So, you’ve decided to take your first trip to Nashville, Tennessee! Get ready for a city full of music, great food, and southern charm.

But do you know what not to do in Nashville? Here are a few common mistakes that first-time visitors make when exploring Music City. Don’t worry—I’ve made some of these mistakes myself, and I’m here to help you avoid them so you can make the most of your trip.

Whether you’re here for the live music, the famous hot chicken, or just to soak up the culture, Nashville has a lot to offer. This guide will walk you through everything not to do in Nashville, so you can focus on having an amazing time.

1. Don’t Spend All Your Time on Broadway

It’s easy to see why Broadway is a big draw for tourists. This neon-lit street is packed with honky-tonk bars, live music, and plenty of energy.

But spending all your time on Broadway can make your Nashville experience feel like a one-dimensional tourist trap. While it’s a fun area to visit, especially at night, Nashville has so much more to offer beyond this one street.

Explore Other Neighborhoods: Once you’ve checked out Broadway (and you absolutely should), make sure to branch out into other neighborhoods like The Gulch, East Nashville, or 12South. Each of these areas has its own vibe and a more local feel.

In The Gulch, you’ll find a more upscale, trendy atmosphere with boutique shopping and great restaurants.

East Nashville offers an artsy, bohemian feel with quirky coffee shops and vintage stores. 

12South is perfect if you’re into strolling through streets lined with murals, cute boutiques, and some of the best local eateries.

Try Local Breweries and Coffee Shops: Nashville’s local scene is rich with great places to grab a drink or bite that aren’t on Broadway. Check out Frothy Monkey or Barista Parlor for coffee, or swing by Jackalope Brewing Company or Yazoo Brewing for a cold craft beer.

I spent my first visit to Nashville mostly on Broadway, but during my second trip, I wandered into East Nashville and stumbled upon a local bluegrass jam at a neighborhood bar—definitely one of the highlights of my trip!

2. Don’t Underestimate the Heat and Humidity

If you’re visiting Nashville in the summer, brace yourself for some serious heat and humidity. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to soar into the 90s with humidity that can make it feel even hotter.

The mistake many first-time visitors make is thinking they’ll just “deal with it.” Trust me, it’s better to prepare!

Dress for the Weather: Light, breathable clothing is a must. Stick with fabrics like cotton or linen, and don’t forget a hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun. I made the mistake of wearing jeans and a heavier shirt during my first summer trip to Nashville, and let’s just say I ended up regretting it within an hour.

Stay Hydrated: If you’re walking around or hopping between honky-tonks, make sure to drink water frequently.

With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget, but dehydration can sneak up on you quickly, especially if you’re drinking alcohol. Carry a water bottle with you, and take breaks in the shade whenever possible.

3. Don’t Assume Every Bar Has Live Music All the Time

While Nashville is undoubtedly the city of live music, don’t make the mistake of assuming every single bar or restaurant has live performances going on at all hours of the day.

Broadway may have music pouring out of nearly every door from morning until late at night, but other parts of the city may not.

Check Schedules Before You Go: If there’s a specific artist or type of music you want to see, it’s a good idea to check bar and venue schedules in advance.

Places like The Bluebird Cafe and The Station Inn are famous for live performances, but they don’t always have music going on every night, and some shows may require tickets or reservations.

I’ve heard of people showing up at The Bluebird hoping to catch a show, only to realize it was sold out days in advance. Don’t let that be you!

Look for Smaller Venues: Nashville’s smaller, less touristy venues can offer some of the best live music experiences. You might catch the next big star at a local dive or songwriter’s round. 

Places like The Basement or 3rd & Lindsley are known for hosting emerging talent and more intimate shows.

4. Don’t Forget to Try More Than Just Hot Chicken

Hot chicken is one of Nashville’s most iconic foods, and yes, you absolutely have to try it. But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that’s all there is when it comes to Nashville cuisine.

There’s a whole food scene waiting for you beyond just spicy fried chicken.

Try Other Southern Staples: Nashville is full of delicious Southern comfort food that goes beyond hot chicken.

Be sure to try biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, fried catfish, or a meat-and-three (a classic Southern meal where you pick one meat and three side dishes).

If you’re into breakfast, don’t miss Biscuit Love for their famous “bonuts” (biscuit donuts) or Loveless Cafe for some of the best biscuits you’ll ever have.

Branch Out to Other Cuisines: Nashville also has a fantastic food scene that includes everything from barbecue to global fusion cuisine.

Don’t be afraid to branch out and explore different types of food. One of my best meals in Nashville was actually at an Indian restaurant, and it was a refreshing break from all the fried food I’d been eating.

5. Don’t Rent a Car if You Don’t Have To

Nashville is a relatively easy city to navigate, especially if you stick to certain neighborhoods.

First-time visitors often make the mistake of renting a car, only to find out that traffic can be a headache and parking can be expensive or hard to find in popular areas.

Use Rideshare or Public Transportation: Nashville is a very walkable city in many areas like downtown, The Gulch, and 12South.

For longer distances, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are plentiful and easy to use. There’s also the Nashville WeGo Public Transit system if you want to save a bit of money on transportation.

Consider Walking or Biking: If you’re staying downtown or in a central neighborhood, you can probably get around on foot or by bike. Many hotels and Airbnb hosts offer bike rentals, and you can also check out BCycle, Nashville’s bike-sharing program.

6. Don’t Spend All Your Time Indoors

It’s tempting to fill your trip with all the incredible indoor activities Nashville has to offer—between live music venues, museums, and restaurants, there’s no shortage of things to do.

But don’t miss out on the city’s outdoor spaces!

Explore Centennial Park and the Parthenon: Centennial Park is one of Nashville’s most beautiful green spaces, complete with walking trails, a pond, and a replica of the Parthenon, one of the most iconic landmarks in Greece.

Yes, it’s a full-scale replica, and it’s definitely worth checking out. I almost skipped it on my first trip, but I’m so glad I didn’t—it’s the perfect spot for a picnic or just a relaxing afternoon.

Visit Percy Warner Park: If you’re into hiking or just want to escape the city for a bit, head over to Percy Warner Park, which offers beautiful trails and scenic views.

It’s a great spot to enjoy nature without having to drive too far from the city. I spent a morning here on my last trip and was amazed at how peaceful it was—it’s a nice break from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

7. Don’t Show Up Late for Tours or Attractions

This might sound obvious, but don’t assume Nashville is laid-back when it comes to start times for tours or attractions.

Arrive Early for Tours: Whether it’s a tour of the Ryman, the Country Music Hall of Fame, or even a brewery tour, give yourself plenty of time to get there. Traffic or parking issues can easily make you late, and some tours won’t let you join after they’ve started.

Make Reservations for Popular Attractions: Many of Nashville’s top attractions, like the Johnny Cash Museum or the Grand Ole Opry, can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends.

Make sure to buy tickets or make reservations in advance to avoid long lines or the disappointment of sold-out tickets.

8. Don’t Overlook the Importance of Music History

When most people think of Nashville, they think of country music, but the city’s musical roots go much deeper than that.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming it’s all just honky-tonk tunes—you’ll miss out on a rich history that includes blues, rock, and even jazz.

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame: Even if you’re not a huge country music fan, the Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-see.

The exhibits do a great job of explaining the history of country music and how it’s shaped Nashville’s identity. Plus, the memorabilia (from Elvis’s gold Cadillac to Dolly Parton’s costumes) is pretty cool to see in person.

Don’t Skip the Ryman Auditorium: Often referred to as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium is one of the most famous music venues in the world.

This historic venue has hosted everyone from Johnny Cash to modern rock bands, and it’s an iconic piece of Nashville’s history. The Ryman has a special kind of magic, and you can feel the history as soon as you step inside.

9. Don’t Forget to Budget for Souvenirs and Tipping

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of Nashville’s lively atmosphere, but don’t forget to budget for all the little extras. Between buying souvenirs, tipping at restaurants and bars, and covering transportation costs, your spending can add up faster than you’d expect.

Budget for Souvenirs: Nashville has no shortage of fun souvenirs, from cowboy boots to T-shirts to vinyl records. It’s tempting to pick up something from every shop, but that can really cut into your budget.

Before your trip, set aside a certain amount of money for souvenirs and stick to it. Otherwise, you might find yourself leaving Nashville with way more than you intended to buy!

Remember to Tip Generously: Tipping is a big part of the culture in Nashville, especially in the service and music industries.

It’s standard to tip 15-20% at restaurants and bars, and it’s always appreciated to throw a few dollars in the tip jar if you’re enjoying live music.

Many musicians rely on tips as their primary income, so if someone’s performance adds to your experience, don’t be shy about showing your appreciation.

Final Thoughts

Nashville is an incredible city with so much to offer first-time visitors, but there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. Now that you know what not to do in Nashville, you’ll set yourself up for a memorable and stress-free trip.

Take your time, explore the different neighborhoods, try all the delicious food, and immerse yourself in the rich musical history that makes this city special.

Whether you’re strolling down Broadway, exploring The Gulch, or enjoying a quiet moment in one of the city’s parks, you’re sure to leave Nashville with unforgettable memories. Just remember to pack light, plan ahead, and most importantly—have fun!

Happy travels, and enjoy every minute of your first trip to Nashville!

Coming up next, what not to do in Miami!