Nashville Travel Guide 2024

2024 Nashville Vacation Guide

Known for its thriving music scene, rich culture and Southern charm, Nashville is always an exciting place to visit. The city hosts a very impressive collection of live music venues as well as beautiful parks, interesting museums and a wide range of historical sites to explore. Those seeking fun yet leisurely getaway should definitely pay a visit to this vibrant Southern city.

Nashville is located in Central Tennessee and serves as the state’s capital city. It is renowned as the “Country Music Capital of the World” due to its long association with country and western music as well as its phenomenal live music scene. The city enjoys a mild, seasonal climate and holds many of the state’s top museums, parks, and historical landmarks. The city is accessible by a number of major highways, several bus services, and Nashville International Airport.

Nashville Visitors Guide

The city boasts a wide array of sites of interest for visitors to explore as well as a famed nightlife scene to discover. One of Nashville’s premier attractions is the Grand Ole Opry, a must-see destination for country music fans. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is another great attraction in the city as is its wealth of historic sites such as Fort Negley, a Civil War-era fortress and the historic Belle Meade Plantation, a 19th-century mansion now open to the public for guided tours. Another great attraction is the Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson. Other great attractions and landmarks in the city include the elegant Belmont Mansion and the Tennessee State Capitol.

Nashville also plays host to a huge collection of cultural, entertainment and leisure attractions. The Tennessee State Museum is an excellent place to learn about the state’s rich history and culture while Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy some leisure time. Acclaimed museums and cultural institutions worth visiting include the Nashville Zoo and the Adventure Science Center. The city also boasts incredible nightlife, dining and shopping scenes that include a plethora of bars as well as superb music venues like the Ryman Auditorium and the Nashville Symphony in the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Finally, Nashville offers a bevy of parks, gardens and public spaces to enjoy such as the Cheekwood Botanical Garden, Centennial Park, and the beautiful Radnor Lake.

With its world-class nightlife and music scenes, rich cultural attractions and lively atmosphere, Nashville is always a fun and exhilarating place to visit. From the Grand Ole Opry to the city’s impressive collection of museums and historic sites, Nashville offers plenty to see and do.

About Downtown Nashville

A vibrant hub known as Music City, downtown Nashville is overflowing with entertainment, delicious dining and country music. One never lacks for things to do when visiting Nashville. Within just a few blocks are dozens of entertainment options, and live music can be heard streaming out of numerous venue doors onto the streets.

Best known for their music, Nashville is where many country star hopeful comes to try their hand at making it big. Beneficial to those visiting Nashville, the abundance of hopefuls means there are always incredibly talented musicians playing in venues all over the downtown area. The cream of the crop is usually found on Broadway Street, singing and playing at infamous places like the Silver Dollar Saloon, Tootsie’s, and Layla’s Bluegrass Inn. Nashville is also home to the Grand Ole Opry where many legendary country greats got their start. Catch a great show at The Opry, or take a scheduled tour.

For finger-licking, Southern delicacies in Nashville, Monell’s Dining and Catering is praised by locals and tourists for their family table style service, skillet-fried chicken and other comfort food favorites. Jack’s BBQ is touted as being the best barbecue east of the Mississippi River, but if you are craving an upscale vibe, The Capital Grille is a chic destination.

Several other notable sights to check out in Nashville are the Country Music Hall of Fame, where you can learn about country music from its beginnings to its modern-day presence in pop culture, Ryman Auditorium, a place many world-famous artists have performed, Lane Motor Museum, home of an extensive collection of European cars, and Centennial Park, a family-friendly spot for paddle boating and picnics. Also suggested is visiting downtown Nashville at night because the lights are amazing, and the nightlife is booming with country music’s finest.

Nashville Downtown Hotels

Downtown Nashville boasts many of the city’s top museums, parks, theaters, and historic sites. Rich with music venues and interesting landmarks, Downtown Nashville is the perfect place to visit, even for just a few hours. Visitors seeking fun, culture, and leisure will be pleased to known that bustling Downtown Nashville has much to choose from. The neighborhood functions as the historical, governmental, and commercial core of the city. It holds fascinating cultural and historic sites as well as many of the city’s top bars, theaters, restaurants, and shops. Downtown Nashville can be accessed conveniently by car, bus, or commuter train.

Downtown Nashville is packed with great attractions and destinations. The district plays host to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, a major attraction for country music fans, as well as the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, the Military Museum, the Tennessee State Museum, and the historic Tennessee State Capitol. Downtown Nashville is also packed with great music venues such as the Ryman Auditorium and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center as well as a bevy of great nightlife spots, theaters, shops, and restaurants. Downtown Hotel Service offers Hotels near Downtown Nashville that are quality hotels at an affordable price. Use our Search box above or click here to see available hotels!

Nashville Weather

Compared to other cities throughout the United States, the weather in Nashville, TN, is moderate. While there have been temperatures as low as negative 17 degrees and as high as 107 degrees, these are exceptions, not the rule. Typically, Nashville weather ranges from 37 degrees at its lowest to 80 degrees at its highest.

Nashville is it is most humid during the summer months. May is the time of year that gets the highest amount of rainfall, which amounts to approximately five inches. While it snows during the winter months, accumulation is rarely more than just a few inches.

One of the things that locals like the most about Nashville are that while the weather never gets to be too freezing, there is a distinct change of the seasons. This means that summertime feels like summertime and you can actually tell that it’s Christmas during December. During the Autumn, the leaves change colors, making the fall foliage absolutely gorgeous. While September is still pretty warm, the temperature cools during October and November. Winters are mild, though, but not as mild as you’d find in Florida or as severe as you’d find in New York.

One of the biggest problems with snowstorms in Nashville is that there’s a lot of ice leftover afterward. Since snowfall is so small in Middle Tennessee, there aren’t a lot of salt trucks to go around. This means that streets don’t get de-iced quickly enough. However, the weather is warm enough to melt the ice more quickly than in northern states.

Tornadoes in Middle Tennessee
Every year, Nashville and other areas in Middle Tennessee have approximately twelve tornado watches issued. Of these tornado watches, one or more tornadoes either touch down in the area or are spotted in the area. On average, the Middle Tennessee area gets hit by about three tornadoes each year. This is less than a risk than it sounds, though, because there are more than 30 counties in Middle Tennessee – the odds of being affected by a tornado in Nashville specifically aren’t very high.

Nashville Transportation

Nashville, Tennessee offers a variety of transportation needs for its guests and residents alike. Whether a guest comes to the city for business or pleasure, Nashville provides the transportation resources to make their travel a seamless, enjoyable experience.

Air

Guests who arrive at the Nashville International Airport near the major interstate experience the wonderful enhancements occurring to refine the service it offers with refurbished terminals and parking and security facilities. None of these improvements have impeded the outstanding service provided.

Tourists, locals and business guests travel to downtown Nashville from the airport with the affordable mass bus service. This resource is energy efficient, conscious of the environment and saves passenger money on transportation costs.

Bus

Though there currently is not Amtrak train service to the Music City, Greyhound bus lines do offer daily service from a variety of routes.

Public Transportation

Commuter traffic within the city is handled by the Music City Star. The metro service is rail-lite featuring six total stops. The system is free and convenient for getting around Nashville to the Gulch, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and the Bicentennial Mall. The system adopts green initiatives with a clean diesel hybrid engine. Transfers are available to public bus routes to reach final destinations.

Automobile Travel

The city is quite easy to navigate by car. The streets follow an easy simple grid placing it as one of the most popular ways for getting around the Music City. There are a bevy of convenient parking options for drivers. In addition, car-sharing services like WeCar have gained in popularity providing easy rental with locations throughout the downtown area.

Taxis

Like most major cities, taxis are available for transport to and from the airport and downtown Nashville. Taxi service for transport within downtown and throughout the city is available but not readily like in other metropolises like New York.

Walking

Nashville is also a wonderful city to experience on foot. Guests and locals are able to move at their own pace absorbing the sites, sounds, and smells of a wonderful city. This form of transport is ideal for physical fitness, developing a community, and cutting down on carbon emissions.

The Music City offers new and exciting ways for guests and locals alike to navigate this charming locale. Whether a guest comes for business or pleasure with or without their family, the city offers efficient options and resources to move around this special place. Nashville ensures that its visitors and residents have the best quality tools to enjoy and continue to make this city a thriving destination.

Nashville Attractions

Frist Center for the Visual Arts
The Frist Center for Visual Arts is an art museum located in the city of Nashville, and it has been open since 2001. The museum features several traveling exhibitions throughout the year without having a permanent collection. Since the Frist Center of the Visual Arts does not have a permanent collection, you will see something different every time you visit.

Tennessee State Museum

If you are looking to learn about the history of Tennessee, then you absolutely must go to the Tennessee State Museum while visiting Nashville. The Tennessee State Museum was established in 1937, and it is currently one of the largest museums in Nashville. The main attraction of the museums is the collection of Civil War battle flags. The collection of these flags is one of the largest in the country. There are also uniforms, paintings, weapons, and furniture on display throughout the three floors of the museum.

Country Music Hall of Fame

If you have ever been a fan of country music, then the Country Music Hall of Fame is guaranteed to be the highlight of your trip to Nashville. The Country Music Hall of Fame first opened in 1961, and it is dedicated to preserving the history of country music. The museum displays the entire history of country music, so you can see how music has changed over the years. There are even song recordings and video clips on display for visitors to experience.

The Parthenon

The Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee, is a full-size replica of the actual Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The Nashville Parthenon was originally built in 1897, and it joined the U.S National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The entire structure is one of the most beautiful things you will see in Nashville. There is even a replica of the Athena Parthenos statue, which is made of close to 10 pounds of gold leaf. Why would you go to Athens when you can experience the city in Nashville?

Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art

Going to the Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art will allow you to experience two of Nashville’s best attractions in one location. The art museum has over 5,500 paintings, photos, and drawings in its American art collection. The art museum also has a large porcelain and silver collection on display. The Cheekwood Botanical Garden features several separate gardens that have different flowers on display and vary in design. You will have a hard time finding a more beautiful and peaceful location in Nashville.

Nashville Dining

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

If you are looking for a cool treat while you are in the city, then this is the place to visit. The small ice cream parlor has several different kinds of ice cream flavors and creations to choose from. One of the favorite kinds of ice cream is the Brambleberry Crisp. There are many unique combinations that are not sold anywhere else. This is high-quality ice cream at its best.

Etch

This is not your typical everyday food. When you walk in, you will smell the aroma of simmering meats and vegetables. The pork loin is cooked to perfection, and the ribs fall off the bone. The Mocha Cake is a great choice for dessert if you like chocolate. The waiters are very friendly, and they will go out of their way to satisfy every customer.

Monell’s Dining

This is a family-style restaurant where everyone sits at long tables and shares the food. The dishes are passed to each other, and the conversation can be exciting. The food is reminiscent of southern cooking. The banana pudding is decadent and made with fresh ingredients. One of the best dishes is fried chicken. The skin is crispy, but the juice flows from the chicken from it being so well-done. The prices are affordable, and about 12 people can sit at a table.

Mitchell’s Deli

This local deli serves breakfast and takes delivery orders. You can also go in and place an order. The deli is famous for the Reuben sandwiches it serves. It can get crowded near lunch, so it is best to arrive early or go after the crowd leaves. The warm smell of bread baking greets you as you walk in the door. The food is made to order, and it is made with fresh ingredients. Most of the meats used in the sandwiches are sliced thin.

Loveless Café

While you are in Nashville, you should try this little café that sits off the road. It is great for families who are on vacation or travelers who are going through the area. The café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The biscuits are light and fluffy, and they taste great with butter or jam. The creamed corn is a great side item, and for dessert, you should try the coconut cream pie. There is a small gift shop in the café that has shirts, mugs, and other souvenirs.

Nashville Events

Nashville, Tennessee is known for country music, the Grand Ole Opry, Opry Land, Hermitage and the Tennessee Titans. It is a fun and vibrant city that offers southern charm and hospitality. The city is home to an endless array of events that take place throughout the year.

If you enjoy music, you will love the CMA Music Festival that occurs in November. It is the largest music scene on the planet and features autograph signing and live music. It lasts four days and offers non-stop music for you to enjoy. It is a mind-blowing event.

To celebrate black history month, the Music City Soul Series is held in February. Local R&B singers will assemble to commemorate black history. The concerts will take place once a week during the month and you can enjoy some awesome R&B music.

Each weekend in April, Nashville presents Awesome April to celebrate the month. Nashville is known as Music City, so Awesome April offers everything that Nashville represents. You can enjoy live music, friendly people and a relaxed atmosphere.

Nashville hosts the oldest running film festival in the southern states. It is held in April and celebrates the role of music in movies. Big celebrities are often in attendance, and you can enjoy the southern charm, delicious cuisine, and awesome live music. Concerts and special awards are given at the event.

One of the things Nashville is known for is The Grand Ole Opry. Each October, the city holds a birthday bash in honor of the Opry. The event features autograph and picture sessions, birthday bash shows and tours of the Opry House.

Gaylord Hotels present A Country Christmas that takes place around the holidays. The event includes the well-known Radio City Rockettes and features impressive costumes, amazing choreography, and famous Christmas scenes. You can see The Living Nativity and the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers. Louise Mandrell gives a fabulous Joy to the World Christmas performance. Other highlights of the event include the Holiday Craft Show, carriage rides and photos with Santa. You will also view hundreds of dazzling lights. It is an event fun for the entire family.

Nashville has a spectacular Music City New Year’s Eve Bash to celebrate the New Year. It takes place on lower Broadway and features a huge outdoor concert and an awesome fireworks display. You can countdown to midnight and watch the midnight Music Drop. It is a fun event.

Family Fun near Downtown Nashville

Exploring Nashville, Tennessee is fun for the whole family. Before the kids grow up, be sure to take them to these top attractions for a day filled with fun. Make lasting memories together as a family through visits to museums, playgrounds, and exhibitions that keep children and parents of all ages in mind.

Adventure Science Center

Take a journey through science, imagination, and the latest technology at the Adventure Science Center. Here, children and parents alike can let their creativity rain free by enjoying a variety of hands-on, interactive exhibits that explore your musical side, athletic side and provides educational learning experiences around every corner. This popular Nashville attraction provides hours of exploration for a fun family day out.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

While Nashville, Tennessee is known as the home of country music, no trip would be complete here without a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Learn about the roots of country music and the legends who were first discovered here. Browse through exhibits within the museum, full of authentic instruments used by top musical acts and other memorabilia.

Nashville Zoo

The Nashville Zoo is the perfect spot to visit with the family while the weather permits. This zoo brings visitors up close and personal with exotic creatures from all around the world. Head out into the Amazon, make your way into the African Savannah and then swing around the park to view monkeys in their natural surroundings. In addition to animal spotting, the Nashville Zoo also gives you the opportunity to feed Australian parrots, ride the Wild Animal Carousel and jump around in the large-scale jungle gym.

Belle Meade Plantation

The Belle Meade Plantation is one of the most interesting historic sites located in Nashville, Tennessee. In the year of 1853, the Belle Meade mansion was built here, serving as the main centerpiece of the plantation. Take a tour of the property and see the private estate farm where championship racehorses were bred and trained. The Harding-Jackson family were the original owners of the Belle Meade Plantation.

Inside Out Play Park

The Inside Out Play Park is a one-of-a-kind attraction that families are sure to enjoy during their day out. Children ages 1 to 10 years old can visit the park, accompanied by their parents and run, play, climb and simply roam free throughout the park. Learn to ride a bike, climb a tree, swing on the monkey bars and make your way through tunnels in this clean, safe play environment.

Shopping near Downtown Nashville

Shopping in Nashville is a delight thanks to the myriad of boutiques, malls, and markets that call this city home. No matter your shopping preference, there is surely a nook for you amid the shopping venues in Nashville.

If you are seeking unrivaled women’s apparel, Emmaline is a fun and funky boutique recently featured in Lucky Magazine, and their staff is known to be friendly and helpful. Sugar, owned by Jennie Ader, is another fabulous boutique stocking unique pieces not found anywhere else. For all things vintage, the appropriately named shop, Vintage, is touted as having a spectacular selection of authentic, vintage clothing and handmade jewelry.

Assuming that a day spent antiquing is more your pastime, Nashville is full of intriguing places to spend the day checking out treasures. Tennessee Antique Mall, located in south Nashville, is known for great finds at incredible bargains. More of a traditional flea market, this place isn’t for those who want to browse amid neatly arranged shelves, but it is for those hunting outstanding deals on antiques who do not mind a bit of clutter. If you are looking for antique tea services and jewelry, Corzine and Company is Nashville’s prime location for finding these sought after items. Specializing in English and American silver and English and European porcelain of the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries, this luxury shop is also middle Tennessee’s number one destination for china and fine tableware.

While in Nashville, if you want to do some serious mall shopping, a plethora of choices are at your fingertips. Opry Mills is a Simon Mall and boasts a Bass Pro Shop complete with aquarium and an IMAX theater. Cool Springs Galleria has a vast food court and several favored shops including Victoria’s Secret, J. Crew, and Build-A-Bear. Rivergate Malls is another nearby mall with offerings such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Express and Gymboree.

Other shopping experiences unique to Nashville are abundant. If you want to find that perfect gift for a special person, Curious Heart Emporium offers an eclectic variety of gifts in a fun and cool environment. With trains, dolls, games, and crafts, Phillips Toy Mart is the perfect place to purchase baubles for the little ones in your life. For the latest novel, checkout BookManBookWoman Bookstore, which also sells gently used books. For your country western wear and cowboy boot needs, Nashville Cowboy has a spectacular collection of handmade boots, as well as cowboy hats, jackets and belts.

Map of Hotels in Nashville

1. Nashville International Airport – Find hotels Near Elm Hill Marina and Woodbine
2. Nashville Downtown – Find hotels Near Metrocenter Rhodes Park and Metro/Second and Hume
3. Fisk University – Find hotels Near Elizabeth Park and Fisk Meharry
4. Tennessee State Museum – Find hotels Near Historic Edgefield and Shelby Park
5. Nashville Shores Waterpark – Find hotels Near Cook Public Use Area and Elm Hill Marina
6. General Jackson Showboat – Find hotels Near Cornelia Fort Airpark and Eastwood
7. Nashville Zoo at Grassmere – Find hotels Near Berry Hill and Woodbine