Nashville

Understand

History

Nashville was founded in 1779 and it grew rapidly because of its excellent location on the Cumberland River. It was incorporated in 1806 and became the county seat of Davidson County. Nashville was named the capital of Tennessee in 1843. Like many Southern cities, Nashville was not immune to the economic woes of the post-Civil War South but it quickly rebounded. It only took a few years for the city to reclaim its important shipping and trading position and to develop a solid manufacturing base. The post-Civil War years of the late 19th century brought a new-found prosperity to Nashville. These healthy economic times left the city with a legacy of grand classical-style buildings, which can still be seen around the downtown area. Since the 1970s, the city has experienced tremendous growth, particularly during the economic boom of the 1990s under the leadership of Mayor (former Tennessee Governor) Phil Bredesen, who made urban renewal a priority, and fostered the construction or renovation of several city landmarks, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Public Library downtown, Bridgestone Arena, and Nissan Stadium.

Tourism office

1 Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, 150 Fourth Avenue North, ☏ +1 615-259-4730. (updated May 2017)

Climate

Nashville sits in the middle of a geographic region known as the Nashville Basin. It is surrounded by the Cumberland Highlands and is bordered by the Cumberland Plateau to the east. The Nashville Basin is characterized by rich, fertile farm country and high natural wildlife diversity. Nashville has cool, relatively short winters and hot, humid summers, with long spells of spring and autumn in between. Winter temperatures commonly hover slightly above freezing, and a fair amount of light snow generally falls throughout the months of December to February, though large storms of 6-plus inches in a day do occur every few years. Nashville can be prone to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes during the spring and fall months. Summers are hot and humid, but no more than the rest of the southeastern U.S. with temperatures around 90°F (32°C) during the day. The typical average heat index factoring in humidity in the summer months range between 94 °F (34 °C) during the day and 72 °F (22 °C) at night, but it's not unheard of to have a heat index above 105 °F (41 °C) and not go below 78 °F (26 °C) at night on some particularly sweltering days.

Getting there

By plane

1 Nashville International Airport (BNA IATA) (About 5 mi (8.0 km) from downtown), ☏ +1 615-275-1675. The most inexpensive way to travel between Nashville International Airport and downtown Nashville is to ride the Nashville MTA's Route 18 Airport/Elm Hill bus, which serves the airport and downtown on an hourly basis, from about 7AM to about 10PM, seven days a week. Schedules are located at the Welcome Center located on the baggage claim level of the airport. Nashville International Airport was the first major US airport to authorize ridesharing services with dedicated pickup and drop off areas. Passengers using these services may wait in a designated area on Level 1 outside of the main terminal. Nashville International Airport is a hub for Southwest Airlines. There are nonstop flights to numerous domestic destinations, as well as international service to six Canadian cities, four Latin American, Dublin, Reykjavik, and London–Heathrow. MTA bus service runs every 45 minutes and takes around 35 minutes to/from downtown. (updated Nov 2018) 2 John C. Tune Airport, 110 Tune Airport Dr, ☏ +1 615 350-5000. General aviation airport, 8 miles from downtown Nashville. (updated Nov 2021) 3 Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport, 278 Doug Warpoole Rd, Smyrna, ☏ +1 615-459-2651. A general aviation reliever airport for BNA, 12 nautical miles (22 km) south of it.

By car

Nashville is a nexus of several interstate highways, including I-65 (north-south), I-40 (east-west), and I-24 (northwest-southeast). The various highways sometimes merge and split without the typical exit-offramp design, so travellers should consult maps before attempting to navigate the area. There is easy access to/from Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis and Louisville, among others.

By bus

4 Greyhound, 709 Rep John Lewis Way South, ☏ +1 615-255-3556. (updated Mar 2017) Vonlane. Luxury coach service from Atlanta, Memphis, and Knoxville. (updated Feb 2026)

Getting around

By bus

Nashville MTA (WeGo Public Transit), ☏ +1 615-862-5969. Operates routes throughout downtown and the surrounding area. $2 for an adult 2-hour pass. An all-day pass for an adult is $4. Nashville's bus system is designed around a central station. The schedule accommodates a 9AM-5PM schedule with limited late night service. Route maps and schedules are subject to change but are available from the Nashville MTA website. (updated Sep 2022)

By train

WeGo Star (formerly Music City Star), ☏ +1 615-862-8833. Commuter train runs Monday - Friday. The train runs from Lebanon to Downtown's 5 Riverfront Station. One-Way tickets purchased at the platform are $5 each. There are two shuttle services that transport people for no extra charge, passengers use their Music City Star ticket to board. Shuttle 93 goes up Broadway, West End, and around the Vanderbilt area. Shuttle 94 loops through Downtown. If you wish to go to any other place in the city, you can catch the Downtown Shuttle at the Riverfront Station and exit at the downtown bus mall then catch the bus that is going to your destination. (updated Mar 2015)

By car

The primary mode of transportation is by private car in Nashville. The average speed on highways ranges from 55 to 70 mph, but are usually much slower due to traffic congestion. City streets are generally 25-45 mph unless otherwise posted. I-40, I-65, and I-24 are the major interstate highways that run through Nashville. All major national car rental agencies operate in Nashville. Taxis are also very prevalent in Nashville, especially Downtown. Taxi companies that operate in Nashville are:

See

Nashville is a very historic town and as such, many of its attractions are restorations or museums. Most attractions of interest to tourists are in the Downtown, Midtown, and Music Valley neighborhoods.

General

1 AT&T Building. An instantly recognizable downtown Nashville landmark, the AT&T Building, built in 1994 at 333 Commerce Street, is the tallest building in the state of Tennessee and can be seen from quite some distance if the hills aren't in your way. Its two tall spires on the building have earned it the nickname, "The Batman Building." 2 John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Built between 1907 and 1909, the bridge was used for automobile traffic between East Nashville and Downtown. The bridge has been converted to a pedestrian bridge, and offers a spectacular view of the riverfront and downtown skyline. It is a very popular and convenient route to the Titans' football stadium. 3 Nashville's Second Avenue. Provides entertainment for many different styles of people. The street includes bars such as Hooters and the famous Wildhorse Saloon, dining destinations including the Old Spaghetti Factory, the Melting Pot and B.B. King's Restaurant and Blues Club, and locations for family-friendly fun such as Laser Quest.

Music

4 Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Fifth Ave S, toll-free: +1-800-852-6437. Sa-Th 9AM–5PM, F 9AM-6PM (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Regularly changing exhibits and live performances make this Nashville landmark someplace to visit often. The Hall of Fame moved here in 2000. Ticket packages for guided or audio tours also available, and can be combined with a tour with the RCA Studio B and the Ryman Auditorium. Adult $27.95, youth (6-12) $17.95, child under 5 free. (updated Sep 2022) 5 Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, 401 Gay St, ☏ +1 615-244-3263. (updated Feb 2021) 6 National Museum of African American Music, 510 Broadway, ☏ +1 615-301-8724, info@nmaam.org. Su M noon-5PM, Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM. Adult $24.95, senior (65+) $19.95, youth (7-17) $13.50, child (under 7) free. (updated Sep 2022) 7 The Johnny Cash Museum & Cafe, 119 3rd Ave S. A museum featuring pictures and memorabilia of icon Johnny Cash. (updated Nov 2021)

Do

General

1 Adventure Science Center (Formerly the Cumberland Science Museum), 800 Fort Negley Blvd, ☏ +1 615-862-5160, fax: +1 615 862-5178. 9AM-5PM except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day. It has been remodeled. Interesting exhibits which change every few weeks. Adult: $18, Youth (2-12) $14. (updated Mar 2020) 2 Yazoo Brewery, 910 Division St, ☏ +1 615-891-4649. W Th 5PM, 6PM; F 5PM, 6PM, 7PM; Sa noon-7PM. Yazoo Brewing Company is brewed and bottled in downtown Nashville. The Brewery offers tours only on Saturdays, when they're not brewing. You'll get to walk through all parts of the brewery and learn how the beers are made. With your admission you'll also receive a Yazoo pint glass and samples of beers during the tour. $10. (updated Feb 2021) 3 The Escape Game - Berry Hill, 162 3rd Ave. North (also at 510 East Iris Drive and 523 Opry Mills Drive), ☏ +1 615-647-8229, nashville@theescapegame.com. 10AM-Midnight. The Escape Game offers nine rooms in three locations with the same main objective - to escape within an hour! - but each game has a unique, immersive theme with different surprise elements and game components. Note that games are not private unless the maximum number of players are purchased by your group. $32.99-37.99. (updated Mar 2020)

Music

4 Ryman Auditorium, 116 5th Ave N, ☏ +1 615-889-3060. 9AM-4PM daily for tours. Closed 1 Jan, Thanksgiving, 24-25 Dec. Completed in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle as commissioned by riverboat Captain Thomas Green Ryman, a newly converted southern evangelist. The Ryman has earned its mark in history by hosting the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974 and is now a fantastically intimate setting for concerts of all genres. It was named Pollstar's "America's Theatre of the Year" for two years in a row, and one of CitySearch's top ten "Best Places to Hear Live Music.". $8.50 for the standard tour or $11.75 to add the backstage tour, Children (4-11) $4.25 or $7.50 respectively. Nashville Symphony, One Symphony Pl, ☏ +1 615-687-6500. The Nashville Symphony is in the 5 Schermerhorn Symphony Center and offers a variety of concerts throughout the year. For those on a budget be sure to visit the Free Day of Music offered by the center in early October.

Sports

Nashville Sounds, 19 Junior Gilliam Way, ☏ +1 615-690-4487. The local Minor League Baseball team plays at 6 First Horizon Park as the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. From $12 to $45 when purchased on game days. Nashville Predators. The local NHL hockey team plays their home games at 7 Bridgestone Arena (previously Gaylord Entertainment Center and Sommet Center), which is on Broadway in the heart of downtown. From $19 and are available through Ticketmaster. Tennessee Titans. The local NFL football team plays their home games at 8 Nissan Stadium (formerly Adelphia Coliseum and LP Field), which is across the river from downtown. Once the Houston Oilers, the team was relocated as the Tennessee Titans in 1999. A new Nissan Stadium is being built across the street and is scheduled to open in 2027.

Shopping

Popular tourist souvenirs include cowboy paraphernalia (boots, hats, etc.) as well as any and all music themed items. Expect to find many local shops selling these items. Some downtown shops offer "buy 1, get 2 free" deals. Be sure to shop around.

Midtown

1 12 South District. Several fun (though pricey) vintage stores, like Savant. 2 Hillsboro Village. Short section of 21st Ave. just south of Vanderbilt. Home of a well-stocked kitchen goods and coffee store. 3 Grimey's, 1060 E Trinity Ln, ☏ +1 615-254-4801. The best independent record store in town. Cramped, but has a good selection of vinyl. Hosts free in-store performances by both local and nationally-known bands, usually in the afternoon or early evening.

Eastern Nashville

4 Opry Mills. Former location of the Opryland USA Theme Park, includes mostly outlet stores, specialized clothes shops like Brooks Brother, Coach, Michael Kors, Vera Bradley and Forever 21, and a Regal Cinemas and IMAX. 5 East Nashville/5 Points. Head to Hip Zipper for vintage clothing, The Turnip Truck for health food, or Art and Invention Gallery for fine art and handmade jewelry.

Eat

The dominant local grocery chains in Nashville are Kroger, Publix, and Aldi. The city is also dotted with dozens of ethnic groceries, especially Hispanic, Kurdish, Indian and Vietnamese, around Nolensville Pike. For organic and/or specialty grocery stores, Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe's, and Fresh Market also have locations throughout the city.

Budget

Downtown 1 The Arcade. An open-air 2-level arcade that runs between 4th Avenue North and 5th Avenue North. The Arcade primarily caters to the local downtown workers during the work week, but many great lunch restaurants can be found here. There are also several hairstylists, jewelers, florists, and other businesses. Be sure to visit the historic Peanut Shop. 2 Monell's, 1235 6th Ave N, ☏ +1 615 248-4747. M-F 10:30AM-2PM, Tu-Sa 5PM-8:30PM; Country Breakfast Sa 8:30AM-1PM, Su 8:30AM-11AM; Sunday Meal 11AM-4PM. Located in historic Germantown, Monell's is a Nashville tradition. They serve different meals every day and the good ol' home cookin' is sure not to disappoint! Seating and serving are done family style, 13-14 per table. More than likely you will sit with people you don't know. First come, first serve. No reservations and no cell phones allowed. 3 Swagruha, 900 Rosa L Parks Ave (just north of the Capital Building in the Farmers' Market), ☏ +1 615-736-7001. Same hours as Farmers' Market. They have a basic menu that would satisfy almost any Indian food craving and at $7.50 for a plate full of food, you won't go wrong. (updated Jul 2017) Midtown Las Palmas Mexican Restaurante. A pretty good local chain of Mexican restaurants. You can get a nice filling meal here for under ten bucks. There are five Nashville locations, listed below, and several more in the suburbs: 4 Las Palmas - Franklin Pike, 2617 Franklin Pike, Ste 111, ☏ +1 615-292-1902. M-Th 11AM-9:30PM, F 11AM-10:30PM, Sa 11:30AM-10PM, Su 11:30AM-9:30PM. (updated May 2017) 5 Las Palmas - Hayes Street, 1905 Hayes St., ☏ +1 615-322-9588. M-Th 11AM-9:30PM, F 11AM-10:30PM, Sa 11:30AM-10PM, Su 11:30AM-10PM. (updated May 2017) 6 Pizza Perfect, ☏ +1 615-329-2757 (21st Ave), +1 615-646-7877 (Bellevue). Fabulous pizza. Nashville isn't much of a town for pizza, but this place more than makes up for it. The plain slices are great, but even the fancier ones (like the Fantasy) don't gild the lily. Free live jazz Thursday nights at the 21st Ave. location (between Vandy and Hillsboro Village).

Eastern 7 Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, 5055 Broadway, ☏ +1 629-895-4688. Su–Th 10:30AM–9PM, F-Sa 10:30AM–Midnight. Home of the original "hot chicken", a Nashville classic that adds cayenne pepper to fried chicken. $10. Southeastern 8 Las Palmas - Nippers Corner, 15560 Old Hickory Blvd, ☏ +1 615-831-0432. Su-Th 11AM-9:30PM, F 11AM-10:30PM, Sa 11AM-10PM. (updated May 2017) Western

Drink

Coffee and tea

1 Ugly Mugs Coffee & Tea, 1886 Eastland Ave, ☏ +1 615-915-0675. A locally-owned coffee house residing in historic East Nashville, Ugly Mugs brews the local roast Drew's Brews and displays artwork by local artists as well as live music on Saturday nights. Known for serving coffee in a vast collection of quirky and non-cosmetic coffee mugs. Toys available for children. Wifi friendly. 2 Barista Parlor, 519 Gallatin Ave, ☏ +1 615-712-9766. The first in a chain of serious-minded coffee shops, the original is based in East Nashville, Barista Parlor is already a staple for local coffee lovers and has attained a reputation of style and quality. 3 CREMA, 15 Hermitage Ave, ☏ +1 615-824-3855. Popular coffee shop about a mile south of downtown. Known for its hand-crafted coffee creations and their selection of baked goods. Wifi friendly. 4 Bongo Java, 2007 Belmont Blvd and 107 S 11th St, ☏ +1 615-385-JAVA (5282), +1 615-777-EAST (3278). The first and most relaxed in a very successful local mini-chain of quirky coffeehouses, Bongo Java is a meeting place for the young, the arty, and the students at Belmont University just across the street. Linger for hours on the huge porch over several cups of their incredibly strong, flavorful coffee, and take advantage of the free computer, Wi-Fi, and chess set use. 5 Fido, 1812 21st Avenue South (across from The Belcourt Theatre), ☏ +1 615-777-FIDO (3436). A sister-cafe to Bongo Java, Fido offers the same brew as the other Bongo Java locations while also offering an array of breakfast/brunch options. You may even be able to snag discounted day-old bagels to pair with your espresso. 6 Roast, Inc. (8th and Roast), 2108 8th Ave S (south on Eighth Ave S from Broadway, go two miles. Shop is on the left across from Zanie's), ☏ +1 615-730-8074. 8AM-5PM. Service is very courteous, coffee is delicious, and baristas are very knowledgeable.

Alcohol

The Five Points area of East Nashville is the hub of a cluster of bars all within a stone's throw of one another: Red Door Saloon, which also has an outpost in midtown; The 5 Spot, a pleasant nonsmoking spot that often books local bands; Beyond the Edge, a large sports bar; and more.

7 Lipstick Lounge, 1400 Woodland St, ☏ +1 615-226-6343. Opened as a lesbian bar, the lipstick lounge now considers itself "a bar for humans." 8 Verna Café & Bar (formerly Cafe Coco), 210 Louise Ave, ☏ +1 615-949-6441, office@cafecoco.com. It isn't a bar, per se, but it does serve beer and remains open 24 hours every day. Expect to find studious Vandy kids, scene-making hipsters, and drunk everybody at night. Located just off Elliston behind the Exit/In. 9 Exit/In, 2208 Elliston Pl, ☏ +1 615-321-3340. A standby for mid-level touring bands of all varieties for decades. Check out the names of past performers over the bar. 10 Springwater, 115 27th Avenue North, ☏ +1 615-320-0345. Located next to Centennial Park, this is one of Nashville's most reliable dive bars and often hosts underground and noisy local and touring bands. Once a speakeasy, later a hangout for Jimmy Hoffa, now host to a strange mix of local drunks, slumming Vandy kids, and musicians. Pool table, arcade games, good jukebox, good booker, a cheap beer-only bar, and a large screened-in cement block porch. Don't miss its regular Working Stiffs Jamboree. 11 The Basement, 1604 8th Avenue South, ☏ +1 615-254-8006. Intimate (read: cramped); owner and man-around-town Mike Grimes books everything from country singer-songwriters to young noise bands. Above the venue is Grimey's, his record store that consistently is voted best independent record store in Nashville. A non-smoking, 21+ club. 12 The End, 2219 Elliston Pl, ☏ +1 615-321-4457. Located just across from Exit/In, it regularly books reliable indie rock bands, both local and nationally known.

Sleep

Hostels

1 Scarritt-Bennett Center, 1008 19th Ave S, ☏ +1 615-340-7500. Bath is shared with one other room. Locks off. Near Vanderbilt and Music Row. Private bed/room at $50.

Budget

2 Alexis Inn & Suites Nashville Airport-Opryland, 600 Ermac Dr, ☏ +1 615-889-4466. Free hot breakfast, free high-speed Internet, airport shuttle. All non-smoking hotel. $50-109. 3 Best Western Plus Music Row, 1407 Division St, ☏ +1 615-242-1631. Located in the heart of "Music Row." Pet friendly, free breakfast. $60-79. 4 Club-Hotel Nashville Inn & Suites, 2435 Atrium Way, ☏ +1 615-883-0500. Hot breakfast, free high-speed Internet, airport shuttle, fitness center, great outdoor pool and evening manager's cocktail reception. Meeting rooms available for meetings and training. Fully smoke-free hotel and facility. $50-109. 5 Holiday Inn Express Nashville Airport, 1111 Airport Center Dr, ☏ +1 615-883-1366. Great amenities, including an outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, free 24-hour shuttle service to the BNA Airport. You can start the day with the free, hot Express Start Breakfast Bar. From $107 nightly. 6 Days Inn - Opryland, 3312 Dickerson Rd, ☏ +1 615-228-3421. $58-65. 7 Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown - Stadium by IHG, 211 N 1st St, ☏ +1 615-254-1551.

Mid-range

8 Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Nashville, TN, 210 Rudy Circle, ☏ +1 615-316-9944, CX_NSVL@countryinn.com. Clean and quiet hotel across the road from Percy Priest lake. Free breakfast, pool, fitness center. Approx $80. 9 Courtyard by Marriott - Airport, 2508 Elm Hill Pike, ☏ +1 615-883-9500. $139. 10 Hotel Preston, 733 Briley Pkwy, ☏ +1 615-361-5900. Attractive hotel with outdoor pool, pet friendly, high-speed wireless internet. $86-130. 11 Sheraton Music City, 777 McGavok Pike, ☏ +1 615-885-2200. $130-150. 12 Millennium Maxwell House, 2025 Rosa L Parks Blvd, ☏ +1 615-259-4343. Make sure to get your "Goo Goo" cluster candy bar, a Nashville production, at check in so you can thoroughly enjoy this Country Music themed hotel! $130-150. 13 Hilton Nashville Green Hills, 3801 Cleghorn Ave, ☏ +1 615-297-9979. (updated Feb 2020) 14 Best Western Suites - Opryland, 201 Music City Cir, ☏ +1 615-902-9940. All-suite hotel with refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker in rooms. Free breakfast, pool, sauna and fitness center. Approx $100. 15 Hayes Street Hotel, 1909 Hayes St (off of West End Ave), ☏ +1 615-320-0110. 111 rooms and suites. 16 Comfort Inn Downtown Nashville, 1501 Demonbreun St. Pet-friendly hotel with microwaves, refrigerators, coffeemakers, and free wireless high-speed internet in all rooms. $79-100. 17 Holiday Inn Select - Vanderbilt, 2613 West End Ave (across the street from Centennial Park), ☏ +1 615-327-4707. 300 rooms, pet friendly, outdoor pool and high-speed internet. $110-145. 18 Loews - Vanderbilt, 2100 West End Ave, ☏ +1 615-320-1700. One of 16 in this luxury hotel chain. $135-220. 19 Hampton Inn Nashville/Vanderbilt, 1919 West End Ave, ☏ +1 615-329-1144. (updated Feb 2020) 20 Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville Downtown, 310 4th Avenue South (across the street from Country Music Hall of Fame and Music City Convention Center), ☏ +1 615-277-5000. Complimentary breakfast, high-speed Internet, 154 rooms and suites. From $119. 21 Holiday Inn Express - Downtown, 920 Broadway. Complimentary breakfast, high-speed internet. $110-150. 22 Homewood Suites Nashville Downtown, 706 Church St (corner of Church St and 7th Ave), ☏ +1 615-742-5550. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Located in the historic Doctor's Building in downtown Nashville. An all-suite property with full functioning kitchens, free high speed internet, and complimentary hot breakfast bar. Beautifully restored in 2007 and only upscale extended stay in downtown area. $99-179. 23 Comfort Inn & Suites Nashville Downtown - Stadium, 303 Interstate Dr, ☏ +1 629-204-6146. Next to the football stadium. Guitar-shaped indoor pool.

Stay safe

Avoid walking in North Nashville, especially the Bordeaux and MetroCenter districts, and use caution when driving through the district at night. Use caution when walking around Downtown Nashville at night, especially along the avenues south of Broadway. Use designated parking and avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle. Panhandlers do exist around these areas as well.

Go next

Fall Creek Falls. A spectacular waterfall located on the rim of the Cumberland Plateau, several hours outside of Nashville. Franklin. Fifteen miles south of Nashville. A historic Civil War town. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a United States National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an International Biosphere Reserve that straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The park is about a 3⅓-hour drive east of Nashville, so it would be more than you could do in a day, but certainly worth a weekend trip! Lynchburg Located 1½ hour's drive to the southeast, this small town is home to the Jack Daniels Distillery. Natchez Trace Parkway. The 444 mi (715 km) long parkway follows the same path used by travelers from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi during the early 19th century. It begins in the southwest part of Nashville along Highway 100 about 10 miles outside of the city. 8 mi (13 km) south from the parkway entrance in Williamson County is the nation's first segmentally constructed concrete arch bridge. The parkway provides spectacular views of the rolling hills in Tennessee. Tullahoma Located about an hour southeast of Nashville, this town is home to the George A. Dickel distillery and a thriving aerospace industry based around Arnold Air Force Base.

More pictures of Nashville

From this destination's category on Wikimedia Commons. Each photograph is credited to its own author under its own licence.