Budget Traveler's Guide to Nashville

A trip to Greece is expensive, but a trip to Nashville’s Centennial Park to explore the city’s 42-foot, full-scale replica of the Parthenon is not. Originally built for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition, the building is considered the pinnacle of classical architecture. Once inside, visitors can feel like they’re passing through the British Museum or Athen’s Acropolis Museum by checking out plaster replicas of the Parthenon Marbles cast from the original sculptures. There’s also a collection of paintings by 19th- and 20th-century American artists and, standing out among the rest of the art, a 42-foot tall statue of Athena.

With hundreds of species of plants and animals, Radnor Lake State Park is a 1,332-acre playground perfect for nature enthusiasts. Here, locals and tourists enjoy over six miles of trails used strictly for hiking, photography and wildlife observation, while cyclists, runners and those with dogs are limited to the Otter Creek Road Trail. Throughout the year, park rangers lead programs centered around nature like canoe floats, astronomy night hikes, wildflower walks and nature hikes.

Opened by Jack and Rose Arnold in 1982, this beloved local eatery offers daily specials like roast beef, chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, turnip greens and mashed potatoes. Local celebrities have been known to dine at the meat-and-three restaurant, and it’s even been featured on the show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The family-style restaurant is a Nashville favorite among locals and tourists alike.

With affordable menu items like catfish, wings, ribs and seafood, Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish is a great choice for those who enjoy a little kick to their food. Spicy, but not over the top, Bolton’s hot chicken is a Nashville staple. Easily accessible with multiple locations in Nashville, plus two food trucks that service the area, there’s probably not a better deal in the whole city.

Within walking distance to many of the best East Nashville shops and restaurants, this 650-square-foot rental can sleep up to four guests. With a full bedroom and bathroom, as well as a seating area with a small desk, there’s plenty of room for everyone. A private entrance and nice kitchen appliances give this loft a high-end feel at an affordable price.

Situated in downtown Nashville, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit has new hardwood floors, paint and furniture. The private balcony overlooks the Cumberland River, and some of Nashville’s most celebrated attractions like the Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame are within walking distance. Guests will enjoy a full-size, fully stocked kitchen and coffee bar in the apartment, meaning you can save money by cooking your own food.