Visit Nashville for an unforgettable adventure. Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do with this highly curated Nashville travel guide.
Table of Contents
- Time Zone
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know
- How to Get Around
- Best Hotels
- Best Restaurants
- Things to Do
- Best Shopping
- Neighborhoods to Know
- Weather
- Apps to Download
Nashville, Tennessee’s capital city, is located in the north central part of the state on the Cumberland River. Founded in 1779 and named for Francis Nash, a Continental Army General during the American Revolutionary War, Nashville is the most populous city in Tennessee and one of the nation’s fastest-growing economies.
Known as “Music City,” Nashville is home to the Grand Ole Opry, celebrated for its country music performances and legendary artists like Johnny Cash, Reba McIntire, and Dolly Parton. Notably, the Ryman Auditorium hosts shows across all musical genres, making live music accessible every day of the week. From bluegrass to rock, the rich tapestry of musical styles fills the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Affectionately referred to as the “Athens of the South,” Nashville boasts multiple institutions of higher learning, including Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University. A highlight of the city is the Parthenon in Centennial Park, a full-scale replica, showcasing its cultural significance dating back to its construction for the 1897 Centennial Exposition.
Time Zone
Nashville is located in the Central Time Zone, while Tennessee spans both the Eastern and Central Time Zones. It is essential to note that Daylight Saving Time is observed seasonally.
Best Time to Go
The ideal times to visit Nashville are during spring (April, May) and autumn (September, October) when the weather is pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters tend to be cold and rainy. Notably, visiting during the winter may offer financial benefits due to lower tourist traffic.
Festivals that draw numerous visitors include the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, Fashion Week, CMA Fest, and the renowned Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.
Things to Know
The Schermerhorn Symphony Center downtown presents a variety of concerts featuring classical, jazz, and Broadway music.
Nashville is famous for its Hot Chicken, with Prince’s Hot Chicken being the original hotspot to experience this culinary delight. Diners can choose their desired spice level, but beware – “XXX HOT” is no joke!
The AT&T Building, affectionately nicknamed the Batman Building for its unique architectural design resembling Batman’s ears, is an iconic part of the Nashville skyline.
Nashville was a pioneer in racial equality, being the first Southern city to desegregate public spaces after important sit-ins by African-American college students in 1960.
Elvis Presley left a notable legacy at RCA’s Studio B on Music Row, having recorded over 200 songs there. The Christmas lights displayed year-round commemorate his holiday album recorded in July.
How to Get Around
Nashville’s public transit system, WeGo Public Transit, operates purple buses covering more than 50 routes across the city. Utilizing the service’s trip planner can make navigating the system more straightforward.
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) provides additional bus routes connecting Nashville to surrounding areas, along with the Music City Star regional rail line.
For convenience, taxis, Uber, and Lyft services are widely available throughout Nashville.
Best Hotels
Downtown
Bobby Hotel
Address: 230 Fourth Avenue North
Phone: (615) 782-7100
This creative hotel in historic Printers Alley offers luxury and various room options, including one and two-bedroom suites. With a full-service spa and multiple dining venues, including a rooftop lounge set in a retrofitted 1956 Greyhound bus, it checks all the boxes for a delightful Nashville stay.
21c Museum Hotel
Address: 221 Second Avenue North
Phone: 615-610-6400
Housed in a restored 1900s building, the hotel features 124 guest rooms with luxury amenities and curated art exhibitions. Dining at Gray & Dudley offers a taste of local flavors.
Moxy Downtown
Address: 110 Third Avenue South
Phone: (615) 986-2091
Ideally situated near the Country Music Hall of Fame, this hotel offers chic urban rooms with modern comforts, a 24-hour fitness center, and a casual bar serving breakfast and cocktails.
Dream Hotel
Address: 210 Fourth Avenue North
Phone: (615) 622-0600
This property boasts 168 art deco-inspired rooms in two historic buildings, conveniently located near Nashville’s attractions while offering luxury amenities.
Holston House
Address: 118 Seventh Avenue North
Phone: (615) 391-1234
A boutique hotel set in a historic building, offering 191 rooms blending modern and art deco styles, with a signature restaurant and a stunning rooftop lounge.
Hotel Indigo
Address: 301 Union Street
Phone: (615) 891-6000
This former bank now offers a modern hotel experience with a printer-themed lobby and a speakeasy-inspired lounge.
Hermitage
Address: 231 Sixth Avenue North
Phone: (615) 244-3121
Known for luxurious accommodations, this five-star hotel provides exceptional service and gourmet dining experiences.
Westin Nashville
Address: 807 Clark Place
Phone: (615) 248-2800
This luxury boutique hotel features suites with breathtaking city views and offers amenities like an on-site spa and fitness studio.
Grand Hyatt Nashville
Address: 1000 Broadway
Phone: (615) 622-1234
Positioned at Nashville Yards, this hotel features an outdoor rooftop bar and pool, spa services, and seven dining options.
Fairlane Hotel
Address: 401 Union Street
Phone: (615) 988-8511
This retro-modern hotel preserves mid-century architecture while offering unique furnishings and elegant dining options.
Midtown
Aloft Hotel
Address: 1719 West End Avenue
Phone: (615) 329-4200
This design-forward hotel near Vanderbilt University features comfortable rooms and ample social spaces.
Graduate Nashville
Address: 101 20th Avenue North
Phone:
This quirky hotel centrally located near Vanderbilt boasts luxe guest rooms and an outstanding rooftop bar with skyline views.
Kimpton Aertson
Address: 2021 Broadway
Phone: (615) 340-6376
At the heart of the Aertson Midtown, this boutique hotel comprises industrial elegance and leisure amenities.
Thompson Nashville
Address: 401 11th Avenue South
Phone: (615) 262-6000
Experience a stylish stay in this hotel featuring breathtaking views and a vibrant rooftop bar.
East Nashville
Urban Cowboy
Address: 1603 Woodland Street
Phone: (347) 840-0525
This boutique hotel offers uniquely decorated suites in a historic Victorian mansion, providing a charming and intimate atmosphere.
The Dive Motel
Address: 1414 Dickerson Pike
Phone: (615) 650-9103
Offering 23 uniquely designed rooms with entertainment features, this motel includes a hot tub and a lounge for relaxation.
Other Nashville Locations
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Address: 2800 Opryland Drive
Phone: (615) 889-1000
This expansive resort features an impressive indoor garden environment, dining options, and recreational amenities, all located just minutes from the airport and downtown.
Best Restaurants
Downtown
Address: 221 Second Avenue North
Phone: (615) 610-6460
Adjacent to a museum, this restaurant offers a traditional Southern menu filled with flavor and creativity.
Frothy Monkey
Address: 235 Fifth Avenue North
Phone: (615) 600-4756
This all-in-one cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with an impressive array of specialty drinks.
Etch
Address: 303 Demonbreun Street
Phone: (615) 522-0685
Led by award-winning chef Deb Paquette, this modern restaurant features an open kitchen and an engaging menu with locally sourced ingredients.
Little Fib
Address: 611 Commerce Street
Phone: (615) 493-4050
Enjoy a mix of fresh Southern fare curated by Michelin-star Chef James Kerwin at this welcoming dining destination.
Merchants
Address: 401 Broadway
Phone: (615) 254-1892
This historic building hosts a three-floor restaurant that serves a variety of upscale Southern cuisine and cocktails.
Nashville Underground
Address: 105 Broadway
Phone: (615) 964-3000
Offering live music alongside Southern-inspired dishes, this venue is popular for its vibrant atmosphere.
Zeppelin
Address: 505 Third Avenue North
Phone: (629) 236-0035
This rooftop bar and restaurant serves delicious food while providing a stunning view of Nashville.
Deacon’s New South
Address: 401 Church Street
Phone: (615) 994-1994
Located in a historic building, this modern restaurant specializes in dry-aged meats and seafood.
The Farm House
Address: 210 Almond Street
Phone: (615) 522-0688
This eatery highlights seasonal ingredients and traditional Southern comfort food recipes.
Hattie B’s Chicken
Address: 112 19th Avenue South
Phone: (615) 678-4794
Famous for its spicy fried chicken, Hattie B’s offers an array of delicious sides and desserts.
Henley
Address: 2023 Broadway
Phone: (615) 340-6378
This modern American brasserie, located in the Kimpton Aertson, serves a variety of Southern-inspired dishes for all meals.
Nada
Address: 202 21 Avenue South
Phone: (615) 925-3362
Nada’s innovative menu features modern Mexican cuisine with creative and flavorful interpretations.
Things to Do
The Bluebird Cafe
Address: 4104 Hillsboro Pike
Phone: (615) 383-1461
Renowned as one of the world’s premier listening rooms, The Bluebird hosts acoustic performances by established and emerging artists.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Address: 222 Fifth Avenue South
Phone: (615) 416-2001
This comprehensive museum showcases country music’s history through artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits.
Grand Ole Opry
Address: 2804 Opryland Drive
Phone: (615) 871-6779
Dubbed the “home of American music,” the Grand Ole Opry features live performances and backstage tours highlighting Nashville’s musical roots.
RCA Studio B
Address: 1611 Roy Acuff Place
Phone: (615) 416-2001
This historic studio was crucial in establishing the “Nashville Sound” and offers tours that celebrate its musical legacy.
Ryman Auditorium
Address: 116 Fifth Avenue North
Phone: (615) 889-3060
Recognized as one of the world’s best performance halls, Ryman Auditorium hosts numerous concerts and offers tours of its storied history.
The Johnny Cash Museum
Address: 119 Third Avenue South
Phone: (615) 256-1777
With the largest collection of Johnny Cash memorabilia, this downtown museum offers insight into the life and legacy of the iconic musician.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike
Phone: (615) 833-1534
The zoo features nearly 3,000 animals and serves as a recreational venue with activities like ziplining and a petting zoo.
Frist Art Museum
Address: 919 Broadway
Phone: (615) 244-3340
Home to rotating art exhibits, the museum highlights local and national artists in a beautiful historic space.
The Hermitage
Address: 4580 Rachel’s Lane
Phone: (615) 889-2941
Former home of President Andrew Jackson, this National Historic Landmark offers tours that tell the story of the 7th U.S. President.
Belle Meade Plantation
Address: 110 Leake Avenue
Phone: (615) 356-0501
The plantation tells the history of Tennessee through its historic structures and thoroughbred horse legacy.
Centennial Park
Address: 2500 West End Avenue
Website
This beautiful park features walking trails, monuments, a lake, and the famous Parthenon art museum.
Tennessee State Museum
Address: 1000 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard
Phone: (615) 741-2692
The museum features exhibits that cover Tennessee’s vast history, including Civil War components and the state’s cultural influence.
Best Shopping
White’s Mercantile
Address: 2908 12th Avenue South
Phone: (615) 750-5379
This nostalgic general store offers a variety of unique items, making it a shopping destination not to be missed.
Hatch Show Print
Address: 224 Fifth Avenue South
Phone: (615) 256-2805
The iconic shop continues to provide vibrant show posters while showcasing unique items related to Nashville’s musical heritage.
Imogene + Willie
Address: 2601 12th Avenue South
Phone: (615) 292-5005
This trendy shop specializes in denim and offers a range of clothing along with signature scented candles.
Rachel’s Boutique
Address: 231 Sixth Avenue North
Phone: (615) 345-7149
Featuring local artisan creations, this boutique provides an eclectic mix of apparel and home decor items.
Fanny’s House of Music
Address: 1101 Holly Street
Phone: (615) 750-5746
A full-service music store offering new and vintage guitars, Fanny’s also hosts music lessons and sells related merchandise.
Antique Archaeology
Address: 1300 Clinton Street, Suite 130
Phone: (615) 810-9906
This shop is known for its unique antiques and merchandise associated with the popular television show American Pickers.
Goorin Brothers
Address: 107 Second Avenue North
Phone: (615) 248-4287
Find an impressive selection of hats in this stylish shop, perfect for both men and women.
High Class Hillbilly
Address: 4604 Gallatin Pike
Phone: (615) 840-7328
This boutique showcases hand-selected vintage items crafted into fashionable products for all ages.
Shopping Malls
Opry Mills
Address: 433 Opry Mills Drive
Phone: (615) 514-1000
Tennessee’s largest outlet destination, featuring a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
The Mall at Green Hills
Address: 2126 Abbott Martin Road
Phone: (615) 298-5478
Home to over a hundred luxury stores, this upscale mall is conveniently located just minutes from downtown.
Neighborhoods to Know
Downtown: This vibrant area is the epicenter of Nashville, featuring Nissan Stadium, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and bustling nightlife venues.
Midtown: Nestled near Vanderbilt University, this neighborhood combines historical architecture with trendy dining and bar options, making it highly walkable.
Music Row/Demonbreun/Edgehill: Infamous for its recording studios, this area reflects Nashville’s music industry heart, exemplified by the iconic RCA Studio B.
Germantown: A historic district with boutiques and restaurants, this neighborhood is filled with local culture and charm.
The Gulch: A revitalized industrial area, The Gulch is known for its street art, music venues, and elegant eateries.
East Nashville: Home to an artistic community, this area features eclectic bars, cafes, and vintage shops, offering a unique local experience.
Opryland: Located ten miles east of downtown, this area includes tourist attractions such as the Gaylord Opryland Resort and the Grand Ole Opry.
West End/Elliston Place: Hosting Centennial Park, this neighborhood is noted for its proximity to Vanderbilt and various dining options.
Weather
Nashville has a subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Average yearly precipitation is around 47 inches, with the most rainfall occurring during spring, particularly in May, which is also tornado season.
Winter tends to be mild with occasional snow, while autumn is generally dry with cooler temperatures. The monthly temperature averages are as follows:
January 28 – 47
February 32 – 52
March 39 – 61
April 47 – 71
May 57 – 78
June 65 – 86
July 69 – 89
August 68 – 89
September 61 – 82
October 49 – 72
November 39 – 60
December 31 – 49
Apps to Download
Nashville Visitors Guide: This app helps you navigate attractions, restaurants, and shops in Nashville.
iOS | Android
Opry: Listen to WSM and stay updated on shows and events.
iOS | Android
Nashville Live Music Guide: Check out live music options sorted by category and location.
iOS | Android
WKRN Nashville News 2: Access local news and weather updates.
iOS | Android
Uber: Facilitates rideshare options in Nashville.
iOS | Android
Lyft: Another rideshare option for getting around Nashville.
iOS | Android
