With over 16 million visitors flocking to its streets annually, Nashville has become one of the most exciting destinations in the U.S. This Southern gem offers something for every type of traveler — whether you’re a foodie in search of mouthwatering hot chicken, a music lover looking to explore the city’s deep-rooted ties to country, rock, and blues, or a sports fan ready to cheer on the Tennessee Titans or Nashville Predators.
Follow along in this Nashville travel guide as we dive into everything Music City has to offer.
Where to stay
When it comes to where to stay, Nashville has it all. Whether you’re looking for a swanky hotel in the middle of downtown or a cute motel in eclectic neighborhoods like The Gulch or East Nashville, you’re sure to find something to your liking.
Best for activities: The Dive Motel
East Nashville marches on with this former motel, which was rehabbed in 2019 by hotelier Lyon Porter. Each room comes standard with a disco ball, but from there, the themes differ. Its 23 rooms each have their own distinct look, with throwback (but completely clean) shag carpeting, wood paneling, and soaking tubs. During the warmer months, its Swim Club is open for business as beautiful locals and out-of-towners mix and mingle (albeit at a safe distance).
After a long day, have a cocktail or a quick bite to eat at the Dive Bar, or take a walk or Uber to other great independent restaurants and bars nearby. Kings, double queens, and a penthouse suite (in name only, as this is a motel) are all available, some of which offer open-door access to the pool, while a honeymoon suite is open for the asking for couples.
- Nearest airport: Nashville International Airport
- Time: 12 minutes by car
- Distance: 7 miles
Best splurge: Bobby Hotel
Planning to go big on your vacation? Blocks from the Lower Broadway honkytonks and their nonstop live music, the Bobby Hotel nevertheless feels small-scale in the best way. Its nine stories and 144 rooms capture the city’s aesthetic: The smell of well-worn leather, the patina of road-tired metals, and reclaimed wood planking all pay homage to the past.
We love the detail of a bedside journal in every room for you to pen the next great American novel. The most eye-popping detail takes the longest to see: An entire vintage tour bus retrofitted as a bar on its roof allows you to get pickled with some of the best views in the city. Right now, street artist Risk has an installation comprised of 12 individual pieces currently on display, his first time in the city.
- Nearest airport: Nashville International Airport
- Time: 20 minutes by car
- Distance: 8 miles
Best experience: The Russell Nashville
The Russell Nashville offers a truly unique stay in a 115-year-old historic church located in East Nashville. This boutique hotel beautifully preserves original features like stained glass windows, exposed brick walls, and even repurposed old church pews as bed headboards, creating a warm atmosphere for guests. The Russell is also committed to giving back to the community. A portion of each night’s stay is donated to local homeless ministries, with the average stay providing 16 beds and meals to those in need.
- Nearest airport: Nashville International Airport
- Time: 16 minutes
- Distance: 7.8 miles
Best location: Grand Hyatt Nashville
Located in the heart of Nashville, the Grand Hyatt Hotel offers a top-notch experience for those who just want a quick getaway. This is the perfect spot for two travelers or families. They provide a room with a terrace, family rooms, private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant and bar. There is also à la carte and American breakfast options available daily.
- Nearest airport: Memphis International Airport
- Time: 10 minutes by car
- Distance: 7 miles
What to eat
The best part of traveling is the food. While once only able to boast of hot chicken, its signature fare that made celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain question whether it was edible or “an initiation ritual for Yankees,” Nashville can now boast of national-caliber restaurants across a variety of styles of cuisine.
Henrietta Red
When we’re feeling like the best of the New South, we head to Henrietta Red. Chef and owner Julia Sullivan is a tour de force, claiming a host of James Beard Foundation nominations for both her and the restaurant every year since its opening in 2017. The Germantown-based eatery features Mediterranean cuisine with the best nutrient-packed fish and savory vegetables, as well as a fully stocked raw bar, surprising cocktail recipes, and a sommelier-built natural wine list.
While its food may be Old World categorically, its aesthetic of clean eggshell walls and blonde hardwoods is comfortable and decidedly Southern. Sullivan herself, besides being an amazing restauranteur and Nashville native, is also a leader within the community, and during the pandemic, she formed the Tennessee Action for Hospitality, which worked on behalf of industry workers who were out of work at the time.
- Best for lunch and dinner
- $$
Browse the Menu at Henrietta Red
Hattie B’s
Hattie B’s has quickly become a Nashville staple since opening in 2012, serving up some of the city’s best hot chicken. This family-owned joint offers a range of heat levels, from the mild “Southern” to the fiery “Shut the Cluck Up,” catering to all spice tolerances. Pair your chicken with classic Southern sides like rich mac and cheese, bacon cheddar grits, and creamy cole slaw for a truly satisfying meal.
- Best for lunch
- $$
Grams
When your energy starts to slack, head to Grams in the Madison neighborhood for a caffeinated pick-me-up. Its Number 17 drip coffee is worth the trip, pairing well with its vegan cinnamon rolls or its other pastries. Owner Eddie Gray Jr. rolls deep with teas, and his menu includes more than 25 varieties, with new options coming in by the week.
- Best for breakfast and brunch
- $
Browse the Menu at Grams Coffee
Never Never
When early evening strikes, head to Never Never in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. This cocktail bar has floor-to-ceiling sliding windows to both keep you safe and offer a pleasant breeze. In addition to a full list of the best beers and light snacks, its mixed drinks are something not to be missed. Our favorite: La Bandida, a special mix of tequila, mezcal, raspberry, lemon, and agave that fits the city’s mild climate and coming spring winds.
- Best for dinner and late-night dining
- $$
Browse the Menu at Never Never
What to do
During your travel, there are plenty of indoor or outdoor activities. Nashville offers various places for you to explore during your stay. From auditoriums to parks, here are some of them you can check out. Don’t forget to buy souvenirs while you’re there.
Indoors
Any resident could point you to one of a dozen music venues that would cater to everything from classic country to hip-hop and underground indie. Feel free to visit these establishments for your music fix, but if you’re looking for more options, we suggest taking a self-guided tour of The Ryman, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry and the most legendary venue in the city. Its storied history is illustrated by relics from the decades, and even the most grizzled veterans will be wowed.
Outdoors
The city also has a host of great city parks from East to West Nashville, including Shelby Bottoms, Centennial, and Percy Warner parks, all of which have paths, trails, and sites aplenty while offering plenty of room to socially distance.
If you’ve got a wild hair to get out of town, try The Caverns, an underground music venue in better times but a natural wonder always. Located about an hour from the city, its cave system boasts of 8,000 feet of interconnected passageways that stay a uniform 59 degrees year-round. It’s chillier than it sounds, so make sure you bring a light jacket and hiking-type shoes.
Near the end of your trip, if you want a souvenir to remember your quasi-voyage, consider shopping in some of the city’s artisans, which have national renown and gorgeous Nashville showrooms. High-quality, ethically made leather shoes by Nisolo, a handmade messenger bag by Tucker & Bloom, or selvedge denim jeans by Imogene + Willie are only a few of the many, many options from local businesses, all of which would appreciate your patronage.
How to save money on your trip to Nashville
Experiences
Whether you’re a long-time Nashville resident or a first-timer, you should never miss out on live music. The best part is, most venues offer free live music of different genres. It’s a great way to save money, but please don’t forget to tip the band or musician. Given Nashville’s rich music scene, it only makes sense to download the , which features the latest news in Music City, as well as dates and genres of music shows. Aside from live shows, Music City boasts plenty of Instagram-worthy street art, museums, and parks you can check out for free.
Hotels
Music City provides every kind of traveler a place to relax, from pet-friendly suites to boutique hotels. Accommodations can be pricey, especially in downtown Nashville. Thankfully, there are budget-friendly hotels a short distance away from the heart of Music City— many of which allow you to access and explore many of its local attractions. is a great site for finding the right accommodation for your budget and itinerary.
Vehicle rentals
Navigating the roads of Nashville via public transport sounds cool, but do you know what’s cooler and more money-saving? A car. Having a car is the easiest way to visit many of Nashville’s quintessential and underrated attractions without burning out from the rigors of commuting. offers a plethora of hot vehicle rental deals for your budget, so be sure to take advantage of them as you go through your itinerary.
