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About this guide
As the capital and largest city, Nashville, Tennessee boasts a picturesque location with natural beauty. Its hiking trails to scenic rivers and calming lakes complement the lively communities. Nashville is the epicenter of country music. The city highlights a harmonious symphony of diverse genres from bluegrass to rock. Nashville is also slowly, but surely becoming a hub for exciting musical events like the Blavity House Party Music Festival. The festival, which takes place on June 14-15th, will be headlined by Lil Wayne and feature other major performers like Monica, Victoria Monét, BLXST, Dru Hill, Ryan Leslie, Shenseea, Big Freedia, and more. You can purchase tickets to the music festival here. And it’s not just music that strikes a chord in the city. The streets are alive with colorful street art, an award-winning culinary scene, family-friendly attractions, and historical gems.
- Best time to travel: June to August (peak season), November to March (off-season), April to May and September to October (shoulder season)
- Time zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
- Currency: USD ($)
- Noteworthy: Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival (April), Blavity House Party (June), The Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival (July), Music City Food + Wine Festival (September), Nashville Oktoberfest (October), Christmas at Gaylord Opryland (November to January)
- Best for: Nightlife and Music Enthusiasts, Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties, Food and Drink Tours, Sports Fans
Get Away: Getting To and Around Nashville, Tennessee
By Air
Nashville, Tennessee is well-connected to major cities through its primary airport, Nashville International Airport. With a central location and a short commute to downtown Nashville, booking a flight to the Music City is as convenient as ever.
By Car
Traveling around Nashville by car is easy with car rental and ridesharing services readily available. The city has a well-developed road network, making it easy to explore the vibrant neighborhoods, music venues, and nearby attractions.
By Public Transit
The public transit system in Nashville is the Metropolitan Transit Authority bus system or the Music City Star commuter train. While it is not as extensive as some cities, these options are affordable and eco-friendly ways to navigate the city and its suburbs.
Explore Nashville, Tennessee on Foot
Explore Nashville on foot to experience the vibrant Downtown, Gulch, and South neighborhoods. Soak in the city's famous live music venues, local cuisine, street art, and historical landmarks at the perfect pace.
Quick facts
Central Standard Time (CST)
USD ($)
English
Good For
Nightlife and Music Enthusiasts
Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties
Food and Drink Tours
Sports Fans
Keep in mind
- Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival (April)
- Blavity House Party (June)
- The Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival (July),
- Music City Food + Wine Festival (September)
- Nashville Oktoberfest (October) and Christmas at Gaylord Opryland (November to January)
Gourmet
Gourmet: Places to Eat In Nashville, Tennessee
Executive Chef Kyle Patterson innovates familiar dishes for opulent nostalgia-inducing menus at the Sinema Restaurant & Bar. Known for their family-style bottomless brunch, they also have creative cocktails, local wines, and non-alcoholic variations.
Willie B's Kitchen & Lounge is a distinguished Black-owned Nashville restaurant founded by Chef Christopher Jones. There’s brunch like homemade omelets and bottomless mimosas or Southern dinners like flame-broiled garlic ribeye and St. Charles lamb chops.
Black woman-owned Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack South is the original and gold standard for hot chicken. The hot chicken menu offers whole chicken, tenders, and wings, with classic coleslaw, mac & cheese, and potato salad.
With the rich flavors of Caribbean culture, Riddim N Spice in North Nashville pays homage to Chef Kamal Kalokoh's Jamaican roots. The menu also has vegan options like BBQ jerk jackfruit with fresh in-house island juice and cocktails.
Situated in the heart of East Nashville, Coneheads is a Black-owned ice cream parlor-style eatery. The menu features homemade sauces, savory sides, and tasty desserts crafted from scratch with top-quality ingredients.
The fast-casual Slim & Husky's Pizza Beeria combines deliciously artisan pizza with a love for hip-hop and R&B culture. The Black-owned spot champions local ingredients, fresh dough, house-made sauces, craft brews, and cinnamon rolls.
Stay
Stay: Places to Stay In Nashville, Tennessee
The historic Victorian mansion Urban Cowboy has eight uniquely designed suites, nightly live music at the Parlor Wine Bar, and the Public House in an old carriage house. Roberta's famous wood-fired pizza in the backyard leaves guests over 21 feeling full, buzzed, and inspired.
Every booking at this eco-friendly tiny house means a tree is planted in a United States forest. The space has a comfy loft bed, a full kitchen, a bathroom, a washer and dryer, and eco-conscious amenities.
With high ceilings, antiques, and antebellum architecture, the Belle Air Mansion is the top-rated historic bed and breakfast in Nashville. The ornate fireplaces, chandeliers, and heart pine floors make this a popular Southern location for movies and music videos.
The Russell Nashville is a tech-savvy stay housed in a 115-year-old historic church in East Nashville. Every stay in Nashville's boutique hotel helps the homeless community through its Rooms for Rooms program.
Salemtown Guest Suite is a private Airbnb suite with a full kitchen and cozy living space just minutes from downtown. Guests are within walking distance of top restaurants and local bodegas to enjoy a fantastic Nashville getaway.
The Graduate Nashville Hotel is a pet-friendly spot perfect for a girls’ trip. The decor channels Nashville’s history of entertainment legends while on-site services cater to guests’ tastes for humble luxuries and services.
Play
Play: Things To Do In Nashville, Tennessee
Book this trolley tour to save time and money while exploring over 100 points of interest in Nashville. This is a great budget-friendly alternative to taxis or rideshares.
Enjoy this guided bus tour and whiskey tastings with included air-conditioned transportation. Located in the historic George Green Barrel House, this 7-hour scenic tour is an exclusive look into a Nashville-famous pastime.
The Grand Ole Opry Show is the place to be for an authentic evening for country music lovers. Book seats in advance to create memories in the iconic venue filled with country music history.
Indulge in the best of the city's foodie delights and learn Nashville's history with the walking food tour. This tour provides insider recommendations, cost-effective tastings at four restaurants, and two alcoholic beverages.
For anyone who loves a fun night out, this line dancing class is a beginner-friendly experience at one of Nashville's most popular venues. Learn the basics from local experts, master well-known line dances, and take home a souvenir video to practice.
Led by a professional guide, this 90-minute ghost walking tour is perfect for true crime enthusiasts. Guests learn about Nashville's dark history at the Tennessee State Capitol, Red Light District, and the Civil War-era hospital at Ernest Tubb Record Shop.
Found between Sobro and Broadway Street, visitors will find some of the city's best treats on this donut adventure. With multiple stops to sample the ultimate donut flavors, this is a delicious excursion to book on a leisurely day.
The interactive guided history tour explores Nashville's history of enslaved African Americans at Belle Meade Plantation. Guests can take part in thought-provoking discussions with complimentary wine tasting and access to an on-site restaurant.