26 Top Things to do in Nashville, Tennessee, USA – Where to Stay, Dine and Explore In Music City

Discover the top things to do in Nashville with our ultimate travel guide, including where to stay in Music City, insider tips, where to eat, and much more!

Welcome to Nashville, where music is written, recorded and performed every day of the year. Known as Music City, Tennessee’s capital is famous for its legendary honky-tonks, live performances and rich musical heritage, but there’s far more to discover than country music alone. From iconic music venues and fascinating museums to award-winning restaurants and scenic parks, there are countless things to do in Nashville for every type of traveller.

From bluegrass, jazz and soul to rock, hip hop and indie, music fills every corner of the city. Beyond the stages, visitors will find world-class museums, stylish hotels, outstanding restaurants and beautiful parks. With Nashville also celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and welcoming exciting new attractions, including Dolly Parton’s first city hotel, there’s never been a better time to visit.

Whether you are visiting for a few days or using the city as a base to explore the Deep South further, multi-award-winning travel journalist Isabel Conway shares her favourite things about Music City in this Nashville travel guide. During her visit, she explored many of the top things to do in Nashville and sampled some of the city’s best restaurants.

We also reached out to an Irish born Nashville local, and she gave us some valuable insider tips to help you visit the top Nashville tourist attractions.

Top Things to do in Nashville, Tennessee

1. Visit The Country Music Hall of Fame

No visit to Nashville is complete without exploring the city’s rich country music heritage, and there is no better place to begin than the Country Music Hall of Fame. This iconic Nashville attraction houses more than 2.5 million artefacts across several floors of fascinating galleries.

The striking exterior is impossible to miss, designed to resemble a grand piano keyboard. Inside, highlights include Elvis Presley’s gold plated Cadillac, complete with extravagant 1960s features including a telephone, television, drinks cabinet and even a concealed automatic shoe shiner.

Another eye catching vehicle is the white convertible once owned by honky tonk star Webb Pierce, complete with a silver rifle mounted on the boot and silver pistols replacing the door handles. Fans also flock to see Taylor Swift’s brightly painted tour bus, while country music lovers linger over Hank Williams’ treasured Martin D 28 guitar.

2. Take a Tour of RCA Studios B

I suggest hopping on a bus from the Country Music Hall of Fame (same owners and combination tickets can be purchased for both) to the historic Music Row district for a guided tour of RCA Studios B, known as ‘the home of a thousand hits’ and simply, Studio B.

Here is the holy grail whose breakthrough artists, from Elvis to Dolly Parton, not forgetting Roy Orbison and the Everly brothers, defined the city’s music industry.

This was the first purpose built recording studio and it was sound proofed using purple shag carpet back in 1957. My excellent tour guide Brad tells how Elvis recorded ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’ in the dark, except for a tiny red light in a corner to add emotional impact. We can almost feel the presence of the king when the lights are lowered.

3. Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is definitely one of the top things to do in Nashville. Opryland, a vast hotel and leisure resort on the outskirts of Nashville, is home to the Grand Ole Opry. Since moving here in 1974, the iconic venue has continued its tradition of showcasing country music’s biggest stars alongside emerging talent, making it one of the most celebrated live music venues in the world.

Shows happen multiple times a week and the line up is never the same. Tickets for the backstage tour are around $35 and are well worth it. It’s located about a 25 minute uber from Broadway and is beside the Opry Mills shopping mall which is massive and contains a ranges of shops such as a Bass Pro Shop, Sephora and Coach and endless food options.

4. Sail Away on a Riverboat Cruise

Step aboard one of the last operating steam-powered paddlewheelers in America and experience Nashville from a unique perspective on the Cumberland River.

Nashville’s story has always been closely tied to the Cumberland River. Long before the city’s famous neon lights and honky-tonks, the river served as a vital transportation route, shaping the growth, commerce, and culture of the region.

Today, these sightseeing and dining cruises offer a fresh way to experience Music City. As you glide along the historic riverfront, you’ll enjoy panoramic views, the nostalgic sound of the boat’s calliope, live music on board, and stories about Nashville’s past.

5. Walking Tour

If you are wondering what to do in Nashville, a walking tour is a great way to get your bearings, especially on your first visit. Join the cowboy boot wearing crowds and explore the city on foot, wandering from legendary dive bars and honky tonks to acclaimed restaurants, boutique shops, live music venues and hidden alleyways.

Along the way, you will soak up the sounds, stories and character that make Music City unique. You will cover most of downtown at a leisurely pace, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a drink, catch an impromptu performance, or simply people-watch along the way.

6. Iconic Spots Food Tour

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, a food tour is a delicious way to explore Nashville’s neighbourhoods and discover why the city has become one of America’s most exciting culinary destinations.

Sample Nashville Hot Chicken, Southern barbecue, classic meat-and-three comfort food, flaky buttermilk biscuits, and sweet treats like banana pudding, while learning about the city’s rich food culture from knowledgeable local guides.

7. Stroll over the John Seigenthaler Bridge (Free)

The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is one of the best things to see in Nashville, especially at sunset. Take in incredible views of the river and downtown skyline by walking the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, which is closed to car traffic. The historic crossing was finished in 1909 and connects downtown Nashville to East Nashville.

Top tip: Though the walk is free, there are excellent shops and restaurants on either end so bring your wallet.

8. Ryman Auditorium

Just half a block off Broadway in downtown Nashville, the world renowned Ryman Auditorium is another must visit. The original home of the Grand Ole Opry, the radio show that started in 1925, generations of artists have debuted there, including Dolly Parton who first performed at the age of 13.

Visitors to the Ryman can take to the stage in front of the microphone where James Brown, Diana Ross and a long list of superstars stood.

9. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

If you’re looking for things to do in Nashville with kids, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is always a good idea. It is a great way to get your bearings in a new city and decide which attractions you’d like to explore further. It’s also an excellent option if you’re short on time and only have a day or two to see Nashville’s top sights.

The tour takes you to all the must-see Nashville attractions while also stopping at places you might not otherwise visit, such as Music Row, where you can see the studios used by some of the world’s biggest singers and songwriters.

10. The National Museum of African American Music

Another ode to Nashville’s musical history, the National Museum of African American Music, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating music created, influenced, and inspired, by African Americans from jazz to hip-hop and beyond. Visitors are taken on a technically brilliant interactive journey. I loved the rap battle and joining a full-on gospel choir at the end.

11. Johnny Cash Museum

Even if you aren’t a die hard Cash devotee, try to drop into the Johnny Cash Museum in the heart of downtown to look back on the legendary life of the ‘Man in Black’.

This museum offers a fascinating insight into Cash’s life, career and influence on American music, and displays the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash memorabilia, including photographs, costumes, instruments, personal letters and rare recordings.

12. Check out the Soon to be Stars on Downtown & Broadway

There is plenty of stuff to do in Nashville beyond the museums, but nothing beats watching would-be stars on the streets busking day and night in Downtown and Broadway. Much of the area is pedestrianised, walkable and safe. 

The main Broadway drag along honky tonk highway, some of whose bars are owned by C & W stars known to make impromptu appearances, teems with visitors in Stetsons and cowboy boots. The milling sidewalk crowds having a good time reflect Nashville’s place as one of the top 10 American vacation destinations and bachelorette grand central.

13. Day Trip To Memphis Incl Graceland

A day trip from Nashville to Memphis simply has to be done if you are a music lover. It does take around 3 hours to drive to the home of Elvis, so you will need a rental car, or you can take one of the many tours linked below .

The Graceland tour is fantastic. You can see the house, gardens, planes, outfits, cars and plenty of memorabilia from Elvis’ life.

Memphis is also home to the Bass Pro Shops at the pyramid. This is a country person’s dream stop, and contains a hotel, restaurant, shopping, fish tanks and alligators.

14. Take Your Choice of Music Clubs

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the music venues in Nashville. Even the free-entry clubs have various floors with different bands and genres on each. Remember that while the music is free drinks and snacks can work out pricey!

Nashville locals believes the best venues are Tootsies, Legends Corner and Robert’s Western World. Robert’s has been around since the 1950s, a Music City country music institution. If you can only fit in a couple of music venues pick these.

Top Tip: For a quiet chill out away from non-stop music, the utility boxes on street corners feature local artists at the push of a button.

15. Don’t Miss the Bluebird Café

The legendary Bluebird café, where up and coming musicians are discovered, is another must visit in Nashville. It’s a little away from the popular tourist track in Green Hills, but as the Bluebird is tiny, reservations are advised. 

Even before the TV show Nashville made it a household name, the Bluebird Cafe has been a legendary locale for singer-songwriter rounds featuring the best of the best – Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban all graced this stage before they hit it big. It’s all about the listening experience at this bar-restaurant, which puts audiences up close with both rising and established talent.

Note there are more food and drink recommendations at the bottom of this article.

16. Visit Geodis Park

Sports fans should not miss Geodis Park, the largest soccer specific stadium in the US and home to Nashville SC. It has become one of the city’s premier sports and entertainment venues, hosting major concerts by artists including Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, as well as international sporting events and other large scale performances.

17. Belle Meade Winery

I spent a morning at the Belle Meade Historic Site and Nashville’s first and oldest winery, learning about the dark days of slavery on Southern plantations. The visit also included a tasting of locally produced wines, offering a chance to sample one of Tennessee’s best known drinks.

While Tennessee whiskey, particularly from nearby distilleries, is the city’s signature tipple, Belle Meade’s wines provide a different taste of the region’s heritage. Located just outside the city centre, the estate is easy to visit, with tours and day trips readily available. I have linked a top rated tour below.

18. Find the Parthenon and the Athena Statue

Located in the heart of Centennial Park, you will find a full-size replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. Only in America, folks! Built in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, it is the only full scale replica of the ancient Parthenon in the world and now serves as both an iconic landmark and an art museum, complete with a towering statue of Athena inside.

19. Frist Art Museum

I stopped off in Downtown to admire an atmosphere of calm inside the Frist Art Museum, an outstanding art-deco building, formerly a US Post office, which was built during the Great Depression. 

At the centre of Nashville’s thriving art scene sits the Frist Art Museum, a stunning space featuring rotating art exhibitions that range from exuberant contemporary installations to mid-century Italian concept cars to illustrated medieval textbooks. Housed in an art deco–era post office, this museum also hosts art workshops, live music events, lecture series and more.

20. Rooftop Sundowners

Nashville’s ever-growing skyline is home to a number of spectacular rooftop bars delivering 360-degree views of Music City, each one with its own distinct personality. Channel your inner rockstar at the Bobby Hotel rooftop lounge, check out the latest themed pop-up at the Fairlane or swim in the infinity pool of the L27 Rooftop Lounge.

Detour: Nashville has bars in the sky – and bars down below. Seek out the Noelle’s Hidden Bar for a magical treat.

Note there are more food and drink recommendations at the bottom of this article.

21. Homes of the Stars Bus Tour

Celebrity homes in Nashville are primarily located in exclusive, gated enclaves and sprawling rural suburbs like Belle Meade, Brentwood, Franklin, and Leiper’s Fork. Because these estates are highly private and heavily wooded, you won’t get up-close views from the street, though several guided tours can pass by their exterior gates. 

22. Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

Containing sprawling botanical gardens and an impressive mansion, Cheekwood is considered among the best of the American Country Place Era estates, the time between 1890 and 1930 when the wealth of Americans exploded because of the Industrial Revolution.

The former home of Leslie and Mabel Cheek, the many rooms of the 30,000-square-foot mansion showcase furnishings and art original to the house. The surrounding 55 acres of cultivated gardens, divided into 13 distinct areas, are a lush accompaniment to the home’s stately beauty.

If you’re looking for things to do in Nashville with kids, Cheekwood is a great option thanks to programs like the Enchanted Express, hands-on art activities, summer camps and storytelling sessions.

23. Wander to Draper James & 12South (Free)

The area most visitors are referring to when they mention 12th Avenue is 12South, one of Nashville’s most vibrant and walkable neighbourhoods. Located along a half-mile stretch of 12th Avenue South, just 10 minutes from downtown, 12South is known for its boutique shopping, locally owned cafés, acclaimed restaurants, colourful murals, and beautifully restored historic homes. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring on foot.

One of the neighbourhood’s most iconic stops is Draper James, the Southern-inspired fashion and lifestyle brand founded by actress and Nashville native Reese Witherspoon in 2015. Inspired by her Southern roots, Witherspoon chose 12South for the brand’s flagship store to reflect the warmth, charm, and hospitality she associates with her hometown.

Today, Draper James is a must-visit destination and an integral part of the neighbourhood’s distinctive character.

24. The Murder in Music City Ghost Tour

Looking for fun things to do in Nashville beyond the music scene? Something different to try in the city is a Ghost tour, maybe for lovers of true crime this would be the perfect activity.

Rated an impressive 4.9 stars by thousands of guests, this chilling journey through downtown Nashville dives headfirst into the city’s darkest true crime cases, most disturbing hauntings, and demonic encounters, all told by the best ghost tour guides in town.

25. Take an iconic picture at What Lifts You Wings Mural (Free)

One of Nashville’s most photographed landmarks, the What Lifts You wings mural in The Gulch was created by internationally renowned artist Kelsey Montague as part of her global movement.

Painted in 2016, the 23 ft tall mural incorporates subtle Nashville-inspired details, including guitars, music notes, and other symbols that celebrate the city’s musical heritage. Montague believes social media can be a force for positivity, encouraging visitors to share their photos alongside what inspires them using the hashtag #WhatLiftsYou.

Located in the heart of The Gulch, the mural has become one of Nashville’s most iconic photo stops and helped establish the city’s reputation as a destination for large-scale public art. This is one of the top free things to do in Nashville, so don’t miss it!

26. Shop for Cowboy Boots

If you’re on the hunt for a pair of classic cowboy boots, Nashville is the place to shop. Lucchese has a store in The Gulch, offering beautifully crafted boots that are built to last. For more affordable options, head to Boot Barn on Broadway, where you can find a wide range of styles and sizes.

Keep an eye out for special offers, including buy one, get two free promotions, which can make it tempting to leave Nashville with more than one pair.

Where to drink and eat in Nashville

Nashville is proud of her plethora of James Beard listed fine dining restaurants, offering top gastronomic fare. Yet foreign tourists make a beeline for Music City’s celebrated southern fried chicken and barbeque.

Breakfast/ Brunch Spots in Nashville

• Biscuit Love – Think of your favourite breakfast items such as breakfast sandwiches/ eggs Benedict all served on homemade biscuits
• Pop Up Bagels
• Milk and Honey
• Five Daughters Bakery has fantastic donuts. The berry burst and apple fritter are to die for.
• Have Brunch at Puckett’s Grocery at 500 Church Street is another downtown veteran where your hearty breakfast has a music sound track.

Nashville Famous Fried Chicken Spots

• Princes fried chicken – Nashville Hot Chicken is an institution, and it all started with Prince’s, the city’s original hot-chicken shop. Still run by the great-niece of the founder, Prince’s brings the heat. Go easy with mild spice or give it all you’ve got with XXX hot – either way, you’ll be indulging in a quintessentially Nashville experience.
• Hatties B – Famous for fried chicken, multiple locations. The one in 12th South is much more relaxed than the one on Broadway. Order the chicken tenders in medium with the pimento mac and cheese. The grits with cheese and bacon are also fantastic.
• Taste hot chicken at Party Fowl – I will remember ‘Nashville Hot’ forever at Party Fowl, where patrons almost need the fire brigade to help dowse the flames after trying its ultra-hot chicken. The slushy cocktails help to quell the heat, served in fishbowl sized glasses. 

• Arnold’s Country Kitchen is the top address for Nashville’s ‘meat and three’ which translates as huge slabs of barbeque beef and pork ribs served with mashed potatoes, gravy and turnip greens. 
• Assembly Food Hall – I also enjoyed the fast service, no hassle for tips and reasonable prices in Downtown’s Assembly Food Hall. Only steps away from the music venues pumping action, 30 artisanal eateries share the communal dining space.
• Loveless café

Best Bars in Nashville

• Try Taylor Swift’s favourite tipple – Nashville’s suburbs are also well worth checking out fashion, food and funky cocktail bars. I kicked back in Taylor Swift’s favourite pew at Fox Bar and Cocktail Club in East Nashville where the bartender mixed me her favourite cocktail ‘Thai Mule’ with a vodka base.
• Tootsies Orchid Lounge
• Honky Tonk Central
• Friends in Low Places Owned by Garth Brooks this bar and restaurant offers a stage and a rooftop bar, featuring live music and classic American eats.
• Robert’s Western World – One of the cities most legendary music venues
• Ole Red

Where to stay in Nashville

Apartments in Nashville

The Soundry **

Looking for a clean, comfortable, and well-equipped apartment in Nashville? The Soundry is an excellent choice, located in one of Nashville’s oldest and most character-filled neighborhoods. Offering the convenience of home with modern amenities, it’s an ideal base for both short and extended stays.

Each apartment features a fully equipped kitchen and a comfortable living area with a sofa bed. Guests can also stay active in the on-site fitness centre or unwind on the outdoor patio. With its blend of historic surroundings, contemporary comfort, and easy access to Nashville’s top attractions, its a great choice.

Sentral SoBro Apartment Suites ****

Sentral SoBro offers a fantastic central base for exploring Nashville. Bridgestone Arena is just an 8-minute walk away, Ryman Auditorium is less than 1 km from the property, and the Johnny Cash Museum is an easy 11-minute stroll. Broadway and the trendy Gulch neighbourhood is also about a 15-minute walk away, where you’ll find popular shops like Lululemon, along with local boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, making it easy to enjoy Nashville’s famous live music, dining, and nightlife.

The property features a rooftop pool, a stylish communal lounge, and a well-equipped gym. Guests can also relax on the sun terrace or dine at the on-site restaurant, which serves both American and Japanese cuisine.

3 Star Hotels Nashville

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Nashville Downtown ***

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Nashville Downtown is a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award-winning hotel and a great choice for travellers looking to stay in the heart of Music City.

Just a short walk from Broadway, Bridgestone Arena, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, the hotel offers spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, a rooftop pool, and modern amenities that make exploring Nashville both comfortable and convenient.

Tempo By Hilton Nashville Downtown ***

Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown is the winner of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026 and enjoys an unbeatable location less than a block from Broadway and within half a mile of many of Nashville’s top attractions, including Bridgestone Arena and Music City Centre. The city’s best museums, restaurants, bars, and live music venues are all just a short walk away.

Guests can take in panoramic views of downtown Nashville from the 5th floor lobby or rooftop swimming pool, stay active in the modern fitness centre, or relax on the sun terrace.

The hotel also features on-site restaurants serving creative cuisine and refreshing drinks, along with a welcoming bar and lounge. Additional amenities include an outdoor fireplace, games room, and inviting communal spaces

4 Star Hotels Nashville

Cambria Hotel Nashville Downtown ****

Voted the 4th best hotel in Nashville by TripAdvisor. The Cambria Hotel in Downtown Nashville offers a convenient location with Bridgestone Arena a 6-minute walk away, Ryman Auditorium 600 metres nearby, and the Johnny Cash Museum less than 1 km from the property.

Guests enjoy a swimming pool with a view, fitness centre, sun terrace, restaurant and bar. Additional amenities include a lounge, outdoor fireplace, fitness room, lift, 24-hour front desk, minimarket and evening entertainment.

The Omni ****

The Omni Nashville Hotel is where Isabel stayed for a few nights, and it’s an excellent, well-equipped 4 star base in the heart of downtown. This contemporary high-rise is directly connected to Music City centre and sits next door to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, making it ideal for exploring the city on foot.

Facilities are extensive, with a large outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace and Jacuzzi, and there’s also a full-service spa offering treatments, alongside a 24-hour fitness centre.

Food lovers are well catered for with six restaurants and bars. Bar lines serves Southern-inspired cuisine, while other dining options range from casual cafés to stylish bars, including a lively poolside bar that’s perfect for cocktails in the sunshine.

The Union Station Nashville Yards, Autograph Collection ****

Recipient of a 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, The Union Station Nashville Yards offers a stay steeped in history. Once Nashville’s bustling central railway terminal, this beautifully restored landmark transports guests back to the Gilded Age while combining historic grandeur with modern comfort.

Situated in the heart of downtown Music City, the hotel is less than a mile from Vanderbilt University and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Guests can enjoy elegant on-site dining, a stylish bar, a modern gym, Wi-Fi, valet parking, and beautifully restored public spaces featuring high ceilings, stained-glass windows and original architectural details. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Nashville’s iconic attractions.

Hotel Fraye Nashville, Curio Collection By Hilton ****

The stylish 4 star Hotel Fraye Nashville, Curio Collection by Hilton offers a sophisticated base in Nashville’s Midtown district on Music Row. With its contemporary design and excellent facilities, it is an ideal choice for couples and business travellers seeking a comfortable stay in Music City.

One of the hotels Broadway Nashville, you will be within a five-minute walk of Vanderbilt University and just a 10-minute stroll from the famous Music Row.

Guests can relax by the rooftop swimming pool, unwind in a private cabana, keep active in the fitness centre, or enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar. The hotel also features a restaurant serving American cuisine, a lounge, sun terrace, and outdoor seating areas.

Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel ****

Whilst new upmarket chains and boutique hotels are constantly springing up in Nashville, the one everyone is talking about is Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel, her first venture in Music City, which opened in June 2026.

The luxury 12-storey property at 211 Commerce Street is also home to Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum, which occupies the third floor. Unsurprisingly, one of the hotel’s on-site live music venues is called Jolene’s.

5 Star Hotels Nashville

Gaylord Opryland Resort *****

For the second half of my visit, Isabel soaked up the energy and excitement of the Gaylord Opryland Resort. The sheer scale of the property is astonishing. With more than 2,800 guest rooms spread across a sprawling resort, I was constantly getting lost – but never minded, because every wrong turn seemed to reveal something new.

The resort is home to nine acres of breathtaking indoor gardens filled with lush tropical plants, towering trees, and cascading waterfalls beneath soaring glass atriums. There are winding walking paths, unique shops, and a wide variety of restaurants that make the resort feel like a destination in itself.

Families flock to the impressive water park, complete with a massive theme park-style water slide, wave attractions, and splash areas, making it one of the best hotels in Nashville for families.

One of my favourite features was the indoor river, where flat-bottom boats quietly glide through the gardens, giving guests a peaceful way to take in the scenery. It’s easy to spend days exploring without ever feeling the need to leave the property.

Grand Hyatt Nashville *****

The Grand Hyatt Nashville received a Travellers’ choice award in 2026 offering a sophisticated retreat in the heart of downtown. Stay walking distance from the Gulch and Midtown, but stay put for one of the tallest outdoor rooftop bars in Music City, our sunny outdoor pool, a spa, and seven restaurants.

Located in the city centre, the hotel is an 8-minute walk from Ryman Auditorium. Nearby attractions include Bridgestone Arena and the Johnny Cash Museum.

The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville *****

Boasting a Travellers choice award for 2026 on TripAdvisor the Joseph is a luxurious 5 star hotel in Nashville which is positioned in the heart of the city’s vibrant music scene. This sophisticated property offers an exceptional blend of contemporary elegance and Southern hospitality, making it an ideal choice for discerning travellers seeking a premium city break experience.

The hotel features a rooftop swimming pool, spa facilities, sauna, fitness centre, and a lush garden. Additional amenities include a terrace, restaurant, bar, and yoga classes.

1 Hotel Nashville *****

Sustainable luxury meets urban style at 1 Hotel Nashville, located in the heart of downtown. Voted the 10th best hotel in Nashville on TripAdvisor, it’s no wonder it’s a firm favourite with travellers thanks to its central location, offering easy access to Broadway and the city’s top attractions.

Guests can unwind in the spa, work out in the fitness centre, or relax on the sun terrace. Additional amenities include an outdoor fireplace, steam room, yoga and fitness classes, as well as a restaurant and bar serving locally inspired cuisine and cocktails.

Ideally situated in the city centre, the hotel is just a four-minute walk from both Bridgestone Arena and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

W Nashville *****

Stay at the 5 star W Nashville, perfectly located in downtown Nashville’s vibrant Gulch neighbourhood. The hotel boasts Nashville’s largest hotel pool area, a state-of-the-art Technogym and a yoga lawn.

Guests can enjoy live music, bespoke cocktails, and exceptional dining by renowned chef José Andrés, including rooftop views at Butterfly, fresh seafood at Bar Mar, Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates at Zaytinya, and poolside al fresco dining at Glowbird on the WET Deck.

The property is also within easy reach of many of Nashville’s top attractions, including the Johnny Cash Museum, Vanderbilt University, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Lane Motor Museum.

How to get to Nashville

Getting to Nashville is easier than ever thanks to Aer Lingus’ direct Dublin to Nashville service. If direct flights don’t suit your schedule or budget, you can also reach Music City by connecting through major U.S. hubs or via London Heathrow.

Getting Around Nashville

Bus tours are a good introduction to Nashville, offering an easy overview of the main sights and a glimpse into the city’s history. Downtown is compact, however, and much of the atmosphere is best experienced on foot.

For journeys further afield, WeGo Public Transit buses cover the city, but services can be limited outside the main routes. Uber and Lyft are widely available and often the easiest way to reach neighbourhoods such as The Gulch, 12South, Germantown and East Nashville.

If you plan to explore beyond the city, hiring a car gives you the most flexibility, particularly for trips to Franklin, Lynchburg and the wider Middle Tennessee countryside. Note traffic can be heavy at peak times, while downtown parking can be limited and expensive.

10 Top Tips for Nashville, Tennessee

• Book ahead. If you’re visiting on a weekend, reserve popular restaurants, tours, and the Grand Ole Opry well in advance.
• Summers are hot and humid. Always carry water and wear light comfortable clothing.
• Start your days early. Popular attractions are much quieter in the morning, and you’ll beat both the crowds and the heat.
• Don’t limit yourself to just Broadway. Make sure to venture into neighbourhoods like The Gulch and East Nashville for more intimate venues.
• Pack your cowboy boots but also take your comfy shoes as you’ll be walking loads.
• Be prepared for crowds on weekends. Hen and stag parties are common, especially Friday and Saturday nights.
• Bring ID if you plan to go out. Bars and music venues frequently check identification regardless of age.
• Check the events calendar. Festivals, concerts, sporting events, and conventions can make the city much busier, and sometimes more exciting, than usual.
• Keep your Nashville itinerary flexible. Some of the best experiences in the city are stumbling upon an incredible singer in a small bar or discovering a great local restaurant.
• Nashville has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Chatting with locals, bartenders, or musicians often leads to great recommendations you won’t find online.

Isabel

Multi-award-winning travel writer Isabel Conway is one of Ireland’s leading travel journalists. Isabel was the 2022 long haul winner at the Ireland Travel Extra Travel Journalist of the Year Awards and has also been both a winner and commended in the annual awards of the British Guild of Travel Writers.

Read Isabel’s other guides here:

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We hope you enjoyed this travel guide with the top things to do in Nashville and where to stay, we hope it inspires you to book a trip soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, accommodation facilities and attractions are subject to change.

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