Nashville visitors had a lot of feelings about this one. When the question went out to the Nashville visitor community, the responses came fast. The verdict? Pretty much everything. But a few things kept coming up again and again.
Here's what tourists say costs the most — and a few tips to avoid getting stung.
Parking Is The Number One Complaint
It wasn't even close. Parking dominated the conversation like nothing else.
Downtown Nashville parking can run $40 before you even blink. Hotels just off Broadway are charging $60 a day just to store your car. If you're staying multiple nights, that adds up fast — and it's on top of an already-expensive hotel bill.
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Read more →The fix? Look into parking garages a few blocks off Broadway before your trip. Prices drop significantly once you walk a little. The free leg day is worth it.
Drinks On Broadway Will Shock You
Two drinks for $40. A beer at Bridgestone Arena for $20. A single bottle of beer at a Broadway bar for $13 — and that was a few years ago.
Nashville's bar prices have gotten aggressive, and Broadway is the worst offender. You're paying for the experience and the real estate, not just the drink. That's just the reality of it.
But here's something worth knowing: Robert's Western World on Broadway charges $2.50 for a beer. Their “Recession Special” is $6 and gets you a fried bologna sandwich, a Moon Pie, and a PBR. That's not a typo. It's the best deal on all of Lower Broadway and one of the most beloved spots in the city.
Hotel Rooms Have Gotten Out Of Hand
One visitor shared that a hotel room just a couple of blocks from downtown was $160 a night a few years ago. Same hotel, no improvements — now $320.
Downtown hotels carry a premium that has only gotten steeper as Nashville's popularity has grown. If budget matters, staying a few miles out and taking a rideshare in will save you real money. The neighborhoods just outside downtown often have great options at a fraction of the price.
Concert And Event Tickets
Tickets to shows at Bridgestone Arena run expensive, and that's before fees. One visitor pointed out you can see the same artist in Atlanta for half the price.
If seeing a specific artist is the goal, it might be worth comparing Nashville dates to nearby cities before you commit.
The Bottom Line For Tourists
Nashville is not a budget destination right now. Drinks, parking, and hotels are where most visitors feel it the hardest. But knowing that going in changes everything.
Budget for parking separately, skip the $14 cocktails in favor of Robert's, and book your hotel early — preferably away from Broadway if you want to save. The experience is worth it. Just go in with your eyes open.
