Nashville Holidays

Looking for the best things to do in Nashville? Musical adventures, wine-tasting sessions and impressive live shows are all on the cards.

• Immerse yourself in the music scene: Take a behind-the-scenes guided tour at historic RCA Studio B, where you can sit at Elvis Presley’s favourite piano and stand where Dolly Parton created the iconic ‘Jolene’. Expert guides share insider tales of legendary artists along the way.
• Explore the city: Pedal through the tree-lined streets of 12 South and Hillsboro Village on a guided bike tour, stopping to photograph colourful murals and sample local coffee shops. These characterful neighbourhoods showcase Nashville's creative spirit beyond the tourist hotspots.
• Watch a live performance: Secure tickets for a show at the Bluebird Cafe, where songwriters perform their original works in an intimate 90-seat venue. This hallowed listening room has launched countless careers and continues to showcase Nashville's finest musical talent.
• Experience the nightlife: Dance between the rooftop bars of Lower Broadway, where live bands perform from around 10:00 to 03:00 daily! Each multi-level honky-tonk has its own atmosphere, from traditional country to rock covers, creating an electric party scene that perfectly captures the city's infectious energy.
• Go wine tasting: Journey 40km southeast to Arrington Vineyards, owned by country music star Kix Brooks, where you can sample Tennessee wines while enjoying live jazz on the hillside. The rustic setting provides an idyllic escape from city life, complete with picnic areas and fun seasonal events.

Known as ‘Music City’ and the ‘home of country music’, Nashville boasts tons of musical attractions, but that’s not all. There’s plenty of tourist hotspots to explore on your holiday.

• Ryman Auditorium: Visit Ryman Auditorium to stand where country music legends like Hank Williams and Patsy Cline once performed. The building's remarkable acoustics and original wooden pews transport you back to its origins as the Mother Church of Country Music, while modern-day concerts keep the legacy alive.
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Within its distinctive windows shaped like piano keys, you'll discover an unparalleled collection of country music artefacts, from Elvis Presley's gold Cadillac to Taylor Swift's tour outfits. Interactive exhibits and rotating displays chronicle the genre's evolution across generations.
• Frist Art Museum: Housed in Nashville's stunning Art Deco post office building, this non-collecting museum presents ever-changing exhibitions from the world's finest collections. The centre's hands-on art-making studio and architectural magnificence make it a cultural highlight for any art enthusiast.
• The Parthenon: Did you know Nashville has its own full-scale replica of ancient Greece's most famous temple? Standing proudly in Centennial Park, this architectural marvel houses a 13m-tall statue of Athena, just as the original did, alongside an excellent art collection.
• Johnny Cash Museum: Delve into the life of the Man in Black through this intimate collection of personal items, stage costumes and rare recordings. The museum's chronological journey through Cash's career reveals lesser-known stories about one of music's most influential figures.

Nashville's culinary scene offers a true taste of the Deep South, where comfort food traditions meet modern innovation. Check out our pick of must-try dishes:

• Hot chicken: This fiery Nashville creation starts with buttermilk-marinated chicken that's breaded, fried and slathered in an intensely hot paste of cayenne pepper and spices. Traditionally served atop white bread with pickles, the heat levels range from mild to extremely hot!
• Meat-and-three: This lunchtime tradition encourages you to select 1 meat – like country-fried steak or roast beef – and 3 sides from a daily-rotating menu. Take your pick from green veggies, creamy mash or rich mac and cheese. These hearty plates represent the best of Southern home cooking, served in casual diners.
• Nashville BBQ: Unlike Memphis or Kansas City styles, Nashville's BBQ features a distinctive tangy sauce that combines tomato, vinegar and plenty of black pepper. Local pitmasters often smoke their meats for up to 18 hours, creating tender, flavourful dishes that showcase Tennessee's BBQ heritage.
• Biscuits and gravy: This quintessential Nashville breakfast features light, flaky buttermilk biscuits (similar to scones) smothered in thick, peppery sausage gravy. Local diners often add a kick by incorporating hot chicken drippings into their gravy recipe. The best versions feature house-made biscuits that melt in your mouth.
• Goo Goo Cluster: Created in Nashville in 1912, this unique sweet combines marshmallow nougat, caramel and roasted peanuts coated in milk chocolate. It was the first ever combination confectionary in the USA and remains a beloved local treat. Today, you can get seasonal and premium variations.

At night, the streets of Nashville come alive under a canopy of dazzling neon lights, beckoning visitors into lively honky-tonks and electric live music venues.

• Live music: Intimate listening rooms scattered throughout the city showcase singer-songwriters performing original material in hushed, attentive environments. The Station Inn presents authentic bluegrass 7 nights a week, while The 5 Spot in East Nashville draws music lovers with its swing dancing and eclectic lineup.
• Bars: Traditional honky-tonks line Lower Broadway, where house bands play classic country music from mid-morning until the early hours. These multi-level establishments maintain their historic charm while serving cold beers and simple Southern fare to a mix of locals and tourists.
• Shows: The Grand Ole Opry presents popular country acts several nights a week in its purpose-built venue. This live radio show tradition dates back to 1925, combining established performers with emerging talents in a family-friendly format that celebrates country music's evolution.
• Dinner cruises: The General Jackson Showboat offers exciting dinner cruises along the Cumberland River. The 2-hour voyages feature talented entertainers performing country classics and Broadway hits. The outdoor decks provide excellent views of Nashville's skyline and riverfront landmarks.
• Jazz clubs: While Nashville is best known for its country music, there's also a vibrant jazz scene. Rudy's Jazz Room channels the spirit of New Orleans with nightly performances and Creole-inspired cuisine. The intimate basement location, complete with a vintage Steinway piano, sets the scene for experiencing world-class jazz.