06/22/2022
Inflation is causing many people to cut back on travel — but there are still plenty of ways to vacation in Nashville, Tennessee, and save money! Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a bachelorette party, or a family reunion, use these tips to stretch your dollar. Here’s how to enjoy your Music City experience and still have plenty of cash to spare.
Getting to Nashville
If you’re flying to Nashville, you can save a few ways. One is to consider your timing. For example, avoid busy times like CMA Fest or holidays like the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve. Also, visit during the week if you can as flights will be less expensive and crowds will be smaller.
The Best Ways to Get Around Music City
Whether planning a night out at the honky-tonks or if you need a lift to the airport, catching a ride in Nashville has never been easier. Some budget-friendly transportation options include:
Nashville Transit: You can purchase one-day bus passes for $4 and seven-day passes for $20. Fares are paid through QuickTicket; simply download the app and go!
Nashville BCycle: With pick up and drop at any of the 36 stations, you can bike anywhere throughout the city. The Guest Pass is $25 and gives you unlimited 120-minute rides in a three-day period.
Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour: The trolley is a more expensive option, but it includes your transportation to most of the must-see spots in Nashville. Book for a day or two, and visit Centennial Park, Frist Art Center, Marathon Village, The Gulch, and more. Bonus: you can spend as much or as little time as you want at each stop.
Top Things to Do in Nashville
Keeping yourself entertained in Music City on a budget is much easier than you may think, regardless of your interests. These recommendations are just the start!
- Take a free walking tour – These two-hour tours are available every Saturday starting at 2 p.m. and cover about 1.5 miles.
- Get a Music City Total Access Pass – With this pass, you can bundle various attractions and save.
- Find free performances – Musicians Corner presents free outdoor concerts in Centennial Park each Friday and Saturday in May and June; the event includes food trucks, craft beer, wine, signature cocktails, local artisans, and activities for children. Jazz on the Cumberland runs every third Sunday from May until October at Cumberland Park in Nashville and features local jazz acts for free. During August and September, the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, Nashville Shakes, offers free performances (with a suggested $10 donation) at oneC1TY in Nashville. Also, Lightning 100’s100’s Live on the Green Music Festival, a free outdoor concert series, is on Labor Day Weekend at Public Square Park.
- Experience art on a budget – Known as the First Saturday Art Crawl, on the first Saturday of the month, local art galleries open their doors from 6–9 p.m. for special events and exhibit openings. Admission is free, and most galleries offer free wine and refreshments.
- Explore museums for free – Learn about history at The Tennessee State Museum, Tennessee State Capitol, or the War Memorial Buildings, which are free to the public.
- Get your photo ops in – It doesn’t cost a thing to document your visit to the beautiful murals around the city created by local and internationally-known artists.
How to Eat and Drink in Music City
In Nashville, your dining options are practically endless. But you can also eat well within budget. For example, Music City’s meat and three mainstay Arnold’s Country Kitchen is a must-try option that’s also reasonably priced. Eating our famous hot chicken is also a must, and the originator, Prince’s Hot Chicken, won’t disappoint your taste buds or your wallet. If you want to try some of Nashville’s more upscale dining options, we suggest going during lunch rather than paying dinner prices. And don’t forget to hit happy hour around the city to enjoy drink specials!
Where to Stay in Nashville
Music City Loft features 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom vacation rentals right in the heart of downtown Nashville at an affordable price with unmatched luxury and comfort. Each of our unique lofts pays homage to top country musicians with works from our favorite local designers and artisans to further immerse you in local culture. And by booking directly with us, there are no third-party or OTA booking fees, so you always get the best deal.
