Nashville Travel Guide | What to See Do and Eat

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Updated: 9/18/2024 | Nashville Travel Guide

About Nashville

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and a great place to visit if you love country music and BBQ.

It’s become a popular destination for bachelorette parties, with Broadway being a main destination for partygoers, earning it the nickname, Nashvegas!

There’s also an amazing restaurant scene that is always evolving and diverse! And if you love music, it’s easy to find live music throughout Music City.

Use our Nashville travel guide to plan your next trip to this fun-packed destination!

Best Time to Go to Nashville

The best time to visit Nashville is in the Spring and Fall when the weather is not too hot.

Summer is doable but you’ll need to be warned of rainstorms and heatwaves. As long as you have sunblock, an umbrella/hat, a water bottle, and a rain poncho, you should be set.

In the winter season, it can get really cold. Bring a thick jacket, a beanie, gloves, and proper boots and you should be fine.

Best Hotels to Stay at in Nashville

Here are our picks for the best hotels in Nashville!

• 1 Hotel – Hotel with an amazing rooftop! Come here for food, drinks and amazing sunset views.
• The Bankers Alley
• Fairlane Hotel
• Graduate – Cute pink bedrooms with floral decor. The pink Dolly Parton bar, White Limozeen, is on the rooftop of the Graduate.
• Noelle
• The Russell
• Union Station Hotel
• Virgin Hotels – A popular hotel for musicians! It’s located at the north end of Music Row and offers a rooftop pool and a live music venue. 

Best Things to Do and See in Nashville

#1 Watch a Live Performance or Concert

When in Music City, you need to see live music! While Nashville is known for country music, all genres of artists make it out to Nashville to perform.

Here are venues we highly recommend checking out:

• Grand Ole Opry: Once a week, you can buy tickets to see live music performances by popular and up-and-coming country artists all in one place! Tickets start at $53 and are totally worth it! Purchase tickets here. You can also opt for one of their backstage tours. It’s a must-visit for any music fan!
• Ryman Auditorium: Originally built as the Union Gospel Tabernacle over 130 years ago, the Ryman was designed as a beacon for evangelicals in downtown Nashville. It eventually became country music’s main stage while hosting the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. The Ryman draws artists from all genres and styles of music, including Elvis, Johnny Cash, Lizzo, and Harry Styles, along with comedians and politicians.
• Schermerhorn Symphony Center – Named after the late Maestro Kenneth Schermerhorn, who led the GRAMMY Award-winning Nashville Symphony for 22 years. This downtown Nashville venue is the home to the Nashville Symphony and is located across from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Here you’ll find a variety of musical events.

• Bridgestone Arena: With seating for up to 19,395 guests, the Bridgestone Arena is Nashville’s multipurpose indoor entertainment venue serving as the home arena for the NHL’s Nashville Predators as well as concerts and other sporting and corporate events.
• The Bluebird Cafe – The Bluebird Cafe is one of the world’s preeminent listening rooms. Over the last 40+ years, The Bluebird has gained worldwide recognition as a songwriter performance space where the “heroes behind the hits” perform their own songs.
• The Exit/In: Since 1971, the Exit/In has been a venue for popular and up-and-coming musicians. Talent includes The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, R.E.M., and many more. It’s recognized as a Nashville Historical Landmark and is preserved for music lovers from all genres.
• The Listening Room (TLR) Cafe – At TLR, you’ll experience hits heard on the radio in a way you’ve never heard them before. It’s also a restaurant and bar. Reservations are highly recommended.
• Roberts Western World: Robert’s Western World is known as Nashville’s Home of Traditional Country Music a local favorite for Honky Tonk! Here you can enjoy LIVE music 7 days per week alongside food and beverages deals. 
• The Station Inn: Come here for bluegrass, blues, roots, and Americana music. Here you can also get delicious food and beverages. The Station Inn is located in the Gulch.
• 3rd & Lindsley: A local favorite, 3rd & Lindsley hosts local, regional, and national acts as well as the Sunday night WRLT-100.1 FM broadcast, a first-rate live radio show from the club featuring national touring acts.
• The Basement East: Known as the largest music venue on the East Side, the Basement East offers a wide variety of acts from emo and electronic, to rock and country music.
• Cannery Hall: Formerly Cannery Row, this renovated music venue offers three separate music venues. The smallest venue space, Row 1 Stage, has a capacity of up to 325, the Mil can hold 625,  and the Mainstage can accommodate up to 1,200 attendees. Here you’ll find performances ranging from indie, rock, folk, EDM, hip-hop, pop, and more.
• War Memorial Auditorium: Built in 1925, this 2,000-seat auditorium was home to the Grand Ole Opry between 1939 and 1943. In the 1950s, it served as a frequent stop on the African American Theater Circuit and brought artists such as Ray Charles, The Five Satins, and Bo Diddley to Nashville audiences. Since then, hundreds of celebrity artists have performed at War Memorial Auditorium including KISS, Willie Nelson, Barry Manilow + Bette Midler, Them Crooked Vultures, R.E.M., Elton John, The Avett Brothers, Frank Zappa, Mumford & Sons, Jason Mraz, David Bowie performing as Ziggy Stardust, Ryan Adams, The Eagles, Arctic Monkeys, Billy Joel, Modest Mouse, and many more.
• Ascend Amphitheater: An open-air music venue is located along the Cumberland River inside the Metro Riverfront Park. It seats 6,800 (lawn and fixed seating) and is a fabulous summer venue for popular artists such as Creed, Avril Lavigne, and more.
• Nissan Stadium: Nashville’s premier sports arena located on the east bank of the Cumberland River across from downtown Nashville. It is Nashville’s largest venue with a 69,000 capacity. The massive stadium hosts sporting events, including home games for the Tennessee Titans. It also hosts several other events including the famous CMA Fest as well as concerts for big artists such as Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, Beyonce, and more.

#2 Visit the Tennessee State Capitol

Opened in 1859, the Tennessee State Capitol is one of the oldest working capitols in the United States. It’s home to the Tennessee General Assembly and the governor’s office. It’s also the highest point in Downtown Nashville.

Visit the Capitol for free guided and self-guided tours Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM Central Time and is closed on State holidays.

Visitors can take a 45-minute guided tour of the Capitol starting at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 a.m., 1:00, 2:00, or 3:00 p.m. CT. There’s a limit of 15 people per tour. Check-in at the at the first-floor information desk.

Reservations are not required for groups smaller than 12 people.

The building is one of 12 state capitols that doesn’t have a dome and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and named a National Historic Landmark in 1971. Just situated north of the Capitol building is Bicentennial Park and the Nashville Farmer’s Market.

Location: 600 Dr. Martin L King, Jr. Blvd., at the top of Capitol Hill

#3 Check Out All the Murals

Nashville has over 100 murals and they’re scattered throughout town. We love exploring all the neighborhoods and seeking out fun, colorful murals. 

Use our Nashville murals guide to help you find the most popular ones!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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#4 Immerse Yourself in Nashville’s Music History

If you love history and music, you have to visit these historic Nashville museums and historic landmarks.

• Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum: The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum first opened its doors in 1967 at its original location and after more than 30 years, it moved to its current location in 2001 and expanded in 2014. Today it’s a 350,000-square-foot museum dedicated to all things country music. The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of country music artifacts including 98 percent of all pre-WW2 commercially released country recordings. The exhibits change regularly, so even if you’ve been in the past, chances are, there’s something new to see. 
• RCA Studio B: Built in 1957 and located on Nashville’s Music Row, RCA Studio B became known as the birthplace for the “Nashville Sound,” a style characterized by background vocals and strings that helped establish Nashville as an international recording center. As Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio, this is an experience that can’t be missed. Visitors get to stand right where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and other greats recorded hits, and hear stories and songs born in this iconic studio.
• Hatch Show Print: As one of America’s oldest working letterpress print shops, Hatch Show Print has played a significant role in shaping the visual language of Music City since 1879. For much of the twentieth century, Hatch Show Print’s posters served as a leading advertising medium for Southern entertainment and music, with posters rolling out for members of the Grand Ole Opry such as Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, and Ernest Tubb, as well as for rock & roll heroes such as Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and more. Today, the shop continues that handmade tradition by designing and printing posters for hundreds of artists, performers, and businesses annually, and creating and producing posters, prints, t-shirts, and more among other unique gifts available for purchase in the gift shop or online. Located inside the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the historic print shop carries on the organization’s mission of education, offering tours and other hands-on experiences too.
• The Ryman Auditorium: It’s been referred to as the Carnegie Hall of the South but more commonly known as the Mother Church which has hosted acts such as Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Johnny Cash, Charley Pride, Dolly Parton, Bruce Springsteen, Garth Brooks, Paul Simon, The Foo Fighters, Aretha Franklin, Jack White, James Brown, Neil Diamond, Diana Ross, and SO MANY others.
• Johnny Cash Museum: Officially authorized by the estate of Johnny Cash, the museum features the most comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world.The museum chronicles Cash’s life, from his early years and Air Force career to his personal life and music career, including memorabilia from his famous prison concerts. Exhibits are arranged in chronological order, with more than 1,000 artifacts on display, consisting of personal items, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits.
• Patsy Cline Museum: Located on the second floor of the Johnny Cash Museum, the Patsy Cline Museum is home to an extensive collection of Patsy Cline memorabilia as well as real-life artifacts once owned by the country singer, who tragically died in a plane crash in 1963 at the age of 30.
• National Museum of African American Music: The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is the only museum of its kind dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of Black music in America. The museum’s expertly curated collections share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present. NMAAM is the premier global destination for music lovers of all generations and inspires, educates, and transforms your appreciation of American music. The museum’s mission is to educate the world, preserve the legacy, and celebrate the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack.
• Musician’s Hall of Fame & Museum: The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum honors all musicians regardless of genre or instrument. The MHOF timeline starts with the beginning of recorded music and inductees are nominated by current members of the American Federation of Musicians and by other music industry professionals. From classic country to rock ‘n’ roll, you can find it all at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. Their music museum exhibits offer guests a once in a lifetime experience to see instruments, studio booths, and more used on recordings of some of the biggest hit songs of all time.
• The Gallery of Iconic Guitars (The GIG) at Belmont: The Gallery of Iconic Guitars (The GIG) at Belmont is Music City’s premier venue designed to celebrate some of the most rare and iconic guitars and stringed instruments ever known offering an intimate experience for visitors to view these prized instruments up-close, along with historically and technically in-depth information on each.
• The Jefferson Street Sound Museum: The Mission of the Jefferson Street Sound Museum (JSSM) is to preserve the history, honor, and educate people about the music and entertainment legacy of Jefferson Street in Nashville while bridging that legacy with education, grassroots programming, and cultural interest through exhibits. The Purpose of JSSM is to connect to local tours, media outlets, local colleges/universities and organizations to bring awareness of the impact of African Americans on the music and entertainment culture of Nashville, as well as create experiences that appeal to the diversity and multiplicity of entertainment for locals and tourist visiting Nashville.
• Glen Campbell Museum: The Glen Campbell Museum features more than four thousand square feet of never-before-seen artifacts from his early years on the farm in Arkansas through his climb to super-stardom, including many of Glen’s legendary guitars and instruments, his extensive collection of golf paraphernalia, and intimate family photos as well as stage worn clothing and much more.

#5 Cheekwood Botanical Garden

If you love giants, you have to check out Thomas Dambo’s six wooden trolls at the Cheekwood Botanical Garden. It’s only an 18-minute drive from Downtown and very well worth a visit! They’re in Nashville until September 1, 2024.

This impressive 1930s estate has a 30,000-square-foot Mansion, 55 acres of gardens, and park.

Today it serves as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with a permanent art gallery showcasing local and American artists. The property has 13 distinct gardens and a 1.5-mile wooded trail and outdoor sculpture park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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#5 Tennessee State Museum

The Tennessee State Museum is where you should go to learn the history of the state of Tennessee. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here. There’s a lot to learn and it’s FREE!

The facility opened in 2018 and is located at the base of Capitol Hill next to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

#6 Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

The Hermitage, was home to the 7th U.S. President, Andrew Jackson, from 1804 until his death in 1845.

It was remodeled by Jackson after a fire destroyed the majority of it in 1837. Located just 10 miles east of Downtown, the mansion sits on 1,100+ acres and is a National Historic Landmark maintained to look just as it did when President Jackson lived there. It also serves as President Andrew Jackson’s final resting place.

#7 Stroll Down Music Row

Nashville’s history with music can be dated back to the late 1700s when the earliest settlers celebrated their safe disembarkation on the shores of the Cumberland River with fiddle tunes and buck dancing afterward.

Nashville’s first “celebrity,” the noted frontiersman and Congressman Davy Crockett was known far and wide for his colorful stories and fiddle playing.

As time rolled on, and the city became more established, so did Nashville’s relationship with music. Through the 1800s Nashville grew to become a national center for music publishing. The first around-the-world tour by a musical act was performed by none other than the Fisk Jubilee Singers from Nashville’s Fisk University.

Their efforts helped fund the school’s mission of educating people who were formerly enslaved after the Civil War. In fact, Nashville’s most notable nickname “Music City” can be accredited to this around-the-world tour! After playing for the Queen of England, the Queen stated the Fisk Jubilee Singers must come from a “City of Music”, and the rest was history.

#8 Visit the Nashville Parthenon + Centennial Park

The Parthenon was built in 1897 and was intended as a temporary replica of the original building in Athens. It was built to commemorate Nashville’s 100th year of statehood. 

Originally built of plaster, the building soon deteriorated. In 1920, the City tore down the building and rebuilt it with concrete. Eventually, the Athena sculpture was added in 1990.

Today the Parthenon hosts art and music events. It’s definitely worth visiting and spending time in Centennial Park.

#8 Party on Broadway!

Nashville didn’t earn the nickname Nashvegas for nothing!

Broadway is a very popular destination for partying, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and exploring the live music scene known as the Honky Tonk.

Fair warning, it’s not cheap, but you’ll get to visit many bars owned by famous Country singers such as Dierk’s Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Kid Rock, and more.

You’ll also find lively party buses, limos, tractors, and even a repurposed fire engine making its way through town toting partygoers throughout town.

#9 Visit a Distillery and Try Tennessee Whiskey

You have to visit a distillery to learn about how Tennessee whiskey is properly made and the history behind the brands.

The Tennessee Whiskey Trail includes 31 distilleries, of which 8 are located in Nashville!

Recommended Whiskey Tours & Tastings:

• Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery (Nashville, TN) – Family-owned and operated distillery with a restaurant and bar onsite.
• Big Machine Distillery (Nashville, TN)
• Ole Smokey Moonshine Distillery (Nashville, TN)
• Jack Daniel’s Distillery (Lynchburg, TN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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#10 Take a Hike!

There are many waterfall hikes less than a 2-hour drive outside of Nashville. If you have a car and love the outdoors, we highly recommend driving to see their waterfalls.

Scroll down to our Nashville Travel Guide Map to see the hikes we recommend!

Where to Eat in Nashville

• 312 Pizza – The BEST spot for Chicago-style pizza in Nashville. They offer deep dish and thin crust tavern-style pizza. EVERYTHING is made from scratch using age-old family recipes. We recommend heading in on Mondays for their 25% off pizza deal!
• 400 Degrees – Come here for REALLY hot Nashville chicken.
• Black Dynasty Secret Ramen
• DEGTHAI Streetfood – Lively restaurant serving Thai streetfood. We highly recommend their pad thai, Jay’s Special, and Kuay Tiew with Tom Yum and ramen noodles. View our review of DEGTHAI here.
• Edley’s BBQ – This is our FAVORITE spot for BBQ in Nashville.
• Geist – Formerly a Blacksmith shop turned Instagram-worthy restaurant! They have an unreal champagne garden and reimagined dishes including pasta, seafood, steaks, and craft cocktails. We highly recommend the sea bass and pasta dishes! Be sure to make reservations because it gets really busy on the weekends!
• Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – A must-visit for fried chicken! If you love spicy, you’ll have to try their Damn Hot! and Shut the Cluck Up! options. Get a side of their ranch to lessen the heat. There’s typically a long line, so expect a wait. 
• International Market
• Jimmy Kelly’s Steakhouse – Nashville’s OLDEST Steakhouse! They’ve been serving amazing steaks for over 90 years (since 1934) and the food is amazing. If you’re a steak lover, you have to visit Jimmy Kelly’s! We highly recommend their bone-in filet mignon steak and corn cakes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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• Martin’s BBQ
• Monell’s – A great Germantown spot for AYCE brunch!
• Ophelia’s – An Italian restaurant with pizza, pasta, and creative craft cocktails. 
• Prince’s Hot Chicken – Competitor to the famed Hattie B’s.
• Red’s Hot Chicken
• Shabu Shabu – We love their AYCE hot pot and barbecue options. You’ll have to prepare your own food but it’s so worth it! We love coming here for all the meats and proteins and the revolving belt for veggies and noodles. Expect to pay around $30+ per person for their hot pot only or KBBQ combo.
• St. Vito Foccaceria – Come here for tasty Sicilian pizza (made with their homemade focaccia bread) and handmade pasta! Don’t forget to watch our video to learn how you can get pizza and pasta for free!
• VN Pho & Deli – Family-owned Vietnamese restaurant offering some of the best pho (Vietnamese beef noodle soup) in town! Everything is made from scratch and they even make their own chili crisp oil. We highly recommend their Thai green tea and tamarind beverages. We’re huge fans of VN Pho & Deli!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Where to Drink in Nashville

• Crossed Eyed Critters Watering Hole – An animatronic Karaoke bar with some AMAZING talent. It’s located on the ground floor of the Graduate Hotel.
• Grandpa Bar – Callin’ all Grandpas! This cute bar off the beaten bath has reimagined classics, THC cocktails, and $5 shots. Their happy hour menu has $9 specials and they host events, games, and shows throughout the week. We’re huge fans!
• The Late Great – Great drinks but the drinks are ridiculously overpriced. We highly recommend their $17 dealer’s choice which helps to lessen the blow on your wallet. 
• Nelson’s Green Brier – This family-owned distillery has a bar with amazing craft cocktails. Don’t forget to try out their amazing restaurant and take a tour and whiskey tasting through their distillery.
• White Limozeen – PINK rooftop bar with an oversized Dolly Parton bodice and pool. The craft cocktails here are Instagram-worthy and cute!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nashville Travel MAP

Use our Nashville Travel Map to plan your route around town. We’ve marked all our favorite spots to explore!

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