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Why Visit Nashville
Nashville's roots trace to Fort Nashborough in 1779. Our Nashville tourist guide often highlights the "Athens of the South" moniker, seen in the State Capitol's Greek Revival style. The Parthenon even holds a direct cast of the Elgin Marbles.
Beyond the city, Nashville offers vast green spaces. Kayak the Cumberland River or explore Percy Warner Park's 3,100 acres. For a quieter day, Radnor Lake State Park is a wildlife sanctuary home to over 170 bird species, ideal for serene hiking.
The city's food scene is one of the best reasons to visit Nashville. Test your spice tolerance with authentic hot chicken. Or, try a classic meat-and-three diner. Don't miss the original Goo Goo Cluster, the world's first combination candy bar.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer tourists
- Jul-Aughot, busy season
- Wintercold, occasional snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #WeatherAppropriateClothing
- #LightRainJacket
- #Sunscreen
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 with side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language.
- #CountryMusicHallOfFame
- #RymanAuditorium
- #TheParthenon
- #BroadwayStreet
- #Germantown
- #JohnnyCashMuseum
- #VanderbiltUniversity
- Live music on Broadway
- Visit the Grand Ole Opry
- Explore the Nashville Farmers' Market
- Try hot chicken at Hattie B's
- Stroll through Centennial Park
- Tour the historic Belle Meade Plantation
Recommended Hotels in Nashville by Experience
Things to do in Nashville
Discover
Nashville attractions range from the iconic Ryman Auditorium to the full-scale Parthenon replica in Centennial Park. Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or walk the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for city skyline views.
Experience
Experience live music spilling from honky-tonks on Broadway, or catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Take a culinary tour to taste hot chicken, or attend seasonal events like the CMA Fest and the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival.
Ryman Auditorium
Historic music venue, the "Mother Church of Country Music."
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Museum preserving the history and traditions of country music.
The Parthenon
Full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple in a park.
Grand Ole Opry Show
Live radio show featuring country music stars and legends.
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
Walkway with skyline views over the Cumberland River.
Centennial Park
Urban park with a lake, walking trails, and the Parthenon.
RCA Studio B Tour
Historic recording studio where legends like Elvis recorded.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Nashville International Airport (BNA) to get to Nashville. The WeGo Route 18 bus provides a direct link from the Nashville airport to city center in about 50 minutes for $2. Taxis, rideshares, and a Nashville shuttle bus offer faster options.
Getting Around
Public transport in Nashville consists of WeGo buses; get a day pass for cost-effective travel. Downtown is walkable, but rideshares are common. A car rental in Nashville is best for trips to Franklin or the Great Smoky Mountains.
Local Essentials
For Nashville travel tips for first-timers, know that driving in Nashville means heavy traffic on I-24, I-40, and I-65. Book Grand Ole Opry tickets in advance. Downtown parking is expensive; use a ride-share service to get to Broadway.
Where to Stay in Nashville
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Nashville's soul through its traditional food in Nashville. Taste iconic Nashville Hot Chicken and flaky biscuits. Many spots follow a meat-and-three tradition, a cherished local custom. This is where you eat Southern barbecue with live music.
Enjoy
Find the best restaurants in Nashville starting at Hattie B's Hot Chicken, a hectic spot, queue early. Drink at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge for a vibrant vibe, bring cash. Taste brunch at the very popular Biscuit Love, expect lines.
Husk
Elevated Southern dishes in a historic home. Book far ahead.
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
Whole-hog West Tennessee-style BBQ. Expect a casual vibe.
Puckett's
Southern comfort food with live music. Often a wait.
Hattie B's Hot Chicken
Iconic Nashville hot chicken spot. Long queues are normal.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Nashville's heritage at the Iroquois Steeplechase, a sporting tradition since 1941. Also, the Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival showcases food and music from 50+ cultures, highlighting the city's vibrant, diverse community.
Enjoy
Discover Nashville's modern creative pulse through premier events. The CMA Music Fest is a four-day country music spectacle. For cinephiles, the acclaimed Nashville Film Festival presents hundreds of independent films each September.
CMA Music Festival
Four-day June festival with country music stars.
Iroquois Steeplechase
A premier horse racing event held the second Saturday in May.
Nashville Film Festival
A weeklong showcase of independent films each September.
Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival
World's largest songwriters' festival held each spring.
Tomato Art Fest
Quirky East Nashville fest in August with art and music.
Nashville Pride Festival
Tennessee's largest LGBTQ+ event with a parade in June.
Nashville Oktoberfest
Germantown celebration of German culture with food and beer.
What a Fun City!
Nashville has such a fantastic energy. The live music is everywhere, not just on Broadway, and the quality is incredible. It's a very walkable city, which we loved. We found some great barbecue spots just by wandering around. A great trip all around.
So Much Music History
The history here is amazing, especially for music fans. Seeing a show at the Ryman Auditorium was the highlight of our trip; you can really feel the history in that building. It's cool to see how much the city honors its musical roots.
Great Neighborhoods to Explore
Nashville is more than just the main downtown strip. We spent a lot of time in The Gulch, which has a bunch of cool shops and places to eat. It was fun to just walk around and discover things away from the biggest crowds. Lots to see.
The Food Was Excellent
I came for the music but the food really stood out. Of course, the hot chicken is something you have to try. But everywhere we went, from little cafes to bigger restaurants, the food was consistently good. You definitely will not go hungry.
Some Really Unique Sights
I was not expecting to see a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park, but it was really impressive. The city has a lot of nice green spaces, which are great for taking a break from the busy streets. A fun place for a city trip.
A Genuinely Friendly Place
The people here are so welcoming. Everyone we met, from shopkeepers to people on the street, was friendly and happy to chat. It makes a real difference when you're visiting a new place. The city just felt very open and easygoing.