NASHVILLE
Music City! Nashville, Tennessee, is a vibrant city that combines rich music heritage, delicious Southern cuisine, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you experience the best of Nashville:
When to Visit
- Best time: September to November or March to May (mild weather, festivals)
- Peak season: June to August (summer concerts, events)
- Off-season: December to February (cool weather, holiday events)
Getting Around
- Downtown Trolley: Hop-on, hop-off transportation ($2 per ride)
- WeGo Public Transit: Bus system ($2 per ride)
- Ride-hailing: Uber, Lyft
- Taxi: Available at airports and downtown
- Walking: Explore downtown and neighborhoods on foot
- Bike: Rent a bike or join the Nashville B-Cycle program
Must-See Attractions
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: World-class music museum
- Ryman Auditorium: Historic music venue, "Mother Church of Country Music"
- Broadway: Honky-tonk bars, live music, and boot-scooting
- The Parthenon: Full-scale replica of ancient Greek Parthenon
- Bluebird Cafe: Intimate songwriting venue
- Grand Ole Opry: Legendary country music venue
- Belle Meade Plantation: Historic horse farm and winery
- Cheekwood Estate and Gardens: Art museum and botanical gardens
- Jackalope Brewing Company: Local craft brewery
- Ascend Amphitheater: Outdoor music venue
Neighborhoods to Explore
- Downtown Nashville: Broadway, Ryman Auditorium, and Country Music Hall of Fame
- The Gulch: Upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife
- 12 South: Trendy neighborhood with restaurants, shops, and murals
- Germantown: Historic neighborhood with boutiques and eateries
- East Nashville: Artsy neighborhood with vintage shops and cafes
- Music Row: Heart of Nashville's music industry
- SoBro (South Broadway): Restaurants, bars, and entertainment
Food and Drink
- Hot chicken (Hattie B's, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack)
- BBQ (Jack's Bar-B-Que, Edley's Bar-B-Que)
- Southern comfort food (Loveless Cafe, Arnold's Country Kitchen)
- Craft beer (Jackalope Brewing, Yazoo Brewing)
- Live music venues with food (Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Acme Feed & Seed)
- Goo Goo Shop: Try Nashville's iconic candy
- The Pancake Pantry: Breakfast institution
Tips and Essentials
- Purchase a Music City Total Access Pass for discounted attractions
- Download the Nashville Visitor's Guide app
- Be prepared for summer heat and humidity
- Tip 15-20% at restaurants and bars
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking
- Respect local music venues and artists
Accommodation
- Budget: Hostels (Nashville Hostel, Music City Hostel)
- Mid-range: Hotels (Hyatt Place, Aloft Nashville)
- Luxury: High-end hotels (The Hermitage Hotel, The Fairlane Hotel)
Safety
- Be aware of pedestrian traffic and construction
- Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas at night
- Follow traffic rules and pedestrian signals
- Keep valuables secure
Events and Festivals
- CMA Music Festival (June)
- Bonnaroo Music Festival (June)
- AmericanaFest (September)
- Nashville Film Festival (April)
- Fourth of July Celebration (July)
- Tennessee State Fair (September)
Budgeting
- Accommodation: $80-200 per night
- Food: $10-25 per meal
- Transportation: $2-5 per ride
- Attractions: $10-25 per person
Language
English is the primary language.
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Emergency Contacts
- Nashville Police: 911
- Nashville Information: 615-259-4700
- Medical Emergency: 911