Travel Tips

Tips and tools for the best Nashville getaway.

These pro tips will help you understand the current safety guidelines in place for the city and prepare for anything travel-related. Learn about smoking and alcohol laws, currency exchange, weather, and more to plan the best getaway.

Nashville Visitor Center
Nashville Visitor Center

Our Nashville Visitor Center is in the heart of downtown Music City. Stop by for expert advice, maps, tickets, special offers, and unique Music City gifts.

Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit?

Anytime! All the time! With four distinct but mild seasons, more than 180 live music venues, rich history, exciting arts community, the most delicious food, and the friendliest people, Nashville is a good time all the time.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes! Nashville offers something for every member of the family, infants and grandparents alike. See some of the fun family activities in Nashville.

Where should I stay?

Depends on what you're into. Nashville has hotels, bed & breakfasts, vacation rentals, campgrounds, and more spread across town. Look through our ideas on Places to Stay to find the best spot for your vacation.

What should I wear?

Be comfortable. Nashville is a casual town that’s nailed the art of dressed-up jeans.

Can I talk to someone?

We would love to talk with you. Call us at 800-657-6910, stop by one of the Nashville Visitor Centers, or email us anytime.

Can I Bring My Pet?

Of course! Nashville accommodates all of our friends. Check out Nashville's pet friendly places at: visitmusiccity.com/petfriendly. The list includes restaurants, hotels, and more. 

Travel Safe

Emergencies (police, fire, ambulance): 911
Non-emergencies (police): 1-615-862-8600
Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your property against petty crime. Be aware of your surroundings and travel in well-lit areas. Don’t leave passports in rental cars, don’t leave bags unattended, keep money and valuables out of sight.

Get more tips for tourists from the Metro Nashville Police Department.

Smoking & Alcohol Laws

Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places within the State of Tennessee with a few exceptions. Those exceptions include: non-enclosed areas of public places where smoke does not infiltrate into areas where smoking is prohibited and venues that restrict access to persons who are 21 years of age or older at all times. The legal age for alcohol purchase and consumption is 21. Regardless of age, you will be asked for identification so please bring a photo ID if you plan to drink alcohol. 

Translation Services

Tennessee Foreign Language Institute 
227 French Landing Drive, Ste. 100 
1-615-741-7579

ADA Accessible

Are you preparing to visit Music City with someone who is disabled? Nashville – the friendliest city in the world – is ready to accommodate with a wide array of museums, parks, music venues, and other attractions that are all ADA accessible. 

Tipping Customs

The average restaurant tip is 15-20 percent of the total check and is not included in the check. The average taxi tip is 15-20 percent of the fare. And airport and hotel baggage handlers should receive $1-$2 per bag.

Sales Tax

Sales tax is 9.25% in Nashville.

Public Holidays

Many businesses are closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (Jan. 1), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November), Christmas Day (Dec. 25).

Weather

Nashville typically enjoys a mild and pleasant climate with only a few days of the year having either very hot or very cold conditions. Most of the city’s rain is confined to the spring months, but a shower throughout the year is not unusual.

Temperature & Precipitation
average: Daily High Daily Low Precipitation
Jan 46 F/8 C 28 F/-2 C 4.5 in/11.4 cm
Feb 51 F/11 C 30 F/-1 C 4 in/10.2 cm
Mar 60 F/16 C 38 F/3 C 5.6 in/14.2 cm
Apr 71 F/22 C 48 F/9 C 4.5 in/11.4 cm
May 79 F/26 C 57 F/14 C 4.6 in/11.7 cm
Jun 87 F/31 C 65 F/18 C 3.7 in/9.4 cm
Jul 90 F/32 C 69 F/21 C 3.8 in/9.7 cm
Aug 89 F/32 C 68 F/20 C 3.4 in/8.6 cm
Sep 83 F/28 C 61 F/16 C 3.7 in/9.4 cm
Oct 72 F/22 C 48 F/9 C 2.6 in/6.6 cm
Nov 59 F/15 C 38 F/3 C 3.5 in/8.9 cm
Dec 50 F/10 C 31 F/-1 C 4.6 in/11.7 cm

 

Getting Around Nashville
Getting Around

Get maps, transportation information, and more for your next trip to Nashville.

Nashville Visitors Guide

The Nashville Visitors Guide is an excellent tool to explore things to do and places to stay in Music City. View it online, order a copy, or get the app on your mobile device.