Nashville, known worldwide as Music City, pulses with creative energy from dawn to well past midnight. Beyond the neon glow of Broadway's honky-tonks, you'll find a city rich with history, legendary cuisine, and neighborhoods brimming with character. From the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry to the fiery bite of authentic hot chicken, Nashville delivers experiences you won't find anywhere else.
Experience Broadway's Honky-Tonks
Lower Broadway is the beating heart of Nashville's nightlife, a neon-lit stretch of legendary bars and live music venues where bands play from morning until the early hours. Walk this iconic strip and you'll hear country, rock, blues, and everything in between pouring out of every open door. The energy is electric, and most venues have no cover charge—just tip the band.
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge has been a Nashville institution since 1960, with its back door famously opening to the Ryman Auditorium's stage entrance. Robert's Western World serves up classic country alongside fried bologna sandwiches, while The Stage on Broadway offers three floors of live music with rooftop views of the downtown skyline.
Must-Visit Honky-Tonks:
- • Tootsie's Orchid Lounge (since 1960)
- • Robert's Western World (classic country & cold beer)
- • The Stage on Broadway (three floors of live music)
- • Legends Corner (where stars got their start)
- • AJ's Good Time Bar (Alan Jackson's honky-tonk)
Visit the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is more than a venue—it's the show that made country music famous. Since 1925, this legendary stage has hosted the biggest names in country, bluegrass, and Americana. Attending a live Opry show is a bucket-list experience, with performances featuring a rotating lineup of established stars and rising talents throughout the evening.
Go beyond the show with a backstage tour where you can stand in the iconic circle of wood preserved from the Ryman Auditorium stage, visit artist dressing rooms, and learn the stories behind nearly a century of performances. The Opry House in the Opryland area also sits near the Gaylord Opryland Resort, a destination in itself with indoor gardens, waterfalls, and riverboat rides.
Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the world's largest repository of country music artifacts, telling the story of the genre from its folk and gospel roots to today's chart-toppers. Spread across multiple floors, the museum features interactive exhibits, rare instruments, stage costumes, and handwritten lyrics from legends like Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, and Johnny Cash.
Don't miss the rotating exhibits that spotlight individual artists and pivotal moments in music history. The museum also offers Studio B tours, taking you inside the historic RCA Studio B where Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Dolly Parton recorded some of their most iconic tracks. Plan for at least two to three hours to take it all in.
Try Nashville's Famous Hot Chicken
Nashville hot chicken isn't just a meal—it's a rite of passage. This fiery, cayenne-crusted fried chicken was born at Prince's Hot Chicken Shack in the 1930s and has since become the city's most iconic dish. The heat levels range from mild to "shut the cluck up," and even seasoned spice lovers should approach the higher levels with caution.
Prince's remains the undisputed original, but Hattie B's has earned a devoted following with its multiple locations and lively atmosphere. Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish offers a beloved East Nashville take, while 400 Degrees brings a modern spin to the classic recipe. Most spots serve hot chicken on white bread with pickles—the bread soaks up the spicy oil and is half the experience.
Walk the Gulch and 12 South
The Gulch is Nashville's sleek, walkable urban neighborhood packed with upscale dining, boutique shopping, and some of the city's most photographed street art. The famous "What Lifts You" angel wings mural by Kelsey Montague draws crowds daily. Stroll through this revitalized warehouse district to find chef-driven restaurants, trendy coffee shops, and stylish retail.
A short drive south, 12 South is a charming residential-turned-commercial strip with an entirely different personality. This walkable neighborhood features independent boutiques like White's Mercantile (by Holly Williams), beloved bakeries like Five Daughters Bakery, and the iconic "I Believe in Nashville" mural. It's the perfect place to spend a relaxed afternoon browsing, eating, and soaking in local culture.
Visit the Parthenon in Centennial Park
Nashville is called the "Athens of the South," and nothing proves it quite like the full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon standing in Centennial Park. Built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition, this architectural marvel houses an art gallery and a towering 42-foot statue of Athena—the largest indoor sculpture in the Western world.
Centennial Park itself is a 132-acre green space perfect for morning jogs, afternoon picnics, or simply relaxing on the lawn. The park features a one-mile walking trail, a sunken garden, a band shell for live events, and a lake with a walking path. It's a peaceful retreat from the downtown bustle and a favorite gathering spot for locals.
Explore the Nashville Farmers' Market
Open year-round, the Nashville Farmers' Market is a sprawling marketplace near the Tennessee State Capitol offering fresh local produce, artisan goods, and an international food hall. The outdoor Farm Sheds feature Tennessee farmers selling seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handmade products directly to shoppers.
Inside the Market House, a diverse collection of restaurants and food stalls serves everything from Jamaican jerk chicken to wood-fired pizza and authentic Indian cuisine. The market also hosts cooking demonstrations, live music, and seasonal events throughout the year. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or to pick up locally made gifts and souvenirs.
Experience the Live Music Scene Beyond Broadway
While Broadway gets all the attention, Nashville's most intimate and authentic music experiences happen in venues scattered across the city. The Bluebird Cafe in Green Hills is legendary for its songwriter rounds, where the artists who penned chart-topping hits perform their songs in an up-close, acoustic setting. Reservations fill up fast, so plan ahead.
The Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, remains one of the finest concert halls in America with its stained-glass windows and unmatched acoustics. Station Inn in the Gulch is the premier venue for bluegrass music, while Exit/In in Elliston Place has hosted everyone from Jimmy Buffett to The White Stripes. These venues offer the real Nashville music experience that keeps songwriters and musicians flocking to the city.
Tour Historic Belle Meade Plantation
Belle Meade Plantation offers a window into Tennessee's complex past. Once a world-renowned thoroughbred horse farm spanning 5,400 acres, this antebellum estate now serves as a museum and historic site. Guided mansion tours explore the Greek Revival architecture and the stories of both the Harding-Jackson family and the enslaved people who lived and worked on the property.
Beyond the history, Belle Meade has reinvented itself as a destination for food and drink enthusiasts. The on-site winery offers tastings of locally produced wines, and the property features a restaurant serving Southern-inspired cuisine. The beautifully maintained grounds with towering oaks make for a picturesque afternoon outing just minutes from downtown Nashville.
Discover East Nashville's Creative Scene
East Nashville is the city's creative epicenter, a neighborhood where artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs have built a thriving community full of character. The Five Points area serves as its hub, with walkable streets lined with vintage shops, independent record stores, craft cocktail bars, and some of the best restaurants in the city.
Browse eclectic galleries, hunt for vinyl at The Groove and Fond Object Records, or grab a craft cocktail at The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club. The dining scene here rivals any neighborhood in the South, with standouts ranging from Southern comfort food to inventive global cuisine. East Nashville's Tomato Art Fest and other community events showcase the neighborhood's offbeat, welcoming spirit.
Where to Stay in Nashville
Stay in the heart of Nashville with Boulevard Stays properties near downtown, the Gulch, and East Nashville. Our designer stays put you within easy reach of Broadway's honky-tonks, world-class dining, and live music venues. Experience Nashville like a local with modern amenities and authentic neighborhood charm.
Best Time to Visit Nashville
Nashville shines year-round, but spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) bring the most comfortable weather with temperatures in the 60s-80s°F and stunning foliage. The CMA Music Festival in June draws massive crowds, so book well in advance if you plan to attend.
Summer brings hot, humid weather but also rooftop bars, outdoor concerts, and vibrant energy on Broadway. Winter is Nashville's quieter season with mild temperatures and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time for intimate venue experiences and shorter restaurant wait times. The holiday season brings festive events throughout the city.
Getting Around Nashville
Downtown Nashville and the Broadway district are very walkable, making it easy to explore honky-tonks, restaurants, and attractions on foot. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and the most convenient option for getting between neighborhoods. The WeGo public transit system connects major areas of the city by bus.
Electric scooters from Bird and Lime are popular for short trips around downtown and the Gulch. If you plan to visit attractions outside the city center like the Grand Ole Opry, Belle Meade, or the Bluebird Cafe, having a rental car is helpful. Pedal taverns and party buses are a popular (and uniquely Nashville) way to tour the city with a group.
Music City Is Calling
Nashville is a city that rewards every kind of traveler. Whether you're chasing live music through smoky honky-tonks, braving the heat levels at a hot chicken joint, or wandering the creative streets of East Nashville, this city delivers unforgettable moments at every turn. The warmth of Southern hospitality and the constant soundtrack of live music make Nashville unlike anywhere else.
Ready to experience Music City for yourself? Book your Boulevard Stays property and dive into the music, food, and culture that make Nashville one of America's most exciting destinations. Your Nashville adventure starts here.