A complete guide to Nashville, Tennessee, covering the live music scene on Broadway, the Country Music Hall of Fame, vibrant neighborhoods like East Nashville and 12South, world-famous hot chicken, and the city's growing food and craft cocktail culture.
Nashville's famous strip of neon-lit honky tonks with live music blasting from every doorway, all day and all night. Tootsie's, Robert's Western World, and The Stage are the most iconic. No cover charges at most bars. The music ranges from classic country to rock and blues. The energy peaks between 8 PM and midnight on weekends. Arrive before 7 PM to get a seat.
See live music at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
Watch honky tonk bands at Robert's Western World
See a show at the Ryman Auditorium
Known as the Mother Church of Country Music, this former tabernacle hosted the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. The acoustics are legendary and every major artist has played here. Concert tickets range from USD 40-150. Daytime tours (USD 25) let you stand on the stage and sit in the original pews. Located just off Broadway.
Attend the Grand Ole Opry
The longest-running live radio show in the US, broadcasting since 1925. Shows feature a mix of country legends and new artists. Performances happen Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Tickets start at USD 40. The current venue at Opryland is about 15 minutes from downtown. Backstage tours (USD 35) run daily. A bucket-list experience for country music fans.
Discover the listening rooms (Bluebird Cafe, Station Inn)
For a more intimate music experience, Nashville's listening rooms feature singer-songwriters performing original material. The Bluebird Cafe (famous from the Nashville TV show) is tiny (90 seats) and reservation-only for most shows. The Station Inn is the premier bluegrass venue. These rooms showcase the craftsmanship behind Nashville's songwriting community.
Museums and History
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame
A world-class museum tracing country music from its roots to the present. Highlights include Elvis' gold Cadillac, Taylor Swift's hand-written lyrics, and interactive songwriting exhibits. The building itself is designed to look like a piano keyboard from above. Admission USD 28. Allow 2-3 hours. Located on Broadway in the SoBro district.
See the permanent collection
Visit the historic RCA Studio B (add-on tour)
Tour the Johnny Cash Museum
The largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts in the world, including handwritten letters, personal items, and the iconic black stage costumes. The adjacent Patsy Cline Museum (same building, separate ticket) is also excellent. Admission USD 24 each. Located on 3rd Avenue, one block from Broadway.
Visit the Parthenon in Centennial Park
A full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon, built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition. Inside stands a 42-foot gold-leaf statue of Athena, the largest indoor sculpture in the Western world. The surrounding Centennial Park is perfect for a morning jog or afternoon stroll. Museum admission USD 10. The building itself is free to view from the park.
Explore the National Museum of African American Music
Opened in 2021, this museum celebrates the central role of African Americans in creating and shaping American music genres from gospel and blues to hip-hop and R&B. Interactive exhibits let you mix tracks, try instruments, and explore 50+ music genres. Admission USD 25. Located on Broadway near the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Neighborhoods
Explore East Nashville
Nashville's trendiest neighborhood, across the Cumberland River from downtown. Eclectic restaurants, vintage shops, craft coffee roasters, and dive bars line the streets. Five Points is the main intersection. The Pharmacy (burgers and beer garden) and Margot (French-Southern bistro) are local favorites. The vibe is more Portland than Broadway, attracting Nashville's creative community.
Walk through 12South neighborhood
A charming residential neighborhood with a walkable commercial strip of boutiques, brunch spots, and the famous I Believe in Nashville mural on the Draper James building. Barista Parlor for coffee, Edley's for BBQ, and Imogene + Willie for American-made denim are highlights. The neighborhood has a relaxed, curated feel distinct from Broadway's intensity.
Visit Germantown
A historic neighborhood north of downtown with restored 19th-century houses, the Nashville Farmers Market, and a growing restaurant scene. Monell's (family-style Southern dining), Rolf and Daughters, and Von Elrod's Beer Hall are standouts. The Nashville Sounds minor league baseball stadium is here. A quieter, more sophisticated alternative to the Broadway area.
Food
Eat Nashville hot chicken
Nashville's signature dish: fried chicken coated in a cayenne-heavy spice paste that ranges from mild to extreme. Prince's Hot Chicken (the originator since 1945) and Hattie B's are the most famous. Bolton's is the local's pick. Start at medium heat unless you handle spice well. Expect a 30-60 minute wait at peak times. Served on white bread with pickles.
Try hot chicken at Prince's (the original)
Visit Hattie B's or Bolton's
Eat Southern BBQ and comfort food
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint (whole-hog BBQ), Peg Leg Porker, and Edley's serve excellent Tennessee-style barbecue. For traditional Southern comfort food, try Monell's (communal dining with fried chicken, biscuits, and sides), Arnold's Country Kitchen (meat-and-three lunch counter), or Loveless Cafe (famous biscuits, 20 minutes outside the city).
Have brunch at a Nashville staple
Nashville takes brunch seriously. Biscuit Love (buttermilk biscuits and Southern dishes) and Pancake Pantry (since 1961, expect a line) are institutions. The Catbird Seat and Henrietta Red offer more upscale options. Many brunch spots have live music. Weekend brunch waits of 30-60 minutes are common at the popular spots, especially 10 AM to noon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Nashville?
Three to four days covers the main music attractions, neighborhoods, museums, and food scene. Two days works for a music-focused trip (Broadway, Ryman, Country Music Hall of Fame) but misses the neighborhoods that give Nashville its depth. Allow at least one evening on Broadway and one in a listening room or East Nashville for the full music experience.
When is the best time to visit Nashville?
April through May and September through October offer pleasant temperatures (15-25°C) and lower humidity than summer. The CMA Fest in June and Bonnaroo nearby in June draw huge music crowds. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid (30-35°C). Winter is mild by northern standards (5-10°C) with fewer tourists. April brings cherry blossoms to the city parks.
Is Nashville just country music?
While country music is the backbone, Nashville's music scene is far broader. You will find rock, blues, bluegrass, indie, soul, and hip-hop across the city's venues. The Basement, Exit/In, and Third Man Records (Jack White's label) showcase diverse genres. The National Museum of African American Music highlights the full spectrum. Nashville earned its Music City nickname because of variety, not just country.
Do I need a car in Nashville?
Downtown, Broadway, and midtown are walkable. Ride-sharing apps (Uber, Lyft) work well for reaching East Nashville, 12South, and Germantown. The downtown area has scooter rentals. For the Grand Ole Opry at Opryland and attractions outside the center, a car or ride-share is needed. If staying downtown, a car is not necessary for the first two to three days.