Welcome to Nashville: Where Business Meets the Beat
Nashville, a city synonymous with musical heritage and Southern hospitality, is also a thriving hub of business and innovation.
For business travelers, Nashville offers a unique opportunity to blend professional commitments with an exploration of the city's rich culture and vibrant entertainment. This guide aims to infuse your business trip to Nashville with the authentic spirit of this dynamic city, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable stay.
Did You Know? Nashville is widely known as “Music City” due to its profound impact on the music industry, particularly country music.
How to Get Around Nashville for Business Travelers
Music City doesn’t have a light rail system, but the WeGo Public Transit bus system is an adequate and affordable way to get around. The WeGo Star is the state's only commuter train, connecting eastern suburbs to downtown Nashville.
You’ll also enjoy the variety of alternative transportation options the city has to offer. In addition to rideshares (Lyft/Uber) and taxis, you can use electric scooters, B-cycles (rentable bikes), pedicabs (available downtown, midtown, and East Nashville), and Nashrovers (5-star chauffeur service) to see the city.
Some locals recommend renting a car if you’re going to explore beyond the city’s core, where public transit becomes a bit complicated. For being such a large city, parking isn’t as difficult as you’d expect.
Getting Downtown
From Nashville International Airport (BNA): About eight miles southeast of downtown, rideshare apps and taxis take 15-20 minutes (depending on traffic). Bus Route 18 costs only $2, making the 30- to 40-minute ride an easy choice for business travelers not in a hurry.
From John C. Tune Airport (JWN): Significantly smaller than BNA, JWN is about eight miles west of downtown. Rideshare and taxi rides range from 15 to 25 minutes.
Nashville Quick Guide by Industry
Industry
Where to Stay
Meeting Spots
Key Tips
Arts & Entertainment
Music Row, The Gulch, Downtown
Silver Fox Coffee Lounge, The Well Coffeehouse, Egghill, Sadie’s Nashville, L.A. Jackson
Nashville is a relationship town, and talent will only take you so far. You create inroads by making connections and cultivating them.
Manufacturing
Southeast Industrial Corridor
The Horn - HQ, The Lost Paddy Irish Pub & Restaurant, Matryoshka Coffee, Ramadan Restaurant, Madina Restaurant
Manufacturing sites are often located in remote areas, far from major airports or the city center. So, plan extra time for transportation and book ground transport in advance.
The Gulch offers proximity to coworking spaces and startup activity, with easy access to both downtown and Music Row.
Finance & Real Estate
Downtown
Prickly Pear Coffee Co., Gannons Nashville, Black Rabbit, 417 Union
Consider timing visits around industry events and leveraging Nashville's role as a growing financial center.
Healthcare & Medical
Midtown, Vanderbilt Medical District
Midtown Cafe, The Proverbial Cup, Paradeisos Coffee Co., High Point Coffee, Henley, The Row Kitchen & Pub
Healthcare facilities often experience heavy traffic during shift changes (typically 7 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.). Schedule meetings outside these windows when possible.
Nashville Business Travel Dos & Don'ts
Dos (For a Smooth Business Trip)
Embrace the music. Nashville's music scene extends beyond country, featuring a variety of genres; don't miss the chance to experience live music in legendary venues.
Savor Southern cuisine. From hot chicken to barbecue, Nashville's culinary scene is a must-try. But keep in mind the diversity of the city. Be sure to dabble in the wide range of cuisine beyond the Southern staples.
Explore the greenways. Take advantage of the city's extensive network of parks and greenways for a scenic walk or run.
See local musicians perform. Nashville has fantastic outdoor venues such as Ascend Amphitheater and FirstBank Amphitheater, but remember to stop by the smaller spots. Station Inn, The 5 Spot, and Basement East tend to cater to local performers.
Don'ts (Avoid These Business Faux Pas)
Overlook Nashville's history. The city is rich in history, from The Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson, to numerous Civil War sites.
Miss out on cultural experiences. Nashville is home to exceptional art galleries, museums, and cultural events.
Underestimate rush hour traffic. Like any major city, plan for traffic, especially during peak hours.
Use your horn. If you choose to rent a car, it is generally frowned upon to honk your horn at pedestrians or other drivers. It’s seen as rather rude in these parts.
Pester celebrities you may encounter. Music City is home to many well-known musicians. Nashville tries to maintain a nonchalant and respectful culture surrounding celebrities who live here. Don’t make a scene when you spot Dolly Parton in a restaurant or Tim McGraw at the grocery store. Respect their space, but feel free to smile back.
Did You Know? Nashville is home to the famous Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running live radio show in the world.
Best Nashville Areas for Business Travelers
When choosing where to stay in Nashville for business travel, consider these top areas:
Downtown & SoBro (South of Broadway): Downtown is the center of Nashville's world-famous country music scene and business district, with SoBro separating itself as a micro-neighborhood that houses the hockey arena, symphony, convention center, and a range of hotels, restaurants, and museums.
The Gulch: This is a LEED Certified community, the first in the American South, and situated in the heart of Nashville. It’s a dynamic area of urban development on the southwest corner of Nashville's Central Business District. It's one of the most modern neighborhoods in Nashville, surrounded by luxury apartments, fancy hotels, trendy restaurants, and bars.
Music Row/Midtown: Music Row is technically just outside of Downtown, and many of the best hotels in Nashville are found in this area. It’s ideal for those working in the entertainment industry or having meetings near Vanderbilt Medical Center.
West End/Vanderbilt Area: This is optimal for business travelers working with Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Medical Center, or the broader healthcare industry.
Best Hotels for Business Travelers
Luxury Hotels
Omni Nashville Hotel – Located in the heart of Downtown, adjacent to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Omni Nashville Hotel seamlessly blends modern luxury with Southern hospitality. It offers upscale rooms and amenities, along with multiple dining options, including a Southern steakhouse and casual café. Its proximity to key business venues and cultural attractions makes it a top choice for business travelers.
Conrad Nashville – This 13-story luxury hotel features 234 rooms, including 24 suites and five innovative Wellness Rooms. The Conrad Nashville boasts multiple dining and drinking spots that showcase the city’s Southern cuisine and whiskey traditions. Enjoy its outdoor pool and recreation deck dotted with cabanas—or take in the gorgeous cityscape!
The Westin Nashville – Just steps from the city's entertainment district, The Westin Nashville offers a stylish and contemporary stay. Enjoy rooms with stunning city views, a luxurious spa, and rooftop lounge with an impressive cocktail menu. The hotel also boasts extensive meeting facilities, making it perfect for business events and conferences.
Renaissance Nashville Hotel – Situated in the vibrant business district, Renaissance Nashville Hotel is known for its sophisticated comfort and excellent service. It features spacious, modern rooms with ergonomic workspaces and high-speed internet. With an on-site restaurant serving Southern cuisine and a prime location near popular attractions, it's ideal for those looking to mix business with pleasure.
Conference-Friendly Hotels
Noelle – Right in the middle of Downtown, Noelle is an art-driven, boutique hotel. Its upscale design features a wide range of conference and meeting rooms accommodating between 12 and 150 attendees. Don’t forget to meander up to Rare Bird on the roof for a relaxing beverage and beautiful view.
Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown – This newly renovated hotel places you right next to the Historic District, Nashville Convention Center, Broadway, and Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown is quite proud of its Library Bar, serving three meals a day and more than 50 varieties of bourbon.
Cambria Hotel Nashville Downtown – Nested inside SoBro (South of Broadway), a stay at Cambria Hotel Nashville Downtown means you’re half a block from the Music City Center. It’s an ideal lodging choice if you want a lively atmosphere with easy access to the music scene.
Budget-Friendly Hotels
Hayes Street Hotel – Modest, but classy, and modern. Located in Midtown, Hayes Street Hotel isn’t too far from the college campuses of Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Belmont University, and Fisk University. You’re also moments away from Music Row.
Best Western Plus Music Row – Within a mile of Downtown, Best Western Plus Music Row is a cost-effective option for business travelers with a free, full breakfast and 24/7 gourmet coffee station.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Nashville – Situated near Nashville International Airport and the Opryland area, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Nashville offers a free shuttle service to BNA.
Top Restaurants & Networking Spots
Client Meetings
Halls Chophouse – Praised for its exceptional service and atmosphere, Halls Chophouse makes for an elegant, premier choice for client meetings.
The Finch – Self-described as “the intersection of fun and fine dining,” The Finch serves American cuisine and craft cocktails in a stylish, soothing atmosphere perfect for business lunches, dinners, and gatherings.
Monell’s – If you’re after a unique Nashville experience with family-style Southern comfort food in a historic setting, Monell's is a fantastic option for a less formal business meal.
Networking Cocktails
The Patterson House – The Patterson House in Midtown is a sophisticated speakeasy-style bar known for its artisanal cocktails and intimate ambiance. Its happy hour provides a refined setting for client meetings, complete with expertly crafted drinks and wide selection of gourmet small plates.
Acme Feed & Seed – Located on Lower Broadway, Acme Feed & Seed offers a multi-level experience with a rooftop bar boasting views of the Cumberland River. Its happy hour includes creative cocktails, local beers, and Southern-inspired snacks, all in a lively, eclectic setting perfect for a casual business gathering.
Butchertown Hall – In the Germantown area, Butchertown Hall is a stylish restaurant and beer garden with a focus on Texas-style barbecue and craft beers. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with its delicious happy hour menu, makes it an excellent choice for enjoying Nashville’s culinary scene with clients.
L27 Rooftop Lounge – Situated atop the Westin Nashville, L27 Rooftop Lounge offers an unparalleled view of the city. This stylish and sophisticated venue is known for its creative cocktails and chic ambiance, making it an ideal spot for enjoying a sunset drink or sophisticated night out.
Rare Bird – Perched atop the Noelle Hotel, Rare Bird provides a stunning view of Nashville’s skyline. This elegant rooftop bar offers expertly crafted cocktails, small plates, and a stylish, vibrant setting for a memorable evening in Music City.
Up Rooftop Lounge – This fashionable rooftop lounge in The Gulch is known for its panoramic views, chic decor, and trendy vibe. Up Rooftop Lounge offers a variety of refreshing cocktails and delicious bites, perfect for a relaxed yet upscale evening.
Team Dinners
Caney Fork River Valley Grille – A barbecue spot with a laid-back, picnic table vibe, Caney Fork River Valley Grille provides your team an abundance of options: gator bites, fried green tomatoes, catfish po’boys, elk sliders, and venison sausage.
Darfons Restaurant + Bar – A casual eatery that’s been a staple in Nashville for 35+ years, Darfons serves a more creative take on traditional American cuisine—with several multi-functional event spaces for team meals.
McNamara’s Irish Pub – A popular group spot for dinner, McNamara’s Irish Pub prioritizes creating an authentic Irish pub experience. It’s reasonably priced, and the service frequently receives top reviews.
Quick Coffee Meetings
Living Waters Brewing – Promising a “small batch beer and coffee” experience, Living Waters Brewing provides a refreshing spot to work or meet up with clients for early risers or late-nighters.
Sip Café – Should you find yourself in East Nashville, Sip Café serves locally roasted java, fresh-baked pastries and….wait for it: homemade ice cream, for a business meeting everyone will want to attend!
Americano Lounge –Taking inspiration from New York City in the 1930s, Americano Lounge brews a jazzy environment for clients and team members. It’s located in Houston Station and can be a nice bridge to happy hour, should your meeting run long.
Did You Know? Nashville is a major center for healthcare, publishing, and higher education, notably Vanderbilt University.
Best Co-Working Spaces & Remote Work Spots
The Malin Wedgewood Houston – The Malin Wedgewood Houston is a collaborative environment with open coworking areas, private offices, soundproof phone booths, and meeting rooms, suitable for both work and client meetings. Plus, it’s Nashville’s first mass timber office building.
InDo Nashville – A unique coworking environment with a creative vibe and spaces for meetings, events, and individual work, InDo Nashville hosts entrepreneurs and growing startups.
Center 615 – Offering office spaces, coworking options, and conference rooms with free parking and WiFi, Center 615 is another convenient choice for business travelers.
Where to Exercise In Nashville
Maintain your fitness routine during your Nashville business trip with these versatile exercise options, from outdoor activities to state-of-the-art gym facilities.
Run or Walk on the Nashville Greenway
The Nashville Greenway system offers miles of scenic trails perfect for running or walking. Enjoy the city's natural beauty while staying active, especially on the paths along the Cumberland River.
Hotel Fitness Centers
Many Nashville hotels boast excellent fitness centers. These facilities are well equipped with modern exercise equipment, providing a convenient option for guests to keep up with their workouts.
Yoga & Fitness Studios
Nashville is home to numerous yoga and fitness studios, offering a range of classes that cater to different levels and styles. Whether you're looking for a high-intensity workout or calming yoga session, there's something for every traveler.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities at Local Parks
Nashville’s parks, such as Centennial Park with its iconic Parthenon replica, are great for outdoor workouts—whether jogging, cycling, or quick bodyweight exercise routines amidst lush greenery.
After-Work & Bleisure Plans
Rooftop Bars for Impressing Clients & Colleagues
L.A. Jackson: Voted Nashville Scene's Best Rooftop Bar five years in a row, L.A. Jackson is located in the heart of The Gulch. On top of dynamite cocktails and other specialty drinks, you can enjoy their famous garlic parm fries.
PROOF: Another rooftop bar in the Gulch, PROOF is located on the 13th floor of luxury hotel W Nashville, delivering 270-degree views of the city on its outdoor terrace, delicious bites, shareable plates, and an expansive beverage menu. Perfect for sophisticated business entertaining.
For a More Intimate Setting:Harriet's Rooftop is situated on the 19th floor of 1 Hotel Nashville with lush greenery in a carefully designed space, making it easily one of the most upscale rooftops in Music City.
Broadway for Team Building & Group Activities
Nashville's Honky Tonk Highway: Located in Lower Broadway, this authentic Nashville setting features live music 365 days a year from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m., with no cover charge. The bands on Lower Broadway play for tips, so please remember to bring cash to express just how much you enjoy the tunes.
If you head there during the day, the honky tonks are not as packed and the music is just as good, giving you the full experience without the full crowd. Most honky tonks are open to all ages until 6 p.m., switching to 21+ at 8 p.m. or 9 p.m.
Museums & Attractions
Tennessee State Museum tells the entire story of Tennessee's rich history and offers business travelers free self-guided tours Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum grants music and history lovers access to plaques dedicated to country music's finest, and artifacts including Johnny Cash's guitar and Elvis Presley's "solid gold" Cadillac limo.
The National Museum of African American Music opened in 2021 and celebrates Black music in America through permanent and rotating exhibits focusing on jazz, blues, gospel, R&B, and more.
Historic Experiences
Travellers Rest Historic House Museum, built by Judge John Overton in 1799, is the oldest historic home in Nashville open to the public, offering a glimpse into Nashville's founding history.
Nashville's 180-mile greenway system features 90 miles of off-road trails perfect for cycling, with mobile rental services available through Bike the Greenway.
Nashville is home to three incredible lakes—Percy Priest Lake, Radnor Lake, and Old Hickory Lake—each creating a perfect getaway from the city's buzz. Enjoy kayaking down the Cumberland River with River Queen Voyages or Cumberland Kayak & Adventure Company for incredible views of Nashville's downtown skyline.
Nashville Business Travelers Frequently Asked Questions
Parking can be costly in downtown areas, so Uber/Lyft tend to be more convenient for traveling between neighborhoods. The Gulch and Downtown areas tend to offer the best walkability for business travelers.
For meeting efficiency, choose your base strategically:
Downtown Meetings: Walk or use short rideshares within the downtown core.
Multiple Locations: The Gulch provides central access to both downtown corporate offices and medical districts.
Airport Access: Nashville International Airport (BNA) is approximately 8.3 miles from major business districts.
Pro tip: Many Nashville hotels near business districts feature specialized conference facilities with business-grade internet capabilities essential for virtual meetings.
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is located approximately 8.3 miles from downtown Nashville and major business districts.
Transportation Options
Rideshare/Taxi: 15-20 minutes to downtown, depending on traffic.
Rental Car: Most flexible for multiple meetings, though downtown parking is expensive.
Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels such as Hyatt House Nashville at Vanderbilt provide free shuttle service to key locations, including medical centers.
Timing Considerations: Give yourself extra time during rush hours (7-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.. For early morning flights, staying near the airport at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center can be strategic for convention attendees.
Airport Amenities: BNA offers business lounges and reliable WiFi for last-minute meeting preparations.
Nashville has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, making timing and packing crucial for business travelers.
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May): With blooming flowers, sunny days, and pleasantly warm temperatures, spring is a beautiful time to visit Nashville.
Summer (June-August): Summer brings a buzzing energy to the city's streets with tons of outdoor music festivals, but can be hot and humid.
Fall (September-November): In the fall, the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange, and there's a crispness in the air that's perfect for exploring.
Winter (December-February): Generally mild winter temperatures mean you get to enjoy many outdoor activities without snow-covered streets, with temperatures averaging in the low 50s during the day and near freezing at night.
Business Packing Essentials
Professional attire suitable for both indoor meetings and potential outdoor client entertainment.
Closed-toe shoes for bars and networking venues—you don't want people stepping on them all night long!
Layers for transitional weather and air-conditioned meeting spaces.
Umbrella for sudden weather changes.
Understanding Nashville's local customs can enhance your professional relationships and clients’ entertainment experiences.
Music Venue Etiquette
The bands on Lower Broadway play for tips, and most places do not charge a cover. Please remember to bring cash so you can tip the band if you like the tunes.
If you tip musicians a $20, they'll play just about any song you want (within reason).
Dining & Entertainment
Standard 18-20% gratuity for restaurant service.
For group entertainment, have each person in the group buy a round throughout the evening to save the hassle of everyone going up to the bar at once.
Valet parking is common at upscale venues, typically $5-10.
Business Meeting Customs
Southern hospitality emphasizes relationship building before diving into business.
Nashville has a close-knit healthcare community with extensive networking opportunities, making personal connections valuable.
Punctuality is important, but give yourself extra time for relationship-building conversations.
Local Phrases: Understanding that locals pronounce "Demonbreun Street" as "De-MUN-bree-uhn"—anyone who says "de-mun-breun" is automatically clocked as a tourist—can help you blend in better.
Make Every Nashville Business Trip Effortless
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