Heading to Nashville? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip:
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 1–2 days
- Best for: Music junkies, foodies, cultural roamers
- Why visit: Music, murals, and mouthwatering eats—easy fun for solos!
NASHVILLE AT A GLANCE
- Population: Around 690,000, spread across a lively, mid-sized city
- History: Named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Nash; a hotbed for three music genres: country, gospel, and Christian pop
- Famous for: Honky-tonks, the Parthenon replica, and live music on every corner
- Nicknames: Music City, Athens of the South, The Protestant Vatican
- Solo vibe/safety: Very solo-friendly; main areas are safe but watch your stuff, especially downtown
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- 🗣 Language: English
- 🌦 Best time to visit: August–October (pleasant temps, less humidity)
- ✈️ From airport:
- Cheapest: Public bus to downtown ($2, direct)
- Other: Taxi ($25), Uber/Lyft are also easy and reliable
- 🧳 Safety: Stick to tourist zones; watch out for the usual petty theft and scams
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: Americana Music Festival (September); CMA Fest (June) is insane fun but crowded
- 🎦 What to watch on the plane: Walk the Line (for musical spirit)
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ Top hostel/hotel: Bode Nashville – Social vibe, fab outdoor spaces, walk to SoBro
- 🏘️ Best neighborhood: Midtown/The Gulch – Buzzing, safe, walk to music venues/food, great for meeting others
- 🧭 Alt neighborhood: East Nashville – Hipster cool, artsy, food trucks, murals, less touristy
- 💸 Budget option: Downtown hostels or airport motels – Sleep cheap and stay near action or transit
- Tip: Book early for weekends—bachelor/bachelorette groups fill up rooms!
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Central zones are strollable, but bring comfy shoes!
- 🚌 Buses: $1.60 per ride, $4.80 day pass (cash only); run by MTA; covers most of the city
- 🚋 No metro/tram: Buses only
- 🚖 Taxis: Music City Cab (call 615-865-4100) or use Uber/Lyft apps
- 🚲 Bikes: Rent via Nashville B-cycle; riverfront and east side are fun, traffic downtown can be hectic
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ Ryman Auditorium: Legendary country music venue; soak up the history without needing a group
- 🌿 Centennial Park: Home to the Parthenon replica; chill for a solo stroll or sunbathing
- 🧠 Country Music Hall of Fame: Massive collection—get lost among artifacts (perfect museum for audioguide users)
- 🧭 East Nashville mural walk: Murals, quirky boutiques, and “I Dream of Weenie” food truck—solo explorer heaven
- 🎨 Barista Parlor: Grab a single-origin coffee and people-watch or journal
- 🔀 Wildcard: General Jackson Showboat cruise – River views and retro fun, super low-key for solo folks
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Broadway late at night: Crowds get rowdy; safer and more fun (and tuneful) by day or early evening
- ❌ The Hermitage: Only visit if you’re a huge history nerd—a long trek out and underwhelming for most
- ❌ Downtown tourist traps: Skip overpriced souvenir shops and stick to indie boutiques for real Nashville flair
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – Counter service, communal tables, THE best local dish
- 🥃 Quiet pub/bar with character: Bar Sovereign – Artsy, inventive cocktails; comfortable for solo sips
- 🍽️ Try these local foods: Hot chicken (see above), and breakfast sandwiches at Sweet 16th
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Food trucks in East Nashville—good, quick, $5–10 meals
- 🥦 Veg/vegan options: Graze Nashville and Radical Rabbit – Both creative, local veg options
- 🍸 Cocktails or nightcap: L.A. Jackson for rooftop sunset drinks, or Ruby Room for vibey speakeasy feels
BEST OF NASHVILLE IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Walk the riverfront for golden hour and city views
- Morning: Parthenon in Centennial Park, grab coffee at Barista Parlor nearby
- Lunch: Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, eat outside if weather’s good
- Afternoon: Stroll the murals of East Nashville, pop into boutiques/art shops
- Evening: Ryman Auditorium tour or evening show (if available)
- Dinner: Urban Grub or Rolf and Daughters for inventive Southern eats
- Night: Cocktails on the L.A. Jackson rooftop or chill at Bar Sovereign
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival/seasonal tip: Weekends mean major bachelor/bachelorette parties downtown; visit on a weekday for a calmer vibe
- 📍 Hidden gem: Printer’s Alley – Neon, tucked-away bars, gingery jazz history, fun for solo wanderers
- 📷 Photo spots: East Nashville murals, Parthenon, and the riverfront skyline at sunset
- 🧠 Etiquette tip: Don’t cut line at honky-tonks—locals are serious about fair queueing
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Main tourist districts are safe, but always watch your bag in crowds
- 👀 One last thing: Book a live show—even solo, you’ll never feel alone in Music City!