nashville travel guide blog

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

How to Spend 4 Days in Nashville

Home to the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the famed “the Honky Tonk Highway” of downtown bars, Nashville is the center of country music (and, these days, weekend bachelor and bachelorette parties that take over the city).

I’ve visited Nashville a handful of times. I think Nashville is the perfect city for a weekend getaway or a stop on a US road trip . There’s so much to do here, so much great food, so much history, musical history, and just a really good energy to the city.

Here’s my ideal Nashville itinerary based on all my years of visiting:

Table of Contents

Nashville Itinerary: Day 1

Nashville itinerary: day 2, nashville itinerary: day 3, nashville itinerary: day 4.

While there are no free walking tours in Nashville, there is a self-guided audio tour you can buy from Free Tours By Foot ($2.99 USD) and then you can explore at your own pace. It includes 18 stops and usually takes around two hours.

Another option is to jump aboard the Hop-On, Hop-Off tour . It covers the main highlights without all the walking.

Visit the Ryman Auditorium This music venue is hallowed ground for country music lovers. It was the home of the Grand Ole Opry (a live country music radio show that’s the longest-running radio broadcast in US history) until 1974 and has been the stage for legendary performers like Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and more. The self-guided tour is the best way to visit. You’ll get a history of the auditorium and the musicians that have played there.

116 5th Ave N, +1 615-889-3060, ryman.com. Open daily 9am-4pm. Tickets are $35.50 USD.

Explore Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum With over 2.5 million items (including records, instruments, photographs, etc.), this is the biggest museum in the world dedicated to country music. There are over 500,000 photos, 900 instruments, and even some famous vehicles (such as Elvis’ solid gold Cadillac limousine from 1960). In addition to the exhibitions, they also host live music and workshops. Even if you’re not a huge country music fan (I’m not), the Hall of Fame is worth visiting as the genre has had a huge impact on American culture. The museum takes a couple hours to visit.

222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, +1 615-416-2001, countrymusichalloffame.org. Open daily 9am-5pm. Admission is $27.95 USD.

Party on Broadway After spending the day wandering around, sightseeing, and eating, you can spend your night partying on Broadway. The wide street is flanked by multistory, neon-lit honky-tonks (bars and clubs where live country music is played), each with a different live act, sometimes simultaneously on different floors. On the weekend, this place is wall to wall people and gets really, really wild!

510 Broadway, +1 615-301-8724, nmaam.org. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday-Monday 12pm-5pm. Admission is $24.95 USD.

Tour the Johnny Cash Museum Johnny Cash is one of the greatest musicians of all time. He’s had a huge impact on music. This 18,000-square-foot museum houses the largest collection of Johnny Cash memorabilia and artifacts on the planet, such as handwritten lyrics, letters, costumes, and more. It’s a very interactive museum with lots of multimedia, including exhibits where you can create your own mixes of his songs, a green screen where you can get a photo taken next to Cash, and mini-theaters to watch clips of his performances. This is one of my favorite museums in the city and gives a really detailed look into the life of one of the most famous musicians who has ever lived.

119 3rd Ave S, +1 615-256-1777, johnnycashmuseum.com. Open daily 9am-7pm. Admission is $24.95 USD.

See the Grand Ole Opry This legendary music venue, originally located at the Ryman Auditorium, was founded in 1925. In 1974, the Grand Ole Opry House, a 4,000-seat enchanting and intimate space east of downtown, opened. The theater pays tribute to its origins with a six-foot circle of wood from the Ryman stage inlaid in the new stage, a spot that musicians performing here revere as it connects them to all the greats who have stood there before. Be sure to take a behind-the-scenes tour so you can see the themed dressing rooms, hear stories about what it’s like for musicians to perform here, and literally walk the path that performers take on their way to the stage.

Performances happen regularly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

600 Opry Mills Dr, +1 615-871-6779, opry.com. Open daily 10am-4:40pm (with extended hours on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday). Tours are $47 USD; concert tickets start at $50 USD.

Explore East Nashville This is the city’s “hippest” neighborhood and known for its eclectic dive bars, bohemian clubs, and incredible restaurants. Starting in the early aughts, artists and musicians began to move here because it was one of the more affordable places in the city. As more places opened up, more people came. Now, this is where you’ll find all the locals hanging out (they try to avoid Broadway).

Head to the Five Points part of the district, marvel at the street art, duck into vintage shops, stop for some third-wave coffee, and eat at the diverse range of restaurants (Hunter’s Point is a cool food court with a bunch of different stalls). It’s a great part of town.

The park was created as part of the Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition in 1897, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of Tennessee’s entry into the union. A perfect full-scale replica of the Parthenon was built for the exposition, paying homage to the city’s nickname as “the Athens of the South” (it boasted an immense number of colleges and universities and had a reputation for higher learning). The Parthenon replica still stands in the park today and is now an art museum and visitors center, exhibiting 63 paintings from 19th- and 20th-century American artists.

2500 West End Ave, +1 615-862-8431, nashvilleparthenon.com. Open Monday-Thursday 9am-7pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-4:30pm, and Sundays 12:30pm-4:30pm. Admission is $10 USD.

Wander the Tennessee State Museum This museum goes into great detail about the state’s history. It has exhibitions on First Peoples, natural history, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. They also have a rotating list of temporary exhibits (which you can read more about on their website) as well as a gallery for kids that also hosts events for children. If you’re not from the state and don’t know much about its history, this is a good place to spend a couple hours. They renovated the exhibits a few years back to make them not so, shall we say, one-sided.

1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd, +1 615-741-2692, tnmuseum.org. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sundays from 1pm-5pm. Admission is free.

See Belmont Mansion This historic antebellum home was completed in 1853. Its owners lived on plantations in Louisiana and visited Belmont (originally known as Belle Monte) in the summer. The estate spanned almost 200 acres and was one of the most elaborate and lavish homes in the region (it was the largest house in the state before the Civil War). After the war, it became a women’s school. Today, it’s a very underrated museum that you should check out. The area around it has lots of restaurants and bars to explore after.

1900 Belmont Blvd, +1 615-460-5459, belmontmansion.com. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-3:30pm, Sundays 11am-3:30pm. Self-guided admission is $18 USD; guided tours are $22 USD.

There’s plenty to fill a day or weekend here: take a few walking tours ( or a haunted ghost tour ), visit the Civil War museum, and enjoy some hiking and biking trails on the Natchez Trace, a historic forest trail originally used by Native Americans. There’s also a lot of breweries, wineries, and distilleries in the area.

If you don’t have a car, there’s a bus to Franklin you can get that will drop you off downtown. Or, if you’re looking to explore all the distilleries in the area, there’s a ton of companies in Nashville that offer day tours. They book up in advance so don’t try to do them last minute, especially if you’re going on a weekend.

I think Nashville is an ideal destination for 3-4-days. While most people come here to party, Nashville is a city that’s more than just a weekend party destination. Spend some time here doing the non-party stuff. I promise you’ll walk away loving this city even more.

Book Your Trip to the United States: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on the USA? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on the United States for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

Get my best stuff sent straight to you!

Pin it on pinterest.

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » North America » USA » Nashville

The BEST Nashville Travel Guide (+ Budget Tips • 2024)

If you love live music and partying like a rock star, then you’d better get your ass to Nashville.

While it’s a city best known as the “Country Music Capital of the World,” the capital of Tennessee attracts much more than country music. On any given night out in Music City , you’re just as likely to find live hip hop, rock, or electronic music as you are country.

Of course, country music is definitely still a cornerstone of local Nashville culture. With sights such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum , Nashville is the perfect place to learn all about this famous style of American music.

Obviously, this is the best Nashville travel guide. So I’m going to dish all the info on Country music – and all music for that matter – along with Nashville budget travel tips, and some killer itineraries.

We’ll take a look at the best things to do in Nashville, plan out an awesome weekend itinerary, and share some insider tips about how to stretch your budget in Nashville TN.

Ready to plan a Music City getaway?

Let’s rock!

Why Visit Nashville?

A sample 3-day itinerary for nashville, top things to do in nashville, backpacker accommodation in nashville, nashville backpacking costs, best time to travel to nashville, staying safe in nashville, how to get into and around nashville, nightlife in nashville, faqs about traveling in nashville, final advice before visiting nashville.

In the last decade, Nashville has become one of the trendiest places to visit while traveling in the United States . The music industry isn’t the only player in town these days, as Nashville is now home to substantial tech, automotive, health care, and tourism industries as well.

This new boom has made Nashville one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Add that to the city’s awesome sport and culinary scenes, and you have yourself one of the best places to visit in the US . Get ready to set your taste buds ablaze with some Nashville hot chicken before you cool down with a beer at a hockey game.

And yes, with so many musicians and live music venues in town, it should come as no surprise that Nashville is a city that likes to get down . Whether you’re “honky-tonking” up Broadway, sampling a flight in a craft brewery, or slamming down whiskey drinks in a dive bar in East Nashville, you’re bound to have a good time in Music City.

What are the Major Attractions in Nashville?

There are a TON of places to visit in Nashville that will surely keep you entertained for days. With some of the best entertainment in the country, insane street art, and tantalizing food, Nashville is one of the top spots for a quick getaway.

While I always recommend getting off the beaten path, here are a few Nashville tourist attractions that you just can’t miss. They’re famous for a reason, right?

• Country Music Hall of Fame
• Centennial Park and Parthenon
• The Grand Ole Opry
• Hattie B’s

How Long to Spend in Nashville?

Nashville is the perfect place for a short and sweet getaway. 3 days is an ideal amount of time to stay in Nashville , though you can make it 5 if you’d like to spend more time on daytime attractions, catch a game, or just have another Honky Tonks type of night.

What makes Nashville stand out from other US cities is that a lot of its most famous attractions are close together, and the city actually has affordable public transit.

This means you can pack a LOT into 3 days in this Southern city, and even more into 5. A week might be too much unless you’re a major music fan that is!

With 3 days in Nashville, you can cover some serious ground. That’s just enough time to hit a lot of Music City’s highlights during the day and then rock out and party down at night.

Here’s a short and sweet Nashville travel itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.

Day 1 in Nashville: A Very Tennessee Day

On day 1 of your Nashville adventure, check into your accommodation and then head over to the Tennessee State Capitol.

While you’re over here, you might as well check out the Tennessee State Museum . To get there, just walk from the Capitol through the park.

Just across the street from the museum is an area known as Germantown . It’s the perfect place to take a break and get your quick caffeine fix at one of the many coffee shops.

Alright, kids, now that you’ve got some quality coffee in you, it’s back to business. It’s your first night in Nashville, which means it’s time to set your taste buds on fire with some Nashville hot chicken.

I’m not going to proclaim to be a chicken expert, but I do know that Hattie B’s is a top-notch choice for the fiery fowl.

Warning: even the medium is fucking hot . Unless you want to spend the next two days on the toilet, I wouldn’t recommend going any levels above that for your first time!

You won’t be the only person wanting some hot chicken on a Friday night, so expect to wait a while. I suggest putting your order in and then heading next door to the nearby Broadway Brewhouse to try their famous Bushwackers – a delicious frozen drink that’s kind of like a Mudslide, but way better.

With some hot chicken and a Bushwacker or two in you, I’d say you’re ready to party NashVegas style. It’s kind of a tourist zoo and not exactly my cup of tea, but I’m still going to point you in the direction of Broadway for your first night out on the town. Go get liquored up, ride mechanical bulls, and dance on tables.

You won’t be the only one doing it!

Day 2 in Nashville: Exploring Downtown

On day 2 of this Nashville travel guide, it’s time to hit the streets and see what Downtown Nashville has to offer.

Start at Bridgestone Arena downtown, home to the Nashville Predators. While you’re there, you might as well drop into the visitor center which has a bunch of free maps and brochures that can help you plan your walking tour around the city.

It being Music City and all, you might also want to drop into Ernest Tubb Record Shop to pick up some new tunes to bring home.

First, check out the Country Music Hall of Fame . It’s worth it to pay the extra two bucks to get the audio guide in this huge museum.

Next up, be sure to take a stroll through Music Row towards the Music City Walk of Fame Park in the Nashville Music Garden . The star-studded pavement here honors the legends who have contributed to Nashville’s musical history.

…and now it’s time to eat!

Please skip out on the chain restaurants. You didn’t come to Nashville to eat a shitty $20 burger, people. For local eats, make your way to Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint , known for its pit-fired whole hog.

Next, head to Acme Feed & Seed . This multi-level restaurant/bar has a rooftop patio, creative cuisine, tasty cocktails, and live music. It’s the perfect place to grab dinner and drinks and start the night.

On your second night in Nashville, you won’t regret checking out the live music venues!

There’s no better place to feel the iconic vibes of Nashville than the Grand Ole Opry , a historic building that hosts a radio show/live music performance every weekend!

Day 3 in Nashville: Sunday Funday

Chances are you stayed out until 3 AM rocking out, so go ahead and sleep in on your last day in Nashville. If you’re looking for a Sunday brunch, well so are all of the other hungover people in Music City.

In my humble opinion, Pinewood Social is the ideal (and very Instagrammable – if you’re into that) place to indulge in a Nashville brunch.

Next, head over to Centennial Park . This large green oasis in the city has plenty of walking paths, gardens, and even a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, complete with a statue of Athena. It’s the reason for Nashville’s nickname, “The Athens of the South.”

Now it’s time to explore the Belmont Mansion . This historic mansion was built as a summer home for a very wealthy cotton heiress and her husband. Those interested in history, architecture, and art will enjoy taking a tour of this beautiful property.

For your last night in Nashville, it’s time to go out for some classic southern food. Your night shouldn’t be spent anywhere other than Arnold’s Country Kitchen , a long-time Nashville travel guide essential.

They’ve been serving up the classic “Meat & 3” in Music City for over 30 years. That is, you choose a meat dish and then three sides. What’s better than a solid dinner of soul food to wrap up a big weekend in Nashville?

If you’re not in too big of a food coma, the world is your oyster. Even on a Sunday night, people are out and about seeing live music and raging the honky tonk bars in Nashville. Start at the iconic Ryman Auditorium and progress towards bars like Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie and  3rd & Lindsley if you’ve got one more night on the town in ya’.

Spending More Time in Nashville?

If you have more time or flexibility in your schedule, it’s quite the experience to attend a unique-to-Nashville event.

If you’re a sports fan, you may want to check and see if either the Nashville Sounds (minor league baseball) or Predators (NHL) have a home game.

The Sounds play between April and September and have home games very regularly, while the Preds are the opposite, with games between September and April. Chances are one of them will be home while you’re in town.

Nashville also has a pro football team – the Tennessee Titans – but they only have eight home games a year and they’re usually on Sundays. If they happen to be in town on the same weekend as you, I recommend going to the stadium to at least check out the tailgate .

Titan fans sure know how to party, so you’ll have a good time even if you don’t buy a ticket for the game!

Between May and October, you can also catch a show at the awesome Ascend Amphitheatre . It’s one of my favorite outdoor music venues in the US.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Nashville is one of the best places to visit in the US, and there’s a whole lot to do here! The southern city is bursting with tourist attractions, and historical sites too.

To help you make the most out of your trip, here are the absolute best things to do in Nashville .

1. Indulge in the nightlife

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Nashville knows how to party. The city is full of awesome breweries, dive bars, cocktail lounges, speakeasies, honky tonk bars – you name it, Nashville’s got it.

It’s super touristy, but doing the honky-tonk bar crawl up Broadway can be a lot of fun. After several whiskey drinks, you just might want to get up and dance on the bar at Coyote Ugly . Go ahead, I won’t judge.

2. Hear live music

Without a doubt, the best thing to do in Nashville TN is to get out there in the live music venues. I mean, the place is called Music City for a reason! No matter what night of the week it is, you can find plenty of shows going on in Nashville.

Nashville venues come in all shapes and sizes and you can find live sounds from just about every music genre under the sun. Check the calendar for upcoming concerts and plan your trip around seeing shows.

3. Learn about country music’s history

It’s not all about country music in Nashville these days, but there’s no denying its importance in the city’s history and culture.

You’ve got plenty of options to learn all about this famous genre of music, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum . Surely, no Nashville travel itinerary is complete without immersing yourself in tragic country ballads?

4. Take a walking tour

The best way to get to know a new city is on a walking tour. Nashville is a great city to explore on foot, so lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and check out the highlights of Music City.

You can find self-guided tours which are definitely worthwhile. But I personally took the tour with GetYourGuide and it was awesome.

5. Visit the Tennessee State Capitol and Museum

Seeing as how you’re in the capital city and all, you might as well learn a bit about Tennessee when you travel to Nashville. Head to the Tennessee State Capitol building first, and then check out the Tennessee State Museum in its nice new home.

Best of all, both are absolutely free! Great for those trying to visit Nashville on the cheap.

6. Watch a show at the Grand Ole Opry

One quintessential Nashville attraction that you just have to visit is the Grand Ole Opry . It’s been called the “home of American music” and is one of the most popular things to do in Nashville. This is the oldest continuous radio program in the US, dating all the way back to 1925.

You have several options for visiting the Grand Ole Opry. There are shows every Friday and Saturday night, as well as Tuesday nights from March to December. They also run a variety of tours if you want to learn more and get backstage.

7. Eat hot chicken!

When in Nashville, one must eat Nashville hot chicken. There’s a lot of delicious food in the city, but this is definitely Nashville’s signature dish. If you want to sample the best food that Nashville has to offer, consider embarking on a Nashville food tour to find the best hot chicken in town!

Some of the best places for Nashville hot chicken include Hattie B’s and Prince’s . A word of warning – even the medium flavor will light you up. Unless you’re a masochist, I would advise against ordering above that.

8. See a game

If you’re a sports fan, you should definitely add seeing a game to your list of things to do in Nashville. The city is home to two different professional sports teams – the Nashville Predators (NHL) and the Tennessee Titans (NFL). People are passionate about their sports and the games are a lot of fun to attend.

In addition to the pro teams, you can also watch the Nashville Sounds (minor league baseball) or check out some of the nearby college teams.

9. Visit the Hermitage

History buffs will want to check out the Hermitage , which is the former home of Andrew Jackson. The 7th President of the United States retired here after his time in office and actually died here in 1845. Take a tour of his mansion and learn all about the “People’s President.”

10. Get outdoors

If the weather is nice, you should definitely spend some time outdoors when you travel to Nashville. The city is home to over 100 parks, so it’s not hard to find a green space to enjoy.

One of the best choices for getting outdoors in Nashville is Centennial Park . This large city park is home to a replica of the Parthenon, so you can experience a little bit of Greece in Middle Tennessee!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Nashville isn’t a huge city, so you don’t have to spend as much time thinking about cheap accommodation as you would in larger cities. Where you stay will mostly depend on your budget and whether you have a car.

If you’re hoping to visit Nashville on a budget, then you’ll probably want to book a dorm bed in one of the good hostels in Nashville . One is Downtown and the other is in Midtown . They’re both run by the same crew and have solid reviews from other backpackers.

Staying in either hostel is affordable and much more fun than staying in some dingy motel room on the outskirts of town. There are also some awesome Nashville cabins or treehouses on offer as well to light up your adventure.

While you can find private rooms for the same price as a dorm bed, you’ll waste a lot of time and money traveling to and from the city center. Best to stick with the hostels if you’re traveling solo.

Nashville Downtown Hostel  is located on the Cumberland River right in the heart of Downtown Nashville. This hostel is definitely your best option!

They have space for 300 guests, so it’s a great place to meet people. This hostel includes chill-out areas, pool and foosball tables, instruments you can jam on (this is Music City, after all), a fully stocked kitchen, and laundry services.

The Best Places to Stay in Nashville

Wondering where to book your stay in Nashville? Here are the best neighborhoods in the city!

SoBro – or South of Broadway – is set in Nashville’s City Centre. A short walk from downtown and the state capitol building, SoBro is a neighbourhood famed for its honky tonks and neon lights, its lively bars and exciting sights.

Downtown Nashville is a neighbourhood located at the heart, soul and centre of the city. A hub for entertainment and excitement, downtown is a neighbourhood brimming with music venues, eateries, arts and cultural, and historic landmarks.

Located west of the city center is the bustling Midtown neighbourhood. Home to Vanderbilt University and a thriving student population, Midtown is known for hosting some of the most exciting and fun nightlife in the city.

Nestled between downtown and Midtown is The Gulch. Far and away the coolest neighbourhood in the city, The Gulch is a LEED-certified neighbourhood with a rich industrial history.

Music Valley

Well outside the city centre is Music Valley. A charming and historic neighbourhood in East Nashville, Music Valey is known for its outstanding entertainment, cultural and historic activities, unique shopping and outdoor adventures.

Budget Accommodation Hacks

Sorry, guys, but I don’t have much for you here. There are only two hostels in Nashville and they’re both run by the same people. If you’re a backpacker looking to visit Music City on a budget and meet people, your best bet is definitely booking one of these places.

That being said, it’s always worth it to sign up for Couchsurfing and check out the scene. You might find a place to crash, and if not you might still be able to link up with some cool locals who will take you out.

If you can’t find a CS host and you’re not into sleeping in a dorm room, take a look at Nashville Airbnbs . There are plenty of people renting out their spare rooms or even their pull-out couch for a reasonable rate.

To try something completely different, you can also check out Nashville’s VRBO scene , which is a top Airbnb competitor if you’re not in the know.

When it comes to American cities, Nashville offers a great bang for your buck. It’s much easier to do Nashville on the cheap than in other American cities like San Francisco or Chicago.

The city has a couple of options for backpacker accommodations, cheap public transportation, and plenty of free activities you can take advantage of.

It’s possible to get by in Nashville with a daily budget of just $50-60 , but in order to do that, you need to find a friend’s couch or a host on Couchsurfing. This would also limit what you can see and do in the city, as you wouldn’t really be able to do much in terms of sightseeing.

A more realistic estimate for a Nashville budget is $90-$200 a day. With this budget, you can book a dorm bed in a hostel or an apartment with some friends, pay for one big-ticket item each day, and go big on at least one of your nights out. After all, you didn’t come all the way to Music City to sit around your room!

Below I have provided a closer look at what you can expect to pay for things when you travel to Nashville!

A Daily Budget in Nashville

While Nashville isn’t the most expensive city in the US, it’s also not the cheapest. Here’s what you can expect to spend depending on your travel style:

A Few Free Things to Do in Nashville

This wouldn’t be the best Nashville travel guide if I didn’t tell you about some of the best free things to do in the southern city. Broke Backpackers everywhere will be happy to learn that there are quite a few things you can do that cost absolutely nothing in Music City!

• TN Capitol and Museum : As I mentioned above, the Tennessee State Capitol building and museum are both totally free to visit. Visiting both will take up half a day, so you can then take your daily budget and blow it all on hot chicken and booze.
• Take a free walking tour : Explore Music City with a local guide on one of the awesome free walking tours . Of course, you should remember that guides work for tips, so don’t be a total cheapass!
• Local parks : A walk in the park is beneficial in so many ways. Breathe some fresh air, get some exercise, and save your cash!
• Check out the street art : One of my favorite things that’s always changing too!
• Free concerts : Not all concerts in Nashville have a huge cover charge. It’s easy to find live music for free, especially during the week. Of course, you should always buy drinks and tip your bartenders/the band, but at least you got in the door for free!

Nashville on a Budget – Top Travel Tips and Tricks

While Nashville is a pretty affordable city compared to other cities in the US, it’s still easy to burn through your money.

Here are some travel tips for visiting Nashville on a budget:

• Stay in a hostel:  Thanks to the development of Nashville as a major tourist destination, the city is now home to a few backpacker-friendly hostels. Skip out on the bland chain hotels and save a ton of money by booking a dorm bed instead. Even Nashville’s vacation rentals are better than the chain hotels.
• Hop on the bus, Gus:  Sure, ride-sharing companies are operating in Nashville, but you can save more money for music and booze by riding the bus instead. Since a day pass only costs $3.25, it’s great for your budget.
• Take advantage of free activities:  Give yourself a walking tour of downtown, hang out in the city’s beautiful parks, and even catch some free concerts. You can keep yourself entertained without emptying your wallet in Nashville.
• Be a Happy Hour Hero: Going out to an after-hours party is fun, but also expensive. Find the best Happy Hour deals to ensure you get a buzz on without a massive tab.

Why You Should Travel to Nashville with a Water Bottle

Our plastic problem is global. So take part in changing our global habits!

Okay, you can’t save the world overnight, but you can be part of the solution and not the problem. Even in the cities where the problem is arguably the worst, you can make a difference by being a responsible traveler .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and make your wallet happy too.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Nashville is a great destination year-round, but the best time to visit Nashville is between April and October . While it can get pretty hot and muggy in the middle of the summer, there’s a lot going on in the city. Plus, you can always cool down indoors at an air-conditioned place.

Winter isn’t terribly cold in Nashville, but it’s not exactly pleasant enough to spend a lot of time outside. That being said, the holiday season is quite festive in Music City. Christmas and New Year’s are both pretty fun times to be in town.

What to Pack for Nashville

Packing for your Nashville trip will definitely be seasonal. While its weather patterns aren’t as extreme as NYC for example, you’re going to want to pay attention to the forecast before heading out. But here are some essentials you can’t forget, regardless of the season!

Osprey Daylite Plus

Any city slicker needs a SLICK daypack. In general, you can never go wrong with an Osprey pack, but with its array of awesome organisation, durable materials, and a comfy build, the Daylite Plus will make your urban jaunts buttery smooth.

Grayl Geopress Filtered Bottle

Save $$$, save the planet, and save yourself the headache (or tummy ache). Instead of sticking to bottled plastic, buy a Grayl Geopress, drink water no matter the source, and be happy knowing the turtles and fishies thank you (and so do we!). 🙂

OCLU Action Camera

Wait, it’s cheaper than a GoPro and… better than a GoPro? The OCLU action cam is the cam for budget backpackers that want to immortalise all their wildest adventures – including that time you dropped it off a Himalayan mountain – WITHOUT breaking the bank.

Solgaard Solarbank

Resourceful travellers know how to find power outlets anywhere on the road; smart travellers just pack a solar power bank instead. With 4-5 phone cycles per charge and the ability to top up literally anywhere the sun is shining, there’s no reason to ever get lost again!

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

ALL travellers need a headtorch – no exceptions! Even in the hostel dorm, this beauty can save you in a real pinch. If you haven’t got in on the headtorch game, DO. I promise you: you’ll never look back. Or at least if you do, you’ll be able to see what you’re looking at.

Safety in the US is questionable in general. But Nashville is one of the safest big cities in the country. You don’t need to be nearly as concerned when out and about here as you would be in places like my hometown of Detroit or in bigger cities like LA.

With the rapid development and resulting gentrification, many areas that were once thought of as dangerous are now totally fine.

Your biggest concern should be petty crimes, like pick-pocketing, or getting too drunk and losing your shit at a bar.

One thing I will mention is that people are notoriously bad drivers in Nashville, so be careful if you rent a car. The crash rate in Nashville was ten times higher than the population growth last year. So yeah, it’s probably best to stay off the road there.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Nashville

We’ve already talked about it, but the wild side of Nashville definitely deserves a bit more attention.

Unlike visiting Miami , which will likely involve other substances, Nashville is specifically known for its booze scenes, and of those there are many.

Cannabis, on the other hand, is NOT legal anywhere in Tennessee. Though, like anywhere in the US, it can be found. Don’t expect great quality though, unless you happen to get lucky with your connection. So while Nashville is a great place to drink, it might be the wrong vibe to try and dabble in a bit of cheeky drug tourism .

Alcohol and partying go hand in hand in Nashville, I mean, it is the home of the honky tonks so that shouldn’t be surprising. We’ve already delved into the top places to get down in Music City, but what is essential to mention is this: being responsible means you have a greater chance of a safe travel .

Know your limits, help others out if you can, and do be cautious if you plan to get into some love and sex on the road , something quite likely after a night on the town.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Nashville

Traveling without insurance in the USA is risky. Especially with the infamous (and ridiculous) for-profit health system. So do consider getting good travel insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have used World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Most travelers will probably arrive at Nashville International Airport (BNA). You can find direct flights to Nashville from several cities across the US. For international destinations, you can fly to and from places like London, Toronto, and Cancun.

The airport is about a 15-20 minute drive from the city center. If you’re balling on a budget, you can catch a bus for just $1.70. Just make sure you have the cash to pay your fare.

You could also catch a bus to/from Nashville using Greyhound or Megabus. But a word of warning – riding the Greyhound in Tennessee is a very, shall we say, interesting experience.

If you book the Megabus early, you can score super cheap fares to or from a few other major cities like Chicago or Atlanta. I much prefer Megabus, as it tends to cater to students and travelers versus crackheads.

Getting Around Nashville

Nashville isn’t exactly killing it in the public transportation department. There are several bus routes running, but these might not be of much use to you as a traveler.

Google Maps is one of the best travel apps to use in Nashville. It knows the bus routes, so be sure to check that to see if you can catch one. It costs $1.70 per ride or $3.25 for a day pass .

You can pretty much walk everywhere downtown. Nashville is a pretty compact city, so you don’t need to cover a ton of ground to see the sights. There are a few places in town where you can rent bikes if you’d like to cycle instead.

Rideshare apps are super popular in Nashville. Make sure you download Uber and Lyft on your phone to make it easy to catch a quick ride when you need one.

Working & Volunteering in Nashville

If you’re a US citizen–or have other documents to work in the US–you can definitely find a job in Nashville. Otherwise, working on a US tourist visa is a surefire way to get banned from the country.

Remote work is possible though, as practically any accommodation and plenty of cafes have Wifi. Albeit it won’t be the cheapest location to live the digital nomad lifestyle .

On the other hand, volunteering opportunities definitely exist in Nashville if you know where to look. I’d recommend using a trusted platform, especially in the US with its strict work laws. The Broke Backpacker recommends Worldpackers as one of the easy-to-use and reputable volunteer platforms .

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

In a city full of musicians, it should come as no surprise that there are countless places to wet your whistle. In addition to the infamous honky tonks, Nashville has craft breweries, speakeasies, cocktail lounges, dive bars, and everything in between.

Much of the nightlife in Nashville is centered around Broadway . This street is full of said honky tonk bars and it draws quite the crowd, especially from Thursday-Saturday. Bar hopping along Broadway is a favorite pastime of tourists who visit Nashville; locals, not so much.

For a more local scene, you can head out in areas like East Nashville , The Gulch , or Midtown .

• Station Inn
• 3rd and Lindsley
• Grimey’s
• Never Never

When I lived just down the road in Murfreesboro, I was kind of down and out, to be honest (thanks a lot, economic crisis!) The only saving grace of my time spent there was being able to go out in Nashville on the weekends with a bunch of awesome people to see music.

Since I moved out of the city, I still miss Nashville’s live music scene. This place deserves its nickname – it has one of the best music scenes in the world. Even if all you do in Nashville is stay out until 3 AM every night partying and seeing music, it will be a successful trip.

Dining in Nashville

When it comes to eating out in Nashville, you’ve got to go for the trifecta of Nashville hot chicken, BBQ, and Southern soul food. Here are recommendations for all three – Hattie B’s, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, and Arnold’s Country Kitchen.

There are tons of other restaurants in Nashville cooking up all kinds of cuisine if you need to try something else. Just please don’t come all the way here and eat shitty fast food or in garbage chain restaurants.

When in doubt, ask a local where they like to go. Here are some of my favorite recommendations from locals themselves. A Nashville food tour is a sure-fire way to shock your tastebuds.

Best Restaurants and Cheap Eats in Nashville

Nashville is chock full of delicious food, but not all of it is budget-friendly. Here are some of the best things to eat in Nashville, broke backpacker style:

• 5 Points Pizza – A classic Nashville pizza joint, 5 Points sells slices the size of your head for $3.75. While not quite as cheap as New York, this is the best pie in Music City and is an ideal quick lunch option.
• Dino’s – Nashville’s oldest dive bar has certainly made a name for itself. It’s also real backpacker friendly: you can get what’s rated as one of the best burgers in the US, fries and even a beer for a total of $10 or less.
• Taqueria del Sol – This legendary fusion restaurant combines Southern soul food flavors with traditional Mexican cuisine. Think brisket-filled tacos and the use of turnip greens. And you can grab two for less than $10!
• Robert’s Western World – You can’t have a list of cheap eats in Nashville without including Robert’s Western World. The famous Broadway eatery is open until 3AM daily and everything on it’s weekday menu is $10 or less!
• Brown’s Diner – A local favorite since 1927, Brown’s might be the most “historical” place to eat in Nashville on a budget. You can fill up on burgers and hushpuppies for $5 here.
• VN Pho & Deli – This delicious cash-only establishes brings the delicious flavors of Vietnam to Music City. Savor authentic banh mi and their massive bowls of pho at very reasonable prices considering the sizes and quality!

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Getting Off the Beaten Track in Nashville

Most tourists who travel to Nashville barely get out of downtown. To be honest, there’s more than enough to do there to keep you busy for a couple of days.

You really don’t need to go anywhere else, but here are some awesome off-the-beaten-track travel options for those looking to experience a more local side of Nashville:

• Spend time in East Nashville : Those looking for a more laid-back, artsy vibe can head across the Cumberland River from downtown to check out the Five Points neighborhood of East Nashville. Stroll around here for a few hours to take in the street art, peruse the quirky shops, or grab a drink in one of the many cool bars where you’ll find far more locals than drunk bachelorette parties.
• Hop on a bike : The extensive park system in Nashville is mostly all connected via a greenway, so you can hop on a bike downtown and ride out to peaceful green spaces and art galleries on the outskirts of town.
• Radnor Lake State Park : If you’ve got a car or don’t mind the hour-ish bike ride, Radnor Lake is a great place to escape the touristy downtown scene. In addition to the small and scenic lake, this park boasts several different hiking trails.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Is Nashville safe?

Yes! Nashville is safe for tourists, though you should always follow general safety rules, and be aware of your belongings while out bar hopping the honky tonks.

What is the best part of Nashville to stay in?

The coolest places to stay in Nashville are SoBro (South Broadway), Downtown, and The Gulch. They’re safe and full of good vibes!

What should I avoid in Nashville?

Always avoid flashing your valuables around while hitting crowded bars in Nashville. I would steer clear of the Shepherds Hill neighborhood on the outskirts of town too.

What is Nashville best known for?

Nashville is undoubtedly best known for country music, epic live music venues, and honky tonk bars. Oh and Nashville hot chicken!

What to eat and drink in Nashville?

Nashville means southern comfort food! You can’t visit Nashville without sampling its iconic Nashville hot chicken and Bushwacker alcoholic drinks. Don’t skip the opportunity to visit Arnold’s Country Kitchen either.

Music City is absolutely guaranteed to be a good time. It’s the home of country music and has a vibe that’s truly unlike any other place in the United States. There’s a reason why Nashville is often the first choice of bachelorette parties–few places in the world make live tunes and liquor so accessible.

But Nashville isn’t just Broadway. It’s filled with some epic history, delicious food, and some damn fine scenery, too. So make sure you appreciate all of that on your Nashville trip.

Yes–rock out and honky tonk those nights away along one of the world’s most iconic bar crawls. Just make sure you get to see the other side of Nashville too!

The soul of the city and its colorful musical history should also be as equally admired as its bars. Spend at least one day in the area outdoors, whether it be at one of its historical sites or a park.

With jolly Southern city vibes, some of the best chicken in the US, and music whenever you want it, Nashville is bound to make an impression.

So grab your guitar and get on going–Music city awaits!

Updated: February 2022 by Samantha Shea from Intentional Detours

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Share or save this post

We love what Nashville offers as far as the outdoor scenery and lifestyle. Not to mention the night life and country music is the best in the world! We are fortunate enough to work and live in this beautiful state by building barndominium homes for local residents.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

3 Days in Nashville Itinerary: The Ultimate Weekend in Nashville

Posted on Published: December 29, 2019  - Last updated: April 14, 2021

Categories Blog , City Guides , Tennessee , Travel Guides , United States

This 3 days in Nashville itinerary is the perfect way to spend time in the city. While there are so many amazing things to do in Nashville, it’s one of those places that I’m sure you’ll visit again and again. When I found a cheap flight to Nashville , I jumped at the chance to book my Nashville weekend getaway. Arriving on a Saturday morning and departing on a Tuesday, I took full advantage of spending a full 3 days in Nashville.

While I was most excited to visit with friends that lived around the city, I realized that you really can’t see everything in Nashville in 3 days. I made the most of my time there, dividing my time between seeing friends and having some sightseeing time to myself. I wandered around downtown Nashville , explored several neighborhoods, ate so much yummy food and drank all of the coffee .

Posts may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link.

Here’s how I spent my 3 days in Nashville that will help you plan your awesome Nashville itinerary. I traveled there in December, so I had the opportunity to check out a couple of Christmas activities and events. After discovering how to spend Christmas in Nashville , I felt right in the spirit of the season!

Not travelling around Christmastime? I have a massive list of fun things to do in Nashville that are spectacular all year long. I’ll compile a list at the end of the article of what I didn’t get to see, but hope to visit the next time I’m in the city. Feel free to substitute these Nashville attractions in place of the Christmas ones that I mention below. It’s always great to have options when planning a trip to Nashville.

Here’s my 3 days in Nashville itinerary and travel guide, including everything that you need to see, eat, drink, and where to stay and play. Even if you only have a shorter amount of time, this will help you arrange your holiday to see Nashville in a day, a weekend in Nashville, or longer.

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Nashville

It really doesn’t get any better than this. The Stay Alfred SoBro is truly a home away from home. Feeling more like a boutique apartment than a hotel, the Stay Alfred SoBro Nashville (formerly called SoBro Guest House) combines the best of both worlds. This hotel/apartment is the best place to spend a Nashville weekend or 3 days in Nashville.

Much like an apartment, you have the comforts of home. Enjoy a full kitchen with everything you could imagine to prepare delicious meals, including local coffee beans and a French press for that morning boost. There’s a separate bedroom, a spacious bathroom, and a cozy living space. Staying true to Nashville’s name of Music City , your room even comes with a record player and a few records. And like a hotel, there’s housekeeping, complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary parking (first come, first serve), and a safe.

The check-in process couldn’t be any easier. Unlike a traditional hotel with a front desk, you’ll check in to the hotel online or using your phone. When your room is ready, you’ll receive an email with your room number and door access codes.

The location of SoBro Guest House can’t be beat. Right in the middle of downtown, I could walk all over town to restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. It’s only three blocks away from the Lower Broad Entertainment District and several local hot spots. Please check out the trusted reviews of other travelers for more information. If you like what you see, book your stay here .

Want to compare the rates of more places to stay in Nashville? There are so many amazing Nashville hotels and Airbnb accommodations so you can be close to all the action.

Here’s a handy booking tool where you can see all of the Booking.com accommodations and Airbnbs in one place. It’s easy to compare prices and find the best rate for your trip to Nashville.

Nashville Itinerary: Day 1

After arriving in Nashville, arrange to take a taxi or an Uber into town. Thankfully, I was spending the day with my friend, Andrew, who I met at TBEX in Huntsville, Alabama . He was so nice to offer to pick me up from the airport! From there, we decided to go straight to a restaurant for brunch as I was pretty starving.

Brunch at Graze Nashville

Graze is a plant-based bistro and bar in East Nashville. On weekends, they serve brunch from 9:00am – 3:00pm. On the brunch menu, you’ll find breakfast favourites like tofu rancheros, a breakfast burrito, and smoothie bowls. Graze specializes in southern cuisine gone vegan, so there are several biscuits prepared in intriguing ways.

I’m not even sure if I’d had a biscuit before the one at Graze. Crazy, eh? Although I had no past comparisons, the biscuit was both yummy and deceivingly filling. It satisfied my rumbling tummy and it was really tasty.

I ordered the hot tempeh biscuit (tempeh with hot chicken spices, served on a biscuit with ranch, coleslaw and red onion), and Andrew ordered the cauliflower sausage biscuit (biscuit and veggie sausage, tempeh bacon, arugula, avocado, red onion and hollandaise).

Andrew hadn’t been to a vegan restaurant before and he remarked that his meal was quite delicious. The plant-based restaurants in Nashville are totally suitable for herbivores and omnivores alike. Spend part of your 3 days in Nashville dining at all of the vegan restaurants you can.

Oh, and we saw this pretty epic sign across the street from Graze, and couldn’t resist snapping a picture. The Rose Pepper seems to always have creative signs outside of their establishment. Take a peek while you’re over there!

Things to Do in Nashville: 12 South

12 South is one of those neighborhoods that you’ll want to wander around and explore on your Nashville trip. There are quirky storefronts, hip coffee shops, and colorful murals along 12th Avenue South. It’s home to the iconic, “ I Believe In Nashville ” mural, too. It’s not a massive neighborhood by any means, so you’ll be able to explore it on foot in a short amount of time.

First, you’ll want to be fully caffeinated for wandering, so stop by Frothy Monkey for a cup of coffee or espresso beverage.

Next, set out on your own two feet and discover the shops and street art on 12th Avenue South. Shopping in 12 South is a great Nashville weekend itinerary addition because there are so many unique shops. I popped into White’s Mercantile , a modern day general store with intriguing gifts and unique wares, owned by the granddaughter of Hank Williams. Another shop I browsed was Draper James , the clothing store owned by Reese Witherspoon. The clothes are beautiful, though a little out of my price range.

Speaking of murals, there are so many splashed across buildings and walls in 12 South. Peer around every corner, and you’ll stumble upon some beautiful works of public art. Discovering amazing street art was one of my favorite activities to do in Nashville in 3 days.

I tried another coffee shop in 12 South because you can’t have too much coffee, right? Portland Brew is a few doors down from Frothy Monkey, so you really have no shortage of options for an excellent cup of coffee.

Christmas At Gaylord Opryland OR Tour the Grand Ole Opry

Here are a couple of options for you whether you’re traveling during the holidays or the rest of the year. When I visited Nashville, I checked out the Christmas display at the Gaylord Opryland Resort . If you’re looking for an alternative activity, the famous Grand Ole Opry is right next door, so I suggest going on a tour there.

The Christmas lights and displays at the resort hotel, Gaylord Opryland , will put you right into the holiday spirit. The atmosphere is lively and cheerful, and the lights displays are both unique and impressive.

There are over three million twinkling lights, both outdoors and indoors. I highly recommend arriving in the early evening. Even though it might be a busier time, the outdoor lights look brilliant at night. There’s a nativity scene, a gigantic Christmas tree constructed with lights, and it seems as though everything is lit up.

Indoors, there are Christmas lights all around the atrium and the indoor gardens. I loved that there’s a “Music City” vibe with lights in the shapes of guitars and musical notation. While the Christmas lights displays are free to view, the self-parking fee is $29.

If you’re not visiting Nashville in December, I recommend going to the Grand Ole Opry for the sights and sounds of Nashville music history. There’s a fantastic backstage Grand Ole Opry tour that you can book that also includes a tour around the Gaylord Opryland resort. You won’t miss anything on this half day tour. Whether it’s the Gaylord Opryland resort or the Grand Ole Opry that you visit (or both!), they’re worthy additions to your 3 days in Nashville itinerary.

Dinner at The Wild Cow

For dinner, hop back to East Nashville for a meal at the vegetarian restaurant, The Wild Cow . They serve up vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free meals, as well as delectable desserts by local bakery, Vegan Vee.

Although we had to wait a little while to get a table (I highly recommend getting reservations on a Saturday evening!), it was well worth it. I ordered the Buffalo Beans & Greens bowl (garlic kale, pinto beans, organic brown rice, shredded carrots, grilled tempeh, all tossed in buffalo sauce and vegan ranch), and Andrew got the Veggie Quinoa Bowl (roasted seasonal vegetables over organic quinoa, topped with pumpkin seeds and garlic aioli).

We both thoroughly enjoyed our meals as they were a good combination of healthy and tasty. Of course, we balanced the healthiness of the meal with chocolate donuts and cookies for dessert.

Bowling and Drinks at Pinewood Social

From the moment Andrew mentioned going to Pinewood Social in the evening, I knew it was right up my alley (pun intended…there’s a bowling alley!). While we were a little too full to eat any more food, we opted for drinks at the wrap-around bar in the middle of the room. They certainly have some innovative (and yummy) cocktails.

Pinewood Social is also a chill coffee shop and place to hang out with friends. In the summer, there’s a pool, outdoor activities, and an Airstream with its own patio. Unfortunately, this space was closed for the season; however, at the back of Pinewood Social, there’s a retro six-lane bowling alley.

Andrew and I may both be horrendous bowlers, but we had an awesome time. I know I’ll be back to Pinewood Social on my next trip to Nashville. If I lived locally, I feel like this would be my local hangout spot, day or night. You need to include it on your 3 days in Nashville itinerary.

Nashville Itinerary: Day 2

For the second day of my 3 days in Nashville, Andrew picked me up from the Stay Alfred SoBr o and we met Ashley (a travel blogger who you may remember from our trip around Ireland together). Ashley is a Nashville local, and we met at one of her favorite breakfast spots, The Southern V .

Breakfast at The Southern V

Update: This is The Southern V’s old location. They now have their own restaurant on Buchanan Street. I visited while they were still operating a quick food service business from a small trailer.

The Southern V specializes in southern cuisine gone vegan, which is perfect for anyone visiting Nashville or locals who love the food. For breakfast, you can choose from chick’n biscuits, chick’n and waffles, biscuit and gravy, or add on a potato casserole or veggie scramble. I tried the hot chick’n and waffles for the first time, and it did not disappoint.

Visit Downtown Franklin (for Christmas or All Year Long)

From there, the three of us drove from Nashville to the nearby historic town of Franklin, Tennessee. We met a couple of other travel blogging friends while we were there. It’s always great when you can gather up the gang, whether you love writing travel blogs or just traveling together in general.

That afternoon, Franklin hosted the Dickens of a Christmas event on their historic main street. Decorated Christmas trees, live music, and Charles Dickens era characters painted such a festive scene. Even if it weren’t Christmas, Franklin is a great place to explore for the afternoon. The Victorian-era architecture, quaint downtown vibes, and boutique shops makes Franklin an enjoyable diversion from the big city. Feel free to add a detour to Franklin on your 3 days in Nashville itinerary, whether it’s Christmas or the middle of the summer.

Bicentennial Park Nashville

Back to Nashville, take a stroll around the 19-acre Bicentennial Park , also known as the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park . This urban park near downtown Nashville commemorates the 200th anniversary of Tennessee’s statehood.

There are several memorials within the park. The World War II monument features an 18,000-ton granite globe, surrounded by pillars with images regarding the war and Tennessee’s involvement.

The 95-bell carillon is an interesting feature of the park. Inside 50 tall columns, you’ll find all 95 bells. Every 15 minutes, the bells chime a portion of the Tennessee Waltz, and you can hear the full song at the top of the hour. A single, 96th bell in the state house also rings to connect the government to the people.

Are you a history buff? In addition to visiting Bicentennial Park and the Tennessee State Capitol building, you should check out this guided historic Tennessee sightseeing tour in Nashville. You’ll learn some interesting historic facts about Nashville and the entire state while touring around intriguing museums, manors, and other important places.

Nashville Farmers Market

When you visit Bicentennial Park, why not stop by the Nashville Farmers Market ? It’s right next door. You’ll find many merchants selling local produce, groceries from around the world, baked goods, crafts, and unique gifts. There are a few restaurants at the Nashville Farmers Market with vegan options: Jamaicaway Restaurant, Swagruha Indian Restaurant, and Bella Nashville.

Nashville Itinerary: Day 3

On my final day of my 3 days in Nashville itinerary, I set out to explore the neighborhoods, parks, and gems that aren’t to be missed. As my hotel, Stay Alfred SoBro , was in such an amazing location, I walked all over downtown Nashville first thing in the morning.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

For an iconic view of the Nashville skyline, head across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge to Cumberland Park for the best scenery. It doesn’t take too long to cross the Cumberland River from one side to the other, and back again.

Take in the views from the bridge itself. You’ll take the best skyline photography from Cumberland Park where you can admire the AT&T building, best known as the “ Batman Building “.

Explore Downtown Nashville

Explore the sights of downtown Nashville at your own pace. Don’t miss uncovering street art, murals, and the iconic sights along Broadway. From Printer’s Alley to the Smashville mural on the side of the Bridgestone Arena, there are so many emblematic displays all around town. Wander around and soak up your surroundings.

While I know that downtown Nashville completely transforms on the weekend evenings, there’s something almost serene about the area on a weekday morning. As the city wakes up, I watched delivery trucks stop at restaurants and bars. Local shop owners cleared their front walkways before opening up for business. As most residents headed off to work, there really weren’t any other people around, for the most part. Even in this busy city, I seemingly had much of it to myself.

I stopped at a coffee shop called The Well Coffeehouse . A large mug of coffee guarantees free refills, and the coffee is really delicious. If I had more time in Nashville to get some work done on my computer, I would have easily set up shop at The Well and spent hours drinking coffee and working on the blog.

Hatch Show Print

Since 1879, Hatch Show Print has designed and printed posters with traditional letterpress methods and machinery. It’s a Nashville institution and has a strong place in Nashville’s music history, creating posters for bands and artists for over 100 years.

It’s quite astounding to see this artistic process preserved and utilized still to this date. Own a piece of this history by purchasing a handcrafted item in the gift shop, or marvel at the creations in the art gallery.

As a massive nerd of paper art and letterpress design, I quickly fell in love with Hatch Show Print. Next time I’m in Nashville, I’ll come back for a full tour of Hatch Show Print for sure. Whether you go shopping or taking a tour, this unique spot deserves a place on your 3 days in Nashville itinerary.

Lunch at Grins Vegetarian Cafe

For lunch, I took an Uber to the Vanderbilt University campus to dine at Grins Vegetarian Cafe . Open to the public, the restaurant was populated mostly by university students in search of a hearty vegetarian or vegan meal.

I tried the vegan mac n cheese, which took a little bit of time to prepare, but it was worth the wait. The pasta was every bit as ooey-gooey delicious as its dairy-filled counterpart. I have to admit that wandering around the university campus and dining here was fun because it brought me back to my days as a student. Definitely include it on your 3 day Nashville itinerary.

Walk Around the Hillsboro Neighborhood

From the university, I walked from the campus to the Hillsboro Neighborhood to check out a few public art murals, shops, and cafes. There are numerous coffee shops and boutique stores to catch your attention. Enjoy a little retail therapy here or refuel with a caffeinated beverage. You can easily spend your entire day in Nashville at Hillsboro if you wanted, though I recommend spending a couple hours of your 3 days in Nashville here.

Centennial Park & The Parthenon

Not to be confused with Bicentennial Park, Centennial Park is home to Nashville’s Parthenon building . It’s the only full scale replica of the Greek Parthenon, and it’s right here in Nashville. Even if you only see the outside of the building, it’s worth adding to your 3 days in Nashville itinerary.

It was designed and built as part of the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Today, it functions as an art museum. Unfortunately, the museum was closed when I arrived on Monday, so I’d love to come back and check out the inside of the Nashville Parthenon.

The Gulch Neighborhood

Primarily, I visited The Gulch to get my photo taken with the What Lifts You mural by Kelsey Montague. I was there on my own, but thankfully there was a small group there and one of the girls offered to take my picture for me. I also stumbled upon a couple of other bright and colorful murals in the vicinity, too. If you’d like to see more murals in Nashville, check out this Nashville street art tour by golf cart . You’ll get all of your Nashville Instagram pics with a local guide, no problemo!

Dinner at AVO

For my last meal after 3 days in Nashville, I wandered over to AVO . It’s a vegan restaurant using seasonal and local plant ingredients to create healthy, satisfying, and nourishing dishes. You can’t miss the building – there are avocados all over it!

I ordered the braised yu choy as my appetizer, which I adored. Soy and sesame braised greens, dusted in nori and glazed in miso butter…yum! For the main course, I couldn’t resist trying their veggie burger. The patty was made of lentils and walnuts, and the burger was topped with vegan cheese, tomato, onion, beet ketchup, and chickpea mayo. It was divine. I could see why this was one of their most popular menu selections.

Crema Coffee

Just one last cup of coffee on my Nashville trip, I thought. I had to try CREMA , a coffee house nearly around the corner from my accommodation. I’m glad I walked over there in the early evening, as it was quite possibly the best cup of coffee I enjoyed in Nashville. Although it was the most expensive coffee I enjoyed, the smooth and rich flavors were well worth the higher price tag. Make sure you stop here on your 3 days in Nashville.

Planning a Trip to Nashville Map

Want to see your long weekend in Nashville visually on a map? Check out this Nashville 3 day itinerary map!

More Things to Do in Nashville

This is precisely how I spent 3 days in Nashville. You might notice that I didn’t set foot into many museums or quintessential attractions. I’ve discovered that when I travel to a new place, I like to wander around as much as possible. It’s best, of course, when I can discover a new place with friends or even meet local residents. They always know the best spots.

There are many places that I didn’t get the chance to visit. With only 3 days in Nashville, there’s only so many hours in the day. I’d love to attend a concert or see band play at a local venue. Although I’m not really a fan of country music, I understand that Nashville is home to all genres of music. If you love country music or the local music scene, check out this Nashville music pass to see all of the famous sites.

Like I mentioned previously, I’d like to walk around the interior of the Parthenon building. It would also be interesting to tour the Ryman Auditorium , check out the gardens at the Cheekwood Estate , or visit the Belle Meade Plantation .

Getting Around Nashville

For the most part, I traveled around for 3 days in Nashville on my own two feet. Nashville, especially downtown Nashville and its surrounding neighborhoods, are extremely walkable. By exploring on foot, you can see all of the street art and murals, as well as stumble upon the hidden gems of the city. Downtown Nashville and all of the neighborhoods that I mentioned are extremely safe. Don’t worry about your safety in Nashville as a solo female traveler either. I spent lots of time on my own here and I wasn’t worried at all. Take regular precautions at night as you would in any unfamiliar city.

I also used Uber to get from point A to point B on some occasions where restaurants and attractions were too far from one another. For a third option, especially if you don’t feel like walking everywhere, take the Nashville hop on hop off trolley . There are 15 stops around the city and you’ll learn some interesting facts along the way, too.

Want to see more photos of Nashville?

See all of our pictures in one place at our travel photography album. Check out the buying options for each image, too!

Nashville is such a lively city with so much to offer visitors that keep them coming back time and time again. I hope to be one of the returning guests to Music City, hopefully much sooner than later. Spending 3 days in Nashville is only a start. Whether you can only see Nashville in a day, spend a weekend in Nashville, or 72 hours in Nashville, it’s worth making the trip.

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Monday 31st of July 2023

Nashville has beautiful scenery for those that love the outdoors. It also is the state with the best country music! It is a great place to visit and live.

Friday 13th of August 2021

The list of things to explore in Nashville is just endless. Nashville is too good.

Nina | Lemons and Luggage

Monday 30th of December 2019

Nashville was never really on my radar, but I see so many people post great things about it. Plus I love good street art, and Nashville seems to have a lot of it!

You could go there for the street art alone and be happy! :) There's a lot to do there, even for me...someone who doesn't care for country music!

Sunday 20th of October 2019

I really appreciate the time you put into this post. I'm in Nashville regularly for web design and SEO work I do. However, I don't get to spend a lot of time just enjoying myself my partner and I will definitely check out some of the places you listed. Is the list still up-to-date?

Monday 21st of October 2019

It's up to date, yes! Enjoy your time in Nashville!

james jones

Monday 16th of September 2019

I didn't see either the Bluebird cafe or the Station Inn. You come to Nashville to music, and both are primarily local artists, serving up real bluegrass and real country music. If you're lucky Don Schilitz who has multiple Grammy's, wrote the Gambler and much of Mary Chapin Carpenter's music will be at the Bluebird. These are places the locals go, regularly.

Tuesday 17th of September 2019

James, I'm sorry to say but I am not a fan of country music! This itinerary goes to show that there's something in Nashville for every taste, even those who don't enjoy that kind of music. If you are someone who is into country music, I would definitely agree with you to go to those spots! However, I didn't visit them as it's really not my thing.

The Perfect 3 Days in Nashville Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Wondering what activities and attractions you can’t miss in the Music City? Our Nashville itinerary is just what you need!

Nashville may have developed a reputation for big nights, but it’s one of those rare tourist destinations that continues to deliver the goods even as the crowds grow.

Nashville is perfectly built for a three-day itinerary. There are several wonderful neighborhoods to explore, some beautiful parks, and historic buildings that complement Nashville’s mind-blowing live music scene.

Your days can be spent jumping between each sub-district from East Nashville to the Gulch, sampling the local cuisine (hello, hot chicken) and learning about the musicians that made the city legendary.

At night, all roads lead to the Honky Tonk Highway, where you can enjoy fantastic live music and an atmosphere that, while rowdy, is pure and joyful.

Read on to see how you can experience Nashville’s history, food, and music!

READ NEXT: Be sure to check out our list of the 21 best things to do in Nashville before your trip!

Table of Contents

Day 1 Morning

Day 1 afternoon, day 1 evening, day 2 morning, day 2 afternoon, day 2 evening, day 3 morning, day 3 afternoon, day 3 evening, when is the best time to visit nashville, getting around nashville, best hostel in nashville: nashville downtown hostel, best mid-range hotel in nashville: nashville riverfront lofts, best luxury hotel in nashville: the hermitage hotel, how to spend 3 days in nashville itinerary.

There isn’t just one way to experience Nashville. Sure, it’s the Music Capital, but there’s plenty of history, great food, and art to experience across your weekend in Nashville. Let’s get started.

Day 1 in Nashville

Your three days in Nashville start off with plenty of sun and fun at Centennial Park.

Not only will you be able to rest your legs after a long trip to the Music City, but you’ll be able to enjoy an upbeat atmosphere and some eye-catching architecture.

From there, your itinerary guides you down one of Nashville’s most famous streets on your way to one of the top attractions in town.

Afterward, day one ends with a big night making your way up and down Broadway.

Your first morning in Nashville begins with a bike ride through the city. The Music City has fantastic year-round weather that will have you bursting to get outside and explore its many parks, the riverfront, and a handful of historic streets.

But to begin, whether you’re in Downtown Nashville or elsewhere, jump on one of the  BCycle  bikes (they’re now electric!) and make your way to the Parthenon .

No, you won’t have to fly all the way to Greece. Instead, a striking replica is waiting for you in Centennial Park .

The spacious green lawns and old-time trees provide ample space to lay down the bike and soak in the sunshine. You’ll be met with a great local atmosphere, food carts and, of course, the replica building which was created in 1897.

Within the Parthenon is a collection of contemporary and modern American art. You can also sign up for a tour to discover the fascinating architecture of the Parthenon and the story behind how it ended up in Nashville.

In the afternoon, you’ll be exploring downtown Nashville. But on your way there, ride down the famous Music Row . This will take you by the iconic RCA Studio B where Elvis weaved his magic and Dolly Parton recorded some of her biggest hits.

Ditch the bike and tour Music Row on the  Old Town Trolley .

After a relaxing morning in Centennial Park, it’s time to see why Nashville is the country music capital of the world. Whether you’re a country music fan or not, this experience begins at the Country Music Hall of Fame .

Nashville’s country music scene is legendary and at the hall of fame, you can discover the tales behind the city’s rise to a music mecca. Enjoy learning about the many voices that have become famous not just here in the U.S. but around the world.

The Country Music Hall of Fame is the perfect introduction before spending the night dancing your way down the Honky Tonk Highway.

You’ll be able to get to know the many famous artists in detail as you gaze upon Elvis’ memorable Cadillac limousine and guitars that were once in the hands of the one and only Carrie Underwood.

They are just a handful of the Hall’s 800 artifacts, costumes, and memorabilia!

Book your entry ticket to the Country Music Hall of Fame on Get Your Guide!

Before the afternoon turns to dusk, it’s time to kit out for a night on the town. In Nashville, that can only mean one thing, boots.

There are a bunch of options around the downtown area, including Lucchese Boots, the beloved Boot Country, and 2for1 Boots for any traveler looking to save a penny.

Now that you’ve brushed up on your music history, it’s time to trade the books for a pair of cowboy boots and make your way to Broadway .

Nashville isn’t just the heart of America’s country music scene, it’s also a haven for live music. The rows of venues sling live tunes from the early morning hours to, well, the early morning hours.

This (almost) full-day extravaganza is at the center of what will make your weekend in Nashville such a thrilling experience. It’s not just your average cover band experience either, with many of the musicians trying to make it to the big time.

Such is the quality of music and the intoxicating atmosphere, you wouldn’t blame the bars and clubs for charging a cover fee. But none of them do. This means you can wander up and down the Honky Tonk Highway as you please.

Some of the best music bars to keep an eye on include The Stage, Second Fiddle and the Legends Corner. You can’t go wrong. If you want to test out your own talent, then you can get behind the microphone at Wanna B’s Karaoke Bar .

The most famous of the venues along Broadway, however, is Tootsies . It began as a humble bar back in the 1960s and is not an unmissable attraction. Enjoy the excellent music along with the refreshing rooftop with epic views of Downtown Nashville.

Day 2 in Nashville

After trying to get a good night’s sleep, day two starts with a bang as you make your way around the heart of Nashville to explore top sights and historic buildings.

Learn all about the city’s musical past and even pay a visit to a local farmers’ market.

Later, tour the Grand Ole Opry or stick around for a live show to understand how it holds such a presence across the United States. Night two ends in East Nashville with good food and an even better time.

READ NEXT: Don’t miss all of the best things to do in Memphis while you’re in the area!

Your head may be pounding from a big night on Broadway, but with so much to do in Nashville, we have no time to waste.

At your leisure, wake up, grab your preferred hangover cure and get back downtown. The grid-like streets of Nashville and the lack of elevation change ensure that the Tennessee capital is a pleasure to walk around.

You can see the best sights on this  walking tour . The best part? It’s self-guided and self-paced, which is the perfect option as who wants to be in a crowd of people after a big night on the town? On your walk, you’ll discover more of Nashville’s music history along with some of the city’s hidden gems.

As you’re guided around town with some fun and interesting narration, you’ll also enjoy some tunes that fit what you’re seeing.

Take a trip into the past and uncover the old stomping crowds of Johnny Cash and Elvis, wander along the eclectic Printer’s Alley and by the Ryman Auditorium.

Afterward, you’ll be in a great position to visit three other major sites in Nashville, the beautiful Tennessee State Capitol Building home to the relaxing Victory Park, the Frist Art Museum , and the Nashville Farmers Market .

The Farmers Market is a great spot to load up the picnic basket for lunch in the park. You’ll also uncover rows of artisan treats, handcraft goods, and a great food court.

After a morning of music and history, it’s time to visit perhaps the most historic music venue, not just in Nashville but in all of the United States, the Grand Ole Opry House.

The iconic venue opened in the 1920s and from the get-go concerts were broadcast over the radio. It’s continued over the 100-plus years, making it the longest continually run radio program in the nation’s history.

Watching one of your favorite musicians grace the famous stage is on the bucket list of many travelers (you can check their schedule  here ). But it’s not just country music fans that want to grab a spot in the Grand Ole Opry, it’s the musicians as well.

You see, it’s not just enough to call up your manager and book a spot. Musicians have to be invited to perform by someone that already played here. It’s safe to say that standing on the stage at the Grand Ole Opry is an exclusive feat.

Its reverence means that musicians always want to play here, ensuring a packed lineup of stars for you to enjoy.

However, if your favorite acts aren’t in town during your Nashville weekend getaway, don’t skip out on a visit! This  behind-the-scenes experience  promises to be just as unique as a live show.

Retrace the footsteps of some of America’s biggest stars, hear old-time tales of past legends, wander out onto the revered stage and even venture into the green room where the musicians have stood for over 100 years before their shows.

READ NEXT: While you’re in Tennessee, consider taking a short drive to check out the best things to do in Louisville, Kentucky .

If you aren’t settling in for a show at the Grand Ole Opry, then take the night to explore the other side of Nashville.

Across the Cumberland River, East Nashville offers a glimpse into local life that those on bachelor and bachelorette parties won’t get the chance to see.

East Nasty isn’t anything like its nickname, harboring a wonderful charm, great bars and an even better arts community. The neighborhood rivals The Gulch as the coolest in Nashville and its distance from downtown can give travelers a break from the crowds.

It’s effortlessly laid back, and a place worth arriving before dusk in order to explore the many boutique art galleries and colorful thrift stores.

But if you are wandering across the river around sunset, be sure to stop at the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge to enjoy one of the best golden hour spots in Nashville.

With the sounds of the Honky Tonk in the rearview mirror, dive into East Nashville’s outstanding, but underrated, nightlife. Here, you’ll find some great pubs to knock back a pint with friends and enjoy some live tunes before tucking into the area’s delicious food scene.

Some of the best bars to visit in East Nashville include the Crow Bar , where you can pair beer-cheese nachos with your favorite adult beverages.

Then there is Mickey’s Tavern where the jukebox works overtime and the Crying Wolf. The latter is a top spot for live music best enjoyed alongside a row of sliders and a great selection of beer.

Day 3 in Nashville

Day three has quickly come upon us, but don’t worry, you won’t be taking the foot off the gas.

Hit up some local museums or wander around Nashville’s chic districts to discover its fabulous street art.

Spend your afternoon jumping between distilleries, sipping whiskey and learning all about their place in Tennessee culture. Finally, kick back at one of Nashville’s most beloved institutions.

READ NEXT: Check out our post on all the best things to do in St. Louis , Missouri.

Your last morning in Nashville is a great opportunity to tick off any attractions that you have yet to experience. Those visiting Nashville may want to explore either of the following three destinations to round out the trip. The first is the Johnny Cash Museum.

You would have wandered by the Johnny Cash Museum on your journey down Broadway, but it’s well worth popping in and seeing what all the fuss is about.

As the name suggests, the space is all about the legendary musician. It features a wide range of exhibits from his costumes and instruments, even some handwritten lyrics that marked the beginning of some of his biggest hits.

The second option is the Tennessee State Museum , where you can go beyond the music and learn about local and state history.

The Tennessee State Museum is beside the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and will guide you beyond the Civil War back into the past where Native American communities first explored the land.

Last up, you may wish to experience Nashville’s street art scene. The city’s many narrow alleys are the perfect honeypot for murals and other pieces. But you’ll also find plenty of color under bridges and in random parking lots.

One of the top murals in Nashville is “Wings” which is found in the Gulch. From there, wander down 11th Avenue to find even more pieces. Other popular neighborhoods for street art include Germantown and East Nashville.

Nashville may be renowned for its live music scene, but Tennessee as a whole has a different kind of reputation. Kentucky may be the heart of distilling in America, but the Volunteer State isn’t lagging far behind.

Within a brief drive from Nashville, you can arrive at a number of distilleries that not only showcase quality products but also tell the tales of liquor in Tennessee before, during and after the Prohibition.

On this  whiskey tasting tour  you’ll visit the iconic Jack Daniel’s Distillery along with George Dickey Tennessee.

Travelers will be able to take a peek behind the curtain at the process of creating such beloved whiskeys before sampling the product. Not only is it tasty, but the tales behind each drink are as interesting as any.

This distillery tour does, however, take up much of your last day on your Nashville itinerary. For a shorter experience, take a self-guided trip down the Masters and Makers Trail . Start and end where you wish, picking up a passport along the way to commemorate each distillery you visit.

The trail takes you to some of the best and little-known distilleries around Nashville while providing you with a front-row seat to the beauty of the countryside in Williamson County.

If you only have time for one distillery, then make a beeline for the cozy Leiper’s Fork Distiller with its famous cabin and songwriter nights.

While you’re in the area, check out this post on the best things to do in Asheville, North Carolina !

To finish off your three days in Nashville, participate in one of the Music City’s most hallowed traditions. The Bluebird Cafe is the city’s best example that music, not partying and bachelorette nights, is at the core of its identity.

North of downtown, the Bluebird Cafe is a local institution. It’s the go-to place for up-and-coming singer-songwriters (hello, Taylor Swift) and those who have played at major venues.

It’s an intimate setting, with just a few seats set around a small stage. If you didn’t know any better, it would just be a regular cafe with a musician and their guitar.

But throughout history, it’s been a place where new lyrics are put to the test, honed and refined before hitting our airwaves.

Read Next: Check out this post to learn about the best day trips from Nashville .

Only a handful of tickets are put on sale and the rest are first-come, first-serve. It’s a unique experience and one that’s worth planning your day around.

For the lucky few who get to witness a night at the Bluebird Cafe, you’ll enjoy a close-up experience of a delightful acoustic set. Who knows? It could be the basis of the next great country hit!

To reserve your spot, or to see what’s on at the beloved venue on your Nashville trip,  click here .

Nashville Travel Guide

Now that you know what to do in Nashville, here is some information that will help you know the best time to visit, how to get around and where to stay when you visit.

Nashville is one of those lucky destinations that doesn’t have a strong “off-season”.

Sure, it heats up in the summer, in a number of ways, but with great year-round weather, the cold isn’t something you need to worry about. Neither is the slowing down of live music.

During the summer, Nashville can get quite hot. It’s also when the local festivals kick-off and the crowds swarm around the downtown streets.

For those who love to get about on foot, spring and fall are great times to visit. You can enjoy the parks, explore the countryside, and still enjoy balmy evenings on the roof of Tootsies.

You won’t have a hard time completing your Nashville weekend itinerary. Getting around the Music City is easy thanks to the compact nature of the area.

You can easily walk around downtown, seeing all the highlights from the Hall of Fame, to Broadway and the Capitol building. In order to head north to Centennial Park or across the Cumberland River to East Nashville, simply jump on one of the electric bikes.

Nashville also has a decent  public bus network . The routes can take you between all major neighborhoods, with each ride costing $2. Visitors can also pick up a 7-day pass for $20, which features unlimited rides.

Nashville International Airport is 20 minutes southeast of downtown. Bus 18 is the cheapest way to go between destinations. Rideshare is also available.

Read next: Plan the ultimate 3 Days in Atlanta Itinerary

Where to Stay in Nashville

If you’re wondering where to stay in the city, our recommendations for the best accommodation in Nashville will help you choose the top spot for your budget!

When it comes to hostels in Nashville, there aren’t a lot of options. Nashville Downtown Hostel is the best, however, and gives you VIP access to Broadway. The hostel is temporarily closed for renovations, but you can find updates and contact info on their website.

At  Nashville Riverfront Lofts  you’ll sleep right on the banks of the beautiful Cumberland River.

Guests will have a private balcony with great sunset views, along with a full kitchen to cook up a storm. From your room, you’ll have easy access to some of the top attractions in Downtown Nashville.

Want to treat yourself during your weekend in Nashville? Then book a night at the  Hermitage Hotel . Your luxury rooms are paired with several on-site services, including restaurants and bars, a spa facility and a concierge at your disposal.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

The Ultimate 3 Days in New York City Itinerary (2024 Update)

25 Best Things To Do In Santa Fe, New Mexico (2024 Guide)

The 21 Best Things To Do In Richmond, Virginia (2024 Guide)

Related Posts

22 best things to do in milwaukee, wisconsin (2024 guide), 8 incredible must-do day trips from las vegas (2024 guide), 15 best day trips from denver, colorado (2024 guide), 20 best day trips from baltimore, maryland (2024 guide), leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

3-Day Nashville Itinerary: A Long Weekend in Music City

If you’re planning a long weekend in Nashville, Tennessee, and wondering what to do in the Music City, you’ll want to read this article! From honky tonk and hot chicken to live music and party barges, Nashville is a good time.

Nashville, Tennessee, is a music lover’s dream come true. The city is steeped in musical history, and there is no shortage of live music venues. But Nashville is more than just country music. The city has a vibrant food scene, with plenty of chef-owned restaurants to choose from. And there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy too, from hiking and biking to Cumberland River kayaking.

Below, we’ve crafted the perfect Nashville itinerary covering the city’s top attractions, eateries, and entertainment.

[This page may contain affiliate links to trusted partners.]

Nashville, Tennesee: Day 1

Country music hall of fame.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a great way to spend your morning in Nashville. Visiting the museum is one of the more popular things to do in Nashville, so you’ll want to get there early anyway. During spring break and tourist season, the lines can get quite long. And if you’re wondering whether to bring the kids, the answer is yes!

You can purchase a self-guided audio tour or wander the museum alone. You’ll find something interesting around every corner, from stage costumes and memorabilia to original recordings and vintage cars.

Lunch at Martin’s Bar-B-Q Joint

Martin’s Bar-B-Q Joint originated just south of Nashville nearly 25 years ago and follows the whole hog barbecue tradition. If you like barbecue, you’ll want to stop by Pat Martin’s place! There are two locations in Nashville for you to choose from.

Start with their smoked wings with Alabama white sauce, a popular option. Then, order one of their samplers to try a little bit of everything. Martin’s Bar-B-Q Joint arguably has some of the best barbeque in Nashville.  

Explore Music Row

The heart of Nashville’s music industry, Music Row is home to recording studios, record labels, and many other industry-specific businesses. It’s also home to RCA Studio B , a famous recording studio where many country music stars have recorded hits.

As you stroll down 16 th and 17 th Avenues South, you’ll also see a few statues and historical markers along the way. There’s a lot of history there, so consider a tour to learn more.

Dinner & Bluegrass at the Station Inn

Bluegrass music is an integral part of the music scene in Nashville, too. An intimate Bluegrass bar called The Station Inn is located in the Gulch neighborhood. Live music is offered every day, and seating is first-come, first-serve.

Children are welcome but must be kept quiet. And, while food is served here, remember this place is all about the music. The Station Inn is a little hidden gem in the middle of Music City.

Nashville, Tennessee: Day 2

Visit the johnny cash museum.

The Johnny Cash Museum is another one of those must-visit places to add to your Nashville itinerary. Although not a large museum, it’s jam-packed with Johnny Cash memorabilia and artifacts.

Johnny Cash fans will appreciate the in-depth knowledge they’ll gain about their favorite musician. Even if you’re not huge on Johnny Cash, music fans will still enjoy the tour through time. Please note that there is no onsite parking, so you must find parking somewhere downtown.

Nashville Hot Chicken Lunch

Legend has it, Nashville hot chicken came to be during a “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” scenario in the 1930s.

A gentleman named Thorton Prince was known to be unfaithful. When his then-girlfriend suspected he had been with another woman, she put hot peppers on his favorite fried chicken meal.

Her plan, however, backfired when Thorton Prince thoroughly enjoyed his hot chicken. He enjoyed it so much that he’d go on to open a fried chicken shack in Nashville.  

Today, you can try the original Prince’s Hot Chicken at several locations in Nashville.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Another Nashville hot chicken stand you should know about is Hattie B’s. There are also several locations in Nashville. You usually can’t miss a Hattie B’s because there is a line out the door and down the sidewalk most days.  

Take a Tour of Nashville

You should consider a party bus tour if you’re in the Music City for a special occasion, like a Nashville bachelorette party . You’ll be surprised to know that there are more than just a few party bus options for you.

If you’re an early riser who likes mimosas, check out the Nashville Party Barge’s Murals and Mimosas tour. They’ll provide endless mimosas while taking you on a Nashville mural tour, allowing you to hop off the bus and take pictures throughout the tour.

Another party “bus” option is the Nashville Tractor. A big red tractor, with the words “I Got Plowed” written across the tractor’s bucket, will take you on a non-stop tour of Nashville . While this tour doesn’t serve or sell alcohol, it does allow you to bring non-glass drinks and a small cooler.

Finally, if you want to go on a simple sightseeing tour of Nashville, you’ll want to check out Old Towne Trolley Tours. They offer guided tours of the city with a hop-on/hop-off option. And if you can’t tour the entire city in one day, they have two and three-day tour packages available.

A Night Out on Broadway

There’s nothing more exciting than the bright lights of Broadway at night coupled with free live entertainment. Head down to Lower Broadway, also known as Hony Tonk Highway, and you’ll experience the excitement of Nashville.

From 10 AM to 3 AM, lower Broadway bars have live bands that don’t require a cover charge. However, please remember to tip because that is how most bands make money in Nashville. Please note that after about 6 PM, many of these establishments turn into 21+ only.

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is the oldest honky tonk bar in Nashville. This purple-painted bar has two stories of live music and a rooftop bar. Many music legends have passed through here, including Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson. Tootsie’s is a Nashville must with great vibes, good food, history, and excellent entertainment!

Nudie’s Honky Tonk

Known as the longest bar in Nashville, Nudie’s Hony Tonk is another Broadway establishment with history. Nudie Cohn was a famous tailor who designed costumes for stars such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and others.

You’ll find memorabilia, stage costumes, live bands, and a roof-top bar throughout the three-story bar. The bar is also known for its bar design which houses nearly ten thousand silver dollars.

Bootleggers Inn

Bootleggers Inn is a more intimate bar serving moonshine with its entertainment. It’s the only moonshine bar in Nashville! Try southern favorites such as Apple Pie and Peach Moonshine while you enjoy live music on two stories.  

Nashville, Tennessee: Day 3

Sunday brunch in nashville.

There is no shortage of brunch spots in Nashville, Tennessee. If you like entertainment with your brunch, drag brunches are available, too. There are so many choices. All you need to do is search brunch near me , and you’ll be inundated with options. Here are a few recommendations.

The Frothy Monkey, located in Downtown Nashville, is a popular coffeehouse that serves brunch every day of the week. There are several locations throughout Nashville, including one in the 12 South district.

If you want a little wine with your brunch, you’ll want to check out Lou Nashville. They offer natural wines, tapas, and weekend brunch. This spot is especially popular with foodies and has a covered outdoor patio.

417 Union is another popular spot for brunch in Nashville, serving up a little history with your meal. They offer southern fare and a host of cocktails. After your meal, check out all of the WWII and Civil War memorabilia.

Last Stop Tourist Attractions

Music City has non-country music-related activities to add to your Nashville itinerary. While you could easily spend more time in the city and still find things to do, here are some popular tourist attractions you may be interested in checking out.

• Nashville Parthenon
• Frist Art Museum
• Belle Meade Plantation
• Tennessee State Capital
• Riverboat Cruise
• Gaylord Opryland Resort
• Nashville Zoo
• Tennessee State Museum
• Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
• Predators Game at Bridgestone Arena
• Titans Game at the Nissan Stadium

Live Country Music Show

Most people will tell you that seeing a live country music show while you’re in Nashville is a must. The two most popular spots include the Grand Ole Opry House and the Ryman Auditorium. Both country music halls have a deep history and offer backstage tours outside events.  

The Grand Ole Opry show is the longest-running radio broadcast in the United States. It all started in 1925 when a radio show host played the music of a fiddler on the then-WSM Barn Dance show.  It’s said to be one of the significant catalysts in the popularity of country music.

The Ryman Auditorium was famous for hosting the Grand Ole Opry show for a period. Today, the Ryman is a live performance venue hosting country music shows, operas, symphonies, ballets, and more. Go on a guided tour and learn more about the roots of country music and the building’s significance.

A Long Weekend in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is a music lover’s paradise, and there’s no better time to experience its musical culture than during a long weekend. You can find world-class music venues of all genres throughout the city, from historic honky-tonks to cutting-edge clubs.

The city’s music scene is also fueled by a lively nightlife, with bars and restaurants staying open late into the night. And, of course, no trip to Nashville would be complete without taking in a live performance of the Grand Ole Opry.

This legendary country music radio show has been entertaining audiences for generations. So, if you’re looking for a fun-filled long weekend getaway, add Nashville to your list!

Alexandrea Sumuel is a nationally syndicated travel writer and founder of the Wander With Alex travel blog. Her work has appeared on MSN, YAHOO!, Euronews, and FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates across the United States. 

Alex travels to experience, eat, explore, and occasionally escape! She collaborates with destinations, vacation property management companies, and hospitality technology firms to provide her readers with exclusive insights and information.

• Work with Me
• Start a Blog
• Yearly Roundups
• 101 in 1001 Goals
• how to start a travel blog
• tips for new bloggers
• write me a guest post!
• Work With Me

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

Nashville Weekend Getaway: The Perfect 3 Days in Nashville Itinerary

last Updated: March 27, 2024 nashville tennessee

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Tennessee and looking for the best way to spend a weekend in Nashville?! You’re gonna have the best time ever – promise! The perfect Nashville weekend getaway guide, coming right up!

A stellar country music scene. Biscuits smothered in gravy. Boot-scootin and beer-swigging’. Hip boutiques and tons of live honky tonk. Oh, and you can’t forget about that scrumptious Nashville hot fried chicken. If that sounds like a whole lotta fun, you’ll wanna plan your 3-day Nashville itinerary right away!

The city is a funky mix of Austin , New Orleans, and Las Vega s (and maybe even a little bit of Portland ). I just loved it!

Not everyone realizes this, but Nashville is the Capital of Tennessee, and boasts tons of history alongside its vibrant culture, music, and local cuisine. The city is actually the second largest city in the state and 23rd most-populous city in the United States. 

And it ain’t called Music City for nothing! Broadway is a neon honky-tonk paradise; the absolute mecca of American Country Music. I mean, Taylor Swift got her epic start in music right here in Nashville! 

But besides all the music, there’s also famed local dishes, well-known museums, gorgeous green spaces, great boutique shopping, a fun pedestrian bridge, and even hip bowling with cocktails. Plus tons of colorful murals and Nashville photo spots. Vanderbilt University is right here, so you know there’s always something going on.

You could visit Nashville time and time again and never get bored. But if it’s your first time, you wanna make sure you plan the best Nashville weekend trip possible! Keep on reading, and maybe grab a pen and paper to take notes, because I’m sharing literally everything you need to know for your first ever 3 days in Nashville.

Psst : I’m aiming to visit all 50 states, and Tennessee was my 27th state on my 50 States Challenge !

Weekend in Nashville Logistics

Where is Nashville and How to Get There

First of all, where exactly is Nashville anyways?! The city is located in the northern part of Tennessee, right on the Cumberland River. It’s about 215 miles northeast of Memphis, the other popular city in Tennessee (roughly a 3 hour drive or so). 

While the city is considered to be in the South of the USA, it’s far from the deep south and is technically in the upper South. People get confused and sometimes think Tennessee is in the Midwest, but it’s not!

A crazy fun fact I still can’t believe: 40% of the US population lives within 600 miles of Nashville. Whoa. Okay, so 600 miles is pretty far, but still, that doesn’t include any of the West Coast or even New York City.

How to Get to Nashville 

Flying : When you fly into Nashville, you’ll be heading to Nashville International Airport, sometimes referred to as Berry Field Nashville (airport code BNA). The airport serves more than 15 million passengers each and every year, so… it’s not small by any means. 

BNA serves the Greater Nashville metropolitan area, and thankfully is located only ~7 miles southeast of Downtown Nashville (a 20 minute drive or so, depending on traffic). 

Unfortunately, airfare to Nashville is usually pretty pricey. There’s a reason we just only made it out there! And there’s not many nonstops. Coming from the West Coast (specifically San Francisco), expect to pay at least $400 to $500 round trip. And these are typically with stops. 

I was surprised to learn this, but Southwest is actually the city’s largest carrier! There’s nonstop flights from SFO on Southwest Airlines, which makes sense now.

From the East Coast, it’s a whole other story, as there are plenty of nonstop flights at only $250-300ish or so.

Driving: Nashville is a hub city connected by three interstate highways, making it a pretty easy drive if you’re coming from nearby states. And Downtown Nashville is the center of this entire hub! If you look on a map, you’ll see Nashville is encircled by these highways. Here’s a quick breakdown, in case you’re interested in visiting other cities before/after your weekend getaway to Nashville.

• I-65 runs north to Louisville, Kentucky (175 miles), and south to Birmingham, Alabama (200 miles)
• I-40 runs west to Memphis (215 miles) and east to Knoxville (180 miles), extending all the way to Asheville, North Carolina (300 miles), Little Rock, Arkansas (350 miles), and Oklahoma City (650 miles)
• I-24 runs northwest toward St. Louis (310 miles) and southeast toward Atlanta (250 miles)

There’s only six cities in the US where 3 interstates connect, so I guess this is kinda a big deal!

Trains and Buses: Coming from elsewhere in Tennessee (or from a nearby state)? Check out Amtrak’s train schedule and/or Megabus or Greyhound buses. But if you only have a weekend in Nashville, it may not be worth it to spend half the time on a train or bus!

How to Get from the Airport to Downtown Nashville 

Ride shares: Thankfully Uber and Lyft make it super easy to get to your hotel straight from the airport. I recommend checking both apps to see who has better rates. The price should be $15-20 or so, but may be more depending on time of day and availability of cars.

You’ll wanna make your way to Level 1 of the Ground Transportation Center at BNA airport. Look out for signs that say “Ride App Pickup”.

And get this – the Nashville International Airport was the first airport in the entire country to allow ride-shares to operate at the airport itself. Another fun fact!

Taxi: If the prices of Uber/Lyft are ridiculously high for some reason (it happens!), thankfully you can always rely on a taxi. Taxis between the airport and downtown (as well as the Opryland Resort) all have a flat fare of $25, so you know you’re never getting ripped off. 

Public Transport : The cheapest way to get from BNA to downtown is by taking the WeGo Public Transit bus from Nashville MTA. For only $2 one way! The bus leaves every hour daily, and express trips on Route #18 only take about 20 minutes (plus traffic). Not too bad!

When to Plan Your Nashville Weekend Getaway

Looking for warm, sunny weather? Visit between April and October! Hate crowds? Visit in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Don’t mind the cold and unpredictable weather? A winter visit (with lots of cost savings!) may be just for you.

A few other things to keep in mind: 

Weekend Crowds : The city is wildly more popular Fridays through Sundays. Expect higher hotel rates, as well as crowds at the popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and on the streets. 

We visited Saturday through Tuesday and saw a noticeable difference in terms of crowds on Monday and Tuesday! Restaurants that had lines down the block had open seating right away (and that goes for popular murals like The Wings in the Gulch too). It was way quieter, although I’m glad we got to see all the action of the weekend as well. 

Festivals : Nashville ain’t called Music City for nothing! There’s lots of music festivals throughout the year, including the super popular CMA Music Festival, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival (nearby), Hot Chicken Festival (yes, it’s a real thing), Pride, and plenty more. 

While they’re tons of fun, they bring in hundreds, if not thousands of people to Nashville… meaning, well, it’s gonna be crowded in town. Promise me you’ll book your hotel way in advance — room rates skyrocket and get sold out months beforehand. 

Not looking to partake in all the fun? Don’t accidentally come during a major conference/festival — check to see what’s going on in the city before booking your flights!

Rain/thunderstorms: On average, Nashville gets about 120 days of precipitation a year (a bit more than the national average). While a lot of these are just short afternoon showers, don’t be surprised if the rain lasts all day (it does happen!).

It can rain any time of year, but come extra prepared in April and May as these are the rainiest months in Nashville. Don’t be surprised by a severe thunderstorm or even a tornado! Always know the proper procedures and keep yourself safe!

Seasons : Unlike the West Coast (here in Northern California we have 3 seasons – perpetual spring, fog, and fire season…), Nashville experiences four distinct seasons. Lucky duck! 

Winter is cold with possible snow and ice, summers are hot and humid, spring can be rainy, and fall is just beautiful with its foliage. Keep this in mind when planning your trip! More info on the different seasons below:

• Spring/Fall: Shoulder Season (late March to May and late September to early November)

In my opinion, spring and fall are the best times to visit Nashville. It’s getting warmer out (but not sizzling hot), the kids are in school, and you can score a good deal on a hotel room (well, at least save some money when compared to the popular summer season). There’s also less humidity, making the days feel less muggy.

The mildest temps in Nashville are from April to early June and from late September to early November. Do note there’s typically more rain in spring than in fall, so keep that in mind when planning your Nashville weekend getaway. For reference, we visited Nashville at the end of April and had almost perfect weather (minus a morning of rain).

• Summer: Hot and Humid and Lots of Crowds (late May to mid-September)

Nashville is known for its long, hot, and humid summers – pretty typical of the American South. The city is an absolute scorcher – temps of 90°F in July and August are not uncommon. 

If you’re not used to the heat, it’ll probably be too hot to walk around comfortably for an extended period of time. Keep that in mind and make sure you stay hydrated. 

Despite all this, June through August is the most popular time to visit Nashville, aka the most crowded. The city is packed full of special events and festivals, and the iconic honky tonks are often packed to the brim. 

But with that being said, unless you really love super hot weather (who are you, haha?!), you probably don’t wanna plan your weekend in Nashville during the summer. I warned you! Although it’s not as brutal as other spots in The South, say Austin, Texas .

• Winter: Chilly Temps and Low Season (November to early March)

The weather in Nashville can be quite unpredictable during the winter months, and can be uncharacteristically warm and sunny or there can be snow and ice (although it’s quite rare). Expect some gloomy winter weather, with temps ranging from the upper 20s to the low 60s. 

Temps at night can be freezing! Skip January, the coldest month of the year, if you’re a baby about the cold like me, haha. Definitely dress appropriately!

Despite the iffy weather, if you’re a die hard fan of Christmas, you can’t go wrong visiting in December! The city is quite charming with Christmas decorations around town, as well as at the Opryland Hotel and the Belle Meade Historic Site. 

And plus, winter is the low season here in Nashville (meaning less crowds), so you can expect cheaper airfare and save some money on hotels.

Is a Long Weekend in Nashville Enough?

I think yes, 3 days in Nashville is the perfect amount of time! If you wanna take a day trip or two (to maybe Franklin or Memphis), plan 4 full days. Since it’s not a massive city, spending 5 days or longer is probably overkill.

Personally, I felt pretty satisfied with our long weekend in Nashville. It was the perfect amount of time to see the main attractions of the city, eat a bunch of biscuits and fried chicken, sip a few drinks, spend ample time on Broadway, and even venture off to some more obscure photo spots in Nashville.

How to Get Around Nashville

Thankfully, Downtown Nashville is very walkable! There are tons of attractions within only a few blocks. And once you make it to each neighborhood, those are walkable as well! We clocked up almost 20k steps every single day, and walked from our hotel in the Music Row neighborhood to The Gulch, Midtown and Centennial Park, and even Downtown. 

Make sure to wear comfy shoes if you’re planning on walking a lot!  But depending on when you visit, it may be just too hot and sticky to walk long distances, so plan on alternate means of transport (Uber or public transit).

Ride Shares

Since we weren’t renting a car, we relied on Uber and Lyft to get around Nashville for the duration of our stay. I was surprised at how expensive the rides were – definitely watch out for surge pricing and check both Uber and Lyft to see which app has better pricing. 

On some days, simply checking again in 10 minutes saved us $15!

Public Transit

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Nashville’s got pretty decent public transit (much better than by me in San Francisco , although not as robust as in New York City of course). 

City Bus : The city is well-connected by the WeGo Public Transit buses (formerly Nashville MTA), which run across the city and surrounding communities. There’s more than 46 bus routes that connect all major tourist attractions and businesses. And tickets cost just $1.70 per ride. 

If you think you’ll be using it a lot, consider an unlimited day pass for just $4. Look out for the purple buses around town – those are WeGo Public Transit! If you’re planning to spend more than 3 days in Nashville, you may wanna look into getting a MTA Quick Ticket as well – more info here .

Here’s a few routes to get familiar with:

• Music City Circuit: whisks tourists around downtown completely free of charge! 
• Green Circuit: between downtown Nashville and the Gulch
• Blue Circuit: serves destinations between the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Train : There’s also a train called The WeGo Star which connects spots a bit further outside the city. You probably won’t need to use this if you’re just visiting Nashville for a weekend getaway.

Old Town Trolley Tour

Wanna see Nashville’s highlights in a short period of time? Consider booking yourself on an Old Town Trolley Tour . It’s a great way to get around, and in only 90 minutes, you’ll get to see over 100 points of interest (including Lower Broadway, Music Row, Centennial Park, the Ryman Auditorium, Marathon Village and much more). 

Yes, you can hop off at any of the 14 stops, like the Farmers Market, Gulch, Frist Art Museum, etc. Commentary covers the rich history that Music City has to offer – almost like a personal tour guide! Read reviews and sign up here !

Renting a Car

Many claim the best way to get around Nashville is by car. It’s true – the different neighborhoods and attractions are a bit too spread out to walk between.  While it may not be the least expensive option, sometimes having a car of your own is great for max flexibility. 

There’s apparently more than 28,000 parking spaces downtown, so hopefully you don’t have trouble finding an empty spot! But finding affordable parking in the downtown area can be tough. 

You also gotta factor in overnight parking fees at your hotel, which can range from $20-$40 a night (which add up super fast). I think we came out even if not ahead by not renting a car and solely relying on Uber/Lyft and walking a ton. 

Scooters and Bicycles

Alternate means of transport, anyone?! I don’t trust myself on a scooter and I haven’t been on a bike in years, so I opted to skip these, haha. But they’re there if you want them!

Where to Stay in Nashville

Downtown/Broadway

Downtown is basically the heart of Nashville, with the Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, Goo Goo Chocolates, Ryman Auditorium, and more. Lower Broadway is where those iconic honky tonks and bars live. Meaning it’s wild and crazy all hours of the night (okay, I think the bars close around 3am). 

If you’re looking for a lot of nightlife and sightseeing, Downtown will be perfect for you. We had one of our favorite meals of our trip at Husk, not terribly far away.

• The Hermitage Hotel (the gold standard of 5-star hotels in historic Nashville, and the cities longest standing, built in 1910)
• Bobby Hotel (super unique with maps, treasures, and quirky trinkets with a colorful lounge and rooftop bar)
• Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville (comfortable rooms with a nice pool area)

Midtown/Music Row

During our long weekend in Nashville, we actually ended up staying in two different hotels in Midtown. And I can honestly say it was the perfect location! We were able to walk almost everywhere (although the walks were quite long), and Hattie B’s was right around the corner! Ya know, perfect for a late night snack. 

My all-time favorite hotel in Nashville is The Graduate, and I highly recommend it for at least a night or two.

Graduate Nashville : Looking for the most instagrammable hotel in Nashville? You’ll find it here at The Graduate. As soon as I saw a photo of the hotel, I instantly knew I needed to stay there. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with luxe pink plush couches and tons of greenery – it’s grandma chic and glamorous all in one. 

Super colorful and playful and I appreciated all the little touches. For instance, we even had a portrait of Dolly Parton herself hanging above our bed. And ohhh White Limozeen (the rooftop bar) – you NEED to head up there for a drink (yes, even if you’re not staying at the hotel). It’s like a bottle of pink paint was thrown all over the place. 

If you wanna stay around here, book in advance as Vanderbilt University is right here – meaning hotels book up fast when there’s something special going on over there. Other popular hotels in Midtown/Music Row:

• Courtyard Vanderbilt/West End (standard rooms only a few minutes from Vanderbilt University)
• Kimpton Aertson Hotel (boutique hotel with open spaces, original artwork, and a rooftop pool)

Looking for something a bit calmer than downtown? The Gulch is small and very trendy, with some of the city’s trendiest restaurants and swanky hotels, giving visitors a more upscale experience. The neighborhood is super walkable, and you can easily walk to Downtown Nashville from here as well. 

We found ourselves over here in the Gulch multiple times throughout our 3 days in Nashville, and totally made me rethink our decision to stay in Midtown! It is one of the most expensive areas to stay in Nashville though, so that’s something to think about if you’re on a budget. 

• W Nashville (just as swanky as every other W)
• Thompson Nashville (we had drinks on the roof one night and they were delicious)

East Nashville

If you’re looking to stay away from the main tourist drag, choose East Nashville! It’s pretty hip and trendy (I wanna visit more of the murals over there next time), and much more of a local’s experience.

You’ll find lots of coffee shops, stylish vintage boutiques, and local restaurants.  While this area is typically less expensive, you’ll need a car to get around (or plan to Uber/Lyft).

• Dive Motel (23 fresh and funky retro motel rooms with a swim club!)
• Vandyke Bed and Beverage (another spot with tons of insta-worthy decor, plus cocktail themed rooms)
• The Gallatin (bring your tripod – there’s lots of Nashville IG spots over here)

3 Days in Nashville Itinerary

Finally, what you came here for – the perfect 3 days in Nashville itinerary! Let’s get to it! 

Psst: This Nashville itinerary assumes you have 3 full days in the city. Meaning you got here the night before and can start your first full day in the morning. You can probably squeeze everything in on Day 1 if you arrive in the AM, but depending on your travel style, you may feel kinda rushed.

Also, feel free to arrange the order of the days anyway you like. I strategically grouped together activities by location and such, but if you feel like rearranging, feel free! Nothing is too far away from each other, so if you’re feeling one thing over another, trust your intuition! 

*Note: I highly encourage you to buy tickets to live music at least once during your 3 days in Nashville. Meaning you may need to switch some things around – no problem! Nothing is terribly far, so it won’t be that difficult.

Nashville Weekend Getaway Day 1

Stop 1 (Morning): Southern Country Breakfast

Let’s start off this Nashville weekend getaway itinerary with some breakfast, shall we – southern country edition! Gotta fuel that bod for the rest of your 3 days in Nashville! I’ve got two iconic recommendations for you this morning: 1. Monells and 2. The Loveless Cafe. Both excellent choices.

Monells : As soon as we booked tickets to Music City, my husband insisted we add Monells into our Nashville itinerary.  He promised all-you-can-eat mouthwatering Southern comfort food, all served family-style at communal tables in a stunning Victorian house. Sounded interesting enough, so off we went! And OMG did we eat. 

We indulged in a country breakfast feast of biscuits smothered in gravy, country ham, fried cinnamon apples, pancakes, hash browns, cheese grits, skillet fried chicken, corn pudding, and coffee/sweet tea. Don’t even get your morning coffee and a pastry beforehand – literally wake up and go! It was fun chatting with other diners at our table, and we got some great restaurant and live music recommendations for later on in our trip.

If you somehow have more room, stop by The Cupcake Connection for one of their legendary sweet potato cupcakes (or just save it for later… understandably).

The Loveless Cafe: This is a good time to check out The Loveless Cafe, a super popular Southern cafe with a fun, country vibe. The restaurant is about a 25 minute drive south of the city, so factor in a potentially pricey Uber ride if you aren’t renting a car. It’s wildly popular, so you’ll wanna make a reservation in advance. 

Make sure to try the biscuits (obviously), blackberry preserves, creamy grits, and hot juicy, fried chicken. Have a sweet tooth? That banana pudding sounds delicious. Some people claim Loveless has the best fried chicken and biscuits in the South! You be the judge! There’s a reason the cafe’s been open for over 50 years – it’s a Nashville landmark with tons of quaint country charm.

Either spot will probably take most of the morning, so don’t sleep in too late.

Stop 2 (Afternoon): Murals and Lunch in the Gulch 

Next up – shopping, photos, and lunch! Spend the rest of the day hanging around Nashville’s upscale neighborhood – the Gulch! 

Murals in the Gulch: The entire city is full of Nashville photo spots, and the Gulch is one neighborhood that doesn’t disappoint. While you can randomly wander up and down 11th Ave South (the main strip over here), if you’re looking to grab some photos for your IG feed, make sure to check these out: 

• What Lifts You Wings by Kelsey Montague (302 11th Ave S): I’m sure you’ve seen photos of this mural – it’s quite possibly the most well-known in all of Nashville! Look closely and you’ll see guitars and music notes in the designs of the wings. If you’re spending your 3 days in Nashville on a weekend, there’ll undoubtedly be a line, but hey, anything for the shot, right?!
• Acoustic Skyline by Allison Johnson (915 Division St): A gorgeous painting depicting a  striking white guitar with the Nashville skyline jutting out. I’m so bummed we miss out on this one! 

• Jason Woodside Mural (299 11th Ave S): Huge and oh so colorful, you can’t not make a quick stop here. It’s right across the street from Milk and Honey, and part of the Nashville Walls Project. A true kaleidoscope of color! There’s another large-scale green-themed mural by Ian Ross right next door, so check that out, too!
• Candy Hearts Mural (Finnleys; 601 8th Ave South): The Candy Hearts Mural is probably one of my favorite murals in all of Nashville – look how fun and cheerful it is. Remember the old school candy hearts we used to eat? These phrases are inspired by them, with sayings like “What would Dolly do?” (my favorite one!) and “Hello Gorgeous”. It’s one of the most popular Nashville instagram spots for bachelorette parties and couples! Of course we had to take a cutesy photo together!

Lunch options: I know you had a big breakfast, but after wandering the Gulch for a bit, you’re bound to get hungry! And I’m giving you four of the most popular options over here. If you’re visiting on the weekend, expect there to be a wait almost everywhere in the Gulch. It’s a popular neighborhood and everyone loves it! I recommend putting your name down, and then walking around to see the murals and popping into shops!

• Biscuit Love: Hey, you’re in the south! You can never have too many biscuits! Biscuit Love won awards for the East Nasty sandwich, a fluffy buttery biscuit topped with fried chicken smothered in a rich sausage gravy. Yum! Promise me you won’t leave without trying Biscuit Love’s “Bonuts” – deep fried biscuit donuts topped with lemon mascarpone cream and blueberry compote. I’m drooling over my keyboard just thinking about those. Prepare to wait!

• Arnold’s Country Kitchen: If you want something a bit more casual, head over to Arnolds, a popular meat and three. You’ll find Southern & soul food classics plus desserts from a cafeteria-style steam table. What is a meat and three? Essentially, you pick one meat (like roast beef, meatloaf, kielbasa, chicken and dumplings, etc) and 3 sides (say green beans, creamed corn, fried apples, pinto beans, mac & cheese, etc). If you’re not crazy hungry, opt for a meat and two instead!
• Milk and Honey : Hot chicken & waffles and a cinnamon bun with cream cheese icing – what a perfect combo! I happily sipped on my Nutella latte and bit into my homemade strawberry pop tart. There’s a pick-up window if you just wanna grab something quick. Visiting on a weekend? Put your name down and walk around. There’s bound to be an hour+ wait. This spot is popular for a reason!

• Party Fowl: Fried chicken, anyone?! Don’t miss the massive $50 bloody mary with two whole fried chickens. Yes, I just said fried chicken in the drink! Easily the most elaborate cocktail in all of Nashville – and at 55oz, definitely share it. We missed the mammoth drink (they’ve only got it on certain days/times), but indulged in Nashville fried chicken and beignets. Those little pillows of fried dough smothered with bourbon glaze and powdered sugar were the perfect mid-afternoon pick me up. Definitely not as good at the iconic beignets in New Orleans, but still pretty tasty!

Other things to do in The Gulch

• The Frist Art Museum: In the mood for some culture after a morning of eating and wandering around? The Frist Art Museum holds a beautiful and robust art gallery, with approximately 24k of gallery space, a restored art-deco lobby, and plenty of permanent and rotating exhibits. Interestingly enough, the art museum is housed in the city’s historic U.S. Post Office building – which is actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places! The architecture of the building is stunning in and of itself.
• Cocktails in the Gulch: We love checking out the cool craft cocktail bars whenever we visit a new city, and the Gulch has plenty! Our two favorites were:

1. Gertie’s Whiskey Bar: Check out the wall covered in hundreds of bottles of whiskey – they don’t call it a whiskey bar for nothin’! Noah tried both a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned and highly recommends both. They even freeze their cherries in the ice cubes; how ingenious! The bartender was super friendly which we greatly appreciated.

2. L.A. Jackson : A swanky rooftop bar with awesome energy at The Thompson Hotel. Drinks were pricey but what do you expect at a bar with fantastic skyline views?! Definitely more of an “it” crowd and way more pretentious than Gertie’s, but we still had fun!

Stop 3 (Night): Live music

You’re in Nashville – time for some live music! While there’s hundreds of music venues, bars, and clubs you could go to, here’s a few favorites:

Bluebird Cafe (Green Hills): Bluebird is a Nashville institution for songwriters, opening over 40 years ago in 1982. Experienced and newer songwriters come here to test out their new songs. On any given night, a typical performance sees three or four songwriters in the center of the room, taking turns playing their songs and accompanying each other with harmonies and instrumentals. It’s quite the scene.

And get this – Taylor Swift was discovered here! How crazy! So was Garth Brooks and Faith Hill. You never know if that up-&-coming artist you see at Bluebird will one day make it big! 

I highly recommend making a reservation as this iconic club is pretty tiny. There’s only 90 seats in the entire space… and the cafe is growing in popularity every year! Local Tip: Monday is Open Mic Night at 6 PM, and you don’t need a reservation for that – just make sure to show up bright and early (seats are first-come first-serve)!

Honky Tonk Highway: Don’t have tickets anywhere and looking to jump into the Nashville fun right away? Head over to lower Broadway, where you’ll find Honky Tonk Highway. And it’s exactly as it sounds! An entire row of honky tonk bars pumping out live music onto the streets – until around 3am! There’s a reason it’s nicknamed “Nashvegas”, haha. While there’s over 30 bars, we loved Tootsies Orchid Lounge and Honky Tonk Central.

Most have no cover charge with free live music all night. If you’re like, damn we already bought tickets to a show but this sounds super fun, don’t worry – you can join in on the fun tomorrow afternoon.

3rd and Lindsley (Downtown): We first learned about 3rd and Lindsley from a sweet couple we met at Monnels that morning! While we toyed with the idea of getting last-minute tickets, we were too tired from traveling and Noah running his half marathon. Next time for us! 

While you need to buy a ticket in advance, all seating is first come, first serve, so get there with time to spare so you get a good seat! Hungry? There’s a full menu of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees.

Grand Ole Opry (Music Valley): Have you really been to Nashville if you haven’t seen a show at the Grand Ole Opry?! Every performance is different from the last, featuring country music legends, lots of surprises, and some up-and-coming stars the venue hand picks. Expect world-class entertainment and shows – the venue even hosted the 56th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in 2021! 

But what the Grand Ole Opry is most famous for is its one-hour radio “barn dance” – the longest running radio broadcast in US history. Never rehearsed and never the same show twice! You’ll need to buy tickets in advance as this venue gets booked up fast! Check the Opry calendar and see who’s performing during your 3 days in Nashville. And book your ticket here!

If you really wanna see the iconic theater but show tickets are sold out, take a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry during the day instead! More info below! 

Other popular music venues to check out (told you there were lots!):

• The Station Inn (The Gulch)
• Ryman Auditorium (Downtown)
• The Listening Room Cafe (SoBro)
• Brooklyn Bowl (Germantown)
• City Winery (SoBro)
• The 5 Spot (East Nashville)
• Ascend Amphitheater (Downtown)

Weekend in Nashville Day 2

Stop 1: Stroll down the pedestrian bridge and wander Cumberland Park

Pick up some coffee to-go, then it’s time to get rolling. Looking for amazing views of the city during your Nashville weekend getaway? Head over to John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, a 3,150 foot pedestrian-only truss bridge over the Cumberland River. 

The views of downtown are absolutely phenomenal, and you’ll get to see the stadium and river too, of course. One of the best things to add to your Nashville itinerary if you’re looking to get outside in the sun.

And get this – the original bridge was constructed way back when in 1909, meaning it’s over 100 years old! It has since been extensively renovated (thank goodness) for safety and such.

My husband’s half marathon ended right there so we walked along the pedestrian bridge with hundreds of other runners, but you’ll most likely have a little more breathing room than we did. 

If you got an early start and are looking for more things to do before brunch, check out a few attractions/shops on Broadway.

Stop 2: Brunch at The Hampton Social or Liberty Common

These two spots are super popular. Meaning, don’t sleep in too late or you risk having to wait a long while. 

The Hampton Social: Cross back over the bridge, walk 5 minutes, and voila, you’re at The Hampton Social (just minutes from bustling Broadway street). This spot is super trendy for brunch, meaning it’s super instagrammable and has some of the best photo spots in all of Nashville!

Sit in either the first floor “Rosé All Day” lounge or the brand new rooftop terrace sipping on craft cocktails and listening to live music, while munching on coastal-inspired food.

We sadly missed this spot (we were too busy stuffing our faces with biscuits and waffles), but it’s on our list for next time! Mmm… the monkey bread, bang bang chicken, and bananas foster french toast sound divine! They even have a separate brunch DRINK menu, featuring a peaches & cream bellini, rose of the day, and espresso martinis. Sold!

Liberty Common : Right next door to The Hampton Social you’ll find Liberty Common, another solid spot for weekend brunch. And yes, it’s really super cute with its teal rattan chairs, blue cushiony high backs, and an open and airy bar. The whole design of the space is thoughtfully decorated and their branding is so on point. A French-cafe feel that is also super instagramy!

Rightfully so, the chicken and waffles and frozen cocktails are a big hit here. The croque madame and cinnamon-walnut buttermilk pancakes sound divine as well!

Stop 3: Museums and wander Broadway

It’s time to make your way to Broadway – Nashville’s buzzy scene full of museums, boot shops, and of course, live country music! Spend the afternoon hopping around taking in the sites. To make it super easy, here’s my favorite spots on Broadway and Downtown Nashville:

Country Music Hall of Fame: You’re in the Country Music Capital of the World – how could you NOT visit the Country Music Hall of Fame?! From Florida Georgia Line, Reba McEntire, and Martina McBride to Taylor Swift, Garth Brooths, and Elvis Presley, this place has all the country legends and then some. 

We popped in one morning when it was raining, and lemme tell ya – the place was crowded beyond belief. I have a slight suspicion that if you come during the week when the sun is shining you won’t have the same experience. 

While you can easily spend two hours reading and listening to everything, plan an hour or so to see the highlights. We loved all the memorabilia and artifacts, including costumes, instruments, and even cars – and we’re not even huge fans of country music (although I’m much more so than Noah is!). 

Book your ticket in advance to bypass the long lines (especially if your Nashville itinerary falls on the weekend)!

Hatch Show Print: Letterpress, show posters, and a working museum! That’s Hatch Show Print in a nutshell. For over 140 years, this letterpress print shop has been designing custom prints and posters for everything imaginable.

You can either go on a tour and learn about the technical elements of letterpress printing and history of advertising and graphic design, or simply wander throughout the shop. 

I’m kicking myself we didn’t purchase tickets sooner – the tour sounds so interesting to a typography junkie like myself! I tried to peek in but couldn’t see too much from the shop. I heard you can even make your own print as a souvenir – what a bummer I missed it! 

Johnny Cash Museum: Big fan of this music icon? Here you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Johnny Cash memorabilia and artifacts. The museum isn’t too big, so you can get through it in less than an hour or so. We chose to simply look at the few pieces in the gift shop/cafe area, but highly recommend getting a ticket if you’re a diehard fan of his.

Tour the Ryman Auditorium: The Ryman Auditorium is one of the most iconic stages in the US – even the Grand Ole Opry was first held here (before eventually transitioning over to the venue in Music Valley). The acoustics are unparalleled, the stained glass windows are gorgeous, and the special effects and holograms are like no other.

Some of the most popular stars have taken the stage here at the historic Ryman Auditorium – think Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Minnie Pearl, Patsy Cline, and more. There’s a reason it’s known as ‘The Mother Church of Country Music’. 

The venue is the exact spot where bluegrass was born, where Johnny Cash met June Carter, and where 130 years of performances have been held. So, yup, the Ryman’s kinda a big deal over here. While you can buy tickets to a nightly show, you can book entrance tickets for a self-guided tour and experience the theater during the daytime hours!

Boot shops: Y’all! You’re in the south! Time to try on some boots! Just like my weekend in Austin, Texas , we found numerous leather boot shops – and they were so much fun to check out. Boots of all different colors and designs and prices. Have a few friends or think you’ll wanna take home a few boots yourself? We found a shop with buy one, get TWO free – what a crazy deal. That’s over at Boot Country if you wanna check it out.

Goo Goo Clusters: What the frick is a Goo Goo Cluster?! I had no clue either before spending a long weekend in Nashville. Essentially, it’s a tasty combination of nuts, caramel, marshmallow nougat, and milk chocolate all put together into a cluster. They’re actually America’s first combination candy bar – who knew?! So quintessential Nashville. 

Buy a few and try them! We tried the peanut butter clusters, and while they were absolutely delicious, they kinda just tasted like a peanut butter cup, so I wish we tried the original ones. There’s also boozy milkshakes, whiskey, and even wine pairings here, or you can create and make your own massive goo goo cluster.

Tootsies Orchid Lounge: Want a taste of true honky tonk in Nashville?!  Tootsies is an institution in the city – known for its live country music and world-famous honky-tonk. Grab a few cocktails (they’ll be wildly overpriced but just go for it), and soak up all that live music you came here for. That famous purple building is calling your name! 

With 3 levels, you can decide for yourself who you want to listen to (some bands were better than others), and sip on your Tootsies Apple Pie Shine. It’ll be PACKED inside, no matter the day or time, so you know Tootsies is thriving. Check out the Tootsie’s Wall of Fame with hundreds of photos of past artists before you head out.

Legendary Milkshake Bar : Pop in here for a snack and to cool off from the heat and humidity (if you’re visiting in the summer that is). My husband has a real thing for milkshakes, so when I found this spot, I knew we just had to go. And with shakes piled high with chocolate cookies, brownies, and even cheesecake, save some room for all the sugar!

While we enjoyed our shakes, I felt they were kinda overpriced for what you get and not worth the wait. They make for a pretty IG photo though! Nothing will ever come close to the massive milkshake creations in Las Vegas . 

Printers Alley: Take a short stroll down this super historic little alleyway. Why’s it called Printers Alley anyways? In the early 1900’s, there were 10 print shops, two of the city’s largest newspaper corporations (The Tennessean and The Nashville Banner), and 13 publishers working in this little area! 

It’s now very different from way back when, and is actually a hot spot for nightlife! Just worth a quick little stop for a few photos in my opinion during the day. But feel free to head back at night to really experience all the action.

Late Lunch at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken : Whenever you get hungry, head on over to Hattie B’s for some Nashville hot fried chicken! There WILL be a line, no matter what, and no matter when – the chicken is that good. Moist on the inside, super crunchy and flavorful on the outside. You pick your heat level (we both got mild and it was the perfect amount of spice).

And those sides – mmm, yes please! We shared the baked beans, mac n cheese, and potato salad. I so wish we had room for the cheesy grits and banana pudding (next time for us). If you’re not eating at Hattie B’s at least once during your 3 days in Nashville, you’re doing it all wrong.

Stop 4: $10 Moonshine Tasting at Ole Smokey

Never had moonshine before?! It’s usually produced illegally, sooo… now’s your time to try it (legally)! Moonshine is stronger than most other alcohols and spirits (because it hasn’t been aged), and is generally crazy strong – up to about 150 proof (about 75% pure alcohol). So, ya know, don’t plan to drive back home right after (safety first, kids).

At Ole Smokey, you’ll try all different kinds of moonshine and whiskeys – including pickle moonshine and peanut butter whisky! For just $10! How bizarre! Heads up – I didn’t actually try any of these (I’m quite the baby when it comes to alcohol). I made my husband be the taste tester. And while he’s glad he tried them (I think…), let’s just say we didn’t buy any to bring home.

Stop 5: Bowling (and maybe dinner) at Pinewood Social

Up for some fun competition? Head on over to Pinewood Social, it’s one of the most popular spots in Nashville. A trendy restaurant, a comfortable coffee shop, and a craft cocktail bar all in one. Oh, and there’s a vintage bowling alley and an outdoor swimming pool here, too! 

You can easily spend the rest of the night over at Pinewood Social. Make a reservation because this place gets busy, busy, busy. I didn’t realize just how crowded it would be and was gutted when we couldn’t bowl! It looks like so much fun!

Stop 6: Late dinner at Husk or Catbird Seat

Husk: Ready for a change of pace? Head on over to Husk, on the outskirts of the city (we walked over here from Broadway). Upscale southern food at its best! The quality of the ingredients was top-notch – definitely fine-dining over here. Try the Plate of Southern Vegetables – just trust me on this. Sounds super odd, but I swear it was one of the best things I ate during my entire weekend in Nashville. Oh, and those buttermilk cheddar biscuits. Mmm….  

The entire space was so charming as well. Housed in an renovated Victorian mansion, you could practically feel the history seeping from its walls. Expect a beautiful meal in a gorgeous environment with super friendly and sweet staff. Safe to say I HIGHLY recommend this place, especially for date night with your significant other!

The Catbird Seat: Looking for a super memorable meal in Nashville? Celebrating a special occasion? Make a reservation (far in advance!) at The Catbird Seat – the 12 course tasting menu sounds absolutely unbelievable. Imaginative, seasonal food and creative wine pairings. A true foodie paradise with an impressive culinary team. I’m so sad we learned about this place too late for a reservation. 

If you like inventive dining, follow in the footsteps of Anthony Bourdan and check this place out! Yes, he recommended The Catbird Seat just like he recommended La Cevicheria in Cartagena !

3 Days in Nashville Day 3

Stop 1: Morning Activity 

Option 1: Morning Plantation Tour at Belle Meade Historic Site

Get outta town and spend the morning at Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery. The grounds are beautiful and there’s even a winery here – but we’re here for a different reason. To talk about history!

There are 2 main tours you can choose from: 

• Mansion Tour: See and walk through the 1853 Greek Revival Mansion and learn about the experiences of the Harding and Jackson families 
• Journey to Jubilee Tour: Learn and discuss the violent reality of slavery and listen to stories of the enslaved African-Americans who were brought to (and even born at) Belle Meade

Honestly, I’d opt for the Journey to Jubilee Tour. Sorry, but you can wander a pretty house anytime. Get real and talk about the uncomfortable stuff – the staff really encourages discussion, and it’s a great way to learn and really do some deep thinking about what happened in our country not even too long ago. 

Belle Meade Historic Site is about 25 minutes south of Nashville, so plan to use your rental car or call a Lyft/Uber/taxi. This is high on my Nashville itinerary for next time, as we didn’t learn about it until our last morning.

Option 2: Grand Ole Opry Tour

Go behind the curtain at Nashville’s premier country music stage, The Grand Ole Opry ! On the guided backstage tour, you’ll hear stories about what happens behind the curtain, walk the stage where legends Carrie Underwood and Minnie Pearl have performed, and even get a glimpse of the artist’s dressing rooms and green room. A must for any country music fan!

A tour of the Grand Ole Opry is very popular, so make sure to book your tickets well in advance so you get your desired date and time.

Stop 2: Wander 12South

Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering 12South – by far the most vibrant neighborhood in all of Nashville. And also the trendiest! There’s coffee shops, bakeries, bars, stylish designer boutiques, and a whole lotta murals. Add in all the beautiful historic bungalows and leafy green spots, and you’ve got my dream come true.

If you haven’t eaten lunch yet, no fret – there’s lots to choose from over here! Or you can fill up on sweets like we did, whoops! We loved: 

• Five Daughters Bakery: Heaven called, and it asked for Five Daughters. Kinda cheesy, I know (haha), but c’mon, the pastries and donuts are made daily from scratch in the cutest little shop. Don’t miss their signature item, the 100 layer donut – a delicious hybrid of a croissant and a donut.

• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Care to wash down your donut with some artisan ice cream? You guys know I love my desserts , and Jeni’s didn’t disappoint. With flavors like salted peanut butter chocolate flecks, brambleberry crisp, and skillet cinnamon roll, I had the hardest time choosing what flavor to get! And the fact that I basically became best friends with the cutest little corgi just made my afternoon.
• Christie Cookie Company: Cookies are my absolute weakness, and Christie’s did not disappoint. Oh so gooey and oh so chocolatey. No, they didn’t beat my love affair with Levain’s in New York City , but I definitely wanted to go back to Christie’s for seconds. 

In between stuffing your face, go check out the murals of 12South! There’s tons of colorful pieces over here, and I loved them all! Here’s the most popular ones:

• I Believe in Nashville: Probably the most iconic of them all, and one you shouldn’t miss – even if you’re not big on photos. There’s usually a line (dependent on the day), but if you’re looking for one of the best photo spots in Nashville, you’ll definitely wanna wait your turn. Adrien Saporiti, a Nashville native, really captured the spirit of Nashville pride here. A classic Nashville picture for sure!

• Draper James: Take a photo with the blue and white striped wall, and one on the bench with the Draper James background! Go on inside – they’ve got the cutest prints and patterns (although fairly expensive) just seeped with Southern charm. And it was founded by Reese Witherspoon! 
• Looking Pretty Music City: A homage to Music City, I just loved this mural! Besides the fact that it’s oh so colorful, it’s a little burst of sunshine in the heart of 12 South. 
• Nashville Looks Good On You: It’s kinda hidden, but look behind Frothy Monkey (come in for a coffee!), and you’ll see it in the back parking lot. The lighting can be kinda harsh during the day, but work with what ya got!

And if you’re lucky, Amelia’s Flower Truck will be hanging out at White’s Mercantile 12 South. 

Stop 3: Centennial Park and The Parthenon

Finally, some green space in Nashville! The park is huge and there’s loads of places to lay out and/or have a picnic. We were short on time because I had a bunch of other things to knock off on my Nashville itinerary (I like to cram it all in), but if you’re looking for a calm afternoon, Centennial Park’s your spot.

The big draw here?! The Parthenon!!! Did you know that Nashville boasts a 42-foot replica of the Parthenon, just like in Athens, Greece ?! And it’s a full-scale replica of the Athenian original. Just crazy! If I squeezed my eyes real tight I could have sworn I was back in Athens, Greece itself (okay, not really, but I wish). Inside there’s an art museum if you wanna check it out (sadly it was closed when we visited).

Psst: Looking for more Nashville photo spots? Walk on over to Off the Wall if you’re into colorful murals and taking pictures. There’s about a dozen or so large scale murals right on the main road, which unfortunately makes it a bit difficult to photograph! Use .5x on your iphone or a wide-angle lens to capture a decent amount of them!

Stop 4: Drinks at White Limozeen rooftop 

Whatever you do, if you’re looking for the most instagrammable rooftop in all of Nashville, head on up to White Limozeen. Located at The Graduate Hotel , this chic spot is full of surprises, and it’s ALL pink. From the light pink floor tiles, pink drapery and plush pink cushions, to the bright pink fringe umbrellas and bubblegum pink bar stools. An instagrammers dream come true.

It’s really over-the-top, with an onyx wraparound bar and mirrored chandeliers. And even a pink chicken-wire sculpture of Dolly Parton outside! Let’s just say I couldn’t stop taking photos.

Stop 5: BBQ for dinner! 

• Edley’s Bar-B-Que : Ohhh, Edleys. It’s famous for its barbecue and the Nashville culinary tradition of “meat and three.” Come hungry and grab a platter with a rack of ribs, brisket, cornbread, baked beans, potato salad, and of course, pickles! Save room for a big slice of pecan pie. 

• Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint : We picked Martin’s for our night of bbq, and lemme tell ya, it definitely did not disappoint. Considering the line was down the block, they must be doing something right! Promise it moves fast! You have the choice of dining and listening to live music upstairs, or staying quiet near the bar downstairs. I think you know what we picked! 
• Peg Leg Porker BBQ: What a silly name! But Peg Leg has some of the best traditional West-Tennessee barbecue in all of Nashville. Sip sweet tea on the top deck, indulge in nachos piled high with melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork, jalapeños and cheese, and order all the sides (bbq beans, smoked green beans, fries, coleslaw, mac & cheese, and of course, house potato salad).

Stop 6: Haunted Ghost Tour

Not ready for bed just yet and still up for something fun? Okay, maybe fun is the wrong word… Nashville is full of tragic horrors, sinister history, and paranormal activity. Learn about it all on a haunted ghost tour – if you dare! Listen to stories that will probably frighten you, dive into the fascinating history of Music City, and learn about the mysterious tunnels that snake underneath much of the city.

There’s a reason I recommend doing this on your last night, haha. Read reviews and book your haunted ghost tour here.

So there ya have it – a wildly comprehensive way to spend 3 days in Nashville! Will you be following this Nashville weekend getaway itinerary?! What are you the most excited for?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You may also love...

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO   and   FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

• About Jessica
• How to Plan a Trip
• Fave Travel Companies
• Shop My Faves

Destinations

• World Travel
• San Francisco
• Northern California
• Southern California
• Central Coast

4 Days In Nashville: Trip Itinerary and Visitor’s Guide

As big fans of country music, Nashville was one of the places that had been on my mom and I’s bucket list. However, we quickly learned that Nashville is for more than just country music lovers. It seemed everyone we talked to who had been to Nashville had absolutely loved the city. With every person who told us how amazing Nashville was, we grew more and more excited for our own trip…. and it didn’t disappoint! Nashville was an absolutely fantastic city, full of history and all types of music. We quickly discovered why it was called Music City! Find out for yourself with this 4 Day Nashville Trip Itinerary and Visitor’s Guide.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Find more information about affiliate links on our policy page .

 Jump To:

The Nashville Sightseeing Pass

Other things to do in nashville, getting around in nashville.

• Where to Stay and What to Pack

If you plan on seeing a lot of the top attractions — which I suspect you will since you’ll be spending 4 days in Nashville — I suggest looking into the Nashville Sightseeing Pass . Basically, you pay for one sightseeing pass, and this pass will grant you entrance to several of Nashville’s top attractions, often for cheaper than if you were to pay for each of the attractions separately.

There are two different types of passes:

• The Sightseeing Flex Pass: Choose 2-7 attractions to visit within 30 days
• The Sightseeing Pass: Visit an unlimited number of attractions for 1-3 days

For this particular Nashville itinerary, the 3 or 4 attraction FLEX pass, can save you a few dollars on entrance to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Studo B tour, the Hatch Show Print tour, and the tour of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage.

If you choose to also visit some of the other attractions ( mentioned below ) that aren’t officially part of this Nashville itinerary, you could save around $35 USD with the 6 attraction FLEX pass.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

As said country music fan, I figured the Country Music Hall of Fame would be a great way to kick off my 4 day Nashville itinerary. It had a total of three floors (although only the top two actually have exhibits), displaying everything from the very early stages of country music to items as recent as last year.

The 3rd (top) floor mostly covered the history of early country music, showcasing personal items of famous country music artists my parents and even grandparents likely listened to. It also had an extensive, temporary exhibit on Loretta Lynn tucked away in a corner. The 2nd floor also had more historic country artists, but also had a whole  exhibit on current country singers, specifically some of the bigger ones from 2017. As you walk down the steps between floors, you can see countless gold and platinum records.

This is an option for the Nashville Sightseeing Pass .

RCA Studio B Tour

RCA Studio B is a famous recording studio in Nashville that not only helped establish Nashville as a recording center, but also helped revive the popularity of country music. Famous artists including Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, and more have all recorded here.

During the guided tour, we got to sit at the piano which Elvis said was his favorite for recording at that studio. We also got to hear unedited versions of recording sets with Elvis, meaning we got to hear all the times they had to start over and the various discussions in between.

Hatch Show Print

My mom and I both consider the Hatch Show Print to be one of the “must-do” activities in Nashville. I’ll admit that when I read the tour description of how it’s one of the longest running print shops in America, it didn’t sound like something that would be worthwhile. What’s so exciting about letter printing? However, we decided to go after reading high praise reviews. Turns out, it’s actually really freakin’ cool.

During the tour, they show some of the wood blocks that had been carved and eventually turned into posters. Some of the coolest ones even including posters for historic presidential campaigns. I couldn’t believe the absolute precision and skill and true artistry that went into making those wood blocks. Plus, it was cool seeing how the different layers were applied to create the final version of the poster. Best of all, you can even make your own wood block print poster that says “Hatch Show Print”.

Music City Walk of Stars

The Music City Walk of Stars is right across the street from the Country Music Hall of Fame, in the Music City Walk of Fame Park. Here, stars have been given to those who have made an impact on the music world.

If you’ve seen the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, you might find the Music City Walk of Stars rather disappointing in number, but I’m sure they will grow over time.

Bluebird Café

If you’ve never heard of the Bluebird Café, you might be surprised to find out that, not only did it serve as a set for the famous TV drama Nashville, but it also is where famous stars like Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift were first discovered.

Out of all of the activities we did during our 4 days in Nashville, this was definitely my favorite.

Due to its popularity, tickets and reservations are hard to come by, so you’ll definitely want to do some advance planning if you want to get your hands on Bluebird Café tickets .

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

If you are looking for a great view of the Nashville skyline, the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is a great place to do so. Personally, I think it’s best to visit after the sun has gone down and the city is all lit up.

Ryman Theater Tour & Record a Song

The Ryman Theater served as the home of the Grand Ole Opry before it moved to the Grand Ole Opry House. However, the Grand Ole Opry still holds it shows at the Ryman (instead of the Opry House) during the winter months (November-January).

During the day, the Ryman theater is also open for tours. General Admission allows you to take a self-guided walk through the seating area of the Ryman as well as check out the exhibits set up along the back walls. If you choose to upgrade your ticket, you can get a guided tour of the backstage area as well.

Before you start your tour, you’ll watch a really cool intro video about the history of the Ryman. The screen seemed to be in Church windows (since the Ryman was historically a church) and lights and shadows on the walls created an almost a 3D effect that made you feel like you were really there.

The Ryman also has an additional activity called “Make a Record.” It’s a bit expensive, but for those who love to sing, it makes for a fantastic souvenir. You actually get to enter the recording room they have there at the Ryman and have a CD made of you singing. You can choose from a preset list of songs, or do a song that you have written.

Union Station Hotel

Built as a railroad station in 1900, Union Station served not only as a passenger rail service, but also as a way to transport mail and other goods. After the decline of passenger rail service in the United States, it was converted into a luxury hotel. Even if you choose not to stay at the Union Station Hotel during your Nashville trip, it’s still worth exploring, if only to admire it’s stunning architecture and decor.

The Gulch Murals

Aside from music related activities, the various murals in Nashville are also a must see. Probably one of the most popular spots for taking a photo in Nashville is the “WhatLiftsYou” mural located on the side of a parking garage located at 302 11th Ave. S. It seems like every millennial who has ever visited Nashville has taken a picture here…. and I’m no exception.

Winners Bar and Grille – Music Row Freakshow

When talking to one of the performers after the show at the Bluebird Cafe, she mentioned that they were having an event called the “ Music Row Freakshow ” at Winners Bar and Grill. One of the performers from the Bluebird would be performing there again, as well as several of their friends, and suggested that we stop by. With a few adjustments to our itinerary, we arranged it so that we could stop by for a while.

I’ll admit that when we first arrived, we felt a little out of place. Everybody in the bar seemed to know each other. We seemed to be the only outsiders, the only tourists, in the bar. Everybody else there seemed to all be singers, songwriters, and friends of the performers. They were all there to support one another, and it was really cool to get an inside look at this fantastic, close-knit community. Best of all, they often played songs that they had just recently written and not even recorded yet!

Some of my favorite performances of the night included:

• “Salt on the Rim” by Sheena Brook
• “The Day After Whiskey” by Tyson Leamon
• “My Boy” by Russell Sutton

As the night went on, I realized that the Music Row Freakshow was an event that was held every Wednesday at Winners Bar and Grill from 7-10pm, and chances are, some of the folk in that bar had written the songs you hear on the radio, and even appeared on TV shows like The Voice. If you happen to be in Nashville on a Wednesday, I definitely recommend stopping by to check out some of Nashville’s hidden talent!

Centennial Park and the Parthenon

Centennial Park is a large, public park located not too far from downtown and is most well-known for it’s large replica of Greece’s Parthenon.

We planned on just getting a picture of the Parthenon, but when we arrived we found that we could actually go inside. The first floor was more museum style with pictures from when it was built along with other artwork. However, on the second floor, you find yourself actually inside the Parthenon, along with a large gold and ivory, 41ft tall statue of Athena.

The park itself is a good place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or just relax. It has a few statues of historically significant people as well as some beautiful gardens along with wide open fields for playing sports and playgrounds for kids.

12th Ave Murals

The murals on 12th Ave aren’t quite as popular as the WhatLiftsYou mural in the Gulch, but it still has some really cool murals, particularly ones that actually say “Nashville,” making them great reminders of your trip to Nashville.

The area around 12th Ave is busy, but has more of a suburb feel. It’s a great area to explore if you’re looking to get a feel of the Nashville neighborhoods.

Bicentennial Park

Once you’ve got all the pictures you want, make your way over to Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park . It’s a rather simple and somewhat small park, especially in comparison to Centennial Park. However, it has some cool memorials, and if you go to the end of the park opposite of the Capitol building, you can get a good picture of the entire park with the Capitol building in the background.

Line Dancing at Wildhorse Saloon

A 4 day Nashville itinerary wouldn’t be complete without some line dancing! You can head over to the Wildhorse Saloon in downtown to catch their quick, 15-minute line dancing lessons. When I was there, we learned a relatively simple line dance called the Wildhorse Stampede. The instructor started off by teaching the easiest version, breaking each section of the line dance down, and after that she showed us how to make a few of the steps a little more complex and fancy. After lessons, stick around to check out the acoustic or full bands they have scheduled for the night!

Explore Downtown

After line dancing, you can hang around the Wildhorse Saloon to check out the acoustic or full bands they have scheduled for the night, or you can head out and explore the rest of Broadway and 2nd Ave! Grab some dinner, do some shopping, or just just sit and listen to the music.

Regardless of what you choose to do during your 4 days in Nashville or even what order you do things, an evening out in downtown, is a must for all first-time Nashville visitors.

Andrew Jackson Hermitage or Opry Mills

At Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage , you can see the beautiful home of the late US president Andrew Jackson, as well as learn about his life and legacy. Some of the stuff was familiar to me from my time in school, but audio tour goes much more in depth than what is often put in the history books. You can also catch a duel reenactment, where they talk about how duels were really conducted — and Hollywood got it wrong!

My mom and I thought this place was rather interesting, but probably would have enjoyed it more if we hadn’t been so burnt out by this point in our trip. Before arriving in Nashville, my mom and I had visited other historic sites in Louisville, Kentucky, and Memphis, Tennessee, so we were pretty over history by this point in our trip. If you feel the same by the end of this Nashville 4 day itinerary, you can head over to Opry Mills and do some shopping instead.

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is an option for the Nashville Sightseeing Pass .

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord Opryland Resort is another luxury hotel worth checking out, even if you don’t stay there. It is one of the 35 largest hotels in the world and the largest non-gaming hotel in the continental US. The hotel actually offers boat tours on the indoor river. That’s right, the hotel is so large it actually has an indoor river, complete with several waterfalls, botanical gardens, and more. It’s definitely a place worth exploring, especially since it’s right next door to Opry Mills and the Grand Ole Opry House!

Grand Ole Opry House

I’ll admit that when we were first putting together our Nashville itinerary, I didn’t know much about Nashville. However, I did know that it was home to the Grand Ole Opry , often called “Country’s Most Famous Stage”. Given that I’m a big country music fan, seeing a show here was on my bucket list. We bought our show tickets before we even know who would be performing!

The concert was really cool overall. I was surprised not only by how many people were part of the lineup, but also that it was actually a live radio show. Unfortunately, I only really ended up knowing one or two people of the several who performed, but it was just cool being able to watch a performance on such an iconic stage. If you took a tour of the Ryman Theater before attending the Grand Ole Opry, you’ll find yourself appreciating it even more, especially the small, circular section of wood right in the center of the stage.

There were a few activities that we had considered visiting during our trip to Nashville, but just couldn’t fit into our itinerary. If you have more than just 4 days in Nashville, or aren’t interested in one of the activities mentioned above, you could possibly do one of these activities instead.

• Belle Mead Plantation *
• Cheekwood Estate & Garden *
• Madam Tussaud’s *
• Frist Art Museum

Marked items (*) are options for the Nashville Sightseeing Pass .

Unfortunately, some of the best parts of Nashville are relatively spread out across the city, making it a little difficult to walk to most of them. Since you’ll be on the move a lot, I highly recommend renting a car (if you didn’t drive to Nashville).

Nashville does have public transportation such as city buses, however I think you’ll find having a car much more efficient. For example, if you look at day 1 of this Nashville itinerary, I recommend heading to the Bluebird Cafe from the Music City Walk of Stars. With no traffic, you can drive there in about 15 minutes. If you choose to take a bus, it will take you closer to 45 minutes.

If you are considering the Nashville Sightseeing Pass , you could also consider selecting the Gray Line Music City Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour , which stops at several of the locations on this itinerary.

Despite recommending not using public transit as your main method for transportation, Nashville does have some interesting public transportation. If you’re looking for a more unique transportation method, you can check out the Nashville Pedal Tavern and Old Town Trolley .

Additional Info: Where to Stay and What to Pack

We chose to stay at Days Inn Airport Nashville East . It’s about 15 minutes into downtown assuming you don’t hit any traffic. If you head the opposite direction towards the Grand Ole Opry, it will also take you about 15 minutes to get there. The hotel wasn’t anything fancy, but it was cheap and was in a decent location relative to our Nashville itinerary.

While my mom and I were satisfied with our hotel, I felt like there may have been some better options out there, so I decided to reach out to some other travel bloggers to get their thoughts. Find out what they thought were the best places to stay in Nashville

As I unpacked my suitcase and started hanging up clothes on the hotel closet rack, I also realized that I definitely over packed. Turns out, I didn’t need some of the fancier outfits I had brought. Now that I know better, I put together a list of what I had really needed to pack for Nashville .

Liked this article? Pin it to Pinterest!

4 thoughts on “4 days in nashville: trip itinerary and visitor’s guide”.

Hi I’m off to Nashville next week with an old school friend. Thanks for the blog which has helped in our planning. Let us know when you’re going to do one on London and we can give you some insider tips! Sue

That was amazing! Thanks a lot! I’m planning a 3 day trip and this was perfect!

I’m planning 1 week trip.

Thanks for this. It’s really useful for our 4 day trip in September. And the thorough blog on Bluebird Cafe is great too. 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Weekend in Nashville: The Perfect 3-Day Nashville Itinerary

Curious about the must-see activities and attractions in the vibrant Music City? Look no further than my detailed 3-day Nashville itinerary!

While Nashville is renowned for its lively evenings, it remains a standout destination that consistently lives up to expectations, even amidst burgeoning crowds.

Crafted for a weekend getaway and perfect three-day itinerary, Nashville offers a wealth of neighborhoods, picturesque parks, and historic edifices that harmonize with its awe-inspiring live music scene.

Embark on days filled with traversing diverse sub-districts from East Nashville to the Gulch, savoring local delicacies (hot chicken, anyone?), and delving into the stories of the musicians who have shaped the city’s legendary status.

As night falls, converge on the Honky Tonk Highway, where you’ll revel in exceptional live performances and an exuberant yet authentic ambiance.

Continue reading to uncover how you can immerse yourself in Nashville’s rich history, delectable cuisine, and iconic music scene!

How to Spend 3 Days in Nashville Itinerary

Multiple avenues await to explore Nashville’s diverse offerings. While renowned as the Music Capital, the city boasts a wealth of history, culinary delights, and artistic wonders to discover throughout your Nashville weekend. Let’s dive in.

Day 1 of Your 3 Days in Nashville Itinerary

Kick off your three-day Nashville adventure basking in the sunshine and excitement at Centennial Park.

This oasis not only provides respite after your journey to the Music City but also immerses you in a lively ambiance and captivating architecture.

Your 3-day Nashville itinerary then leads you down one of city’s iconic thoroughfares en route to a top-tier attraction in the city.

Conclude your first day with a vibrant nightlife experience zigzagging along Broadway.

Day 1 Morning

Commence your first morning in Nashville with a refreshing bike ride through the city.

With Nashville’s delightful year-round weather, you’ll be eager to explore its array of parks, riverfront views, and historical streets.

No matter if you’re in Downtown Nashville or elsewhere, hop on one of the electric BCycle bikes and pedal your way to the Parthenon.

This remarkable replica, nestled in Centennial Park, offers sprawling green lawns, centuries-old trees, a local ambiance, food carts, and the iconic building erected in 1897.

Best Things to Do in San Francisco in One Day

Step inside the Parthenon to admire a collection of contemporary American art.

Opt for a tour to uncover the intriguing architecture of the Parthenon and unravel the tale of its Nashville residence.

Transitioning to the afternoon, your exploration ventures into downtown Nashville.

En route, cruise down Music Row, passing by the legendary RCA Studio B, where Elvis left his mark, and where Dolly Parton recorded some of her greatest hits.

Day 1 Afternoon

Following a tranquil morning at Centennial Park, it’s time to delve into why Nashville holds the esteemed title of the country music capital of the world.

Whether you’re a fervent country music enthusiast or not, this immersive journey commences at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Nashville’s country music legacy stands as a beacon of renown, and within the hall of fame, you’ll uncover the narratives that propelled the city to its music epicenter status.

Immerse yourself in the stories of the numerous luminaries who have not only gained fame in the U.S. but also captivated audiences worldwide.

The Country Music Hall of Fame serves as the ideal prelude before you revel in an evening of music and dance along the Honky Tonk Highway.

Delve into the fascinating lives of renowned artists as you lay eyes on Elvis’s iconic Cadillac limousine and guitars previously wielded by the incomparable Carrie Underwood.

These artifacts, costumes, and memorabilia offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of country music.

As the afternoon transitions into evening, it’s time to prepare for a night out on the town in Nashville. A venture that necessitates a pair of iconic cowboy boots.

Downtown Nashville offers a plethora of options for boot aficionados, from the revered Lucchese Boots and Boot Country to the budget-friendly 2for1 Boots, catering to travelers seeking quality footwear at a reasonable price.

Day 1 Evening

Now that you’ve enriched your understanding of music history, it’s time to trade textbooks for cowboy boots and head to Broadway.

Nashville not only stands at the epicenter of America’s country music scene but also serves as a haven for live musical performances.

Venues along the bustling streets resonate with live tunes from early morning till the wee hours of the next day.

This almost full-day extravaganza lies at the heart of what will make your Nashville weekend an exhilarating adventure.

The music experience goes beyond ordinary cover bands, with many artists aiming for stardom.

The exceptional music quality and vibrant ambiance might lead you to expect cover charges at bars and clubs.

However, Nashville’s establishments offer the liberty to stroll along the Honky Tonk Highway without entry fees.

The Perfect 3-Day Weekend in New York City

Keep an eye out for renowned music bars like The Stage, Second Fiddle, and Legends Corner—each promising an unforgettable experience.

For those keen on showcasing their own vocal prowess, Wanna B’s Karaoke Bar awaits.

Among the illustrious venues lining Broadway, Tootsies stands out.

Originating as a modest bar in the 1960s, it has evolved into an unmissable attraction. Revel in the splendid music while enjoying the rooftop vista offering panoramic views of Downtown

Day 2 of Your 3 Days in Nashville Itinerary

Day two commences with vigor as you embark on a journey through the heart of Nashville, exploring top attractions and historic edifices. As well as delving into the city’s rich musical heritage, and even meandering through a local farmers’ market.

The day’s highlight includes a tour of the iconic Grand Ole Opry, offering insights into its profound influence across the United States.

Conclude the second evening in East Nashville, relishing in delectable cuisine and unforgettable moments.

Day 2 Morning

Despite the remnants of a lively night on Broadway, Nashville beckons with a plethora of activities, leaving no room for sluggishness.

Rise at your leisure, procure your preferred hangover remedy, and return to downtown Nashville.

With its grid-like layout and minimal elevation changes, navigating the Tennessee capital on foot is a delightful experience.

Embark on a self-guided walking tour showcasing Nashville’s top sights, allowing you to set your pace and savor the city’s charm in solitude.

Planning a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Uncover more of Nashville’s musical legacy and stumble upon its hidden gems as engaging narration and fitting tunes accompany your exploratory stroll.

Transport yourself to a bygone era as you traverse the stomping grounds of Johnny Cash and Elvis. Meander through the vibrant Printer’s Alley, and pass by the historic Ryman Auditorium.

Subsequently, seize the opportunity to visit three prominent Nashville landmarks. These are the picturesque Tennessee State Capitol Building, the enriching Frist Art Museum, and the vibrant Nashville Farmers Market.

The Farmers Market serves as an ideal setting to assemble a picnic basket for a leisurely lunch in the park.

Browse rows of artisanal treats, handcrafted goods, and a diverse food court, experiencing a delightful culinary adventure amidst Nashville’s vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2 Afternoon

Following a morning steeped in music and history, the time has come to pay a visit to one of the most historically significant music venues in the United States—the Grand Ole Opry House.

This iconic establishment, inaugurated in the 1920s, commenced broadcasting concerts over the radio from its inception.

27 Best Ways to Save Money On a USA Road Trip

Over the span of 100-plus years, it has maintained its status as the longest continuously running radio program in the nation’s history.

Witnessing your favorite musicians grace the renowned stage at the Grand Ole Opry is a coveted experience on the bucket list of countless travelers.

Not only country music enthusiasts but also musicians themselves aspire to secure a spot within this legendary venue.

Earning a performance slot at the Grand Ole Opry isn’t simply a matter of booking through a manager. Musicians must receive an invitation from a prior performer.

Stepping onto the stage at the Grand Ole Opry stands as an exclusive achievement, underscoring the venue’s revered stature.

The allure of this venue ensures a star-studded lineup for your enjoyment, even if your preferred acts aren’t in town during your Nashville weekend escapade.

Opting for a behind-the-scenes tour promises a unique experience.

It allows you to retrace the paths of American music icons, listen to tales of yore, tread upon the hallowed stage, and venture into the green room where musicians have gathered for over a century before their shows.

Day 2 Evening

If attending a show at the Grand Ole Opry isn’t on your agenda, seize the evening to explore a different facet of Nashville.

Venture across the Cumberland River to East Nashville, offering a glimpse into local life that contrasts with the scenes typically associated with bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Despite its moniker, East Nasty exudes a delightful charm, boasting vibrant bars and a thriving arts community.

This neighborhood rivals The Gulch as one of Nashville’s trendiest hubs, providing a respite from the bustling downtown atmosphere.

Embrace the laid-back ambiance by arriving before sunset, allowing ample time to peruse the numerous boutique art galleries and colorful thrift stores that line the streets.

As the sun dips below the horizon, make a pit stop at the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for a breathtaking view. The perfect spot to witness the golden hour in Nashville.

With the melodies of the Honky Tonk scene fading into the background, immerse yourself in East Nashville’s exceptional yet underrated nightlife.

7 Most Epic Road Trips In The USA for Your Bucket List

Discover inviting pubs where you can unwind with friends over a pint and relish live musical performances before indulging in the area’s delectable culinary offerings.

Among the must-visit bars in East Nashville, the Crow Bar beckons with beer-cheese nachos that complement your favorite libations.

Explore Mickey’s Tavern, known for its lively jukebox, and The Crying Wolf, a prime destination for live music accompanied by sliders and an impressive beer.

Day 3 of Your 3 Days in Nashville Itinerary

As day three swiftly dawns, there’s no need to slow down your pace.

Embark on a journey through local museums or traverse Nashville’s stylish districts to uncover its captivating street art.

Submerge yourself in an afternoon of distillery visits, sampling whiskey and delving into its significance within Tennessee culture.

Conclude your day by unwinding at one of Nashville’s most cherished establishments.

Day 3 Morning

Your final morning in Nashville presents an excellent opportunity to check off any remaining attractions on your 3-day Nashville itinerary.

Visitors to Nashville might consider exploring one of the following three destinations to round out their trip. The first stop is the Johnny Cash Museum.

While you may have passed by the Johnny Cash Museum during your stroll down Broadway, stepping inside is highly recommended to discover the allure surrounding this legendary musician.

This museum pays homage to Johnny Cash, showcasing a diverse array of exhibits featuring his costumes, instruments, and even handwritten lyrics. Some of them marked the genesis of his greatest hits.

Alternatively, you can delve into local and state history at the Tennessee State Museum, located adjacent to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

This museum offers insights beyond music, guiding visitors through Tennessee’s historical tapestry. From the era preceding the Civil War to the time when Native American communities first traversed the land.

For a more visually captivating experience, consider immersing yourself in Nashville’s vibrant street art scene.

The city’s myriad narrow alleys serve as prime locations for murals and artistic creations, with vibrant displays also adorning bridges and random parking lots.

Noteworthy among Nashville’s murals is the renowned “Wings” artwork located in the Gulch.

Take a leisurely stroll down 11th Avenue to discover additional captivating pieces.

Other neighborhoods renowned for their vibrant street art include Germantown and East Nashville, offering a kaleidoscopic display of artistic expressions.

Day 3 Afternoon

While Nashville is synonymous with its vibrant live music scene, Tennessee boasts a distinct reputation in the realm of distilling.

Although Kentucky is hailed as the epicenter of American distillation, the Volunteer State isn’t far behind.

Just a short drive from Nashville, you can explore a variety of distilleries that not only offer exceptional products but also narrate the rich history of liquor in Tennessee. From pre-Prohibition times to the modern era.

Embark on a whiskey tasting tour encompassing visits to the renowned Jack Daniel’s Distillery and George Dickel Tennessee Distillery.

Delve behind the scenes to witness the craft of creating these beloved whiskeys before indulging in sampling sessions.

Beyond their palatable flavors, the stories accompanying each drink are as captivating as they are flavorful.

This distillery tour occupies a significant portion of your final day in Nashville.

Those seeking a shorter experience can opt for a self-guided excursion along the Masters and Makers Trail.

Commence and conclude your journey at your leisure, collecting a passport along the way to commemorate each distillery visit.

The trail leads you to some of the finest yet lesser-known distilleries surrounding Nashville, offering a glimpse of the picturesque countryside in Williamson County.

If time permits for just one distillery visit, make a point to visit the inviting Leiper’s Fork Distillery. It is renowned for its cozy ambiance, famous cabin, and captivating songwriter nights.

Day 3 Evening

Concluding your three-day Nashville itinerary, partake in one of Music City’s most revered traditions at the illustrious Bluebird Cafe.

It offers a poignant reflection of Nashville’s identity centered around music rather than revelry and bachelorette festivities.

Situated north of downtown, the Bluebird Cafe stands as a cherished local establishment, serving as a premier destination for budding singer-songwriters and seasoned performers alike.

Within its intimate confines, only a handful of seats encircle a modest stage, creating an ambiance akin to a regular cafe hosting a musician with their guitar.

Throughout its storied history, the Bluebird Cafe has served as a testing ground for new lyrics, where compositions are refined and perfected before gracing the airwaves.

Tickets for this exclusive venue are scarce, with most available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Attending a night at the Bluebird Cafe promises a unique and memorable experience, one that is well worth organizing your day around.

For the fortunate few who secure a spot, immersing yourself in the intimate acoustic sets at the Bluebird Cafe offers a close-up encounter with musical brilliance.

Who knows? You might witness the inception of the next chart-topping country hit right before your eyes!

Nashville Travel Guide

After familiarizing yourself with things to do in Nashville for a weekend, here are key insights to enhance your trip, including the ideal time to explore, transportation options, and recommended time to visit.

When is the Best Time to Visit Nashville

Nashville is one of those fortunate destinations that lacks a distinct “off-season.”

While summers can bring intense heat and vibrant festivals, the city boasts excellent year-round weather, alleviating concerns about cold temperatures.

Live music continues at a steady pace, unaffected by seasonal changes.

In summer, Nashville can experience high temperatures, coinciding with the commencement of local festivals and the influx of crowds into downtown streets.

Spring and fall, however, offer ideal conditions for those who enjoy walking. These seasons provide opportunities to relish park visits, countryside explorations, and pleasant evenings atop Tootsies’

Getting Around Nashville

Navigating your Nashville weekend itinerary is a breeze, thanks to the city’s compact layout.

Downtown exploration is made convenient as you can easily stroll amidst key attractions like the Hall of Fame, Broadway, and the Capitol building.

For longer journeys to Centennial Park or East Nashville across the Cumberland River, electric bikes offer a simple mode of transportation.

Nashville features a reliable public bus network connecting all major neighborhoods, with each ride priced at $2. Visitors can purchase a 7-say pass for $20, allowing for unlimited rides.

Nashville International Airport is located 20 minutes southeast of downtown, with Bus 18 serving as the most economical travel option between destinations. Rideshare services are also readily accessible.

Nashville Itinerary FAQs

Is 3 days enough in nashville.

While extending your stay in Nashville is enticing, three 3-day Nashville itinerary provides ample time to explore many of the city’s prominent attractions.

This duration allows you to delve into Downtown, experience the vibrant honky-tonk scene, and savor Nashville’s distinctive culinary offerings.

Do you Need a Car when Visiting Nashville?

Having a car proves advantageous when visiting Nashville.

While it’s feasible to navigate the city without one, Nashville’s infrastructure is primarily geared towards car travel.

Although efforts are underway to enhance alternative transportation options, currently, having a car streamlines the Nashville experience.

Cheapest Time to Visit Nashville

November to March typically presents the most budget-friendly time to visit Nashville.

However, it’s advisable to avoid travel around the winter holidays. Keep in mind, Christmas and New Year festivities can elevate crowds and hotel rates for a few weeks during that period.

Where to Stay in Nashville For a Weekend Trip

Stay alfred sobro nashville.

I stayed at the Stay Alfred SoBro for one night, which is a downtown Nashville boutique hotel with lovely interior design, a fully equipped kitchen, and even an on-demand grocery service. Its amenities include free parking, a kitchen grocery stocking service, as well as convenient mobile check-in and check-out, so you never have to deal with a front desk. Of course, there is always staff available who can help you store your bags if you need to check out late.

Nashville Downtown Hostel

Only because Alfred SoBro Nashville tends to be in the higher price range, and I was also trying to do a weekend in Nashville on a budget I decided to hit Nashville Downtown Hostel on the other day. Located just one block off of Lower Broadway, Nashville Downtown Hostel offers large community areas with computers, laundry services, a shared kitchen, instruments, and lounge area to meet and mingle. Check rates and availability here .

Option B for Your 3-Day Nashville Itinerary

Friday night.

• Check into the Stay Alfred SoBro Hotel | Address: 310 Peabody St, Nashville
• Dinner at Henley | Address: 2023 Broadway, Nashville
• Hit the Honky Tonk Highway
• Take in the view on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
• Coffee and breakfast at Pinewood Social | Address: 33 Peabody St, Nashville
• Tour The Johnny Cash Museum | Address: 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville | Admission: $20.95
• Dessert at The Goo Goo Shop & Dessert Bar | Address: 116 3rd Ave S, Nashville
• Sightseeing and tours – choose your own adventure
• Dinner at The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden | Address: 731 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville
• Saturday Night Show at The Grand Ole Opry | Address: 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville
• After-show drinks at Patterson House | Address: 1711 Division St, Nashville
• Coffee at Barista Parlor Golden Sound | Address: 610 Magazine St, Nashville
• Breakfast at Biscuit Love Gulch | Address: 316 11th Avenue South, Nashville
• Explore the 12South Neighborhood
• Sightseeing and tours – choose your tour
• Late lunch at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken| Address: 112 19th Ave S, Nashville

Thank you for exploring my guide to 3 days in Nashville! Even if you don’t adhere strictly to this Nashville itinerary, it serves as a solid foundation for your upcoming trip.

You may notice that there are some affiliate links within the blog post. If you click on one of them, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

PIN IT FOR LATER!

7 Most Epic Road Trips In the USA

Best Ways to Save Money On a USA Road Trip

Best Things to Do in San Francisco

So much to do! Thanks for sharing all these ideas, makes me want to plan a trip to Nashville pronto!

Would love love to visit Nasvhille one day, it looks so awesome! This guide will definitely come in handy 🙂

Erika Ravnsborg

Wow! There is alot to see and do. I would love to see them all someday

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

My website uses cookies so that I can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to my website and helping me to understand which sections of Mind The Travel you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that I can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, I will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit my website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Nashville Weekend Trip: Itinerary for Nashville in 3 Days

A Nashville weekend trip is a must-take vacation in the United States. Nashville is a great destination for all occasions including girl’s trips, bachelorette parties, US road trip, or a couple’s trip. This guide to visiting Nashville in 3 days explains what to do, what places to visit, and how to plan the perfect three day Nashville itinerary.

My first time in Nashville was a girl’s trip with my mom to celebrate my college graduation. It was the perfect weekend trip with a balance between live music, tasty food, local history, and sightseeing. It was a great destination for a mother-daughter trip because all though there is a party atmosphere, there are activities for all ages.

If you plan to take a Nashville weekend trip, keep reading for the best things to do in Nashville, where to stay in Nashville, and other great Nashville travel tips.

For related posts, check out my guide to the best bars , the Grand Ole Opry , and a Nashville packing guide .

Some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe in. Thanks for your support!

Nashville Three Day Itinerary

Is three days enough in Nashville? Yes! In fact, I think a long weekend in the perfect amount of time to spend in Nashville.

Since you will have busy days and late nights, longer than 3 days will be too tiring. Less than three days and you won’t have enough time to see the highlights.

Here’s how I’d break out a three day Nashville itinerary:

Nashville Itinerary – Day 1: Opryland & Country Music

Spend the first full day in Nashville at the Opry. When I visited Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry was the highlight of the entire vacation. If you are a fan of country music, this experience cannot be beat!

The first day of this itinerary for Nashville is three days will be spend mostly around the Opry. After grabbing breakfast in downtown Nashville , take a taxi or drive out to the Grand Ole Opry.

Start the day at the Opry off with a backstage tour , where you will learn about the history of the Opry, see the dressing rooms, and even get to stand on the stage. Doing the backstage tour will give you a better appreciation for the show later.

After the tour, grab dinner and explore the Gaylord Opryland hotel, before returning for the show at night. Enjoy the show where you will see a mix of up-and-coming artists with some of your favorite popular artists.

Starting your trip off with an amazing performance is a great way to set the tone for the weekend.

Day 2: Broadway & Golf Cart Touring

The second day of this 3-day Nashville itinerary is all about exploring downtown and Broadway. Spend most of your day on a golf cart tour to get a taste for the history of the city, see the most popular murals, and try some moonshine.

This combo golf cart tour combines a Nashville city tour, mural tour , and brewery/moonshine tour. Since you only have three days in Nashville, a combo tour is a great way to hit a lot of highlights in a short amount of time.

Following the tour, spend the afternoon and evening on Broadway, eating great food and exploring the honky tonks .

The bars in Nashville on Broadway are unique because they are more casual than other cities and feature the best live music. Spend 1-2 hours at different bars to get a taste of them all.

Day 3: Nashville History & More Music

For the third and final day, round out the trip with some museums and more music. Visit the Johnny Cash museum or Country Music Hall of Fame, depending on what appeals to you most.

Both of these museums will deep dive the history of music in Nashville and highlight the most famous artists. There is also plenty of unique memorabilia that can only be seen in Nashville.

Finally, visit more honky tonks or the Bluebird Cafe for you final live music performances.

What to Do in Nashville – 7 Top Things to Do

There are many great things to do in Nashville. Some Nashville activities are centered around the party and musical atmosphere of the city while others focus on the culture. For the perfect Nashville weekend trip, plan to hit a variety of both.

The below activities are the best things to do in Nashville and can all be packed into one weekend if you plan ahead.

1. Grand Ole Opry Show

Seeing a live show at the Grand Ole Opry is my #1 recommendation for what to do in Nashville. This historic music venue is the center of country music and is sure to put on a fantastic show.

The Grand Ole Opry House is the official home of the original Opry show that began at the Ryman Auditorium. Each show, multiple stars will perform in the famed circle for the intimate crowd and live radio audience.

The performers are announced days-weeks in advance, so it may be a bit of a surprise who is performing for your visit. If you are a country music fan, I can almost guarantee you will know the headliner. When I visited, the main performance was Gary Levox, the head singer of Rascal Flatts.

In addition to the headline performer, there will be other sets by smaller country artists, musicians from different genres, or even comedians. There will be a good mix of established performers and up-and-coming artists.

Be sure to book tickets to the show ahead of time to ensure you get a spot. Since the venue is small, there are no bad tickets in the house. I recommend purchasing a ticket in a middle price point for the best value.

Read my post all about the Opry for more details including what to do near the Opry and what to wear!

2. Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour

If you are making the drive out to the Grand Ole Opry, you must take the backstage tour in addition to viewing the show.

The backstage tour is a series of videos and a guided tour to learn the entire history of the show and people who have performed in it. The entire tour is extremely well-done and gave me chills just learning about the significance of the venue and show.

When this tour was recommended to me, I was a bit hesitant. I’m not much of a “museum person” as was much more interested in the show than the history of the Opry. However, by learning about the origins of the show and hearing about it’s importance to country music, I gained a much greater appreciation for the show that night.

3. Joy Ride Managers Special Tour

During my Nashville weekend trip, my favorite activity was the Opry, mentioned above. My close second favorite was this golf cart your. This tour with Joy Ride is a fun, easy, and efficient way to see the city and learn about the history.

Joy Ride offers mural, city, and brewery tours or a combination of all three. With only a short amount of time in Nashville, I highly recommend the three-hour combination manager’s special tour to check off many highlights of the city quickly and easily.

In contrast to many of the party-based Nashville tours, Joy Ride offers more informative and cultural tours, with a bit of drinking on the side. The guides are knowledgeable, kind, and open to personalizing the tour to your interests.

Some highlights of the tour include photo ops at murals around the Gulch , moonshine tasting at top distilleries and a complete tour of the city and its musical history. I walked away from this tour with so much love for the city and cannot wait to go back.

4. Country Music Hall of Fame

As mentioned above, Nashville is all about country music. For a bit of country music history, be sure to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame .

Here, you will find exhibits showcasing memorabilia from top country artists including some of their stage outfits and a wall of records. Additionally, you can add the studio B or hatch print tours for extra history.

5. Moonshine Tasting

The other thing Nashville is known for is whiskey. During your weekend in Nashville, be sure to do some moonshine and whiskey tasting at local distilleries.

My favorite distillery in Nashville is Ole Smokey , located in downtown. They have a $10 moonshine tasting where you are offered seven moonshine tastings with flavors ranging from blackberry to salted caramel. My favorite Ole Smokey moonshine flavor is the apple pie. I don’t like Whiskey (at all), but these flavored moonshines reminded me much more of a flavored vodka and were absolutely delicious.

If you are a big whiskey fan, look into visiting the Jack Daniels distillery around 30 minutes outside the city for a more in depth background of the Whiskey distillation process and tastings.

6. Honky Tonk Hopping

You cannot spend a weekend in Nashville without hitting some honky tonks on Broadway . All the bars are open (basically) all day, have constant live music and are sure to be a great time. Keep reading this guide for a list of my favorite bars in Nashville.

7. Belle Meade Plantation

For a different view of Nashville, head out of the city for a tour of Belle Meade Plantation . This will give you a glimpse into the unfortunate history of the American south.

While emotional, the mansion and Journey to Jubilee tours showcase the history of slavery in an informative and sensitive way.

Other Fun Activities in Nashville

If you are craving more things to do in Nashville, I’ve heard great things about the below sites, but have no experienced them personally.

• Johnny Cash Museum
• Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
• Tennessee State Capitol

Where to Stay in Nashville

Westin Nashville

✅ Walking distance to Broadway and the Gulch

✅ Rooftop pool

✅ Large rooms

Since Nashville is a walkable city, where you stay will dictate where you can easily get to. There are many great hotel options at all price points, so choosing can be tricky. Airbnb’s are also a great option for large groups.

The best areas of Nashville to stay are the Gulch and Broadway. The Gulch is a bougie, new, neighborhood that has cute cafes, chic restaurants, and modern accommodations. Broadway is where all the action is, near all the best bars and nightlife.

The Westin Nashville is one of the best places to stay in the city because it is walking distance to both areas mentioned above. The large hotel has modern rooms, good service, and a high-end rooftop infinity pool.  I recently stayed in one of their large corner king suites and was very impressed.

Another great hotel in Nashville is The Joseph , a luxury collection hotel. The Joseph is one of the most luxurious hotels in Nashville and is great for special occasions.

What to Wear in Nashville

Choosing what to pack for your Nashville Weekend trip is the last step in preparing for your vacation. Overall, wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Nashville is a casual city so you can get away with cute casual rompers or dresses or even jeans all day and night.

Nashville is also a great place to break out your cowboy boots and hats. Yes, you will stick out like a tourist, but you really aren’t fooling anyone either way. Some cute outfits are jean shorts, cowboy boots, and a blouse or a midi dress with short cowboy booties.

Some things to avoid in Nashville are high heels or fancy dresses. The honky tonks are casual and you will be on your feet for a long time.

I have a lot more to say about what to wear in Nashville , so check out my packing guide for more tips and outfit ideas.

Shop these Nashville outfit ideas

Best Restaurants in Nashville

Nashville is the ultimate foodie city. Think fried hot chicken, flaky biscuits, and other southern fare. Your taste buds will thank you, but your waistline may not.

Nashville food is known for being southern comfort food with an emphasis on butter, fried foods, and sweets.

The below restaurants in Nashville are my favorites for each meal. They range from casual fast food to nicer sit-down restaurants. Also, these popular restaurants are by no means hidden gems, so be prepared to wait in line or get a reservation. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Try to hit as many as possible during your Nashville weekend trip!

Best Brunch in Nashville

Biscuit Love – This is probably the most popular brunch spot in Nashville, for good reason. Their homemade biscuits and fun toppings make for a delicious, hearty breakfast. If you’re wondering what to order, you need to get the bonuts, east nasty and an iced chai latte.

Milk and Honey – Find this cute brunch spot in the Gulch. They have all the brunch classics such as breakfast sandwiches, baked goods, and some lunch items as well. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.

Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row – This celebrity-owned bar surprised me with the quality of their brunch. Order your favorite flavor of Bellini with a sampler of their breakfast sliders. My favorite is the cheddar waffle with fried chicken.

Best Lunch in Nashville

ACME Feed and Seed – This three-level restaurant bar is a great spot for a casual lunch in Nashville. The first floor serves classic bar food such as nachos, pulled pork, and hot chicken sandwiches. Upstairs, find a surprisingly good sushi bar. Enjoy the rooftop for great views of Broadway.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – Hattie B’s is a Nashville staple. They have multiple locations around the city, but I recommend the midtown location to avoid the Broadway crowds. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu, but I recommend the chicken strips, mac and cheese, and peach cobbler.

Best Dinner in Nashville

The Stillery – If you are looking for a nice, sit down dinner in Nashville, be sure to visit The Stillery. Their menu is fantastic and makes it hard to choose what to order. You need to try their mac and cheese skillet and any of the wood fired pizzas.

Peg Leg Porker – This gulch bbq joint is often rated the best barbecue in Nashville. Their specialty, in the name, is any of their pork products. I recommend ordering their ribs or pulled pork platter.

Check out my list of the best restaurants in Nashville for a complete overview of the Nashville food scene.

Best Bars on Broadway in Nashville

As mentioned above, one of the best things to do in Nashville is honky tonk hopping on Broadway. Nashville has a mix of classic country dive bars and newer, celebrity owned joints. Spend an hour or so in each place, searching for the best atmosphere, drinks, and live music.

Best Nashville Original Honky Tonks

The number one original bar on Broadway is Tootsies Orchid Lounge . This light purple building is always packed with customers enjoying their no-frills atmosphere and fantastic performers.

Another great classic Nashville bar is Nudies . Again, the venue is no-frills but tons of fun!

Best Celebrity Bars on Broadway

• Casa Rosa – Owned by Miranda Lambert, this is the best woman-owned bar on Broadway.
• Ole Red – Blake Shelton’s bar always delivers with fantastic up and coming talent.
• Luke Bryan – This bar has a sushi restaurant and stunning rooftop.
• Whiskey Row – Dierks Bentley’s bar has some of the best food and lively performances.
• Jason Aldean – The best rooftop bar in Nashville, plus you cant miss the tractor bar.

Click here for my 13 favorite bars in Nashville

Getting Around Nashville

In general, Nashville is a very walkable city. If you stay in any of the below recommended hotels, you should be able to walk to most sights.

For medium-far destinations, you can utilize the cities vast network of electric scooters. They can be found on most street corners and can be rented directly from your phone. Be sure to follow traffic rules and not drink and ride.

If you plan to visit some locations outside the city, Uber or Lyft are your best options. Since everything else is close together, it is not worth renting a car for your Nashville weekend trip.

Fun Facts About Nashville

Nashville, known as “Music City” has a ton of charm and culture. The below Nashville fun facts will you give you a taste of what makes this city so special.

• Nashville is the top bachelorette destination in the United States, leading many to call it “Nashvegas”
• Elvis recorded over 200 songs at Studio B on music row, a famous street near Broadway
• The Grand Ole Opry has broadcast its radio show every Saturday for 95 years, without missing a single show

Tips for Visiting Nashville

The below Nashville tips and tricks will help make your trip go super smoothly. By planning in advance and using the right tools, traveling to Nashville is very easy.

• Plan Accommodations in Advance : Nashville is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons and major events like music festivals. To secure the best accommodations at a reasonable price, book your hotel or vacation rental well in advance.
• Use Public Transportation : Nashville’s traffic can be congested, so consider using public transportation options like buses, the Music City Star commuter train, and rideshare services to navigate the city more efficiently. The free downtown bus circulator, the “Music City Circuit,” can also be a convenient way to get around downtown Nashville.
• Stay Hydrated : Nashville’s climate can be hot and humid during the summer months. Carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors or walking around the city.
• Embrace Local Cuisine : Sample Nashville’s culinary delights, including hot chicken and southern comfort food. While dining out, remember to tip your server appropriately (typically 15-20% of the bill) as it’s customary in the United States.
• Download Useful Travel Apps : Use Nashville’s official tourism app or transportation apps, to stay updated on local events, navigate the city, and access information about nearby attractions and dining options.

Summary of Planning a Nashville Weekend Trip

I can guarantee you will have a fantastic Nashville weekend getaway. The city is lively, vibrant, friendly, and memorable. Follow this Nashville travel blog to help plan your thee day weekend itinerary and focus on what to do.

Spend some time exploring the country music history of the city through the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Hit the Honky Tonks to learn why many call it “Nashvegas”. Finally, take a golf cart tour to learn about the history and culture of the city.

Between sightseeing, stop by many of the great Nashville restaurants for a taste of the city. Feast on Nashville hot chicken, mac and cheese, biscuits, and other fantastic Tennessee cuisine.

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or visiting just because, have a great trip!

FAQ- Nashville in Three Days

Nashville is great for a weekend trip. With its vibrant music venues, friendly people, and delicious food scene, it’s a fun place to explore for two-three days. In addition to live music performances, there are plenty of historic sites to visit, such as the Grand Ole Opry or The Parthenon. There are also a variety of outdoor and foodie activities. With so much to do in such a short period of time, you’ll find yourself wanting more and making plans to come back soon after your weekend in Nashville.

Nashville has many events and festivals throughout the year that make it a great destination no matter what month you visit. If you’re looking for pleasant weather, April through October are ideal months as temperatures generally range from 60 to 80 degrees. December and January bring cooler temperatures, but if you don’t mind a chill in the air there’s plenty of holiday cheer to enjoy.

If you need to get around from place to place quickly then it might be useful to have a car during your stay. Local public transport can be convenient and economical but if you’re short on time it could be easier to rent or bring your own vehicle. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not you need a car comes down to personal preference and the amount of time you have available in Nashville.

Related Posts:

• What To Wear In Nashville – Ultimate Nashville Packing List For Women
• 11 Best Restaurants In Nashville On Broadway For Visitors
• 13 Best Country Bars In Nashville – Broadway Honky Tonks And More
• Best Tours In Nashville: What To Do In Downtown Nashville Tennessee
• The 17 Best Murals In Nashville & Nashville Mural Tours
• Guide To Visiting The Grand Ole Opry – Must-Do Activity In Nashville
• 160 Nashville Instagram Captions, Quotes, & Hashtags

Pin this for later:

• One Week East Coast USA Itinerary: Road Trip from DC
• What to Wear to Disney World in October: Halloween Outfits
• 12 Best Restaurants in Maui: The Top Restaurants in West Maui
• Ultimate Las Vegas Packing List: What to Wear in Vegas For Women

Lauren is the creator of The Traveling Moore blog. She's travel obsessed, having been to nearly 50 countries and all 7 continents. She has a full time corporate job, and loves showing others that it's still possible to travel the world with limited PTO hours. Lauren is also travel hacking obsessed, finding every way to travel more often and more luxuriously.

Similar Posts

Complete Guide to a South Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation (2024)

Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Link More If you are looking for a cold weather getaway in the…

Planning a Trip to Washington State: Insider Tips from a Local

Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Link More Washington State is a beautiful destination in the pacific northwest United…

5 Top Things to Do in Ocean Shores Washington (2024)

Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Link More If you’re planning a weekend getaway to the Washington State coast,…

The Best Seattle Weekend Trip Guide & Itinerary from a Local

Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Link More As a local, I need to recommend adding a Seattle weekend…

17 Top Things to Do in Labadee Haiti: 1-Day Port Guide

Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Link More If you’re researching Caribbean cruises that visit Labadee Haiti, you’re in…

The 13 Best Beaches in Oahu Hawaii (2024)

Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Link More When people think of Hawaii, they often think of sunshine, white…

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

Tennessee Chevron

Nashville Chevron

The Everything Guide to Nashville

By Chris Chamberlain

Best Season to Go Hard to beat Nashville in autumn, when temperatures are still in the 80s and the city's big sports franchises—Predators hockey, the Tennessee Titans, and Vanderbilt college football—are all competing. Bonus: Nashvillians are very friendly to visiting fans, even if they are whupping our local teams. Music lovers also turn out for events like the annual Country Music Association Awards (CMAs, on Nov. 2 this year) and induction ceremonies to the Musicians Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame.

How to Use Public Transportation Like a Local Thing is, locals don't necessarily use public transit—they prefer to drive, and rush hour can get nutty. Avoid the chaos by renting a bike through Nashville’s B-Cycle program. Since this is a river city, many downtown streets slope toward the Cumberland, so you can coast down at affordable prices. You might want to Uber back uphill, though.

The Museum You Should Visit Now Fisk University has an arrangement with the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas to share the famous Alfred Stieglitz Collection , donated by Steiglitz's widow, the not-a-bad-artist-in-her-own-right Georgia O'Keeffe, after his passing in 1949. Each museum displays the roughly 100-piece collection—sculptures, Modernist paintings, lithographs by everyone from Renoir to Toulouse-Lautrec—for two years before swapping. Fisk has dibs until 2018, so go see it in their Carl Van Vechten Gallery.

The Museum You Should Always Revisit Frist Art Museum has no permanent collection, so its galleries are always changing to show off exhibits from around the world. Shows range from paintings by Impressionist masters to a celebration of the souped-up automobile designs of 20th-century Italian car makers. Even if you're not sure what to expect inside, the exterior of this building is a beauty: Originally built in the Deco-mad '30s, it once served as Nashville's central post office.

The Restaurant to Go for a Special Occasion In the buzzy Gulch neighborhood, just across the street from the Thompson Hotel, Prima is as much a restaurant as it is a showpiece for a huge fiberoptic light sculpture by British artist Bruce Munro. But the art doesn't distract from the food so much as complement it. Chef Salvador Avila's Tennessee upbringing and Mexican roots combine in dishes like grilled lamb "chorizo" with burnt avocado salsa and octopus a la plancha with corn and chimichurri.

Those are bonuts, folks: doughnut holes made with biscuit dough.

The Most Instagrammed Restaurant in the City Right Now After waiting in line (trust us, it's worth it) for brunch at Biscuit Love diners definitely feel the need to share their experience with their Instagram followers. Taunting your friends with a shot of the East Nasty, a fried chicken and cheese biscuit smothered in sausage gravy, is just par for the course.

Where to Get the Best Hot Chicken in Nashville Prince’s is still the revered originator of Nashville’s iconic mouth-melting chicken dish, but judging by the lines out the door, Hattie B’s wears the crown as current king. And if you're a glutton for punishment, there's a Hot Chicken Festival every Fourth of July.

The Neighborhood to Visit Now Germantown was Nashville’s first “suburb,” even though it’s only a few blocks north of downtown. Now, though, it is a hotbed of restaurant and boutique openings. Look for rows of beautiful, well-preserved 19th-century homes, streets lined with more than 100 varieties of trees, and, owing to those Teutonic roots, an annual Oktoberfest.

The Three Hotels We Love The Hermitage Hotel exudes classic luxury and Southern hospitality. The 404 Hotel is a modern five-room "invisible service" property (translation: don't expect a concierge to be there when you arrive) right in the middle of the action in Nashville’s hot Gulch neighborhood . The new Thompson Nashville is right next door to the 404, but its 12 stories of stylish accommodations offer loftier views through floor-to-ceiling windows in every guest room.

The Hermitage Hotel

The Best Place for a Cold Brew If your idea of cold brew is coffee, try Frothy Monkey for a fantastic cup of sustainably sourced beans steeped for 23 hours. But if you’re seeking a brew in a different sort of mug, Robert’s Western World will sell you a beer, a bag of chips, and a fried baloney sandwich for $5.

Steph Koyfman

Pam LeBlanc

Jamie Spain

Caitlin Morton

The Three Best Places for a Perfectly Poured Cocktail The Patterson House popularized the craft cocktail movement in Nashville and is still one of the best. Bastion and Old Glory are both new options that nail the high-low mix of top-shelf cocktails paired with bar snacks like nachos. If you're feeling indecisive, head to Bastion for a new-fashioned old-fashioned with the liquor of your choice; if you're feeling adventurous, Old Glory's drinks have ingredients that run the gamut from beet infusions to Greek yogurt (sometimes together).

Where to Buy Souvenirs Hatch Show Print sells letterpress printed postcards and posters that have been used as advertising materials for everything from lectures at libraries to headline shows at the Grand Ole Opry for more than a century. You can watch the printing process in real time as you shop.

Where to Buy a Little Something for Yourself White's Mercantile is a postmodern general store on the edge of 12 South neighborhood. Imagine a dry goods store where every item, no matter how basic, was made of the absolute finest materials: The deodorant has natural eucalyptus, ginger, and rosemary; the doggie beds from organic cotton. The store also holds yoga classes and the occasional jewelry-making workshop, making it as much experience as shop.

Where to Spot a Celebrity Nashvillians are noted for treating their celebrity neighbors as, well...neighbors. This lack of fawning attention and autograph hounding means you might very well spot Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman sharing a plate at the dining counter at Whole Foods or Taylor Swift taking a trail walk in Percy Warner Park.

The Sporting Event That Is So Nashville Take in a minor league baseball game at First American Park, home of the Nashville Sounds, and you can track the balls and strikes on the stadium’s iconic guitar-shaped scoreboard and enjoy a frozen whiskey drink at The Band Box in right field.

The Outfit Everyone Seems to Be Wearing (and Where to Get It) For the bachelorette party set, sundresses and cowboy boots are still de rigueur, even during the chillier months. Nashville native Reese Witherspoon's 12 South boutique, Draper James will set you up—you may even spot Witherspoon herself, who's been known to stop by occasionally to visit with her fans and customers. Lower Broad is full of discount boot stores, or you can splurge on a custom pair by Texas outfitter Lucchese, which has an outpost in the Gulch.

Two Old Hippies in the kind of Gulch store we love.

The Best Neighborhood for a Walkabout Super-hip East Nashville sometimes gets called the Brooklyn of Music City, but this neighborhood has a singular, hard-earned charm. Start in the Five Points area packed with bars and shops, then head east on Woodland or north on Gallatin to see more of what this 'hood has to offer (like a lot of good craft beer).

Where We Go to Hear Live Music Right Now The Ascend Amphitheatre is attracting new acts like Eric Church and Old Crow Medicine Show as well as nostalgic tours by Earth, Wind & Fire, Peter Frampton, and Cheap Trick. They all play big open-air shows against a beautiful backdrop of downtown Nashville.

The Local Trend Everyone Is Talking About Everyone already knows about Nashville's music and food chops—but the fashion scene is particularly hot right now, thanks to designers making an impact on runways around the world. Project Runway alum Amanda Valentine produces her own fashion line out of a studio in a converted factory, while brands like imogene + willie and Otis James are making names for themselves with custom denim and bow ties, respectively.

The Local Trend Everyone Loves to Hate While some residents might grumble about the growth of Airbnb and VRBO listings, those rentals sure have made it easier for visitors to experience other neighborhoods in Nashville that aren’t only near downtown or the airport. Don’t let the lack of hotel rooms deter you from staying in fun and funky neighborhoods like East Nashville or Germantown.

The Views of the City We Love Most Fans of the Nashville TV series think that the only reason locals meet on the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge linking East Nashville with downtown is for conspiratorial tête-à-têtes. The truth is that the span offers dramatic views of the riverfront and the sparkling neon skyline of Lower Broad.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• AMAZON STOREFRONT
• REVOLVE FAVORITES
• TERMS & CONDITIONS
• FITNESS + WELLNESS
• WHAT I WANT

NASHVILLE TRAVEL GUIDE

We’re halfway through our two-week road trip through the South and missing Nashville so much. It was both our first time there and we can see why everyone raves about it. We had so much fun and barely scratched the surface of all the recommendations you guys sent over for us – honestly would have to be there for at least a month to tackle our seemingly endless hit list. Since we couldn’t bring you guys along on IG to a ton of spots, I wanted to get my Nashville Travel Guide up ASAP! A few of you messaged me saying you were heading to Nashville soon, so I want to give you all the info we learned.

We flew into Nashville BNA which is just right outside the city.

Since our trip involved so many cities that were close enough together, we opted to turn this into a road trip vs flying everywhere. Renting a car from the airport made our trip into town effortless; we landed around 10pm and were able to get a car from Alamo (one of the few rental companies open until midnight at BNA).

Driving into the city was super easy, the only thing that threw us were the one way streets and insane crowds near our hotel. Other than that traffic was non existent!  

ACCOMODATIONS  

Before flying in we were debating the Airbnb route or hotel. After a few Airbnb logistics fell through and our saved properties kept getting booked up, we decided the hotel option was best.  

HotelTonight or Expedia are the two ways we book hotels. For this trip we opted for HotelTonight so that we could get closer to Level 4, which bumps your 10% off to 15% off; prices were similar on both sites so it really didn’t matter which one we went with.  

WHERE WE WENT:

We ended up staying at the Noelle Hotel right in downtown Nashville. It’s located right next to the Dream Hotel and the Bobby Hotel, among a handful of others I’m sure, so you can’t go wrong with any of them!  

The hotel was SO cute – gave me Ace Hotel vibes in a way, and felt very boutique-y even though it was 12 floors tall. Our room was moderately sized, and on level 10 so it wasn’t too loud at night. Keep in mind if you are in that area, you are in the thick of the action. We didn’t exactly know where we were ending up when booking because neither of us have ever been, but we knew we wanted the downtown experience at least once. That’s exactly what we got!  

Only downside of the hotel were the valet wasn’t super efficient (made us late for reservations so just keep that in mind if you’re heading out on a time crunch) and the coffee shop wasn’t operating on weekends. Which is really no big deal, I was just bummed because it looked good and I wanted to try it before we left!  

Otherwise the hotel is immaculate – you have a lobby bar, rooftop bar, downstairs restaurant, and speakeasy to choose from. Plus it’s right next to the Dream & Bobby hotels which boast amazing rooftops as well.  

Also – the bathrooms are STUNNING & they have full-length mirrors in the room. Both something I appreciate in hotels 🙂

RECOMMENDATIONS  

If you do NOT want the rowdy downtown Nashville experience, we were told to look in these neighborhoods for Airbnbs:

Neighborhoods :

East Nashville

If you’re looking for a completely different vibe, look into Franklin TN! My college bestie lives there and we had a great time in their cute downtown area.  

Thompson Hotel (amazing rooftop)

The Germantown Inn

The Hermitage  

Bobby Hotel

The Dream Hotel

COFFEE  

There were SO many coffee shop’s on the map and I wish I could hit them all, but just another excuse to go back for an extended time!

Frothy Monkey – this came HIGHLY recommended; there are a handful of locations so you can absolutely find one near you. I got the Rosemary Vanilla Latte and it was *immaculate*

Elixr Coffee – Located in the 5th and Broadway outdoor shopping center; cute aesthetic ( no almond milk offered )

RECOMMENDATIONS :

Barista Parlor  

FOOD  

Cafe Roze – breakfast bowl was SO GOOD  

Food truck for Gyros next to Bootlegger Inn bar; random, but it was too crowded everywhere we wanted to eat and these Gyros were amazing  

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Proper & Bagel – amazing bagels  

Two Ten Jack – sushi + ramen, get the garlic noodles  

Peg Leg Porker – BBQ

Butcher & Bee – brunch, try the whipped feta; “juice” you can add your alcohol of choice too (Gin with Orange/Apple/Ginger)

Milk & Honey – Brunch

Chef and I – make reservations to sit at the bar  

Fido – breakfast; avocado toast & unique coffee

Five Daughters Bakery – amazing donuts  

5th and Taylor – Dinner

Hattie B’s – fried chicken  

Adele’s – Dinner

White Limozeen – Dolly Parton’s rooftop restaurant  

Barcelona Wine Bar

Pinewood Social

Old Glory Bar – East Side  

Tailgate Brewery locations

Hearts Cafe – east  

Liberty Common – Brunch  

Thompson Hotel rooftop  

Patterson House – speakeasy vibes

Rolf & Daughter – pasta  

City House – pizza  

Husk – southern food  

Barista Parlour – The Gulch or Germantown

@cheesegal’s shop

Giest – Germantown; great atmosphere & food  

Bourbon Steak – views & great steak / cocktails  

Belle Meade – food + wine paring  

Henrietta Reds – seafood  

Sunda  

Hampton Social  

St. Anej  

Stillery – amazing Philly cheesesteak pizza  

The Mockingbird – brunch  

Bartaco – 12 South  

Jeni’s Ice Cream  

Blue Bird  

Biscuit Love  

Acme feed & Seed  

Vandyke Bed & Breakfast – retro green decor, fun for drinks  

Black Rabbit

Bootleggers Inn – there was no line and upstairs was nearly empty; we got a one-on-one experience with the band and the music was amazing.

The Listening Room – go to songwriters night!  

Tootsies  

Attaboy – speakeasy vibe

Pearl Diver – cute bar

House of Cards – speakeasy in Johnny Cash museum  

Urban Cowboy – drinks  

Kung Fu Saloon  

Dive Motel – cute bar & pool  

B elcourt Taps  

Rare Bird – rooftop bar  

LA Jackson – rooftop bar  

Tin Roof Bar

Nudies  

FGL House  

Jason Aldean’s  

Honky Tonk Central  

Pins – fun for day drinking  

Alexis + Bolt  

Imogene  

Willie  

White Mercantile – 12 South  

12 South – walk the street for cute shops  

We clearly did not do a great job hitting your recommended spots, but I can’t wait to go back with this elaborate list to reference. PRO TIP: make reservations and PLAN your to-do list. We are not always great about planning ahead, and because of that we really couldn’t get in to any of the spots we had hoped to hit. Especially for lunch & dinner. But now we know!

Nashville truly is a gem and I see why it is so well loved. If you have more recommendations that I missed, drop them in the comments below!

For more travel guides, check out my travel section.

WHAT I PACKED / WORE IN NASHVILLE

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

URBAN OUTFITTERS 17% OFF SALE

Park city travel guide, dallas travel guide, what are you shopping for.

• ACCESSORIES

Your online destination for all things fashion, beauty, lifestyle & travel (on a budget)

JOIN THE LIST

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

This Southern U.S. City Is Known for Great Eats and Even Better Music — Here's How to Plan Your Trip

Visit Nashville for an unforgettable adventure. Discover the best hotels, restaurants and things to do with this highly curated Nashville travel guide.

Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Nashville, Tennessee's capital city, is located in the north central part of the state on the Cumberland River. Founded in 1779 and named for Francis Nash, a Continental Army General during the American Revolutionary War, Nashville is the most populous city in Tennessee and one of the nation's fastest growing economies.

Called "Music City," Nashville is home to the Grand Ole Opry, known for country music performances and legends like Johnny Cash, Reba McIntire, Loretta Lynn, Minnie Pearl, Vince Gill and others who have graced the stage there. The Ryman Auditorium has also seen stars like Dolly Parton and Hank Williams, and now hosts shows of all genres. Bars, restaurants, and performance venues offer live music every day of the week, and it's not just country music. Bluegrass, rock, pop, and a wide range of styles can be heard throughout the city.

Another nickname for Nashville is "Athens of the South" for its many institutions of higher learning, including Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, and Belmont. The Parthenon in Centennial Park, a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, is a reminder of the city's reputation. It was built in 1897 for the state's Centennial Exposition.

Nashville is in the Central Time Zone, though the state of Tennessee is divided into Eastern Time Zone and Central Time Zone. (Daylight Savings Time is observed seasonally.)

Spring (April, May) and Autumn (September, October) are good times to visit Nashville because the weather is generally comfortable. The summer months of July and August are quite warm and humid, and winter is often cold and rainy. If weather is not an issue, it may be more economical to visit during winter months when there are fewer tourists.

Festivals like the springtime Cherry Blossom Festival , Fashion Week , CMA Fest , Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival , Pride Festival , Nashville Film Festival , or Germantown's Oktoberfest attract visitors based on their interest in the event rather than the time of year.

The elegant Schermerhorn Symphony Center , located downtown across from the Country Music Hall of Fame is the place to hear classical, jazz, world music, and Broadway.

Nashville is the home of Hot Chicken, and Prince's Hot Chicken is considered the original. Choose your heat level from Plain to XXX Hot, but be aware that they really mean XXX HOT!

The AT&T Building is nicknamed the Batman Building because its two towers make it resemble Batman's pointed ears.

Nashville was the first Southern city to desegregate public establishments after a series of downtown sit-ins by African-American college students in 1960.

Elvis Presley recorded more than 200 of his songs on Music Row at RCA's Studio B . (The year-round Christmas lights there commemorate his recording of his Christmas album when they were put up in July, along with a Christmas tree, to inspire the holiday mood.)

Tennessee is called "The Volunteer State." Volunteer soldiers from Tennessee played a large role in the War of 1812, especially during the Battle of New Orleans. Later in the Mexican-American War of 1846, Tennessee sent 30,000 soldiers for the effort.

Nashville is home to the National Football League Titans, the National Hockey League Predators, and Major League Soccer team the Nashville Soccer Club. The city also has a minor league baseball team, the Sounds.

A Nashville hotel led to the name of Maxwell House coffee. Their popular brew was given the hotel's name, and, during a 1907 stay, President Theodore Roosevelt supposedly said, "Good to the last drop," creating the brand's familiar slogan.

Nashville's main public transit system, WeGo Public Transit , has purple buses covering more than 50 routes throughout the city. Plan ahead of time using the service's convenient trip planner as a guide. WeGo offers an bus service to and from the Nashville Airport (BNA). It also offers a park and ride service with free parking at designated locations

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) operates ten bus routes between Nashville and several other cities as well as linking riders with the WeGo system. In addition, RTA oversees the Music City Star regional rail line.

Taxis, Uber, and Lyft all operate in Nashville.

Bobby Hotel

Address: 230 Fourth Avenue North Phone: (615) 782-7100 Book Now

This creative hotel in historic Printers Alley offers luxury, fun, and a variety of rooms, including one and two-bedroom suites. There's a full-service spa and several dining and cocktail venues including the rooftop lounge where you can sip your drink in a retrofitted 1956 Greyhound bus. When it comes to the best hotels in Nashville . this property pretty much checks all the boxes.

21c Museum Hotel

Address: 221 Second Avenue North Phone: 615-610-6400 Book Now

Set in a restored 1900s building, the hotel offers 124 guest rooms and suites with luxury amenities and original art. The hotel features a fitness center, business center, curated art exhibitions and dining at Gray & Dudley, named for the original building.

Moxy Downtown

Address: 110 Third Avenue South Phone: (615) 986-2091 Book Now

Steps from the Country Music Hall of Fame, the hotel features urban-chic rooms and amenities like locally roasted coffee, a 24-hour fitness center, and Plug & Meet areas. The casual Bar Moxy is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails.

Dream Hotel

Address: 210 Fourth Avenue North Phone: (615) 622-0600 Book Now

The Dream offers 168 art deco-inspired rooms set in two historic Printers Alley buildings conveniently located near Nashville's popular attractions. There's a fitness center, six dining and nightlife options, and luxury amenities.

Holston House

Address: 118 Seventh Avenue North Phone: (615) 391-1234 Book Now

Set in a historic building, the boutique hotel offers 191 rooms, including six suites blending modern and art deco styles. Roomy corner and penthouse suites offer even more room to relax. The signature restaurant is TENN, and the rooftop lounge, TENN on Top, boasts spectacular city views.

Hotel Indigo

Address: 301 Union Street Phone: (615) 891-6000 Book Now

This former Printers Alley bank building is now a modern hotel featuring a printer-themed lobby and a speakeasy-inspired lounge with local artists and songwriters performing seven nights a week. The District Bar & Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Address: 231 Sixth Avenue North Phone: (615) 244-3121

This five-star hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with soft bedding, plush robes, Bose docking stations, and excellent service. The signature Capital Grille restaurant first opened in 1910 and still serves authentic Southern fare made from the freshest ingredients. With more than 130 bottles, The Oak Bar boasts one of the largest collections of bourbons in Nashville.

Westin Nashville

Address: 807 Clark Place Phone: (615) 248-2800 Book Now

This luxury boutique hotel features guestrooms and one-bedroom suites, including the Presidential Suite with round bed and dazzling city views as well as the highest rooftop lounge in the city, L27. The on-site Rhapsody Spa offers CBD treatments, and their fitness studio is open 24 hours.

Grand Hyatt Nashville

Address: 1000 Broadway Phone: (615) 622-1234 Book Now

This luxury property at Nashville Yards is conveniently located within walking distance of the Gulch and Midtown. The Grand Hyatt boasts one of the highest outdoor rooftop bars in Nashville as well as a pool, spa, and seven dining and beverage options.

Fairlane Hotel

Address: 401 Union Street Phone: (615) 988-8511 Book Now

This retro-modern hotel was originally a bank built in 1972, and its mid-century architectural details have been preserved. Guestrooms and suites are luxuriously and uniquely furnished, and Penthouse Suites offer outdoor terraces with fire pits. Ellington's Restaurant continues the mid-century vibe with its modern take on classic dishes.

Aloft Hotel

Address: 1719 West End Avenue Phone: (615) 329-4200 Book Now

This design-forward hotel is in a lively area near Vanderbilt University less than a mile from downtown. The first floor is for socializing, with a pool table, regional art, and a grab-n-go pantry. The loft-style rooms feature comfortable platform beds and showers with rainfall showerheads.

Graduate Nashville

Address: 101 20th Avenue North Phone: Book Now

This playful and funky hotel in the heart of midtown, and near Vanderbilt University, features luxe guest rooms, animatronic karaoke, and Poindexter, its lobby-level cafe. Its Dolly Parton-themed rooftop bar, White Limozeen , provides stunning views of the Nashville skyline.

Kimpton Aertson

Address: 2021 Broadway Phone: (615) 340-6376 Book Now

This boutique hotel is the centerpiece of the Aertson Midtown mixed-use destination. Its industrial details and refined finishes include a live green wall, open living room, poured concrete floors, and double-sided fireplace. There's a seasonal swimming pool, expansive spa, and views of the Vanderbilt University campus.

Thompson Nashville

Address: 401 11th Avenue South Phone: (615) 262-6000 Book Now

This hip, Gulch hotel offers an inviting space with panoramic city views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Their indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant, L.A. Jackson, boasts incredible views of downtown Nashville's skyline.

East Nashville

Urban cowboy.

Address: 1603 Woodland Street Phone: (347) 840-0525 Book Now

The boutique hotel's eight uniquely furnished and decorated suites are housed in a historic Victorian mansion. The Public House serves craft cocktails in rustic surroundings or the stylish backyard.

The Dive Motel

Address: 1414 Dickerson Pike Phone: (615) 650-9103

Each of their 23 rooms is one-of-a-kind and equipped with their signature "Party Switch" that spins a Disco Ball with a choice of four channels. Pool, hot tub, and The Dive Bar & Lounge make a stay at The Dive a truly Nashville experience.

Other Nashville Locations

Gaylord opryland resort & convention center.

Address: 2800 Opryland Drive Phone: (615) 889-1000 Book Now

The 3,000 room resort destination is set on the Cumberland River, minutes from Nashville International Airport and a short drive (or riverboat cruise) from downtown. The resort includes nine acres of indoor gardens, an indoor river and waterfalls, a spa, fitness center, golf course, and a range of dining options and events.

Address: 221 Second Avenue North Phone: (615) 610-6460 Website

Adjacent to a museum and historical building, the restaurant honors both with a traditional Southern menu of appetizers, snacks, entrees, and delicious cocktails.

Frothy Monkey

Address: 235 Fifth Avenue North Phone (615) 600-4756 Website

Frothy Monkey has it all, seriously: breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, specialty coffees, signature coffee drinks, cocktails, wine, and a kid's menu, salads and sandwiches, and more — just to name a few.

Address: 303 Demonbreun Street Phone: (615) 522-0685 Website

Award winning chef Deb Paquette helms this modern restaurant with an open kitchen and a chef's bar where guests can watch and interact with her. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant's menu includes seafood, venison, veal, and a steak carpaccio appetizer.

Address: 611 Commerce Street Phone: (615) 493-4050 Website

Michelin-star Chef James Kerwin serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner of fresh Southern and traditional American fare along with cocktails, specialty drinks, and local draft beers.

Address: 401 Broadway Phone: (615) 254-1892 Website

This three-floor restaurant set in an 1892 building starts with a street level bistro offering cocktails and food. The second floor, a bit more upscale, is open for lunch and dinner with a refined menu and extensive wine offerings. The third floor is a private dining space for business dinners and events.

Nashville Underground

Address: 105 Broadway Phone: (615) 964-3000 Website

This live music venue, restaurant, bar, and event space features the largest and highest double-deck rooftop on Broadway. Southern-inspired dishes including signature Nashville Hot Chicken and BBQ are served on the first and second floors. They serve wine, spirits, and the coldest draft beer in Nashville at 29 degrees.

Address: 505 Third Avenue North Phone: (629) 236-0035 Website

This rooftop bar and restaurant serves a creative menu of appetizers, snacks, entrees, and desserts along with cocktails, wine, and beer in a spectacular setting.

Deacon's New South

Address: 401 Church Street Phone: (615) 994-1994 Website

The restaurant is located in a historic building, but their cuisine is modern, with dry-aged meats and seafood dishes inspired by the Gulf Coast. Traditional and creative cocktails and an extensive wine list are offered.

The Farm House

Address: 210 Almond Street Phone: (615) 522-0688 Website

Chef and owner Trey Ciocca serves lunch, brunch, and dinner offering traditional favorites and Southern classics like cornbread, fried catfish, and pimento cheese beignets along with cocktails, beer, and wine.

B.B. Kings Blues Club

Address: 152 Second Avenue North Phone: (615) 256-2727 Website

Dinner and weekend brunch are served along with blues, rock n' roll, and soul music. The menu is just as varied, with a selection of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts. Cocktails, wine, and beer are on the menu too.

Hattie B's Chicken

Address: 112 19th Avenue South Phone: (615) 678-4794 Website

Choose your heat level, but know what you're in for if you go with the hottest of the six. Sandwiches, plates, and sides like coleslaw and pimento mac and cheese are served, and there's peach cobbler and banana pudding for dessert.

Address: 2023 Broadway Phone: (615) 340-6378 Website

Billing itself as a "modern American brasserie," Henley is located in the Kimpton Aertson. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Henley's menu includes Southern favorites like Charleston hot crab dip, roasted Tennessee mushrooms, and smoked chicken with Alabama white sauce.

Address: 202 21 Avenue South Phone: (615) 925-3362 Website

Nada's extensive modern Mexican cuisine menu includes guacamole, ceviche, and cochinita pibil, with interesting additions such as cumin roasted beets, Peruvian chicken, and Romenesco al Pastor. Lunch and dinner are served as well as brunch and cocktails.

Jasper's

Address: Nashville, Tennessee 37203 Phone: (615) 327-4410 Website

This casual restaurant is also a grab n' go market with prepared foods like salads, soups, sandwiches, and pastries. The all-day menu includes meatballs, cornbread, enchiladas, wings, and burgers. Weekend brunch offerings include omelets, beignets, and house-cured gravlax.

Address: 1904 Broadway Phone: (615) 320-8580 Website

This gastro-pub style dining spot features creative cuisine in addition to extensive options for cocktails, wine, spirits, and beers. Sports fans will enjoy the fourteen TVs, and foodies will love the menu choices ranging from creative starters to tacos, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and fries. Weekend brunch and late night dining are available.

Mason's

Address: 2100 West End Avenue Phone: (615) 321-1990 Website

Mason's serves seasonal Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. They offer craft cocktails, wines, spirits, and an extensive list of beer from local breweries.

Other Neighborhoods

Rolf and daughters (germantown).

Address: 700 Taylor Street Phone: (615) 866-9897 Website

Located in a historic building and serving Italian and Mediterranean inspired dishes on their seasonally driven menu, the restaurant offers communal tables, patio, and bar for walk-ins as well as dining room reservations.

Redheaded Stranger (East Nashville)

Address: 305 Arrington Street Phone (615) 544-8226 Website

Authentic Tex-Mex dishes include tacos, burritos, and their own signature hot sauces. Cocktails, wine, and beer are served.

Adele's (The Gulch)

Address: 1210 McGavock Street Phone: (615) 988-9700 Website

Dinner and weekend brunch are served with a focus on seasonal comfort food like pork ossobuco, lasagna, and a meatball with polenta appetizer. Weekend brunch offerings include buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy, egg casserole, and brioche French toast.

The Bluebird Cafe

Address: 4104 Hillsboro Pike Phone: (615) 383-1461 Website

The Bluebird, one of the "world's preeminent listening rooms," presents two shows a night, seven days a week, featuring acoustic singer-songwriter style music by famous and up-and-coming artists.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Address: 222 Fifth Avenue South Phone: (615) 416-2001 Website

Located in downtown Nashville, the museum includes photographs, artifacts, recordings, vintage video, memorabilia, and interactive activities to tell the story of country music. Performance spaces in the CMA Theater and Ford Theater host live music and cultural events.

Grand Ole Opry

Address: 2804 Opryland Drive Phone: (615) 871-6779 Website

For nearly one hundred years, the Grand Ole Opry, called "home of American music," has showcased country stars on stage, as well as on WSM Radio. See a live show or take a guided backstage tour, starting with an immersive theater experience starring Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

RCA Studio B

Address: 1611 Roy Acuff Place Phone: (615) 416-2001 Website

Built in 1957, the studio was home to the "Nashville Sound" in the 1960's, and artists like Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, the Everly Brothers, and Floyd Cramer recorded there. Today, you can tour the studio as part of a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Ryman Auditorium

Address: 116 Fifth Avenue North Phone: (615) 889-3060 Website

Known as one of the best performance halls in the world, this historic venue was home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 until 1974. The Ryman hosts numerous concerts and events throughout the year, and visitors can take tours of its star-studded exhibits.

The Johnny Cash Museum

Address: 119 Third Avenue South Phone: (615) 256-1777 Website

This downtown museum contains the largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia. Visit for a self-guided tour to see instruments, hand-written notes, awards, stage costumes, and more. Stop for a bite at the cafe next door or at the gift shop for a souvenir.

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike Phone: (615) 833-1534 Website

Nearly 3,000 animals representing about 350 species reside at the zoo, including amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish. The 1810 Grassmere Historic Home, on the property, is open for tours. There's a zip line, carousel, playground, and Australian landscape with kangaroos.

Frist Art Museum

Address: 919 Broadway Phone: (615) 244-3340 Website

Exhibits, which rotate periodically since there's no permanent collection, have included Picasso, Albrecht Durer, and a variety of sculpture, vintage automobiles, prints, photography, and video as well as displays by local Nashville artists and Native American art.

The Hermitage

Address: 4580 Rachel's Lane Phone: (615) 889-2941 Website

The home of President Andrew Jackson, a National Historic Landmark with over 30 historic buildings over 1,120 acres, is one of the most visited presidential homes in the U.S. Self-guided and interpreter-led tours of the mansion and grounds are available.

Belle Meade Plantation

Address: 110 Leake Avenue Phone: (615) 356-0501 Website

From an 1807 log cabin set on 250 acres to one of the largest thoroughbred horse farms in the South, Belle Meade tells of Tennessee history, architecture, and equestrian legacy. Several tours are available, including the Mansion Tour and the Journey to Jubilee Tour that tells the stories of the enslaved African-Americans who were at Belle Meade from its beginning through the years following Emancipation.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Address: Enter on 3rd Ave. S between Broadway and Demonbreun, across from the Schermerhorn Symphony Center

The bridge connects downtown Nashville with East Nashville and Nissan Stadium, linking the two sides of the Cumberland River. Closed to automobile traffic in 1998, the bridge provides excellent views of the Nashville skyline

Centennial Park

Address: 2500 West End Avenue Website

The 132-acre park includes a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, historical monuments, a sunken garden, band shell, dog park, sand volleyball courts, and the Parthenon . The full-scale replica serves as an art museum with a recreation of the 42-foot statue of Athena at its center.

Tennessee State Museum

Address: 1000 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard Phone: (615) 741-2692 Website

The Tennessee Time Tunnel tells the story of the state through artifacts, exhibits, and stories from the permanent collection. The exhibits include natural history, archaeology, Civil War and Reconstruction, as well as temporary shows like "Women and the Right to Vote" and "Tennessee's Musical heritage."

White's Mercantile

Address: 2908 12th Avenue South Phone: (615) 750-5379 Website

With two Nashville-area locations, this nostalgic general store carries a variety of products including leather bags, handmade soap, home decor, antiques, and more. Shopping is a pleasure with artistic displays and a surprising assortment of beautiful things.

Hatch Show Print

Address: 224 Fifth Avenue South Phone: (615) 256-2805 Website

The Hatch Show Print show posters served as advertising for concerts from 1879 through the 20th century. Today, the posters are still popular with musicians and performers of all genres. In the downtown shop visitors will find apparel, greeting cards, prints, and custom work.

Imogene + Willie

Address: 2601 12th Avenue South Phone: (615) 292-5005 Website

This chic store specializes in denim, but also offers clothing for men and women, including tee shirts, jackets, accessories, and jewelry. Their signature candle incorporates scents of sage, palo santo, frankincense, and shiso leaf.

Rachel's Boutique

Address: 231 Sixth Avenue North Phone: (615) 345-7149 Website

From fashionable clothing to custom jewelry, this boutique carries creations from Nashville's local artisans. It offers home decor, gifts, linens, kitchen products, candles, and more.

Fanny's House of Music

Address: 1101 Holly Street Phone: (615) 750-5746 Website

Fanny's is a full-service music store with a variety of new, used, and vintage guitars and amps. It also offers professional lessons and repairs as well as clothing and gifts.

Antique Archaeology

Address:1300 Clinton Street, Suite 130 Phone: (615) 810-9906 Website

This is the home of the American Pickers , and it's the place for antiques, clothing, home goods, gifts, drinkware, and more. They offer clothing and accessories in Mike Wolfe's Two Lane brand.

Goorin Brothers

Address: 107 Second Avenue North Phone: (615) 248-4287 Website

Set in The District neighborhood, this is the place to find a wide selection of top quality hats for men and women. They offer fedoras, flat caps, baseball hats, straw hats, and cold weather beanies.

High Class Hillbilly

Address: 4604 Gallatin Pike Phone: (615) 840-7328 Website

Hand-selected vintage items from across the U.S. fill this boutique with vintage boots, hats, leather goods, tee shirts, and more. Denim jeans, jackets, shorts and accessories for men, women, and children are on display in addition to belts, belt buckles, jewelry, and purses.

Music Valley Antiques and Marketplace

Address: 1300 Clinton Street Phone: (615) 557-6560 Website

More than 30 vendors offer vintage furniture, home decor, accessories, and art.

Shopping Malls

Address: 433 Opry Mills Drive Phone: (615) 514-1000 Website

Tennessee's largest outlet, retail, shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.

The Mall at Green Hills

Address: 2126 Abbott Martin Road Phone: (615) 298-5478 Website

More than a hundred stores, including top luxury designer brands, can be found at this mall located three miles from downtown Nashville.

Downtown : This is the business center of Nashville as well as the location of Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans. Printers Alley, once the center of newspaper publishing, is now full of lively nightlife. Hotels, restaurants, and museums, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, reside in downtown Nashville.

Midtown : Adjacent to Vanderbilt University, with its 18th century architecture and sculpture gardens, Midtown is a neighborhood between downtown, Music Row, and West End. Restaurants, bars, hotels, and Centennial Park are conveniently located in this walkable neighborhood.

Music Row/Demonbreun/Edgehill : Just southwest of downtown, this area is Nashville's entertainment industry. This neighborhood is home to a variety of recording studios including the historic RCA Studio B. At its entry, a 40 foot bronze sculpture named "Musica" features nine figures celebrating the energy and diversity of the music industry.

Germantown : This urban residential community is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A few blocks northwest of downtown, the neighborhood is home to the Tennessee State Museum. Boutiques and restaurants abound in this area named for European immigrants who settled there in the mid-19th century.

The Gulch : This walkable community is located just south of downtown in a revitalized industrial area. Street art, live music venues, breweries, hotels, and restaurants make it a popular destination.

East Nashville : Dive bars, craft breweries, coffee shops, historic homes, art galleries, and vintage stores make up the culturally-diverse, artsy neighborhood. East Nashville is located across the Cumberland River from downtown.

Opryland : This neighborhood, located ten miles east of downtown, is home to Music Valley, Grand Ole Opry, and the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. The Opry Mills shopping center, Willie Nelson Museum, SoundWaves water park, and a variety of family-friendly restaurants can be found in this area.

West End/Elliston Place : Centennial Park, with its replica of the Greek Parthenon, is located in this neighborhood adjacent to Vanderbilt University.

Nashville has a subtropical type of climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Annual precipitation is about 47 inches, with the majority occurring in spring, particularly during the month of May. Spring is tornado season in Middle Tennessee.

Temperatures begin to cool in September, and autumn typically receives the least rainfall. Winter is colder, with little snow, usually about seven inches total, mostly during January.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month.

January 28 - 47 February 32 - 52 March 39 - 61 April 47 - 71 May 57 - 78 June 65 - 86 July 69 - 89 August 68 - 89 September 61 - 82 October 49 - 72 November 39 - 60 December 31 - 49

Nashville Visitors Guide : attractions, restaurants, shops, hotels iOS | Android

Opry : Listen to WSM; calendar of shows and artist appearances; purchase event tickets iOS | Android

Nashville Live Music Guide : calendar of shows, venues, all music genres; listing by area iOS | Android

WKRN Nashville News 2 : local news, weather, sports coverage iOS | Android

Uber : Rideshare servicing Nashville iOS | Android

Lyft : Rideshare servicing Nashville iOS | Android

Nashville Visitors Guide

Get the Nashville Visitors Guide for all your trip-planning needs. 

The Nashville Visitors Guide is the official city guide to assist with planning a trip to Music City. It’s designed to help you explore key events during each season of the year, provide insider tips on what to see & do, and provide the best lists and resources available to help plan your best experience yet in this must-see city!

• View the Online Guide

REQUEST A GUIDE TO BE MAILED TO YOU. We are currently unable to ship internationally. We hope all our international friends will enjoy the digital guide (above) and this website to explore more of Music City from afar.

Need Visitors Guides in bulk? Order here .

• Save BIG on Nashville attractions and tours with the Music City Total Access Pass.
• Do more for less with these special offers, discount tickets, package deals, and giveaways.

Get weekly news and exclusive discounts right in your inbox.

Nashville Travel Guide – Girls Trip

What to do on a Nashville weekend trip – specifically a Nashville weekend girls trip. Everything we did is included in this Nashville Travel Guide!   

This post is sponsored by Bode Nashville but all opinions are my own.

As a “Nashville local” (technically I live in Franklin, a suburb of Nashville), there are so many versions of a Nashville Travel Guide I could write….because it totally depends on who you are, what you like, how many days your in town, etc! I always tailor my Nashville recommendations to the individual person and the purpose of the trip.

This Nashville Travel is perfect for a Nashville Weekend Trip with GIRLS! I did this exact Nashville Itinerary below with 11 of others (all bloggers) for a trip! Overall, if you’re just coming for fun or for a bachelorette party – these are the places you’ll want to hit for the most Instagramable spots in Nashville. Let’s get started with the Ultimate Nashville Travel Guide!

After I share the itinerary, I’m going into detail on my recommendations / reviews of what we did. I also included a few more restaurant recommendations even though we didn’t hit all of them in our weekend. Since I live here, all of the restaurants I recommend are places I’ve personally eaten at and love!

Nashville Travel Guide & Itinerary

WHERE TO STAY IN NASHVILLE

For any group size 2-12, the Bode Nashville is an AMAZING CHOICE! That’s were we stayed with our group of 11 girls, and were so happy with the amount of space in our 5 bedroom. Bode is unique hotel experience – it’s a converted apartment complex into a boutique hotel. It honestly felt like the perfect combination of hotel amenities with an Airbnb experience and space (hello kitchen and massive living area!).

The Bode is also giving you 15% off your next stay! All you have to do is message them on Instagram @thebodelife and let them know who sent you (@annadanigelis).

Bode has an awesome lobby with local coffee, a bar, and lounge area with games. They have 2 massive outdoor courtyards with cornhole, fireplaces, and giant jenga. We sat out by the fire every night and it was such a nice place to hang out (especially during COVID where we didn’t really want to go out with the crowds).

Moving onto our actual “5 bedroom” condo – it’s technically listed as a 4 bedroom condo! It has 4 full size bedrooms with King beds, and a “bonus bunk bed room” that can sleep 4. The bunk room is tiny – but it’s sleeping space and it worked for our group! For a converted apartment, the kitchen, dining room, and living room were HUGE. It was shocking walking in and seeing how much space we had. For 11 girls, we didn’t feel cramped at all. We even our own private outdoor courtyard in our unit!

Not only is the space at Bode perfect for a group – the location is even better! For a big group, it’s the closest you are going to get to downtown Nashville. For Airbnbs, you’re definitely going to be farther out and not really in walking distance to downtown. At Bode, we were able to walk to dinner places and to Broadway! Our group was kind of high maintenance too and we we’re all able to make the walk, lol.

WHAT TO DO IN NASHVILLE  

Obviously, you’re going to want to get some pictures while you’re in town. Here are the most Instagramable spots (rooftops, restaurants, and murals) for you to check out!

MOST INSTAGRAMABLE SPOTS

• Murals – I’ll give a quick overview here, but I also have a Nashville mural guide with way more details here. The Gulch is a good spot to hit with the What Lifts you Wings and Candy Hearts mural.

• Pedestrian Bridge – great for a skyline picture of Nashville or in Cumberland Park! Park for free in the Titans Stadium (as long as it’s not game day).

• Broadway and 1 st street – get a great picture with Broadway in the background!
• Parthenon – want to look like your in Greece? Snap a picture here!
• The Graduate Hotel – BOHO, FUN, ELECTIC, BRIGHT, and BOLD décor. Multiple areas to hang and chill – bring a laptop and hang awhile. You can order coffee at the coffee bar. Or just bring a few outfits and snap some pictures.

• 12 South – 12 South is filled with murals and Amelia’s Flower Truck!
• Restoration Hardware Café – feeling boujee? You will with the ambiance of Restoration Hardware. Be prepared to spend $20 on a salad LOL.

Most Instagramable Bars/Restaurants

• White Limozeen – in general, the MOST Instagrammable spot in Nashville. But probably only if you love pink. Dolly Parton inspired, the couches and décor are so girly and on point. The drinks are DELICIOUS. I ate dinner here and don’t love the menu (French) so I’d just stick to a few drinks, maybe a charcuterie board, and go eat somewhere else. You come here for the pic! (And drinks). You are going to need a reservation and they only open up reservations 14 days in advance on Resy! Turn on an alarm to set a reservation at midnight 2 weeks in advance of your stay!

• Hampton Social –  Rose All Day neon sign, Welcome to Nashville, and a new rooftop deck with Cumberland River and Titans stadium views – there are many spots to take a picture with their coastal decor.

• LA Jackson – another amazing rooftop bar – and this one in is the Gulch. You can get a great picture outside looking out at the downtown skyline
• Any rooftop bar on Broadway –  Acme is good for the bridge view in the background

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN NASHVILLE

Best breakfast / brunch:.

I have a more detailed Nashville brunch guide here – so make sure to check that out! Highlights include Hampton Social, Mockingbird , and Biscuit Love .  For an unhealthy treat – you have to splurge your calories on a 100 layer 5 Daughters Bakery donut (on best dessert in Nashville guide ).

BEST DINNER:

It totally depends on price, mood, and cuisine your taste buds are craving – so here’s a breakdown. I pretty much only eat American, Italian, and Mexican LOL so those are my categories!

• For Mexican and half off pitchers of margaritas M-F 2-6, Saint Anejo hands down. I love Superica ’ s patio, and they are accommodating for groups.
• Nada is another Latin American / Mexican infusion restaurant, and we ate there on Saturday! Another great spot for a group and they even have a private dining room. We love how you can order a bunch of different apps and tacos and all share – so you really get to try a variety on the menu! Even if you’re not vegan, I LOVED the corn and mushroom tacos!

• Hampton Social – coastal vibes as described in most Instagrammable. Nothing crazy about the food (it’s good, but nothing like OMG special. You are there for the ambiance – but I do recommend the lobster roll, flatbreads, and avocado toast!)
• Mockingbird – such a fun place! A Chopped winner opened this restaurant so you know it’s going to be delish! Great drinks, atmosphere, and I love the brunch menu! They have adult capri suns too 🙂
• Henrietta Red  –  more a date night spot, but I love it!
• Rolf & Daughters – I consider this one more of a date night spot too, but I love it and highly recommend if you’re a fellow pasta lover!
• North Italia (in the Green Hills Mall so not a great location for tourists and Nashville vibes but it’s delicious. It started in Austin and was one of my fav restaurants there)

Overall Best for Groups

• Hampton Social
• Pinewood Social
• Mockingbird
• Butchertown Hall
• Butcher & Bee

BEST SPOTS FOR DRINKS

• White Limozeen – again, THE most Instagrammable spot in Nashville
• LA Jackson Rooftop – fun drink names. Get the Social Influencer or the drink with the Runtz candy!
• Mother’s Ruin – eclectic fun cocktail bar!
• The Patterson House – for a speak easy environment
• The Register / The Study – a new speakeasy style bar that also has a membership club

FUN THINGS TO DO IN NASHVILLE

  pedal tavern / party barge.

  We debated between a party bus or a pedal tavern, and went with Music City Crawlers pedal tavern. I was a little nervous about the “work” but it was SO MUCH FUN! Even more fun than I thought it would be! I loved how our bike had a driver and “bartender.” Our bartender supervised, handed us our BYOB drinks when they were low, DJ’d, and even saved my sunglasses when they fell off my head! A truck RAN OVER THEM and somehow survived (luckily the tires missed). At every red light, we would cheers and yell – it was honestly so much more fun than I thought it would be (especially as a local when I see tourists on these every day).

Party buses are also an option especially if you have a bigger group and don’t want to pedal! The party buses go in a wider vicinity around town, while on the pedal tavern you mainly stay on Broadway and in the action, which I enjoyed. We made 2 pit stops at bars, but optional to go in. The pedal tavern actually felt like a better group activity than going to the bars because you could actually all be together and not split into tables with a max capacity of 6.

BEST SHOPPING – NASHVILLE TRAVEL GUIDE

There are tons of boutiques to shop in Nashville! My favorite area where everything is next to each other (aka not far to walk) is Hillsboro Village! Here’s a list of my favorite shopping boutiques in Nashville:

• Finnley’s
• Uncommon James
• Urban Outfitters
• UAL (discounted designer store)
• Molly Green
• Dress Up Nashville
• Scout & Molly’s
• The Golden Slipper – local eclectic and handmade goods store
• Alexis & Bolt
• typical shopping mall
• This is where we designed our own jewelry at the Kendra Scott Color Bar!

NASHVILLE TRAVEL GUIDE SUMMARY

So that’s a wrap on my Nashville travel guide! I’ll do a more in depth post on my restaurant reviews soon – these are just my go to’s and also two birds with one stone kind of place. Meaning, you can eat, drink AND get a cute picture all at once! Just send me a DM on Instagram if you have any specific questions or leave a comment below!

Hi, I'm Anna!

Welcome to the corner of the internet where you’ll find boho & bright style, travel adventures, and life in my latest “hometown” – Nashville, Tennessee. My love and I recently bought a house – and we’re taking on the renovations ourselves! You’ll be seeing more home content here – from DIY tutorials to home decor inspiration. We have a LOT of ideas for this house, implementing slowly one room at a time!

Follow Along!

Where I Shop

Anthropologie

Banana Republic

Bloomingdales

Free People

J.Crew  &  J.Crew Factory 

Last Call Neiman Marcus

Nordstrom  &  Nordstrom Rack

Saks Off Fifth

ATHLEISURE 

Beyond Yoga

Outdoor Voices

Joss&Main

Pottery Barn 

Beautycounter 

Blue Mercury 

Violet Grey 

OLDER POSTS

Leave a comment.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• 01 Shop My Daily Looks
• 02 My Amazon Shop
• 03 Romantic +Size Style
• 04 +Size Brands Guides
• Savannah Travel Guide
• Key West Travel Guide
• Charleston Travel Guide
• Biltmore in Asheville Travel Guide

My Nashville Travel Guide

• 5 Southern US Cities to Visit this Spring
• Big Island Hawaii Travel Guide
• My Kauai Travel Guide

Nashville, Tennessee has become a wildly popular destination for girls trips and bachelorette parties, but it also has a great restaurant scene, fabulous museums and music venues. Nashville is fun for a couples trip, sure, but I think it’s even better to go with your gal pals or a group of friends. In today’s post, I’m sharing my Nashville Travel Guide, with all my favorite girly, fancy, and fun things to do! Keep reading for my favorite hotel recommendations, cute restaurants, and places to explore around Music City!

Click Here to Browse More of my Destination Travel Guides

*This post contains affiliate links, which, if purchased from, may result in a small commission for this site at no cost to you. Thank you for shopping through my links and for supporting the world of With Wonder and Whimsy.*

Shop My Nashville Clothing Picks

Opryland Resort is one of our favorite places to stay in the city. We love exploring the giant garden atriums and the balcony rooms overlooking them. The resort is also home to SoundWaves , a luxury indoor/outdoor waterpark with pools, slides, rivers, and more. Opryland resort also neighbors the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills Mall which has all sorts of fun touristy things to do like designer outlet shopping, The Aquarium and Rainforest Cafe restaurants, an escape room, an arcade and bowling alley, and a movie theater.

If you want to stay closer to downtown, The Dolly Parton-themed Graduate Hotel in Midtown is an explosion of colorful pop art and musical kitsch. Plus, it’s home to the rooftop White Limozeen restaurant (more on that further down in this post). And if you want to stay right downtown, the mid-century modern Fairlane Hotel is a Mad Men lover’s dream. Book a table at the Fairlane Ellington’s restaurant for a Sidecar and shrimp cocktail.

Sometimes Kyle and I visit with our dog Georgie in tow, in which case we like to book a pet-friendly Airbnb. 12 South is our favorite neighborhood to stay in because it’s so walkable with several restaurants, shops, and murals within a few block radius. Plus, there are lots of well-maintained sidewalks and grassy areas for walking our dog.

Where to Eat in Nashville

Check out one of Biscuit Love ‘s locations for the southern breakfast of your dreams! Biscuit Love always has a line out the door for a reason. But we had an early flight and beat the line. Try their signature bonuts (biscuit donuts) with lemon mascarpone and blueberry compote to start. Then order one of their biscuit breakfasts like their East Nasty topped with fried chicken, aged cheddar, and sausage gravy. Another of our favorite breakfast spots is The Perch in Green Hills. We used to walk there from our apartment when we lived in Nashville. Their sweet and savory crepes and waffles were always worth the walk! And if you’re looking for something to grab and go? Pop into any Frothy Monkey (we’re a fan of the 12 South location) for one of their specialty lattes and homemade cookies. Or splurge on a delicious layered donut at the inimitable Five Daughters Bakery .

Now let’s talk about brunch! If you’re traveling with the girls, there’s no better spot than the Dolly Parton-themed White Limozeen ! The Graduate hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar is an Instagrammer’s wonderland, with photo ops at every turn. Order a round of their fancy cocktails, oysters iced on the half shell, and eggs benedict and bread pudding french toast. And don’t miss a selfie with the giant pink Dolly head!

Lunch and Dinner

Our other favorite sips and bites around Nashville? Go vegan at Wild Cow and see just how exciting sweet potatoes, black beans, and seitan can be! Pop into Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for delectable flavors like Brambleberry Crisp, Gooey Buttercake, and Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach Jam. They have dairy free options too! Check out speakeasy Patterson House for craft cocktails, Party Fowl for Nashville hot chicken, and Five Points Pizza for our favorite slice in the city. And for something iconically Nashville, you’ve got to try a hot chicken joint like Party Fowl , Prince’s , or Hattie B’s .

For a southern steak dinner, check out Old Hickory Steakhouse inside Opryland Resort. Kyle and I were both wildly impressed by the cocktails, perfectly cooked steaks, and scrumptious vegetable sides. I’m talking about you, lobster mashed potatoes and creamed corn with shishito peppers! We had an ‘outdoor’ table in the River Delta atrium and enjoyed views of the evening light show as the sun went down. Highly recommended for a steak dinner whether you’re staying on the resort or not! If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern food, 12 South’s Epice offer elevated dishes in a chic contemporary space. A great pick for date night! Another must try is Chauhan Ale and Masala House in the Gulch for gourmet Indian cuisine from celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan. The poutine tikki masala is one of the tastiest things I’ve ever eaten!

What to See & Do in Nashville

Nashville is known for its music, but don’t overlook the art! The Frist Art Museum is an amazing museum with rotating art exhibits from both contemporary artists and classical archives. Kyle and I had memberships to the Frist when we lived there, and we saw everything from a vintage muscle car exhibit to a decorative arts collection from a historic British estate. The building itself is an Art Deco masterpiece, both inside and out, so give yourself plenty of time to explore. For history buffs, check out the new Tennessee State Museum (plus, it’s free admission!). It covers the history of the state of Tennessee – from antiquity, through its role in the Civil War, to its pop culture contributions tooday.

Opryland and Opry Mills Mall

Opryland resort is home to beautiful conservatory gardens and light displays which are open to the public. When Kyle and I lived in Nashville, we’d frequently visit for a cheap date night. We’d either grab a coffee from one of the resort cafes to walk around with, or we’d grab a drink at one of the bars and then walk around looking at the lights. Also at Opryland and worth a visit is SoundWaves waterpark . We love the Up Tempo River with powerful jets that push you along a river loop and under fountains and falls along the way. There’s an adults-only upstairs area with a pool, lounge seating, bar, and private deck set up with corn hole. Opryland is on the same complex as Opry Mills Mall , and The Escape Game is a fun group activity that’ll have you solving and sleuthing like Robert Langdon in The Da Vinci Code!

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

One place we visit on every trip to Nashville is Cheekwood Estate and Gardens . Tour the gardens and grounds, walk the trails, scout out the public art installations, and take in a rotating art exhibit at the mansion museum. Plan to spend at least a couple hours exploring the estate. It’s such a beautiful place! I especially love visiting in April for their annual tulip festival, Cheekwood in Bloom. In the summer, go to see the wildflowers, the giant art installations in the gardens, and be sure to cool off by spending an hour exploring the Mansion museum. In the fall, colorful pumpkins and mums abound during Cheekwood Harvest. And come holiday time, Cheekwood strings up Christmas lights so you can take in the gardens by night.

Nashville has a great shopping scene, whether you’re looking for independent upscale boutiques, Tennessee souvenirs and artisan goods, or a nice mall to visit on a rainy day. The Mall at Green Hills offers fabulous luxury shopping, with everything from Kate Spade and Tory Burch to Gucci and Louis Vuitton. It’s a beautiful indoor mall, and the massive Restoration Hardware store is a destination in itself. Just down the road in Green Hills was my go-to shopping center – Hill Center – that I frequented when we lived in Nashville. It has a number of my favorite stores all in one place: Anthropologie, Kendra Scott, Paper Source, and Whole Foods. And don’t forget about Opry Mills Mall , a plus size shopping mecca (and outlet mall too!) where you’ll find Lane Bryant, Maurices, Torrid, and Forever21+.

12 South is my favorite Nashville neighborhood for shopping, with its eclectic mix of locally-owned boutiques and brand names. It’s also a daytime destination for bachelorette parties who want to shop till they drop! Reese Witherspoon’s flagship Draper James store calls 12 South home, with sizes xs-3X carried in-store, along with accessories, home goods and gifts, and current titles from Reese’s Book Club. Be sure to snap a pic in front of the mural on the side of the building!

LoveShackFancy is another must-do. This store is spendy, and they don’t carry plus sizes, but if you love a shabby chic cottagecore aesthetic, then you’ll want to pop in just to take a look. They also carry sunglasses, jewelry, hair barrettes and other accessories if you want a little something to take back home. Like Draper James, LoveShackFancy has a beautiful mural on the side of the building where you’ll want to take pictures.

Stoney Clover is another popular stop in 12 South. You’ve likely seen the brand featured on Instagram. They carry solid colored duffel bags, cosmetic pouches, jewelry boxes, and more in a rainbow of pastel colors. Then you personalize your item from the wide selection of patches. You pick the patches and show the staff how you want them positioned, and they take care of the rest. They have letters so you can do a monogram, Nashville-themed patches, and options for a variety of hobbies and themes. They also have a mural inside the store where you can snap some photos. I’d recommend hitting Stoney Clover first on your 12 South shopping spree so you can give them a couple hours to apply the patches. Then, you can swing by and pick it up at the end of the day.

For something of a palette cleanser after all the florals and pastels and flounces, stop into Gorjana . This jewelry boutique specializes in chic understated styles for everyday wear. We’re talking dainty gold studs, delicate hoops, classic chains, and necklaces built for layering. They carry both fashion jewelry and fine jewelry, so you have options for every budget.

Honky Tonking on Broadway

No trip to Nashville, especially a first trip to Nashville, is complete without a crawl along the honky tonk strip ! Broadway is packed with honky tonks and country/blues clubs. Most honky tonks don’t charge a cover, but in exchange, they hope you tip the band when they come around with the tip bucket. Our favorite honky tonks are Legends Corner and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge . Hit Legends first and check out all the records on the walls. The front gets super packed, so if you need a drink, head to the second bar in the back for a shorter line. Next, get in line at Tootsie’s. Go straight to the top floor for drinks on the rooftop and to take in all the neon lights from above. Toast to good music and great memories, and party all night long!

I hope you enjoyed my Nashville Travel Guide, and I’d love if you’d Pin or share the graphics below! Please let me know if you have any questions or recommendations of your own. If you enjoyed my Music City guide, check out my Savannah and Key West guides next!

More Nashville Content to Explore

What to Wear on a Trip to Nashville

Cheekwood Harvest: A Fall Must-Do in Nashville

Plus Size Shopping at Nashville’s Opry Mills Mall

Nashville Plus Size Shopping Guide

Subscribe to Receive New Post Notifications

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription in order to start receiving new post notifications.

Kate Spade Hudson Medium Convertible Crossbody Review

Famille rose dinnerware review, biltmore blooms visitor guide, wonder & whimsy on the map.

Savannah, GA

San juan island, pagosa springs, co, key west, fl.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• San Antonio
• St. Augustine
• Washington DC
• HOME Main nav menu item
• MAPS & STOPS Main nav menu item
• Things to DO Main nav menu item
• SCHEDULE Main nav menu item
• FAQS Main nav menu item

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

2374 reviews

Old Town Trolley Tours Nashville 4.5

Nashville Travel Planner

Nashville Attractions

Nashville Historic Sites

Nashville Museums

All things To Do

Events Calendar

Know Before You Go

Fun Facts About Nashville

Things To Do in the Spring

Reasons to Visit Nashville

• Entertainment
• Rex Reed Reviews
• Awards Shows
• Climate Change
• Restaurants
• Gift Guides
• Business of Art
• Nightlife & Dining
• About Observer
• Advertise With Us

The Nashville Luxury Hotel Guide

All the top hotels to know in Music City.

Over the past several years, Nashville has rapidly transformed into one of the most popular travel destinations in the country, with visitors eager to jet to the Tennessee capital and all it has to offer. There’s so much to do and see in the city, including attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Johnny Cash Museum and Nashville Parthenon in Centennial Park.

It’s called Music City for a reason, and you can find live music playing at the plethora of bars, Broadway honky tonks and iconic music venues including the Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry House at almost any hour of the day, but there’s also a growing art scene, noteworthy restaurants (and you simply can’t leave Nashville without a taste of the Southern city’s famous fried chicken) and an influx of charming boutiques , as well as plenty of new bars and luxury hotels.

Nashville’s hotel landscape has grown at a rather astounding rate; while the city was once short on five-star accommodations, it’s become a hotspot for luxurious hotels. If you’re planning a trip the American South to Music City, then you’ll need to make sure you’ve booked a stay at the best hotel for your visit. Below, see the top hotels to check out in Nashville.

The Best Luxury Hotels in Nashville, Tennessee

Four seasons hotel nashville, the hermitage hotel, the joseph, a luxury collection hotel, thompson nashville, noelle hotel, loews nashville hotel at vanderbilt plaza.

• 100 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37201

The Four Seasons is a relatively new hotel to the Nashville scene; it debuted in 2022. The 235 hotel rooms are spread throughout the building's seventh through 14th floors, all with floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal views of the skyline, terrace or Cumberland River. The decor is classic Four Seasons—all modern furnishings, in a largely neutral color palette. Located in the downtown Nashville SoBro neighborhood, the Four Seasons offers two main restaurants: Mimo, which serves a Southern Italian menu, and Rivière Rooftop, a French-inspired eatery on the pool deck.

• 231 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219

The historic Hermitage is one of the oldest hotels in Nashville, dating back to 1910. The five-star hotel, which is designated a National Historic Landmark, occupies a prime location in downtown Nashville, within walking distance to attractions including the Tennessee Performing Arts Centre, the Johnny Cash Museum, Nashville Convention Center and Bridgestone Arena. The hotel is comprised of 122 carefully restored rooms and suites, all of which are outfitted with traditional, neutral furnishings, as well as Frette linens and marble-bedecked bathrooms. Jean-Georges Vongerichten helms the two main restaurants the hotel: Drusie & Darr and The Pink Hermit. The hotel is also equipped with a fitness center, though there’s currently no spa access.

• 401 Korean Veterans Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203

The Joseph opened in August 2020, at a time when travel wasn't particularly high on many people's agendas. The high-end property, located in the SoBro neighborhood, is a part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, but has more of a boutique hotel feel, with over 1,100 pieces of original art adorning the walls, courtesy of the hotel’s owners, the Pizzuti family. The immersive art experience begins right upon check-in, with a digital art wall and interactive sculpture in the courtyard porte-cochère and a custom leather front desk in reception with paneling by Lucchese and ceramic art. The Joseph is composed of 297 guest rooms and suites, with one main on-site restaurant, Yolan, an Italian eatery from Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano . The rooftop bar, Denim, sits on the 21st floor and offers impressive Nashville city views, which you can take in while sipping on a craft cocktail, and when it’s warm out, definitely take a dip in in the 50-foot saltwater rooftop pool. There’s also a sleek fitness center and spa.

• 401 11th Avenue S, Nashville, TN 37203

If you want to be right in the center of the Gulch neighborhood, then check in at the Thompson, located right in the midst of the ultra-trendy area. The Thompson Nashville, a part of Hyatt, houses 224 rooms and suites, featuring midcentury-inspired decor, sliding bar doors and floor-to-ceiling windows. Whether you’re a guest at the hotel or staying elsewhere, definitely try to get a reservation at Marsh Bar, the on-site restaurant. For drinks, head to L.A. Jackson, the indoor-outdoor rooftop bar with picturesque views of downtown Nashville, where you can also hear live music on weekends. If you want to venture outside of the hotel, then you won’t even need to get a rental car, as the property is within a short walking distance to Music Row, Broadway and the Honky Tonk Highway, and tons of restaurants and shops.

• 200 4th Avenue N, Nashville, TN 37219

The art-focused Noelle Hotel is another downtown Nashville gem, sitting in a 13-story building that dates back to the 1930s. While the property has been thoroughly transformed into a trendy 224-room hotel in the years since, the building pays tribute to its Art Deco origins and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For dining, there’s the signature on-site restaurant, Makeready Libations & Liberation, as well as the Trade Room lobby bar and Rare Bird, the rooftop bar. There’s also a super cute coffee shop, Drug Store Coffee, which houses an impressive vinyl collection that plays on a custom system. Don’t forget to stop in Keep Shop, the hotel boutique, as Noelle brings in Nashville-based artisans and designers to create exclusive products and experiences. It’s super conveniently located, and is about a 10-minute walk to Music City Center and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

• 2100 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

If you’re looking for a very convenient and reliable hotel stay, consider the Loews Vanderbilt in Midtown. It’s been around since 1984, and there are 339 rooms and suites, all of which are outfitted with the expected flatscreen televisions and free wifi, as well as Julien Farel toiletries. It’s in a convenient location, and is sure to appeal to those who need to be close to Vanderbilt University, though it’s also a short ways away from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Adventure Science Center and Bluebird Cafe.

We noticed you're using an ad blocker.

We get it: you like to have control of your own internet experience. But advertising revenue helps support our journalism. To read our full stories, please turn off your ad blocker. We'd really appreciate it.

How Do I Whitelist Observer?

Below are steps you can take in order to whitelist Observer.com on your browser:

For Adblock:

Click the AdBlock button on your browser and select Don't run on pages on this domain .

For Adblock Plus on Google Chrome:

Click the AdBlock Plus button on your browser and select Enabled on this site.

For Adblock Plus on Firefox:

Click the AdBlock Plus button on your browser and select Disable on Observer.com.