Things to do in Nashville

If you’re a country music fan, a trip (or return trip) to Nashville is probably already on your wish list.

Nashville is known as Music City for a reason. Its iconic venues run the gamut from honky-tonks to cavernous concert halls. But live music isn’t the only thing the city has going for it: Mouthwatering cuisine and well-situated hotels will elevate your stay. 

Abby Reuther, owner and founder of The Nashville Guide, shares an insider’s perspective on can’t-miss experiences in Tennessee’s capital, helping visitors discover the best local restaurants, shops and events. 

What you’ll learn:

• Memorable things to do in Nashville include exploring legendary stages like the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry alongside hidden music venues and record shops.

• Food lovers can sample iconic chicken at Hattie B’s, classic comfort-food dishes at Big Al’s Deli, and inventive plates at Noko or Locust.

• Boutique stays in Nashville include Noelle, the art-filled Bobby Hotel Nashville or Kimpton Aertson Hotel in Midtown.

• Eligible cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they use Capital One Travel to book their trip.    

There are many ways to experience Music City. The attractions in Nashville range from legendary honky-tonks and record shops to the hallowed concert halls that shaped the sound of American music.

First-time visitors to Nashville may not want to miss a visit to Lower Broadway (or Lower Broad, as it’s known). “I recommend hitting it up on day one,” Reuther says. “Visitors will likely walk away with some epic stories that they can talk and laugh about for the rest of the trip.” Some of Reuther’s favorite honky-tonks are Robert’s Western World, known for classic country music and fried bologna sandwiches; Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, where you might spot a celebrity; and The Stage, with its lively atmosphere, dance floor and rooftop bar. 

Nashville’s music scene, though rooted in country, is remarkably broad. “There is truly nothing like the music scene in Nashville,” Reuther says. “The talent is unmatched, vibrant and diverse. Everywhere you turn there’s someone playing music.” For a taste of that range, Reuther recommends stopping by Rudy’s Jazz Room for world-class jazz in a cozy, New Orleans-style setting; Station Inn for bluegrass legends; or The Basement, a beloved spot for alternative and indie rock. 

Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” Ryman Auditorium is more than a concert hall. It’s truly hallowed ground. Built over 130 years ago, the Ryman has hosted everyone from Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline to Foo Fighters, Lizzo and Harry Styles. The venue’s near-perfect acoustics make every performance unforgettable, drawing artists and fans across all genres. Today, you can catch live shows that span rock, gospel, comedy and Americana or join a daytime tour to learn about the Ryman’s storied past.

Ryman: 116 Fifth Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37219; 800-733-6779

The Grand Ole Opry is known as the show that made country music famous. For nearly a century, it’s been the heart of music history in the city. Each live show features an ever-changing lineup of eight or more artists, from chart-topping stars to rising newcomers, all standing on the same stage where icons like Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks have performed. Guests can also take a backstage tour, stepping behind the curtain to explore dressing rooms, hear insider stories and check out the iconic circle of wood.

Grand Ole Opry: 600 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN 37214; 615-871-6779

Enthusiastic music lovers should also stop by some of Nashville’s record shops to dig through stacks of vinyl, Reuther says. Grimey’s offers used, collectible and new records, along with books, CDs and cassette tapes. Or you can check out Vinyl Tap, where record hunters can sip craft beer as they search for their next new or used LP. 

Grimey’s: 1060 E. Trinity Lane, Nashville, TN 37216; 615-226-3811

Vinyl Tap: 2038 Greenwood Ave., Nashville, TN 37206; 615-454-3995

For an even deeper dive into Nashville’s music scene, Reuther suggests attending a writers’ round, where songwriters take turns singing songs they’ve written. Reuther recommends Backstage Nashville, where some of the country’s top rising stars come together every Saturday to play their songs and share the stories behind them. “You might get lucky and hear a song before it becomes the next big hit,” Reuther says.

Backstage Nashville: 818 3rd Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37210; 615-640-0896

Tennessee’s largest city may be famous for its rhinestone-studded honky-tonk culture, but its culinary scene is also world-class. Whiskey and bourbon distilleries, hot chicken and traditional “meat and three” (one meat and three sides) are staples to add to your travel list, Reuther says. For anyone planning where to eat in Nashville, its mix of Southern staples and global flavors captures the essence of what makes the city deliciously original.

“You can’t come to Nashville and not try some hot chicken,” Reuther says. She favors Hattie B’s, a family-owned chain that prides itself on Southern hospitality. The heat levels—from mild to extreme—cater to every tolerance. You can wash it down with a root beer or Coke float. 

For the city’s best meat-and-three, check out Big Al’s Deli, which serves up Southern comfort food at its finest. Food aside, Reuther loves how welcome the owner makes guests feel. “Big Al greets each of his customers with a friendly hello,” she says. 

Big Al’s Deli: 1828 Fourth Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37208; 615-242-8118

For a more elevated experience with smaller parties, you could check out Locust. The restaurant only has eight tables, and reservations are required. Reuther suggests booking ahead of your trip and bringing both an appetite and your curiosity. There’s no set menu. 

Locust: 2305 12th Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37204

In the heart of East Nashville, Reuther recommends Noko, which offers Asian-inspired “comfort food with an elevated twist,” she says. Case in point: the wagyu brisket, served with pickles and Noko BBQ sauce. The seasonally inspired beverage menu has a range of mouthwatering options, from zero-proof cocktails with toasted garnishes to a wagyu fat-washed old-fashioned made with Japanese whisky.  

Noko: 701 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206; 615-712-6894

A city fueled by creativity deserves hotels with plenty of personality, and Nashville delivers. From sleek urban retreats to art-filled boutique stays, every property here feels connected to the city’s rhythm.

When you’re planning your perfect trip to Nashville, consider choosing one of the handpicked premium hotels, resorts or vacation rentals of the Premier Collection or Lifestyle Collection featured below. Booking through Capital One Travel gives eligible cardholders premium benefits with every visit, including an experience credit to use toward activities unique to each stay; room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout when available; and complimentary Wi-Fi. Plus, you’ll earn elevated rewards.

If a relaxing, spa-like stay piques your interest, 1 Hotel Nashville is an elegant place to hang your hat. After a long day of checking out the sights, guests can enjoy the holistic wellness spa, personalized workouts and rain showers to feel refreshed and energized for another day of sightseeing. 

1 Hotel Nashville: 710 Demonbreun St., Nashville, TN 37203; 615-510-0400. Book through Capital One Travel.

With the city’s spread-out landscape, it’s important to consider what attractions you want to be near when booking a place to stay, especially if you want to avoid Nashville’s traffic. Boutique hotel Noelle is an excellent location for those who want to stay downtown and within walking distance of Lower Broad, the historic district that offers live music, neon lights and hustle and bustle. With its restaurant, coffee shop and rooftop bar, you might even find yourself tempted to stay at the hotel all day. “Hidden Bar, the speakeasy on the lower level, is a must, even if you aren’t staying at the hotel,” Reuther says. She loves that it’s hidden behind the door of a storage closet.

Noelle: 200 Fourth Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37219; 615-619-8496. Book through Capital One Travel.

In the heart of Midtown, Kimpton Aertson Hotel is close to Music Row as well as plenty of bars, shops and authentic Nashville restaurants. The hotel’s aesthetic mixes industrial design with Southern warmth—think concrete floors, custom art installations and skyline views that stretch over Vanderbilt University. Guests can relax by the rooftop pool, book a treatment at the Woodhouse Spa or enjoy dinner and cocktails at Henley, the hotel’s lively restaurant that’s known for its modern Southern fare and craft cocktails.

Kimpton Aertson: 2021 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203; 615-340-6376. Book through Capital One Travel.

Located in the Arts District near Printer’s Alley, this boutique hotel combines stylish design with a playful spirit. For example, it has a retrofitted 1956 Scenicruiser bus on the rooftop and rotating public art exhibits throughout the building. Guests can dine at Ink & Ivory for locally inspired dishes, grab coffee at the B-side Café or sip cocktails while taking in skyline views at Elevate, the rooftop lounge.

Bobby: 230 Fourth Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37219; 615-782-7100. Book through Capital One Travel.

Nashville’s blend of music, food and community makes every visit feel personal. It’s a place where honky-tonks spill out onto the sidewalks, hidden bars buzz with late-night stories, and Southern hospitality runs deep. 

If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, you might want to consider taking a travel rewards credit card:

• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights, vacation rentals and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture card. 

• Earn 2X miles on all other purchases, at home or away, with the Venture X and Venture cards.

From booking to destination, you can elevate every part of your trip with Capital One:

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit. Venture X and Venture cardholders can receive up to a $120 credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® when they pay for the application fee with their card. 

• Flexible options for redeeming rewards. Redeem rewards for flights, hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities booked through Capital One Travel.  

• Travel protections. Cardholders may have access to travel insurance through their credit card. Benefits may include trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage insurance. You can review your guide to benefits for more information on which benefits come with your credit card.

• Security features. You’ll also have access to security features like fraud alerts, card lock, $0 liability for unauthorized charges and virtual card numbers.