Visiting Nashville: How to NOT Look Like an Inexperienced Tourist

Music City’s Top Transportation Provider Lets You in on a Few Secrets

So, you’ve decided to make a visit to Music City? Good choice.

Now it’s time to make sure you don’t look like a tourist…since born and raised Nashvillians can usually tell a local from someone who’s just in for the week.

Sure, you may think Music City is all about country music and cowboy boots, and on some level you’d be right, but there’s much more to this beloved city than popular culture would have you believe.

We’re no mecca of skyscrapers and flashy lights (though Broadway in Nashville is beautiful at night), but we’ve got plenty to keep your attention.

Want to blend in and really mingle with the locals during your upcoming visit? Here are some easy ways NOT to look like a tourist.

#1 – We Don’t All Wear Cowboy Boots

Sure, if you go to Broadway on a Friday or Saturday night (or any night, really, there’s always live music playing), you’re bound to see hundreds of people wearing cowboy boots. Those are tourists, too. Save those for the rodeo.

Locals may own a pair or two, but you’ll see just as many wearing sneakers or loafers as they head to The Gulch for dinner or Midtown for live shows. Nashville style is laid-back, modern, and a bit eclectic—think casual chic, not country costume.

#2 – Leave the Stetson at Home, Unless You’re Going to the Wild Horse Saloon

Again, you might see a cowboy hat every now and then in the Country Music Hall of Fame, but it’s probably in a glass display case because it was worn by Hank Williams. Nashvillians don’t make it a habit to wear a Stetson unless we’re dressing up as a Texan for Halloween.

Nashvillians don’t make it a habit to wear a Stetson unless we’re dressing up as a Texan for Halloween. If you want to look like a local, a baseball cap from a neighborhood brewery like Yazoo or TailGate will fit right in—and make for a better souvenir, too.

#3 – Don’t Be Afraid of East Nashville. The Stories Aren’t True

East Nashville gets a bad rap because of a history of crime and a particular rough patch in the ’90s. Nowadays, the area is actually thriving.

It’s going through its own little renaissance, and if you’re in the hot spots of East Nashville, you’re not a tourist…. you’re family. Check out The Pharmacy for the best burger of your life, The Five Spot for amazing live music, and Bongo Java for a unique atmosphere and outstanding coffee.

Want to buy records or musical equipment? Stop by Fanny’s House of Music. There are local bakeries, thrift stores, and grocery stores, too.

Pro tip: If you’d rather explore several neighborhoods in one day without worrying about traffic or parking, our Custom Nashville Tour represents a comfortable way to discover East Nashville, The Gulch, and Music Row with a local chauffeur who knows the best stops.

#4 – Don’t Try to Speak Our Language…We Don’t Have One

We don’t all say “y’all,” and we’re not as “country” as you might think.

Actually, we’re a city full of diverse cultures and communities; a good number of us are transplants from cities and countries far away.

Don’t believe us? Check out the Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the African Street Festival, or the NAIA Pow Wow. The majority of country music stars migrated here from other places, too. For example, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, and Vince Gill are from Oklahoma, while Alan Jackson is from Georgia, George Straight is from Texas, and Merle Haggard was actually born in California.

#5 – Order Sweet Tea the Right Way

If you’re looking for great sweet tea, a born-and-raised Southern grandma can fix you up right. Or, if you’re out and about in the city, you can go to Arnold’s on 8th Avenue South, or take a longer drive down Highway 100 to the world-famous Loveless Café. In the South, we drink sweet tea the right way, on ice, with sugar and a lemon wedge. Don’t ask for unsweetened and then add packets of sugar; that’s how you out yourself as a visitor.

And if you’re visiting during warmer months, pair it with some hot chicken or banana pudding—it’s as Nashville as it gets.

#6 – Check Out Other Venues, Not Just the Honky-Tonks

We’re not all about country music. Even though country is what Nashville is known for, the city’s sound is far more diverse. Our recording studios work on everything from gospel to indie rock to hip-hop and pop.

There are tons of venues around the city that cater to every genre—The Cannery Ballroom, Marathon Music Works, The Basement East, and Exit/In, to name a few. Ever heard of Jack White, The Black Keys, or Kings of Leon? They all live here and play here regularly.

Locals often book concert transportation to these venues so they can skip parking challenges and fully enjoy their night out. Whether it’s an intimate indie set or a stadium tour, having a reliable ride makes the experience that much better.

#7 – Leave Our Celebrities Alone. They Chose This City for a Reason

Nashville is home to many celebrities, and not just singers. We’ve got Nicole Kidman, Connie Britton, Hayden Panetierre, Reese Witherspoon, and Al Gore.

They chose Nashville because locals let them live normal lives. Respect their privacy, and help us keep Music City the welcoming, grounded community that drew them here in the first place.

Bonus Tips from the Locals

If you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of most tourists. Here are a few more insider pointers to help you explore like a local:

• Avoid Broadway on Saturday night unless you’re ready for big crowds. Try Midtown or 12 South for a more relaxed evening.
• Catch a live show at the Ryman Auditorium—there’s nothing like its acoustics.
• Visit during the week for shorter lines at popular spots like Hattie B’s or Pancake Pantry.
• Plan a day trip to Leiper’s Fork or Arrington Vineyards—locals love those escapes just outside the city.
• Check the event calendar before you go. CMA Fest, Titans games, and major concerts can affect parking and traffic all over downtown.

Getting Around Nashville Like a Local

Locals know that Nashville’s growing popularity means heavier traffic and limited parking—especially near Broadway, The Gulch, and Nissan Stadium.

If you’re arriving by air, pre-booking airport transportation ensures a smooth start to your visit. And once you’re here, a private chauffeur service can make your sightseeing simple—no parking, no waiting, just comfort between every stop.

At Signature Transportation Services, we offer everything from luxury sedans to buses for groups. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, corporate event, or Nashville Music City Tour, our chauffeurs know the best routes, venues, and timing to keep your plans running perfectly.

Plan Your Perfect Nashville Visit

Even though Nashville has grown into a major destination, it still holds onto its welcoming, local feel. Whether you’re checking out East Nashville’s food scene, seeing a show at the Ryman, or spending a night downtown, you’ll feel right at home once you know the city’s rhythm.

Let Signature Transportation Services help you experience Music City like a local—without the stress of finding parking or navigating traffic.

You can plan a customizable tour of Music City with us today. In addition to that, you can book a Whiskey Trail Tour shuttle to bars and distilleries in Nashville to explore the city’s flavors, stories, and sounds.

If you’d like personal help arranging your tour, our Nashville-based team is always happy to assist—just call (615) 244-5466 or email info@nashvillelimo.com and we’ll help you build your perfect Music City experience.