Known as Music City USA, Nashville is the capitol of Tennessee and the state's largest city. It's also an economic powerhouse with a rapidly growing economy that attracts far more than aspiring musical superstars. Some think of Nashville as the "Athens of the South" because it is home to so many universities. For others, Nashville is best known as the heart of country music. The city is home to Grand Ole Opry, where performers like Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn and countless others have graced the stage. The Ryman Auditorium is another major performance venue that has left its mark on the city and hosts concerts throughout the year.
Though folk, bluegrass and country music are top of mind in Nashville, you'll also find pop, rock, hip-hop and more being played at venues throughout Nashville. A bustling music and nightlife scene has something for everyone, but there's more to Nashville than music and nightlife. You'll also find multiple colleges, including Vanderbilt University, Belmont University and Tennessee State — to name a few. The city is home to gorgeous public spaces, museums, personality-filled boutique hotels and world-class restaurants.
Nashville's history goes way back. The state of Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State because of the sheer volume of volunteers who served in the War of 1812. Nashville itself was founded in 1779 by a gentleman named Francis Nash, a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Today, you'll find deep roots, warm smiles and a unique vibe that you won't find anywhere else.
Whether you're staying for a couple of days or a couple of weeks, this curated Nashville travel guide will point you to plenty of things to do in Nashville to help you savor a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Basics
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone
- Airport: Nashville Interational Airport - BNA
- Currency: US Dollar
- Language Spoken: English
Getting around Nashville is easy thanks to the well-equipped infrastructure and public transportation system. Nashville's public transportation system is called WeGo Public Transit, and it covers the majority of Nashville. The easily recognizable purple buses offer service to and from the Nashville Airport (BNA), and if you're driving into the city, you'll find free park-and-ride lots at multiple locations around town. WeGo's online trip planner makes it fairly easy to plan your route ahead of time to make sure you'll hit the right bus when you need it.
You can also easily rent a car through Hertz, or grab a taxi, Uber or Lyft. Downtown Nashville is also friendly for walkers and bikers.
Best Time to Visit Nashville
For the most temperate, enjoyable weather, you'll want to visit Nashville in the spring or autumn. Most agree that the most pleasant, comfortable months in Nashville are April-May and September-October. Though Tennessee's climate is generally mild, it can get hot and humid in the summer months and a bit cold and rainy during the winter. Of course, that makes spring and fall peak tourist season for many of Nashville's landmarks, so if avoiding crowds is high on your priority list, you might want to plan to visit during the off-season instead.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that some seasonal festivals draw big crowds. In the mood for a Cherry Blossom Festival? April is your month. CMA (Country Music Association) Fest is in June, as is the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. The Nashville Film Festival is in September, or you could visit the following month for Nashville's Oktoberfest. You'll find big-name concerts and other events occurring in the city year-round, though; chances are good something exciting will be happening no matter when you plan a trip. Read on through our Nashville travel guide for ideas to fill your Nashville trip itinerary.
Navigating Broadway and Live Music in Nashville
For many who visit Nashville, it's all about the music. But navigating the live music scene in Music City can feel overwhelming because of the sheer number of performance venues and locations to check out.
For classical music and jazz, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center is the place to go. Located in downtown Nashville across from the Country Music Hall of Fame, this elegant building is home to the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. Throughout the year, you can catch live performances from the orchestra, as well as concerts by smaller ensembles, chamber groups, and performers from around the world.
It's impossible to talk about Nashville's live music scene without mentioning The Grand Ole Opry. A Nashville institution, the Opry was originally a "barn dance" style radio show. Today, the Grand Ole Opry offers weekly performances and guided backstage tours. For country music fans, it doesn't get much more iconic than this stage, which is smaller than many visitors expect. Settle in and take in a show in the same intimate venue where many country music stars got their start.
Music Row is considered the heart of the music industry in Nashville. More a historic neighborhood than an actual "row," Music Row spreads around 16th and 17th Avenues South in downtown Nashville. The neighborhood is home to many publishing houses and music industry offices, most of which specialize in traditional country, folk, bluegrass, and gospel. More than 200 of Elvis Presley's songs were recorded at RCA's famous Studio B on Music Row. Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, the Everly Brothers and countless other stars recorded many of their albums in this area.
For smaller-venue live music happening all year long, you have to visit Broadway. A major thoroughfare running through downtown Nashville, Broadway runs from 21st Avenue South all the way to 1st Avenue; it crosses Music Row and The Gulch neighborhoods, and it's sparkling with restaurants, shops, and live music venues. The southern portion of Broadway is known as Honky Tonk Highway, where you'll find multiple venues cranking up the music well into the small hours of the night, with no cover charge. You can easily spend an entire evening walking from live music venue to live music venue, enjoying acts ranging from rock 'n' roll, pop, country and even a little punk rock.
Just off the intersection of Broadway and 4th, the Ryman Auditorium is worth a stop. It's one of the city's best-known concert halls and performance venues; depending on the schedule when you're visiting, you might find bluegrass concerts, comedy tours, or other internationally-known performers gracing the stage.
Top Things to do in Nashville
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame is one of Nashville's most-visited sites. You'll find more history than you knew to expect when you walk through the doors; everything from tear-stained lyric sheets to rhinestone-studded costumes, storied guitars and incredible architecture are to be found here. You don't have to be in love with country music to find something to love here.
Take a Tour of the Historic Belle Meade Mansion
Get a taste of old-world hospitality (and some fine wine) on a tour of the historic Belle Meade Estate, which was one of the wealthiest private estates in Nashville in the early 1800's. You'll learn a bit about Nashville's history, the upper echelon of Nashville's society, and the rearing of thoroughbred horses. Belle Meade is a gorgeous estate that's still filled with peace. The grounds, on-site winery and restaurant, and guided tour all offer a lovely way to spend a couple of hours.
Visit the Johnny Cash Museum
The Johnny Cash Museum isn't huge; in fact, it only takes about an hour to explore. But it's well worth a stop for fans of the musical icon. You'll learn about Cash's musical and personal life, and take in some of the memorabilia that you won't see anywhere else: old military uniforms, for example, and letters to his wives. The museum is completely accessible and self-guided, so you can take your time to explore each exhibit and grab a coffee or a bite to eat from the small on-site café.
Explore the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a welcome escape for visitors of all ages. This gorgeous zoo offers plenty of lovely manicured space to explore. If you have kids along for the trip, they'll love the huge playground with expansive climbing structures and a 35-foot-high treehouse. This is an ideal place for kids to let loose and adults to relax a bit! Thousands of animals are happy and well cared for in their carefully-designed habitats. The Nashville Zoo is about fifteen minutes south of downtown Nashville by car.
If you want to see more of the city in one fell swoop, it might make sense for you to grab a hop-on, hop-off trolley ticket, or book a craft cocktail and fine dining tour or an electric bike music tour of the city. These will all give you a taste of what Nashville has to offer, so you can follow up by exploring more on your own, if desired. You'll find even more Nashville things to do right here.
Best Hotels in Nashville
When it comes to Nashville's hotel scene, you'll find a little of everything, from upscale luxury getaways to personality-filled boutiques. These are just a few of the top AAA Diamond accommodations in Nashville.
W Nashville
- Address: 300 1wth Ave. S
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best For: Luxury
- Amenities: Restaurants, bars, pool, valet, room service, coffee shop, yoga lawn and contemporary design
The W Nashville is a sprawling 13-story hotel in Nashville's high-end Gulch district. It's within easy walking distance of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium. Expect polished design featuring music-themed artwork, open-concept rooms and suites, and plenty of amenities. Multiple restaurants and bars on-site make it easy to grab what you need without leaving the building.
Banker's Alley Hotel Nashville, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- Address: 221 2nd Ave. N
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best For: Ambience and location
- Amenities: Fitness center, restaurant and live Music
Set in a red-brick building that was built in 1900, Banker's Alley is packed with personality, ambiance, and upscale charm. Though the rooms aren't huge, they're thoughtfully designed and curated. Expect features like Nespresso machines in each room, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property, and an industrial-chic restaurant and full bar. It's hard to beat the location, too; Banker's Alley is in the Arts District — two blocks from the Cumberland River and minutes away from a huge array of music, dining and shopping venues on Broadway.
Graduate Nashville
- Address: 101 20th Ave N,
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best For: Boutique experience
- Amenities: Pool, fitness center, three restaurants, full bar and entertainment
A boutique hotel with bold, retro style, Graduate Nashville has a lot to offer at its location in Midtown Nashville on Broadway. Expect details like plush velvet upholstery, bold pink floral patterns, a country-chic style that's been updated for contemporary audiences and a rooftop restaurant serving up mouthwatering cuisine. Graduate promises a unique, memorable stay and the location is very tough to beat: it's just a few minutes' walk from Music Row, Centennial Park and Vanderbilt University.
Holston House
- Address: 118 7th Ave. N
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Best For: Historic luxury
- Amenities: Three restaurants, full bar, rooftop pool, valet, room service and fitness center
Holston House is set in a 1920's-era Art Deco style building, just five minutes from Ryman Auditorium in Midtown Nashville. The ethos of the entire building is old-world luxury, and that's what you'll find here, from the sophisticated lobby to the elegant rooms and suites. Expect on-point amenities, a rooftop pool, a bar and live entertainment. Holston House offers a hip, upscale experience in one of Nashville's best neighborhoods. It's easy to walk to some of the city's best sights, dining and shopping within minutes of stepping out the door.
Best Restaurants in Nashville
Nashville has plenty of restaurants to choose from. From down-home American Southern cuisine to the hot chicken that Nashville is famous for, you'll find it here. A growing culinary scene has something for every palate, so whether you're looking for the finest of fine dining or the greasy spoons that locals keep coming back to, we've got you covered with the best restaurants in Nashville.
Biscuit Love
- Address: 2001 Belcourt Ave
- Diamond-designation: Approved
- Reservations: No
Biscuit Love is a beloved spot for breakfast and brunch in Nashville, celebrated for its made-from-scratch Southern food. While the line can be long in the Gulch location, it’s worth the wait to try favorites like the “Bonuts” (aka fried biscuit dough topped with sugar and lemon mascarpone) or the hot chicken-topped “Princess” biscuit. Afterward, visitors can enjoy a scenic drive through the upscale Belle Meade neighborhood, home to many country music stars.
Etch Restaurant
- Address: 303 Demonbreun Street
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
SoBro's Etch Restaurant is a standout on Nashville’s dining scene, celebrated for Chef Deb Paquette’s inventive and flavorful dishes. Guests are encouraged to share plates to sample a variety of tasty combinations. Must-try dishes include roasted cauliflower with truffled pea purée, venison with harissa cranberries and grilled filet mignon with horseradish-whipped potatoes.
Hattie B's Hot Chicken
- Address: 5069 Broadway Suite A-103
- Diamond-designation: Approved
- Reservations: No
Hot chicken is a Nashville staple, and Hattie B's Hot Chicken is one of the best-known local chains serving up the good stuff. Expect fried chicken seasoned in various levels of spiciness, from mild to “Shut the Cluck Up,” which is just as spicy as it sounds. Hattie B's also serves a variety of sandwiches, fries, and sides, but their specialty — and the centerpiece of the menu — is the fried chicken for sure. There are multiple locations throughout Nashville, but the one on Broadway is most convenient to the downtown sights.
Prince’s Hot Chicken
- Address: 5814 Nolensville Rd.
- Diamond-designation: Approved
- Reservations: No
Prince's Hot Chicken is a must-visit Nashville dining destination, famous for its original hot chicken sandwiches that often bring tears to the eyes — thanks to their intense spiciness. The signature sandwich features a juicy, crispy-skinned chicken leg or breast served on white bread and topped with tangy pickle chips. With spice levels ranging from mild to extra hot, first-timers are advised to start with mild, which still delivers a bold kick.
Best Photo Spots in Nashville
When it comes to what to see (and Instagram) in Nashville, you’re spoiled for choice. From vibrant neon signs and murals of Nashville to incredible eats and live music, the city’s charm will keep your camera clicking. Get ready to capture unforgettable moments in this buzzing Southern gem!
Go on a Dinner Cruise on the Cumberland River
The Cumberland River is a central part of Nashville's history, and you can hop on a large paddlewheel riverboat to enjoy an elegant lunch or dinner with great music playing and top-notch views of the downtown Nashville skyline just outside. The General Jackson Showboat doesn't hold back; expect a Vegas-style show along with your dinner as you roll on down the river.
Stop by Centennial Park
Centennial Park is the heart of Nashville's park scene. Featuring a true-to-life replica of the Greek Parthenon in Athens, Centennial Park offers sprawling green lawns, a playground, a dog park, and plenty of benches. Grab a cup of coffee or lunch to go and relax on a bench to enjoy the views of the lake and the lush, meticulously landscaped surroundings. Community events often take place here, and the Parthenon is beautifully lit at night.
Visit the Tennessee State Capitol Building
Tenessee's State Capitol building is one of the oldest operating capitol buildings in the country; it looks just like it did when the doors first opened in 1859. Based on Greek architecture and designed by architect William Strickland, expect to be impressed by the stately lines of the building and the lively frescoes adorning the ceilings inside. You can take a self-guided or a guided tour of the building on weekday mornings until early afternoon; it's an easy stop if you're already visiting the Ryman Auditorium or the surrounding neighborhood.
Day Trips from Nashville
If you're looking to explore more beyond Music City’s borders, here are some great day trips from Nashville to take your trip to the next level.
Cookeville Depot Museum
Nestled in the small-town charm of Cookeville, the Cookeville Depot Museum offers a cozy stop filled with fascinating train exhibits. Located on West Broad Street near an ice cream shop, this family-friendly museum is close to the Cookeville History Museum and Performing Arts Center, perfect for rounding out your visit.
Jack Daniel's Distillery
Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour & Tasting invites whiskey lovers to explore America’s oldest registered distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Visitors can enjoy an insightful tour showcasing the crafting process while sampling six varieties of the iconic spirits at this legendary destination.
Rock City Gardens
Perched on Lookout Mountain in Georgia, Rock City Gardens features stunning rock formations and enchanting botanical gardens. Don’t miss the Hall of the Mountain King or the seasonal Enchanted Garden of Lights, all located a short ride from Chattanooga’s other attractions like Glen Falls.
Visiting Nashville on a Budget
Discovering budget-friendly Nashville is simple, with free attractions, iconic music spots, and plenty of fun that won’t break the bank. From strolling vibrant streets to enjoying live events, there’s something for everyone. With AAA member savings and benefits, you can score discounts on dining, activities, and more, making your trip even sweeter!
Enjoy Free Attractions
With so many bars and lounges with live music, Nashville can get expensive if you're not careful. However, you can have a wonderful vacation by focusing on free things to do in Nashville, such as the Music City Walk of Fame as well as local parks and outdoor events that are often free to enjoy.
AAA Member Discounts
A great way to save on your next Nashville vacation is by perusing AAA’s vast membership benefits. Members can access extensive traveling advantages, such as huge savings on rooms, car rentals, airfare and more. As a AAA member, you’ll always receive exclusive deals and other cost-saving benefits to ensure you get the most out of every vacation.
Nashville Safety Tips
Nashville is known as a safe city to walk, bike and explore. But as with any city, it's smart to use common sense when sightseeing. Take sensible precautions like traveling in well-lit, populated areas. Lock the door of your rental car and don't leave things behind in your vehicle, and keep money and valuables out of sight when you're out exploring.
Planning Your Trip to Nashville
When thinking of the best time to visit Nashville it’s important to know that AAA members can access perks and take advances for vacation planning such as getting the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.