Explore Nashville
Your perfect trip to USA
Nashville is a neon-lit paradox: a city of rhinestone cowboys and indie rockers, gospel churches and bachelorette parties screaming from pedal taverns. It calls itself “Music City,” and for once, the marketing is true. The air hums with live music—not just country, but blues, rock, and Americana—spilling from the open windows of Broadway honky-tonks 18 hours a day. It smells of slow-smoked barbecue, stale beer, and the spicy, tear-inducing fumes of hot chicken grease.
The downtown strip, Broadway, is a sensory assault of flashing lights and cover bands, a chaotic playground that feels like Las Vegas went to a rodeo. But strip away the sequined hats, and you find a city of deep craftsmanship. In the studios of Music Row, the world’s best session musicians are recording hits you’ll hear next year. In East Nashville, the vibe shifts to vintage denim, craft cocktails, and bungalow porches where songwriters trade lyrics over bourbon.
Nashville is Southern, but with a modern, rapid-growth edge. Cranes dot the skyline, and traffic is getting worse by the hour. Yet, the hospitality remains. Strangers will talk to you at the bar, and “bless your heart” might mean you’re an idiot, or it might be genuine affection—usually a mix of both. The food scene has exploded, moving beyond meat-and-three diners to chef-driven tasting menus, though you haven’t really been here until you’ve wept over a plate of extra-hot chicken.
It is a loud, glittery, talented city that wants you to have a good time. Whether you are in a pew at the Ryman Auditorium or dive bar in the Gulch, Nashville hits a specific chord: soulful, rowdy, and unapologetically itself.
The perfect plan for Nashville:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: The Honky Tonk Highway
- Morning: Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s the “Smithsonian of Country Music.” See Elvis’s gold Cadillac. Walk to the Ryman Auditorium for a self-guided tour. Stand on the stage. It is spiritual.
- Afternoon: Broadway. Walk the strip. Go to Robert’s Western World. It is the most authentic honky-tonk left. Order the “Recession Special” (Fried bologna sandwich, chips, PBR beer for $6).
- Evening: The Gulch. Dinner at The 404 Kitchen or Biscuit Love (if open late). Take the photo at the “What Lifts You” wings mural if you must.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Hot Chicken & Hipsters
- Morning: 12 South. Walk the neighborhood. Shop at Imogene + Willie (denim) and White’s Mercantile. Coffee at Frothy Monkey.
- Afternoon: Hot Chicken. Hattie B’s has a 2-hour line. Skip it. Go to Prince’s Hot Chicken (the original) or Bolton’s (spicier). Warning: “Medium” is actually Hot. “Hot” is weaponized.
- Evening: East Nashville. The cool kid zone. Drinks at Attaboy (knock on the door, no menu, custom cocktails). Dinner at Butcher & Bee.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: History & Songwriters
- Morning: Belle Meade Plantation or The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson’s home). Confront the history of the South.
- Afternoon: Centennial Park. See the Parthenon (yes, a full-scale replica of the Greek one). It’s weird and wonderful.
- Evening: Bluebird Cafe. You need tickets weeks in advance. If you get in, it’s a tiny room where songwriters play acoustic. Use the “shhh” policy. It is magical.
Weather
Spring (April-May): The best time. Highs 70-80°F. Pros: Everything is blooming. Cons: Tornado season risk.
Summer (June-Aug): Hot and sticky. Highs 90°F+ with high humidity. Pros: CMA Fest. Cons: The bachelorette crowds are at peak volume.
Autumn (Sept-Oct): Gorgeous. Crisp air, music festivals. Pros: Fall foliage.
Winter (Nov-Feb): Mild but gray. Occasional ice storms shut the city down.
Local Customs
1. The Woo Girls: Be prepared for “Woo Girls” (bachelorette parties) on party tractors. Locals roll their eyes; tourists join in.
2. Boots: You don’t need to wear cowboy boots. If you do, break them in first, or you will be crippled by 10 PM.
3. Tipping: Musicians work for tips in the honky-tonks. If you request a song, put $20 in the bucket.
History & Culture
Founded on the banks of the Cumberland River in 1779, Nashville grew as a cotton center and rail hub. Its musical identity began with the Grand Ole Opry radio show in 1925, cementing it as the home of country music. It was the first Southern city to desegregate lunch counters (the sit-ins), blending a complex Civil Rights history with its identity as the “Protestant Vatican” (due to the number of churches/publishers).
Getting Around & Safety
Rideshare: Uber/Lyft are the only way. Public transport is virtually non-existent for tourists.
Scooters: They are everywhere. Be careful; injuries are common.
Walking: Downtown is walkable, but you need a car/Uber to get to East Nashville, Germantown, or 12 South.
Info for Nomads
Good. Vibrant creative community. Rent is rising, but still cheaper than NYC/LA.
Workation Vibe
Speed: 300 Mbps+ (Google Fiber is here).
Cafes: Pinewood Social (SoBro) – Bowling alley + coffee shop + workspace. Barista Parlor (Germantown) – huge tables, expensive coffee, great light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it just for country music fans? +
No. The rock and blues scene is massive (Jack White lives here). The food scene alone is worth the trip. But you will respect country music more after visiting the Ryman.
How spicy is the chicken? +
Dangerous. The spice is oil-based, so it sticks. Start with “Mild” or “Medium.” Do not be a hero. Wash your hands before touching your eyes (or anything else).
Is Broadway safe? +
Generally yes, but chaotic. It’s crowded and drunk. Watch your drinks. Avoid the alleyways at 2 AM.