Everyone wants to visit Nashville right now — here’s who it’s for, and who it’s not

Loud, boozy and lots of fun (Picture: Kristina Beanland) Not so long ago, admitting you were into country music was a bit weird. Much like the NFL or NASCAR, it was considered a quintessentially American pursuit Brits were happy leaving on the other side of the pond. But ever since Lil Nas X wowed us all with Old Town Road in 2019, country has become, well, cool. We’ve had Cowboy Carter, Shania Twain at Glasto, and Garth Brooks setting a new attendance record at BST Hyde Park, with a crowd of almost 70,000 fans. Singers like Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs have become household names in the UK (Combs had a three-night run at Wembley earlier this month), and now, the obsession has fuelled a fascination with the genre’s birthplace: Nashville. Nashville can count me as a fan (Picture: Kristina Beanland) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. According to data from the Nashville Tourism Board, more Brits are visiting the Tennessee capital than ever before. In 2025, the airport recorded 143,440 UK passengers, marking an 11% year-on-year increase. In March, British Airways — which operates the only direct flight from London to Nashville — deployed bigger A350 planes on the route to increase passenger capacity. It’s a lot of hype for a city in the depths of The Volunteer State. So, I took the nine-hour trip to see what all the fuss is about. First impressions Dublin has Temple Bar. Las Vegas has The Strip. Nashville has Broadway, aka The Honkytonk Highway. Broadway isn’t exactly quiet… (Picture: Visit Music City) It’s on this Downtown street that you’ll find historic venues like the Ryman Auditorium (aka ‘The Mother Church of Country Music’), A-list owned clubs, and the bar that give the street its name — a honkytonk is a no-frills bar where artists play live, don’t you know. Win a luxurious stay for two at London hotel The Gore Stay in an opulent hotel room in London's most cultural neighbourhood (Picture: Jack Hardy) Four-poster beds, gilded mirrors and chandeliers everywhere you look... Metro has teamed up with Starhotels Collezione to give one lucky reader (and a companion) a chance to win a luxurious two-night stay worth £900 at The Gore London, a historic boutique hotel in the cultural heart of the UK capital. For your chance to win this incredible London getaway, enter your details before midnight on Sunday, 9 August 2026. Enter now Open to UK (excluding Northern Ireland) residents aged 18 or over. Promotion opens at 00:01 BST on 20/07/2026 and closes at 23:59 BST on 09/08/2026. Entrant must complete the entry form hosted on Metro. 1 prize of a two-night bed and breakfast stay in a Deluxe Room at The Gore Hotel in South Kensington, London for two (2) adults including dinner at the restaurant 190 Queen’s Gate on one night only consisting of a three course meal from the A La Carte menu with one (1) complimentary glass of wine included per person. Only one (1) entry will be accepted per person or per email address. Full T&Cs here. Music thumps so loudly on Broadway that you can feel it in your chest, and crossing guards attempt to stop visitors from getting run over. Bachelorette parties spill out of bars in hats, boots and t-shirts that read ‘COWBOY PILLOWS’. At one point, I spy a woman rushing over to a group of volunteers handing out water, shrieking: ‘Is this free vodka!?, before knocking it back like a shot. Broadway isn’t for the faint-hearted (Picture: Kristina Beanland) It’s unhinged, a little terrifying, and great, great fun. My favourite honkytonk was Layla’s, where vintage license plates cover every inch of the ceiling. It felt less touristy than some of the other spots, and it’s the only female, independently owned bar on Lower Broadway. For celeb-owned venues, Luke’s 32 Bridge, from singer Luke Bryan, had a friendly crowd and great music. Layla’s is a popular honkytonk (Picture: Kristina Beanland) And for some line-dancing fun, there’s nowhere better than Category 10, the four-floor mega bar owned by Luke Combs. Instructors are dotted around the dance floor teaching routines — the more whiskey you have, the better you get. Instructors will try – and fail – to help you improve your line dance skills (Predits: Nicholas LeTellier) You can have a slightly less intense experience by visiting midweek or during the day (bars open from mid-morning), but be warned, it’s not for the weak. Yes, it’s for music lovers If Nashville is truly ‘Music City’, its beating heart is the historic Music Row district. Along two avenues, you’ll find recording studios where the likes of Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen and of course, Taylor Swift, have recorded hits. RCA Studio B, built in 1957, is perhaps the most famous. Operating for 20 years, it played host to Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton. The museum is full of fascinating information for country fans (Picture: Kristina Beanland) RCA is no longer a working studio, but it’s open for tours. Tickets can be purchased at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum — also worth a visit for country fans (even if it is a bit information overload…). Hall of Fame aside, Nashville is also the place to listen to undiscovered artists, specifically the Listening Room Cafe, where up-and-coming singer/songwriters perform. On Mondays, the venue hosts The Song Suffragettes, an all-female acoustic showcase featuring five artists — alumni include Kelsea Ballerini and Lainey Wilson. Song Suffragettes showcases up and coming female singer/songwriters (Picture: Kristina Beanland) This was a highlight of my trip, and any one of the talented women on stage deserve their moment in the spotlight. Add Zoe Jean Fowler and Molly Lovett to your Spotify playlist, ASAP. Elsewhere, the Grand Ole Opry is the world’s longest-running live radio broadcast, and a venue that’s hosted artists since 1925. It’s credited for turning country music into a national American art form. In the 70s, the Opry moved from its original location to a purpose-built venue outside of the city, taking with it a piece of its stage, known as ‘The Circle of Wood’. The Grand Ole Opry is an iconic venue (Picture: Kristina Beanland) It’s considered a great honour to perform on said circle — Niall Horan played at the Opry during my week in Tennessee, and Carrie Underwood is slated for August. Tickets are available on the Ole Opry website but be warned, if you want to enjoy a drink here, you better have deep pockets. One spirit and a mixer (with a tip) cost around £26. Goo Goo goodness You can’t leave Nashville without sampling a Goo Goo Cluster, ‘America’s first combination candy bar’ that mixed multiple flavours, instead of using just one. Created in 1912, a Goo Goo Cluster is made with milk chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and marshmallow nougat. The name is said to come from the ‘goo goo’ sounds of a baby, because it tastes so good, you ask for it the moment you leave the womb… You can’t not love it (Picture: Kristina Beanland) The best neighbourhoods Broadway isn’t for everyone, but Nashville has other (less hectic) neighbourhoods. To get the lay of the land, book a tour with Old Town Trolley Tours. The hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus takes around 2 hours and passes through Centennial Park (known as the Central Park of Nashville), Music Row, Nashville Farmers’ Market and Vanderbilt University. If you’re lucky enough to get ‘Cousin Debbie’ as your guide, you’ll have a great time. My favourite neighbourhood, though, was the Gulch (very trendy). Have breakfast at Milk & Honey, which had a queue out the door (they don’t take reservations) and served up classic brunch fayre with a Southern twist — think bacon and avo on biscuits. Colourful 12South (Picture: Kristina Beanland) I’m not talking about digestives. They’re a scone-pastry-bread hybrid, and their own food group here in the South. Otherwise, 12South, a buzzy shopping street with restaurants, boutiques and cool street art, is also worth a visit. Grab some brunch at the cute Buttermilk Ranch (Picture: Chuck Thompson) Eat at Butter Milk Ranch, a cavernous brunch spot. Book in advance; this place is popular with the girlies. The best biscuits in Nashville are to be found here, but the Loaded Ranchers (pork belly bits topped with cheese and potatoes) are reason enough to return. South12 is a pretty spot away from the crowds (Picture: Andrew White) And, if you want to enjoy a night out like a local, head to Germantown. Grab dinner at Pelato, a ‘Brooklyn Italian’ restaurant that served the best Radiatori alla Vodka I’ve ever eaten. Ever. Then head to Mother’s Ruin for boozing until the early hours. Drinks are much cheaper than Downtown. Book a table at Pelato just for the vodka pasta (Picture: Kristina Beanland) A culinary star Nashville may be famous for its music scene, but I wasn’t expecting to eat so much good food (and I ate a lot). Sylvan Park, a leafy residential area, is home to two of the best restaurants I ate at: Lion’s Share and Tantisimo. Lion’s Share serves up some of the most delicious food in town (Picture: Kristina Beanland) Another new-ish opening not to be missed is Kisser in East Nashville, which has earned itself a mention in the Michelin guide. The creamy bacon udon is a must-order, but the award for best dish I ate on the entire trip goes to Kisser’s tomato sandwich. Sounds simple, but good grief, I’d fly back just to eat it again. The legendary tomato sandwich at Kisser. Just look at it! (Picture: Kristina Beanland) If you prefer an institution, Elliston Place Soda Shop is Nashville’s longest running restaurant, serving retro malted-milkshakes and sodas since 1939. This place pioneered the South’s ‘meat and three’ concept (one main meat dish and three sides), and makes traditional Southern comfort dishes — think deep fried green tomatoes, mac and cheese and of course, biscuits. You won’t go hungry at Elliston Place Soda Shop (Picture: Kristina Beanland) Some may know that Nashville is famous for its hot (and I mean hot) chicken. The story goes that a wife discovered her man was cheating, and as punishment whipped him up some chicken using every spice in her kitchen. Elliston Place Soda Shop is delightfully retro (Picture: Visit Music City) Annoyingly though, it ended up being delicious, and has become a local staple. Hattie B’s hot chicken is the place to try it. My honest verdict I returned from Nashville utterly exhausted — and like I’d never be hungry again. The city can be overwhelming at times, but that comes with the territory of a rich musical history that locals are clearly very proud of. If you think you’re coming to Nashville for a relaxing time listening to country crooners in quiet bars, well, bless your heart. Our Top Shopping Picks Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you But if you want to embrace the chaos? Saddle up, cowboy. The essentials Getting there British Airways operates direct flights from London Heathrow to Nashville, five times a week, with return fares in October starting from just £726 per person. Where to stay Kimpton Aertson Hotel Sleep in style at the Kimpton (Picture: Laure Joliet) The Kimpton’s Midtown location is perfect: you get some breathing space from Broadway, but you’re still within walking distance of Downtown, the Gulch, and just a short cab ride to neighbourhoods further afield. While this hotel isn’t packed with personality, it’s polished, and is a comfortable, elevated place to rest your head. There’s also a rooftop pool which is a must in the Tennessee heat. Cool off in the pool (Picture: Laure Joliet) The bar and restaurant, Henley, is pretty quiet, but staff are friendly, and the artichoke dip certainly fills a hole. The hotel is also right opposite a Torchy’s Tacos, not far from a Hattie B’s, and just across the road from the Pink Limozeen, the Dolly Parton-themed rooftop bar. Rooms at Kimpton Aertson start at $209. Sylvan Park Boarding House Straight out of Gilmore Girls, no? (Picture: Sylvan Park Boarding House) If you want to feel like a local, stay at Sylvan Park Boarding House, a newly opened boutique hotel on a quiet suburban street. You even get a key to the front door. Quintessentially Southern with it’s front porch and entry columns, this place looks like it could be the main character’s home in a cosy sitcom. You’ll have to accept that it’s about a 15 minute Uber ride to get anywhere, but it makes for a tranquil retreat. Rooms are more like mini apartments, with seating areas, tea and coffee making facilities and separate bedrooms. The decor is homely and oh-so-Southern (Picture: Sylvan Park Boarding House) It also sits right next door to Tantisimo restaurant, where guests can also eat a small Latin American-inspired breakfast. This is for the traveller who wants to take it slow, who doesn’t mind whiling away an afternoon on the porch or in the communal lounge area, chatting to other guests. Rooms at Sylvan Park Boarding House start from $255. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: Donald Trump’s new ‘voluminous’ hairstyle has divided opinion Arrow MORE: The Sicilian town named Italy’s first ‘art capital’ and a ‘modern Pompeii’ Arrow MORE: Trump rushes to stop toddler falling off stage and can’t resist swipe at Biden The Getaway Expert Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.