1. Take Advantage Of Local Transportation
If you’re staying within the Nashville city limits, there’s really no need to rent a car, and if you’re planning on drinking, why not play it safe?
Nashville has many affordable transportation options for getting around including rideshares, local taxis, scooter rentals, and the bus system. It also has many ways that you can travel in style from place to place, such as pedal bars, limo rentals, or even a horse-drawn carriage!
2. When Possible, Make A Reservation
Nashville is one of the most popular travel destinations in the country, which means you’ll often be dealing with crowds and long waits at restaurants, tours, and popular activities.
If you want to bypass the wait, always check to see if making a reservation is possible. This can save you hours of valuable vacation time.
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes
Nashville is a very walkable city, especially if you’re planning on seeing the popular downtown sights. The Country Music Hall of Fame is just a short walk from the Ryman Auditorium, the Johnny Cash Museum, and dozens of honky-tonks and bars.
It can be easy to overlook how much walking you’ll do each day, so comfortable shoes are essential.
4. Stay Hydrated
Once you have comfortable shoes covered, bring a water bottle or make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.
You’ll be burning calories walking up and down Broadway, likely in warm weather, and you may also be drinking. Steady hydration during a night out is the best way to avoid losing valuable vacation time to a hangover the next day.
5. Think Before You Park
If you decide to drive in Nashville, it’s important to understand the local parking requirements.
- Street parking is generally limited to two hours.
- For longer stays, use one of the city’s parking garages.
- Most meters are enforced around the clock, with different hours outside the Central Business District.
- Rates vary by location, and many spaces accept cards or payment through the city’s parking app.
6. Check Out Free Attractions And Activities
While transportation and parking can add to your vacation costs, Nashville has plenty of free or inexpensive attractions, including museums, parks, botanical gardens, wine tastings, dancing, and more.
Taking advantage of these options is a great way to spend less while still enjoying an authentic Music City experience.
7. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Although Nashville is far from being the most dangerous city in America, crime rates are above the national median. Be thoughtful about which areas you visit alone, on foot, or after dark.
Downtown tourist areas tend to be busier than residential neighborhoods such as Antioch, Glencliff, and West Meade. If you’re unfamiliar with an area, consider using a rideshare or going with a friend.
8. Take Advantage Of Happy Hour
Hundreds of thousands of people visit Nashville each year to explore the city’s famous bars and honky-tonks. Many local establishments offer daily or weekly happy hours with excellent food and drink specials.
Check each venue’s current schedule before you go so you can enjoy more of the city without overspending.
9. Understand Local Busking Regulations
Street musicians are a big part of Nashville’s identity. If you plan to perform on one of the city’s lively corners, be sure to understand the local rules.
- Busking downtown generally does not require a permit if you are not selling merchandise.
- Do not block sidewalks, entrances, fire hydrants, driveways, or parking meters.
- Avoid amplification or equipment that violates noise regulations.
- Pick up your trash and be considerate of residents, businesses, and other performers.
10. Check Out The Outdoor Scene
Nashville is a major urban area, but you don’t have to sacrifice time outdoors when you visit.
The city is surrounded by state parks, lakes, and rivers, with thousands of acres of nature reserves inside the city limits. Hiking, kayaking, biking, and birdwatching can all be reached within minutes.
11. Be Aware Of Tourist Traps
As one of the country’s most popular vacation destinations, Nashville has many places designed specifically to draw tourists. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
If you want a more authentic experience, balance the major attractions with locally loved restaurants, neighborhoods, venues, and destinations outside the busiest downtown blocks.
12. Not All Places Are Kid-Friendly
Nashville is known as a party town, and after evening falls it can be harder to find kid-friendly activities in the downtown area.
That doesn’t mean you should leave the kids at home. Museums, parks, live events, and attractions throughout Music City can make Nashville a memorable destination for teenagers and young children alike.
13. Understand Local Alcohol Laws
If you plan to purchase alcohol in Nashville, read up on current state and local rules before your trip. Regulations can differ in surrounding counties.
Holiday restrictions and serving rules can also change, so verify current information directly with the venue or Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
14. Consider Travel Insurance
If you’re investing a lot in your Nashville trip, travel insurance may be worth considering. Depending on the policy, it can help cover airfare, baggage loss, hotel reservations, and some medical emergencies.
At a minimum, consider protecting the most expensive and least predictable parts of your trip, such as transportation.
15. Explore The Surrounding Areas
Staying inside Nashville’s city limits is perfectly fine, but there is plenty to see within a short drive.
- Percy Priest Lake
- Radnor Lake State Park
- Long Hunter State Park
- The Adventure Park at Nashville
- Willie Nelson and Friends Museum
- Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
16. Respect The Musicians
Nashville is the country’s top destination for live music and music history, but the musicians are real people building lives and careers in an intensely competitive industry.
Enjoy the huge variety of performances and occasional celebrity sightings respectfully. If you enjoy a show, consider tipping the artist or buying some merchandise.
