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For other places with the same name, see Nashville (disambiguation).
Nashville skyline

Nashville is a city in Davidson County and the capital of the American state of Tennessee. It is sometimes called the "Country Music Capital of the World" or more often "Music City, USA"; however, in recent years, Nashville has done much to escape its country music image and become a regional center of culture and commerce. In fact, Dell, Nissan, and Saturn have all moved some operations to or near the city. The music is various; major rap artists and rock bands (Young Buck, Haystak, Kings of Leon, Paramore, and Ben Folds) claim Nashville as their hometown. Nashville is also the epicenter of the contemporary Christian music industry. Nashville has been the home of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry since 1925. Nashville also has a great bar scene. If you like to drink, you can go "Honky-tonking," also known as "bar-hopping."

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 LP Field.

Tourism office

Climate

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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, but no more than the rest of the southeastern U.S. with temperatures around 90*F (32*C) during the day.

Get in

By plane

  • Nashville International Airport (BNA  IATA) is about five miles from downtown. The most inexpensive way to travel to and from the 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.

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 [1] before attempting to navigate the area. There is easy access to/from Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Louisville, among others.

By bus

By Shuttle

Get around

Map
36°9′45″N 86°46′52″W
Map of Nashville

By bus

  • Nashville MTA, ☏ +1 615 862-5969. Operates routes throughout downtown and the surrounding area. $1.70 for an adult local fare, with no transfers allowed. An all-day pass for an adult is $5.25. 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 Mar 2015)

By train

  • The Music City Star, ☏ +1 615 862-8833. Commuter train runs Monday - Friday. The train runs from Lebanon to Downtown's 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

Car is always your best bet. Average speed on highways ranges from 55-70 mph, while city streets are generally 35 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:

  • Allied Cab, +1 615 885-1499.
  • Music City Taxi, +1 615 262-0451.
  • Checker Cab, +1 615 256-7000.
  • Metro Cab, +1 615 365-3434.

For executive transportation, sedan or limousine services are available; these often work like black cars in New York City, and offer executive sedans, SUVs, or even full limo transports to and from downtown or the airport.

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 just $3 after 5PM and on weekends. This is much cheaper than nearby private lots.

See

Nashville is a very historic town and as such, many of its attractions are restorations or museums.

General

  • 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." 
  • Midtown Nashville. Located in the Vanderbilt University/West End area, midtown Nashville is replete with restaurants, art galleries, and landmark buildings such as the Parthenon in Centennial Park. 
  • Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge. Built between 1907 and 1909, the bridge was used for automobile traffic between East Nashville and Downtown. The bridge has recently 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 Titan's football stadium. 
  • 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. 

Country Music

  • 1 Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Fifth Ave S, toll-free: +1-800-852-6437. Daily 9AM-5PM except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Days.. Regularly changing exhibits and live performances make this Nashville landmark someplace to visit often. The original Country Music Hall of Fame was built in 1967 and lasted until 2000 when they moved into their new $37 million dollar location. Ticket packages for guided or audio tours also available, as well as combining a tour with the RCA Studio B and the Ryman Auditorium. Adult $17.95, Youth $8.95, Children under 5 free. 
  • Grand Ole Opry. Founded in 1925 in conjunction with legendary radio station WSM, The Grand Ole Opry has been the quintessential force in country music for decades. 
  • Musica. Revealed in 2003, Musica is a 38 foot tall sculpture featuring 9 nude dancing figures created by Alan Lequire and is in a roundabout in the heart of Music Row. 

History/Government

  • 2 Belle Meade Plantation, 5025 Harding Rd, ☏ +1 615 356-0501, toll-free: +1-800-270-3991. Tours by costumed guides available M-Sa 9:30AM-4PM, Su 11:30AM-4PM. Featuring the mansion built in 1853 and restored, as well as the carriage house from 1890 and one of the oldest log cabins in Tennessee, built in 1790. There is a great deal of history associated with the plantation starting from before the American Civil War. Excellent, highly interesting guided tours of the plantation mansion are offered by the local heritage society. $11, Seniors $10, Children 6-12 $5, Children under 6, Free. 
  • 3 Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Pkwy, ☏ +1 615 741-5280. A fascinating state park stretched out in front of the state capital building. Features a giant map of the state, monuments recounting the history of the state since prehistoric times, a carillon, and more. In the summer, the fountains are often filled with splashing kids. The park is located right next to the farmers market, which includes a food court, fish market, nursery, as well as the expected vendors hawking fruits and vegetables. The Nashville Business Journal's Book of Lists ranks Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park as Nashville's #1 Tourist Attraction. 
  • 4 Belmont Mansion, 1900 Belmont Blvd, ☏ +1 615 460-5459. M-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1PM-4PM. Closed Memorial Day. An approximate one hour guided tour of 16 rooms in the mansion. Also walk the grounds to examine the marble statues and cast iron ornaments in the gardens. $8, Seniors $7, Children 6-12 $3. 
  • Fort Negley. A civil-war era fort partially reconstructed by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s. Taken by Union forces early in the war, Nashville quickly became second most fortified city in the U.S. during the Civil War because it was seen as crucial to supplying troops engaged on the war's western front. The 1864 Battle of Nashville -- a failed attempt by the Confederate army to retake the city -- raged throughout what are now the residential and commercial districts on the fringes of the city. Much of the work on the fort was done by slaves and freed blacks who were rounded up and forced to work on the structure. The fort was closed for years (allegedly because it reminded many Nashvillians of the Union occupation), but reopened in 2004 with new boardwalks and interpretive signs. 
  • 5 The Hermitage, 4580 Rachel's Ln, ☏ +1 615 889-2941. 9AM-5PM daily, except Thanksgiving, 3rd week of Jan and 25 Dec. The former home of U.S. President Andrew Jackson is full of his family's personal possessions, and is adorned with much of the furniture that they personally purchased. It was one of the first historic preservation projects in the state of Tennessee. This was accomplished by the Ladies' Hermitage Association which was modeled after the Mount Vernon Ladies Association that had restored George Washington's home. Plan for a two hour tour with a moderate amount of walking. No cameras, video cameras, food, or drink are allowed within the Hermitage or the exhibit gallery. Security precautions are taken and the Hermitage asks that all backpacks or large bags be left in your vehicle. $18 Adult, $15 Seniors, $12 Students (13-18), $8 Children (6-12), Free Children 5 and under. Family pass for 2 adults and 2 children, $34. 
  • 6 Tennessee State Capitol (Union Fort Johnson). Guided tours M-F 9AM-4PM. Closed all holidays. Free. 
    Tennessee State Capitol
  • 7 Tennessee State Museum, 505 Deadrick St, ☏ +1 615 741-2692, toll-free: +1-800-407-4324. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM. Closed 1 Jan, Easter, Thanksgiving, and 25 Dec. With over 70,000 square feet of exhibit space, this is one of the nation's largest state museums. Its permanent exhibits are split into several categories, including: Prehistoric, Frontier, Age of Jackson, Antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction. Free (a few temporary have an admission charge). 
  • 8 Vanderbilt University, 2201 West End Ave., ☏ +1 615 322-7311. Some ways from downtown, is a historically important institution that's well-respected in the region and beyond. It is also one of the more beautiful campuses in the country, and well worth visiting just to look at the 19th-century buildings and soak up the atmosphere. 

Do

General

  • 1 Yazoo Brewery, 910 Division St, ☏ +1 615 891-4649. 2:30PM, 3:30PM, 4:30PM, 5:30PM. 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. $7. 
  • Adventure Science Center, ☏ +1 615 862-5160. Formerly the Cumberland Science Museum, it's been remodeled recently. You should be able to get in for under $10, and they have a lot of interesting exhibits which change every few weeks. 
  • 2 General Jackson Showboat, 2800 Opryland Dr, ☏ +1 615 458-3900. Shows and schedules vary throughout the year.. Get a meal and a show on this classically styled 300 foot long paddlewheel boat. Midday cruises, including buffet and show. $38.95 plus tax for adults and $21.95 for kids 4-11. Dinner cruises range from $44.95 to $74.95 for adults and $27.95 to $42.95 for kids. 
  • 3 Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, 3777 Nolensville Rd, ☏ +1 615 833-1534. Apr-Oct 9AM-6PM, Nov-Mar 9AM-4PM. Closed 1 Jan, Thanksgiving Day, 25 Dec. Inclement weather may cause an unannounced closing for safety. Displaying many animals and hosting activities for the family, including a large playground with two-story netting that you can swing onto (off a rope), or just jump and roll around on. The zoo is getting bigger and better every day. Two recent additions include an aviary where you can feed lorikeets nectar by hand, and an amazing hand-carved wooden carousel. Apr-Oct $11, $9.50 for seniors (65+), and $7 for children (3-12), Nov-Mar $8, $7 for seniors, $6 for children. 
  • 4 Helistar Aviation, 210 Tune Airport Dr, ☏ +1 615 350-1222. Open daily. Providing helicopter tours, charter services, and flight instruction in Nashville and the surrounding area. Come see Nashville like you never have before, from the best seat in the house, the air. 

Music

  • 5 Grand Ole Opry, 2812 Opryland Dr, ☏ +1 615 889-9490. The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly country music radio program and concert broadcast live on WSM radio in Nashville, Tennessee, every Friday and Saturday night, as well as Tuesdays from March through December. It is the oldest continuous radio program in the United States, having been broadcast on WSM since 5 October 1925. The Opry has been located in the Grand Ole Opry House in eastern Nashville since 1974. From 1974 to 1997 the Opry House was part of a theme park called Opryland USA, which closed due to low attendance and was subsequently torn down and replaced with a mega-shopping mall called Opry Mills. Rumors that the Opry is haunted persist to this day as more than 35 people closely associated with the Opry have been met with untimely deaths. These country stars have been burned to death, beaten, robbed, and shot, have been victims of car and plane crashes and have perished from alcohol and drugs. 
Ryman Auditorium
  • 6 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 has been named Pollstar's "America's Theatre of the Year" for two years in a row, as well as 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.. 
  • 7 Bluebird Cafe, 4104 Hillsboro Pike, ☏ +1 615 383-1461. With its unlikely location in a strip mall in Green Hills, has long been the destination of choice for local and national songwriters, fans of songwriters, and label scouts. Expect schmoozing, sets in-the-round, and lines around the block. Keep in mind, though, that quiet is requested at all times during a performance. This is where Taylor Swift first performed and got discovered by Scott Borchetta and Big Machine Records. 
  • 8 Nashville Symphony, One Symphony Pl, ☏ +1 615 687-6500. The Nashville Symphony is in the newly built 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. 

Outdoors

  • Parks and Recreation. Nashville offers 113 different park properties on over 10,570 acres, and seven municipal golf courses. These parks offer something for everyone, including both passive and active recreation. Activities include: senior programs, special population programs, cultural arts classes, dog parks, a variety of trails, nature programs, sports leagues, art galleries, and much more. 
Some of the highlights of Nashville Parks and Recreation:
  • Centennial Park, West End Ave at 25th Ave. Features a nice duck pond, where you can get up close with the ducks and feed them, as well as a real steam engine train, dating back in the 1800's and a fighter jet on a large, metal stand, to give the appearance of flight. 
  • The Parthenon, Centennial Park. Tu-Sa 9AM-4:30PM. Also Su 12:30PM-4:30PM Jun-Aug. Originally created for Tennessee's Centennial Exposition, this monument was such a well-received attraction that a permanent form was constructed. It maintains the dimensions of the original Athens Parthenon to within a quarter of an inch (at 2/3 the scale), though constructed mainly of concrete as opposed to marble. Inside stands a replica of the statue of the goddess Athena thought to have existed in the original Parthenon. $6, Seniors $3.50, Children 5-17 $3.50, Children under 4 free. 
  • Nashville Golf. Metro Parks offers seven golf courses. All courses are open seven days a week through Labor day- 7AM-dark on week ends, and 8AM-dark on week days. After Labor Day new hours will go into effect. Check courses for details. The seven golf courses are: 
  • Radnor Lake, Otter Creek Rd, ☏ +1 615 373-3467. 6AM-sunset. Visitor Center Su-Th 9AM-5PM, F Sa 8AM-4:30PM. Often called "Nashville's Walden," Radnor Lake was formed when the railroad companies dammed up a small stream to provide a reliable water source for their railroad yards. Although it is in the heart of a residential suburb south of town, hikers on the miles of trails around the pond feel like they are in the heart of the wilderness. 

Sports

  • Centennial Sportsplex, 222 25th Ave N, ☏ +1 615 862-8480. Located in Centennial Park. Featuring two indoor ice skating rinks, two pools, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and a fitness room. Call or check online for the schedules, as they vary from month to month. The Sportsplex is also a practice location for the Nashville Predators professional hockey team. Ice skating $6 with skate rentals available for $2. 
  • Nashville Predators. The local NHL hockey team plays their home games at Bridgestone Arena (previously Gaylord Entertainment Center and Sommet Center), which is on Broadway in the heart of downtown. In May of 1998 the Predators were named the 27th franchise in league history and their first playoff game came in 2004. From $19 and are available through Ticketmaster. 
  • Nashville Sounds, 19 Junior Gilliam Way, ☏ +1 615 690-4487. The local Triple-A Pacific Coast League minor league baseball team plays at First Tennessee Park, which opened in 2015. From $7 to $35 when purchased on game days. 
  • Tennessee Titans. The local NFL football team plays their home games at Nissan Stadium (formerly Adelphia Coliseum and LP Field), which is located across the river from downtown (it's big). Once the Houston Oilers, the team was relocated as the Tennessee Titans in 1999. 
  • Vanderbilt Commodores. The Vanderbilt Commodores, the teams representing Vanderbilt University, are one of Nashville's great sports attractions. As members of the Southeastern Conference they compete with a wide range of colleges and universities throughout the southeast United States. The Commodores consistently hold their own in the SEC despite being perennial underdogs in most sports, as Vanderbilt is the SEC's only private school and easily the conference's smallest school by enrollment. The best-known Vanderbilt sports venues are Vanderbilt Stadium, home to the football team, and Memorial Gymnasium, home to the men's and women's basketball teams and one of the most unique settings in the sport. 
  • Nashville boasts three other NCAA Division I programs, although not at the profile of Vanderbilt:
    • Belmont Bruins. The Bruins, representing Belmont University, are one of several less expensive alternatives to Vanderbilt for those wanting a college sports experience. The Bruins compete mostly in the Ohio Valley Conference, but do not have a football program. The most popular sport by far is men's basketball, which has become a frequent NCAA tournament participant in recent years. Their rivalry with Lipscomb (below) is one of the most intense (and under-the-radar) rivalries in the ranks of the so-called "mid-majors". 
    • Lipscomb Bisons. Belmont's archrival Lipscomb University is also a private school that does not play football. The Bisons are members of the Atlantic Sun Conference, which had been home to Belmont before conference realignment led the Bruins into the OVC. 
    • Tennessee State Tigers. Those interested in African American culture may also be drawn to the Tigers (and Lady Tigers), representing Tennessee State University, the city's largest historically black school. They are members of the OVC alongside Belmont, but unlike the Bruins play football in the second-level Division I FCS. Most venues are on campus, but the football team plays at Nissan Stadium. 

The Visual and Performing Arts

  • Frist Center for the Visual Arts, 919 Broadway. M-W 10AM-5:30PM, Th 10AM-8PM, F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-5:30PM, Su 1PM-5PM. Closed 1 Jan, Thanksgiving, 25 Dec, shortened hours the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Featuring 24,000 sq. feet of gallery space with exhibits from local through to regional and all the way to international artists. The Frist strives to be a family friendly museum and as such has created ArtQuest, a colorful space with 30 interactive stations. 
  • Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), 505 Deaderick St, ☏ +1 615 782-4000. TPAC, as it is known, is home to HCA/TriStar Broadway at TPAC, Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, and other special engagements. 
  • Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art, 1200 Forrest Park Dr, ☏ +1 615-356-800. Tu-Sa 9:30AM-4:30PM, Su 11AM-4:30PM. Closed on every Monday except for Memorial Day and Labor Day. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's day, as well as the second Saturday in June. A 55-acre estate built by the founders of Maxwell House coffee on the fringes of the city featuring an art museum and a beautiful botanical garden. The art museum features American and Europeans exhibits. Adults $10, Seniors $8, College Students $5, Children 3-13 $5, Children under 3 free. The most any family will pay is $30, thanks to an admission cap. 
  • Hatch Show Print, 316 Broadway, ☏ +1 615 256-2805. Visit this traditional printing shop that uses letterpresses to create posters for entertainment events to see them prepare some posters. As the Hatch brothers allegedly put it, "Advertising without posters is like fishing without worms." 

Learn

Kirkland Hall, Vanderbilt University
  • Tennessee Foreign Language Institute, 227 French Landing Dr, Ste 100. +1 615 741-7579, [2]. State-supported language institute offering classes on site and in the workplace in up to 141 languages, including ESL, and interpretation and translation services to government, business and the community at large.

Buy

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.

Major shopping malls include:

  • Mall at Green Hills (I-440 exit 3 (Hillsboro Pk), located in Green Hills). This mall contains several high-end vendors. Dillards and Macy's are the anchor department stores. Other stores include Betsy Johnson, Apple, Gap, Burberry, Sephora, BCBG Max Azria, bebe, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Tiffany, Benetton, and Swarovski. 
  • 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. 'Opry Mills closed in 2010 due to flood damage but reopened in March 2012. 
  • Rivergate Mall. Located in Goodlettsville. 
  • 100 Oaks Mall (I-65 near exit 78). Formerly a mall, 100 Oaks's shopping options are the street level vendors. The building now houses new clinic facilities for Vanderbilt Medical Center, but shops remain open, too. (updated Mar 2015)

For a more local shopping experience:

  • 12 South District. Several fun (though pricey) vintage stores, including Katy K's Ranch Dressing (awesome country-western outfits), Savant, and Local Honey (on a side street, also has clothing by local designers). Also home to the Art House gallery.
  • East Nashville/5 Points. Head to Hip Zipper & [www.humankind-nashville.com Humankind thrift store] for vintage clothing, The Turnip Truck for health food, or Art and Invention Gallery for fine art and handmade jewelry.
  • Hillsboro Village. Short section of 21st Ave. just south of Vanderbilt. Home of Nashville's most popular used bookstore, BookMan/BookWoman; A Thousand Faces (jewelry and local art); Pangaea (quirky gifts); and a well-stocked kitchen goods and coffee store. 
  • Peabody Shoe Repair, 718 Thompson Ln, #105, ☏ +1 615-292-5214. Located in quaint Hillsboro Village, this shoe repair shop offers great deals on secondhand cowboy boots. Great place to find a bargain. (updated Mar 2015)
  • Grimey's, 1604 8th Ave., South Nashville, ☏ +1 615-254-4801. Mon-Fri 11am-8pm; Saturdays 10am-8pm; Sundays 1pm-6pm. The best independent record store in town. Cramped, but has a good selection of vinyl, while its sister store Grimey's Too, at 1702 8th Ave., features "pre-loved" music, books, and even a small coffee shop. Hosts free in-store performances by both local and nationally-known bands, usually in the afternoon or early evening. 

Eat

Budget

  • The Arcade. It's 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, including Manny's House of Pizza, Phillip's Deli, and others. There are also several hairstylists, jewelers, florists, and other businesses. Be sure to visit the historic Peanut Shop. 
  • Bobbie's Dairy Dip, 5301 Charlotte Ave, ☏ +1 615-292-2112. An endearingly dingy 50s ice cream stand on Charlotte Ave., recently revived into a popular summer mainstay that's popular with every demographic. Their hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries are some of Nashville's favorites, and the strawberry shortcake's great. 
  • 1 La Hacienda Taqueria, 2615 Nolensville Pike, ☏ +1 615 256-6142. Su-Th 10AM-9PM, F Sa 10AM-10PM. Established in 1993, La Hacienda Taqueria has continually been making statements and catching the notoriety as Nashville's finest authentic Mexican restaurant. 
  • Hermitage Cafe, 71 Hermitage Ave (Just south of downtown on Hermitage Ave), ☏ +1 615 254-8871. Open 24 hours. This diner-coffeeshop is divey, friendly, cheap, greasy, and as southern as white gravy on fried chicken. Perfect if you're drunk or a night owl, which most of the other customers here are (except at breakfast, which draws a mix of polite older couples and hungover kids). An ancient cigarette machine and a well-stocked jukebox. 
  • 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. It is expected that you enjoy the company and meet new friends. First come, first serve. No reservations and no cell phones allowed. 
  • Las Palmas. A pretty good Mexican place. You can get a nice filling meal here for under ten bucks. There are several locations:

2615 Franklin Pike, +1 615 292-1902. 1905 Hayes St, +1 615 322-9588. 15560 Old Hickory Blvd, +1 615 831-0432, Ste 105, 6688 Nolensville Rd, Brentwood, +1 615 941-4756, 5511 Charlotte Pike, +1 615 352-0313 

  • Las Paletas, 2907 12th Ave S (On Kirkwood, in the Cypress Bldg), ☏ +1 615 386-2101. Tu-Sa noon-7PM. Save room after your Mexican meal for Las Paletas' homemade popsicles in exotic flavors! The Paz sisters ate them often when growing up in Mexico and have now brought us their own take on the treats. Hibiscus, basil, chocolate jalapeno, and rose petal are all delicious; so are the tamer versions, like mango, raspberry, chai tea, chocolate chip cookie, and Mexican caramel. 
  • Pizza Perfect, ☏ +1 615 329-2757 (21st Ave), +1 615 646-7877 (Bellevue). Fabulous pizza, quite simply. 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). 
  • Rotier's, 2413 Elliston Pl (near Rite Aid), ☏ +1 615 327-9892. M-F 10:30AM-10PM Sa 9AM-10PM Closed Su. An old, friendly neighborhood joint whose hamburger and milkshake are consistently voted the best in Nashville. Get the grilled version of the cheeseburger -- basically a grilled cheese with a hamburger in it. 
  • Swagruha, 900 Rosa L Parks Ave (Just north of the Capital Building in the Farmer's Market), ☏ +1 615 736-7001. Same Hours as Farmer's Market. They have a basic menu that would satisfy most any Indian food craving and at $6.49 for a plate FULL of food, you won't go wrong. 
  • Woodlands Indian Vegetarian, 3415 West End Ave (On West End between the exits from I-440 W and I-440 E. It's in a condo building and almost obscured by trees), ☏ +1 615 463-3005. Amazing southern Indian food. Very long menu, but the servers are helpful. The specials are a good sampler. 

Mid-range

  • Cafe Nonna, 4427 Murphy Rd, ☏ +1 615 463-0133. Another well-liked Italian restaurant, this intimate neighborhood place keeps its menu small and its dishes impeccably prepared. With the fresh ingredients and simple preparation, you might as easily be in some Tuscan hill town. Located in Sylvan Park. 
  • Demos, 300 Commerce St, ☏ +1 615 256-4655. Located in Downtown Nashville, this steakhouse is named the best in Nashville by Reader's Choice. A 6-ounce with any side or a bowl of a special spaghetti is around $10, and 10 & under meals are around $4. Drinks $1.80. Comes with unlimited bread refills. No special dress code. 
  • Jack's Barbeque, 415 Broadway, ☏ +1 615 254-5715. Don't miss this authentic Tennessee barbecue joint right beside the Ryman Auditorium. Located on Lower Broadway -- just look for the neon sign featuring flying pigs! Also at 334 West Trinity Lane, +1 615 228-9888. $3-4 (sandwich), $7-11 (entree plate). 
  • Maggiano's Little Italy, 3106 West End Ave (a few blocks south of Vanderbilt University), ☏ +1 615 514-0270, fax: +1 615 514-0271. A busy Italian restaurant, serving Southern Italian meals, most famously in "family style", portions that are more than large enough to share. Reservations recommended for parties of any size. Open for lunch and dinner, seven days. 
  • Pancake Pantry, 1796 21st Ave S, ☏ +1 615 383-9333. A Nashville landmark and basically the best place in town for breakfast, anytime before 3PM. The frosted haired waitresses will call you "honey," and the pancakes will be better than you'd ever realized pancakes could be. Don't be daunted by the line snaking around the block on weekends; it moves quickly, and you get free coffee while you wait. 
  • Rosepepper Grille and Cantina, 1907 Eastland Ave, ☏ +1 615 227-4777. A neighborhood favorite for several years now, this popular and upbeat nouveau Mexican place is in East Nashville, a bit off the tourist's beaten path. 
  • San Antonio Taco Company, 416 21st Ave S, ☏ +1 615 327-4322. Also call SATCO, this place is always a favorite with Vandy kids, offering reliably so-so Tex-Mex food (very little meat on the tacos, and the guacamole has tons of pepper) and cheap buckets of beer. Right off the Vanderbilt campus. Stop by Ben & Jerry's next door for dessert. Caveat: Towing in this area can be ruthless. Check the signs wherever you park. If you go, get the queso and chips for around $3. It's the best thing on the menu and is enough for 2. (updated Mar 2015)
  • Sole Mio, 311 3rd Ave S, ☏ +1 615 256-4013. Long considered one of Nashville's best Italian restaurants, this place excels even in its new, viewless location on 3rd Ave - and, impressively, manages to keep its prices low. Subtle variations on traditional dishes keep things interesting, and the service is great. Seafood dishes and homemade ravioli are great. 

Splurge

  • Catbird Seat. 32 seats surround a U-shaped kitchen, where chefs Josh Habiger and Erik Anderson prepare a multi-course tasting menu ($100 per person) with drink pairings ($20, $40, or $75 per person). Discussions with the chefs are encouraged as part of the experience. Reservations required, available one month in advance on the restaurant's website. 
  • F. Scott's Restaurant & Jazz Bar, 2210 Crestmoor Rd, ☏ +1 615 269-5861. Usually ranked as one of Nashville's best restaurants. If you go after 9PM on any night, all entrees are half price, which makes it quite affordable - not to mention atmospheric, as by that time there's a jazz band playing in the other room. Occasionally the chefs get overambitious, but most dishes - especially appetizers, vegetables, fowl, and beef - are fantastic. Dress smartly - F. Scott's is a popular destination for the upper crust of the area. (updated Mar 2015)
  • Margot Café & Bar, 1017 Woodland Street, ☏ +1 615 227-4668. Bar: 5:00pm to 10:00pm (Tuesday through Saturday); Dinner: 6:00pm to 10:00pm (Tuesday through Saturday); Sunday Brunch: 11am - 2pm. Closed Monday. This quirky local restaurant at Five Points in East Nashville is considered by many to be Nashville best local chef-owned restaurant. It features a seasonal menu that is changed daily. Don't miss the seasonal hot chocolate topped with a homemade marshmallow for an after-dinner treat. (updated Mar 2015)
  • Saffire, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN, ☏ +1 615 599-4995, . Relaxed, upscale, and well worth the fifteen minutes on I-65 South, this restaurant in the Factory shopping center in Franklin has a reputation for excellent food. It's not too expensive, either, and often has live music. (updated Mar 2015)
  • Sunset Grill, 2001 Belcourt Ave, ☏ +1 615 386-3663. Tu-F 11AM-3PM, 5PM-10PM daily; Late Nite, M-Th 10PM-midnight, F Sa 10PM-1:30AM. Consistently voted one of Nashville's best restaurants, this friendly place in Hillsboro Village has an excellent, inexpensive late-night menu. Focuses on Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, and has a large selection of fine wines. Best dessert and wine list! 

Drink

Coffee/Tea

  • CREMA, 15 Hermitage Ave, ☏ +1 615-824-3855. Relatively new cafe about a mile south of downtown. Known for its made-crafted coffee creations and their wide selection of baked goods. Wifi friendly. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Drinkhaus Espresso & Tea, 500 Madison St, ☏ +1 615-255-5200. A relatively new coffee house in Germantown, just north of downtown. Known for its panini sandwiches and gelato, as well as smooth, rich espresso. Wi-Fi and toys for kids. 
  • 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. 
  • Barista Parlor, 519 Gallatin Ave, ☏ +1 615-712-9766. A fairly new coffee shop in East Nashville, Barista Parlor is already a staple for local coffee lovers and has attained a reputation of style and quality in both espresso and decor. 
  • 1 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 Big Bang, 701 Broadway # B20 (Directly across the street from Honky Tonk Row and the Ryman Auditorium in the heart of Music City), ☏ +1 615 242-9131. Tuesday - Thursday, 7PM - 3AM / Friday & Saturday 5PM - 3AM. Decent piano bar, but can be very rowdy at times. 
  • 3 Crow Bar, 1024 Woodland St, ☏ +1 615-262-3345. Located in the Five Points area of East Nashville is the linchpin in 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; the Alley Cat, a popular neighborhood hangout with good food selection; and more. 
  • 3rd and Lindsley, 818 3rd Avenue South (Just south of downtown and a little hard to find at the intersection of those two streets), ☏ +1 615-259-9891. 3rd and Lindsley offers loud country- and blues-rock from local and touring performers. 
  • Cafe Coco, 210 Louise Ave, ☏ +1 615-321-2626. 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. 
  • Douglas Corner Cafe, 2106 8th Avenue South, ☏ +1 615-298-1688. Another major venue for songwriters hoping to be discovered as well as established songwriters revisiting their old haunts. Open mic nights every week. 
  • 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. 
  • Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, 1010 Demonbreun St, ☏ +1 615-259-7468. Huge assortment of beers available here. 
  • Lipstick Lounge, 1400 Woodland St, ☏ +1 615-226-6343. Initially opened as a lesbian bar, the lipstick lounge now considers itself "a bar for humans." 
  • Mercy Lounge, 1 Cannery Row # 100 (Somewhat hard to find, on Cannery Row off 8th Ave. downtown.), ☏ +1 615-251-3020. A welcome new addition to the bar scene. Its many red pool tables, large deck, friendly vibe, and live band karaoke nights add to its charm. Often hosts nationally-known indie bands. 
  • 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. 
  • Station Inn, 402 12th Avenue South, ☏ +1 615-255-3307. A bit of a time warp, especially located in the middle of the now trendy Gulch area of 12th Ave. Its excellent bluegrass and old-time Americana shows have drawn loyal patrons for decades. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • The Stage, 412 Broadway, ☏ +1 615 726-0504. Good music nightly on the stage at this spacious two-floor honky tonk in the center of downtown Nashville. 
  • Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, 422 Broadway (Corner of Broadway and 2nd Street), ☏ +1 615-726-0463. Tootsie's is one of the few denizens of lower Broad that looks like it's been there for half a century - and it has. An old honkytonk where many major country stars got their starts. 
  • Wild Horse Saloon, 120 2nd Avenue North, ☏ +1 615-902-8200. Located downtown, it offers line-dancing lessons during the day. It is conveniently located near quite a few other bars and clubs aimed at country music fans and tourists downtown, most of which tend to be bustling on weekends. 
  • Windows on the Cumberland, 112 2nd Avenue North, ☏ +1 615-251-0097. Offering a good beer selection, a great view of the river, and even better live bands, especially jazz. 

Sleep

Hostels

  • 1 Music City Hostel, 1809 Patterson St, ☏ +1 615 692-1277. Dorm beds at $25, private rooms at $70. 
  • 2 Nashville Downtown Hostel, 177 1st Ave N, ☏ +1 615 497-1208. Single-sex and co-ed dorms available, along with private rooms. Shared bathrooms in hallways. The hostel also features a kitchen, common area, and pay laundry facilities. Free wireless internet offered; internet terminals also available for a small fee. Dorms $32+, private rooms $100+. 
  • 3 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

Mid-range

  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Millennium Maxwell House, 2025 MetroCenter 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. 
  • Hotel Preston, 733 Briley Pkwy, ☏ +1 615 361-5900. Attractive hotel with outdoor pool, pet friendly, high-speed wireless internet. $86-130. 
  • Ramada Limited - Coliseum, 303 Interstate Dr, ☏ +1 615 244-6690. Located right next to the football stadium. Limit one car per room during football games and special events. Guitar-shaped outdoor pool. $80-200. 

Splurge

  • Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center, 2800 Opryland Dr, ☏ +1 615 889-1000, toll-free: +1-888-777-6779. The largest non-casino hotel in the world. In 2014, Marriott was fined $600k by the US Federal Communications Commission for willful interference with cellular Wi-Fi hotspots used by clients at events in this hotel. Rooms around $200 but if you get the special for the shows sometimes you can get a Room for $99. If you really want to splurge ask for the Cascades' or the Delta's Presidential Suite which has a rack of $3,500.. 
  • The Hermitage Hotel, 231 Sixth Ave N, toll-free: +1-888-888-9414. Beautiful lobby and rooms, fantastic dining. Be sure to check out the famous men's room near the lobby. $300. 
  • Hilton Nashville Downtown, 121 4th Avenue South, ☏ +1 615 620-1000. A relatively new AAA Four-Diamond hotel 1 block off Broadway. An all-suite hotel with a restaurant that has great American cuisine. $230. 
  • The Hutton Hotel, 1808 West End Ave, ☏ +1 615 340-9333. A relatively new 4-star hotel in the West End district. The on-site restaurant serves new American cuisine with an emphasis on sustainable seafood entrees and farm fresh produce from local growers, and an expansive wine list. $225. 

Stay safe

Be careful and use good sense when visiting Nashville.

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.

Connect

By phone

Most telephone numbers in Nashville consist of +1 615 plus a seven-digit number, but the region is now served by an overlay complex of two area codes, with +1 629 being the second. A local or in-state telephone call now requires all 10 digits of the local number be dialed (omitting just the leading +1 from a local landline call).

Signage on many established businesses may still display the original seven-digit numbers; dial 615 before these if no area code is indicated.

Cope

Unlike the more conservative suburbs surrounding it, the city of Nashville is more accepting of alternative sexualities and lifestyles.

In Nashville there is a growing gay entertainment district featuring a number of gay clubs, dance halls, lounges, restaurants and sex clubs on Church Street between 12th and 22nd Avenues with very chic spots offering lively, classy entertainment. LGBT individuals are mostly accepted in the areas of Downtown, West Nashville, Hillsboro, and East Nashville, with South Nashville and North Nashville being less friendly.

Newspapers

  • The Tennessean. The main daily newspaper.
  • Nashville Scene. Nashville's oldest and largest weekly, now run by the Village Voice. Excellent entertainment news and reliable features, plus useful special issues (Annual Manual, Dining Guide, You're So Nashville If..., College Guide, Best of Nashville, etc.).

Consulates

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 3 1/3 hours drive east of Nashville, so it would be more than you could do in a day, but certainly worth a weekend trip!
  • Lynchburg Located 1.5 hours' drive to the southeast, this small town is home to the Jack Daniels Distillery.
  • Natchez Trace Parkway. The 444-mile 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 miles 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.
Routes through Nashville (Interstate highways)
Paducah ← Ashland City ←  W  E  → Antioch → Chattanooga
Memphis ← Dickson ←  W  E  → Mount Juliet → Knoxville
Bowling Green ← White House ←  N  S  → Brentwood → Birmingham


Routes through Nashville (state and federal highways)
Splits into and ←  N  S  → Brentwood → Birmingham
Glasgow ← Hendersonville ←  N  S  → Merges onto
Bowling Green ← White House ←  N  S  → Merges onto
Evansville ← Hopkinsville ←  N  S  → Murfreesboro → Chattanooga
Hopkinsville ← Ashland City ←  N  S  → Tullahoma → Monteagle
Memphis ← Dickson ←  W  E  → Hermitage → Knoxville
Owensboro ← Adairville ←  N  S  → Franklin → Huntsville


Routes through Nashville (other roads)
END ←  N  S  → Jct W E Template:Rtarrow E Template:Rtarrow Jct W E Template:Rtarrow Tupelo → Jackson


Routes through Nashville (commuter rail)
END ←  W  E  → Hermitage → Lebanon



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