Downtown Nashville

With so many attractions, the heart of Nashville deserves a prominent spot on any itinerary in the city. Fortunately, there are plenty of Downtown Nashville tours to choose from.

Explore on foot with a walking tour or hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a guided tour of attractions such as the Johnny Cash Museum and Tennessee State Capitol. You can also visit independently on a hop-on hop-off bus sightseeing tour. If you're a night owl, grab a bottle of Jack Daniels and climb aboard a BYOB open-air party bus.

• Downtown Nashville is a must-visit for music history buffs, night owls, and first-time visitors.

• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a fair amount of walking.

• Bring some cash for buying drinks and tipping at the downtown bars.

• Some downtown venues charge a cover in the evenings, though most of the honky-tonks are free.

Downtown Nashville is best experienced with a car, but it's easy to get to via public transportation, too. Take the bus to Music City Central Station or the commuter train to Riverfront Station to find themselves in the heart of the downtown action. Tours are also a good way to get around and save you the hassle of having to find parking.

To get a feel for Downtown Nashville, plan to visit during the day to take in the cultural attractions and again at night to experience the famous nightlife (musicians perform pretty much every night of the week). Note that it's a good idea to take a look at who's playing beforehand and get tickets in advance.

Printer's Alley Historic District was the center of the city's printing industry during the early 1900s, and both the Tennessean and the Nashville Banner once had their offices here. The alley transformed into a hot spot for live music in the 1940s, and it remains one of Nashville's best live music spots. Clubs and saloons in Printer's Alley have hosted acts such as Hank Williams, Jimi Hendrix, and The Supremes.

Yes, Downtown Nashville is worth visiting—chalk it up to a seamless combination of traditional Southern hospitality and modern urben coolness. There's an undeniable allure to the honky tonks on Broadway, but be sure to venture out a bit to sample the many Southern restaurants throughout the city.

As the bustling heart of Music City, there are many tours around Downtown Nashville. From exploring the town’s rich musical heritage on a historic studio tour to savoring the local Southern delicacies on a walking food tour or late-night pub crawl, the options are endless.

Yes, Downtown Nashville is very walkable. The city offers a plethora of pedestrian walkways lined with boutique shops, music venues, trendy bars, and bustling cafes. The Cumberland River Greenway provides breathtaking views of the city skyline, while the famous Broadway Street always hums with activity.

October is one of the best months to visit Nashville. Strolling the city's streets and parks is even more wonderful when paired with crisp autumn air and colorful foliage. Plus, you should jump at any excuse to avoid the stifling humidity of summer.

Yes. Indulging in a food tour is one of the best ways to experience Nashville. Not only will you get to sample some of the best Southern cuisine in the country—from biscuits to that famous Nashville hot chicken—but you'll also be able to enjoy locally sourced ingredients, thanks to the city's proximity to farmland.

Yes, a private tour of downtown Nashville is truly the best way to see this iconic city. Nothing beats strolling through the streets with your own personal guide, with stops tailored to your interests—from the legendary Ryman Auditorium to the neon-lit Broadway.