Travel tips · Nashville · United States
Nashville travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0
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Quick answer
Nashville is a Southern city of music, churches, universities and healthcare companies, where many residents work in the music industry. Hospitality is warm, people chat easily, and the songwriting community is at the heart of the city's identity.
Key facts
- Language
- English
- Currency
- USD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
Things to know
- Tip the band at honky-tonks, where musicians often play for tips alone.
- Stay quiet during songwriter performances in listening rooms.
- Say 'please', 'thank you' and 'ma'am' or 'sir'; Southern politeness is expected.
- Respect the neighbourhoods: noise rules apply outside the downtown entertainment district.
- Tip at sit-down restaurants and bars.
- Book Ryman Auditorium ahead: Popular concerts sell out quickly; buy tickets through the official site.
- Book Grand Ole Opry ahead: Book tickets ahead, especially for weekend shows.
- Book Bluebird Cafe ahead: Reservations open online in advance and go very quickly; some seats are released for walk-ins.
- Most Lower Broadway honky-tonks charge no cover, so live music can cost only the price of a drink and a tip.
Tipping
Tipping is expected: about 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per drink, and cash in the tip jar for bands; 15–20% for taxis and rideshares.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Y'all | You all |
| Bless your heart | Sympathy, or polite criticism, depending on tone |
What to wear
Casual everywhere; cowboy boots are common but optional. Bring layers in spring and autumn, when temperatures swing.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- US SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to buy; free Wi-Fi is common in cafés, libraries and at the airport.
- Time zone
- America/Chicago
Downtown is heavily policed but crowded and alcohol-fuelled on weekend nights, so watch your drinks and belongings. Car break-ins happen in downtown parking lots. Spring storms can bring tornado warnings; follow local alerts.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check United States's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Nashville?
Tipping is expected: about 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per drink, and cash in the tip jar for bands; 15–20% for taxis and rideshares.
+Can you drink the tap water in Nashville?
Tap water is safe to drink.
+What plugs are used in Nashville?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Nashville?
English.