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What comes to mind when you think of Nashville, Tennessee? Downtown Broadway, maybe. Country music, definitely. You wouldn’t be wrong to say these things, but they are just a portion of the city’s creative heart and soul. A variety of cultural attractions, quaint neighbourhoods, and exciting experiences make Nashville the kind of destination that can please almost any kind of traveller – no matter your interests. And then there’s the fact that it’s a year-round hub of character, with major events taking place during all four seasons. Epicureans would do well to take special note of Dine Nashville in February, for example, while music enthusiasts should think about scheduling trips around spring for Tin Pan South, and summer for CMA Fest.

Getting there is also easier than one might assume for the south of the US. Direct flights run regularly from a variety of locations including London, Dublin and Reykjavik, so going from arrivals hall to hotel is as simple as hopping into a car for a 7-mile drive.

Read on for our guide on all things music, food, art and fashion across this Southern hotspot.

The best shopping in Nashville

Whether you’re in the mood for a wardrobe upgrade or on the market for a special souvenir, Nashville’s shopping scene does not disappoint. Elevated and contemporary clothing can be sourced at Emerson Grace, handmade jewellery at Judith Bright, and local crafts at the Nashville Farmers’ Market in Germantown. Then there’s the Music City Shop, a one-stop shop for Nashville-themed memorabilia – because, why not?

Fifth + Broadway in downtown Nashville is also a must-visit, and if you’re lucky enough to get a room at the Four Seasons you’ll be a mere minutes away from the sought-after centre. Alongside local boutiques like Molly Green and global retailers like Sephora, you’ll also find a chic rooftop that doubles up as an entertainment venue and a food hall with 30 delicious vendors. Finally, make your way over to Green Hills, where you’ll find the largest luxury shopping mall in the city.

The best places for music in Nashville

Sure, Nashville is the Country Music Capital of the World, but don’t think that means there’s a shortage of genre diversity. A stroll down the Music City Walk of Fame on Demonbreun Street will quickly dispel any misconception. Honouring artists and music-industry professionals who have created, recorded, performed, and helped shaped Nashville’s music scene, its stars span genres and generations – Dolly Parton, Jack White, Keith Urban and Little Richard are among the names you’ll find.

Then there’s the question of live music. Both the Bluebird Cafe in Green Hills (an unassuming listening room that’s hosted everyone from Taylor Swift to LeAnn Rimes) and the Grand Ole Opry theatre (considered the biggest stage in country music) are must-visits on any trip. Should you want something that pulls double duty, grab a burger at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, which features live music performances daily. Or make your way down Honky Tonk Highway where over two dozen music venues await.

Stay close to all the action at the Grand Hyatt Nashville on Broadway and walk to major attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Bridgestone Arena in a matter of moments. Nashville’s 2026 concert schedule is also a handy guide to entertainment when you’re in the city.

The arts in Nashville

Creativity thrives in Nashville, so it should come as no surprise that the city has plenty of visual and performing arts offerings. Explore public sculptures and statues (like The Recording Angel, outside Schermerhorn Symphony Center, or Ghost Ballet, between Nissan Stadium and the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge) and pay a visit to the Frist Art Museum, which changed the cultural landscape of the city just 25 years ago. The city even offers art crawls in Downtown Nashville and Wedgewood-Houston, so you can get your fill of local artists and smaller galleries.

Take a load off at Audrey, a Michelin-recommended restaurant in East Nashville that serves up elevated southern comfort (like cornmeal fried okra and hickory grilled catfish) in an equally warming, art-filled setting.

If you’re truly focused on the arts, consider staying at Soho House Nashville. In addition to cosy accommodations, the hotel has an impressive art collection featuring works from 41 artists who were born, based, or trained in Tennessee.

The best food in Nashville

No trip to Nashville would be complete without hot chicken, a famed fried chicken dish served on white bread with a pickle. Make a beeline for Prince’s or Hattie B’s to try the speciality, and then prepare to explore the rest of city’s bustling food scene comprising everything from fine dining to farm-to-table locales.

At the Hermitage Hotel, you can dine at Drusie & Darr and the Pink Hermit Café. Or you can venture to Acme Feed & Seed to try a bit of everything. The 25,000-square-foot space features drinks, shopping, live music, and a mix of fast-casual food like chicken wings, street corn and pork tacos. On the other side of the coin there’s Present Tense, a newer restaurant from Michelin-starred veterans Rick Margaritov and Ryan Costanza that specialises in omakase dining. (Though can you ever knock a classic? We’re looking at you, Rolf & Daughters.)

Early risers can beat the crowds by stopping by either of Pancake Pantry’s often-packed locations a little earlier in the day before further indulging their sweet tooth at the The Cupcake Collection. While night owls should make the most of Music City’s many hidden speakeasies, including The Patterson House (which boasts a cocktail menu of over 100 options that rotate by the season), Dirty Little Secret (an experiential nightclub located inside Dream Nashville), and Close Company (a lively yet intimate gem lauded for its neighbourhood feel).