This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Looking for the best way to spend your time in Nashville? You’ve come to the right place!
Nashville, Tennessee is a city we’ve come to know and love on our travels throughout the United States. The Music City blends southern charm, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks, so there’s no shortage of things to do here.
We’ve compiled our top 15 list to ensure you get the most out of your time here! From food tours and trips to the Jack Daniels distillery to line dancing and country music, we’ve curated a mix of classic must-dos and unique experiences.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable adventure in Nashville!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was take this walking food tour of Nashville. We explored trendy neighborhoods with our guide, learned a ton of history, and ate the yummiest BBQ and donuts (and more!).
Check the 1,600+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Tip: This tour is super popular, so book your spot here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- Things to do in Nashville, Tennessee
- 1. Go backstage at the famous Grand Ole Opry
- 2. Visit the Honky Tonk Highway
- 3. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and a recording studio
- 4. Tour the historic Hatch Show Print shop
- 5. Taste your way around Nashville
- 6. See all of Nashville on a hop-on hop-off trolly tour
- 7. Taste and make the famous Goo Goo Cluster
- 8. Sip on whiskey at the Jack Daniels distillery
- 9. Cycle around Nashville
- 10. Try Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
- 11. Visit the historic Belle Meade Mansion (and go wine tasting!)
- 12. Learn how to line dance
- 13. See Nashville from the sky on a helicopter tour
- 14. Explore the famous Ryman Auditorium
- 15. Experience a Pedal Tavern
- Where to Stay in Nashville, Tennessee
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the USA
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Nashville, Tennessee
1. Go backstage at the famous Grand Ole Opry
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: start times range from 10 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: backstage tour, visiting the artist’s entry and the dressing rooms, intro film, chance to visit Studio A
- Inclusions: professional guide, backstage access
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 2,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
The Grand Ole Opry is one of the world’s most famous music venues, so it’s naturally a must-visit while you’re in Nashville. We booked this backstage tour and it felt like we were stepping into the very heart of country music. So whether you’re a lifelong fan or just curious to see what the fuss is all about, it’s worth doing this tour because it offers an experience that’s way deeper than just visiting a music hall.
The tour began in the state-of-the-art Circle Room theater where we watched a short film introducing the famous concert and venue, which was narrated by music legends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. This gave us some context before diving into the backstage areas, which is where the fun really began.
Our guide, Bob, was super knowledgeable and incredibly enthusiastic about country music and the legendary Opry. He regaled us with fascinating stories as we peeked into the stars’ dressing rooms and explored the same hallowed halls that so many legendary musicians had walked before us!
I really enjoyed getting a glimpse of the green room, but the highlight was standing on the iconic Opry stage.
Checking out the Grand Ole Opry is a quintessential Nashville experience, and no visit to the city is complete without a backstage tour! It’s also a fairly quick experience that’s easy to fit into your itinerary, and it also offers a fascinating insight into the history and legacy of country music.
Check out the 2,000+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
2. Visit the Honky Tonk Highway
Nashville is a party town – there’s no doubt about it! Broadway Street is the lively, music-filled street that you’ll likely find yourself visiting a time or two. However, Lower Broadway has a special claim to fame, being dubbed the “Honky Tonk Highway”. This was one of the most iconic Nashville places we’ve ever heard of, so of course we had to check it out!
Honky Tonk Highway is an area of multi-storied bars and dance halls, often with a different live band on each floor. I was absolutely blown away by the sheer size of these venues, and even more impressive was the number of people around.
Even if you’re not much of a partier or a fan of country music, this is still an essential stop while in Nashville. The honky tonks are open from 10 am to 3 am and completely free to visit! If you find a musician you’re a big fan of, though, a tip is always appreciated.
We spent a full evening just wandering through the crowded streets, stopping to listen to some amazing live music, and soaking in the lively energy. It was easily one of the most memorable nights we had in Nash!
3. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and a recording studio
- Duration: 2 – 5 hours
- Time: start times range from 9 am – 5 pm
- Highlights: guided tour of RCA Studio B, visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame, seeing the plaques in the Rotunda
- Inclusions: access to all current exhibits, admission to RCA Studio B, professional guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
Nashville is the home of country music, so we had to take this tour of the Hall of Fame! And not only that, but we also got to visit RCA Studio B, which is where legends like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton have recorded some of their most famous songs. How cool is that?
We met our guide, Debbie, at the studio, and quickly realized that she was a fountain of knowledge! She taught us about all of the famous artists who have inhabited this studio. I was amazed to learn that Elvis recorded over 240 songs here! We also got to see the Steinway piano that The King favored when he recorded here.
Then, we got to enjoy a self-guided visit to the Hall of Fame, where we got an in-depth look at the evolution of country music. We got access to all of the permanent and temporary exhibits, and we got to see everything from Hank Williams’ guitar to Elvis’ custom Cadillac.
It was so fascinating to learn about the lives of all of these country music legends, and we loved seeing how country music has evolved in Nashville since the 1920s.
This is one of the most iconic things to do in Nashville, so we would honestly recommend it to anyone. I’m not personally a huge country music fan, but I still absolutely loved it, so make sure that you don’t miss out!
Book this tour here to access FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
4. Tour the historic Hatch Show Print shop
One of the things I came to love about Nashville was the variety of things to do. It’s not all country music and fried chicken – there are even more historic sights that make this city so unique. I’m talking about Hatch Show Print, a printing company dating back to 1879 that uses vintage wood block printing techniques to this day!
Okay – maybe this is tied to country music, but who makes the thousands of posters for each show?
Visiting the print shop was incredible. We took the tour to learn the behind-the-scenes process of this centuries-old craft, and they even let us try it out and make our own poster! It was harder than it looked, but I was pretty pleased with my finished product.
We booked the general 1-hour tour, but they have other experiences on offer if you want to dive in further. Regardless of what you choose, they recommend you book your tour in advance to secure your spot!
5. Taste your way around Nashville
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: every hour from 11 am – 4 pm
- Highlights: exploring East or 12 South Nashville, visiting local eateries, trying classic Southern dishes, hearing stories about the city’s food scene
- Inclusions: 5+ different dishes, local guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
We love eating our way around a new city, and Nashville was no exception! We couldn’t wait to try some of the city’s best Southern comfort food, so we booked this small group food tour and had a total blast. We had the choice between exploring East Nashville or the 12 South neighborhood. We opted for East, but honestly, this tour was so much fun that I’m sure you’d have a great time either way!
Our guide, Josh, was fantastic, and we loved exploring East Nashville with him. There are quite a few street art murals in the area, and we enjoyed checking them out in between visiting popular local eateries. If you book this tour, be sure to arrive hungry!
We got to try so much food that you can only find in Nashville, including crustburgers, which are thin patties sandwiched between flat potato buns. We also had whiskey-glazed donuts, which were beyond delicious, and some seriously pulled pork sandwiches. However, I think my favorite item of all was the Nashville hot chicken!
Josh was such a great guide and created a really friendly atmosphere among our small tour group. We felt like we were just going restaurant hopping with friends, which is how it should be!
This tour was my favorite thing that we did in Nashville, and I would do it again tomorrow if I could. The food was incredible and it was such a great way to get to know the city better.
This tour is likely to sell out, so secure your spot in advance here!
6. See all of Nashville on a hop-on hop-off trolly tour
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 9:30 am – 4 pm
- Highlights: Music Row, Lower Broadway, Bicentennial Park, the Ryman Auditorium, Marathon Village, Nashville Farmers Market, Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
- Inclusions: trolley tickets, live commentary on board
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 4,800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
What we loved about this Nashville trolley tour was that it allowed us to see all of the Old Town’s top sights, while giving us plenty of freedom and flexibility. And we’re not kidding when we say that it’s a comprehensive tour, as it has 13 stops and passes by over 100 points of interest!
There was commentary on board, so we got to learn about places like Lower Broadway, Music Row, and Marathon Village as we passed through them. Since this tour is a hop-on hop-off experience, we were able to get off and explore at the stops that interested us the most.
We spent about 90 minutes on the trolley itself, but we actually made this into a full-day exploration of Nashville. Basically, you get the ease and convenience of a structured tour, but the flexibility of a self-guided experience – what’s not to love?
As for our favorite stop of the day, it had to be the Marathon Village. This neighborhood was originally built by Marathon Motor Works, but today is home to lots of museums, shops, and distilleries. We went to Tennessee Legend for a tasting and loved it!
All in all, we think that this trolley tour is a fantastic way to get acquainted with the city of Nashville. We would highly recommend booking it for your first day in the city, or even snagging a 2-day pass if you’re short on time and want to see it all!
Check out the THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
7. Taste and make the famous Goo Goo Cluster
One thing Nashville locals go crazy for is Goo Goo Clusters. We’d never heard of this sweet treat before, so stopping by the historic store was high on our list – and it did not disappoint!
This place was clearly popular, as there was a line out the door when we arrived. But the queue went quickly, and we were soon sinking our teeth into this historic chocolate treat. Think marshmallow nougat, peanuts, and caramel all covered in milk chocolate – melt-in-your-mouth good is an understatement!
Visiting the store to try the original and other goo goo varieties is one thing, but we wanted to take our experience to the next level and join their candy-making class. We learned this 100+ year old candy-making craft, as well as the fun history that brought Goo Goo Clusters to where they are today. The best part? It was the tastiest souvenir I could have asked for!
You can pop by the shop whenever you’re in Downtown Nashville, but I highly recommend booking your chocolate-making experience in advance!
8. Sip on whiskey at the Jack Daniels distillery
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: guided tour of the historic Jack Daniels distillery, whiskey tasting in the barrel house, free time in downtown Lynchburg
- Inclusions: round trip transport, professional guide, admission to and guided tour of Jack Daniels distillery, whiskey tasting
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 1,600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
Tennessee is famously the home of Jack Daniels whiskey, but did you know that the distillery is just a 1.5-hour drive from Nashville? Yup, with the United States’ oldest distillery so close by, we couldn’t resist booking this guided tour, which took us out to Lynchburg for a tour and whiskey tasting.
We took off from Nashville with our guide, Jimmy, and a cooler full so we could bring drinks to get the party started!
Once we got to the Jack Daniels distillery, we began our 90-minute tour of this historic distillery. I was fascinated to learn that Lynchburg is actually a dry county, which means that no alcohol is allowed to be sold here, although of course a special exception is made for the Jack Daniels distillery.
The tour itself was so interesting, and I really don’t think you need to be a whiskey lover to enjoy it. It was interesting to learn about the evolution of Tennessee whiskey and what exactly goes into production.
Of course, we loved rounding off the experience with a premium tasting in the barrel house. I honestly wasn’t a huge Jack Daniels fan before the tour, but I definitely am now!
To finish it off, we had some time to explore downtown Lynchburg and try some authentic Tennessee barbecue for lunch – yum!
Whether you’re new to whiskey or a longtime lover of the stuff, this tour is definitely worth doing.
Check availability and book this top-rated tour here!
9. Cycle around Nashville
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 9 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Music Row, Printers’ Alley, the Gulch, Fort Nashboro, Fort Negley, Edgehill Village
- Inclusions: electric fat tire bike rental, helmet, bicycle pump, bike lights, snacks, bottled water, local guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to explore Nashville, this fat tire e-bike tour is the ideal option! It’s a game changer for those who don’t want to do a lot of walking, or if you’re short on time, as we saw so much in just two hours! The electric bikes made it so easy to glide through the city, and the fat tires mean that they’re super stable.
Our tour kicked off by rolling downhill from Fort Negley, which gave us panoramic views of the city as we whizzed along.
Then, we got to explore Music Row, which is the beating heart of Nashville’s entertainment district. Our guide, Sean, shared tons of stories and fun facts about the area and the musical legends who have performed here, which was fascinating!
We also loved visiting the quaint neighborhood of Edgehill Village, and the trendy 12 South area, which might just be our favorite part of Nashville! The Gulch was a super cool area, too, and we passed some cool spots that we took note of and later came back to, like the original Biscuit Love restaurant.
With that in mind, this tour is another great one to book early on in your trip to Nashville, so that you can get your bearings in the city and get to know the different areas. E-bikes make exploring a breeze, and Sean was a super fun guide!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!
10. Try Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
We’ve traveled in the South enough to know that food here is different – in an amazing way! So we were eager to take our comfort food tasting to the next level and try Nashville’s famous hot chicken.
Now, there’s a bit of a debate on which fried chicken place is the absolute best. But in our personal opinion, it’s Hattie B’s – no questions asked! I’m talking perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, fried chicken with all the fixings. This sandwich was dripping down my arm by the end, but I think that’s the sign of a good dish, right?
The original location is based here in Midtown, about a 30-minute walk from all the action of Broadway. It was worth the journey!
Of course, if you want to compare the two most famous hot chicken sandwiches in town, stop by Prince’s to see how it holds up!
11. Visit the historic Belle Meade Mansion (and go wine tasting!)
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Time: 11 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm, 2:30 pm
- Highlights: guided tour of the Belle Meade Mansion, wine tasting, thoroughbred horse farm on-site
- Inclusions: professional guide, guided tour of the mansion, exploring the grounds and outbuildings independently, access to the horse farm
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 1,800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
History fans just have to visit the Belle Meade Mansion while in Nashville! This grand home was built in 1853 and used as a military headquarters during the Battle of Nashville, and a huge skirmish occurred on the front lawn. In fact, we even saw the bullet holes in the mansion’s huge columns when we visited, which was pretty cool.
We loved this 45-minute tour of the mansion, which has a fascinating history and certainly hasn’t lost any of its grandeur over the years. The building is really a quintessential part of Nashville’s heritage and our guide was an amazing storyteller who really brought its history to life. Then, after the tour, we had time to explore the grounds and outbuildings by ourselves.
Belle Meade also has a thoroughbred horse farm within the grounds, so of course we had to go for a stroll around. There’s also a smokehouse for anyone who’s hungry! It’s also possible to do a bourbon tasting here, too, although we wanted to save ourselves for the complimentary wine.
And on that note, we loved the tasting session at the on-site winery. We always enjoy a good wine tasting, but doing one in such a grand and elegant setting was extra special!
Basically, if you love history, wine, horses, or beautiful buildings, then you won’t want to miss this tour of the Belle Meade Mansion!
Check out the 1,400+ 5-star reviews and book this mansion tour here!
12. Learn how to line dance
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: 11:30 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm
- Highlights: fun line dancing class with a professional, learning famous routines
- Inclusions: class admission, professional instructor, video to take home and practice with
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: no
- Price: Check price here!
Line dancing is a must when you’re in the American South! We had a ton of fun learning the steps in a classic country saloon during this line dancing class. In fact, I think it was one of the most memorable experiences in Nashville!
Honestly, we were a little nervous when we first arrived but our instructors put us at ease immediately. We started off by learning the very basics, but by the end, we were dancing our way through some of the US’ most popular routines! We may have walked in feeling slightly apprehensive, but we definitely walked out with big smiles on our faces.
The great thing about this class is that it doesn’t matter whether or not you’ve line danced before. Everyone is welcome, and everyone can gain something from it! We felt like it was an amazing way to dive into Nashville’s country culture, and we certainly had fun doing it. The atmosphere felt fantastic, and everyone was made to feel welcome.
Honestly, we can’t recommend this class enough! It’s inclusive, welcoming, and just an out-and-out blast. We were smiling from start to finish, and we gained a new skill along the way. What’s not to love?
Don’t miss out – book your line dance class here!
13. See Nashville from the sky on a helicopter tour
- Duration: 15 minutes
- Time: Departure times range from 10:15 am – 9:45 pm
- Highlights: aerial views of downtown Nashville, Ryman Auditorium, Tennessee State Capitol, Country Music Hall of Fame, Vanderbilt University, the Parthenon
- Inclusions: 15-minute helicopter flight, live commentary from the pilot
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 750+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
Not only is this helicopter tour an amazing way to take in the sights of Nashville, it’s also amazing value for money! It’s definitely not every day that you come across a top-rated helicopter flight for just $98 USD, believe me.
We couldn’t wait to see the views of Nashville, and we were super excited as we took to the skies. Seeing the city from high above was really cool, and we think this would be an ideal way to do some very time-efficient sightseeing if you don’t have long to spend in Nashville!
Our pilot, Melody, was so lovely and she gave us fantastic commentary as we flew over the city. She told us about major landmarks such as the State Capitol, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Parthenon Museum, which looks even more majestic from above!
We loved being able to see for miles, and we definitely gained a deeper appreciation for what a beautiful city Nashville is.
Basically, if you’re looking to make memories in Nashville, then this helicopter tour is a must! It was an epic experience. Helicopter tours are always pretty astounding, and it’s rare to find such an affordable option, especially in the United States! So if you’ve ever wanted to take a helicopter ride, now’s your chance!
Book this tour here to access flexible cancellation and payment options!
14. Explore the famous Ryman Auditorium
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Time: 9 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: learning about the venue’s history, ability to explore at your own pace, “Soul of Nashville” theater experience, multiple exhibits with short films hosted by an array of celebrities
- Inclusions: admission to the auditorium, flexible start times, all exhibits
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
The Ryman Auditorium is known as “the Mother Church of Country Music” so it’s an unmissable attraction for any country music fan! But I’ll be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of country music and I still loved visiting the auditorium. I mean, when stars like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, the Foo Fighters, and Joan Jett have played here, you know it’s more than just a venue – it’s a piece of musical history!
We were really excited for this guided tour, and it kicked off on a high note with the “Soul of Nashville” theater experience. It involved special effects, holograms, and lots of archival footage from famous performances, so it was a pretty magical way to kick off the tour.
We then began to move through the different exhibits that covered the Ryman’s Auditorium’s history, which spans over 125 years. The story was narrated by many famous country music stars, including Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, and Darius Rucker, so we were really hearing from those in the know! We also got to see tons of artifacts like Johnny Cash’s guitar and Uncle Dave Macon’s banjo.
The highlight for us both, though, was seeing the actual stage where countless country legends have performed, from Elvis Presley to Dolly Parton. It was pretty incredible!
Although we had both heard of the Ryman Auditorium before visiting Nashville, this tour really gave us a much deeper appreciation for it!
Check availability and book this tour here, before it fills up!
15. Experience a Pedal Tavern
Ready to pedal your way through Nashville? Don’t worry, this isn’t your average bicycle tour – it’s a pedaling tavern!
I was blown away by how many times we saw these bar-bikes in the city, and truthfully, a trip to Nashville didn’t feel complete without hopping on for ourselves. So we joined Pedal Tavern and toured the city in style – pedaling and enjoying a few drinks as we went!
The tour is 90 minutes long, and we went all over the city. If you’re traveling with a group of at least 6 people, you can book a private tour any day of the week. You can also join the public tours if you have fewer people, which is exactly what we did!
Our guide, Dave, was a Nashville local and seriously fun. He took us past the top sights, cranked the tunes, and made sure we were well hydrated the entire time. Not only was biking fun, but we also got discounts at various food and drink stops along the way.
The public tours are available Friday and Saturday, when Nashville is at its peak energy levels. You’ll definitely want to book this experience in advance, especially if you have a big group!
Related Read: Let us help you plan your trip! Here is our 3-day Nashville itinerary, which includes most of these top activities.
Where to Stay in Nashville, Tennessee
We were surprised to find out Nashville is a rather expensive place to stay! This is a popular travel destination for a reason, so hotel prices tend to add up – especially during the busy months. If you book your stay early, you won’t have a problem finding a good price and there are plenty of options in the city. Here are my top recommendations for a luxury, mid-range, and budget stay:
Luxury – $$$
When I say luxury, I mean The Hermitage Hotel! Located in downtown Nashville, this 5-star hotel provides attention to every detail so you have a relaxing stay. They offer rooms for two or four people, or suite style rooms, as well as two onsite restaurants and trendy bars. It’s within walking distance to the popular Broadway Street, but far enough away to get out of the busy areas.
Prices start at $440 USD and can get to $600+. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Holiday Inn & Suites is a great option for those with a moderate budget. I love that they provide a lot of room options, whether you want a standard queen room or upgrade to a king suite with a city view, without breaking the budget! It’s located near Nashville’s top sights, like the Johnny Cash Museum and Bridgestone Arena, or you can stay at the hotel and enjoy the outdoor pool.
Prices range $175 to $375 USD, depending on the time of year and room you select. Check all the options and reserve your stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For a budget stay that is still clean, comfortable, and central, the Comfort Inn Downtown Nashville is your best bet! These rooms are basic, but provide everything you need for a comfortable stay. It’s within walking distance to the Country Music Hall of Fame and other downtown sights, so the convenience is worth it!
Rooms are available for as low as $70 USD and can reach $300+ during the busy months. Check prices and reserve your room on Booking.com.
For even more options, check out all the hotels in Nashville here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
- Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
- Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
- Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Nashville surprised me, we loved visiting this city for its charm, food, music, and overall lively atmosphere. You will truly never be bored in Nashville, especially if you work your way through this list!
If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out our other USA travel guides. We have been all over the country, and beyond, and love helping fellow travelers plan their ideal vacation. Below, I’ll leave some helpful articles to inspire your travels – cheers!
10 BEST Things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana
How to Spend SIX DAYS in New York City – An Ideal NYC 6-Day Itinerary