Experiences
Things to do in Nashville: country music, honky-tonks and hot chicken
Live music spills out of every bar on Broadway, even in the middle of the day. How to experience Nashville, the city that calls itself Music City.
It is two in the afternoon, and live music pours out of every door on Broadway. One band plays Johnny Cash on the ground floor, another plays Dolly Parton upstairs, and on the rooftop a young artist sings their own songs, hoping someone from a record label is listening.
Nashville, Tennessee, is the capital of country music, but the city also has rock, blues and a food scene that has grown fast. It is a city for music lovers, long weekends and trips with friends.
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How to do it
Stay downtown near Broadway or in The Gulch, and you can walk to most things.
Most honky-tonks have free entry. Tip the musicians.
Book the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman concerts in advance.
Consider combining it with a road trip to Memphis or on to New Orleans.
The music
Broadway: honky-tonks with live music from late morning until late at night.
Ryman Auditorium: the historic concert hall known as the Mother Church of Country Music. Take a tour or catch a show.
Grand Ole Opry: the legendary radio show with a live audience, at the Opry House east of downtown.
Country Music Hall of Fame: a museum of instruments, costumes and the story of the genre.
The Johnny Cash Museum and RCA Studio B, where many classics were recorded.
The food and the neighbourhoods
Hot chicken, fried chicken spiced with chilli until you sweat, is Nashville's own dish. Order mild the first time. The Gulch and 12 South have cafés, shops and murals that are popular photo spots.
Book experiences: See concerts, tours and experiences in Nashville
Where to stay in Nashville
Downtown and The Gulch are within walking distance of Broadway. Midtown is a little quieter.
The Hermitage Hotel
A historic hotel in downtown Nashville. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
The Hermitage Hotel: historic elegance
The Hermitage Hotel is downtown, a short walk from the Ryman Auditorium and Broadway, with a beautiful historic lobby. A calm and elegant choice in a lively city.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Hermitage Hotel
Thompson Nashville
A rooftop bar overlooking The Gulch. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Thompson Nashville: modern in The Gulch
Thompson is in The Gulch, with a restaurant and a rooftop bar overlooking the city. Walking distance to Broadway, but quieter at night.
Book your stay: See rooms at Thompson Nashville, by Hyatt
Graduate by Hilton Nashville: playful in Midtown
Graduate is in Midtown near Vanderbilt University, with playful music-inspired interiors. A fun choice for trips with friends.
Book your stay: See rooms at Graduate by Hilton Nashville
When is the best time to visit Nashville?
April, May, September and October are best, with pleasant temperatures. Summer is hot and humid but full of festivals. At Christmas the city is decorated, and Opryland puts on a huge display. Weekends are busy with hen and stag parties, so choose weekdays if you can.
When should you book?
The Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman: a few weeks ahead.
Hotels at weekends: several weeks ahead.
Popular restaurants: a few days ahead.
Frequently asked questions about Nashville
Where should I stay in Nashville?
Stay downtown, for example at The Hermitage Hotel, or in The Gulch at Thompson Nashville, to walk to Broadway. Graduate in Midtown is a playful alternative.
Do the bars on Broadway charge entry?
Many honky-tonks on Broadway have free entry and live music all day. The musicians rely on tips.
What is the difference between the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry?
The Ryman Auditorium is a historic concert hall downtown. The Grand Ole Opry is a radio show with a live audience, now mostly held at the Opry House east of downtown and sometimes at the Ryman.
What is hot chicken?
Hot chicken is fried chicken spiced with chilli, Nashville's own speciality. Choose mild the first time.
How many days do you need in Nashville?
Three days is enough for Broadway, the Ryman, the Grand Ole Opry, the museums and the food.