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About this guide
As the capital and largest city of Tennessee, Nashville pairs rolling green landscapes with a rhythm visitors can feel throughout the city. Scenic hiking trails wind toward peaceful lakes and rivers, offering a calm counterpoint to the city’s high-energy neighborhoods. Known worldwide as the epicenter of country music, Nashville blends bluegrass, rock, gospel, R&B, and pop into a cultural soundtrack. From intimate songwriter rounds to stadium concerts, the city continues to cement its reputation as a premier destination for live performances and major festivals. Beyond the stage, there’s bold street art splashed across brick walls, an award-winning culinary scene, family-friendly attractions, and layers of Southern history woven into every block.
- 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 International Airport (BNA) connects the city to major domestic and international destinations. Located just a short drive from downtown, it offers a streamlined arrival experience, making it easy to land and dive straight into Music City’s energy.
By Car
Driving in Nashville is pretty straightforward thanks to a well-connected highway system and accessible rental options. Having a car is especially helpful for exploring neighborhoods beyond downtown, scenic parks, and nearby day-trip destinations.
By Public Transit
WeGo Public Transit buses provide affordable access to key districts, attractions, and surrounding communities. While the system is more limited compared to larger metropolitan cities, it remains a budget-friendly and eco-conscious way for visitors to navigate Nashville.
Explore Nashville, Tennessee on Foot
Some of Nashville’s most iconic neighborhoods are best explored at street level. Walk through Downtown Nashville’s honky-tonks, The Gulch’s murals and upscale eateries, and 12 South’s boutiques and cafés. Exploring on foot allows visitors to discover live music sets, sample Southern flavors, and historic landmarks.
Quick facts
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 and 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.
Play
Play: Things To Do In Nashville, Tennessee
Book this Nashville Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour to save time and money while exploring over 100 points of interest. This is a great budget-friendly alternative to taxis or rideshares around the city.
The seven-hour Jack Daniel's Distillery Bus Tour And Whiskey Tastings includes air-conditioned transportation. Located in the historic George Green Barrel House, it’s 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 culinary history with the Downtown Nashville 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 Nashville 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 "Murder in Music City" Ghost Walking Tour is perfect for true crime enthusiasts. Guests learn about the 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 Nashville Delicious Donut Adventure With multiple stops to sample the ultimate donut flavors, this is a delicious excursion to book on a leisurely day.
The Belle Meade "Journey to Jubilee" 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.
