Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and home to Vanderbilt University. Legendary country music venues include the Grand Ole Opry House, home of the famous “Grand Ole Opry” stage and radio show. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and historic Ryman Auditorium are Downtown, as is the District, featuring honky-tonks with live music and the Johnny Cash Museum, celebrating the singer's life.
Spring (March–May): Best overall weather, blooming flowers, and outdoor events like the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival.
Fall (September–October): Mild temperatures, colorful foliage, and fewer crowds.
Summer (June–August): Lots of live music and events, but hot and humid.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Quietest and cheapest time, though cooler and some attractions slow down.
By Air:
Nashville International Airport (BNA) – Just 15 minutes from downtown. Well connected to major U.S. cities.
By Train:
Amtrak does not directly serve Nashville — closest major stations are in Memphis or Atlanta.
By Bus:
Greyhound, FlixBus, and Megabus operate from Nashville’s central bus terminal downtown.
By Car:
Major interstates: I-40, I-65, and I-24.
~3.5 hours from Atlanta, 2.5 from Memphis, 4 from Louisville.
Country Music Hall of Fame – One of the most extensive music museums in the world.
Ryman Auditorium – Historic performance venue and home of the original Grand Ole Opry.
Grand Ole Opry House – Still hosts live country music shows several nights a week.
Johnny Cash Museum – Celebrating the life of the Man in Black.
The Parthenon – Full-scale replica of the Greek original in Centennial Park.
Broadway Street – Neon lights, honky-tonks, and all-day live music.
Music Row – Studios and labels that shaped American music.
Frist Art Museum – Rotating art exhibitions in an Art Deco building.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park – Historical monuments and views of the Tennessee State Capitol.
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery – Mansion tours, Civil War history, and wine tastings.
Catch live music daily along Broadway or at The Bluebird Café.
Join a Honky Tonk crawl or pedal tavern ride at night.
Visit local distilleries and breweries, such as Nelson’s Green Brier or Jackalope Brewing.
Take a mural or Instagram tour in The Gulch and 12South.
Attend a concert at Bridgestone Arena or Ascend Amphitheater.
Join a line dancing class at Wildhorse Saloon.
Kayak or paddleboard on the Cumberland River (in warmer months).
Go shopping at local boutiques in 12South or vintage shops in East Nashville.
Luxury:
The Hermitage Hotel – Nashville’s most iconic hotel, steeped in history.
Thompson Nashville – Stylish hotel in The Gulch with a rooftop bar.
JW Marriott – Towering views and upscale amenities.
Mid-range:
Kimpton Aertson Hotel – Trendy and centrally located.
21c Museum Hotel – Boutique hotel with contemporary art gallery.
The Graduate – Whimsical and music-themed with a rooftop bar.
Budget-Friendly:
The Russell – Cool converted church in East Nashville.
Holiday Inn Express Downtown – Clean and close to Broadway.
HI Nashville Hostel – Affordable for backpackers and solo travelers.
Best Areas to Stay:
Downtown: Best for first-timers and nightlife.
The Gulch: Trendy and walkable with great restaurants.
East Nashville: Quirky, artsy, and full of local flavor.
Midtown: Near Vanderbilt University and quieter at night.
Must-Try Local Foods:
Hot Chicken – Hattie B’s, Prince’s, or Party Fowl.
Meat & Three – Choose one meat, three Southern sides (Arnold’s Country Kitchen).
Biscuits & Gravy – Biscuit Love or Loveless Café.
BBQ – Martin’s BBQ and Peg Leg Porker.
Southern brunch – Pinewood Social or The Southern.
Popular Restaurants:
The Catbird Seat – Upscale tasting menu.
Rolf & Daughters – Creative new American in Germantown.
Lockeland Table – Cozy local spot in East Nashville.
Edley’s BBQ – Classic Nashville barbecue and beer.
Skull’s Rainbow Room – Retro supper club in Printer’s Alley.
🎶 Music-Centric: From honky-tonks to high-end music halls, Nashville lives and breathes live music — especially country, but also rock, pop, and blues.
🧡 Southern Hospitality: Locals are warm, welcoming, and easygoing.
🎨 Creative & Artistic: Murals, artisan shops, and local maker culture thrive in East Nashville and The Gulch.
🎤 Songwriting Capital: Many artists and writers live here — even casual bars host top-tier talent.
🏟️ Sports: Home to the Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), and Nashville SC (MLS).
Major Events:
CMA Fest (June) – Huge country music festival.
Live on the Green (Aug/Sept) – Free outdoor concert series.
AmericanaFest (September) – Celebrates roots and folk music.
Nashville Film Festival, Tomato Art Fest, and more.