A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Published on May 29, 2025
We’ve got the inside scoop on the best time to visit Nashville, what you should do when you visit and why it just might be your new favorite spot
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Music City. The Country Music Capital of the World. Of course, I’m talking about Nashville, and with nicknames like those, it’s no wonder that this Tennessee hot spot had a whopping 17.1 million visitors in 2024 and is expecting another 17.5 million in 2025. A city buzzing with life, joy and creativity, it was once home to some of the country’s most iconic stars (including Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift). So, as a frequent traveler, I just had to experience Nashville for myself—and it truly gave me something to sing about! If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Nashville and what you should do once you’re there, you’re in the right place.
This is your ultimate guide to all things Music City, from the best places to eat to the best places stay to the best things to do. In addition to my own experiences here, I got the inside scoop from Nashville local Heather Middleton, the chief marketing officer of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NVC), on the city’s top spots and must-do activities, whether you’re a music lover or a history buff.
Not sure if Nashville matches your travel aesthetic? Don’t cross it off your weekend-getaway list just yet. Nashville is for everyone, and there’s so much more to the city than just honky-tonks and country music—which we can’t wait to share with you below. Read on for all the details, including the perfect time to book your trip.
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“Nashville is a year-round destination,” says Middleton, but spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are some of the best times to visit. Don’t worry, though—you won’t be overrun by crowds, especially if you book your trip during the week instead of just on weekends.
I visited Nashville in September 2024 for a week, and the popular tourist spots weren’t as packed as I expected. Yes, there were plenty of tourists, donning their cowboy boots and hats, especially on Broadway (one of the most popular areas in Nashville), but it didn’t feel overwhelming. And the fall weather was pleasant and perfect for exploring the city.
If you’re looking for fewer crowds, the winter months—from late November through February—are a good option. However, the weather will be colder and less ideal for walking around.
Middleton believes there’s “never a bad time to visit Nashville.” And we can’t help but agree! However, certain times might be less appealing for travelers based on their interests. For instance, booking a trip from June to August in peak summer might be too hot or humid to visit, especially if you plan to walk to different locations. Or if you’re not a fan of the cold (or snow), December to February might be considered less than optimal for experiencing Nashville to the fullest.
Overall, the best time and the worst time to visit Nashville both depend on personal preference—as well as the events you want to attend.
Nashville is home to some of the most delectable eateries in the U.S! “Nashville’s culinary scene is more robust than ever,” says Middleton. “The city is home to award-winning chefs and restaurants that put Nashville’s diverse food scene on the map.” Here are some of my personal favorites, along with Middleton’s recommendations:
There are loads of things to do in Nashville—and they’re not all just about music! According to Middleton, “visitors come for music of all genres but stay longer to explore our restaurants, attractions and more.”
OK, we have to start with music because it is a main draw. Nashville has more than 180 music venues, and Middleton says music lovers should definitely EXIT/IN, Cannery Hall, Basement East, Rudy’s Jazz Room, The 5 Spot and The Station Inn, to name a few. There’s also the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, considered one of the world’s finest acoustical venues.
I recommend just walking along Broadway, also known as “Honky Tonk Highway.” It’s buzzing with music all throughout the week, even at night; there were bands playing in every music venue I walked past. And here’s something that might surprise you—I spotted actor Jeremy Allen White at one of the honky-tonks I visited. (For those of you who don’t know, he’s the Emmy Award–winning actor known for his role on The Bear.)
You also can’t go to Nashville without visiting the world-famous Grand Ole Opry. It’s a weekly country music show that features a mix of country music legends, rising stars and more. Performing at the Grand Ole Opry is almost like rite to passage in the world of country music, and numerous musical legends have graced the stage over the years, from Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift to Hank Williams, Elvis Presley and Patsy Cline.
“Nashville is home to several sites and museums that have played a vital role in American history,” says Middleton. Here are a few Nashville museums you should visit:
The holidays are a great time in Nashville. “Visitors can experience holiday lights displays, themed pop-ups at our hotels, restaurants and bars, live music events and sports action,” says Middleton. A fun Christmas event is Christmas at Gaylord Opryland’s ICE, where you’ll find ice skating, tubing, musical dinner shows and more. “The 9-acre property will have over 3 million lights and 2 million pounds of expertly carved ice on display,” Middleton notes.
There’s also the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens’ Holiday LIGHTS, a Nashville holiday classic that illuminates the mile-long path through the gardens with more than 1 million lights, and the Nashville Zoo’s Zoolumination, the largest Chinese lantern festival in the country.
There are plenty of Nashville neighborhoods that capture the city’s diverse and upbeat nature—each with its own unique personality and charm. Middleton recommends visiting East Nashville, located across the Cumberland River. It’s a trendy area full of Nashville’s creative class. “A lot of the city’s growth can be attributed to the creativity of the people,” says Middleton. “More songwriters live in Nashville than anywhere else in the world, and we’ve seen how other creatives, like chefs, artists and designers, have come to the city to be around those other creatives to start businesses, brands and restaurants that truly keep the creative spirit and charm of the city alive.”
Then there’s The Gulch, located just south of downtown, which is full of energy year-round for visitors. “The exceedingly walkable community has boutique hotels, high-rise condos, Instagrammable murals, shops, live music venues and diverse restaurants,” Middleton says.
Take a stroll through 12 South, described by Middleton as being “a walkable, half-mile stretch along 12th Avenue South that features unique Nashville businesses and gourmet restaurants.” Then head south of downtown Nashville to Wedgewood-Houston, “a creative hub on the cultural rise with artists and entrepreneurs opening art galleries, studios and workshops, restaurants, distilleries and breweries in the area.”
North of downtown, you’ll find Germantown, a historic community on the National Register of Historic Places. This area is home to the Tennessee State Museum and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, plus local boutiques and many of Nashville’s most critically acclaimed restaurants, “making it a culinary destination in its own right,” Middleton says.
The NCVC hosts two of the city’s largest celebrations. The first is Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4, a free, family-friendly 4th of July event featuring live performances from artists of all genres. “It’s also one of the country’s largest firework shows synchronized to live music from the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony,” says Middleton. “This past year, we added drone light elements to our fireworks show, which was a really special experience.”
Then there’s Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash. Visitors can ring in the New Year in Music City with five hours of live music, fireworks and the signature Music Note Drop, a Nashville tradition during which the city drops a giant, illuminated music note from a tower at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. This makes January one of the best times to visit Nashville for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Other unique festivals include the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival (an annual celebration of songwriters), CMA Music Fest (a four-day country-music festival) and Americana Music Fest (honoring the Americana music community).
Finding the best time to visit Nashville is only one part of the planning process when brainstorming your Nashville trip. Finding the right hotel is another step! Here are three of my hotel recommendations:
Stay at the Germantown Inn for a bespoke inn experience. I had the pleasure of exploring their rooms and courtyard, and the entire space is the epitome of Southern charm. History lovers will love staying here, as each of the rooms are inspired by former United States presidents, while the Carriage House rooms are named after influential women throughout history, including Rosa Parks and Susan B. Anthony.
I stayed at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel for my weeklong Nashville trip, and it was the ideal stay to experience Nashville’s popular attractions—all in walking distance! The stylish haven was modern, full of Southern charm and incredibly cozy. It’s located in the heart of downtown Nashville (attached to Fifth and Broadway), making it only steps away from attractions like the Bridgestone Arena and Ryman Auditorium. One of my favorite aspects of the hotel was its 24/7 grab-and-go restaurant Five Chords Mercantile. When I needed a quick meal, like a sandwich, bagel or oatmeal, I stopped there. You’ll also want to check out the Bridge Bar in the glass atrium on the third floor, as well as Little Fib, where you’ll find retro American cuisine.
The Loews Vanderbilt Hotel is within walking distance of the Renaissance Nashville Hotel, so popular attractions are also easily accessible here. The hotel is described as having the perfect ambience for business travelers. Inside, you’ll find Mason’s, Mason Bar and the POD organic market for fresh pastries, salads and snacks. There’s also Ruth’s Chris Steak House and the Hot Chocolate Affair (returning in November 2025), where you can enjoy teapots filled with milk hot chocolate or dark hot chocolate, along with a selection of toppings like marshmallows, chocolate shavings, ganache-dipped spoons and more. It’s a chocolatey twist on classic afternoon tea.
According to Tennessee Climatology, Nashville has an annual temperature of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. But the weather ranges from 39 degrees in January to 80 degrees in July.
You can see a lot of Nashville in two to three days! A week offers a robust and lively experience, but depending on the activities you pick and the neighborhoods you stay in, you can experience Nashville in a shorter amount of time. Depending on where you live, it makes for a great road trip destination.
A current search on Kayak shows that January, February and March are typically the cheapest months to book a hotel in Nashville, with rates generally being under $200 per night.
About the expert
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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on the best time to visit Nashville, Reader’s Digest Associate Editor Mariah Thomas tapped her experience as a frequent traveler and reported on her personal experience visiting Nashville. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
