What’s the best time to visit Nashville? (Best Things + Restaurants + Hotels)

Nashville might just be the perfect vacation destination; it has something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for an exciting metropolis or a quaint small town vibe, this Southern city has a little bit of everything.

With its lively music scene, tons of live shows and events, vast green spaces and parks, trendy restaurants and shops, interesting museums, plus plenty of attractions like the Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium or Country Music Hall of Fame.

There’s always something to see or do when visiting Nashville. So if you’re wondering what time is best to visit this vibrant Tennessee city – read on.

The best time to visit Nashville:

Nashville, also known as “Music City,” is a popular destination all year round. However, according to local travel experts, the best time to visit Nashville for good weather is during the spring and fall seasons. This is when the temperature is mild, and the crowds are more manageable.

The months of April, May, September, and October are considered the best times to plan your visit to Nashville. During these months, you can enjoy warm days and cool nights perfect for strolling through the city’s iconic attractions such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Ryman Auditorium.

Now that you know the best time to visit Nashville, start planning your trip to this vibrant city today. Book your tickets and make the most out of your vacation.

Best things to do in Nashville: Top things

A visit to Nashville presents an opportunity to experience the old-school traditional southern charm of a city renowned globally for its country music.

With such an array of options, planning a trip to Nashville can be overwhelming, but worry not, take an in-depth look at some of the best things to do in Nashville.

➡ Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame:

A trip to Nashville is not complete without exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame. Founded in 1961, the museum has one of the world’s most extensive music collections in the world and boasts of an impressive collection of over two million artifacts.

➡ Tour the Historic Ryman Auditorium:

The Ryman Auditorium, often referred to as the “Mother Church” of country music, is a national historic landmark known for presenting the best acoustic shows. It is the original home of the Grand Ole Opry and has featured music legends such as Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, and Johnny Cash.

➡ Discover the Belle Meade Plantation:

A visit to the Belle Meade plantation will take you back in time to when Nashville was transforming from a frontier town to a city. The plantation is a historic landmark and offers guests a chance to learn more about the story of the Harding and Jackson families, who owned the land for over 100 years.

➡ Experience live music on Broadway:

No trip to Nashville is complete without experiencing the vibrant music culture in the city. The Broadway strip is teeming with bars and honky-tonks that offer live music performances every night. You can enjoy a cold beer while listening to some of the best country music bands in Nashville.

➡ Explore the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens:

Situated on fifty-five acres of lush greenery, the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature while surrounded by stunning art pieces. The estate comprises an art museum, botanical gardens, and a historical landmark mansion.

➡ Visit the Parthenon in Centennial Park:

Nicknamed the “Athens of the South,” Nashville’s full-scale replica of the Ancient Greek Parthenon is a sight to behold. Located in Centennial Park, this structure can only be described as imposing, with its architectural grandeur and impressive artwork.

➡ Take a walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge:

The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is an iconic landmark that spans across the Cumberland River. The bridge provides breathtaking views of downtown Nashville’s skyline and the river in the east.

➡ The Johnny Cash Museum:

You can’t talk about country music without mentioning Johnny Cash. The Johnny Cash Museum is a must-visit place in Nashville. The exhibits span the life of Cash and showcase rare artifacts, such as handwritten letters and some of his costumes from legendary performances.

➡ Sip on Tennessee Whiskey at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery:

Located in the famous, Lynchberg, Tennessee, a trip to Jack Daniel’s Distillery will allow you to tour the distillery and see how Jack Daniel’s whiskey is made, and even have a taste of the famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery whiskey.

➡ Visit the Andrew Jackson Hermitage:

History lovers should visit the Andrew Jackson Hermitage. Located just outside Nashville, this historical landmark is the former home of the seventh U.S. President.

The best hotels in Nashville

here are plenty of great hotels in Nashville that can provide you with a wonderful experience, no matter what your travel style might be.

From downtown lodgings to out-of-town retreats, we’ve compiled this list of the best hotels in Nashville, along with some detailed information about what you can expect from each one of them.

Keep reading to start planning your perfect Nashville getaway today.

🏨 The Hermitage Hotel:

This historic, 5-star hotel is located downtown and offers guests a luxurious experience with high-end amenities like a full-service spa, a fitness center, and multiple on-site dining options. The hotel’s grand lobby and stunning architecture are worth admiring in their own right and the rooms are just as impressive. However, be prepared to pay for this level of luxury, as room rates at The Hermitage Hotel can be quite expensive.

🏨 The Union Station Hotel:

Another downtown option, the Union Station Hotel is a 4-star property that’s housed in Nashville’s old train station. As a result, the hotel’s decor has nods to its history, with towering columns and grand staircases throughout the property. You can choose from one of the 125 guest rooms or 12 suites, and if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, make sure to check out the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Carter’s.

🏨 The Thompson Nashville:

If you want to be right in the heart of the action, the Thompson Nashville is a great choice. This 4-star hotel is just steps away from popular attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Johnny Cash Museum. The rooms are stylishly decorated with local artwork and amenities include a fitness center, rooftop bar, and on-site coffee shop.

🏨 The Hutton Hotel:

This boutique hotel is located in Nashville’s West End neighborhood and offers a more low-key experience than some of the larger properties downtown. However, don’t let the smaller size fool you – the Hutton Hotel still has plenty to offer, including a full-service spa, multiple dining options, and a rooftop bar with great views of the city.

🏨 The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center:

If you’re looking to stay a bit outside of the city, the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is a great choice. This massive property has a 4.5-acre indoor garden and multiple onsite dining options, along with a fitness center, spa, and even its own waterpark. Keep in mind that this hotel is a bit further from the downtown action, so you’ll need to plan accordingly if you want to explore the city.

🏨 The Noelle:

This downtown boutique hotel features 224 guest rooms, along with a rooftop bar, coffee shop, and multiple dining options. The decor is stylish and modern and the vibe is definitely hip and trendy. However, keep in mind that the Noelle is one of the more expensive properties on this list, so it may not fit every budget.

🏨 The Omni Nashville Hotel:

If you’re looking for a hotel with proximity to the city’s convention center, the Omni Nashville Hotel is a great choice. This property has over 800 guest rooms and suites, along with multiple dining options and a rooftop pool. It’s also just a short walk from attractions like the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

🏨 The Westin Nashville:

Located in downtown’s SoBro neighborhood, the Westin Nashville is a 4-star hotel with sleek design and plenty of amenities. Along with a fitness center, a spa, and multiple dining options, the Westin also has an on-site recording studio where you can lay down your own tracks. For music lovers, this hotel is a must-stay.

🏨 The DoubleTree by Hilton Nashville Downtown:

If you want to be right in the heart of the action without breaking the bank, the DoubleTree by Hilton Nashville Downtown is a great choice. This affordable property has comfortable guest rooms and on-site amenities like a fitness center and a full-service restaurant. Plus, it’s just a short walk from popular attractions like Bridgestone Arena and the Tennessee State Capitol.

🏨 The Urban Cowboy:

For a truly unique Nashville experience, consider staying at the Urban Cowboy. This boutique property features just eight guest rooms, all with unique decor and plenty of character. You’ll feel like you’re staying in a friend’s stylish home, with amenities like a communal living room, outdoor patio, and even an on-site bar.

The best restaurants in Nashville

From fine dining establishments to trendy eateries, these restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you with a memorable dining experience. Take down the list and add some of these to your itinerary:

♨️ Rolf and Daughters –

Located in Germantown, Rolf and Daughters is a must-visit restaurant for foodies. The menu is crafted using locally sourced ingredients, and there are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Try the ricotta gnocchi or the semolina rigatoni for a delicious pasta dish.

♨️ Husk –

Husk is a contemporary take on Southern cuisine, and the restaurant has made a name for itself for using fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers. Don’t miss the Tennessee chicken with hot sauce or the smoked pork chop for a hearty meal.

♨️ The Catbird Seat –

If you’re in the mood for a luxurious fine dining experience, The Catbird Seat is the place to be. The restaurant is located within a former music venue and offers an interactive dining experience where guests can see the chefs in action. The menu is ever-changing, but the dishes are always creative and delicious.

♨️ Butchertown Hall –

For some delicious barbecue and other meaty treats, head over to Butchertown Hall in Germantown. The restaurant offers a variety of wood-fired meats including brisket, pork shoulder, and ribs. The smoked sweet potatoes and honey butter cornbread are excellent sides to pair with your meal.

♨️ City House –

A neighborhood favorite, City House offers a menu inspired by Southern and Italian cuisine. The pizza is particularly noteworthy, and there are plenty of vegetarian options to choose from. The cocktails are also top-notch, and the mixologists take pride in their inventive and delicious drinks.

♨️ Thai Esane –

If you’re looking for some authentic Thai cuisine, Thai Esane is a great option. The restaurant has a sleek and modern interior and offers an extensive menu of traditional dishes including pad thai, tom kha gai, and drunken noodles.

♨️ Henrietta Red –

Henrietta Red is a charming oyster bar and restaurant located in Germantown. The menu focuses on seafood, but there are also plenty of vegetarian options. The raw bar is a must-try, and the lobster roll and tinned fish plates are also excellent choices.

♨️ Folk –

Folk is a trendy, farm-to-table restaurant that offers a creative menu of modern American dishes. The space is cozy and intimate, and the dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients. The roasted chicken and crispy potatoes and the butternut squash dumplings are particularly popular.

♨️ The Old School –

The Old School is located within a once-vacant elementary school and offers a unique dining experience. The menu includes delicious sandwiches, entrées, and appetizers, and they offer a Sunday brunch that’s not to be missed.

♨️ Lou Nashville –

Lou Nashville is a Caribbean-inspired restaurant that is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food. The menu includes jerk chicken, plantains, curried goat, and other Caribbean favorites. They also offer an incredible rum selection, and the cocktails are always refreshing.

Final Words:

Visiting Nashville during the months of April, May, September, and October is sure to be an enjoyable experience that won’t soon be forgotten.

From the live music scene to the incredible southern hospitality and native home cooking, there will always be something new to experience.

With its rich history and vibrant culture, there are endless opportunities for entertainment and exploration no matter the time of year.

No one can guarantee a perfect visit on any given day in Nashville but those who visit during these peak months stand the highest chance of making lasting memories and having an all-around great time.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags! It’s time to head off on an unforgettable adventure in Nashville.