With a long-established reputation as “Music City, U.S.A.”, Nashville is the nucleus of the world’s country music industry and home to some of its most iconic live music venues. In recent years it has flourished into a cosmopolitan city, with a lively “honky tonk” bar scene and picturesque public spaces.

Things to do

Love country music? Then make a pilgrimage to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which details the evolution of the country music scene. Listen to the stories and songs of your favourite stars, see the clothing they once wore, and admire instruments belonging to Bill Monroe and a Cadillac owned by Elvis.

Johnny Cash fans should also make a point of visiting the red-brick museum dedicated to his life and music. It boasts the world’s largest collection of Johnny Cash memorabilia, as well as exhibits detailing his life in the Air Force and the legendary prison concert tour.

Take some time out in beautiful Centennial Park, which is renowned for its reproduction of the Parthenon in Athens. This full-scale replica of the original Greek temple houses a permanent collection of works by 19th and 20th-century American painters, as well as a gold leaf-covered statue of the goddess Athena Parthenos.

If you want to experience a live country music performance, the 1800s-era General Jackson showboat hosts regular dinners along the Cumberland River. Feast on southern-inspired cuisine while listening to country classics and taking in the Nashville skyline.

Getting around

Nashville International Airport is the main gateway to the city, situated around 15 minutes’ drive east of the Downtown area. The Music City Star train makes the one-hour journey from Nashville to the city of Lebanon, while public buses access most areas of the city.