory, while brands like imogene + willie and Otis James are making names for themselves with custom denim and bow ties, respectively.

The Local Trend Everyone Loves to Hate While some residents might grumble about the growth of Airbnb and VRBO listings, those rentals sure have made it easier for visitors to experience other neighborhoods in Nashville that aren’t only near downtown or the airport. Don’t let the lack of hotel rooms deter you from staying in fun and funky neighborhoods like East Nashville or Germantown.

The Views of the City We Love Most Fans of the Nashville TV series think that the only reason locals meet on the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge linking East Nashville with downtown is for conspiratorial tête-à-têtes. The truth is that the span offers dramatic views of the riverfront and the sparkling neon skyline of Lower Broad.

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The ultimate musical pilgrimage. Attracting country fans and wannabe songwriters for a century, a new wave of bars, breweries and boutique hotels has left Nashville sounding fresher than ever.

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Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

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This monumental museum, reflecting the near-biblical importance of country music to Nashville's soul, is a must-see whether you're a country music fan or…

Historic RCA Studio B

One of Music Row's most historic studios, this is where Elvis, the Everly Brothers and Dolly Parton all recorded numerous hits. The latter did a little…

Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art

Cheekwood is a botanical garden with an arty inclination, just southwest of downtown Nashville. The numerous gardens combine themes (Japanese, water,…

Natchez Trace Parkway

A beautiful day trip or extended road trip from Nashville, the Natchez Trace Parkway runs for 444 miles through three states until reaching its eponymous…

National Museum of African American Music

The National Museum of African American Music tells the story of the impact that African American culture has had on music around the world, from gospel to…

Grand Ole Opry House

This unassuming modern brick building seats 4400 for the Grand Ole Opry multiple times per week. Daytime backstage guided tours are offered every 15…

Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge

For a photogenic view of this graceful double-arch bridge, pull into the Birdsong Hollow overlook, about 4 miles south of the northern terminus of the…

Cumberland Park

This 6.5-acre park hugs the Cumberland River's eastern bank across from downtown. For kids, there's a climbing wall and an innovative washboard play area…

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15 essential nashville experiences.

Prince's Hot Chicken South

If you're looking for the heat that started the hot-chicken craze in Nashville, make your way to Prince's. Take your pick of heat, then sit back and let…

Radnor Lake State Park

It's hard to imagine that this beautiful lake is artificial, but so it is, built by a railway company in 1914 and handed over to public use in 1973. These…

Warner Parks

Opened in 1927 and named after two local park commissioners, Percy (the larger) and Edwin (the smaller) Warner Parks are where Nashvillians come to enjoy…

Bluebird Cafe

It's in a strip mall in suburban South Nashville, but don't let that fool you: some of the best original singer-songwriters in country music have graced…

Behind a nondescript sliding door hides this choose-your-own-adventure foodie dreamland. Chef Josh Habiger (Catbird Seat, Patterson House) has cultivated…

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Gaylord Opryland Resort

This whopping 2888-room hotel is a universe unto itself, the largest non-casino resort in the USA. Why set foot outdoors when you can ride a flatboat…

Fort Negley

In 1862 Union forces captured Nashville, an important transportation hub linking rivers, turnpikes and railroads, and built this fort using a conscripted…

Built in 1897 to celebrate the state of Tennessee's centenary, Nashville's Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the Ancient Greece original, with a jaw…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Neighborhoods

There's more to Music City than the lively bars on Broadway. Here's everything you need to know about the best neighborhoods in Nashville.

From sampling Tennessee whiskey to exploring an underground sea, these are the best day trips from Nashville.

Transportation

Car-oriented Nashville has limited public transit between neighborhoods. But the city is walkable once you arrive where you want to be.

Free Things to Do

From exploring city parks to listening to live music performances, here are the best free things to do when you're in Nashville.

In between shows in Music City, drop into these unique retailers for vintage, just the right book and more.

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In Nashville, Boisterous Fun and Decadent Eating

With the opening of a big African American music museum, new retro bowling halls and a ramped-up food scene, Nashville just kept on growing over the last two years. A visitors’ guide.

By Colleen Creamer

As the weather warms, travelers anxious to get back to honky-tonkin’ in Nashville can expect not only to find things much as they were prepandemic — Tootsies Orchid Lounge , Legends Corner and Robert’s Western World are still cranking out boisterous fun along Lower Broadway — but also a vertiginous number of new restaurants, hotels and music venues. They will also find one of the most impactful music museums to open anywhere in decades: the National Museum of African American Music .

There were losses, of course, such as the closing of Douglas Corner, the well-known music venue, and Rotier’s Restaurant, but venerated country music draws like the Ryman Auditorium , the Grand Ole Opry House and the small-but-mighty singer/songwriter venue, The Bluebird Cafe , made it through, as did most Nashville restaurants.

Indeed, according to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp . (NCVC) the city added a staggering 197 new restaurants, bars and coffee shops; a couple of jazzy retro bowling alleys; and 23 hotels in 2020 and 2021.

“I think we are one of the very few destinations that kept building while everything was shut down,” said Deana Ivey, the president of the NCVC. “We have more music, more restaurants, more hotels and a growing arts and fashion scene. If the early numbers we’ve received for March are correct, then March will be the best month in the city’s history.” As an indicator, she said, the preliminary number for hotel rooms sold in March 2022 was 7.6 percent higher than March 2019.

Currently, according to the NCVC, vaccination and masking requirements are being left up to businesses, and a number of music venues are requiring proof of a negative Covid-19 test, so visitors should contact those venues directly.

Culture and revelry

Nashville’s newest cultural gem, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), opened last year at the long-planned 5th + Broadway , a complex of restaurants, shops, offices and residential space across the street from the Ryman Auditorium. The museum aims to tell the comprehensive story of African American music’s influence on American culture. Museum designers have done a noteworthy job of laying out the intersectionality of varying genres in the 56,000-square-foot facility where videos of musicians are in constant rotation.

Numerous artifacts on display include B.B. King’s guitar “Lucille,” George Clinton’s wig and robe, and a microphone used by Billie Holiday. Storytelling is partitioned into six main rooms, five dedicated to specific genres, including R&B, hip-hop, gospel, jazz and blues, with rock ’n’ roll mingled throughout. The main gallery, Rivers of Rhythm, ties it all together within the context of American history. The museum also informs visitors that Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard and Etta James all spent time singing and playing in Nashville.

In the revelry lane, Nashville now has two venues with a common theme, Brooklyn Bowl Nashville , in the Germantown neighborhood, and Eastside Bowl , in Madison. Both claim a stylish 1970s décor and vibe that combine bowling with a restaurant/bar/music experience. The music venue at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, based on the original Brooklyn Bowl in, well, Brooklyn, seats 1,200. Jimmy Fallon hopped onstage in February to join the local Grateful Dead cover band The Stolen Faces , and Grand Ole Opry’s new inductee, Lauren Alaina , recently played; Neko Case is scheduled for August.

Over in Madison, Eastside Bowl, which seats 750, is also bringing in respected talent. The singer-songwriter Joshua Hedley performed in April, and the Steepwater Band rockers are scheduled for May. Eastside Bowl has regular bowling and “HyperBowling,” a cross between pinball and bowling with a reactive bumper used to navigate the ball. The food includes the much-missed shepherd’s pie from the Family Wash, an Eastside institution that closed in 2018.

Eat and sleep

Nashville fans coming back to the city for the first time in two years will find a food scene still ramping up at breakneck speed with the chef and founder of Husk , Sean Brock, doing some heavy lifting. In 2020, he opened Joyland , a burgers and fried chicken joint, and, on the other end of the spectrum, the Continental , an old-school, fine-dining restaurant in the new Grand Hyatt Nashville . Recent dishes there included tilefish with crispy potatoes, leeks and watercress, and an unforgettable whipped rice pudding with lemon dulce de leche and rice cream enveloped in a sweet crisp. Last fall, Mr. Brock launched his flagship restaurant, Audrey , in East Nashville, which centers on his Appalachian roots; upstairs his high-concept restaurant, June , is where he hosts “The Nashville Sessions,” which highlight tasting menus created by notable chefs.

Other renowned chefs are finding a place in Nashville. The French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten developed the concept for the new restaurant Drusie & Darr at the recently renovated Hermitage Hotel , and the James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini has brought in Music City outposts of New York’s The Dutch and Carne Mare , both at the newly installed hotel W Nashville in the Gulch neighborhood. Others are adding on; RJ Cooper, also a James Beard winner, launched Acqua , next door to his swanky Saint Stephen in Germantown last month.

For both locals and travelers, the opening of a second Pancake Pantry downtown is relieving fans of having to wait in line at the Hillsboro Village location for the shop’s made-from-scratch flapjacks (their heavenly sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon-cream syrup come to mind). Similarly, the much-applauded Arnold’s Country Kitchen on 8th Avenue South now has a night and weekend schedule to accommodate the usual crush of meat-and-three fans. Cheering things up on the West End Corridor is the historic and colorful Elliston Place Soda Shop , back after relocating to 2105 Elliston Place. The ice-cream shop had been in operation for over 80 years right next door, and now has a polished-up menu, a full bar and, you guessed it, a stage for live music.

Certainly, there won’t be a dearth of accommodations for visitors any time soon. The city added 4,248 hotel rooms over the last two years. The 130-room, hipster-forward Moxy Nashville Vanderbilt is the first hotel ever to open in cozy Hillsboro Village, and the massive new luxury monolith, the Grand Hyatt Nashville , downtown has one of the highest rooftop bars in the city, along with seven restaurants.

On the extreme luxe side (think “curated pillow menu” and original art in each room) the Joseph , which began taking reservations on Korean Veterans Boulevard in mid-2020, brought in the Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano to oversee the food at the hotel’s restaurant Yolan .

Some losses

Nashville’s gains over the past two years did not come without some collective gasps at the losses. The popular Sutler Saloon in the Melrose neighborhood announced in March that it would be shutting down. The closing, also in March, of the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, a country music institution on Lower Broadway, surprised the city, as did the closing of Douglas Corner after 33 years of helping launch some careers (Trisha Yearwood, and Alan Jackson, for starters). The beloved Rotier’s Restaurant, which had operated off West End Avenue since 1945 will also be missed, and the George Jones Museum, which had only been in operation downtown for six years, shut down in 2021, citing the pandemic. Finally, after being a generator of family memories for generations, Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theater called it quits in 2020.

Still, it seems every day in Nashville there is fresh news about a restaurant, cafe or honky-tonk swinging open its doors. Just this month, Garth Brook s announced that he had purchased a property on Lower Broadway, and teased the name of his future bar on Twitter with a video of his new three-story building and letters slowly spelling out “Friends in Low Places,” one of Mr. Brooks’ finest bar anthems.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

* Though the devastation left behind by a March 2020 tornado lingers in parts of Nashville, much of the city is still open for business. AFAR will continue to update the destination guide over the coming months to include the new openings and renovations. * While the charms of Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville may beckon visitors with live music and honky tonks lit by neon moons, venture beyond this flashy tourist area to explore Nashville’s eclectic neighborhoods. From bohemian East Nashville, to the posh mansions of Belle Meade, to a lively college culture in Hillsboro Village, each pocket offers a local flavor all its own. Cultural and historical attractions are spread out over hundreds of square miles, with plenty of open space in over 100 city parks in Davidson County and several Tennessee state parks worth a day trip.

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Can’t miss things to do in Nashville

Catch a show at historic venues like the landmark Ryman Auditorium; as the original home of the Grand Ole Opry and the birthplace of bluegrass, it is known as the “Mother Church of Country Music.” Alternatively, enjoy a more intimate performance at the tiny Bluebird Cafe. Gain a deeper understanding of music’s roots across a variety of genres at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. See the visual side of music at Hatch Show Print, a letterpress for show posters for over 130 years, or tour United Record Pressing, one of only a dozen remaining companies that press vinyl records. Beyond the music world, the Hermitage estate of Andrew Jackson and the Belle Meade Mansion will take you further back in time to Nashville before the Civil War.

Food and drink to try in Nashville

Nashville loves celebrating the juxtaposition of high and low culture, especially at the table. Ask a local where to eat, and you might get a recommendation for the daily tasting menu at The Catbird Seat in the same breath as for Arnold’s Country Kitchen, a classic Nashville diner. Regardless of price point, the best restaurants draw from the area’s agrarian roots, whether it’s the modern peasant cuisine of Rolf and Daughters, the menu of Italian inflected with Southern American at City House, or the daily plate lunches at Husk. Don’t miss Nashville’s culinary claim to fame, cayenne-fried hot chicken, at the joints that made it famous, like Prince’s Hot Chicken; more modern interpretations can be sampled at Hattie B’s.

Culture in Nashville

Nashville has big-city fun but with small-town heart. Locals have a reputation for their traditional Southern hospitality, even as the city grows by leaps and bounds. While new restaurants and condo developments seem to spring up daily, the city keeps a casual and friendly vibe. The music business has been drawing creative types for decades, but not just to perform. Designers, entrepreneurs, engineers, and writers have entered the mix, while chefs, artisans, immigrant business owners, and artists enhance a culture that supports and celebrates collaboration.

Nashville’s creative spirit has given life to a variety of local handcrafted products, making for many authentic souvenirs. Marathon Village, downtown, was once a factory for Marathon Motor Cars but now plays host to unique stores like Antique Archaeology, home base for TV’s American Pickers. Find treasures such as leather goods at Emil Erwin, handmade ties by Otis James, gourmet treats at The Bang Candy Company, sweets from the Goo Goo Dessert Bar, and Corsair Artisan Distillery’s craft spirits. Across town around 12th Avenue South, dress up in Imogene + Willie jeans and Savant Vintage clothing, listen in at Corner Music and Forks Drum Closet, and browse swank gifts at White’s Mercantile, owned by Hank Williams’ granddaughter Holly.

Practical Information

You’ll find all four seasons in the capital city of Tennessee, with hot summers and cold winters, making it best to plan visits for spring or fall. Buses can shuttle you around downtown, but a rental car is best to explore the city. Taxis are easy to find at the airport and downtown, and on-demand ride sharing and car services such as Lyft and Uber are also good modes of transport. Bikes can be rented from stations throughout the city with B-cycle and GreenBikes. Nashville has a population of over 600,000, with around 1.7 million in the greater metropolitan Middle Tennessee area.

Guide Editor

Jennifer Justus Nashville Local Expert

17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nashville, TN

Written by Bryan Dearsley , Colin J. McMechan and Catherine Hawkins Updated Mar 18, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and is centrally located in the state along the Cumberland River. One of Nashville's top attractions—a replica of the Parthenon—along with its many universities and colleges has earned it the nickname the "Athens of the South."

Nashville began building its reputation as the capital of country music around 100 years ago with the creation of the radio station dedicated to the Grand Ole Opry. The city is now home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Music Row . One of the most popular music-themed walks is the Music City Walk of Fame located on Nashville's "Music Mile."

Keep walking to one of Nashville's greenway trails that includes spans over the Cumberland River: John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge. Another popular attraction and wandering place is Bicentennial Capitol Mall. Grab a beverage and pastry from the adjacent Nashville Farmers' Market.

The city is a jumping-off point to explore the rest of Tennessee. Many historical attractions, including old plantations and Civil War sites, are no more than a half-hour drive away. Numerous hiking trails around Nashville offer a chance to get active.

Learn about the best places to visit with our list of attractions and things to do in Nashville.

See also: Where to Stay in Nashville

1. Grand Ole Opry

2. country music hall of fame & museum, 3. ryman auditorium, 4. make the scene in downtown nashville, 5. learn about the man in black at johnny cash museum, 6. belle meade historic site, 7. groove in glorious gardens at gaylord opryland resort, 8. andrew jackson's hermitage, 9. nashville parthenon, 10. rca studio b, 11. visit exotic friends at nashville zoo, 12. cheekwood estate and gardens, 13. make a recording at musicians hall of fame and museum, 14. belmont mansion, 15. tennessee state museum, 16. view vintage cars at lane motor museum, 17. cruise on the general jackson showboat, where to stay in nashville for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to nashville, best time of year to visit nashville.

The Grand Ole Opry radio show is the longest-running radio program in the United States . Since its first broadcast in 1925, the Opry has presented more than 5,000 shows. It continues to contribute to Nashville's identity as Music City.

In 1974, the venue for the show shifted from the Ryman Auditorium to the 4,000-seat Grand Ole Opry House northeast of downtown. Throughout its history, performers have entertained fans of country, bluegrass, gospel, and old-time music, along with popular music and comedy.

Join in the fun by attending one of the broadcasts. Purchase your Grand Ole Opry Show Admission Ticket in Nashville in advance to assure your seat and free parking in nearby Opry Mills Mall. Consider a scheduled backstage tour to experience the bright lights of show business from a different angle. The Grand Ole Opry House Guided Backstage Tour in Nashville is your VIP pass.

Address: 600 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, Tennessee

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is located in the heart of downtown. The tall windows of this striking building cleverly resemble the keys of a piano.

The museum features a multimedia display of historical performances, costumes, instruments, gold records, and memorabilia. Other highlights include a Cadillac that belonged to Elvis, a massive 40-foot guitar, a tour bus, and a recording booth. Guided tours of the nearby historic RCA Studio B are also available.

Tour yourself through the museum and enhance the experience with the audio backup of stars such as Dolly Parton. Visit a replica of a tour bus to record your own country music song. And look for the gold record of your favorite bestselling country music album from the thousands on display along many walls.

Address: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S., Nashville, Tennessee

The Ryman Auditorium , home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, is still being used to host broadcasts of the famous radio show. Originally opened in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, the Ryman offers superior acoustics for regular performances of classical and bluegrass music, musical theater, and television shows.

The Ryman is often referred to as the " Carnegie Hall of the South ." Located just off Honky Tonk Row, the auditorium features a museum with exhibits related to its rich musical past. Guided and self-guided tours are available. Try your hand at cutting a record of your own in the Air Castle Studio. Fun backstage tours are available but book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Address: 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Nashville, Tennessee

In the heart of every city are areas that have become a destination. Manhattan has Midtown, Miami has Little Havana, and Music City has Downtown Nashville.

Many of the go-to music attractions in the city are located in Downtown Nashville: Ryman Auditorium, Honky Tonk Row, museums honoring the best-known country music performers such as Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Broadway is the hub for nightlife in this neon-lit district, where live country music wafts out into the street.

While strolling through Downtown Nashville and experiencing its contemporary tourist attractions, you are following in the footsteps of the city's past. Evidence of the earliest settlers can be found along the shores of the Cumberland River at Fort Nashborough , which offers self-guided tours. The views in Downtown Nashville feature landmarks that you can see from the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.

Johnny Cash, known as the "Man in Black," had a hardscrabble life that he surmounted to win the Grammy award 13 times (and earn an impressive 35 nominations!), becoming one of the most beloved stars of country music. Visit the museum in his honor in downtown Nashville.

Among the exhibits, the museum features handwritten lyrics for two of the most famous of the 1,500 songs Cash recorded: "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk the Line." Johnny Cash's costumes, instruments, letters, artwork, marriage licenses, and songs are on display. There's also a museum store, where you can buy souvenirs, and a café next door, where you can buy whatever you need to fuel an extra hour of touring the museum.

Consider a trip upstairs to visit the Patsy Cline Museum . View videos, memorabilia, and personal items of this gifted country music star. Her career as a country music star tragically ended in a plane crash when she was only 30.

Address: 119 3rd Ave. S. Nashville, Tennessee

Constructed in the mid-19th century, the Belle Meade Mansion is designed in the Greek-Revival style and surrounded by what remains of the former antebellum plantation. During the two-day Civil War Battle of Nashville in 1864, Union and Confederate forces fought on the front yard of the mansion. Evidence of gunfire can still be seen in its tall stone columns.

Guided tours are available, including one that's devoted to telling the history of the estate from the perspective of the slaves forced to work and live here. Attend one of the culinary experiences and seasonal programs offered at Belle Meade. Explore the plantation stables, gardens, and grounds. If time allows, be sure to grab a bite to eat at the on-site Belle Meade Meat & Three restaurant (a popular spot for lunch), or an ice cream at the Coop N' Scoop, located in a 160-year-old chicken coop. Belle Meade Historic Site is nine miles from downtown.

Address: 110 Leake Ave., Nashville, Tennessee

You don't need to be staying at the Gaylord Opryland Resort to enjoy its most famous asset: its collection of 50,000 tropical plants, many of which are rare international specimens. This magnificent exhibition is a visual and olfactory feast, housed on nine acres of indoor space and tended by 20 full-time horticulturalists.

One-fifth of the collection is in the Garden Conservatory, which features palms and banana trees 60 feet tall. These plants were so tall, they had to be installed in the glass-topped atrium before its construction.

Florida was the source of more than 8,000 tropical ornamentals chosen for the Cascades Atrium. You'll find a 40-foot palm tree, and ginger bushes as tall as the average man.

Delta Atrium, the third large garden, ushers you into a zone of subtropical plants that you can explore in a delta flatboat. Pass beneath the Wishing Banyan tree and make a wish. Admire exotics such as black olive trees and mahoganies dripping with Spanish moss, more than 100 palm trees, banana trees, gardenias, and camellias. Marvel at the entrance to the Delta Mansion, glorified by two 40-foot Southern magnolias.

Address: 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee

The Hermitage was the home of America's seventh president, Andrew Jackson . The estate is one of the most picturesque spots in Nashville. Located 14 miles from downtown, the Hermitage was originally constructed in 1819 and rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1834.

Visitors to the Hermitage experience the place as it would have looked when Jackson lived here from 1837 to 1845. The mansion includes a museum with exhibits of Jackson's private and public lives.

Participate in a formal guided tour of the property. Other fun activities include draft horse-powered wagon rides and themed events such as ghost tours. The grounds are well-maintained and include the burial site of Jackson and his wife. Visit the nearby Tulip Grove mansion, the one-time home of family members Emily and Andrew Jackson Donelson.

Address: 4580 Rachel's Ln., Hermitage, Tennessee

If you're looking for one of the best free things to do in Nasvhille , see the iconic landmark of Nashville , a reproduction of the Parthenon in Athens. Located in Centennial Park and a short walk west of the city center, the original Parthenon replica was built of wood, plaster, and brick in 1897 to commemorate the state's first century. The current full-scale replica of the original Greek temple is made of concrete.

Inside the Parthenon is a permanent art collection of 63 works by 19th- and 20th-century American painters. Admire the 42-foot-high model of the statue of the goddess Athena Parthenos covered with gold leaf. Replicas of the famed 5 th century BCE Parthenon Marbles are also on display.

Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, Tennessee

RCA Studio B is near Music Square in the area known as Music Row . This is the heart and soul of the nation's music industry, and RCA Studio B is its most protected historic landmark. The "home of 1,000 hits" thrived for about 15 years starting in 1957.

This recording facility is credited as the birthplace of the unique "Nashville sound" that defined so many big hits of the 1950s and 1960s. While the site closed as a recording studio in 1977, it has become a teaching facility. Visitors come on scheduled tours arranged by RCA Studio B's owner, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Address: 1611 Roy Acuff Place, Nashville, Tennessee

The Nashville Zoo is a great place for tourists to visit with children. Explore the plains of Africa, delve into the rainforests of South America, and discover the many animals of Asia. More than 3,000 animals from 350 species can be viewed, including clouded leopards, Baird's tapirs, toucans, and Sumatran tigers. Animals at Nashville Zoo reside in habitats that represent their natural environments.

Lorikeet Landing allows you to enter an aviary and be surrounded by around 85 Australian parrots. Come to the zoo to ride the Wild Animal Carousel and Wilderness Express Train. Kids naturally know what to do on the zoo's large Jungle Gym, where they slide, swing, climb, crawl, and explore. The Soaring Eagle Zip Line takes your visit to the zoo to new heights.

Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, Tennessee

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is a sumptuous 55-acre haven of peace and grace. This elegant park-like setting is a tranquil place to visit on a sunny day. Galleries of contemporary art in the historic mansion exemplify the Cheekwood's commitment to the arts and arts preservation.

After your tour of the mansion and the Cheekwood's indoor collection, step onto the Sculpture Trail to experience creatively landscaped installations, including "The Glass Bridge for Nashville." Marvel at the diversity of garden designs and influences and range of trees and shrubs, especially when flowering in season.

This historic attraction also hosts regular music performances, including an "under the stars" concert series in the summertime.

Address: 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, Tennessee

Not to be confused with the Country Music Hall of Fame is the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum , which honors the musical heroes who helped to create the stars . These talented session artists hail from Nashville, Motown, Muscle Shoals, New York, Los Angeles, and recording studios.

Along with their instruments, these are the fellows that made the hits happen. That's why there's so much emphasis at this 30,000-square-foot museum on the presentation of studios, stages, and guitars.

View the studio where Elvis recorded hits such as In the Ghetto . Behold the stage where young Jimi Hendrix performed, as well as one of his guitars. See guitars played by Glen Campbell, who was a session musician before he became a star. Other instruments on display were played by Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, and Elton John.

If you're into the process that creates superstars of all musical stripes, you can happily learn and experiment at this interactive museum. Here you can try things out–from mixing music and trying out instruments to making your own recording.

Address: 401 Gay Street, Nashville, Tennessee

Built in the 1850s, the Belmont Mansion is the largest antebellum house in Tennessee. It is considered one of the finest mansions of its kind in the United States. Many rooms have been preserved with much of their original décor and furnishings. Designed in the style of an Italian villa, the mansion features elaborate gardens with outbuildings. Belmont also has permanent art exhibits.

Entering Belmont Mansion, the historic splendor of the building is enhanced by furniture, paintings, and original statues by American artists. Following a guided introduction, you are free to explore the mansion on your own.

During the holidays, one of the top things to do at Belmont is attending its Christmas Tour. You'll get to see the mansion dressed up in Victorian decorations and learn about 19th-century holiday traditions.

Address: Belmont Blvd. & Acklen Ave., Nashville, Tennessee

Learn more about the rich history of Tennessee's social and natural history at the Tennessee State Museum . Located adjacent to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, this spacious state-of-the-art museum covers an area of 137,000 square feet that efficiently accommodates the large collection of original items, interactive exhibits, and multimedia displays.

The museum's diverse collections are considered the "Smithsonian of Tennessee" and filled with artifacts relating to the state's role in the Civil War, including period weapons and furniture. There's also a vast collection of artworks and paintings, in addition to displays related to music and musicians. Notable features that bring the state's past to life include a theater, an education and learning center, and on-site gift shop.

Address: 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, Tennessee

Lane Motor Museum showcases a large collection of vehicles, most of which are from Europe, but also includes exhibits from Japan and the United States. The collection includes the tiniest French-made minicar, with room for only one person and requiring no driver's license. Among vintage cars, there are streamlined Adler coupes dating back to the 1930s. The motorcycle collection includes a 1964 folding scooter.

The museum is not just a space for displaying vehicles. It's a showplace for vehicles that have been restored, as closely as possible, to their original condition. The museum also put its engineering expertise into creating a replica of one of the most unusual cars ever made–a 1933 Dymaxion. The brainchild of Buckminster Fuller, designer of the geodesic dome, this streamlined vehicle is so unusual, it looks like it could power an extra-terrestrial. Only three prototypes were ever produced.

The museum displays about 150 vehicles from its collection of more than 580. To view some of the other cars, consider hopping on one of the guided vault tours on the weekends.

Address: 702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, Tennessee

The General Jackson Showboat is the modern version of the 1800s classic four-deck paddle-wheel steamship. This showboat is a great way to get your country music fix while cruising on the Cumberland River.

If you're looking for fun things to do in Nashville at night, this pleasant outing offers a unique view of the cityscape from the water. A highlight is passing under the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.

Simplify your planning by booking the General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville . Everything is included: Southern cooking during a lunch or dinner cruise, onboard entertainment, and unsurpassed views of Nashville and the Cumberland River.

Address: 2812 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee

Downtown Nashville beats with a country heart, and this is where first-time visitors will want to stay. This area is home to music venues, the historic 2nd Ave, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, the world-famous Ryman Auditorium, and Printer's Alley. At the southern end of downtown, sports fans will find Bridgestone Arena. Below are some highly rated hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• Nashville's The Hermitage Hotel , housed in a Beaux Arts building dating from 1908, is right by the State Capitol and offers an experience in grandeur from the turn of the century.
• Opened in late 2022, the Four Seasons is one of Nashville's newest five-star properties. Its large suites are outfitted with music-inspired touches, like lamps that resemble recording studio microphones. It offers packages that immerse tourists in Nashville's music scene.
• Next door to the Bridgestone Arena and steps to Ryman Auditorium, the recently renovated all-suite Hilton Nashville Downtown offers large rooms, and may be a good option for families.
• Fully integrated with the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Omni Nashville Hotel is well located just a short stroll from the hip and lively Broadway Avenue.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Mid-range hotels tend to be clustered near Vanderbilt University, an easy drive two miles southwest of downtown on Broadway Avenue. This is a nice area, with lots of parks and The Parthenon historical site, a full replica of the original Greek Athenian Temple. Great for families, the Homewood Suites Nashville Vanderbilt offers full kitchens. This hotel has an indoor pool.
• Another all-suite option is the Home2 Suites by Hilton , located in the same area and offering similar amenities.
• The Hilton Garden Inn Nashville/Vanderbilt has standard rooms, a fitness center, and an indoor pool.

Budget Hotels :

• The fully-renovated Red Roof PLUS+ Nashville Airport offers decent rooms and a shuttle to/from the airport. A convenient base for the budget-minded is the area near the airport. It's a straight shot down Interstate 40, seven miles from the attractions downtown
• A few miles farther out, and featuring an outdoor pool, is the Sleep Inn .
• Just across the street is La Quinta Inn & Suites Nashville Airport , with basic rooms and an outdoor pool at a fair price. Surrounding both hotels is a good selection of chain restaurants.

City Sightseeing :

• Depending on your schedule, you can choose between a morning or afternoon departure for the half-day Discover Nashville tour, which packs in all the city's top attractions in a 3.5-hour tour. Music Row, Riverfront Park, and the Tennessee State Capitol are included on the itinerary, and the cost includes admission to Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
• If you prefer to do things at your own pace, opt for a Nashville Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour . This handy option allows you to stop wherever you choose, and spend as long as you like exploring favorite attractions including Music Row, the Parthenon at Centennial Park, and Vanderbilt University, all accompanied by a guide's informative commentary.
• When you're on a tight schedule or just want to get your bearings at the start of your visit to Music City, opt for the one-hour Best of Nashville City Tour on a Double Decker Bus . This tour will zip you by 100 of the top landmarks and attractions, and offers live commentary by your driver.

Helicopter Tour :

• Fly above the skyscrapers and crowds on Honky Tonk Row while scanning the city like an eagle in the Helicopter Tour of Downtown Nashville . During the 15-minute ride, you learn about Music City from your pilot while experiencing Nashville in your own whirlybird.

The spring and fall are the best times of the year to visit Nashville , when the weather is pleasant and the temperatures are comfortable. You will also encounter slightly fewer tourists on either side of the booming summer season, which can be a relief for those who want to avoid crowds.

Fewer tourists also means more availability for tickets to high-demand places like the Grand Ole Opry , and easier access to other music venues. Hotel rates will be slightly lower in the spring and fall than they are in the summer when prices are inflated.

During the spring and fall, weather is nice enough to go to the many outdoor concerts around the city and enjoy patio dining at local restaurants. Spring is the start of fun free outdoor events , like Musicians Corner with live music at Centennial Park, and outdoor concert dates continue into the fall.

If you cannot decide between spring and fall, it is best to scout out the Nashville festival scene and pick dates based on what strikes your interest.

While summer has some exciting events in Nashville like the CMA-festival, if you are not going for a specific reason during this window of time then it is best not to. Summers in Nashville are sweltering. In contrast, the spring and fall temperatures average in the 70s.

Even in the more comfortable months there can be occasional unpredictable storms and high humidity, so it's a good idea to pack for a range of weather conditions.

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Popular Nashville Day Trips : When you're done exploring Nashville, be sure to spend at least a little time exploring the surrounding area. Top-rated day trips within an easy drive include a visit to the Carter House and Carnton Plantation, as well as the Historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation, both of which became famous as battlegrounds during the Civil War.

Another great destination with a rich musical history, Memphis is perhaps most famous as the home of Elvis Presley's Graceland. Memphis is also famous for its fun Beale Street Entertainment District, as well as the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.

The Great Outdoors : For a fun back-to-nature experience, head to the Smoky Mountains , home to the country's most visited national park. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, biking, camping and white water rafting. And if fishing's your thing, Tennessee is famous for its superlative fly fishing , boasting an impressive 22,000 miles of streams and some 29 reservoirs in which to cast a line.

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Home » North America » USA » Nashville

The BEST Nashville Travel Guide (+ Budget Tips • 2024)

If you love live music and partying like a rock star, then you’d better get your ass to Nashville.

While it’s a city best known as the “Country Music Capital of the World,” the capital of Tennessee attracts much more than country music. On any given night out in Music City , you’re just as likely to find live hip hop, rock, or electronic music as you are country.

Of course, country music is definitely still a cornerstone of local Nashville culture. With sights such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum , Nashville is the perfect place to learn all about this famous style of American music.

Obviously, this is the best Nashville travel guide. So I’m going to dish all the info on Country music – and all music for that matter – along with Nashville budget travel tips, and some killer itineraries.

We’ll take a look at the best things to do in Nashville, plan out an awesome weekend itinerary, and share some insider tips about how to stretch your budget in Nashville TN.

Ready to plan a Music City getaway?

Let’s rock!

Why Visit Nashville?

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In the last decade, Nashville has become one of the trendiest places to visit while traveling in the United States . The music industry isn’t the only player in town these days, as Nashville is now home to substantial tech, automotive, health care, and tourism industries as well.

This new boom has made Nashville one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Add that to the city’s awesome sport and culinary scenes, and you have yourself one of the best places to visit in the US . Get ready to set your taste buds ablaze with some Nashville hot chicken before you cool down with a beer at a hockey game.

And yes, with so many musicians and live music venues in town, it should come as no surprise that Nashville is a city that likes to get down . Whether you’re “honky-tonking” up Broadway, sampling a flight in a craft brewery, or slamming down whiskey drinks in a dive bar in East Nashville, you’re bound to have a good time in Music City.

What are the Major Attractions in Nashville?

There are a TON of places to visit in Nashville that will surely keep you entertained for days. With some of the best entertainment in the country, insane street art, and tantalizing food, Nashville is one of the top spots for a quick getaway.

While I always recommend getting off the beaten path, here are a few Nashville tourist attractions that you just can’t miss. They’re famous for a reason, right?

• Country Music Hall of Fame
• Centennial Park and Parthenon
• The Grand Ole Opry
• Hattie B’s

How Long to Spend in Nashville?

Nashville is the perfect place for a short and sweet getaway. 3 days is an ideal amount of time to stay in Nashville , though you can make it 5 if you’d like to spend more time on daytime attractions, catch a game, or just have another Honky Tonks type of night.

What makes Nashville stand out from other US cities is that a lot of its most famous attractions are close together, and the city actually has affordable public transit.

This means you can pack a LOT into 3 days in this Southern city, and even more into 5. A week might be too much unless you’re a major music fan that is!

With 3 days in Nashville, you can cover some serious ground. That’s just enough time to hit a lot of Music City’s highlights during the day and then rock out and party down at night.

Here’s a short and sweet Nashville travel itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.

Day 1 in Nashville: A Very Tennessee Day

On day 1 of your Nashville adventure, check into your accommodation and then head over to the Tennessee State Capitol.

While you’re over here, you might as well check out the Tennessee State Museum . To get there, just walk from the Capitol through the park.

Just across the street from the museum is an area known as Germantown . It’s the perfect place to take a break and get your quick caffeine fix at one of the many coffee shops.

Alright, kids, now that you’ve got some quality coffee in you, it’s back to business. It’s your first night in Nashville, which means it’s time to set your taste buds on fire with some Nashville hot chicken.

I’m not going to proclaim to be a chicken expert, but I do know that Hattie B’s is a top-notch choice for the fiery fowl.

Warning: even the medium is fucking hot . Unless you want to spend the next two days on the toilet, I wouldn’t recommend going any levels above that for your first time!

You won’t be the only person wanting some hot chicken on a Friday night, so expect to wait a while. I suggest putting your order in and then heading next door to the nearby Broadway Brewhouse to try their famous Bushwackers – a delicious frozen drink that’s kind of like a Mudslide, but way better.

With some hot chicken and a Bushwacker or two in you, I’d say you’re ready to party NashVegas style. It’s kind of a tourist zoo and not exactly my cup of tea, but I’m still going to point you in the direction of Broadway for your first night out on the town. Go get liquored up, ride mechanical bulls, and dance on tables.

You won’t be the only one doing it!

Day 2 in Nashville: Exploring Downtown

On day 2 of this Nashville travel guide, it’s time to hit the streets and see what Downtown Nashville has to offer.

Start at Bridgestone Arena downtown, home to the Nashville Predators. While you’re there, you might as well drop into the visitor center which has a bunch of free maps and brochures that can help you plan your walking tour around the city.

It being Music City and all, you might also want to drop into Ernest Tubb Record Shop to pick up some new tunes to bring home.

First, check out the Country Music Hall of Fame . It’s worth it to pay the extra two bucks to get the audio guide in this huge museum.

Next up, be sure to take a stroll through Music Row towards the Music City Walk of Fame Park in the Nashville Music Garden . The star-studded pavement here honors the legends who have contributed to Nashville’s musical history.

…and now it’s time to eat!

Please skip out on the chain restaurants. You didn’t come to Nashville to eat a shitty $20 burger, people. For local eats, make your way to Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint , known for its pit-fired whole hog.

Next, head to Acme Feed & Seed . This multi-level restaurant/bar has a rooftop patio, creative cuisine, tasty cocktails, and live music. It’s the perfect place to grab dinner and drinks and start the night.

On your second night in Nashville, you won’t regret checking out the live music venues!

There’s no better place to feel the iconic vibes of Nashville than the Grand Ole Opry , a historic building that hosts a radio show/live music performance every weekend!

Day 3 in Nashville: Sunday Funday

Chances are you stayed out until 3 AM rocking out, so go ahead and sleep in on your last day in Nashville. If you’re looking for a Sunday brunch, well so are all of the other hungover people in Music City.

In my humble opinion, Pinewood Social is the ideal (and very Instagrammable – if you’re into that) place to indulge in a Nashville brunch.

Next, head over to Centennial Park . This large green oasis in the city has plenty of walking paths, gardens, and even a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, complete with a statue of Athena. It’s the reason for Nashville’s nickname, “The Athens of the South.”

Now it’s time to explore the Belmont Mansion . This historic mansion was built as a summer home for a very wealthy cotton heiress and her husband. Those interested in history, architecture, and art will enjoy taking a tour of this beautiful property.

For your last night in Nashville, it’s time to go out for some classic southern food. Your night shouldn’t be spent anywhere other than Arnold’s Country Kitchen , a long-time Nashville travel guide essential.

They’ve been serving up the classic “Meat & 3” in Music City for over 30 years. That is, you choose a meat dish and then three sides. What’s better than a solid dinner of soul food to wrap up a big weekend in Nashville?

If you’re not in too big of a food coma, the world is your oyster. Even on a Sunday night, people are out and about seeing live music and raging the honky tonk bars in Nashville. Start at the iconic Ryman Auditorium and progress towards bars like Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie and  3rd & Lindsley if you’ve got one more night on the town in ya’.

Spending More Time in Nashville?

If you have more time or flexibility in your schedule, it’s quite the experience to attend a unique-to-Nashville event.

If you’re a sports fan, you may want to check and see if either the Nashville Sounds (minor league baseball) or Predators (NHL) have a home game.

The Sounds play between April and September and have home games very regularly, while the Preds are the opposite, with games between September and April. Chances are one of them will be home while you’re in town.

Nashville also has a pro football team – the Tennessee Titans – but they only have eight home games a year and they’re usually on Sundays. If they happen to be in town on the same weekend as you, I recommend going to the stadium to at least check out the tailgate .

Titan fans sure know how to party, so you’ll have a good time even if you don’t buy a ticket for the game!

Between May and October, you can also catch a show at the awesome Ascend Amphitheatre . It’s one of my favorite outdoor music venues in the US.

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Nashville is one of the best places to visit in the US, and there’s a whole lot to do here! The southern city is bursting with tourist attractions, and historical sites too.

To help you make the most out of your trip, here are the absolute best things to do in Nashville .

1. Indulge in the nightlife

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Nashville knows how to party. The city is full of awesome breweries, dive bars, cocktail lounges, speakeasies, honky tonk bars – you name it, Nashville’s got it.

It’s super touristy, but doing the honky-tonk bar crawl up Broadway can be a lot of fun. After several whiskey drinks, you just might want to get up and dance on the bar at Coyote Ugly . Go ahead, I won’t judge.

2. Hear live music

Without a doubt, the best thing to do in Nashville TN is to get out there in the live music venues. I mean, the place is called Music City for a reason! No matter what night of the week it is, you can find plenty of shows going on in Nashville.

Nashville venues come in all shapes and sizes and you can find live sounds from just about every music genre under the sun. Check the calendar for upcoming concerts and plan your trip around seeing shows.

3. Learn about country music’s history

It’s not all about country music in Nashville these days, but there’s no denying its importance in the city’s history and culture.

You’ve got plenty of options to learn all about this famous genre of music, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum . Surely, no Nashville travel itinerary is complete without immersing yourself in tragic country ballads?

4. Take a walking tour

The best way to get to know a new city is on a walking tour. Nashville is a great city to explore on foot, so lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and check out the highlights of Music City.

You can find self-guided tours which are definitely worthwhile. But I personally took the tour with GetYourGuide and it was awesome.

5. Visit the Tennessee State Capitol and Museum

Seeing as how you’re in the capital city and all, you might as well learn a bit about Tennessee when you travel to Nashville. Head to the Tennessee State Capitol building first, and then check out the Tennessee State Museum in its nice new home.

Best of all, both are absolutely free! Great for those trying to visit Nashville on the cheap.

6. Watch a show at the Grand Ole Opry

One quintessential Nashville attraction that you just have to visit is the Grand Ole Opry . It’s been called the “home of American music” and is one of the most popular things to do in Nashville. This is the oldest continuous radio program in the US, dating all the way back to 1925.

You have several options for visiting the Grand Ole Opry. There are shows every Friday and Saturday night, as well as Tuesday nights from March to December. They also run a variety of tours if you want to learn more and get backstage.

7. Eat hot chicken!

When in Nashville, one must eat Nashville hot chicken. There’s a lot of delicious food in the city, but this is definitely Nashville’s signature dish. If you want to sample the best food that Nashville has to offer, consider embarking on a Nashville food tour to find the best hot chicken in town!

Some of the best places for Nashville hot chicken include Hattie B’s and Prince’s . A word of warning – even the medium flavor will light you up. Unless you’re a masochist, I would advise against ordering above that.

8. See a game

If you’re a sports fan, you should definitely add seeing a game to your list of things to do in Nashville. The city is home to two different professional sports teams – the Nashville Predators (NHL) and the Tennessee Titans (NFL). People are passionate about their sports and the games are a lot of fun to attend.

In addition to the pro teams, you can also watch the Nashville Sounds (minor league baseball) or check out some of the nearby college teams.

9. Visit the Hermitage

History buffs will want to check out the Hermitage , which is the former home of Andrew Jackson. The 7th President of the United States retired here after his time in office and actually died here in 1845. Take a tour of his mansion and learn all about the “People’s President.”

10. Get outdoors

If the weather is nice, you should definitely spend some time outdoors when you travel to Nashville. The city is home to over 100 parks, so it’s not hard to find a green space to enjoy.

One of the best choices for getting outdoors in Nashville is Centennial Park . This large city park is home to a replica of the Parthenon, so you can experience a little bit of Greece in Middle Tennessee!

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Nashville isn’t a huge city, so you don’t have to spend as much time thinking about cheap accommodation as you would in larger cities. Where you stay will mostly depend on your budget and whether you have a car.

If you’re hoping to visit Nashville on a budget, then you’ll probably want to book a dorm bed in one of the good hostels in Nashville . One is Downtown and the other is in Midtown . They’re both run by the same crew and have solid reviews from other backpackers.

Staying in either hostel is affordable and much more fun than staying in some dingy motel room on the outskirts of town. There are also some awesome Nashville cabins or treehouses on offer as well to light up your adventure.

While you can find private rooms for the same price as a dorm bed, you’ll waste a lot of time and money traveling to and from the city center. Best to stick with the hostels if you’re traveling solo.

Nashville Downtown Hostel  is located on the Cumberland River right in the heart of Downtown Nashville. This hostel is definitely your best option!

They have space for 300 guests, so it’s a great place to meet people. This hostel includes chill-out areas, pool and foosball tables, instruments you can jam on (this is Music City, after all), a fully stocked kitchen, and laundry services.

The Best Places to Stay in Nashville

Wondering where to book your stay in Nashville? Here are the best neighborhoods in the city!

SoBro – or South of Broadway – is set in Nashville’s City Centre. A short walk from downtown and the state capitol building, SoBro is a neighbourhood famed for its honky tonks and neon lights, its lively bars and exciting sights.

Downtown Nashville is a neighbourhood located at the heart, soul and centre of the city. A hub for entertainment and excitement, downtown is a neighbourhood brimming with music venues, eateries, arts and cultural, and historic landmarks.

Located west of the city center is the bustling Midtown neighbourhood. Home to Vanderbilt University and a thriving student population, Midtown is known for hosting some of the most exciting and fun nightlife in the city.

Nestled between downtown and Midtown is The Gulch. Far and away the coolest neighbourhood in the city, The Gulch is a LEED-certified neighbourhood with a rich industrial history.

Music Valley

Well outside the city centre is Music Valley. A charming and historic neighbourhood in East Nashville, Music Valey is known for its outstanding entertainment, cultural and historic activities, unique shopping and outdoor adventures.

Budget Accommodation Hacks

Sorry, guys, but I don’t have much for you here. There are only two hostels in Nashville and they’re both run by the same people. If you’re a backpacker looking to visit Music City on a budget and meet people, your best bet is definitely booking one of these places.

That being said, it’s always worth it to sign up for Couchsurfing and check out the scene. You might find a place to crash, and if not you might still be able to link up with some cool locals who will take you out.

If you can’t find a CS host and you’re not into sleeping in a dorm room, take a look at Nashville Airbnbs . There are plenty of people renting out their spare rooms or even their pull-out couch for a reasonable rate.

To try something completely different, you can also check out Nashville’s VRBO scene , which is a top Airbnb competitor if you’re not in the know.

When it comes to American cities, Nashville offers a great bang for your buck. It’s much easier to do Nashville on the cheap than in other American cities like San Francisco or Chicago.

The city has a couple of options for backpacker accommodations, cheap public transportation, and plenty of free activities you can take advantage of.

It’s possible to get by in Nashville with a daily budget of just $50-60 , but in order to do that, you need to find a friend’s couch or a host on Couchsurfing. This would also limit what you can see and do in the city, as you wouldn’t really be able to do much in terms of sightseeing.

A more realistic estimate for a Nashville budget is $90-$200 a day. With this budget, you can book a dorm bed in a hostel or an apartment with some friends, pay for one big-ticket item each day, and go big on at least one of your nights out. After all, you didn’t come all the way to Music City to sit around your room!

Below I have provided a closer look at what you can expect to pay for things when you travel to Nashville!

A Daily Budget in Nashville

While Nashville isn’t the most expensive city in the US, it’s also not the cheapest. Here’s what you can expect to spend depending on your travel style:

A Few Free Things to Do in Nashville

This wouldn’t be the best Nashville travel guide if I didn’t tell you about some of the best free things to do in the southern city. Broke Backpackers everywhere will be happy to learn that there are quite a few things you can do that cost absolutely nothing in Music City!

• TN Capitol and Museum : As I mentioned above, the Tennessee State Capitol building and museum are both totally free to visit. Visiting both will take up half a day, so you can then take your daily budget and blow it all on hot chicken and booze.
• Take a free walking tour : Explore Music City with a local guide on one of the awesome free walking tours . Of course, you should remember that guides work for tips, so don’t be a total cheapass!
• Local parks : A walk in the park is beneficial in so many ways. Breathe some fresh air, get some exercise, and save your cash!
• Check out the street art : One of my favorite things that’s always changing too!
• Free concerts : Not all concerts in Nashville have a huge cover charge. It’s easy to find live music for free, especially during the week. Of course, you should always buy drinks and tip your bartenders/the band, but at least you got in the door for free!

Nashville on a Budget – Top Travel Tips and Tricks

While Nashville is a pretty affordable city compared to other cities in the US, it’s still easy to burn through your money.

Here are some travel tips for visiting Nashville on a budget:

• Stay in a hostel:  Thanks to the development of Nashville as a major tourist destination, the city is now home to a few backpacker-friendly hostels. Skip out on the bland chain hotels and save a ton of money by booking a dorm bed instead. Even Nashville’s vacation rentals are better than the chain hotels.
• Hop on the bus, Gus:  Sure, ride-sharing companies are operating in Nashville, but you can save more money for music and booze by riding the bus instead. Since a day pass only costs $3.25, it’s great for your budget.
• Take advantage of free activities:  Give yourself a walking tour of downtown, hang out in the city’s beautiful parks, and even catch some free concerts. You can keep yourself entertained without emptying your wallet in Nashville.
• Be a Happy Hour Hero: Going out to an after-hours party is fun, but also expensive. Find the best Happy Hour deals to ensure you get a buzz on without a massive tab.

Why You Should Travel to Nashville with a Water Bottle

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Nashville is a great destination year-round, but the best time to visit Nashville is between April and October . While it can get pretty hot and muggy in the middle of the summer, there’s a lot going on in the city. Plus, you can always cool down indoors at an air-conditioned place.

Winter isn’t terribly cold in Nashville, but it’s not exactly pleasant enough to spend a lot of time outside. That being said, the holiday season is quite festive in Music City. Christmas and New Year’s are both pretty fun times to be in town.

What to Pack for Nashville

Packing for your Nashville trip will definitely be seasonal. While its weather patterns aren’t as extreme as NYC for example, you’re going to want to pay attention to the forecast before heading out. But here are some essentials you can’t forget, regardless of the season!

Osprey Daylite Plus

Any city slicker needs a SLICK daypack. In general, you can never go wrong with an Osprey pack, but with its array of awesome organisation, durable materials, and a comfy build, the Daylite Plus will make your urban jaunts buttery smooth.

Grayl Geopress Filtered Bottle

Save $$$, save the planet, and save yourself the headache (or tummy ache). Instead of sticking to bottled plastic, buy a Grayl Geopress, drink water no matter the source, and be happy knowing the turtles and fishies thank you (and so do we!). 🙂

OCLU Action Camera

Wait, it’s cheaper than a GoPro and… better than a GoPro? The OCLU action cam is the cam for budget backpackers that want to immortalise all their wildest adventures – including that time you dropped it off a Himalayan mountain – WITHOUT breaking the bank.

Solgaard Solarbank

Resourceful travellers know how to find power outlets anywhere on the road; smart travellers just pack a solar power bank instead. With 4-5 phone cycles per charge and the ability to top up literally anywhere the sun is shining, there’s no reason to ever get lost again!

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

ALL travellers need a headtorch – no exceptions! Even in the hostel dorm, this beauty can save you in a real pinch. If you haven’t got in on the headtorch game, DO. I promise you: you’ll never look back. Or at least if you do, you’ll be able to see what you’re looking at.

Safety in the US is questionable in general. But Nashville is one of the safest big cities in the country. You don’t need to be nearly as concerned when out and about here as you would be in places like my hometown of Detroit or in bigger cities like LA.

With the rapid development and resulting gentrification, many areas that were once thought of as dangerous are now totally fine.

Your biggest concern should be petty crimes, like pick-pocketing, or getting too drunk and losing your shit at a bar.

One thing I will mention is that people are notoriously bad drivers in Nashville, so be careful if you rent a car. The crash rate in Nashville was ten times higher than the population growth last year. So yeah, it’s probably best to stay off the road there.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Nashville

We’ve already talked about it, but the wild side of Nashville definitely deserves a bit more attention.

Unlike visiting Miami , which will likely involve other substances, Nashville is specifically known for its booze scenes, and of those there are many.

Cannabis, on the other hand, is NOT legal anywhere in Tennessee. Though, like anywhere in the US, it can be found. Don’t expect great quality though, unless you happen to get lucky with your connection. So while Nashville is a great place to drink, it might be the wrong vibe to try and dabble in a bit of cheeky drug tourism .

Alcohol and partying go hand in hand in Nashville, I mean, it is the home of the honky tonks so that shouldn’t be surprising. We’ve already delved into the top places to get down in Music City, but what is essential to mention is this: being responsible means you have a greater chance of a safe travel .

Know your limits, help others out if you can, and do be cautious if you plan to get into some love and sex on the road , something quite likely after a night on the town.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Nashville

Traveling without insurance in the USA is risky. Especially with the infamous (and ridiculous) for-profit health system. So do consider getting good travel insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have used World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Most travelers will probably arrive at Nashville International Airport (BNA). You can find direct flights to Nashville from several cities across the US. For international destinations, you can fly to and from places like London, Toronto, and Cancun.

The airport is about a 15-20 minute drive from the city center. If you’re balling on a budget, you can catch a bus for just $1.70. Just make sure you have the cash to pay your fare.

You could also catch a bus to/from Nashville using Greyhound or Megabus. But a word of warning – riding the Greyhound in Tennessee is a very, shall we say, interesting experience.

If you book the Megabus early, you can score super cheap fares to or from a few other major cities like Chicago or Atlanta. I much prefer Megabus, as it tends to cater to students and travelers versus crackheads.

Getting Around Nashville

Nashville isn’t exactly killing it in the public transportation department. There are several bus routes running, but these might not be of much use to you as a traveler.

Google Maps is one of the best travel apps to use in Nashville. It knows the bus routes, so be sure to check that to see if you can catch one. It costs $1.70 per ride or $3.25 for a day pass .

You can pretty much walk everywhere downtown. Nashville is a pretty compact city, so you don’t need to cover a ton of ground to see the sights. There are a few places in town where you can rent bikes if you’d like to cycle instead.

Rideshare apps are super popular in Nashville. Make sure you download Uber and Lyft on your phone to make it easy to catch a quick ride when you need one.

Working & Volunteering in Nashville

If you’re a US citizen–or have other documents to work in the US–you can definitely find a job in Nashville. Otherwise, working on a US tourist visa is a surefire way to get banned from the country.

Remote work is possible though, as practically any accommodation and plenty of cafes have Wifi. Albeit it won’t be the cheapest location to live the digital nomad lifestyle .

On the other hand, volunteering opportunities definitely exist in Nashville if you know where to look. I’d recommend using a trusted platform, especially in the US with its strict work laws. The Broke Backpacker recommends Worldpackers as one of the easy-to-use and reputable volunteer platforms .

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

In a city full of musicians, it should come as no surprise that there are countless places to wet your whistle. In addition to the infamous honky tonks, Nashville has craft breweries, speakeasies, cocktail lounges, dive bars, and everything in between.

Much of the nightlife in Nashville is centered around Broadway . This street is full of said honky tonk bars and it draws quite the crowd, especially from Thursday-Saturday. Bar hopping along Broadway is a favorite pastime of tourists who visit Nashville; locals, not so much.

For a more local scene, you can head out in areas like East Nashville , The Gulch , or Midtown .

• Station Inn
• 3rd and Lindsley
• Grimey’s
• Never Never

When I lived just down the road in Murfreesboro, I was kind of down and out, to be honest (thanks a lot, economic crisis!) The only saving grace of my time spent there was being able to go out in Nashville on the weekends with a bunch of awesome people to see music.

Since I moved out of the city, I still miss Nashville’s live music scene. This place deserves its nickname – it has one of the best music scenes in the world. Even if all you do in Nashville is stay out until 3 AM every night partying and seeing music, it will be a successful trip.

Dining in Nashville

When it comes to eating out in Nashville, you’ve got to go for the trifecta of Nashville hot chicken, BBQ, and Southern soul food. Here are recommendations for all three – Hattie B’s, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, and Arnold’s Country Kitchen.

There are tons of other restaurants in Nashville cooking up all kinds of cuisine if you need to try something else. Just please don’t come all the way here and eat shitty fast food or in garbage chain restaurants.

When in doubt, ask a local where they like to go. Here are some of my favorite recommendations from locals themselves. A Nashville food tour is a sure-fire way to shock your tastebuds.

Best Restaurants and Cheap Eats in Nashville

Nashville is chock full of delicious food, but not all of it is budget-friendly. Here are some of the best things to eat in Nashville, broke backpacker style:

• 5 Points Pizza – A classic Nashville pizza joint, 5 Points sells slices the size of your head for $3.75. While not quite as cheap as New York, this is the best pie in Music City and is an ideal quick lunch option.
• Dino’s – Nashville’s oldest dive bar has certainly made a name for itself. It’s also real backpacker friendly: you can get what’s rated as one of the best burgers in the US, fries and even a beer for a total of $10 or less.
• Taqueria del Sol – This legendary fusion restaurant combines Southern soul food flavors with traditional Mexican cuisine. Think brisket-filled tacos and the use of turnip greens. And you can grab two for less than $10!
• Robert’s Western World – You can’t have a list of cheap eats in Nashville without including Robert’s Western World. The famous Broadway eatery is open until 3AM daily and everything on it’s weekday menu is $10 or less!
• Brown’s Diner – A local favorite since 1927, Brown’s might be the most “historical” place to eat in Nashville on a budget. You can fill up on burgers and hushpuppies for $5 here.
• VN Pho & Deli – This delicious cash-only establishes brings the delicious flavors of Vietnam to Music City. Savor authentic banh mi and their massive bowls of pho at very reasonable prices considering the sizes and quality!

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Getting Off the Beaten Track in Nashville

Most tourists who travel to Nashville barely get out of downtown. To be honest, there’s more than enough to do there to keep you busy for a couple of days.

You really don’t need to go anywhere else, but here are some awesome off-the-beaten-track travel options for those looking to experience a more local side of Nashville:

• Spend time in East Nashville : Those looking for a more laid-back, artsy vibe can head across the Cumberland River from downtown to check out the Five Points neighborhood of East Nashville. Stroll around here for a few hours to take in the street art, peruse the quirky shops, or grab a drink in one of the many cool bars where you’ll find far more locals than drunk bachelorette parties.
• Hop on a bike : The extensive park system in Nashville is mostly all connected via a greenway, so you can hop on a bike downtown and ride out to peaceful green spaces and art galleries on the outskirts of town.
• Radnor Lake State Park : If you’ve got a car or don’t mind the hour-ish bike ride, Radnor Lake is a great place to escape the touristy downtown scene. In addition to the small and scenic lake, this park boasts several different hiking trails.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Is Nashville safe?

Yes! Nashville is safe for tourists, though you should always follow general safety rules, and be aware of your belongings while out bar hopping the honky tonks.

What is the best part of Nashville to stay in?

The coolest places to stay in Nashville are SoBro (South Broadway), Downtown, and The Gulch. They’re safe and full of good vibes!

What should I avoid in Nashville?

Always avoid flashing your valuables around while hitting crowded bars in Nashville. I would steer clear of the Shepherds Hill neighborhood on the outskirts of town too.

What is Nashville best known for?

Nashville is undoubtedly best known for country music, epic live music venues, and honky tonk bars. Oh and Nashville hot chicken!

What to eat and drink in Nashville?

Nashville means southern comfort food! You can’t visit Nashville without sampling its iconic Nashville hot chicken and Bushwacker alcoholic drinks. Don’t skip the opportunity to visit Arnold’s Country Kitchen either.

Music City is absolutely guaranteed to be a good time. It’s the home of country music and has a vibe that’s truly unlike any other place in the United States. There’s a reason why Nashville is often the first choice of bachelorette parties–few places in the world make live tunes and liquor so accessible.

But Nashville isn’t just Broadway. It’s filled with some epic history, delicious food, and some damn fine scenery, too. So make sure you appreciate all of that on your Nashville trip.

Yes–rock out and honky tonk those nights away along one of the world’s most iconic bar crawls. Just make sure you get to see the other side of Nashville too!

The soul of the city and its colorful musical history should also be as equally admired as its bars. Spend at least one day in the area outdoors, whether it be at one of its historical sites or a park.

With jolly Southern city vibes, some of the best chicken in the US, and music whenever you want it, Nashville is bound to make an impression.

So grab your guitar and get on going–Music city awaits!

Updated: February 2022 by Samantha Shea from Intentional Detours

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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We love what Nashville offers as far as the outdoor scenery and lifestyle. Not to mention the night life and country music is the best in the world! We are fortunate enough to work and live in this beautiful state by building barndominium homes for local residents.

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13 Excellent Restaurants to Try in Nashville

From classic meat ‘n’ threes to natural wine bars with fine-dining chops, this city’s food scene is on the upswing.

By Ellen Fort

Published on April 15, 2024

Nashville, “Music City,” has long been a haven for musicians and songwriters, but these days my hometown is also experiencing a surge of culinary talent. A decade or two ago, finding handrolls made with fish from Tokyo or natural wine by the glass was a challenge. Now, we’re in business, with more options coming down the pike at a rapid pace.

Born and raised in Nashville, I spent my childhood digging into plates of fried chicken with sides of squash casserole and turnip greens at Elliston Place Soda Shop, and meandering out to Highway 100 for a plate of biscuits at Loveless Cafe—establishments that have fed this city for generations. We’ve always eaten well here, but as the city has changed —becoming more international, and influenced by the East and West Coasts—so have its tastes, expanding beyond the down-home cooking visitors might expect. 

That’s a good thing. Ours is a vibrant dining scene that caters to all tastes and budgets, from experimental fine dining to tried-and-true lunch counters. There are way more than 13 excellent places to visit in Nashville, use this as your primer to getting a tasty of Music City. Whether you're craving a plate of hot chicken from Prince’s or artfully arranged Appalachian food from chef Sean Brock, Nashville has it.

Elliston Place Soda Shop

2105 Elliston Place, Nashville, TN 37203 (615)-219-2704

Aside from hot chicken, Nashville’s other hometown food is the “meat ‘n’ three,” a plate lunch consisting of a protein and three sides. The Southern classic is a specialty of The Elliston Place Soda Shop. Opened in 1935, it is one of the few remaining (and best examples) of the genre. Generations of Nashvillians have graced the red leather booths and black-and-white-tiled floors over the years, tended to by staff that feels like it turns over about once a century. (Ms. Linda, “the pie lady,” still makes her beloved coconut meringue pies every morning.) Though Elliston Place moved to a newer space next door a few years ago, it still features the soda counter and pressed tin ceiling, which makes the milkshakes, sundaes, and off-menu Elmer —all made with ice cream from Nashville’s Purity Dairy—taste like the good old days.

International Market

2013 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212 (615)-297-4453

International Market introduced Nashvillians to Thai food in the 1970s, when it opened on Belmont Boulevard serving an exceptionally affordable steam table lunch of Thai and Chinese dishes. Now, with a new location (across the street) and new ownership (Anna and Arnold Myint, children of the original owners), the restaurant incorporates high-quality local meats and produce in an updated setting—though thankfully the original mustard-and-orange bench seating came along for the ride. The kitchen is now a proving ground for chef Arnold Myint, a recent James Beard Semifinalist. Menu items venture beyond the typical selections of curries with five-spice duck lo mein, shrimp and pineapple curry, and red curry rice ball wraps. At lunch, diners can choose from the classic steam table option or order from the menu; nighttime brings table service with Singhas and craft cocktails.

2305 12th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37204 (No phone)

At Locust, chef Trevor Moran created his own culinary genre blending influences from Japan to his native Ireland. I’ve eaten briny Belon oysters that tasted—pleasantly—like licking a battery; a roast sole served with morels and uni; and a bowl of tiny sea snails served with toothpicks and spicy salt. The DIY beef tartare handrolls—freshly ground bottom round, fluffy rice, and smoky pickled egg cream, plus freeze-dried capers and nori for rolling—are a must, as is the tuna crisp, featuring house-cured slices of tuna loin and belly atop a fried wonton crisp slathered with horseradish. The chefs deliver these dishes to the tables themselves to an eclectic soundtrack featuring everything from Meat Loaf to old-school hip-hop). The drink list is heavy on natural wines, though my go-to is the Toki Highball cocktail or a can of sake. In homage to Moran’s birthplace, there’s Guinness by the pint and Irish gin and tonics compete with Orion beer and sake cups.

747 Douglas Ave., Suite 105B, Nashville, TN 37207 (No phone)

The diminutive Kisser, modeled after a Japanese kissaten, a neighborhood spot serving comfort food where locals can eat, drink, and hang out, has been a smash hit since opening in 2023. After spending years in some of the best kitchens in LA and Nashville, co-owner couple Brian Lea and Leina Horii decided to focus on their own vision. Inspired in part by Horii’s family sushi restaurant in California, the menu blends traditional Japanese cuisine and their fine-dining techniques with dishes like onigiri stuffed with snow crab and avocado, a perfectly crispy chicken katsu sandwich on fluffy house-made milk bread, and bowls of udon in delicate broth. It’s one of the best places in town to enjoy fresh fish, particularly the chirashi bowl, brimming with sashimi and glistening salmon roe. Make sure to end your meal with a green melon-cream soda or a crackly miso crème brûlée. 

823 Meridian St., Nashville, TN 37207 (615)-610-2595

Folk is a neighborhood gem that Nashville needs now more than ever as hotels and chains threaten to take hold of the dining scene. The restaurant is perched on a quiet corner in East Nashville’s McFerrin Park and welcomes diners with wood-fired sourdough-crust pizzas—my favorite is adorned with Little Neck clams, parsley, bonito, and lemon—and rustic Italian-leaning dishes like Marcella beans with spicy pepper relish, bouncy focaccia with whipped ricotta, and more. From the high-ceilinged dining room, adorned with paper lanterns and exposed brick walls, you can glimpse the bustling kitchen and blazing pizza oven. Natural wines and classic cocktails are the move at the bar, where the afternoon light streams in during the daily apéro hour. The crowd of shockingly healthy houseplants are as well-nourished as the patrons. 

Redheaded Stranger

305 Arrington St., Nashville, TN 37207 (615)-544-8226

Not far from Folk stands a Tex-Mex taco shop with a sense of humor where you can gobble down one chef’s highly agreeable take on Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap. To make it, chef Bryan Lee Weaver (also of Butcher & Bee ) fills his fluffy handmade tortillas with Texas red chili, pork green chili, or both when you order it “Xmas-style.” If tacos are more your speed, you’ll find toppings like brisket, tater tots, and freshly roasted Hatch chiles. To me, the sleeper hit is the vegetarian taco with charred poblano, whipped feta, and crispy rice, thanks to its variety of textures and smoky heat. The queso dip comes with more of those warm, velvety tortillas (never chips!), and the frozen margaritas are tart and free of sickly-sweet sour mix. The interior offers retro-diner vibes, with a formica bar and red leather booths, but there’s nothing like grabbing a patio seat in the summertime to let those margs work their Texas magic.

809 Meridian St., Nashville, TN 37207 (615)-988-3263

Chef Sean Brock has dedicated his career to studying Appalachian foodways and cuisine, from his time at Charleston’s award-winning restaurants McCrady’s and Husk to present-day passion projects like Audrey. Within this minimalist monolith of a building is a warm restaurant serving food that borrows from the chef’s upbringing in rural Kentucky. On the menu, chicken and dumplings with fines herbes and black truffles are based on a recipe from his grandmother, Audrey, who gave the restaurant its name. The dining room is centered around the kitchen and its woodfired grill; its walls display Brock’s collection of outsider art, from Butch Anthony to Moses Tolliver, selected to immerse diners in his dreamworld. 

Henrietta Red

1200 4th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37208 (615)-490-8042

Lucky for Nashvillians, former Per Se chef and Nashville native Julia Sullivan came home to open her first solo restaurant in Henrietta Red. This airy, tiled Germantown spot boasts an oyster bar glistening with mollusks including Maine’s salty Mookie Blues and Alabama’s buttery Murder Points. Despite Nashville’s landlocked status (the Cumberland River doesn’t count), Henrietta Red deftly combines coastal ingredients with Southern flavors in dishes like oysters roasted with ‘nduja butter and whole trout with dandelion greens. Wood-fired seafood is the focus here, but the fresh pastas and vegetables—particularly the beet salad with pistachio and mint—stand out, too. Brunch brings its own reason to visit, with dishes like shrimp toast with beets and tahini and smoked fish cakes with lemon-fennel aioli.

1021 Russell St., Nashville, TN 37206 (no phone)

So named because “opening a restaurant is a bad idea,” this natural wine bar is the brainchild of owner-sommelier Alex Burch and chef Colby Rasavong. You might kick things off, for instance, with a scallop-stuffed crepe in a pool of nam prik blanquette topped by a lacey tuile, and follow that with a vegetarian laab made with sunflower milk, or pain perdu kaya toast topped with caviar. It’s all happening inside a repurposed church sanctuary with original windows and high ceilings. Worship at this altar of wine and food later in the night, and bar snacks are the vibe—think curry-caviar corndogs and fried bologna sandwiches (a late-night Nashville classic) with potato chip aioli. 

Prince’s Hot Chicken

5814 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211 (615)-810-9388

Despite the ever-widening swath of restaurants serving Prince’s signature dish around the globe, you have to visit the original purveyor to get real-deal Nashville hot chicken. As the story goes, the ultra-spicy sandwich was created as punishment by a jilted lover of Thornton Prince ; but, instead of catching on fire, Prince loved the spice so much that he’d go on to perfect the recipe that launched his business. Today, Prince’s remains the best in class, serving up fried chicken spiced with cayenne pepper oil atop a slice of white bread with a pickle (a foil to all that cayenne).

Wendell Smith’s

407 53rd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37209 (615)-383-7114

Wood-paneled walls line the dining room of this classic meat ‘n’ three restaurant that’s been serving up Southern soul since 1952. Every day, the fourth-generation owners welcome a regular crowd hungry for roast beef, baked ham, and pit barbecue, plus daily specials like fried catfish, chicken and dumplings, and throwback fixins like candied yams, turnip greens, baked apples, fried corn, and creamed potatoes. Wendell Smith’s is a slice of Nashville that has hung on to its corner lot despite unchecked development all around it, still sharing space with the adjacent liquor store of the same name that’s been operating just as long. 

Loveless Cafe

8400 Hwy. 100, Nashville, TN 37221 (615)-646-9700 

What began 70 years ago as a humble motel and cafe at the start of the Natchez Trace Parkway has been thriving from the moment Lon and Annie Love began serving biscuits and fried chicken to travelers out of their home kitchen. After their continuing success, the couple turned their home into a restaurant and opened 14 rooms as a motel to accompany their new dining destination. The motel went out of operation years ago, and its rooms are now home to retail space with smoked hams, jams, and biscuit mix on offer. Though there is now expanded outdoor seating and an outdoor bar serving bloody Marys when the wait is long, there’s nothing better than grabbing a seat in the tiny dining room that still feels like home.  

Sperry’s Restaurant

5109 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205 (615)-353-0809

An institution since 1974, this legendary West Nashville steakhouse is a windowless dining room featuring backlit stained glass, carpeting, a stone fireplace with a roaring fire (most nights), and sporty portraits of the hounds and horses that once lived on the grounds of the abutting Belle Meade Mansion. Martinis and Manhattans pair perfectly with Sperry’s steaks and seafood, from a filet Oskar smothered in crabmeat and Béarnaise to king crab legs served with drawn butter. Nashville’s very first salad bar remains gloriously intact here, where diners can pile their plate with neon green goddess and bacon crumbles (though the plated iceberg wedge salad topped with bacon and black olives is my choice). Bananas Foster, another highlight, is served tableside in a plume of booze-soaked flames and cinnamon-fueled sparks. The doors open at 4 for happy hour, when sausage-stuffed mushrooms and discounted cocktails draw a steady stream of locals each day. 

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Explore Hiking Trails in Tennessee

With the warm weather comes ample opportunities to embark on a Made in Tennessee adventure.

Featured in this Article:

Hikes in East Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains Hiking Hikes near Nashville Hikes in and near Memphis  

With the warm weather comes ample opportunities to embark on a Made in Tennessee adventure. Soak in the sunshine. Drink in the views from bluffs, hills and mountains. Exploration is calling you. Read below for hiking trails near Nashville, Memphis, the Great Smoky Mountains and more.

Hiking in East Tennessee

Devil's racetrack – caryville.

The 3.5-mile trail is a moderate hike with steep inclines and sharp turns. The longest unbroken section of the Cumberland Trail is accessible from Cove Lake State Park , about 30 miles north of Knoxville. The panoramic views at the peak of the ridge are simply breathtaking. Stop for a breather to enjoy the three-level waterfall that can be seen cascading down the mountain. It's located on the Cumberland Trail alongside I-75.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area – Oneida

Hike from Pickett Park Highway in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area to these double sandstone arches. Follow the trail to Charit Creek Lodge, that's located on the six-mile loop, and cool off in the rocky stream.

Great Smoky Mountains Hiking

Laurel falls.

Setting out on a hiking trail in  Great Smoky Mountains National Park  is a memorable experience and the  Laurel Falls hiking trail is exceptionally special. This 2.4-mile out-and-back moderately easy trail is semi-paved with a gorgeous waterfall at the end, which makes the up-hill walk worth it. This is one of the most popular trails in the Smokies, so expect to see lots of hikers unless you come during off-hours. Don’t forget to purchase your parking tag, as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has recently begun paid parking throughout the park.

House of Fairies

First developed by Louis E. Voorheis from 1928-1944, the 38-acre area was meant to be a mountain retreat. He loved to experiment with water power and started working on a dam for hydroelectric power. Voorheis built a water powered mill and many gardens as well as a pool and the springhouse which is now known as the House of Fairies . The land is now part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To see this beautiful structure and the scenic beauty around it, take the Twin Creeks Trail which is an out-and-back trail about 4.5 miles. You'll see the Voorheis Estate and can step inside the log cabins to see what living there was like, as well as the Natural Resources Center of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take the small path that juts off from Twin Creeks Trail to see the Fairy House.

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a popular spot in the Great Smoky Mountains, so make this an early morning hike if you want some time by yourself. The rountrip distance to the waterfall is 5.4 miles and is considered moderate in difficulty. It takes about 3.5 hours to visit the waterfall and return to the Rainbow Falls parking area. If you want to see where the waterfall gets its name, visit during a sunny afternoon and chances are you'll see a rainbow  from the 80-foot waterfall. 

Reagan Grist Mill

Also on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is the Reagan Grist Mill , which is a great example of the tub mills that dotted along streams in the Appalachian Mountains. See the mini mill by turning onto Historic Nature Trail in downtown Gatlinburg. Travel 2.2 miles to the entrance of Cherokee Orchard Road. You'll find the mill at the end of the trail. Enjoy the babbling stream, history and scenic beauty at this tucked away location. 

Hiking near Nashville

Radnor lake state park – nashville.

An oasis in the otherwise fast-paced and urban landscape of Nashville , Radnor Lake State Park offers several trails even though it’s a modestly sized park. You can’t go wrong with the Radnor Lake Trail, an easy 2.7-mile loop. Add on the Radnor Full Lake and Ganier Ridge Trail for more of a challenge at 5.1 miles or combine trails for even more adventure – all while encircling the crown jewel that is Radnor Lake.

Montgomery Bell State Park – Burns

Natural beauty and family hikes are celebrated at Montgomery Bell State Park . Various trails are open to every guest. The longest trail is 10.4 miles and is destined as an overnight trail. Choose a short day hike ranging from 0.2-mile hikes to 1.7-mile hikes that bring you up close to Made in Tennessee natural beauty.

Hiking near Memphis

Johnsonville state historic park – new johnsonville.

The 2,000-acre Johnsonville State Historic Park is a wealth of history as it commemorates the Johnsonville Depot, the Battle of Johnsonville and the historic town of the area that was established 1864-1944. Explore these historic treasures on the 8-mile Historic Johnsonville Trail as you embark on natural surfaces. Travel along the 2-mile Civil War Forts Trail or the 0.5-mile African-American Cemetery Loop Trail.

Shelby Farms Park – Memphis

More than 40 miles of trails encompass this wildlife haven, Shelby Farms Park in East Memphis , including paved and unpaved. For more adventure, hit up the Wolf River Trails, which wind through the Lucius Burch Jr. State Natural Area. If you had more of a stroll in mind, mosey around the Hyde Lake Loop, which is especially breathtaking at sunset.

Fort Pillow State Park – Henning

The longest trail in Fort Pillow State Park is the moderate 9-mile hike along the Red Trail. Learn the history of the area thanks to the well-preserved breastworks and reconstructed inner fort. Transport through history as the park offers Civil War artifact viewings along with a cannon and interpretive displays related to the Fort. 

Pinson Mounds State Archeological Park – Pinson

Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park is more than 1,200 acres and home to at least 15 Native American mounds that were used as both burial and ceremonial locations. Hiking trails give guests access to the mounds. Choose from the 2-mile Mounds Great Outer Loop Trail along a paved surface, or any of the natural surface hikes: Nature Trail, Earthworks Trail and Hudson Branch Trail.

Looking for more outdoor activities? Check out more of our articles below

Tennessee outdoor adventures guaranteed to get your blood pumping make memories outdoors in tennessee choose your outdoor adventure in tennessee popular summertime outdoor spots in tennessee tennessee’s epic outdoor rock climbing and bouldering, places in this article.

Cumberland Trail State Park

The Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail State Park, a Tennessee scenic hiking trail, became Tennessee's 53rd state park in 1998. It is Tennessee's first linear park, cutting through 11 Tennessee counties. In 2002, the park was renamed for

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Montgomery Bell State Park

Montgomery Bell State Park is located seven miles east of Dickson in Dickson County. The park was once the center of iron industry in Middle Tennessee. The park's namesake, Montgomery Bell, formed one of the largest iron industries in Tennessee. Iron was

Johnsonville State Historic Park

Johnsonville State Historic Park is named for former President Andrew Johnson and Union Military Governor during the Civil War. This 2000-acre park located in Humphreys County, commemorates the site of the Battle of Johnsonville and the historic town site

Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park

Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park covers more than 1,200 acres and contains at least 15 Native American mounds. In addition to Pinson Mound the group includes Ozier Mound, the Twin Mounds and Mound 31. Archaeological evidence suggests the mounds wer

Fort Pillow State Historic Park

Located on the western edge of Tennessee, approximately 40 miles north of Memphis, Fort Pillow State Historic Park is rich in historic and archaeological significance. Steep bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River made this area a strategic location duri

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Shelby farms park.

At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country!

Radnor Lake State Park

Radnor Lake State Park is a 1,332-acre park and is protected as a Class II Natural Area. It is unique due to the abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities, environmental education programs, hiking opportunities and its location in an urban area. The par

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📝 Travel - Organizing Resources : Equip yourself with useful advice on when to go, how to navigate the city, how to avoid crowds, and how to make the most of your money to ensure a stress-free and pleasurable vacation.

🌎 Rich Context : With our perceptive historical and cultural insights, you'll be able to comprehend Nashville's musical legacy, cultural diversity, culinary delights, and geographic importance on a deeper level.

🔍 Special Features : Expand your knowledge and admiration of Music City by exploring the world of live music, learning crucial pre-travel tips for visitors to Nashville, finding distinctive wedding venues, and renting comfortable vacation homes.

🔎 Up - to - Date Coverage : Take advantage of thorough coverage encompassing all Nashville neighborhoods and sites, making sure you're prepared to explore everything from the historic mansions of Belle Meade to the honky-tonks of Lower Broadway.

Nashville Explorer Tours is the best tour partner for finding Nashville's hidden treasures and famous monuments. Take your tour of the city to the next level.

🌟🎸 Whether you're a devoted music enthusiast or a first - time tourist , let this handbook be your ticket to amazing adventures in Music City .

• Book 2 of 3 INSIDER'S TRIP
• Print length 148 pages
• Language English
• Publication date April 1, 2024
• Dimensions 6 x 0.34 x 9 inches
• ISBN-13 979-8321426333
• See all details

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Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CZMCZHHP
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (April 1, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 148 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8321426333
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.9 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.34 x 9 inches
• #20 in Nashville Tennessee Travel Books
• #229 in Cruise Travel Reference
• #404 in Budget Travel Guides

About the author

Myers brooks.

Hello Dear! I'm Myers Brooks, and I'm 35 years old. I've spent almost half of my life traveling the world, learning about different cultures, and amassing an eclectic and fascinating collection of stories. I was born in a little town framed by the Rocky Mountains, and my adventure started the day I realized all my childhood ambitions, using the money I earned from my summer jobs and my optimism for what the future held.

I found my classroom in the cities and wilderness of the world, armed with a degree in journalism and a heart intent on travel. Every travel location has had its own unique teaching moment, whether it was the bustling streets of Nashville or the hushed woods of Zanzibar. More than just a pastime, cooking has become an integral part of my trip experiences, a delicious memento of the sights I've seen and the stories I've heard.

Wherefore should people buy my books? Because they are more than just chronicles of my travels; they are invitations to come along on my adventures and view the world through my eyes as I look for the miraculous in the mundane. I write for individuals who've glanced at a map, feeling their heart quicken with the prospect of all the places they've yet to discover. For the dreamers, the adventurers, and the curious souls who think that every area, from a bustling metropolis to a quiet trail, has its own tale waiting to be told.

Through my words, I seek to bridge the gap between us and the unknown, to demystify the strange and make it familiar, to turn the act of travel from simply movement to meaningful discovery. Whether it's the electric energy of New York, where every street corner has a narrative, or the serene majesty of Madeira, where nature speaks in hues of green and blue, my mission is to take you there, to make you feel a part of these places, to inspire you to explore not just the world but also yourself.

Join me, Myers Brooks, on this fantastic voyage. Together, let's turn pages into passages, words into windows, and books into bridges. Because in the end, we're all just travelers in this world, and what better way to navigate it than with stories that unify, inspire, and transform us?

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Exploring the South: Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee

By USA specialist Natalie

Much of the South is defined by the cities and plantations that are strung out, like Mardi Gras beads, along the length of the mighty, muddy Mississippi. Along the river, you’ll find smoky jazz halls, authentic blues dives and country music honky-tonks. You’ll also encounter restored plantations whose graceful white columns and tree-lined drives disguise a horrific history. This is the land of jambalaya, civil rights, Elvis and the Grand Ole Opry.

A two-week self-drive tour through Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee can take you through the heart of the South, following the river that defines the region.

Let the good times roll in New Orleans, Louisiana

A cultural stew pot, New Orleans has long held firm to its open-minded acceptance of anyone who’s willing to let the good times roll. French Catholic, Caribbean and African influences set the tone, alongside recent Vietnamese and Sicilian ones, all melding together in a sassafras-scented cultural gumbo.

For many, the city is the birthplace of jazz. You hear it spilling from bars on Frenchmen Street, at the prestigious Jazz Fest, blasted by buskers in Jackson Square, and leading spontaneous parades through the French Quarter. Even if you’re not a fan, I strongly suggest taking in a performance by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Performed four or five times a night, the short show consists of an improvised set list. The virtuosic band members solicit requests from the audience, mixing in a little vaudevillian patter and good-natured ribbing. I think that the tiny venue and intimate nature of the performance make it the best way to experience jazz in the city.

Aside from its music, New Orleans is probably best known for its cuisine, and you could easily frame your whole visit around eating. Try pralines at Aunt Sally’s, gumbo at Galatoire’s, jambalaya at Coop’s Place, milk punch at the Court of Two Sisters and beignets at Café du Monde (bring cash).

For a more hands-on approach, you can whip up some of these poetically named dishes in a class at the New Orleans School of Cooking under the wing of an expert chef.

The city also continues to be a hotbed of culinary innovation. Staying au courant of the ever-changing restaurant scene is practically a full-time job, so ask your hotel concierge for recommendations.

Food and music don’t account for all New Orleans’ cultural heritage — the city’s long, turbulent past is written into its streets and stones. I think the best way to explore this history is on a guided tour of the city’s graveyards.

For centuries, born out of necessity by the city’s high water table, New Orleans’ dead have been buried in above-ground mausoleums and time-blackened crypts that molder, slowly, in the humid air.

Enclosed by crumbling brick walls and wrought-iron gates, the historical cemeteries are only open to visitors with an approved guide. But, to be honest, you wouldn’t want to go without one. The weathered gravestones and spall-faced crypts hide stories that a guide can bring to life, from deadly yellow fever plagues to dramatic family feuds.

The living are still very present here. Modern practitioners regularly leave offerings of gris-gris charms and flowers at the tomb of voodoo priestess Marie Laveau. In 1995, author Anne Rice staged her own mock funeral at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. And, in 2009, actor Nicolas Cage commissioned a large white pyramid in Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1, for reasons he keeps to himself.

The city’s many museums include the well-curated National WWII Museum, which presents an in-depth look at the war, as well as a soda shop that recreates the ambiance of the era. Across town, in the elegant Presbytère building, the Louisiana State Museum displays a heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful, exhibition about Hurricane Katrina. Smaller museums are dedicated to voodoo, and the history of pharmacies and costumes, among other subjects.

The South’s Plantation Country

As you follow the Mississippi out of New Orleans, you see dozens of restored plantations littering the river’s wide, fertile banks. On a bend about an hour west of the city are three that I particularly recommend you visit.

Oak Alley ’s front lane is lined with wide-branched oaks that frame the white colonnaded portico. The scene has been photographed so often that the image is practically synonymous with Louisiana plantations.

Lovingly, lavishly restored inside and out, the big house is, for me, the best place to spend the night in plantation country.

The tour here is fairly unremarkable, but the guest cottages are exceptional — airy and spacious with roofed porches and river views. Wake up early to explore the manicured grounds and take photographs uncluttered by hordes of tourists.

Just 10 minutes away from Oak Alley, Laura Plantation offers a thoughtful look into the history and culture of Creole plantation owners. The main house has been meticulously restored to its original blue-and-yellow exterior. Inside, you can hear about the complicated, cosmopolitan Creole culture, along with a blunt examination of how that intersected with race and the institution of slavery.

For an in-depth analysis of the lives of enslaved people, you need to venture another 10 minutes down the road to Whitney Plantation. This is the only museum in America that focuses primarily on the African workers who were forced into slavery and their descendants, born into bondage.

The exhibits provide an unflinching look at the grievous human cost that paid for the gracious mansions still lining the river, a history that’s mostly left unexamined or even elided in the other plantations.

Blues and history in Mississippi

Continuing north up the river, Vicksburg, Mississippi , is a sleepy city that acted as a vital strategic point between Memphis and New Orleans during the Civil War. Because the city offered control of the river, General Grant’s army laid siege to the city for several months, shelling it from gunboats on the river.

The Vicksburg National Military Park includes a self-guided driving trail that follows the siege lines of both armies, passing tombs and monuments. Costumed re-enactors often run demonstrations or workshops along the way. The 26-km (16-mile) route also stops at the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum, a well-preserved example of the ironclad gunboats that plied the river during the war.

If you prefer music to history, the rundown city of Clarksdale, Mississippi, is the home of the Delta blues and some of the best blues bars in the world.

Ground Zero, co-owned by Morgan Freeman, doesn’t look like much. The white paint is mostly peeled off the battered, graffiti-scrawled brick walls, and the cluttered interior is lit by strings of bare-bulb Christmas lights. But, the small wooden stage is where aspiring blues artists come to make a name for themselves.

The club is right next door to the Delta Blues Museum and centrally located on the Blues Trail, a self-drive tour of the sites vital to Delta blues, from cotton fields to churches.

‘I’m going to Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee’

Home to Sun Studio, Graceland and a myriad of clubs that line Beale Street, Memphis is a place of pilgrimage for music fans of all sorts, whether you listen to rock ‘n’ roll, jazz or the blues.

Even if you don’t love Elvis, I’d urge you to spend at least half a day at Graceland (though true fans probably want to allot even more time). With a green shag-carpeted ceiling and the peacock stained-glass windows, the over-the-top pleasure palace is decorated in 1970s glamour or glitzy kitsch, depending on your personal taste.

Of the choice of tours, I suggest spending the extra money to see the two planes, if only for the gold-plated basin in the bathroom of the Lisa Marie. You’ll also see Elvis’s complete collection of records, cars, clothes and toys, as well as a multimedia entertainment complex that examines his life and career.

The first time I visited the mansion, I was shocked at the number of people sobbing openly at his flower-bedecked grave, the last stop on the tour.

A shuttle runs from Graceland to Sun Studio, and a visit is definitely worth your time. Elvis, BB King, Johnny Cash and countless others recorded here.

Nearby, you’ll find Beale Street, which is crowded with clubs where blues, jazz and rock musicians still belt out gigs every night and twice on Saturdays.

A 20-minute walk from Beale, the National Civil Rights Museum examines America’s long struggle with race. It backs onto the hotel where Dr King was assassinated, and you can visit the room where he died, preserved as it was that night. It’s a moving, difficult visit, but necessary, I think, to understand the South’s past and present struggles.

Two Beale Street musicians also run a vintage car tour of the city. You climb into a restored 1950s car for a tour that’s tailored to your interests. You can make it all about Elvis, examine the city’s fraught racial history or visit stops on the Blues Trail.

Music City — Nashville, Tennessee

The home of country music, Nashville has a bit of a touristy vibe and, sometimes, it can be hard to get away from the bright lights and flashy façade.

But, no one knows the city as well as the musicians who flock here, hoping for their big break, and that’s why I suggest a private tour of Nashville with a songwriter.

You’ll visit the big sights and get an insider’s view of the industry as well as the history, from its earliest days in the 1920s until today. End with a drink at one of the historic honky-tonk bars that line the Broadway District.

It was on this tour that I discovered the Musicians Hall of Fame. Lesser known than the bigger, slicker Country Music Hall of Fame, this museum takes a deep dive into the whole of America’s music industry, paying tribute to anonymous session musicians as well as big-name stars. The most fascinating exhibit for me examined what goes into making a Grammy-worthy song, from the original idea, scratched on paper, to the final pressing of the album.

But, this was surpassed by seeing a performance at the Grand Ole Opry. I’m not a country music fan, but there’s something charming about the old-fashioned, thrice-weekly live-broadcast shows. Last time I visited, I took a behind-the-scenes tour of the show. Escorted by a tiny woman dwarfed by her perfectly styled hair, I visited the backstage area.

Each dressing room is decorated to a theme. ‘Stars and Stripes’ features an oversized American flag painted on the wall, and ‘It Takes Two’ is bedecked with photographs of the genre’s best-known duos.

The pinnacle of the tour is the chance to sit on stage during the performance, close to the musicians. Singer-songwriter Dierks Bentley was close enough that I could see him sweat under the bright lights of Nashville’s most storied venue.

Read more about trips to Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee in the USA

Discovering the American South

13 days from $3,495pp

Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• Music culture of the South
• A New Orleans food guide
• Luxury vacations in the South
• Exploring Georgia and the Carolinas
• Driving vacations in the United States

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