Things to do in Nashville

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All about Nashville

When to visit

There’s never a bad time to travel here, but if you want to catch the city at its finest, visit from late spring until early fall. With blooming flowers, sunny days, and pleasantly warm temperatures, spring is a beautiful time to visit. Summer brings a buzzing energy to the city’s streets with tons of outdoor music festivals. In the fall, the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange, and there’s a crispness in the air that’s perfect for exploring the many parks.

Getting around

The city’s WeGo Public Transit is a bus network that is incredibly budget-friendly and convenient. They run throughout downtown, and to the Nashville International Airport, on set routes. Otherwise, taxis are easy to hail, although fares can be quite expensive across town. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft also operate in the city and are easy to book.

Traveler tips

Take time to explore the city’s neighborhoods beyond the vibrant Downtown and Midtown areas. Head to East Nashville, the bohemian side of the Cumberland River, where you’ll find vintage boutiques, breweries, cocktail bars, and more lowkey live music. Of course, no visit to Nashville is complete without indulging in some hot chicken, the city’s most well-known dish, at local favorites Hattie B’s and Prince’s.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Nashville is considered safe to visit. The most common reported crime is theft. Tourist-friendly neighborhoods, such as downtown, Sobro, Germantown, and The Gulch, remain some of Nashville’s safest areas. As with any major city, avoid walking alone at night and travel along well-lit, busy routes.

Commonly known as the Music City, Nashville is home to legendary country music venues including the Grand Ole Opry and the historic Ryman Auditorium, as well as gritter honky-tonks where visitors can catch live music performances nightly. And while the city is synonymous with country music, many artists of all genres call Nashville home.

Yes. Nashville boasts historical sites, museums, art galleries, and, of course, plenty of music venues—from lesser known to large scale. Visitors are able to catch local, regional, and major touring musicians on stages throughout the city. In addition to sightseeing, travelers can also chow down on Southern comfort food, including the city’s famous hot chicken.

Can’t-miss things to do in Nashville include checking out the live music scene and sampling Southern eats such as hot chicken, biscuits, and Tennessee whiskey. Swing by the lively honky-tonks along Broadway to hear upcoming and established musicians, and tour historic venues like the Ryman Auditorium or the Country Music Hall of Fame to learn more about the city’s musical roots.

Because the main attractions and popular things to do in Nashville are located in a relatively compact area and are easily accessible on foot or by car, visitors can see and do a lot in one day. Along Broadway, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium. Head over to Music Row to go behind the scenes at RCA’s Studio B. Check out Printers Alley and the honky-tonks in the evening.

Get acquainted with Nashville by taking a river cruise along the Cumberland River, which runs right through the heart of the city. If you opt to stay on land, head to the Country Music Hall of Fame to learn about Nashville’s rich musical heritage, followed by a stop at Tootsies, Robert’s Western World, or one of the many watering holes on Broadway—they open early—for a shot of whiskey.

Visitors can explore Nashville’s musical history at spots like the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, and the National Museum of African American Music. Take in the current music scene at venues such as the Bluebird Cafe. Indulge in Southern comfort food like biscuits and hot chicken. And learn more about the city’s past at historic sites such as Belle Meade.

While Broadway, downtown Nashville’s main thoroughfare, serves as the center of the action thanks to its bustling bars and music venues, the city also includes diverse neighborhoods and attractions to explore. For example, in the 12 South area, travelers will find some of the best BBQ in Nashville, and Centennial Park, located near Vanderbilt University, boasts a life-size replica of the Parthenon.

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