Nashville holidays
Most people plan their holidays to Nashville with music in mind. Who can blame them? Household names like Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton polished their craft here. But Nashville holds its own in other areas, with a diverse art scene, a growing number of craft breweries and a fried chicken recipe known the world over. Clearly, this city dances to the beat of its own drum.
Nashville holiday highlights
Nashville
Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Music city
If you’ve been planning a holiday to Nashville, you’re probably familiar with the city that nurtured Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. The world-famous Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates them both, alongside the likes of Elvis Presley and Hank Williams. By night, look for the neon signs and noisy honky tonks on Broadway, where bluegrass, jazz and rock ’n’ roll create a beautiful soundclash.
Hot chicken
Digging into a plate of hot chicken is a must on holidays to Nashville, and there’s no better place to try it than where it all began, Prince’s Hot Chicken. Legend says the dish was created when the girlfriend of serial womaniser Thornton Prince III cooked him some fried chicken laced with cayenne pepper as revenge for staying out late. To her dismay, he loved it and ended up spreading the word. The rest is history.
Emerging arts
Nashville’s creative credentials don’t end at music — the city has a flourishing art scene too. Art lovers should start at the Frist Art Museum, a local favourite since 2001 that showcases hands-on exhibitions year-round. Then, in true Music City style, check out Nashville’s iconic illustrations at Hatch Show Print, a working letterpress print shop that created the city’s most famous concert posters.
Nashville: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)
High season
May – July
Low season
January – February
/
Caption
Photographer name
Find the best time to go to Nashville
Weather in Nashville
March – May: Tornado season brings wet and sometimes extreme weather, so pay attention to forecasts. But by May, warm, dry days are for getting outside. Take a dip at Old Hickory Lake.
June – August: Nashville is at its hottest from July to August, when temperatures reach 31°C. Stay hydrated at outdoor festivals, and be prepared for July’s sudden downpours.
September – November: Early autumn brings balmy days. Head to Percy Warner Park in October to see the colours. But pack a jacket for the cool evenings.
December – February: Winter lows can dip below freezing in January, with occasional snow. Cosy up in a famous listening room like the Bluebird Cafe or City Winery.
Events in Nashville
Tin Pan South (March): For five days, Nashville celebrates its songwriting tradition with over 100 shows at venues across the city.
CMA Fest (June): Watch A-list artists walk the red carpet at country music’s most glamorous awards. Then join the crowds at their stage performances.
Tomato Art Fest (August): Wear something red to East Nashville’s quirkiest community event. Celebrate the humble vegetable (or is it a fruit?) with paintings, performances and more.
Oktoberfest (October): In autumn, the city honours its foodie culture with a bunch of beer, wine and barbecue events. But nothing beats the Bavarian-style feasting that takes over the Germantown neighbourhood.
We scan 100 billion prices, so you don’t have to
Compare prices to bag a cheap holiday to Nashville
Book your holiday to Nashville, all in one place
The best neighbourhoods in Nashville
Things to do in Nashville
Nashville
Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Family friendly things to do
There are plenty of things to do with the family in Nashville that don’t involve live music. For starters, the kids will love riding the old school Nashville Trolley street car. Nashville Zoo and the Adventure Science Center will also keep them occupied for hours. In Cumberland Park, there’s a climbing wall and splash area too.
Shopping
Even the pickiest travellers will appreciate the shopping in Nashville. Lovers of high street brands like Levi’s and Sephora will feel right at home around Fifth + Broadway in Downtown. If you’re looking for unique items, head for the vintage and antique stores of East Nashville and Germantown for the city’s best indie retailers.
Take in the culture
Checkout Elvis Presley’s gold-plated Cadillac at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, then head to Centennial Park to marvel at a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon. Catching a performance at the Grand Ole Opry is all but required here. The world’s longest-running radio broadcast still books an impressive lineup of musicians. The National Museum of African American Music celebrates the contributions of Black Americans to more than 50 musical genres and subgenres with interactive exhibits.
Places to eat
Going to Nashville and not trying the hot chicken is like going to New York City and not having a slice of pizza. Prince’s Hot Chicken is the original place and one of the best restaurants in Nashville, but Hattie B’s also comes highly rated. The city’s culinary scene reflects its diverse population, so you’ll find BBQ, tacos, pizza and sushi in just about every neighbourhood.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Nashville is all about experiencing the city’s live music scene. The four-block stretch of Lower Broadway known as the ‘Honky Tonk Highway’ rollicks with country, jazz, bluegrass and more until the early hours thanks to bars like Tootsies Orchid Lounge. Don’t worry if you don’t like country music — Kings of Leon, Jack White and The Black Keys all came out of Nashville too.
Free things to do
If you’re looking for free things to do in Nashville, begin at the city’s parks and trails. There’s also the Tennessee State Museum and State Capitol, which are both free to enter. Art lovers could attend First Saturday Art Crawl or walk along the mural trail.
Plan your holiday to Nashville
FAQs about Nashville holidays
January is the coolest time of year to visit. Organise your Nashville holiday then and you can expect lows of -5ºC (23ºF).
With several tourist-friendly areas and a downtown area that rarely sleeps, you’ll be pleased to know that Nashville is a safe place for a holiday.
Whether you're into sightseeing, shopping, or anything else, there are tons of things to do in Nashville. Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum are just some of the reasons this city's worth checking out.
During your city break in Nashville, you'll hear the locals talking mostly in English.
Deciding how many days you need for a holiday in Nashville generally depends on your plans. If you’d like to visit its major attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, spend a couple of nights watching live music in Downtown and explore a few of its neighbourhoods, three or four days should be enough time.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and excursions during your trip to Nashville.
July is the warmest month in Nashville, with temperatures reaching highs of 33ºC (91ºF).
The wettest month is July, which gets an average rainfall of 15 cm. But don't let a few grey skies dull your Nashville trip — there's still loads to do indoors like indulging in retail therapy, exploring museums, or relaxing in cosy cafes.
The airline you fly with, where you leave from, and when you go can impact the cost of a city break in Nashville. Prices for Nashville flights and hotels can vary greatly, but planning in advance and keeping your travel dates flexible can help you bag savings.
For the best weather, plenty of live music and lively honky tonk bars, May through September is generally the best time for a holiday in Nashville. October through February can be on the colder side, but you’ll likely benefit from cheaper flights and hotels.
More holiday inspiration
How to get cheap last-minute flights
How to get a flight upgrade
How to search for multi-city flights on Skyscanner
Cheap holidays to dream destinations
Other travellers love these package holiday hotspots. Take your pick of what’s popular.
Costa Blanca
From Benidorm to Alicante, savour the sun, sea, and vibrant Spanish culture.
Lanzarote
Hike through volcanic landscapes, relax on golden beaches and enjoy the laid-back Canarian vibe.
Tenerife
From the majestic Mount Teide to sunny beaches, there's adventure and relaxation here in equal measure.
Ibiza
Dance the night away and soak up the sun on the island of eternal party and pristine beaches.
Antalya
Discover ancient ruins, turquoise waters, and the warm welcome of Turkey's Mediterranean gem.
Majorca
Experience the perfect blend of stunning beaches, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife.
Malta
Step back in time with ancient history, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere.
Algarve
Enjoy sun-soaked beaches, charming villages, and world-class golf in Portugal's southern paradise.
Marrakech
Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours, bustling markets, and rich history of this ancient city.
Costa del Sol
Relax on sunny beaches, explore charming towns, and savour the flavours of Andalusia.
Dubai
Experience luxury and adventure in the city of skyscrapers, deserts, and world-class shopping.
New York
Discover the energy of the Big Apple, from iconic landmarks to vibrant neighbourhoods.
Costa Blanca
From Benidorm to Alicante, savour the sun, sea, and vibrant Spanish culture.
Lanzarote
Hike through volcanic landscapes, relax on golden beaches and enjoy the laid-back Canarian vibe.
Tenerife
From the majestic Mount Teide to sunny beaches, there's adventure and relaxation here in equal measure.
Ibiza
Dance the night away and soak up the sun on the island of eternal party and pristine beaches.
Antalya
Discover ancient ruins, turquoise waters, and the warm welcome of Turkey's Mediterranean gem.
Majorca
Experience the perfect blend of stunning beaches, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife.
Malta
Step back in time with ancient history, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere.
Algarve
Enjoy sun-soaked beaches, charming villages, and world-class golf in Portugal's southern paradise.
Marrakech
Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours, bustling markets, and rich history of this ancient city.
Costa del Sol
Relax on sunny beaches, explore charming towns, and savour the flavours of Andalusia.
Dubai
Experience luxury and adventure in the city of skyscrapers, deserts, and world-class shopping.
New York
Discover the energy of the Big Apple, from iconic landmarks to vibrant neighbourhoods.
