A Local’s Guide to Nashville (41+ Restaurants, Attractions, and Shops to Visit)

Last updated: 5/2/26

Nicknamed Music City, Nashville is not only Tennessee’s capital city, it’s also a hub for the music industry in the United States. There are so many things going on in the city, so I’ve put together this Nashville guide to help you get started planning.

I live in Nashville, and I’m constantly checking out new places in the city. Everything on this list is somewhere I’ve personally tried and loved. (I haven’t been everywhere yet, but I’m working on it!)

Whether you’re a visitor or a local who wants to find more things to do in Nashville, keep reading to find out where to start. I’ve covered places to visit, hotels, restaurants, drinks, coffee shops, bakeries, and shopping in this article.

Also, be sure to take a look at my guide specifically for Downtown Nashville before you go!

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Places to Visit in Nashville

Tennessee State Museum

Going to the Tennessee State Museum is my first recommendation for anyone visiting Nashville. The museum’s collection includes everything from artifacts from the First People of Tennessee to one of Dolly Parton’s stage costumes. 

The Tennessee State Museum is free. Plus, it’s usually easy to park nearby, which is why I’d recommend it over some of the more well-known museums downtown. The museum also has a great Children’s Gallery, which is one of my favorite places to bring my toddlers to play (and learn).

Google Maps | Tennessee State Museum Website | 👉 Read my guide to the Tennessee State Museum

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Nashville has a state park located right in Downtown across from the State Capitol Building. While the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is very different from the other state parks in Tennessee, I recommend spending some time there!

The 11-acre state park is easily accessible and has a .9-mile paved walking trail with information about important moments in Tennessee’s history. The park is also right next to the Nashville Farmers’ Market and the Tennessee State Museum, so you can spend an entire morning or afternoon in the area.

Google Maps | Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park Website | 👉 See my full guide to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium is part of Nashville’s legacy as Music City. The Grand Ole Opry made its home here for years, and the converted church is still used as a performance venue today. You can take a guided tour of the auditorium. 

However, if you are able to book tickets to a show you’d like to see here, I’d suggest that instead. The Ryman Auditorium has a special, intimate atmosphere. And, it’s an incredible experience for both the artists and the fans.

Google Maps | Ryman Auditorium Website

Centennial Park

Nashville has lots of green spaces, but none quite like Centennial Park. Besides being a beautiful, calm park with a nice trail around Lake Watauga, Centennial Park is also home to a full-size replica of the Greek Parthenon. It’s very much worth visiting!

Google Maps | Centennial Park Website

Frist Art Museum

Located in the Gulch, the Frist Art Museum hosts a series of traveling art exhibits. Meaning that what’s on display is constantly changing every few months, so there’s always a reason to go back. The museum is housed in a beautiful Art Deco building that used to be a Post Office.

I also really like the Martin ArtQuest on the second floor of the museum. It’s a family-friendly gallery where everyone can make their own art. The different stations are usually themed around the traveling art exhibits on display at the time.

Google Maps | Frist Art Museum Website

Country Music Hall of Fame

For country music fans, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-visit. I grew up listening to country music and can attest that the museum was everything I wanted it to be.

The only downside is that parking downtown is annoying, which makes it hard for locals to justify going too often. If you’re interested in music, you should go at least once though.

Google Maps | Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Website | Reserve tickets for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum through Viator

Johnny Cash Museum

Another great museum for music fans is the Johnny Cash Museum. The museum is much smaller than the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, but it’s packed full of artifacts related to the famous musician’s life and career.

It’s an incredibly well-planned museum, and you learn so much about not only Johnny Cash but music culture as well while going through the different sections. I really love this one!

Google Maps | Johnny Cash Museum Website

Arrington Vineyards

Arrington Vineyards is technically located outside of Nashville, but at just 25 miles away, a visit to Arrington Vineyards is a nice little day trip from Nashville.

The vineyards are beautiful, the frosé is delicious, and there is music on the weekends during the summer. 

Google Maps | Arrington Vineyards Website

Main Library

All of the Nashville Public Library System is wonderful, but the Main Library downtown is especially nice. The building is beautiful. You can study, work, or read in the East Reading Room, check out the Civil Rights Room and the Votes for Women Room, or sit out in the courtyard.

The library is also perfect for families with children. The children’s area is giant with literally thousands of books, movies, and other media. Families can attend storytime and watch the productions at the children’s puppet theater. There’s even a climbing wall and play area. It’s absolutely magical.

Google Maps | Nashville Public Library Website | 👉 See my full guide to the Downtown Nashville Public Library

Hotels in Nashville

Restaurants in Nashville

Besides the restaurants listed below, you can also check out my restaurant guides to specific areas in Nashville: East Nashville, Downtown, 12 South, and near the Grand Ole Opry.

Blue Aster

Blue Aster is a restaurant in the Conrad Hotel serving absolutely delicious seafood dishes. I’m not sure how they are able to get such good seafood this far from the ocean, but Blue Aster manages to pull it off.

The menu changes depending on what’s in season. The fish and chips are one of the best things I’ve eaten in a long time. If you’re looking for somewhere to go for a fancy meal, Blue Aster is it.

Google Maps | Blue Aster Website | 👉 See my full review of Blue Aster

Turkey and the Wolf

Normally, I’m a little suspicious when restaurants get too much hype instantly after opening, but in the case of Turkey and the Wolf, it’s well deserved. The East Nashville location of this New Orleans’ spot has outstanding food.

You’ll definitely want one of the delicious sandwiches. I had the fried bologna sandwich, which was piled high with chips and had an amazing house-made mustard on it. I’d also recommend trying the frozen marg while you’re there.

Google Maps | Turkey and the Wolf Website | 👉 Read my full review of Turkey and the Wolf

Peninsula

Peninsula is one of the best restaurants in East Nashville (and there are a lot of great restaurants in East). The cuisine is inspired by the Iberian Peninsula. The gin and tonic menu is especially nice. For a fancy date night, Peninsula is the place you want to go. It’s fine dining in a welcoming and approachable atmosphere.

Peninsula recently won a James Beard Award, so I’m clearly not the only one who appreciates the restaurant!

Google Maps | Peninsula Website

Hearts

Hearts is an Australian-inspired brunch place with two locations, 12 South and East Nashville. Now, I don’t know how closely the food actually matches Australian breakfast food, but I can tell you that it’s good. 

You can’t really go wrong with anything, but try out the twice-baked French toast or the zucchini corn fritters if you want a recommendation. Know that Hearts is very popular, so it can be hard to get a table on the weekends.

Google Maps | Hearts Website | 👉 Read my full review of Hearts

Pancake Pantry

Some people will tell you that Pancake Pantry is overhyped. It’s true that the wait is longer than you’d normally expect for a place serving pancakes. But, the pancakes are delicious (especially the blueberry), and the atmosphere at the Hillsboro location just feels right. Pancake Pantry is one of the few Nashville restaurant lines worth waiting in.

If you’d prefer not to wait in line for Pancake Pantry, you can head to the food court at the CoolSprings Galleria in Franklin. Stacked Express is owned by the same people, and the blueberry pancakes there are also perfect!

Google Maps | Pancake Pantry Website | 👉 Read my full review of Pancake Pantry

Five Points Pizza

For lunch, it’s hard to beat the weekday lunch special at Five Points Pizza. There aren’t many places in Nashville where you can get such a good deal for under $10. Even if you can’t get the lunch special, a large slice of the day is still relatively inexpensive on the weekends. 

Both the West and East locations of Five Points do a good job. 

Google Maps | Five Points Pizza Website | 👉 Read my full review of Five Points Pizza here.

Little Hats Italian Market

Located in Germantown, Little Hats has amazing soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta. The deli has both indoor and outdoor seating. Plus, there are also free parking spots for customers (which is not always the case in Nashville).

The atmosphere is super casual, and you can buy Italian pantry staples while you’re there. I would absolutely eat here every day if I could.

Google Maps | Little Hats Italian Market Website

Food Courts

If you’re with a group or you can’t decide exactly what you want to do, Nashville has several food courts that give you multiple options. Assembly Food Hall in downtown has stalls with a number of Nashville staples all in one place. Another good option is the Markethouse at the Nashville Farmers Market. I go to the Markethouse for lunch way too often.

Hot Chicken

You can’t visit Nashville without hearing about hot chicken. First, you need to know that there’s a heat scale when you order. It’s possible to get no heat or low heat. There’s no reason to get the hottest one unless you’re absolutely sure that’s what you want.

Prince’s Hot Chicken is the original hot chicken place that started it all. The hot chicken at Prince’s is obviously good, and their fries are perfect. 

Hattie B’s is also great. It has a reputation for having super long lines. Locals sometimes dismiss Hattie B’s as just for tourists, but they do an incredible job of handling lots of diners and still produce high-quality chicken. Plus, the pimento mac and cheese is so good!

👉 Read my full review of Hattie B’s

Drinks in Nashville

GreenHouse Bar

GreenHouse Bar is, in fact, a greenhouse, which makes visiting this bar really unique. It’s such a cool atmosphere. The drinks here are good, and the food is so great (which makes sense because it’s by the same people who run the Food Company). I love the chicken salad!

Google Maps | GreenHouse Bar Website

Hidden Bar @ Noelle

All of Noelle is delightful with beautiful 1930s features. The hotel also has a great location in downtown near Printer’s Alley. Many of the bars in downtown can be a bit loud and crowded, which makes the Hidden Bar at Noelle such a unique spot.

Google Maps | Hidden Bar Website

White Limozeen

Located on the rooftop of The Graduate Hotel, White Limozeen is by far one of my favorite spots in Nashville. It’s impossible not to love the over-the-top pink restaurant and bar inspired by Dolly Parton.

The bar is more than just pretty. The menu is actually tasty as well. Even if you’re just going for drinks, you should get an order of the fries because they are amazing! Just be sure to make your reservation well in advance if you plan to visit on a Friday or Saturday night. If you can’t get a reservation, patio seats are walk-in only, so you have a shot.

If you are able, I also suggest booking a night at The Graduate Hotel. The entire hotel is amazing. We did a stay-cation here once, and it’s one of my absolute favorites!

Google Maps | White Limozeen Website

Geist

Geist is one spot you don’t hear too many people talking about, but it’s obviously popular because the parking lot is always full. The restaurant and bar is located in a converted 1900s blacksmith shop in Germantown. The decor is so different from other places in Nashville–it’s moody and elegant without being overdone.

The food and drinks are great too, and there’s a champagne garden. You’ll likely need a reservation to get in here, but you might luck out with a walk-in.

Google Maps | Geist Website

Redheaded Stranger

Redheaded Stranger is a cool, very Instagrammable Tex-Mex and taco spot in East Nashville. The frozen drinks are absolutely delicious as is the food! There’s typically a line here, but it’s worth it.

Google Maps | Redheaded Stranger Website | 👉 See my full review of Redheaded Stranger

Fait La Force Brewing

Normally, you wouldn’t describe a brewery as cute, but that’s exactly what this cozy, eclectic space is. Fait La Force in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood is a beautiful space for catching up with friends or just enjoying the views of Nashville from the patio.

The taproom features mostly Belgian and European-style beers along with a few American-style ones. For food, your options are sandwiches and salads from JamBox. Every one of the sandwiches I’ve tried so far has been delicious!

Google Maps | Fait La Force Website

Coffee Shops in Nashville

Americano Lounge

Americano Lounge is a decidedly cool coffee shop in Wedgewood-Houston. The cafe has a 1930s theme, and there are always a ton of interesting people inside. If I were only going to visit one coffee shop in Nashville, this would be a top choice!

Google Maps | Americano Lounge Website

Poindexter

Like everything else in the Graduate Hotel, the coffee shop Poindexter is glamorous, fun, and just a tiny bit over the top. I would work from here every day if I could just to enjoy the atmosphere. 

Google Maps | Poindexter Website

Red Bicycle

Red Bicycle has multiple locations in Nashville – the Nations and Germantown are my favorites. The cafe has lots of coffee options, but it also has awesome food. One of my favorite items on the menu is the crepes. This is such a good spot for meeting up with friends.

Google Maps | Red Bicycle Website

Bakeries in Nashville

Little Gourmand

If you love all things French, you’ll love Little Gourmand. The original location in Green Hills is part cafe part shop. So you can pick up imported French food like caviar and foie gras along with baguettes, croissants, tartlets, and much more. The food here is delicious, and you really can’t go wrong with any of the choices.

Google Maps | Little Gourmand Website |👉 See my full review of Little Gourmand

East Park Donuts

East Park Donuts in East Nashville is one of the best donut spots in Nashville. You’ll find specialty donuts here that you can’t get anywhere else. The brown butter donuts are especially delicious. The menu options change frequently, so I’d suggest following the shop on Instagram to make sure you don’t miss out on some of the most popular donuts.

Google Maps | East Park Donuts Website |👉 See my full review of East Park Donuts

Fox’s Donut Den

Fox’s Donut Den has been a Nashville staple for decades. The shop is exactly what you’d expect from a classic donut shop, and you’ll definitely feel some nostalgia when you walk in. The donuts are similar to what you’d find at the average donut chain except so much better!

Google Maps | Fox’s Donut Den Website |👉 See my full review of Fox’s Donut Den

Cupcake Collection

The cupcake craze may no longer be in full swing, but you won’t want to miss the Cupcake Collection. For most people, the sweet potato cupcakes are the biggest draw. However, I think the red velvet cupcakes are absolutely the best thing on the menu!

Google Maps | The Cupcake Collection Website |👉 See my full review of the Cupcake Collection

Brightside Bakeshop

Brightside Bakeshop is a tiny little bakery in East Nashville with plenty of fans. The bakery serves a variety of brioches, breads, tarts, Danishes, and other delicious baked goods. My favorite is the cinnaroll!

The bakery is so popular that some people place their orders online at 3 pm the day before to make sure that they get exactly what they want before it sells out!

Google Maps | Brightside Bakeshop Website |👉 See my full review of Brightside Bakeshop

Donut Distillery

Donuts and drinks might not be a common pairing, but it’s working well for the Donut Distillery. You can order cocktails, beer, whiskey, mimosas, and other drinks alongside mini donuts. 

The menu also has non-alcoholic options and kid-friendly choices as well. I have to admit I really love trying their seasonal donut specials. 

Google Maps | Donut Distillery Website

Five Daughters Bakery

Home of the 100-layer donut, Five Daughters Bakery is possibly the most well known bakery in Nashville. The donuts here are definitely not your average donut. They’re so substantial that I almost always cut them in half. 

Google Maps | Five Daughters Bakery Website

D’Andrews Bakery & Cafe

D’Andrews Bakery is an absolute gem in Downtown Nashville. The bakery was one of the semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Bakery, so obviously, the pastries here are outstanding!

I don’t get to visit nearly often enough, but I highly recommend the macarons. 

Google Maps | D’Andrews Bakery Website | 👉 Read my full review of D’Andrews Bakery

Shops in Nashville

Draper James

The flagship store of Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James is located in 12 South. Obviously, the shop sells adorable clothes and accessories, but the atmosphere is just perfect as well. Once you walk in the door, you’ll be looking for reasons to stay a while!

Google Maps | Draper James Website

The Bookshop

The Bookshop is an excellently curated bookstore in East Nashville. While the space is small, it’s impossible to walk in without having something catch your eye. You’ll probably leave with more books than you intended, but that’s absolutely fine.

Google Maps | Bookshop Nashville Website |👉 Read my full review of The Bookshop

Parnassus

Another great independent bookstore in Nashville is Parnassus in Green Hills. This is probably Nashville’s most well-known bookstore (it’s owned by author Ann Patchett), and it’s delightful to browse the shelves here. There’s a great selection, and the shop just feels so inviting. You’ll also want to check the event schedule here because it seems like there are always authors coming to give talks or sign books.

Google Maps | Parnassus Books Website |👉 Read my full review of Parnassus

Golden Slipper

There are so many cute shops in Nashville that it’s difficult to choose just a couple to talk about, but the Golden Slipper is so adorable that you just can’t leave it out. The store sells all kinds of cute gifts, jewelry, home goods, and more! The Golden Slipper also hosts candle-pouring workshops each weekend, and there are other cool, hands-on workshops scheduled throughout the year.

Google Maps | Golden Slipper Website

Grimey’s

Not surprisingly, there are multiple independent record stores in Nashville. Grimey’s in East Nashville sells both used and new vinyl, cassettes, CDs, and more. I also love that they have a selection of books downstairs. Grimey’s also does listening parties and other cool events throughout the year, so it’s the perfect place to visit if you’re a serious music fan.

Google Maps | Grimey’s Website |👉 Read my full review of Grimey’s

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Thanks for reading my guide to Nashville! I’m always checking out new places around the city, so I’m constantly updating this list. If you have suggestions, let me know in the comments!

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