Nashville Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
🚗 Getting Around & Logistics
Q: Do I need to rent a car in Nashville? A: Generally, no, especially if you plan to stick to the downtown core (Broadway, The Gulch, Midtown, Music Row). The city is spread out, but rideshares (Uber/Lyft) and scooters/pedal taverns cover most tourist areas. You might consider a car only if you plan extensive day trips (e.g., to The Hermitage, Franklin, or distilleries outside the city).
Q: Is it better to stay downtown or in an outer neighborhood like East Nashville or The Gulch? A: It depends on your travel style.
Downtown/Broadway/Midtown: Best for first-time visitors who want to be close to the major music venues and tourist attractions. It is the most expensive and busiest area.
The Gulch: Trendy, walkable, and close to downtown, with boutique hotels and restaurants. A good balance.
East Nashville/Germantown/12 South: Better for a “local” vibe with unique shops, independent restaurants, and quieter bars. You’ll need to Uber/Lyft to Broadway.
Q: How much should I budget for rideshare (Uber/Lyft) between the airport (BNA) and downtown? A: Prices fluctuate heavily based on demand, but a typical ride is often between $25 – $40. The standard taxi rate is often a flat fee of around $30. Always check both Uber/Lyft/taxi prices before booking.
Q: How long is the ride from BNA to downtown? A: Without traffic, it’s about a 15-20 minute ride. Allow extra time during rush hour or major event days.
Q: Is there public transportation I can use? A: Nashville has a public bus system (WeGo Public Transit), which is budget-friendly. However, it’s generally not as convenient or fast for tourists compared to rideshares, especially outside the core. The free Music City Circuit downtown trolleys were discontinued.
Q: What’s the tipping etiquette in Nashville? A: Tipping is standard across the U.S.
Restaurants/Bars: 18-20% is typical for good service.
Bartenders: $1-$2 per drink, or 20% of the total tab.
Rideshare Drivers: 15-20% if they are helpful.
Pedal Tavern/Bus Tour Guides: $5 – $20 per person for good service.
🎶 Music, Attractions, & Activities
Q: Is Broadway a tourist trap? A: Yes, in many ways, but it’s also a must-do for the sheer experience. It’s loud, crowded, and where the most famous honky-tonks are. Locals often recommend visiting during the day for the music and crowds, then moving to neighborhoods like Midtown or East Nashville at night for a more laid-back or authentic music experience.
Q: Where can I hear “real” or non-country music? A:
The Listening Room Cafe or The Bluebird Cafe (reservations essential) for intimate singer-songwriter rounds.
Americana/Folk: The Station Inn.
Blues/Boogie: Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar in Printer’s Alley.
Rock/Indie: The Basement, Mercy Lounge, or Cannery Ballroom (check schedules).
Q: What are the must-see music attractions? A:
Ryman Auditorium: The “Mother Church of Country Music.” A tour or, better yet, seeing a show here is highly recommended.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (CMHoF): A comprehensive museum; a great way to spend a half-day.
Grand Ole Opry: See a show here—it’s a living piece of history and a truly unique experience.
RCA Studio B: Where Elvis, Dolly Parton, and others recorded. Tours depart from the CMHoF.
Q: What are some fun non-music things to do? A:
The Parthenon: A full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon in Centennial Park. It houses an art gallery and a statue of Athena.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: Historic mansion with stunning botanical gardens.
Frist Art Museum: Downtown art museum with rotating national and international exhibitions.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: Offers a great view of the State Capitol and a history walk through Tennessee.
12 South/The Gulch: Shopping, mural photos (like the ‘I Believe in Nashville’ mural), and dining.
Q: Should I book tours (like pedal taverns or bus tours) in advance? A: Yes, especially for weekend trips or during peak season (spring/fall). Tours like the pedal taverns, the Ryman/Opry tours, and brewery/distillery tours sell out quickly.
🍽️ Food & Drink
Q: Where should I get Nashville Hot Chicken? A: The most debated question! The consensus top spots are:
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack: The original (for an authentic experience).
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: The most popular and tourist-friendly (multiple locations).
Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish: Known for their hot fish and chicken.
Q: What is a “Meat & Three,” and where can I find a good one? A: A “Meat & Three” is a Southern-style restaurant where you pick one meat (e.g., fried chicken, roast beef) and three side vegetables. It’s a classic Southern dining tradition.
Monell’s: Family-style seating (all-you-can-eat) is a favorite.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen: Widely considered the gold standard, but only open for lunch and the menu changes daily.
Q: What are the best local restaurants outside of the main tourist areas? A: Nashville’s dining scene is huge. Popular recommendations often include:
The Gulch: The Catbird Seat, Barista Parlor (coffee).
East Nashville: Lockeland Table, Butcher & Bee, Margot.
Germantown: City House, Rolf and Daughters, 5th and Taylor.
Q: Where can I go for good local breweries or distilleries? A:
Distilleries: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Nashville Barrel Co., Corsair Distillery.
Breweries: Yazoo Brewing Company, Bearded Iris Brewing, Tennessee Brew Works.
🌤️ Weather, Safety, & General Tips
Q: When is the best time to visit Nashville? A: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer the best weather and beautiful scenery, but they are also the busiest and most expensive times to visit. Summer is very hot and humid.
Q: Is Nashville a safe city for tourists? A: Generally, yes, but like any major city, you need to be street-smart.
Downtown is very well-trafficked, but be aware of your surroundings late at night, especially in less-lit areas like Printer’s Alley.
Locals strongly advise not leaving valuables visible in your car, as smash-and-grabs are common in tourist parking lots and popular neighborhoods.
Q: Should I dress up when going out? A: Nashville is famously laid-back.
Broadway: Casual is fine. Many people wear jeans, t-shirts, and, yes, cowboy hats and boots (though locals don’t typically wear the full ensemble).
Higher-end restaurants/venues: Business casual is more appropriate.
Comfort is key for walking Broadway!
Q: Can I visit the Nissan Titans stadium or a game if it’s not football season? A: You can often take a stadium tour during the off-season. Check the Nissan Stadium official website for tour schedules and availability.
Q: Where can I take a great photo of the Nashville skyline? A:
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge: Offers the most iconic, unobstructed view of the skyline and river.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: Great framing with the State Capitol building.
Love Circle: A small park on a hill that offers a panoramic, elevated view.