I don’t know about you, but when I think of Nashville, I think of country music. As a first time visitor to the city, I didn’t really know what to expect outside of that (and as a country fan — or should I say, Dolly Parton stan — that was just fine with me). However, the capital of Tennessee has a hell of a lot to offer.
Michelin Star restaurants like The Catbird Seat have put the city on the map when it comes to food — in fact, The Michelin Guide Ceremony will take place in Nashville this October. And while my beloved Dolly isn’t actually from Nashville (she was born in nearby Locust Ridge, Tennessee) her own branded SongTeller Hotel will open in the city this autumn. 2030 will mark a major milestone for Nashville, as its Nissan Stadium will play host to the Super Bowl.
It’s worth noting that BA flies direct to Nashville from London Heathrow, seven days a week from £723pp return. It’s never been easier to visit Music City, so consider this your ultimate guide to doing it right.
Where to stay in Nashville
The Hermitage Hotel
If you do just one thing while you’re in Nashville, make it a visit to The Hermitage Hotel. Beginning life in 1910, the city’s first five-star property is filled with rich history and even richer decor. High ceilings, grand staircases, plenty of marble and award-winning toilets (yes really; in 2008, the men’s won the title of Best Restroom in America) all make you feel like you’re stepping back into a more glamorous time period — I sincerely regretted wearing Uggs upon arrival, but in my defence, it was particularly cold outside. Not that it mattered, given the second-to-none Southern hospitality from managing director Dee Patel, chief sales officer Spencer Hux and their wider team. Despite the size of the property, the hotel managed to feel intimate and cosy — likely due to friendly, chatty staff and a large crackling fire in the lobby.
The Hermitage has an interesting political history which it proudly displays throughout the interior design. To cut a long story short (although you can read it in full on its website), the hotel served as the site where the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was successfully passed on 18th August, 1920 and signed into law on 26th August, granting nearly 27 million women across the country the right to vote. The hotel’s signature yellow colour is a nod to 'The War of the Roses', where the Anti-Ratification forces sported red roses while Pro-Suffrage campaigners wore yellow. Style and substance? Truly, my kind of place.
Dining at The Hermitage is equally special. Its restaurant Drusie & Darr and cafe The Pink Hermit are both headed up by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. As a vegan travelling to Nashville, it’s safe to say that I was nervous — hot chicken is what the city is renowned for, after all. However, dinner was a sophisticated breeze; avocado topped pizza, roasted cauliflower and mushroom risotto were all delicious, and allowed me to feel as much a part of the dining experience as my fellow, carnivorous travellers. Black and white photographs of famous Nashville residents and frequenters line the restaurant’s walls, including Britney Spears, Nicole Kidman, Keith Richards, James Brown, Brad Pitt, Whitney Houston; I could go on. The walls of the Hermitage have seen an awful lot over its 116 year history — if only they could talk.
Room rates at The Hermitage Hotel start from $399 / £295 (January) and $599 / £444 (spring and fall) based on 2 people sharing.
Virgin Hotels Nashville
Is there a cooler address than 1 Music Square? The view from my room at Virgin Hotels Nashville was of a guitar-shaped pool…sadly I didn’t find out who it belongs to. The property is located right in the heart of historic Music Row, home to record label offices, radio stations and recording studios. The slick, modern hotel is also just a few minutes from downtown Nashville and steps away from Vanderbilt University and the trendy Gulch neighbourhood.
Perhaps the most exciting part, however, was the hotel’s hidden cocktail bar. Tucked in an alleyway behind the main property, the only indicators that hinted at its existence were the words 'The Late Great' spray-painted onto the pavement. Going through a secret door and down a dark corridor, you finally enter an intimate space that feels like a rockstar’s living room. The design takes inspiration from Nashville’s legendary B-Room studios — Persian-style rugs lay atop wooden flooring, the low ceiling and surrounding walls are painted black, and plush velvet couches are littered about. It’s only upon noticing the ceiling lights and large Fender amp that I realise this must also be a music venue. This is swiftly confirmed by our host, who reveals that Teddy Swims played a tiny show here the week before our arrival. The place can hardly fit 100 people, but big music stars popping up to perform in bars is apparently commonplace in Nashville. The bartender made me a fabulous cocktail, but I was too jet-lagged to ask for its name — please just know, the drinks are great.
Room rates at Virgin Hotels Nashville start from $299-$329 / £220 to £240 based on 2 people sharing.
What to do in Nashville
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
It’s not called Music City for nothing! Located a mere 12 minute walk from The Hermitage hotel is The Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville. First launched in 1967 on Music Row, the museum has been in its current location since 2001, and in 2014, unveiled a $100 million expansion that doubled its footprint. It’s cavernous, and absolutely rammed with memorabilia, costumes and artefacts from country's biggest stars.
My highlight, unsurprisingly, was a special exhibition entitled ‘Dolly Parton: Journey Of A Seeker’ which runs until October 2026. Spanning her career of over sixty years, the exhibit features a multitude of Dolly’s stage and movie costumes, guitars, handwritten lyrics and iconic magazine covers.
Ice Hockey at Bridgestone Arena
Now I’m not usually a sports-loving kind of gal, but when in Rome…Nashville’s resident ice-hockey team the Predators put on a real show at the impressive Bridgestone Arena. I owe all my knowledge of the sport to Heated Rivalry and while there were lots of burly young men battling it out on the ice, the atmosphere in the stadium was buzzy yet family friendly. A giant sabre toothed tiger head kicked off the proceedings, being dramatically lowered onto the ice and then elevated back up again, with accompanying music, lights and chants. Understanding the rules of the game were irrelevant — this is probably one of the funnest things you can do in Nashville, with ticket prices starting from as low as $30.
Tour the Ryman Auditorium
A national historic landmark, the Ryman Auditorium was built in 1892. The historic venue is well-known as the Mother Church of Country Music and is the most famous former home of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, a legendary live country music radio broadcast (the longest-running radio broadcast in US history, in fact) and stage show. Basically, it’s a cultural institution that still serves as a live music venue, welcoming the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Harry Styles, and Lizzo in recent years. The daytime tour is well-worth doing — an immersive video experience runs you through the building’s history, before you walk amongst the seats and listen in on the headline act’s soundcheck.
National Museum of African American Music
While there’s a lot of history in this city, it’s not all about looking backwards. The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) opened in January 2021 in the new Fifth + Broadway complex, a six minute walk from the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, meaning you can hit both institutions in one afternoon. The museum showcases the many connections and influences that African American composers have had on all genres of music. From classical to country to jazz and hip-hop, the museum seamlessly integrates history and interactive technology (you get sent your own Spotify playlist to go home with based off what you interacted with).
Honky Tonk Hop on Broadway
Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway, located on Lower Broadway, definitely has a Vegas strip type of energy — neon signs, souvenir stores and bustling crowds of hen parties and stag dos. With over 30 bars lining the singular street (many of which bear the names of celebrities such as Post Malone, Kid Rock, Jon Bon Jovi, and many more) the atmosphere is alive with blaring live music, which is free to enjoy from 10am to 3am. Robert’s was my personal favourite, partly due to the sheer amount of cowboy hat clad men (apparently there was a national meat convention taking place in the city, which you just couldn’t make up), the old-school vibe and of course, the rockin’ music.
Frist Art Museum
The Frist, located in a sprawling art-deco-style former US Post Office building, is only 25 years old, but it has become a hub of Nashville’s artistic community. We visited an exhibition entitled ‘In Her Place: Nashville Artists in the Twenty-First Century’ which was dedicated to spotlighting local women through nearly one hundred artworks spanning painting, sculpture, textile, and installation. The museum presents on average 12–15 exhibitions a year from some of the most prestigious collections in the world, as well as award-winning shows organised in-house.
Where to shop in Nashville
Savas
Savannah Yarnborough studied at Central St Martin’s in London before founding her own label Savas in 2015. Specialising in custom leather jackets, her discreet store-cum-workshop sits on a residential street on the outskirts of the city. Swatches of high quality Italian leather in every colour and texture are on display, awaiting to be conjured up into a custom piece.
Boots, belts and even guitar-straps are also available for sale, making this the ultimate pit-stop to get kitted out like a rockstar. But be warned, her pieces also come with rockstar price-tags — ready-to-wear jackets start from $3,500.
Parnassus Books
Award-winning novelist Ann Patchett (a Nashville resident) opened Parnassus Books in 2011. Cosy, friendly, and with an extensive selection of books and merchandise, browsing its shelves is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. “In Greek mythology, Mount Parnassus was the home of literature, learning, and music. We are Nashville's Parnassus, providing a refuge for Nashvillians of all ages who share in our love of the written word,” says the store’s website. Parnassus also regularly hosts author and reader events.
Imogene + Willie
Located in the heart of 12 South, a vibrant neighbourhood well-worth spending time in, is the flagship store of 'Made In The USA' brand Imogene + Willie. Think high quality graphic tees, jeans and trucker caps — made by locals so us tourists can look like locals. The store is housed inside an old white service station, giving it a rustic Americana feel that only adds to the shopping experience.
Grimey’s Records
This unassuming warehouse store specialises in new and pre-loved vinyl, CDs and cassette tapes. After touring museums and venues, Grimey's is the perfect spot to pick up some music to take back home with you.
Anaconda Vintage
Conveniently located behind Grimey’s is Anaconda Vintage, a cute treasure trove of fashion finds. Anywhere with sale racks outside always grabs my attention, and there are some serious bargains to be found in here, from cowboy boots to costume jewellery.
Where to eat and drink in Nashville
The Patterson House
A cocktail bar that has menu page headlined with ‘The Fucking Bangers’ is sure to be memorable — and with over 150 drinks to choose from, it was just that. Perched atop The Bill Voorhees Building on the fifth floor, The Patterson House is credited with shaping Nashville’s cocktail culture, earning nods from the likes of Bon Appétit and the James Beard Foundation. A dark and sexy atmosphere, punctuated by lavish crystal chandeliers and impressive city views make this the perfect date night destination. While the bar food is excellent, the adjoining restaurant The Catbird Seat earned a Michelin star in 2025.
Pastis
A French bistro in Nashville might not be what you call an authentic dining experience, however Pastis was definitely one of my trip highlights (and not just because the restaurant neighbours the newly opened Hermès store). A classic curved zinc bar, vintage mirrors with handwritten daily specials, and a mosaic-tiled floor all mean that while inside, it’s hard to believe you aren’t eating somewhere in Europe. Crispy artichokes, leeks vinaigrette and a fresh, zesty salade verte were all standout dishes.
Five Daughters Bakery
It feels wrong to go to America and to not have a doughnut, and these were so good that I actually had two (cinnamon apple and a simple glazed). With several locations across the city, Five Daughters Bakery is a family business, owned and operated by Isaac and Stephanie Meek along with, wait for it, their five daughters. Doughnuts, rolls and cookies in a wide variety of flavours line their counters, making this the perfect pit stop for a sweet treat.
Tiger Bar
A 1930s sideshow-inspired gin joint, Tiger is one of the coolest bars I’ve been to. Plush velvet sofas, curtains and lampshades offer a classy, vintage feel alongside circus style wall paintings and tarot-card-adorned cocktails.
Assembly Food Hall, 5th + Broadway
Featuring more than 30 artisanal eateries, nine uniquely themed full-service bars, two full-service restaurants and three live performance stages, Assembly Food Hall is a place for everyone. The most popular spot when I visited, however, was an outlet for Prince’s Hot Chicken, widely known as the city’s original hot chicken joint. With eight spice levels, climbing all the way to XXX Hot, this is where to get an authentic taste of the city (although it’s not for the faint hearted).
Santo
A modern Mediterranean restaurant located in the newly developed Green Hills area, Santo was a lunchtime delight. The high ceilings accompanied with the wood and concrete interiors had a fresh, laid-back feel. House made pasta, salads, Middle Eastern spiced lamb, fresh oysters, and rotating flatbreads all make up the menu, but my highlights were the hummus (above), grilled broccolini and braised cabbage.
For more information and to plan your own trip to Nashville, head to www.visitmusiccity.com
Rebecca Jane Hill is the Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She has previously contributed to publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Refinery29, The Face, Glamour and Stylist. She started her own magazine, Sister, in 2012 whilst at university. Focused around feminism, fashion and culture, it went on to produce 12 globally stocked print issues, as well as countless events and partnerships. She closed the magazine in 2023.
Rebecca has been an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion since 2018, where she teaches on the Fashion Journalism course. She is a passionate second-hand shopper and is constantly on the lookout for new design talent.
