Nashville, or Music City as it’s known, offers visitors a range of entertainment and nightlife most cities only dream about. The country stars of the future work smaller clubs and bars while the Hall of Famers perform at the Grand Ole Opry, the major hotels and restaurants, and the famous Ryman Auditorium. And unlike many big entertainment cities, live music venues, bars and clubs lie close together near the city center and are surprisingly reasonable and sometimes even free for the price of a cocktail or beer. You can find live music in almost every one of the city’s 20-some neighborhoods.

Visitors can cruise the business district downtown, which doubles as an entertainment area as well. Begin with a stop at a famous hotel bar that will awe your group, such as the luxurious Lounge at Prime 108 or Mason’s in the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. Or sample Drusie & Darr, The Hermitage Hotel’s new restaurant and bar (formerly The Oak Bar) from celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Board the famous Nashville Tractor, which plows the bars with frequent stops, or stay aboard for drinks and dancing. For a great city view at sunset, take a walk to the Cumberland River near downtown.

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Live entertainment pops up everywhere in Nashville, from famous country performers to honky tonks along their own highway, hard rock, folk and the blues (see listings on visitmusiccity.com). You may see top-rated talent or the next up-and- comers. Check out who’s on at the Grand Ole Opry, which usually presents a little of everything.

For late-night partiers, try the new multilevel hot spot Acme Feed and Seed. Head to the rooftop for the view and a nightcap.

If you have some free time, the Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-see, or consider a tour of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, just a short drive into the country.

LGBTQ+ visitors will be pleased to learn Nashville welcomes all with hospitality, bars and restaurants that cater to them. Play Dance Bar on Church Street rates as the best dance venue. Canvas, also on Church, serves cocktails, karaoke and some bar food. For a more informal atmosphere, check out The Lipstick Lounge.