Discover the Best of Nashville

Music City lover and travel advisor Kayla Calhoun (@kaylaonholiday) shares the venues, bars, restaurants, and sites that need to be on your Nashville itinerary.

Nashville is a city that perfectly blends music, art, sports, and the outdoors for an unforgettable experience. Whether for first-timers or seasoned visitors, Music City is a year-round destination with something to offer everyone.

I recently took my 10th trip to Nashville, and I still explored things for the first time! Here are my absolute favorite things to do in the city.  
   

    

Dive Into the Music Scene

No trip to Nashville is complete without a little (or a lot!) of live music. Catch live performances at the iconic Ryman Auditorium or the Grand Ole Opry, where country music history comes alive and the artists of today and tomorrow are celebrated. The Opry will commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2025, with special performances scheduled throughout the year, and it could be fun to plan a trip around a show that you’d love to see.

For a more laid-back vibe, you can catch a show with dinner at Bluebird Cafe or the Listening Room. Both regularly host local songwriters, and it’s a unique experience to hear them talk about the meaning behind hit songs from every decade. If you’re a fan of behind-the-scenes experiences, I highly recommend the VIP backstage tour of the Opry, where you can see iconic dressing rooms like Dolly Parton’s, plus catch a performance side stage.

Check Out Nashville’s Unique Neighborhoods

Nashville’s neighborhoods are packed with personality. Here are a few of my favorites:

• 12 South: Perfect for strolling, with trendy boutiques like Emerson Grace and Ranger Station, a local candlemaker. Stop for lunch or grab a coffee at Frothy Monkey, one of my go-tos!
• East Nashville: This neighborhood is known for its bohemian flair, indie shops, and farm-to-table restaurants. You’ll definitely want to take home a famous croissant-style donut from Five Daughters Bakery, and the Fox Bar & Cocktail Club is great for an after-dinner drink.
• The Gulch: A chic, walkable area filled with rooftop bars, upscale shopping, and high-end hotels like the Thompson and the W.
• Wedgewood-Houston: This up-and-coming neighborhood is perfect for an afternoon browsing home decor at several design shops in the Nashville Design Collective. Here, you’ll also find the newest outpost of Soho House, the custom leather atelier Savas, and a brand-new Hermès boutique.
  
  

Get a Taste of the South

Food in Nashville is as much of an attraction as the music is. You can’t leave without trying hot chicken at Hattie B’s or diving into a plate of barbecue. For elevated dining, hit Henrietta Red for oysters and cocktails or Bad Idea for a unique chef-driven experience. If brunch is your thing, Biscuit Love is a must for its famous bonuts (biscuit-doughnut hybrids).

Embrace the Outdoors

Take a break from the city buzz with a stroll around Centennial Park, home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, or spend time at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, which is especially stunning during the holidays with seasonal lights and decor.

Experience a Mix of Arts, Culture, and History

Did you know Nashville is home to the most music museums in the world? You could spend your whole trip hopping from one museum to the next, but the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-visit. The storytelling—along with artifacts from a variety of artists, including Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift, and Luke Combs—will make for a memorable experience.

For art lovers, the Frist Art Museum features rotating exhibits in a beautifully restored Art Deco building. LeQuire Gallery is also definitely worth a visit, to catch a glimpse of some of Alan LeQuire’s current projects. He’s the sculptor of Athena at the Parthenon and several other famous sculptures around the city.

This post was produced in partnership with Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.