First Time in Nashville? Don’t Make These 7 Common Travel Mistakes

Planning your first time in Nashville is exciting. From live music and world-famous hot chicken to professional sports and unique neighborhoods, Music City offers something for every traveler. It’s easy to fill your itinerary with attractions, restaurants, and must-see landmarks.

However, many first-time visitors make a few common mistakes that can cost them time, money, and part of the experience. The good news? A little planning goes a long way.

Before you pack your bags, here are seven mistakes to avoid so you can enjoy a smoother, more affordable trip to Nashville.

1. Thinking Broadway Is All Nashville Has to Offer

Broadway is one of Nashville’s biggest attractions, and it’s absolutely worth visiting. Live music pours out of nearly every honky-tonk, talented musicians perform throughout the day, and the energy is unlike anywhere else.

But don’t make the mistake of spending your entire trip there.

Some of Nashville’s best experiences can be found beyond Lower Broadway, including:

• The Gulch’s trendy shops and murals
• Centennial Park and the Parthenon
• 12 South’s local boutiques and cafés
• Historic neighborhoods filled with local restaurants

Exploring different parts of the city gives you a better feel for what makes Nashville so special.

2. Overpaying for Overnight Parking

Many travelers compare hotel room rates but forget to factor in parking costs.

Downtown hotels often charge $40 to $60 or more per night for overnight parking. If you’re staying several nights, those fees can quickly add hundreds of dollars to your trip.

Choosing a hotel with affordable overnight parking, like Baymont Nashville Airport, can help you save money without sacrificing convenience.

Instead of paying extra for parking, put that money toward live music, local restaurants, or one more Nashville experience.

3. Waiting Until You’re Hungry to Decide Where to Eat

After a busy day exploring, the last thing you want is to spend an hour deciding where to eat—especially if your first few choices have long wait times.

Instead, create a short list of restaurants before your trip. That way, you’ll already know where to go when hunger strikes.

Some local favorites near the airport include:

• Edley’s Bar-B-Que for authentic Tennessee barbecue
• Party Fowl for Nashville hot chicken and creative cocktails
• Homegrown Taproom & Marketplace for burgers, craft beer, and a relaxed atmosphere
• McNamara’s Irish Pub for hearty Irish fare, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere

Planning ahead means you’ll spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your meal.

4. Renting a Car When You Don’t Need One

Many first-time visitors automatically reserve a rental car.

Depending on your plans, that may not be necessary.

If you’re flying into Nashville and plan to spend most of your time exploring popular attractions, rideshare services and hotel airport shuttles are often more convenient than dealing with traffic and parking.

This is especially worth considering as ongoing improvements around Nashville International Airport may affect parking availability and traffic patterns over the coming months.

For many travelers, skipping the rental car can save both money and unnecessary stress.

5. Trying to See Everything in One Day

There’s a lot to experience in Nashville.

Trying to fit every attraction into a single day usually leaves visitors feeling rushed instead of relaxed.

Instead, leave room in your schedule for unexpected discoveries.

You might stumble across a local coffee shop, hear an incredible musician performing in a neighborhood venue, or find yourself spending an extra hour exploring a park or boutique you hadn’t planned to visit.

Sometimes the best memories happen when you aren’t watching the clock.

6. Paying for Things Your Hotel Could Include

Small travel expenses have a way of adding up.

Breakfast here.
Parking there.
Airport transportation somewhere else.

Instead of paying separately for everyday travel essentials, look for a hotel that includes valuable amenities, such as:

• Complimentary breakfast
• Complimentary airport shuttle service
• Affordable overnight parking
• Comfortable guest rooms

These conveniences can save both money and time throughout your stay, allowing you to focus on enjoying Nashville instead of worrying about extra expenses.

7. Choosing a Hotel Based Only on Price

It’s tempting to book the cheapest hotel you can find.

But the lowest nightly rate doesn’t always offer the best value.

Before making your reservation, consider what’s included with your stay.

Ask yourself:

• Does the hotel include breakfast?
• Is airport shuttle service available?
• How much does parking cost?
• Is the location convenient for your plans?
• Are there hidden fees?

A hotel with more included amenities often costs less overall than a cheaper room with multiple additional expenses.

Make Your First Time in Nashville One to Remember

Your first time in Nashville should be filled with great music, incredible food, memorable attractions, and experiences you’ll talk about long after you return home.

By exploring beyond Broadway, planning your meals, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and choosing a hotel that offers real value, you’ll spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying everything Music City has to offer.

At Baymont Nashville Airport, we’ve designed our hotel to make traveling easier from the moment you arrive. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, convenient amenities, and everything you need for a relaxing stay, including:

• Complimentary airport shuttle
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi
• 24-hour fitness center
• Seasonal outdoor pool
• Daily housekeeping

Ready to experience Nashville the smart way? Book your stay at Baymont Nashville Airport and enjoy comfortable accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and an affordable home base just minutes from Nashville Airport and many of Music City’s top attractions.