When I asked how many times people had been to Nashville and whether they’d come back, the answers came in fast—and from just about everywhere. England. Ireland. Scotland. Norway. Brazil. Australia. Canada. Folks who live 20 minutes away, and folks who fly across an ocean for a long weekend.
Some have only been once and are already planning round two. Others have been so many times they’ve lost count. A few even moved there…or moved away and still think about it all the time.
If you’re trying to decide whether Nashville belongs on your travel list (or if you should go back yet again), here’s what repeat visitors—and a few “never agains”—had to say.
How Many Trips Is “Too Many”?
Short answer: Nobody seems to know.
One person from Birmingham, England, has been four times and calls themself an “addict.” Another has visited “at least twice a year for the past nine years.” Someone else said they go every six months, often for surgery, and will keep going back.
You’ve got:
- People who’ve been there once and are already planning the next trip
- People in the 3–6 visit range who go “every year” or “as often as I can.”
- People who say “over 50 times…lost count.”
- A fan from Norway who’s been more than 60 times
- Another guest who’s been 11 times in four years
- And several who say simply: “Too many to count.”
Some locals and former residents are in a category of their own. A few say they go into the city daily for work. Someone has been there 50–60 days a year, every year. Others have lived in or around Nashville for years or decades, bouncing between places like Franklin, Brentwood, “the boro,” and Smyrna.
So if you’re worried that visiting Nashville three times makes you a superfan…you’re still in the casual crowd.
Why People Keep Coming Back
So what pulls people back again and again?
A lot of it is pure feeling. Over and over, people called Nashville:
- “My happy place”
- “My second home”
- “A great place to live and work”
- “One of my best trips”
- “I’m in love with that place and people.”
Some visitors plan their whole year around specific reasons to come:
- Festivals: Many come for the big country music festival each year, and some say they’ve been coming for decades just for that.
- Concerts: People talked about flying in for shows like Alan Jackson’s final concert, Billy Strings at the Ryman, Brett Eldredge’s holiday shows, Cody Johnson, and more.
- Hockey & sports: One regular said they “always choose Nashville” so they have an excuse to see the Predators play at the arena.
Others just like the general “there’s always something going on” feeling. One person said they go two to five times a year. Another goes 3–4 times a year when they can. Several said they try to visit every June, or every year except the shutdown years, or “as long as I physically can.”
And some are all-in: they’re planning trips for 2026 and 2027 already, or booking two-week stays after enjoying a six-day first trip.
If you love events, concerts, and having a reason to wear your cowboy boots for several days in a row, you’ll probably understand the obsession.
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A surprising number of people answered with some version of: “I visited…and now I’m moving.”
You’ve got people who:
- Went four times, then moved about 20 minutes away, and now want to move back again.
- Visited several times and now plan to live about 30 minutes from Nashville in a couple of years.
- Came for work or love, ended up living in or around the city for years, and still go into Nashville for shows.
- Want to move there “very soon” or “someday,” often after already visiting multiple times.
- Are even thinking about moving to Nashville for a PhD program.
Some who used to live in the city look back on it with a lot of affection. They remember attending the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman, seeing famous country artists performing and just walking around shopping centers, or taking childhood trips to Opryland amusement park.
Others moved away and…do not miss it at all. A few people who lived there talked about heavy traffic, crime, rude drivers, and said they wouldn’t recommend living in the city itself now.
So visitors fall into three camps:
- “Please let me move here.”
- “I loved living there and still miss it.”
- “I lived there and I’m good, thanks.”
Where do you think you’d land?
Downtown & Broadway: Big Fun, Big Crowds, Big Tabs
If there’s one thing people agree on, it’s that downtown and Broadway are intense.
One person who moved nearby said they’ve been downtown 40–50 times. They always take a ride share and “usually never remember the ride home.” They describe Broadway as “a blast,” but also say they’re burned out now: too commercial, too crowded, and expensive.
Their take? If you’re going downtown Broadway with a group of 2–4 people, you probably won’t have much fun for under $500.
Other visitors backed this up:
- Someone paid $40 for two whiskey and cranberry drinks.
- Another walked into a bar where the band wanted $100 just to play one song.
- Many said the area felt too loud, too packed, or “like Vegas now.”
A few folks specifically called out safety and comfort. One group who usually visits twice a year said their most recent trip had the most harassment they’ve ever had from homeless people and young guys selling things out of their coats. They missed the stronger police presence they’d seen before.
Others mentioned:
- Feeling the city is “a dump” that needs to get crime under control
- Avoiding the area except on weekdays
- Choosing not to go back at all because of cost or crowds
And yet, even some critics still admit it’s fun. One person said they go 2–3 times a year even though it gets “a little more crowded and a little more expensive” every time.
If you head to Broadway, it helps to arrive knowing you’re signing up for noise, crowds, and big bar tabs—and decide ahead of time how much of that you actually want.
“Old Nashville” vs. “New Nashville”
Not everyone is thrilled with how the city has changed.
People who’ve been coming for decades remember:
- Opryland amusement park
- The Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman, which some still say felt better
- Seeing classic artists around town
- A more affordable, quieter Nashville
One long-time visitor said their first trip felt like “old Nashville.” When they returned ten years later, “new Nashville/Broadway” didn’t resemble what they remembered at all.
Others say the country music part has faded downtown. But some insist there are still gems if you know where to look.
If you’re chasing that “old Nashville” feel, you might have to explore beyond Broadway—or simply enjoy the city for what it is now.
Festivals, Shows, and Special Trips
Even people who don’t adore the new Broadway scene keep coming back for the big stuff.
- Huge yearly festivals
- Multi-night concerts
- Holiday shows
- Hockey games
- Long weekend trips “just because”
Some travelers already have trips planned for next year, 2026, and even 2027.
So if you love events, Nashville is one of those places you can build a whole calendar around.
When Visitors Say “Never Again”
A fair number of people said they wouldn’t return—or at least aren’t in a hurry.
Reasons included:
- High cost
- Heavy crowds
- Safety concerns downtown
- Feeling like the city has “lost its charm”
- Rapid changes that pushed out what they loved the first time
Some say they’d still go back for a special event, but not for a casual weekend.
Even with those mixed reviews, Nashville still inspires strong feelings. Many visitors go once and are hooked forever. Others visit fifty times and still want more. A few walk away shaking their heads.
Either way, it’s clear: once you’ve been, you’re going to have an opinion.
