Nashville
Everything you need to know before you go.
Nashville sits on the Cumberland River and grew from a small settlement in 1779 to the state capital by 1843. The downtown area still shows the grand brick buildings that survived the post Civil War rebuild, and the stretch around Fourth Avenue North holds the tourism office where you can pick up maps. Music is everywhere: the Grand Ole Opry has been broadcasting since 1925, the Country Music Hall of Fame displays artifacts from the genre’s biggest names, and Bridgestone Arena and Nissan Stadium host concerts that range from country to rap to rock. If you enjoy honky‑tonking, you can hop between bars in the evening, sampling local brews and live sets.
The city’s mix of music styles means there’s something for fans of classic country, modern pop, or indie rock, and the weather is mild in spring and fall, making it easy to wander the riverfront and the surrounding highlands. A stay in the central district can be found at many options, from simple inns to larger hotels, and you’ll find plenty of places to eat and explore, from museum visits to stadium events. The vibe is relaxed yet lively, and the city’s growth under Mayor Phil Bredesen in the 1990s added new venues and a steady stream of visitors, so you’ll have a lot of choices no matter what you’re looking for.
Sightseeing
- Adventure Science Center (Downtown) - Interactive science museum with rotating exhibits. $18, 9AM-5PM
- Ryman Auditorium (Downtown) - Historic venue offering guided tours of its iconic stage. $8.50, 9AM-4PM
- Nashville Sounds (First Horizon Park, Germantown) - Minor league baseball games with tickets starting at $12. $12‑$45, Game days
- Nashville Predators (Bridgestone Arena, Downtown) - NHL games provide competitive hockey action. $19, Game days
Food & Drink
- Yazoo Brewery (Division St, Downtown) - Saturday tours include a free pint glass and beer samples. $10, Sat noon-7PM
Outdoor Nature
- Centennial Sportsplex (West End) - Ice skating rink with rental skates available. $6, Open daily
Nightlife
- The Escape Game (Berry Hill) - Immersive escape rooms open until midnight. $32.99, 10AM-Midnight
Cultural
- Nashville Symphony (Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Downtown) - Free concert series held in early October. $0, Early Oct
Budget Alexis Inn & Suites Nashville Airport-Opryland - Airport - $50-109/night - Quiet rooms and free shuttle to the airport. Best Western Plus Music Row - Music Row - $60-79/night - Simple rooms and complimentary breakfast.
Mid-range Hilton Nashville Green Hills - Green Hills - $135-220/night - Suburban location near shopping and golf courses. Best Western Suites - Opryland - Opryland - $100/night - Suites with kitchenettes and close to attractions.
Luxury Loews - Vanderbilt - West End - $135-220/night - Upscale hotel with extensive amenities and central location. Millennium Maxwell House - Downtown - $130-150/night - Historic hotel with music theme and rooftop views.
Restaurants Hattie B's Hot Chicken - East Nashville - Hot chicken, $10-15 per entrée. Biscuit Love - West End - Southern brunch, $12-18 per entrée. The Southern - Midtown - Southern comfort food, $15-25 per entrée. Etch - Downtown - Modern American, $25-40 per entrée. Mas Tacos Por Favor - East Nashville - Mexican tacos, $3-6 per taco.
Nashville’s main commercial airport is Nashville International (BNA). It sits about five miles from downtown. From there the cheapest way into the city is the Nashville MTA Route 18 bus which runs hourly from roughly seven in the morning until ten at night every day. A two hour pass costs two dollars and an all day pass four dollars. The bus drops you near the downtown bus mall and you can walk to most hotels or catch a short ride share. A typical ride share from the airport to downtown runs twenty five to thirty five dollars and takes about twenty minutes in light traffic. If you prefer a taxi the same companies operate out of the airport: Music City Taxi, Checker Cab, Metro Cab. Uber and Lyft also have dedicated pickup zones on Level one outside the main terminal.
John C Tune Airport is a general aviation field eight miles from downtown and is used mostly by private planes. Smyrna Rutherford County Airport is a reliever airport twelve nautical miles south of BNA and also serves private and charter flights.
Typical round trip airfare from major hubs: from New York you can find economy tickets for one hundred fifty to two hundred fifty dollars; from Chicago one hundred twenty to two hundred dollars; from Los Angeles two hundred fifty to four hundred dollars; from Dallas one hundred thirty to two hundred dollars; from Atlanta eighty to one hundred fifty dollars. Prices vary by season and how far in advance you book.
If you drive into Nashville the city is reached by I 65 from the north and south, I 40 from the east and west, and I 24 from the northwest. The highways merge in ways that can be confusing so a map is handy. From Memphis the drive is about three hours on I 40. From Louisville it is roughly four hours via I 65. From Chattanooga it is about two and a half hours on I 24. From Knoxville it is roughly three and a half hours on I 40. Rental car agencies are available at the airport and in downtown.
Public transit within the city is handled by WeGo Public Transit. A two hour adult pass is two dollars and an all day pass four dollars. The bus network covers downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods including West End and the Vanderbilt area. For longer trips the WeGo Star commuter train runs Monday through Friday from Lebanon to 5 Riverfront Station. One way tickets are five dollars and you can board the free shuttles 93 and 94 that loop through Broadway, the West End and downtown. The shuttles let you get off near Riverfront Station and then catch a bus to wherever you need to go.
If you prefer rail you can also take the Amtrak Crescent which stops in Nashville a few times a day; the station is near the Riverfront area and a short walk to the bus mall. Ticket prices are similar to the bus fare for short trips.
All of this should give you a clear picture of how to arrive, how to get into the city, and how to move around once you are there. Prices are in US dollars and times are approximate based on typical traffic.
Best time to visit Nashville, a quick guide
Winter (December, February)
- Typical daytime highs sit just above freezing, often in the low 40s °F.
- Nights can drop into the 30s °F.
- Light snow is common, and occasional larger storms bring 6 + inches.
- Crowds are thin, so hotel rooms and restaurant tables are easy to find.
- Prices for lodging are at their lowest; you can often snag a decent room for $70‑$110 per night.
- Eating out is cheap too, a simple sandwich or taco usually costs $8‑$12.
- Why you might avoid: cold weather and the chance of snow or ice make walking around less comfortable, especially if you’re not used to winter in the South.
Spring (March, May)
- Temperatures climb from the 50s into the 70s °F during the day, with nights still a bit cool.
- This is when the area sees the most severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes, so outdoor plans can be disrupted.
- Because of the weather risk, many locals keep a flexible schedule.
- Mid‑range hotels tend to be $120‑$180 per night, while a nice dinner at a sit‑down spot runs $25‑$35 per person.
- Why you might avoid: the storm season can bring sudden rain, lightning and strong winds, which can limit sightseeing.
Summer (June, August)
- Daytime temperatures regularly hit the 90 °F range, and the heat index can push above 105 °F on the hottest days.
- Nights stay warm, often staying above 78 °F.
- This is the peak travel period; the city feels alive with concerts, festivals and a steady stream of visitors.
- Expect hotel rates to be highest, budget options start around $150 per night, while mid‑range places sit near $250 and upscale hotels can exceed $350.
- Meals at popular downtown spots typically range $15‑$20 for a casual bite and $30‑$45 for a sit‑down dinner.
- Why it’s peak: warm weather, long daylight hours and a packed calendar of music events make it the most popular time for tourists.
Fall (September, November)
- Daytime highs settle in the 70s °F, with evenings cooling to the 50s °F.
- Humidity drops, making the air feel comfortable rather than sticky.
- Crowds thin out after the summer rush, so you’ll find easier reservations and lower prices.
- Budget hotels are often $90‑$130 per night; mid‑range stays hover around $150‑$200.
- A nice dinner in a neighborhood like The Gulch or near the riverfront usually costs $20‑$30 per person.
- Why it’s the sweet‑spot: pleasant weather, fewer tourists and lower costs combine for a relaxed experience.
Quick summary
- Peak season, June through August, when the weather is warm and the city hosts many large events.
- Sweet‑spot, Late September to early November, offering mild temperatures, smaller crowds and better deals.
- Avoid, December through February for cold and possible snow, and March through May if you prefer to steer clear of severe storm activity.
Practical tips
- Book accommodation early if you plan to travel in summer; prices rise quickly.
- Pack light layers for spring and fall; a rain jacket is useful in spring.
- Summer visitors should stay hydrated and schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest heat.
- Fall is ideal for exploring neighborhoods, trying local dishes like hot chicken or biscuits, and catching live music without the summer crowds.