Nashville is experiencing a surge in British visitors, with airport data showing 143,440 UK passengers in 2025—an 11% year-on-year increase. British Airways, the only airline with a direct London-to-Nashville route, has even upgraded to larger A350 planes to meet demand.
The city's appeal has grown as country music went mainstream in the UK, from Lil Nas X's 'Old Town Road' to Garth Brooks' record-breaking BST Hyde Park show. Now, a firsthand account reveals what to expect—from the chaotic fun of Broadway to quieter neighborhoods and standout dining.
First Impressions: Broadway's Honkytonk Highway
Broadway, known as The Honkytonk Highway, is Nashville's equivalent of Dublin's Temple Bar or Las Vegas' Strip. Here, music thumps so loudly you feel it in your chest, and crossing guards work to keep visitors safe from traffic. Bachelorette parties spill out of bars in cowboy hats and boots, creating an atmosphere that's unhinged, a little terrifying, and great fun.
For a less touristy spot, Layla's offers vintage license plates covering the ceiling and is the only female, independently owned bar on Lower Broadway. Luke's 32 Bridge, owned by Luke Bryan, has a friendly crowd, while Category 10, Luke Combs' four-floor mega bar, offers line-dancing lessons—the more whiskey, the better you get.
For Music Lovers: Beyond the Honkytonks
Music Row is the historic heart of 'Music City,' home to recording studios where artists like Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen have recorded. RCA Studio B, built in 1957, hosted Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton and now offers tours. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is worth a visit, though it can be an information overload.
The Listening Room Cafe showcases up-and-coming singer-songwriters, with Monday's The Song Suffragettes featuring all-female acoustic acts. Alumni include Kelsea Ballerini and Lainey Wilson. The Grand Ole Opry, the world's longest-running live radio broadcast, has hosted artists since 1925 and moved to a purpose-built venue in the 70s, taking 'The Circle of Wood'—a piece of its original stage—with it.
Best Neighborhoods and Culinary Highlights
The Gulch is a trendy neighborhood with Milk & Honey for brunch—expect a queue since they don't take reservations. Their biscuits, a Southern staple, come with bacon and avocado. 12South offers shopping and street art, with Butter Milk Ranch serving the best biscuits in Nashville and Loaded Ranchers (pork belly, cheese, potatoes). Germantown is ideal for a local night out, with Pelato's Radiatori alla Vodka and Mother's Ruin for late-night drinks at cheaper prices than Downtown.
For food, Sylvan Park is home to Lion's Share and Tantisimo, while Kisser in East Nashville earned a Michelin mention—its tomato sandwich is the best dish of the trip. Elliston Place Soda Shop, running since 1939, pioneers the 'meat and three' concept and serves Southern comfort food. Hattie B's is the place for Nashville's famously hot chicken, born from a tale of a wife's revenge that turned delicious.
The Verdict
Nashville can be overwhelming, but it's part of the territory of its rich musical history. It's not for those seeking a relaxing time in quiet bars—but for those ready to embrace the chaos, it's a saddle-up adventure.
Getting there: British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow five times a week, with October returns from £726. Stay at the Kimpton Aertson Hotel for Midtown convenience or Sylvan Park Boarding House for a tranquil, local feel.
