Locals weigh in on how to explore this energetic capital city.

You cant beat the traditional country music every night there, says Stephen Rose, founder ofThe Peach Truck.

If youre feeling a bit peckish, order a fried bologna sandwich to go with your cold beer.

Original buildings on Broadway with skyscrapers behind them

Credit:Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Have a meal at a meat-and-three.

This Southern food concept is straightforward: Pick your meat and your three sides.

Snap a photo in front of a mural.

Exterior of Robert’s Western World on Broadway

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

No matter which neighborhoods you visit, youll probably run into one of the citys many large-scale creations.

Get tickets for a show at The Bluebird Cafe.

Tour the Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library.

A mural created by Nashville based artist Kim Radford is seen on August 19, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The mural is painted on the wall outside of The 5 Spot, a music venue in East Nashville

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Walk around one of Nashvilles many public parks.

Snack on a donut from Five Daughters Bakery.

Courtesy of Five Daughters Bakery

If you have a sweet tooth, schedule a trip toFive Daughters Bakery.

View Inside The Nashville Public Library’s Civil Rights Room

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

There are several locations around Nashville, but the 12South store might be the most picturesque.

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Get a taste of hot chicken.

Greenway Park in Nashville

Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure

Hot chicken is obviously a must in Nashville, and my go-to isBoltonsin East Nashville.

You cant ever have a bad experience there, says Rose.

Shop around 12South.

Hands pulling apart a pastry in front of Five Daughters Bakery

Courtesy of Five Daughters Bakery

Pick up local produce at a Nashville farmers market.

See a show at the Grand Ole Opry.

If you want backstage access before the show, be sure tobook a tourin advance.

Exterior of Country Music Hall of Fame

Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure

Book a stay at one of Nashvilles best hotels.

A tourist destination as large as Nashville must meet demand with a variety of accommodation options.

The latter, according to Rose, is also ideal for pizza and cocktails.

Spicy nashville hot chicken sandwich with coleslaw and pickles

rez-art/Getty Images

Bowl a few games at Pinewood Social.

A night out in Nashville doesnt have to include fighting the crowds along Broadway.

Instead, it’s possible for you to opt for dinner, drinks, and bowling atPinewood Social.

People walking in the 12south neighborhood

Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

Buy a pair of cowboy boots.

When in Nashville, right?

If you want an extra-luxe experience, custom boot fittings are offered in the VIP loft atLucchese.

A locally grown vegetables stall at Nashville Farmers' Market.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Guests of The Joseph have unique access to schedule a custom fitting at the Lucchese store in The Gulch.

Pose in front of The Parthenon.

Get your biscuit fix at The Loveless Cafe.

Exterior of the Grand Ole Opry

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Explore the National Museum of African American Music.

This is the newest edition to the music museums, and it is absolutely incredible.

it’s possible for you to spend hours in here if youre a music fan, says DiMenna.

Window of store filled with Cowboy boots

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Make a souvenir at Hatch Show Print.

Swing by the Nashville Zoo.

Karaoke at Santas Pub.

The Parthenon in Centennial Park

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For more than a decade,Santas Pubhas been welcoming guests 21 and over for cold beer and karaoke.

Like many things in Nashville, its something you have to see to believe.

Sunday night at Santas Pub.

A plate of biscuits with different jams from Loveless Cafe

Courtesy of Loveless Cafe

Just trust me, says Rose.

Stroll around Lower Broad in the evening.

The Lower Broad section of the Broadway Historic District has a variety of sights and sounds to experience.

A man exploring the National museum of african american music

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Along with Roberts Western World, youll findTootsies Orchid Lounge,Legends Corner, andDierks Bentleys Whiskey Row.

Go for a hike at Radnor Lake.

See a performance at Ryman Auditorium.

Sign and entrance to the Hatch Show Print

Jackson Vance/Travel + Leisure

Chef Mantuano says that seeing a show at the Ryman is a truly religious experience.

Spend a day at Cheekwood.

The 1930s estate includes a 30,000-square-foot mansion and 55 acres of gardens.

Giraffe pictures were taken at the Nashville, TN Zoo

Misty Mullican/Getty Images

Attend CMA Fest.

Recent performers have included Darius Rucker, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, and BRELAND.

The 2024 festival will be held June 6 through June 9.

View of Tootsie’s and other venues on Lower Broadway

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Catch one of the rotating exhibits at the Frist Art Museum.

This is a really approachable yet super high-quality museum.

They do a great job of mixing internationally known selections with local artists, says DiMenna.

A trail through the Radnor Lake nature area

Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure

Browse the Fisk University Galleries.

Hear the Nashville Symphony.

Music comes in all forms in Nashville.

Inside the Ryman Auditorium

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Cheekwood Estate covered in ivy

Jackson Vance/Travel + Leisure

Dierks Bentley playing at CMA Fest

Larry McCormack/ABC via Getty Images

Exterior of the Frist Art Museum

Jackson Vance/Travel + Leisure

Vintage recording equipment in the RCA studio B

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The Nashville Symphony performing at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.