Nashville

Best time to visit Nashville

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally considered the best times to visit Nashville. There's pleasant weather, you can enjoy comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring the city. There are fewer crowds compared to peak season so there'll be less queuing and potentially better deals. Both seasons offer beautiful scenery, spring brings blooming flowers, while autumn offers stunning foliage.

The other two seasons have their own advantages, in summer (June to August) you can expect hot and humid weather, but also lively nightlife and outdoor events. In winter (December to February) you can enjoy lower prices and festive atmosphere, but be prepared for colder temperatures.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit Nashville, there is plenty to keep you entertained.

Discover Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee's state capital, has undergone a big transformation over the past few years, making it one of America’s most vibrant and energetic cities. Known for it's music scene, especially country music, you'll find it everywhere in Nashville. Whether that's in the 180 live music venues, the lively honky tonk bars on Broadway nicknamed the 'honky tonk highway', in the Listening Room Café where new and established singer-songwriters perform, or in the studios where legendary artists recorded hit songs. There is no question that Nashville played and still plays a part in the world music stage.

Whilst Nashville has long been known for its expansive music scene, it’s the talent and creativity of its arts scene that is starting to make waves. Music City’s recent emergence of world-class fine arts, performing arts options and even the culinary arts is putting Nashville on the map as a culturally rich destination. Dubbed the Athens of the South for its elegance, style and many academic institutions, Nashville claims a full-size replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park, complete with the 42-ft high statue Athena, the tallest indoor sculpture in the western world. With its charming mix of musical, historical, and cultural flavours, Nashville is truly a city for all seasons and styles.

Things to do on holiday in Nashville

Grand Ole Opry

Nothing says 'Nashville' like a night at the Grand Ole Opry. What began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today an entertainment phenomenon, dedicated to honouring country music and its history and showcasing a mix of country music greats—up and coming stars, superstars, and legends. Considered one of the true American icons, the show attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world who come to see true country legends and rising stars in this spectacular setting and millions of radio and internet listeners.

Ryman Auditorium

Built in 1892, the Ryman Auditorium is a National Historic Landmark and a must-see for anyone visiting Nashville. Most famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974, the Ryman is the very epicentre of Music City and is where legends such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash performed. Once inside the Ryman you get a real feel of what an iconic music venue it is and how incredible the music sounded which is why it was called the ‘Mother Church of Country Music’. Self-guided tours and guided backstage tours are available daily from 9am – 4pm. Still a popular music venue to this day, artists including Harry Styles, the Foo Fighters and the Beach Boys have graced this iconic stage.

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Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Follow the rhythm of rock and blues to the home of country music’s past and present. Discover priceless artefacts, dynamic exhibitions, live music, Nashville’s most legendary recording studio and much more. In the museum’s core exhibition, Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music, visitors are immersed in the history and sounds of country music, its origins and traditions and the stories and voices of many of its honoured architects. Other exhibits include ‘American Currents’ showcasing artists that have been on the music scene recently and for young fans the Taylor Swift Zone.

Historic RCA Studio B

Nashville’s only studio tour provides many goosebump moments as you glimpse into the heart of Nashville music-making during one of its most exciting and classic periods. “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” by Elvis Presley, “He’ll Have to Go” by Jim Reeves, “All I Have to Do is Dream” by The Everly Brothers and “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton are just a few hits that were recorded in this iconic studio. This is one of the must-sees in Nashville and tours of the studio can be purchased in conjunction with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum admission.

Listening Room Café

Around a 30-minute walk from Broadway, the Listening Room Café is in the vibrant SoBro neighbourhood. A special live music venue, with an intimate vibe you can come and enjoy tasty southern cuisine and listen to new and well-known hit songs, sung by the actual songwriters themselves. With regular performances throughout the day, enjoy some of the newest vocal talents or you could be lucky and catch a performance by a well-known singer-songwriter such as Garth Brooks.