Why Go to Nashville
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Nashville is many things to many people: a fun weekend getaway, a food lover's city, a favorite for bachelor and bachelorette parties and, above all, Music City. Country music is the heartbeat of Nashville, and the honky-tonks along Lower Broadway have live music day and night, often from talented artists on their way to stardom. Stars like Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw got their start or were discovered here.
Catch a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry and the historic Ryman Auditorium, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and grab a seat at the famous Bluebird Cafe, where songwriters share their hits in an intimate setting. Beyond the music, tour the Belle Meade Historic Site, see the full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park, and eat your way through hot chicken, barbecue and creative Southern cooking. Neighborhoods like The Gulch, 12 South and East Nashville are full of boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants.
Nashville is an easy drive from much of the Midwest and South. I'll plan a weekend with Opry tickets, a great hotel and the best spots for live music and food.
BEST FOR
Music fans, foodies, couples and culture seekers
BEST MONTHS
April to May and September to October
EXPLORE
Downtown and Lower Broadway center on live music; The Gulch has restaurants and shops; East Nashville offers a creative neighborhood scene.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Nashville
North America › Southeast › USA › Tennessee
Honky-tonk nights, legendary music halls and Southern hospitality in Music City.
Music
Country
Nightlife
Culinary
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Catch a songwriters' round, where hit songwriters play the songs they wrote for famous stars. It's Nashville's most authentic music experience.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Add the RCA Studio B tour, which departs from the museum.
Country Music Hall of Fame
This world-class museum celebrates country music's legends with costumes, instruments, memorabilia and interactive exhibits.
Take the daytime tour, then come back for an evening show.
Ryman Auditorium
The "Mother Church of Country Music" is a historic concert hall known for its incredible acoustics.
Book a backstage tour to stand in the famous circle on stage.
Grand Ole Opry
The world's longest-running radio show is a Nashville institution, featuring country legends and rising stars.
Bring cash to tip the bands, who play for tips.
Broadway Honky-Tonks
Lower Broadway's neon-lit honky-tonks offer live music from morning to late night, with no cover charge in most bars.
Picnic in Centennial Park around it on a sunny day.
The Parthenon
A full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, home to a 42-foot statue of Athena and an art museum.
A historic Beaux-Arts luxury hotel downtown, known for its elegance and Southern hospitality.
The Hermitage Hotel
Downtown
City · Boutique
A modern hotel connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, with a pool deck and an easy walk to Broadway.
Omni Nashville Hotel
SoBro
City
A sleek downtown high-rise with a rooftop pool, a spa and easy access to Broadway.
JW Marriott Nashville
Downtown / SoBro
City
A massive resort with indoor gardens, waterfalls and shopping, near the Grand Ole Opry.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Music Valley
Family
A stylish boutique hotel downtown with a rooftop bar and local design.
Noelle Nashville
Downtown
City · Boutique
Refined luxury with river views, steps from Broadway's honky-tonks and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Four Seasons Hotel Nashville
SoBro / Riverfront
City
A stylish hotel in walkable Gulch, with a popular rooftop bar and great restaurants nearby.
Thompson Nashville
The Gulch
Boutique · City
A design-forward hotel near Music Row and Vanderbilt, with a lively bar and live-music venue.
Hutton Hotel
West End
Boutique · City
A fun, family-friendly hotel a short walk from Broadway, with a pool and easygoing island vibe.
Margaritaville Hotel Nashville
Downtown
Family · Value
Elegant rooms and a rooftop pool steps from the Ryman, Bridgestone Arena and Broadway.
The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel
SoBro
City
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Nashville
High 61°F · Low 40°F · Rain 4.3 in
The Grand Ole Opry moves to the Ryman for the winter, and holiday lights go up.
The best times to visit Nashville are April through May and September through October, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer is hot and humid but packed with festivals, while winter is cool and quieter, with lower rates.
Best Times to Visit Nashville
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Nashville's food scene is as lively as its music, from spicy hot chicken and barbecue to Southern comfort food and award-winning restaurants.
- Hot chicken: Nashville's signature dish comes with varying levels of heat; order mild if you're unsure.
- Neighborhood dining: East Nashville, The Gulch and 12 South are filled with great restaurants.
- Must-try: Hot chicken, meat-and-three, barbecue and biscuits.
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Walking
Downtown and Broadway are easy to explore on foot.
05
Pedal Taverns & Party Trolleys
Pedal taverns and party trolleys are a fun, uniquely Nashville way to see the city with a group.
04
WeGo Public Transit
WeGo buses connect downtown with neighborhoods across the city.
03
Taxis & Rideshares
Taxis and rideshares are widely available, especially downtown and around Broadway.
02
Rental Cars
A car is helpful for exploring beyond downtown, including The Hermitage and Cheekwood.
01
Flying In
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is about 15 minutes from downtown, with nonstop flights from across the U.S.
Most visitors fly into Nashville International, just 15 minutes from downtown. Downtown and Broadway are easy to explore on foot, while rideshares and a rental car are helpful for exploring neighborhoods and attractions farther out.
Getting Around Nashville