Nashville

Nashville Travel Guide: Plan Your Perfect Trip to Music City (2024)

Planning Your Trip

Country and State

• United States, Tennessee

Timezone

• GMT -5 (Central Standard Time) / GMT -6 (Central Daylight Time)

Languages Spoken

• English

Currency

• USD (United States Dollar)

Weather/Climate Snapshot

• January-February: Cool, average highs in the 40s°F (4-9°C), occasional snow or ice.
• March-May: Mild and pleasant, average highs climbing from the 50s to the 70s°F (10-26°C), blooming flowers.
• June-August: Hot and humid, average highs in the 80s-90s°F (27-37°C), occasional thunderstorms.
• September-October: Warm and sunny, average highs in the 70s-80s°F (21-27°C), fall foliage.
• November-December: Cool, average highs in the 40s-50s°F (4-15°C), possible rain or snow.

City Overview: A Taste of Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee, affectionately known as “Music City,” is a truly vibrant place where country music is king (and queen!). But honestly, the city’s appeal goes way beyond just the tunes. It’s a super cool mix of Southern charm and big-city energy. Sure, you’ve got your classic honky-tonks jamming on Broadway, but Nashville’s also got an incredible food scene, beautiful old buildings, and a really thriving art scene. From the famous Ryman Auditorium to the modern Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville is all about celebrating its musical past while still staying fresh and exciting. With super friendly people, a fun atmosphere, and always something new happening, Nashville is a destination you won’t forget!

Best Time to Visit Nashville

• Spring (March-May): Pros: Nice weather, flowers blooming everywhere, not as crowded as summer. Cons: Might get some rain.
• Fall (September-October): Pros: Warm and sunny, gorgeous fall colors, lots of festivals going on. Cons: Weekends can be packed with events.
• Summer (June-August): Pros: Lots of energy, outdoor concerts and events happening. Cons: Hot and sticky, big crowds.
• Winter (November-February): Pros: Not many tourists, hotel prices are lower, festive holiday events. Cons: Cold, might get snow or ice.

How to Get There & Visa Requirements

• Flights: Nashville International Airport (BNA) makes flying in easy, with connections to cities all over the US and even internationally.
• Trains: Amtrak does stop in Nashville, but train service isn’t super frequent.
• Visa Details: Check the US Department of State website for visa requirements that apply to your country.
• Airport Transfers: You can grab a taxi, use ride-sharing apps (Uber, Lyft), or take an airport shuttle to get into town.

Discovering Nashville

Fun/Historical Fact or Story

Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that Nashville’s called the “Athens of the South”? This nickname started back in the 1800s because the city was really focused on higher learning. They even built a full-size copy of the Parthenon in Centennial Park to show their love for classic art and architecture!

Famous Personalities from Nashville

• Miley Cyrus
• Taylor Swift
• Bill Anderson
• Dolly Parton

Top 10 Nashville Attractions

• Ryman Auditorium: The “Mother Church of Country Music,” a truly historic music venue.
  • Address: 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Explore the history and stories of country music legends.
  • Address: 222 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
• Johnny Cash Museum: Celebrate the life and music of the “Man in Black.”
  • Address: 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
• The Parthenon: An amazing full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple, located in Centennial Park.
  • Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
• Grand Ole Opry: Experience a legendary country music stage show and radio broadcast.
  • Address: 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
• Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery: Tour a beautiful old mansion and horse farm that also has a winery.
  • Address: 110 Leake Ave, Nashville, TN 37205
• Frist Art Museum: See changing exhibits of art from around the world and right here in Nashville.
  • Address: 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
• Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art: Wander through gorgeous gardens and explore art in a historic estate.
  • Address: 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205
• The District (Downtown Nashville): Get ready for honky-tonks, restaurants, and non-stop entertainment.
  • Address: Bounded by the Cumberland River, Broadway, and 1st Ave.
• Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum: See musical instruments, costumes, and other memorabilia.
  • Address: 401 Gay St, Nashville, TN 37201

Nashville’s Hidden Gems

• Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – Midtown: Even though it’s famous, going to the original Hattie B’s in Midtown feels like you’re in on a local secret.
  • Address: 112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
• Centennial Park Conservatory: A stunning Victorian-style glass building filled with unique plants.
  • Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203 (Located within Centennial Park)
• Third Man Records: Jack White’s record store and recording studio with rare vinyl and cool music stuff.
  • Address: 623 7th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
• Lane Motor Museum: A unique museum with a collection of European cars you won’t see anywhere else.
  • Address: 702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37210
• The Escape Game Nashville: Get your friends together for a fun escape room challenge.
  • Address: 162 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201

Local Festivals & Events in Nashville

• CMA Fest (June): A huge country music party with tons of artists.
• Nashville Film Festival (October): A chance to see independent films and documentaries.
• Music City Food + Wine Festival (September): A celebration of amazing food and wine from all over.
• Americana Music Festival & Conference (September): Discover talented Americana music artists.
• A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland (November-January): Get into the holiday spirit with decorations and events at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Day Trips & Nearby Attractions from Nashville

• Franklin, TN (30 minutes): A charming historic downtown with antique shops and Civil War history.
• Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Lynchburg, TN (1 hour 15 minutes): Tour the famous whiskey distillery and learn about its history.
• Mammoth Cave National Park, KY (1 hour 45 minutes): Explore the world’s longest cave system.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park (3 hours 30 minutes): Enjoy beautiful mountain scenery and hiking trails.
• Rock Island State Park (1 hour 40 minutes): Discover scenic waterfalls and cool hiking spots.

Photography Spots & Insta-Worthy Places in Nashville

• The Parthenon in Centennial Park: Perfect for classic architecture shots.
• Broadway at Night: Capture the vibrant neon lights and honky-tonk atmosphere.
• Ryman Auditorium Exterior: A historic landmark that makes a great photo.
• “I Believe in Nashville” Mural: A must-have Nashville photo backdrop (2700 12th Ave S).
• Wings Mural in The Gulch: A colorful street art spot (50 Music Square W).

Planning Your Stay in Nashville

Recommended Number of Days to Stay

• 3-5 days is a good amount of time to see the best of Nashville.

Top Places to Stay in Nashville

Budget-Friendly Hotels in Nashville

• The Red Roof Inn Nashville-Airport:
  • Address: 2300 Atrium Way, Nashville, TN 37214
• Super 8 by Wyndham Nashville Airport North:
  • Address: 95 Spence Ln, Nashville, TN 37210
• Baymont by Wyndham Nashville Airport:
  • Address: 2450 Music Valley Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Mid-Range Hotels in Nashville

• Holston House Nashville:
  • Address: 118 7th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203
• The Hayes Street Hotel:
  • Address: 2020 Hayes St, Nashville, TN 37203
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Airport:
  • Address: 10 Century Blvd, Nashville, TN 37214
• Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville:
  • Address: 210 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Luxury Hotels in Nashville

• The Hermitage Hotel:
  • Address: 231 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
• The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville:
  • Address: 403 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
• Four Seasons Hotel Nashville:
  • Address: 100 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203
• Thompson Hotel Nashville:
  • Address: 401 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Getting Around Nashville

• Public Transport: You can use Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) buses.
• Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Taxis are around, but ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) are more popular.
• B-Cycle: A bike-sharing program with stations all over the city.
• Walking: Downtown Nashville is easy to walk around, but think about using transportation for longer trips.

Getting Ready for Your Nashville Adventure

What to Pack for Nashville

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking!
• Layers: The weather can change, especially in the spring and fall.
• Sunscreen & Hat: For those sunny Nashville days.
• Rain Gear: Just in case! Bring an umbrella or raincoat.
• Country-Themed Outfit: Totally optional, but fun for going to honky-tonks or concerts.

Useful Apps for Nashville

• Google Maps: To help you find your way around.
• Yelp: For finding the best restaurants and other recommendations.
• Uber/Lyft: For getting around town easily.
• Nashville MTA: For public transportation info.

Local Safety Tips & Cultural Etiquette

• Do: Get into the live music scene, be friendly and polite, try the local food.
• Don’t: Be too loud or disrespectful at historic sites, litter, or ignore street performers (they appreciate tips!).
• Scams to Avoid: Watch out for people offering you unsolicited tickets or rides.
• Cultural Etiquette: Saying “Yes, ma’am” and “Yes, sir” is a sign of respect. Be patient in busy areas, especially on Broadway.

Nashville Food, Fun & Finds

Top Restaurants in Nashville

• Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Multiple Locations): The place to go for Nashville-style hot chicken.
  • Address: Multiple locations, including 112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
• The 404 Kitchen: A cozy spot for upscale American food.
  • Address: 404 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
• Arnold’s Country Kitchen: Get a classic Southern “meat-and-three” plate.
  • Address: 605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
• Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack: The original home of Nashville hot chicken.
  • Address: 123 Ewing Dr Suite 3, Nashville, TN 37207
• Rolf and Daughters: Pasta and Cocktails
  • Address: 700 Taylor St, Nashville, TN 37208

Must-Try Dishes in Nashville

• Nashville Hot Chicken: Spicy, crispy fried chicken that’s a Nashville icon.
• Meat-and-Three: A plate with your choice of meat and three side dishes – a Southern classic.
• Biscuits and Gravy: A hearty Southern breakfast staple.
• Fried Green Tomatoes: A crispy and tangy Southern treat.
• Sweet Tea: The perfect refreshing Southern drink.

Nashville Nightlife & Entertainment

• Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: A legendary honky-tonk on Broadway that’s always buzzing.
  • Address: 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
• The Bluebird Cafe: A small, intimate venue where you can catch amazing singer-songwriters.
  • Address: 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215
• Ryman Auditorium Shows: See a live show at the historic “Mother Church of Country Music.”
  • Address: 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
• Station Inn: A cozy spot for live bluegrass music.
  • Address: 402 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
• The Listening Room Cafe: A great place to discover new country music artists.
  • Address: 618 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210

What to Buy in Nashville (Souvenirs & Markets)

• Hatch Show Print: Find cool letterpress posters at this historic print shop.
  • Address: 224 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
• The Nashville Farmers’ Market: Shop for local produce, crafts, and delicious food.
  • Address: 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
• Antique Stores in 12 South: Browse for unique vintage finds in this trendy neighborhood.
  • Address: 12 South Neighborhood
• Music-Related Souvenirs: Pick up CDs, vinyl records, and other music memorabilia.