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Nashville

Nashville travel guide

Capital of Tennessee, United States

Things to do24 experiences
Best time to visitOctober
Nearest airportBNA · 6 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population689,447

About Nashville

Nashville is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is the seat of Davidson County in Middle Tennessee, located on the Cumberland River. It is the 20th-most populous city in the United States and fourth-most populous city in the Southeast, with a population of 689,447 at the 2020 census. The Nashville metropolitan area, with over 2.15 million people, is the 35th-largest metropolitan area in the country. Nashville is among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.

Places to visit in Nashville

  1. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

    Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

    Museum

    A large downtown museum tracing country music from its roots to today, with stage costumes, instruments, Elvis's gold Cadillac and plaques honoring the genre's greatest performers.

  2. Ryman Auditorium

    Ryman Auditorium

    Entertainment

    A former tabernacle nicknamed the Mother Church of Country Music, still hosting concerts under its church-pew seating; daytime tours cover its history as long-time home of the Grand Ole Opry.

  3. Lower Broadway

    Neighborhood

    Nashville's neon-lit strip of honky-tonks, where live bands play from late morning into the night with no cover at many bars, making it the city's essential music-crawl street.

  4. Grand Ole Opry House

    Grand Ole Opry House

    Entertainment · 6 mi from centre

    The home of the long-running country music radio show, where a single evening mixes legends and rising stars; backstage tours show dressing rooms and the famous circle of wood on stage.

  5. The Parthenon

    The Parthenon

    Landmark · 2 mi from centre

    A full-scale replica of the Athens Parthenon in Centennial Park, containing an art museum and a towering gilded statue of Athena that surprises nearly every first-time visitor.

  6. The Hermitage

    The Hermitage

    Historic · 10 mi from centre

    President Andrew Jackson's plantation estate east of the city, where the mansion, gardens, tomb and enslaved workers' quarters present a fuller picture of his life and era.

  7. Tennessee State Capitol

    Tennessee State Capitol

    Landmark

    A Greek Revival capitol on a hilltop above downtown, with free tours of its legislative chambers and grounds that include the tomb of President James K. Polk.

  8. Frist Art Museum

    Frist Art Museum

    Museum

    Set in a striking Art Deco former post office, this exhibition center rotates major traveling shows and has a hands-on art studio that suits visitors of all ages.

Things to do in Nashville by type

24 tours, tickets and experiences across 5 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • 1-3 hours 5
  • 3-6 hours 3
  • Over 6 hours 3
  • Up to 1 hour 1
Good for
  • Couples 3
  • Senior 3
  • Families 2
  • Youth 2
  • Adult only 1
Ways to go
  • Private 1
Browse all things to do in Nashville

Top experiences in Nashville

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 24 available.

See all things to do in Nashville

Where to stay in Nashville

Popular hotels in Nashville, out of 449 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Nashville

Best time to visit Nashville

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Nashville is October, when average daytime highs are around 73°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 29° – 46° 11
Feb 35° – 56° 11
Mar 42° – 63° 11
Apr 50° – 70° 12
May 60° – 79° 15
Jun 67° – 88° 13
Jul 72° – 91° 17
Aug 69° – 88° 11
Sep 64° – 83° 11
Oct 53° – 73° 5
Nov 44° – 62° 10
Dec 36° – 52° 10

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Nashville weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 77° 46° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 76° 55° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 77° 55° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 76° 58° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 75° 57° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 75° 58° 0%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/ChicagoUTC−5
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Nashville

These are the airports closest to central Nashville. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • BNA Nashville International Airport6 mi (9 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Nashville

Getting around Nashville

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.

Parking

If you are looking to park Downtown in a lot or garage, be sure to have a good idea of where to park. The Metro Owned Facilities managed by the Nashville Downtown Partnership (branded as ParkIt Downtown) seem to be the best deal. For example, the Metro Courthouse/Public Square Garage is $3 after 5PM and on weekends. This is much cheaper than nearby private lots.

By foot

The center of Nashville is not too big for an able-bodied person to traverse on foot in decent weather, and walking downtown can be quite pleasant. Outside downtown, Nashville is sprawling and lacks sidewalks.

Nashville travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Nashville?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Nashville is October, when average daytime highs are around 73°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

What is the weather like in Nashville?

July is usually the warmest month in Nashville, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 29°F (-2°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 201 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Nashville?

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (9 km) from the centre of Nashville.

What time zone is Nashville in?

Nashville uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Nashville?

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.

What are the best places to visit in Nashville?

Top sights in Nashville include Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Ryman Auditorium, Lower Broadway and Grand Ole Opry House. A large downtown museum tracing country music from its roots to today, with stage costumes, instruments, Elvis's gold Cadillac and plaques honoring the genre's greatest performers.

What are the top things to do in Nashville?

Popular experiences you can book in Nashville include Nashville Old Town Trolley Hop-on Hop-Off Tour, The Soul of Music City Night Tour and SmartSIM USA - eSIM All Access Pass. Destina Holidays offers 24 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Nashville?

The most popular types of experiences in Nashville are city tours (9), gastronomy & nightlife (4), tickets & attraction passes (4) and art & culture (3). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Nashville?

Popular areas for hotels in Nashville include Downtown, Music Row and University. Well-reviewed options include Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Nashville Downtown and Holiday Inn & Suites Nashville Downtown - Broadway.

How many hotels can I book in Nashville?

Destina Holidays currently lists 449 properties in and around Nashville, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.