Nashville: What to know before you go

Key takeaways

• Nashville offers visitors an unmissable mix of legendary music, deep Southern roots and a fiercely creative food scene that’s rewriting the city’s story.
• This practical guide offers tips for traveling to Nashville, including how to get around, what to see, and helpful do’s and don’ts.
• From iconic historic sites that put Nashville on the map to off-the-beaten-path shops and restaurants, you’ll get the most from a visit to Music City with this guide in your back pocket.

What to expect from the seasons

Fall: Visitors to Nashville during fall can expect mild temperatures well into November with averages of about 60 degrees. Clear skies, autumnal colors and crisp air characterize this popular time of year, when it’s easy to find outdoor festivals for any interest: from Oktoberfest beers to arts and literature gatherings to harvest parties. Don’t miss the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational BBQ that happens every October.

Winter: Being in the South, Nashville rarely sees snow in the winter, and most days have an average high in the mid-40s. You won’t need much more than a jacket and a smile to enjoy the city’s many holiday festivities.

Spring: Nashville’s humid climate and rainy spring months deliver on greenery and big blooms. Being a shoulder season, spring in Nashville is a great time to visit, with comfortable daytime highs that usually stay well above 65 degrees.

Summer: With high humidity and temperatures hovering in the 80s to low 90s, summer in Nashville is a time for staying cool by enjoying the area’s lakeside recreation by day and rooftop bars by night. Luckily, you can still experience all the music, food and culture that Nashville is known for, thanks to the power and prevalence of good AC. Visit in August to take part in local traditions like the Tennessee State Fair and Tomato Art Fest.

Photo: Virgin Hotels Nashville

Where to stay

Virgin Hotels Nashville: In the heart of Music Row, just blocks from Vanderbilt University, this hotel prioritizes fun and relaxation with a cabana-lined pool club and a secret speakeasy. Part of The Reserve collection by Citi Travel^®, this sleek, pet-friendly location offers cardmembers premium perks like room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts for two and an early check-in.

Kimpton Aertson Hotel By IHG: The modern Kimpton Aertson, part of Citi Travel’s Hotel Collection, is located right on Broadway, a direct line to downtown Nashville. During the day, guests benefit from complimentary cruiser bikes and the rooftop pool, and when the sun goes down, there’s a hosted wine hour. The 4,000-square-foot luxury spa is not to be missed.

Omni Nashville Hotel: Just steps from the Ryman Auditorium and the Frist Art Museum in downtown Nashville, the Omni is ideal for the visitor looking to check every sight off their list. Not only does the hotel feature a stunning pool and upscale in-house amenities, but it’s literally connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame for unparalleled access to one of the city’s best museums.

The Nash: Also in the heart of downtown, The Nash (formerly Bobby Hotel Nashville) was named one of the top 20 hotels in the world by Condé Nast readers in 2025. Guests can expect a boutique space with art-centric accents and four music-inspired restaurants. Before you stay, check out the calendar of seasonal events and local live music that often grace the rooftop pool and lounge.

The Russell: In the heart of the trendy East Nashville neighborhood, this award-winning boutique hotel occupies a renovated 115-year-old church. Unique details like exposed brick, skylights and stained-glass windows make a stay at The Russell stand out from the rest, and perks like discounted tickets to the city’s symphony, marina boat rentals and sporting events will have you feeling like a Nashville insider. Guests can rest easy at night knowing that, in the true spirit of the building’s history, proceeds from every booking go to local nonprofits supporting the community’s houseless population.

How to get around

Rideshare apps are your best bet for getting around without navigating heavy traffic or parking pains. Plan to rent a car if you’re staying for more than a few days and want to explore beyond downtown.

The WeGo Public Transit system is a budget-friendly way to travel, including the #18 bus line that connects the airport to downtown.

What to do while you’re there

From legendary music venues and interactive art exhibits to top-tier sporting events and one-of-a-kind museums, Nashville truly has something for everyone. As the birthplace of many acclaimed acts and historic recording sessions, Nashville has earned the nickname Music City. That tradition continues today with a vibrant live music scene. You can find incredible performances every night of the week — especially along Broadway, Nashville’s main drag. Known as the Honky Tonk Highway, Lower Broadway is packed with talented musicians and lively stages.

Photo: Robert's Western World

Catch a show

No matter what kind of music you’re into, chances are you can find it in Nashville. Beyond catching a show at Robert’s or Tootsie’s on Broadway, you can find several ticketed options too. Venues range from world-renowned theaters to intimate hole-in-the-wall joints:

• Head to the Ryman Auditorium to see nationally acclaimed acts in the storied space that is over 130 years old. And no Nashville trip is complete without paying homage to the Grand Ole Opry, the celebrated live radio broadcast that has been on air for more than a century.
• Discover your next new favorite band headlining at some of the smaller venues in town, like The Basement East and Exit/In.

Don’t forget to carry some cash: Most honky-tonk musicians on Broadway work for tips, so bring cash to show your appreciation or request a tune.

Photo: Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

Take a walk

Getting your steps in isn’t hard here. Check out these areas for a day out:

• If it’s green space you’re after, Centennial Park offers scenic strolls with front-row views of the world’s only full-scale replica of the Parthenon, while Cheekwood’s 55-acre historic grounds showcase world-class outdoor sculptures amid cultivated gardens.
• Bring your walking shoes for a visit to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, home to over 350 animal species, including the endangered clouded leopard. Book a backstage pass for a full behind-the-scenes experience of the zoo — you might even get the chance to pet the rhinos.
• With over five miles of paved, ADA-accessible riverside trails, Shelby Bottoms Greenway is the perfect place for a bike ride or picnic. Multi-use paths will take you to tranquil ponds with shoreside picnic shelters or grassy clearings ideal for unfurling a big blanket. Stop by the Nature Center for advice on how best to navigate all 950 acres or catch one of the many free educational programs.
• If bopping in and out of local boutiques and cafes is more your speed, start in the 12 South and Five Points neighborhoods. You’ll discover a host of beloved local gems beyond the bustling Broadway strip.
• If the party scene isn’t your style, check out Broadway during the day instead of waiting until dark. You can still pop in and out of bars and listen to live music. 

Photo: Courtesy of the Cheekwood Estate

Go thrifting

When it comes to secondhand shops, East Nashville has the best in the city. Here’s where to find something truly unique:

• For a full day of shopping, head up Gallatin Avenue and discover a hotspot for vintage stores — Anaconda, Hip Zipper and Garage Sale are a few crowd favorites.
• If you’re in the market for mid-century furniture or want to browse some retro tchotchkes, make your way across town to visit Starland Vintage & Unusual. There’s no telling what kind of goodies you’ll find.

Sample local flavors

It might be true that you haven’t really been to Nashville until you’ve eaten a fried bologna sandwich at Robert’s Western World — arguably the most authentically Nashville bar on Broadway. Whether you want a classic Southern breakfast or you’re looking to experience Michelin-quality fine dining, there are good eats across Music City for any craving:

• Try unique whiskies in this celebrated region for historic distilleries. From small-batch to top-shelf names, spots like Nashville Barrel Co. and Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery have tasting rooms worth a visit.
• Looking for variety? Head to Assembly Food Hall or The Wash, where you can try dozens of local specialty eateries all in a single location.
• Meat-and-threes, Goo Goo Clusters and hot chicken — oh my! Nashville is home to some first-rate regional cuisine you can only find in Tennessee. Check out the famous Prince’s Hot Chicken to see if you can stand the heat.
• For a truly memorable meal, try Michelin-recommended Audrey, where Chef Sam Jett translates Appalachian food culture into a fine-dining tasting menu. 

Photo: East Side Pho at The Wash

Learn something new

History buffs, this section is for you, and Nashville has a storied past worth exploring. Here are some recommendations for the city’s best cultural sites:

• Fancy a lesson in music? Check out the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Musicians Hall of Fame or the Johnny Cash Museum.
• Want a comprehensive education on the region? Explore the exhibits and native artifacts inside the Tennessee State Museum.
• Feeling artsy? Don’t sleep on the Frist Art Museum. Located in a former U.S. Post Office building, the awe-inspiring space rotates through classic and contemporary collections that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Plan to skip

With so much to taste, see and experience in Nashville, here are a few things you might want to leave off your itinerary:

• Pedal taverns: Skip these pedal-powered mobile bars, unless you’re into overpriced workouts with little reward.
• Chain restaurants: With so many unique local restaurants around town, avoid the chains. This is the place to branch out and try something new and undeniably Nashville, like sampling whiskies from the area’s historic distilleries.

Plan your next trip with Citi Travel

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