Nashville - the American capital of music

Are you looking for a city with a rich history, great food, friendly people, and an unparalleled music scene? Then Nashville is the place to be! Come with us on our trip to Tennessee and discover what makes the “Music City” of Nashville so special.

Nashville facts

Check out these quick facts about Nashville:

Location: Tennessee
Population: 670,000
Visitors: 15 million per year
Hot spots: Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Broadway, Ryman Auditorium

Nashville in Tennessee

Sightseeing in Nashville

You won't want to miss these attractions during your visit to Nashville:

Broadway

Broadway is the most famous street in Nashville, home to many of the city's best bars and restaurants. You can party here all day and all night as there's always something going on. Broadway's highlights are the famous honky-tonk bars, where you can listen to live country music and feel like a real "Nashvillian."

Another must-see on Broadway is the Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry. It features one of the most famous concert halls in the world and has become a favorite spot for music lovers, with some of the best artists and bands in the world performing here.

The Gulch

The Gulch is a trendy Nashville neighborhood that is all about dining, shopping, and nightlife. The area offers a wide selection of gourmet restaurants and trendy bars: whether you're looking for a 5-star experience or a cozy pub, The Gulch will suit your taste! When it comes to music, you have a wide range of options, from bars with live music to clubs where you can party until the sun comes up.

Music Row

Music Row is the heart of Nashville's country music scene. You'll come across the offices of the city's biggest record labels, management companies, and music publishers here. If you're a music fan, a tour of this neighborhood is a must if you want to get a sense of how the music industry works in Nashville.

Of course, there are also many opportunities to listen to music. For example, you'll find several studios where you can experience live sessions with the best local artists. An absolute highlight for every music lover!

Nightlife in Nashville

Centennial Park

Centennial Park is a lovely place for a relaxing afternoon. Sit by the lake or visit the botanical gardens and the open-air museum. You can also go for a walk, picnic, or admire nature.

The green space is also famous for the Parthenon replica, an exact copy of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. Both history and art are at your fingertips here. Another highlight of Centennial Park is the Music Pavilion, which hosts regular concerts and events during the summer. A great place to spend a lovely evening with friends or family!

Country Music Hall of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-see for every genre fan. On your tour of the museum, you'll learn all about the history of country music from its beginnings to today, stroll through various exhibitions, and watch informative documentaries.

A museum highlight is the "Circle of Fame," a wall with the names of all Hall of Fame members. There are also interactive exhibits that allow you to play a few notes on a steel guitar or record in a studio. An unforgettable experience for any music lover who wants to feel like a real country star for once!

Ryman Auditorium

Visit Ryman Auditorium for a glimpse into Nashville's musical past and present. Originally built as a tabernacle for church services, it has evolved over the years into one of Nashville's premier concert and performance venues. Its history dates back to 1892, and it is also known as the home of the Grand Ole Opry, which performed here regularly.

Today, it hosts a wide range of concerts and shows, from country music to pop to classical music. Take a tour of the building to learn more about its history and soak up the atmosphere and charm of the old theater. The acoustics are breathtaking, and the stage is a popular venue for famous artists.

Frist Art Museum

The Frist Art Museum is one of Nashville's most important art museums. It houses an impressive collection of contemporary art, including works by regional, national, and international artists. You can admire works in various media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and installations. In addition, the museum regularly hosts changing exhibitions that never fail to surprise and inspire.

The Frist Art Museum is a must-see for all art lovers but is also a great place for those who just want to spend a nice afternoon. The architecture of the building is a highlight in itself: it was designed in the neoclassical style and has a large, light-filled atrium lobby where you can take a break and relax before going through the galleries.

Belle Meade Boulevard

Belle Meade Boulevard is a famous street in Nashville, known for its Victorian buildings, impressive mansions, and historical monuments. A walk along the street is a great opportunity to admire the beautiful architecture of times gone by. You will also come across Belle Meade Plantation, an old winery, where you can learn more about the history of Belle Meade and life on a plantation in the 19th century.

Belle Meade Boulevard is well known for its exclusive shops and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy themselves here and stroll through the stores. A special highlight is 12 South Neighborhood, known for its trendy stores and bars.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a picturesque Nashville estate that once served as the summer home of the Cheek family. Today, it is a museum and public park that attracts visitors and residents alike. The estate's gardens are a real highlight and feature a variety of plant and flower arrangements throughout the year - a place to take a stroll and enjoy the beauty of nature!

The house itself is also worth a visit, offering a glimpse into the lives of wealthy families in the 1950s. You can stroll through the elegant rooms and be impressed by the beauty of the interior. In addition, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers numerous art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.

The Hermitage

The Hermitage is an iconic piece of Nashville's history and was once the residence of US President Andrew Jackson. A guided tour of the historic mansion and its lands is a great way to expand your knowledge. You'll be amazed by the magnificent rooms and antique furnishings preserved just as they were in the 19th century. You'll also get a glimpse into the life and political career of one of the most famous presidents of the United States.

Another highlight of the property is the beautiful gardens and grounds, which invite visitors to take relaxing walks and see the beauty of nature. At the end of the tour, you can stop by the Hermitage Museum Store to pick up a souvenir from your visit.

Nashville: climate and best travel time

The climate in Nashville is typical for the southern part of the USA - warm summers and mild winters dominate. It can get very hot in the summer with average temperatures around 30 °C. Winters are rather mild, characterized by temperatures around 10 °C. Occasionally, however, it can get cold and rainy.

The best time to visit Nashville depends mainly on what you want to experience. If you wish to explore the music scene and attend concerts, spring and fall are the best travel times, as many concerts and festivals take place during these periods. However, summer can also be very nice as it offers many outdoor activities and events. Winter is quieter in the city, but the Christmas decorations are gorgeous.

Getting around in Nashville

There are many ways to get around Nashville. Here are some options:

By car

A car is the best way to explore Nashville and its surroundings. Parking spaces are abundant, and you can choose from various car rental agencies. However, it is advisable to check the traffic situation beforehand, as traffic jams can sometimes occur.

By bus

The Metropolitan Transit Authority operates public transportation in Nashville. Taking the bus is an inexpensive and reliable mode of transportation, but the trip can take a little longer because you may be stuck in traffic.

By plane

Nashville has one airport, Nashville International Airport (BNA). Direct flights take off and land from here to many cities in the USA and to international destinations. Other nearby airports include John C. Tune Airport (JWN) and Murfreesboro Municipal Airport (MBT), which can be used for private flights.

History of Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee, known as "Music City," has a rich history dating back to the late 1700s. The city was founded in 1779 by James Robertson and a group of settlers from North Carolina to establish a new settlement in the area. In 1784, Nashville was officially recognized, and in 1806 it was declared a city. In the early days of its existence, Nashville played a significant role in the growth and development of Tennessee, serving as its capital and becoming a major center for commerce and transportation.

One of the most important events in Nashville's history was the American Civil War. The city was occupied by Union troops in 1862 and became a major center for military operations in the South. Nashville was also the site of several significant battles and skirmishes during the war, including the Battle of Nashville, which took place in December 1864 and resulted in a decisive Union victory. The Civil War had a profound effect on the city and its inhabitants, leaving many with deep scars and affecting the economic and social development of the area for years to come.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Nashville continued to grow and develop as a major trading, transportation, and educational center. The city also became a hub for the music industry, with a thriving country music scene and numerous recording studios. In the 1920s and 1930s, numerous famous musicians, including Hank Williams and Patsy Cline, got their start in Nashville and helped establish the city's reputation as the "Music Capital of the World."

In the second half of the 20th century, Nashville experienced significant growth and change. The city underwent a major urban renewal program in the 1950s and 1960s, resulting in many new buildings and the redevelopment of older neighborhoods. The music industry continued to thrive, and Nashville became home to numerous music festivals and events, including the annual Country Music Association Awards. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Nashville's real estate market boomed, resulting in the construction of many new buildings.

Today, Nashville continues to experience growth and change and is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in the United States. The music industry remains an important part of the city's economy and culture, and Nashville hosts many music festivals and events each year. Furthermore, it has a thriving technology industry and is home to many start-ups and tech companies.

Fun facts about Nashville

Have you heard these fun facts about Nashville?

  • Nashville was once known as the "Athens of the South" because of its many colleges and universities and thriving intellectual community.
  • In the late 19th century, Nashville was the center of a flourishing perfume industry, with over 30 factories producing perfumes and toiletries.
  • The city's famous hot chicken dish (Nashville Hot Chicken) is said to have been invented by a local chef to get revenge on his cheating girlfriend.
  • The city is home to the world's largest collection of vintage jukeboxes, housed in the National Jukebox Museum.
  • The famous Grand Ole Opry radio show, which began broadcasting in 1925 in Nashville, is the longest-running radio show in American history.

Travel tips for Nashville

Last but not least, we have put together five helpful tips to ensure that your trip to Nashville is an unforgettable experience.

Explore the food scene

Nashville's specialty hot chicken is a must-try for any foodie. This spicy dish is offered in many restaurants in the city and is a real eye-catcher. But there is much more to the city's food scene: from BBQ to farm-to-table dining, there is something for everyone. Make sure you try some of the regional favorites, and don't hesitate to ask the locals for recommendations.

Immerse yourself in the music

Nashville is known as Music City, and there is no shortage of live music. From Broadway honky-tonks to world-class concert venues, there is something for everyone. Whether you like country, rock, or any other genre, you'll find it here.

Soak up the history

Nashville has a rich history, and there are plenty of ways to learn about it. From a visit to the Ryman Auditorium, the birthplace of the Grand Ole Opry, to a tour of Belle Meade Plantation, there is plenty to see and do. By learning about the city's past, you'll gain a deeper understanding of what makes Nashville so special.

Shop local

Nashville is home to many unique and independent shops, so be sure to explore the city's many districts. From the boutiques in 12South to the vintage shops in East Nashville, you'll find everything from handmade goods to one-of-a-kind finds. By shopping locally, you'll not only find unique souvenirs, but also support the city's small businesses.

Meet the locals

Nashville is known for its friendly people and getting to know the locals is one of the best ways to experience the city. Whether you're chatting with someone in a bar, striking up a conversation with a stranger on the street, or attending a local event, you'll quickly see why Nashville is often called "America's Friendliest City." So be open, be friendly, and don't be afraid to initiate a conversation - you never know who you might meet!

Green Card Lottery

Win one of 55,000 Green Cards in the official Green Card Lottery of the US authorities!