Music City isn’t just a nickname here. Nashville pulses with live music pouring from every corner, honky-tonks lining Broadway, and hot chicken that’ll make you sweat and smile. 

This Tennessee capital built its reputation on country music legends while evolving into a food and culture destination that surprises even frequent visitors. 

From the Grand Ole Opry to hidden songwriter venues in East Nashville, the city offers nonstop entertainment without ever feeling too polished or pretentious.

This guide breaks down the perfect Nashville itinerary, either for a quick bachelorette weekend or a full week exploring the Music City’s neighborhoods. 

Itinerary Summary

Planning your trip? Check out our guide on the best time to visit Nashville for ideal weather and events before building your itinerary.

2 Days in Nashville: 48 Hours Music City Sprint

This fast-paced itinerary works for travelers squeezing Nashville into a busy schedule or couples looking for a quick getaway filled with live music and local flavors. You’ll experience the essential Nashville elements without wasting time. Perfect for first-timers who want to understand why everyone keeps talking about this city.

Day 1: Downtown and Broadway

Morning: Start with breakfast at Biscuit Love in the Gulch. Their bonuts (biscuit donuts) and East Nasty biscuit sandwich fuel you properly for walking. The Gulch offers Instagram-worthy murals and boutique shopping if you arrive before crowds.

Afternoon: Walk to downtown and explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Three floors of country music history showcase everyone from Hank Williams to Taylor Swift. The interactive exhibits and rotating collections make this far more interesting than typical museums. Budget 2-3 hours minimum.

Lunch: Grab hot chicken at Hattie B’s near downtown. Start with mild or medium unless you genuinely love heat. The Nashville hot chicken experience isn’t complete without tasting what made this city famous beyond music.

Evening: Broadway honky-tonks come alive after 6 PM with live music on every floor. Start at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, a Nashville institution since 1960. Bar hop down Broadway, hitting Robert’s Western World, Layla’s Bluegrass Inn, and The Stage. Most venues have no cover and feature live music from noon until 3 AM. End the night at Acme Feed & Seed’s rooftop for city views with your drinks.

Day 2: Music Row and The Gulch

Morning: Tour RCA Studio B on Music Row, where Elvis, Dolly Parton, and countless legends recorded hits. Book tickets through the Country Music Hall of Fame as combination tours save money. The intimate studio space makes music history feel tangible.

Lunch: Hit up Burger Up in the Gulch for elevated burgers using local grass-fed beef. Their creative toppings and local beer selection capture Nashville’s foodie evolution.

Afternoon: Explore the 12 South neighborhood with its colorful I Believe in Nashville wings mural and independent shops. Stop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for unique flavors like whiskey and pecans. Walk the tree-lined residential streets to see why Nashvillians love this area.

Evening: Catch a show at the Bluebird Cafe if you secured reservations weeks ago, or try The Listening Room Cafe for intimate songwriter performances. These acoustic venues showcase the writers behind hits you know. Dinner at Etch for upscale New American cuisine wraps up your Nashville sprint with sophistication.

Best Homes to Stay for a 2-Day Nashville Trip:

3 Days in Nashville: The Essential Music City Weekend

Three days gives you Nashville’s greatest hits with breathing room between experiences. This timeline suits bachelorette parties, friend reunions, or couples celebrating occasions who want nightlife without completely wearing themselves out. You’ll experience iconic venues while discovering neighborhoods beyond downtown’s tourist corridor.

Day 1: Broadway and Honky-Tonks

Morning: Breakfast at Pancake Pantry in Hillsboro Village. Locals line up for their sweet potato pancakes and cornmeal cakes. The wait moves quickly, and people-watching entertains while you queue.

Afternoon: Walk the Parthenon in Centennial Park, a full-scale replica of the Greek original. It’s quirky and unexpected in the middle of Tennessee. Continue to downtown’s Historic Second Avenue with its Victorian warehouses and local shops.

Lunch: Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint serves authentic Tennessee whole hog barbecue. Their pork shoulder and ribs come with traditional sides like slaw and baked beans.

Evening: Start honky-tonk hopping around 7 PM. Hit Paradise Park Social Club for outdoor space and games, then move to the five-floor FGL House. Nudie’s Honky Tonk displays Nudie Cohn’s famous rhinestone suits worn by country legends. Late-night drunk food at Tootsie’s back bar keeps the energy going.

Day 2: Music History and East Nashville

Morning: Tour the Grand Ole Opry House with backstage access to dressing rooms and the famous circle of wood where performers stand. Daytime tours run hourly, or catch a live show if your dates align. The Opry remains country music’s most prestigious stage.

Lunch: Drive to East Nashville for lunch at Folk. This casual spot serves creative burgers and salads using local ingredients. The patio vibe fits East Nashville’s laid-back aesthetic perfectly.

Afternoon: Explore Five Points in East Nashville with vintage shops, record stores, and coffee shops like Barista Parlor. This neighborhood feels like Nashville before it became Instagram famous. Walk residential streets, admiring colorful bungalows and local art installations.

Evening: Dinner at The Pharmacy Burger Parlor features German-inspired burgers and beer garden seating. Catch live music at The Basement East or Five Spot for local acts in intimate settings. These venues showcase spots beyond tourist zones.

Day 3: Neighborhood Hopping

Morning: Brunch at Adele’s in the Gulch offers upscale Southern comfort food. Their shrimp and grits or hot chicken benedict fuel you for exploring. The Gulch’s modern vibe contrasts nicely with Nashville’s country roots.

Afternoon: Visit the Tennessee State Museum downtown for free admission to Tennessee history from prehistoric times through today. Then explore Germantown’s historic homes and designer boutiques. This upscale neighborhood offers a different Nashville perspective with its brick sidewalks and gas lamps.

Lunch: Monell’s in Germantown serves family-style Southern cooking at communal tables. Fried chicken, meatloaf, and sides pass around while you chat with fellow diners.

Evening: Sunset at Pinewood Social, a unique venue combining restaurant, bowling lanes, and a swimming pool. Cocktails here feel sophisticated yet relaxed. Final dinner at City House for wood-fired pizzas and Italian-Southern fusion. The belly ham pizza with farm egg is legendary among locals.

Best Homes to Stay for a 3-Day Nashville Weekend:

4 Days in Nashville: The Neighborhood Explorer

Four days lets you dig deeper into Nashville’s distinct neighborhoods while still hitting major attractions. This works perfectly for families with older kids or corporate groups wanting team-building activities beyond drinking. You’ll balance famous spots with local favorites that residents actually frequent.

Day 1: Downtown Foundations

Morning: Start at Arnold’s Country Kitchen for a meat-and-three breakfast. This James Beard Award-winning cafeteria defines Nashville dining with daily specials served cafeteria-style. Locals line up early, so arrive by 10:30 AM.

Afternoon: Walk to the Johnny Cash Museum and Patsy Cline Museum on Third Avenue. Both small museums pack in memorabilia and personal items from these legends. The interactive exhibits feel personal rather than corporate.

Lunch: Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack originated Nashville hot chicken in the 1930s. The original location in North Nashville serves it authentically spicy in a no-frills setting.

Evening: Catch the sunset from the pedestrian bridge connecting downtown to Nissan Stadium. The lit Nashville sign makes for great photos. Dinner at Peg Leg Porker for award-winning barbecue served in a casual South Nashville location far from tourist crowds.

Day 2: Music Row and Midtown

Morning: Take a recording studio tour at Historic RCA Studio B or Blackbird Studio. These working studios let you see where magic happens. Booking ahead ensures availability for these popular tours.

Lunch: Burger Republic in Midtown elevates burgers with grass-fed beef and creative toppings. The neighborhood buzz from nearby Vanderbilt University keeps energy high.

Afternoon: Walk Vanderbilt University’s beautiful campus and Peabody College gardens. Free and peaceful, it offers a break from music tourism. Then explore Music Row’s offices and studios where deals still get made today.

Evening: Catch a show at the Ryman Auditorium, the Mother Church of Country Music. This former church hosted the Grand Ole Opry for decades and remains Nashville’s most atmospheric venue. Even if you don’t catch a show, daytime tours reveal the Ryman’s rich history.

Day 3: East Nashville Deep Dive

Morning: Breakfast at Mas Tacos Por Favor for authentic Mexican breakfast tacos. Their carnitas and chorizo tacos come with homemade tortillas. The tiny shop fills quickly, but turnover is fast.

Afternoon: Explore Shelby Bottoms Greenway with walking and biking trails along the Cumberland River. Rent bikes and enjoy Nashville’s extensive greenway system. The flat paths work for all fitness levels.

Lunch: Mitchell Delicatessen in East Nashville serves Jewish deli classics with local twists. Their pastrami and bagels rival major cities.

Evening: Dinner at Rolf and Daughters features Italian-inspired cuisine in a converted garage. The pasta is made in-house, and seasonal vegetables showcase Tennessee farms. Book reservations well ahead. End at The Crying Wolf for creative cocktails and local music in an intimate setting.

Day 4: Southern Heritage

Morning: Drive 30 minutes to The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson’s plantation home. The guided tours cover both the mansion and the enslaved quarters, providing a fuller context about Tennessee history. The grounds are beautiful for walking.

Lunch: Return to Nashville for lunch at Loveless Cafe, famous for biscuits with homemade preserves. Tourist-heavy but legitimately delicious, it’s been serving travelers since 1951.

Afternoon: Visit Cheekwood Estate and Gardens with 55 acres of botanical gardens and an art museum. The seasonal displays and sculpture gardens provide a peaceful contrast to Music City’s intensity. Allow 2-3 hours for wandering the grounds.

Evening: Final night at Husk Nashville for elevated Southern cuisine using heirloom ingredients. Chef Sean Brock’s menu changes daily based on what’s available from local farms. The wood-paneled dining room feels historic yet modern.

Best Homes to Stay for a 4-Day Nashville Trip:

5 Days in Nashville: The Complete First-Timer’s Journey

Five days reveal Nashville beyond the honky-tonks and give you time to appreciate why locals resist the changes coming with rapid growth. Perfect for families planning summer vacations or couples wanting a thorough exploration without exhausting themselves. This pace lets you experience Music City’s full range from gritty to polished.

Day 1: Broadway Immersion

Morning: Fuel up at Sky Blue Cafe in East Nashville. Their creative breakfast dishes and strong coffee start your day right. The laid-back atmosphere captures East Nashville’s vibe.

Afternoon: Tackle the Country Music Hall of Fame thoroughly with 3-4 hours exploring every floor. The temporary exhibits often surprise with unexpected connections between country music and other genres. Don’t rush through this foundational Nashville experience.

Lunch: Jack’s Bar-B-Que on Broadway serves pulled pork and ribs to tourists and locals alike. Simple and satisfying without fuss.

Evening: Experience Broadway’s neon honky-tonks starting around 7 PM. Hit the classics like Tootsie’s, then explore newer spots like Luke Bryan’s Luke’s 32 Bridge. The energy peaks between 9 PM and midnight when crowds reach maximum density. Grab late-night food from Santa’s Pub, a double-wide trailer serving incredible karaoke and cheap beer.

Day 2: Grand Ole Opry and Music Valley

Morning: Drive to the Grand Ole Opry House for a backstage tour. The guided walk reveals dressing rooms, the stage, and stories about country music’s biggest names. The circle of wood from the Ryman stage holds special significance.

Lunch: Opry Mills Mall near the Opry House offers chain restaurants but convenient food before afternoon activities.

Afternoon: Visit the adjacent Willie Nelson and Friends Museum or Gaylord Opryland Resort for free. The massive hotel complex features indoor gardens, waterfalls, and shops worth exploring without staying there.

Evening: Attend the Grand Ole Opry live show if available. These 2-3 hour shows feature multiple artists and maintain country music traditions started in 1925. The Opry still feels special despite its long history.

Day 3: Neighborhood Character

Morning: Breakfast at Fido in Hillsboro Village. This coffee shop in a former pet store serves excellent breakfast and lunch in a dog-friendly patio. Hillsboro Village maintains a village feel with tree-lined streets and independent businesses.

Afternoon: Explore Belmont University’s campus with its Belmont Mansion tour available. The Italianate villa tells Nashville’s antebellum history. Continue to 12 South for boutique shopping and the famous wings mural.

Lunch: Edley’s Bar-B-Que on 12 South serves excellent pulled pork and brisket with creative sides. Their mac and cheese and collard greens deserve attention.

Evening: Drive to the Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline museums downtown, then grab dinner at Martin’s Bar-B-Que on Broadway. Cap the night with music at the Listening Room Cafe, where songwriters perform hits they wrote for famous artists. These shows reveal Nashville’s creative process.

Day 4: Art and Nature

Morning: Visit the Frist Art Museum in a beautiful Art Deco building. The rotating exhibitions bring world-class art to Nashville, with local artists also featured. Allow 2 hours for thorough exploration.

Lunch: Biscuit Love’s second location in the Gulch offers the same great food with usually shorter waits than the original.

Afternoon: Explore Radnor Lake State Park for hiking trails through Tennessee woodlands. This nature preserve sits just 10 minutes from downtown but feels completely removed from city energy. The lake and wildlife viewing platforms showcase middle Tennessee’s natural beauty.

Evening: Dinner at Catbird Seat offers Nashville’s most innovative dining experience. The U-shaped counter seats just 22 guests watching chefs prepare each course. Book reservations months ahead. This tasting menu restaurant showcases Nashville’s culinary ambitions beyond hot chicken.

Day 5: Day Trip Options

Morning: Drive 40 minutes to Franklin for historic downtown exploring. This charming town features Civil War history, antique shops, and Southern architecture. The town square and surrounding streets make for pleasant walking.

Lunch: Puckett’s Grocery in Franklin serves Southern comfort food and hosts live music daily. The meat-and-three options satisfy heartily.

Afternoon: Tour the Carter House and Carnton Plantation for Civil War history. The Battle of Franklin sites provide sobering context about Tennessee’s role in the war. Return to Nashville by late afternoon.

Evening: Final dinner at Josephine on 12 South for upscale American cuisine in an intimate setting. The seasonal menu highlights Tennessee ingredients with creative preparations. Toast your Nashville experience with their excellent cocktail program.

Best Homes to Stay for a 5-Day Nashville Adventure:

7 Days in Nashville: Music City Like a Local

A full week lets you settle into Nashville’s rhythm, discovering why musicians and creative types keep moving here despite rising costs. This itinerary works for remote workers, extended family gatherings, or music lovers wanting to experience Nashville’s best music museums beyond surface tourism. You’ll have time to revisit favorite spots and venture beyond Davidson County.

Days 1-5: Follow the 5-Day Itinerary

Start with the comprehensive five-day plan covering downtown, the Opry, neighborhoods, and day trips. This foundation ensures you experience Nashville’s essential character before going deeper.

Day 6: Craft Beer and Local Haunts

Morning: Brunch at The Southern Steak & Oyster downtown. Their brunch menu has Southern classics with fresh seafood. The space feels upscale but approachable.

Afternoon: Tour Nashville’s craft brewery scene, starting with Jackalope Brewing Company. Continue to Bearded Iris Brewing and TailGate Brewery for local favorites. Most offer tours and tastings showing Nashville’s beer evolution beyond Bud Light.

Lunch: Grab food trucks often parked at breweries, or hit Peg Leg Porker for barbecue near several breweries.

Evening: Catch a Predators NHL game at Bridgestone Arena if the season aligns, or check the arena schedule for concerts. The arena sits downtown, making it easy to grab dinner before or drinks after. For dinner, try The Stillery for elevated pub food or Merchants Restaurant in a historic building.

Day 7: Your Choice Day

Morning: Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your favorite spot discovered during the week. Maybe return to Biscuit Love or try something new like Fenwick’s 300 for French toast and mimosas.

Afternoon: Options abound for your final day. Visit the Lane Motor Museum for quirky automotive history, explore Percy Warner Park’s nature trails, or simply revisit your favorite neighborhood for shopping and coffee. This flexibility lets you follow your interests.

Lunch: Edley’s Bar-B-Que locations across Nashville mean you can always find good barbecue nearby.

Evening: Final Nashville sunset from the pedestrian bridge, then splurge on dinner at Bastion for creative tasting menus. This intimate restaurant showcases seasonal Southern ingredients with global techniques. Book well ahead for this special meal. End at Attaboy for craft cocktails in a hidden upstairs speakeasy, feeling like you’ve discovered Nashville’s secrets.

Best Homes to Stay for a 7-Day Nashville Experience:

10 Days in Nashville: Total Tennessee Immersion 

Ten days transform Nashville from a destination to a temporary home. This extended stay suits digital nomads testing Nashville, families on summer vacation, or serious music fans wanting complete immersion. You’ll establish routines, discover hidden neighborhoods, and venture across middle Tennessee exploring Music City’s broader context.

Days 1-7: Follow the 7-Day Itinerary

Complete the week-long plan, ensuring you’ve experienced Nashville’s neighborhoods, music venues, and food scene thoroughly. By day seven, you’ll know your favorite coffee shops and bars.

Day 8: Lynchburg and Jack Daniel’s

Morning: Drive 90 minutes southeast to Lynchburg, Tennessee, home of Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Book the Angel’s Share tour for comprehensive distillery history and whiskey education. The charming town square and nearby Moore County make for pleasant exploring.

Lunch: Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House in Lynchburg serves family-style Southern meals at communal tables. Reservations are essential for this unique dining experience.

Afternoon: Return through Shelbyville and Leiper’s Fork, both small towns with antique shops and Southern charm. Leiper’s Fork features art galleries and occasional live music despite its tiny size.

Evening: Back in Nashville, casual dinner at Butchertown Hall in Germantown. This beer hall and barbecue spot offers German beers alongside Texas-style barbecue in a renovated warehouse.

Day 9: Memphis Day Trip

Morning: Drive 3 hours west to Memphis for a day trip exploring Tennessee’s other music city. Start at Sun Studio, where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded early hits. The tour reveals rockabilly history.

Lunch: Central BBQ or Rendezvous for Memphis-style barbecue, different from Nashville’s versions. Memphis barbecue leans toward ribs and pork with different sauce styles.

Afternoon: Walk Beale Street for blues music history, visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, or tour Graceland if time allows. Memphis offers enough for multiple days, but a taste reveals Tennessee’s musical diversity.

Evening: Return to Nashville exhausted but culturally enriched. A simple dinner near your rental or takeout lets you rest before your final day.

Day 10: Final Favorites

Morning: Return to your favorite brunch spot from the week. Maybe Biscuit Love, maybe somewhere you discovered independently. Savor the morning knowing Nashville has become familiar.

Lunch: Final hot chicken at your preferred spot. Whether Prince’s, Hattie B’s, or Bolton’s, you’ve earned an opinion about Nashville’s signature dish.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping on 12 South or East Nashville for local artist products. Visit places you meant to see but didn’t prioritize. Or simply sit in Centennial Park watching Nashville life flow around you.

Evening: Sunset from the pedestrian bridge one last time, then farewell dinner at The Catbird Seat if you managed impossible reservations, or Etch for more accessible upscale dining. End with drinks at Patterson House’s speakeasy atmosphere or The Pharmacy’s beer garden. Toast ten days well spent in Music City.

Best Homes to Stay for a 10-Day Nashville Immersion:

If You Have Extra Time

If you have extra time or are looking for other things to do in Nashville, consider exploring these places to make your trip even more memorable.

Day Trips Beyond Nashville

Mammoth Cave National Park: Two hours north in Kentucky, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features the world’s longest cave system. Tours range from easy walks to challenging crawls through underground passages.

Great Smoky Mountains: Three hours east, America’s most visited national park offers stunning mountain scenery, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge nearby provide tourist attractions and Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park.

Arrington Vineyards: 40 minutes south, this winery, owned by Kix Brooks, features wine tastings with valley views. Bring picnics and enjoy live music on weekends during the warm months.

Hidden Nashville Gems

The Parthenon: Already mentioned, but worth emphasizing. This full-scale replica houses an art museum and stands as one of Nashville’s quirkiest attractions in Centennial Park.

Marathon Village: This former car factory now houses Corsair Distillery, an antique mall, and local businesses in a converted industrial space. The building’s character and distillery tours make it worth visiting.

Printer’s Alley: This narrow downtown alley once housed Nashville’s printing industry. Today, it features bars and clubs in historic buildings providing late-night entertainment off Broadway’s main drag.

Not sure where to stay? Check out our curated lists of top Airbnbs in Nashville for neighborhood-specific recommendations.

Getting Around Nashville

Nashville sprawls across 526 square miles with rapid growth outpacing infrastructure. Transportation requires planning as the city lacks comprehensive public transit. Most visitors rent cars, though downtown and nearby neighborhoods stay walkable.

Driving: Renting a car provides maximum flexibility for exploring Nashville’s spread-out neighborhoods and day trips. I-40, I-65, and I-24 intersect downtown, creating confusing interchanges during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM). Parking downtown costs $10-30 daily in lots and garages. Street parking requires feeding meters until 6 PM on weekdays. Broadway and the surrounding downtown streets get congested on weekends, especially during festivals and sporting events.

Public Transportation: WeGo Public Transit operates buses throughout Nashville, but routes serve commuters more than tourists. The Music City Circuit offers free downtown circulator buses connecting major tourist areas. Service is limited outside downtown and business hours. A day pass costs around $4 for standard buses.

Rideshare: Uber and Lyft work well in Nashville with reasonable availability. Expect $15-25 for most trips within Davidson County. Surge pricing affects downtown and Music Row during peak hours and special events. Rides from the airport to downtown typically cost $25-40.

Scooters: Bird and Lime electric scooters scatter throughout Nashville, especially downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Download apps to unlock and pay per minute. Watch for bike lanes and sidewalk rules as enforcement has increased. Helmets are recommended but not always available.

Walking: Downtown, the Gulch, 12 South, and East Nashville’s Five Points stay walkable. However, distances between neighborhoods require transportation. Broadway stretches about a mile with honky-tonks concentrated near 2nd-5th Avenues. Summer heat and humidity make walking challenging afternoon through the evening.

Where to Stay in Nashville

Choosing the right home base shapes your entire Nashville experience. AvantStay offers premium vacation rentals across Nashville’s best neighborhoods. From downtown penthouses to East Nashville bungalows, our curated collection positions you perfectly for exploring Music City.

Related: Best Nashville Bachelorette Airbnb Rentals in Pink and Glam

Why Choose AvantStay

Unlike traditional vacation rentals, AvantStay properties are professionally managed with consistent quality standards. Every home features thoughtful design, high-end furnishings, and modern amenities, making your stay comfortable and memorable. Our properties span from downtown’s entertainment district to quiet residential neighborhoods, ensuring you’re positioned for whatever Nashville experience you’re seeking.

Concierge Services and Upgrades

AvantStay’s personal concierge service elevates your vacation beyond simple accommodation. We handle the details so you can focus on experiencing Nashville’s music and culture.

  • Mid-Stay Cleaning: Keep your space fresh during extended stays, so you can relax without worrying about upkeep during your Nashville adventure.
  • Bring Your Pets: AvantStay encourages time spent with loved ones, and pets are no exception. We offer pet-friendly properties where your furry family members are welcome. 
  • Private Chef: Elevate your dining experience with a personal chef who creates unique Nashville cuisine without the restaurant wait.
  • Stocked Fridge: Skip the grocery store hassle and let us handle the shopping. Send us your list or select from our curated packages like BBQ night, local craft beers, and Southern snacks. 
  • Transportation: Need a ride to the airport, Broadway, or day trips? We arrange reliable transportation throughout your stay, so you can explore Nashville stress-free.
  • Find Local Child Care: Traveling with kids but want an adults-only evening on Broadway? We help you find and hire local sitters with detailed profiles, references, and reviews.
  • In-Home Massage: Perfect after long days exploring Nashville on foot, indulge in ultimate relaxation without leaving your rental.
  • Rent Baby Gear: Traveling with a baby doesn’t mean packing your entire nursery. Rent cribs, strollers, car seats, high chairs, toys, and more. 

For other requests, rentals, or special occasion setups, our concierge team handles whatever makes your Nashville vacation exceptional.

Book Through the AvantStay App

Download the AvantStay app to browse properties, manage bookings, and access concierge services all in one place. The app provides 24/7 support, check-in details, local recommendations, and direct messaging with our team.

Download via: AvantStay iOS Application

Download via: AvantStay Android Application

Essential Travel Tips

Before you go out and pull an all-nighter, a little preparation goes a long way. These essential travel tips will help you feel at ease while having the best Nashville fun. 

Getting To and From Nashville International Airport

Nashville International Airport (BNA) sits 8 miles east of downtown with easy access via I-40. The compact airport handles growing traffic efficiently with recent expansions adding gates and amenities.

Airport Transportation: Rideshare pickup zones are clearly marked on the terminal’s lower level outside baggage claim. Expect $25-40 to downtown, $30-45 to neighborhoods like 12 South or East Nashville. WeGo Route 18 connects the airport to downtown for $2, running approximately every 40 minutes during daytime hours. Rental cars are located in the terminal’s ground level with all major companies represented.

Car Rentals: Book ahead for better rates, especially during CMA Fest, NFL season, and major festivals. Expect $40-80 daily, depending on vehicle type and season. Check if your accommodation charges for parking before renting, as some downtown hotels charge $30-40 daily for parking.

Packing for Nashville

Year-Round: Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be on your feet constantly), layers for varying temperatures, phone charger and backup battery (you’ll use your phone extensively), and dressy-casual clothes for nicer restaurants and venues. Broadway honky-tonks don’t require fancy dress, but avoid beachwear and athletic clothes.

Spring (March-May): Pack layers as temperatures swing from 50s to 80s. Light jacket for evenings and a rain jacket for Nashville’s rainiest season. This is prime visiting time with perfect festival weather.

Summer (June-August): Prepare for heat and humidity with temperatures regularly hitting 90°F with high humidity. Light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat for outdoor activities. Many venues blast AC, so bring a light layer for indoors.

Fall (September-November): Similar to spring with cooling temperatures and stunning foliage. Layers work best as mornings are cool, while afternoons stay warm. Great visiting season with fewer crowds than summer.

Winter (December-February): Nashville winters stay mild compared to northern cities, but temperatures dip into the 30s-40s. Pack a warm jacket, long pants, and layers. Snow is rare, but ice storms occasionally close roads.

Practical Nashville Preparation

Time Zone: Nashville operates on Central Time, one hour behind Eastern and two hours ahead of Pacific Time. Tennessee observes daylight saving time.

Reservations: Book restaurants, especially popular spots like Husk, Catbird Seat, and Martin’s, well ahead. The Bluebird Cafe requires reservations months in advance for evening shows. Grand Ole Opry tickets sell out quickly during peak season. Reserve tours and activities online to guarantee availability.

Costs: Nashville prices have increased significantly with tourism growth. Expect $15-25 for casual meals, $40-80 for nice dinners, $6-9 for local beers, and $12-18 for cocktails. Broadway honky-tonks rarely charge cover but expect higher drink prices. Activities range from free museum admission to $50+ for studio tours and $75+ for Opry tickets.

Tipping: Service industry workers depend on tips in Tennessee. Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and $5-10 for tour guides. Rideshare tipping is optional but appreciated.

Hot Chicken Warning: Nashville hot chicken is legitimately spicy. Start with mild or medium unless you regularly eat extremely spicy food. Order sides and drinks to help manage heat. The endorphin rush is worth it, but respect the spice levels.

More Questions About Your Nashville Trip?

Planning a Music City adventure involves countless details, and we’re here to help. Whether you need recommendations for group-friendly properties, downtown locations, or homes with specific amenities, our team can answer questions and guide your booking process.

Contact us via:

  • Email: experience@avantstay.com
  • Phone: (833) 442-8268

Let Music City Move You

Guitars tuning in back rooms, hot chicken sizzling in iron skillets, neon signs buzzing to life as sunset fades. Nobody comes to Nashville just to watch. Experience Music City to move you. 

The city keeps its own rhythm, and the hot chicken that made you cry and laugh, or the random jam session you stumbled into, will all be worth it.

Be part of the stories that make people book their own Nashville trips. Browse our top vacation rentals in Nashville today!

Published by Danielle Vito

As Senior Social Media Manager, Danielle manages AvantStay's social media platforms and writes content for the Atlas blog. Previously, Danielle was the Social Media Producer at The Points Guy where she ran TPG's Instagram and wrote articles on the most social media-worthy destinations, and tips on hacking your travels by using credit cards.

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