Located in the southern state of Tennessee on the banks of the Cumberland River, Nashville is best known as America’s capital of country music. For more than a century the world-famous Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry have played host to some of the most legendary performers.

Day and night, you’ll hear live music drifting from every corner of Nashville, from world-class music venues to recording studios where legendary artists produced some of their biggest hits to the city’s many music-themed museums. And while country music put Nashville on the map, it’s not all honky-tonk tunes here. You can hear rock, blues, and pop artists showcasing their talents behind the neon signs along Lower Broadway and on tree-lined 2nd Avenue.

Beyond Nashville’s music, there’s a fast-emerging dining scene, where the latest culinary trends are represented comfortably alongside time-honoured classics like biscuits and fried chicken. Heritage architecture, including the grand Greek Revival columns of the Tennessee State Capitol, is enveloped in green space — the city’s network of parks span 10,000 acres, with almost 20 greenways to explore on foot or by bike.

Nashville has an ever-changing calendar of events and festivals, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you rent a Nashville apartment. The most popular time to visit is in summer, when most festivals are held and live music fills the streets. This is a great time to explore the outdoors and get out on the Cumberland River, but be prepared for hot and humid conditions. Spring and autumn bring milder weather, and the city is generally quieter during these seasons. This is a great time to take a day trip to the nearby town of Nolensville for hiking and biking around apple orchards and vineyards, or to tour nearby Franklin’s historic architecture.

Ryman Auditorium

This legendary auditorium, built in the late 19th century as a tabernacle, still plays a key role in Nashville’s music scene. Often described as the place where country music first found its audience, the venue is famous for its incredible acoustics and intimate atmosphere. Some of country music’s biggest stars have graced the stage through the years, while up-and-comers view playing here as a rite of passage. These days, the Ryman hosts concerts of all musical genres.

National Museum of African American Music

Nashville has played a vital role in the development of early R&B, blues, jazz, and gospel music, all the way through to modern musical genres of soul, hip-hop, and rap. At this new museum, you can learn more about the music genres that have been created, influenced, and inspired by the African American community through exhibits, interactive displays, film screenings, and live performances.

Assembly Food Hall

Just off Broadway, Nashville’s largest culinary and entertainment destination offers 22 places to eat, nine bars, two fine-dining restaurants, and three live performance stages. There’s a huge open-air rooftop concert space where you can enjoy music under the night sky.