Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Nashville (Davidson County, Tennessee; pop. 689,447) sits at 170 m (558 ft) elevation near Tennessee State Museum, with regional transit access via Clinical Laboratories Airport (3.2 km). Visitors pair Nashville landmarks with signature Tennessee specialties including Nashville cayenne-spiced hot chicken with pickles and Memphis dry-rubbed hickory pork ribs & pulled pork.
Within Tennessee, Nashville (Nashville, TN) serves as a major hub city in tennessee. Travelers exploring Tennessee often combine a stop in Nashville with state highlights such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nashville Broadway Honky-Tonks, Ryman Auditorium & Grand Ole Opry, Memphis Graceland & Beale Street, and Chattanooga.
| Fact | Details for Nashville (Nashville, TN) |
|---|---|
| City & State | Nashville, TN |
| County & Role | Major hub city in Tennessee |
| State & Major Hubs | Tennessee (Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga & Gatlinburg) |
| Population | 689,447 residents |
| Elevation | 170 m (558 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Clinical Laboratories Airport (3.2 km) |
| Coordinates | 36.1659°N, 86.7844°W |
Getting to Nashville & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Clinical Laboratories Airport (3.2 km)): Nashville International Airport (BNA), Memphis Airport (MEM), Knoxville (TYS) for the Smokies, and I-40/I-65/I-24.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into BNA Nashville & MEM Memphis Airports + Amtrak City of New Orleans? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from Nashville includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in Nashville (Tennessee)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In Nashville (Davidson County, Tennessee), local tables feature: Signature Tennessee dishes—Nashville cayenne-spiced hot chicken with pickles, Memphis dry-rubbed hickory pork ribs & pulled pork, and Southern meat-and-three plates with mac & cheese and greens.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around Nashville and across Tennessee, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Tennessee: Tennessee charcoal-mellowed sipping whiskey, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Nashville (Tennessee), look for: Local specialties across Tennessee: Banana pudding & MoonPie with RC Cola, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic Tennessee dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In Nashville (pop. 689,447), diverse neighborhood dining districts, food halls, James Beard-recognized kitchens, and late-night spots across Davidson County offer everything from $12–$18 counter lunches to chef-driven tasting menus.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 170 m (558 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Clinical Laboratories Airport (3.2 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Tennessee State Museum (0.2 km) · Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park (0.7 km) · Victory Memorial Bridge (0.8 km) · Woodland Street Bridge (0.8 km) · Jefferson Street Bridge (1.1 km)
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Downtown Nashville, North Capitol, Hope Gardens, Germantown, East Germantown
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- Oak Hill, TN (8.7 km)
- Belle Meade, TN (10.1 km)
- Forest Hills, TN (12.1 km)
- Brentwood, TN (14.8 km)
- Hermitage, TN (14.9 km)
Regional Specialties Across Tennessee
- Nashville cayenne-spiced hot chicken with pickles — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
- Memphis dry-rubbed hickory pork ribs & pulled pork — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
- Southern meat-and-three plates with mac & cheese and greens — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
- Banana pudding & MoonPie with RC Cola — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
- Tennessee charcoal-mellowed sipping whiskey — a signature specialty across Tennessee.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Nashville
Best time to visit Tennessee: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov.
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Nashville exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Nashville; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Nashville (Nashville, TN) located in the United States?
Nashville (Nashville, TN) is a us city in Tennessee, United States (coordinates: 36.1659°N, 86.7844°W, elevation: 170 m (558 ft)). It has a population of approximately 689,447.
How do I get to Nashville by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach Nashville via Clinical Laboratories Airport (3.2 km). Nashville International Airport (BNA), Memphis Airport (MEM), Knoxville (TYS) for the Smokies, and I-40/I-65/I-24. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is Nashville and Tennessee known for?
In Nashville and across Tennessee, signature regional dishes include Nashville cayenne-spiced hot chicken with pickles, Memphis dry-rubbed hickory pork ribs & pulled pork, Southern meat-and-three plates with mac & cheese and greens, as well as Banana pudding & MoonPie with RC Cola and Tennessee charcoal-mellowed sipping whiskey. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit Nashville?
Best time to visit Tennessee: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: