Nashville Travel Tips for First Timers: What to Know Before You Go

Planning your first trip to Music City? Let’s make it unforgettable. Nashville blends live music, Southern charm, and cultural hotspots into one unforgettable experience—but arriving without a game plan can be overwhelming. These essential Nashville travel tips for first timers will help you pack smart, explore confidently, and enjoy everything Music City has to offer.

What to Pack for Nashville: Weather Tips & Essentials

Nashville’s weather can change quickly. Summers are hot and humid, while winters bring chilly mornings and brisk evenings. No matter the season, layers are your friend.

Packing essentials include:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• A lightweight rain jacket
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Casual outfits for day, dressier options for night

Nashville’s vibe is relaxed, but a nice look goes a long way when hitting the honky-tonks or a nicer dinner spot.

Where to Eat in Nashville: 5 Iconic Spots to Try

No first trip to Music City is complete without diving into its food scene. From fiery hot chicken to Southern comfort classics, here are four must-try spots:

• Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
  This spicy staple is practically a rite of passage. Choose your heat level and enjoy it with sides like pimento mac & cheese and banana pudding.
• Arnold’s Country Kitchen
  A James Beard Award-winning meat-and-three that serves up Southern soul food cafeteria-style. Expect roast beef, turnip greens, and banana pudding that tastes like grandma made it.
• Loveless Cafe
  Southern cooking at its finest. Famous for fluffy biscuits, country ham, and homemade jams—worth the short drive.
• Five Points Pizza
• Located in East Nashville, this local favorite serves up New York–style pizza by the slice or pie. It’s casual, quick, and full of character—perfect after a day of exploring.
• Rooh at Holiday Inn Nashville Airport
  Modern American grill and bar offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a sleek, stylish setting—conveniently located right inside your hotel.

What To Do in Nashville (Besides Broadway)

Broadway is a blast, but Nashville’s charm extends well beyond neon lights and honky-tonks. Add these spots to your itinerary:

• 12South Neighborhood
  This walkable district is lined with boutique shops, vibrant murals, and some of the city’s best coffee spots.
• Centennial Park & The Parthenon
  A full-scale replica of the original in Athens, surrounded by gardens and a picturesque lake. Great for photos and a leisurely walk.
• The Gulch
  Trendy and upscale, The Gulch is ideal for dining, shopping, and spotting murals like “What Lifts You” by Kelsey Montague.
• Five Points in East Nashville
  Funky, artistic, and filled with vintage shops, breweries, and live music venues—great for laid-back exploring.

Book a Hotel Near Nashville Airport for Stress-Free Travel

If you’re flying in, staying near Nashville Airport can make your arrival and departure seamless. You’ll skip downtown traffic, save time, and still be close to major attractions.

At Holiday Inn Nashville Airport, guests enjoy:

• A free 24/7 airport shuttle
• Easy access to I-40 and downtown Nashville
• Onsite dining at Rooh and newly renovated rooms
• Fitness center and indoor heated pool

It’s a smart base for first-time visitors who want comfort without the downtown chaos. Book your stay at Holiday Inn Nashville Airport and enjoy a first visit that’s effortless, comfortable, and close to everything.