Nashville, Tennessee, USA

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Nashville, the “Music City,” is a vibrant and eclectic destination that offers something for everyone. From its rich music heritage to its delicious Southern cuisine, stunning natural scenery, and warm hospitality, Nashville is a city that will leave you feeling energized and inspired.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Nashville is from September to November or from March to May, when the weather is mild and comfortable. Summer can be hot and humid, while winters can be chilly. However, if you’re interested in attending specific events or festivals, plan your trip accordingly:

  • CMA Music Festival: June
  • Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival: June
  • Tennessee State Fair: September
  • Nashville Film Festival: April

Places to Go

Music Venues

  • The Ryman Auditorium: Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” this historic venue has hosted legendary performers like Hank Williams and Patsy Cline.
  • The Bluebird Cafe: This intimate setting is famous for its singer-songwriter performances and was featured in the TV show “Nashville.”
  • The Grand Ole Opry: The iconic home of country music, where you can catch a live broadcast of the longest-running radio show in the United States.

Museums and Galleries

  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Learn about the history and legends of country music at this world-class museum.
  • The Parthenon: A full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon, housing an art museum and offering stunning views of the city.
  • Frist Art Museum: A non-profit art museum featuring a diverse range of exhibitions.

Parks and Outdoor Spaces

  • Centennial Park: A 132-acre park featuring a lake, walking trails, and plenty of green space for picnics or relaxation.
  • Percy Warner Park: Offers hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and stunning views of the city skyline.
  • Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge: Take a stroll across this pedestrian bridge offering spectacular views of the river and downtown Nashville.

Neighborhoods

  • The Gulch: A trendy neighborhood filled with boutiques, restaurants, and bars.
  • 12 South: Known for its Instagram-worthy murals, this neighborhood is also home to some of Nashville’s best eateries.
  • East Nashville: A hip neighborhood with a thriving arts scene, featuring eclectic shops, restaurants, and music venues.

Activities

Music Experiences

  • Take a songwriting workshop: Learn from industry professionals at the Country Music Hall of Fame or the Bluebird Cafe.
  • Go on a music tour: Explore Nashville’s music scene with guided tours like the “Nashville Music City Tour” or “The Johnny Cash Museum Tour.”

Food and Drink Experiences

  • Take a food tour: Sample Nashville’s best eats on a guided tour, such as the “Nashville Food Truck Tour” or “The Southern Comfort Food Tour.”
  • Visit a local brewery: Nashville is home to over 20 craft breweries, including Jackalope Brewing Company and Yazoo Brewing Company.

Outdoor Adventures

  • Rent a kayak or paddleboard: Explore the Cumberland River with rentals from companies like River Queen Voyages.
  • Take a hike: Hit the trails at Percy Warner Park, Beaman Park, or Radnor Lake State Park.

Where to Eat

Breakfast and Brunch

  • The Loveless Cafe: Known for its biscuits and jam, this cafe is a Nashville institution.
  • Biscuit Love: Another popular breakfast spot with creative biscuit sandwiches.
  • Edley’s Bar-B-Que: While known for their BBQ, Edley’s also serves up delicious brunch options.

Lunch and Dinner

  • Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Try the famous hot chicken at this Nashville staple.
  • Arnold’s Country Kitchen: This meat-and-three diner serves up classic Southern comfort food.
  • The Catbird Seat: For a more upscale dining experience, head to this restaurant offering creative, farm-to-table cuisine.

Sweet Treats

  • Goo Goo Cluster Shop: Try the famous Goo Goo Clusters, a Nashville-born candy treat.
  • The Cupcake Collection: Indulge in gourmet cupcakes at this popular bakery.

Where to Stay

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Hostel Nashville: A social hostel with dorms and private rooms, featuring a communal kitchen and lounge area.
  • Aloft Nashville West End: A stylish hotel with modern amenities at an affordable price point.

Mid-Range Options

  • The Fairlane Hotel: A boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Nashville, offering luxurious amenities.
  • Hyatt Place Nashville/Downtown: A comfortable hotel with spacious rooms and a rooftop pool.

Luxury Options

  • The Hermitage Hotel: A historic hotel offering opulent accommodations and exceptional service.
  • The Noble Fin Hotel: An upscale boutique hotel featuring stylish rooms and a rooftop bar.

Things to Know

Safety

  • Nashville is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in crowded areas.

Weather

  • Nashville experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
  • Pack accordingly, and stay hydrated during the summer months.

Tipping Culture

  • In Nashville, it’s customary to tip 15-20% at restaurants and bars.
  • Tip your tour guides and musicians as well, as they rely on tips for their livelihood.

Transportation

Getting Around

  • Ride-hailing services: Uber and Lyft operate in Nashville, offering convenient transportation options.
  • Public Transportation: The WeGo Public Transit system offers bus routes throughout the city.
  • Walking and Biking: Nashville is a walkable city, and many attractions are within walking distance. Bike rentals are also available.

Getting to Nashville

  • Nashville International Airport (BNA): Located about 6 miles from downtown Nashville, with taxi, Uber, and Lyft services available.
  • Bus and Train Stations: Greyhound and Megabus operate bus stations in Nashville, while Amtrak offers train service at the Union Station.

Tips and Tricks

Save Money

  • Take advantage of free attractions: Visit the Parthenon, explore the city’s many parks, or take a stroll along the Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge.
  • Look for deals and discounts: Check websites like Groupon or LivingSocial for Nashville-specific offers.

Make the Most of Your Time

  • Plan ahead: Book popular restaurants and attractions in advance to avoid long wait times.
  • Prioritize your interests: With so much to see and do, focus on the activities that matter most to you.

Be Respectful

  • Respect local music venues: Follow rules and guidelines at music venues, and be mindful of noise levels and crowd etiquette.
  • Be kind to locals: Engage with Nashville residents, ask questions, and show appreciation for their city.

Other Things of Interest

Festivals and Events

  • CMA Music Festival: A four-day festival featuring country music’s biggest stars.
  • Nashville Pride: A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, featuring live music, food vendors, and more.

Sports

  • Tennessee Titans (NFL): Catch a football game at Nissan Stadium.
  • Nashville Predators (NHL): Watch a hockey game at Bridgestone Arena.

Day Trips

  • Franklin, TN: Explore this charming town’s historic downtown area, featuring antique shops and restaurants. (About 20 miles south of Nashville)
  • Belle Meade Plantation: Visit this winery and horse farm for wine tastings and tours. (About 15 miles west of Nashville)

With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to experience the best of Nashville! Remember to be respectful, plan ahead, and take advantage of all the city has to offer. Happy travels!