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Best Time to Visit

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Nashville International Airport Guide

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Public Transportation Guide

Driving in Nashville

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Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Best Museums in Nashville

Top Country Music Attractions

Nashville's Best Parks

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Guide to the Grand Ole Opry

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Your Trip to Nashville: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Ivey Redding

There once was a time when travelers planned a visit to Nashville simply to attend a music festival or spend hours in the city's legendary honky tonks listening to the latest up and coming country band. While those activities remain deeply rooted in the local culture, Nashville now has much more to offer travelers as well.

Over the past decade or so, it has become a culinary hub , offering some of the best food found anywhere in the southern U.S. The city also features an array of outdoor green spaces to explore, a thriving art scene, and some of the best local breweries to sample too. Oh yeah, and the music still remains pretty great, offering a mix of genres and big name stars, along with the hottest new talent looking to make it big.

This guide will give you a good overview of what to expect when visiting the Music City, providing you with valuable information that will help you make the most of your stay.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit : The good news is that the honky tonks are open all year round and live music can be found pretty much every day of the week in Nashville. That said, the city is well known for its hot and humid summers, which can be challenging for visitors to endure. That also happens to be the busiest tourist season too, with larger crowds filling up hotel rooms, restaurants, bars, and other attractions. The shoulder seasons of mid-March through May and late-September through November provide better temperatures and fewer people to contend with. Winters are relatively free of snow and ice, although it can still get quite cold. Just pack a warm jacket and you'll be fine.

Getting Around: Nashville's public transportation system mainly consists of semi-reliable bus service. The purple WeGo buses can be found throughout the city and can get you to where you want to go provided you're not in a hurry. The Music City Transit Tracker app can help make it easier to catch the bus, but honestly using the transit directions option in your favorite maps app (Apple Maps or Google Maps) is just as good, if not better. Nashville is a driving city however, so most visitors bring a vehicle, rent a car, or use ride sharing apps. Electric scooters are common throughout the busier parts of the city as well and are a popular option for getting around.

Check out our guide to Nashville's public transportation for more info on the MTA bus system.

Travel Tip: Nashville welcomes around 16 million visitors annually   and a lot of them are long-weekend visitors, meaning travelers tend to show up on Thursday and head home on Sunday. That means the city can be surprisingly quiet from Sunday evening through Wednesday. If you can plan a visit at that time of the week, you'll find crowds are less of a hassle. Or, if you can extend your stay to incorporate one or two of those days, you'll have an easier time booking a reservation at that hot restaurant or getting into a music show.

Things to Do

For many visitors to Nashville it is all about live music. If that's your goal, chances are you won't be disappointed as there are always bands playing somewhere. But the city also has plenty of great food to sample as well and a number of top-notch breweries too. You'll also find historical places to explore, unique shopping, surprisingly great parks, and an array of professional sports teams as well. Whether you're coming for just a day or two, or have an extended stay planned, chances are you'll find plenty of things to keep you busy in the Music City.

Music: If you have trouble finding live music in Nashville, you're simply not looking all that hard. You're likely to find artists and bands playing at the airport upon your arrival, but for a more suitable venue head down to Lower Broadway to check out the honky-tonk scene. Many of the bars in Nashville have bands playing every night, but for a real treat check the schedule at the Ryman , which just might be one of the best live music venues on the planet.

Museums: Nashville has a wide variety of museums to explore, which are great on a hot, muggy day. The Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-see for fans of the genre and the Tennessee State Museum is a walk through the local history and it's absolutely free to visit. Kids of all ages will love the Adventure Science Center , where you can actually have fun and learn something new at the same time.

History: For a slice of Civil War history, head over to Fort Negley to learn about the largest fortification built for Union troops after the city fell in 1862.   Nashville's Hermitage allows people to learn about the life of President Andrew Jackson and of the people enslaved there through tours of the estate. Nashville's Hermitage was For a different kind of history, head over to Music Row to see the iconic Nashville recording studios, some of which have been named to the National Register of Historic Places .

Parks: The Nashville greenway crisscrosses the city in a variety of places, offering visitors a place to take a quiet stroll and just stretch their legs a bit. But several other parks have a lot to offer as well, including Centennial — which has a full-size replica of the Greek Parthenon – and Radnor Lake , which features six miles of walking trail and the chance to spot an array of wildlife.

Sports: The Music City is home to both the Tennessee Titans of the NFL and the Nashville Predators of the NHL. It also has a AAA baseball team called the Nashville Sounds and a pro soccer team called the Nashville SC (soccer club). In short, that means sports fans will find a lot to love no matter what time of year they visit.

What to Eat and Drink

Nashville is one of those great destinations where the food can range from simple, down-home fare up to gourmet options that are so good you'll think you've died and gone to heaven. The city's signature dish is without a doubt Nashville Hot Chicken, which brings enough spice to test the taste buds of the most adventurous eaters. Give it a try at Hattie B's or Princes Hot Chicken to see what the fuss is all about. For something a bit more elevated and upscale, try the homemade pastas at Rolf & Daughters or sample just about anything on the menu at City House and Adele's .

As with most cities across the U.S., Nashville is home to some outstanding breweries as well. Yazoo is probably the most well known of the local brands, but places like Jackalope and Black Abbey make many fine options as well. If bourbon is more your style, head over to the Oak Bar to sample their stock. The famous and historical bar has been open for more than a century and has 130 bourbons to choose from. For great wine and great atmosphere, pack a picnic lunch and head out to Arrington Vineyards , where the setting is just as enchanting as what's in the bottle.

Where to Stay

There are a number of great hotels to choose from in Nashville, with many of them being centrally located in the downtown area. This makes them a convenient option for those visiting Lower Broadway, or partaking in the city's vibrant nightlife. You'll find some well-known chain hotels located on the periphery of the region, but places like the Hermitage Hotel and Noelle are found right in the middle of the action. If you want to stay a bit further out, the Opryland Hotel is a popular choice, with restaurants, shops, lush gardens, and even a waterpark found on premises.

Getting There

The best way to get to the Music City is by flying directly into the Nashville International Airport . The airport services around 18 million passengers annually.   Centrally located in town, travelers can rent a car, catch a bus, take a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service. It is roughly a 20-minute drive to downtown in a car. Alternatively, many people drive into Nashville too, with interstates 24, 40, and 65 providing good access from several directions.

Culture and Customs

In case you haven't figured it out just yet, music is the soul of Nashville. But don't be fooled, this isn't just a place for country fans. On any given night, visitors can find blues, jazz, rock, bluegrass, and a number of other genres being played too. Don't expect to find any locals wearing cowboy hats or boots, this is a rapidly growing, forward-thinking, and enlightened city where diversity, culture, and creativity are embraced.

That said, the city is still Southern to the core, which means the local hospitality is warm and welcoming. While Nashville has grown dramatically in recent years, it has also stayed in touch with its roots. Technology has become just as pervasive as barbecue and fried chicken, making this large city feel like a small hometown at the same time.

Money-Saving Tips

• Most live music is free. Sure, some bars will charge a cover, but it is easy to find places that to don't charge an admission fee to listen to the band.
• The area parks are free to use as well and often host events like farmer's markets, art festivals, sports activities, and even live music.
• Several of the city's museums, including the Tennessee State Museum and the Tennessee Agricultural Museum have no entry fees.
• Take a self-guided walking tour of downtown. There is a lot to see and do in the downtown area of Nashville and it is easily accessible on foot. You'll find shops, restaurants, parks, and other attractions that you can explore completely on your own.
• Discover more free things to do here .

Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. "Statistics & Facts."

Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee. "Fort Negley's History."

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. "BNA to Close One Runway for Full Reconstruction." April 3, 2020.

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30 Best Things to Do in Nashville, From Civil Rights Exhibits to Live Music

Locals weigh in on how to explore this energetic capital city.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

If Nashville holds a spot on your must-visit list, you’re not alone — in 2022, more than 14 million people made their way to Music City to take in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the cultural hub (and yes, that number includes bachelorette parties ). While Nashville’s reputation as a country music destination precedes itself, there’s more to Tennessee’s capital than the honky tonks on Broadway, the Grand Ole Opry, and The Bluebird Cafe (although travelers should make a point to visit all three). It’s home to top-tier museums, sprawling green spaces, historical markers, and no shortage of places to eat or grab a drink. “The quality of the food and restaurant scene has really exploded over the past 10 years,” says Meredith DiMenna, director of programming for Hutton Hotel and its live music venue, Analog . No matter where you choose to dine in Nashville, your itinerary must include two things: hot chicken and a meal at a meat-and-three (more on that later). “ Prince’s is my go-to for hot chicken, while Puckett’s always impresses with their meat-and-three,” says chef Maneet Chauhan, who owns three restaurants in Nashville: Chauhan Ale & Masala House , Tansuo , and The Mockingbird .  

Famous music sights and non-negotiable Southern dishes will quickly fill up your days and nights over a long weekend getaway, but there’s so much more to discover within the metro area. To help narrow down the list of the best things to do in Nashville, we tapped a few residents, DiMenna and Chauhan included, to share what’s on their “must-do” agenda for anyone spending time in Tennessee’s largest city.  Related : 5 Best Hotels in Nashville

Listen to live music at Robert’s Western World.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

If you can only fit in one stop along Nashville’s famed Honky Tonk Highway, make sure it’s Robert’s Western World . “You can’t beat the traditional country music every night there,” says Stephen Rose, founder of The Peach Truck . If you’re feeling a bit peckish, order a fried bologna sandwich to go with your cold beer.

Have a meal at a meat-and-three.

This Southern food concept is straightforward: Pick your meat and your three sides. “[Meat-and-threes] used to be pretty much the only food in Nashville, before it became the food Mecca it is today. There are so many good places that offer this, [but] I’m partial to Martin’s BBQ ,” says DiMenna.

Snap a photo in front of a mural.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

You’ve probably seen one of Nashville’s many murals on Instagram, but nothing compares to seeing them in real life. Get a picture with artist Kim Radford’s Dolly Parton in East Nashville, or line up in front of the black-and-white “Nashville Looks Good on You” mural in 12South. No matter which neighborhoods you visit, you’ll probably run into one of the city’s many large-scale creations.

Get tickets for a show at The Bluebird Cafe.

Robert Alexander/Getty Images

You never know who will stop by The Bluebird Cafe to play a few songs — Maren Morris, LeAnn Rimes, and Taylor Swift among them. The listening room only has 90 seats, so it’s an intimate and special experience for both the performers and the audience. “It’s such a great spot for a date night, girls’ night, etc., and you could be watching the next biggest country music superstar,” says chef Chauhan.

Tour the Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library.

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

The Civil Rights Movement in Nashville, which took place during the 1950s and 60s, is well documented inside the Nashville Public Library. Powerful photographs showcase the work and events that eventually led to desegregation, and there’s also a symbolic lunch counter, where you can read the Ten Rules of Conduct carried by the protesters during the sit-ins.

Walk around one of Nashville’s many public parks.

Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure

In between meals, you may want to get your steps in, and there are myriad ways to do so. “When visiting, you must walk across the [John Seigenthaler] Pedestrian Bridge, and check out Nashville’s selection of public parks,” says DiMenna. Centennial Park and Bicentennial Park are two of the more well-known spots, but there’s also Shelby Park, Percy Warner Park, and Cumberland Park. “It’s easy to forget that there is a lot of nature in Nashville, and if the weather is right — don’t try this when it’s super hot — you can get the feeling of being on a true nature walk while you’re still within city limits,” she adds.

Snack on a donut from Five Daughters Bakery.

Courtesy of Five Daughters Bakery

If you have a sweet tooth, schedule a trip to Five Daughters Bakery . There are several locations around Nashville, but the 12South store might be the most picturesque. Once you’ve acquired a donut or two, you can take an Instagram-worthy photo in front of the iconic “I Heart Donuts” mural.

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

To truly understand Nashville and its role in music over the years, you must visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and its extensive collections. “In a stroll through the galleries, [you will] experience everything from Thomas Heart Benton’s The Sources of Country Music painting and Elvis Presley’s 1960 Gold Cadillac to the American Currents: The State of the Music exhibit, which takes a broad look at the genre’s contributions to art and life across the last year,” explains Lisa Purcell, executive vice president of external affairs for the museum.

Get a taste of hot chicken.

rez-art/Getty Images

Have a cold glass of sweet tea on standby when dining on hot chicken, especially if you’re sensitive to a bit of heat. “Hot chicken is obviously a must in Nashville, and my go-to is Bolton’s in East Nashville. You can’t ever have a bad experience there,” says Rose.

Shop around 12South.

Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

One of the more walkable areas in Nashville, the 12South neighborhood is filled with coffee shops, bakeries, and boutique stores. Imogene + Willie is known for denim pieces, and White’s Mercantile, owned by Holly Williams, is billed as a “general store for the modern tastemaker.”

Pick up local produce at a Nashville farmers’ market.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

If you want to experience Nashville as the locals do, head to one of its many farmers’ markets. “I recommend 12 South Farmers Market in beautiful Sevier Park on Tuesday nights and Richland Park Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings,” says chef Tony Mantuano, who, along with his wife Cathy, guides the food and beverage program at The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel.

See a show at the Grand Ole Opry.

Self-described as the “home of country music,” the weekly live country music radio broadcast has been around since 1925. From 1974 on, it’s been housed in the Opry House, where acts ranging from up-and-comers to big names play multiple nights a week. If you want backstage access before the show, be sure to book a tour in advance.

Book a stay at one of Nashville’s best hotels.

A tourist destination as large as Nashville must meet demand with a variety of accommodation options. Choose from luxurious newcomers like Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Nashville and Conrad Nashville , or veer more toward boutique hotels — Graduate Nashville , Hutton Hotel, Bobby Hotel , and Urban Cowboy are all great choices. The latter, according to Rose, is also ideal for pizza and cocktails. “The vibe is always super on point, with the location housed in a gorgeous mansion in East Nashville,” he adds.

Bowl a few games at Pinewood Social.

A night out in Nashville doesn’t have to include fighting the crowds along Broadway. Instead, you can opt for dinner, drinks, and bowling at Pinewood Social . The six lanes made of reclaimed wood are open seven days a week, and ball and shoe rentals are included.

Buy a pair of cowboy boots.

When in Nashville, right? There are several places to purchase your own pair of boots, including Boot Country , Nashville Boot Co. , and Betty Boots . If you want an extra-luxe experience, custom boot fittings are offered in the VIP loft at Lucchese . “Guests of The Joseph have unique access to schedule a custom fitting at the Lucchese store in The Gulch. Guided by their experts, [you] choose [the] style, materials, shape — everything from toe to heel,” says chef Mantuano.

Pose in front of The Parthenon.

Bruce Yuanyue Bi/Getty Images

Photo ops are widely available in Nashville, but The Parthenon might be one of the more impressive ones. “The Parthenon in Centennial Park is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, and it's so unique and stunning to see,” says chef Chauhan.

Get your biscuit fix at The Loveless Cafe.

Courtesy of Loveless Cafe

Biscuits are par for the course in the South, so you can’t leave Nashville without having one or two for breakfast. The Loveless Cafe has been serving its famous biscuits to Nashvillians and visitors since 1951; try them with country ham, fruit preserves, or the red-eye gravy.

Explore the National Museum of African American Music.

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) opened in early 2021, preserving and celebrating the Black music experience across genres. Interactive technology lives alongside artifacts, memorabilia, and clothing to create six engaging exhibits that highlight the history of hip-hop, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, spirituals, and more. “This is the newest edition to the music museums, and it is absolutely incredible. You can spend hours in here if you’re a music fan,” says DiMenna.

Make a souvenir at Hatch Show Print.

Jackson Vance/Travel + Leisure

Part of the Country Music Hall of Fall and Museum, Hatch Show Print has been creating designs and show posters with its vintage type and hand-carved imagery since 1879. Visitors can stop by to learn more about the letterpress print and design shop or they can opt to make something themselves. “Advance book your slot in hands-on workshops, called Block Parties, which invite participants to use some of Nashville’s most recognized imagery to make Hatch Show Prints of their own,” says Purcell.

Swing by the Nashville Zoo.

Misty Mullican/Getty Images

“The Nashville Zoo is a great place to visit for the day, [and it's] enjoyed by both adults and children,” says chef Chauhan. The expansive zoo has more than 3,000 animals and hosts programming that includes overnight camping experiences, classes, and more.

Karaoke at Santa’s Pub.

For more than a decade, Santa’s Pub has been welcoming guests 21 and over for cold beer and karaoke. Like many things in Nashville, it’s something you have to see to believe. “Sunday night at Santa’s Pub. Just trust me,” says Rose.

Stroll around Lower Broad in the evening.

The Lower Broad section of the Broadway Historic District has a variety of sights and sounds to experience. Along with Robert’s Western World, you’ll find Tootsies Orchid Lounge , Legends Corner , and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row . “It captures the pulse of the city, and you get to see and hear so many amazingly talented musicians,” says chef Chauhan.

Go for a hike at Radnor Lake.

“Radnor Lake is a thing of beauty — our family loves to enjoy great hikes, beautiful scenery, wildlife, and more here, and it’s only minutes away from downtown Nashville,” says Rose. The state park boasts over 1,300 acres of nature preserve, and the Lake Trail is accessible for those with all-terrain wheelchairs.

See a performance at Ryman Auditorium.

Chef Mantuano says that seeing a show at the Ryman is a “truly religious experience.” Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman has more than 2,300 seats and has hosted acts like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Lizzo, and Harry Styles over the last 130 years. To immerse yourself in this landmark’s history, take a tour (either guided or self-guided) through the venue.

Spend a day at Cheekwood.

Depending on the season and the weather, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is the perfect place to explore with the whole family. The 1930s estate includes a 30,000-square-foot mansion and 55 acres of gardens. Visitors can purchase tickets to access the botanical garden, arboretum, and museum, and there’s also a 1.5-mile woodland trail with outdoor sculptures.

Attend CMA Fest.

Larry McCormack/ABC via Getty Images

“ CMA Fest , which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, is the largest and longest-running country music festival in the world,” says Purcell. Recent performers have included Darius Rucker, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, and BRELAND. The 2024 festival will be held June 6 through June 9.

Catch one of the rotating exhibits at the Frist Art Museum.

Housed in a building that formerly served as the city’s main post office, the Frist Art Museum has no permanent collection, and its mission is to “inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways.” “This is a really approachable yet super high-quality museum. They do a great job of mixing internationally known selections with local artists,” says DiMenna.

Learn about Nashville’s recording history at RCA Studio B.

RCA Studio B , described by Purcell as a “time capsule and working studio,” is a Nashville music staple, known for its role in making Nashville the recording center it is today. A guided tour allows you to see where the “Nashville Sound” came to be, and where country and pop stars like Dolly Parton, Charlie Pride, Waylon Jennings, and Elvis once recorded some of music’s most iconic songs.

Browse the Fisk University Galleries.

Travelers interested in American art and American history should make a point to visit Fisk University, Nashville’s historically Black university. The Fisk University Galleries — including the Carl Van Vechten Gallery and the Aaron Douglas Gallery — showcase pieces by Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe, and Diego Rivera, among other artists.

Hear the Nashville Symphony.

Music comes in all forms in Nashville. If your tastes lean more classical than country, listening to the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center may be more up your alley. “The building is an architectural gem with incredible acoustics, and the musicians are among the world’s best,” says chef Mantuano.

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Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

Weekend In Nashville: An Epic 3 Days In Nashville Itinerary

July 30, 2022 //  by  Southern Trippers

If you’re thinking of spending a weekend in Nashville, then you’ll love this itinerary. Nashville is a beautiful city in Tennessee that is full of fun things to do and see! It’s probably best known for its country music scene. However, you don’t have to be a country music fan to enjoy a weekend getaway in Nashville. In Nashville, you’ll also find historic sites, beautiful green parks, cool museums, and lots more.

Planning your trip to Nashville last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Nashville in advance to ensure availability! The longer your wait, the harder it gets. Here are our top picks for your trip:

Top Experiences And Tours In Nashville:

• Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour (Our top pick!)
• Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour (Super unique)
• Country Music Hall Of Fame + Museum (A must-see)
• All-Inclusive Pub Crawl (Great for bachelorettes or groups)

Top Picks For Hotels In Nashville:

• Hayes Street Hotel Nashville (On Music Row! Our pick)
• Club Hotel Nashville Inn And Suites (Great budget option)
• Graduate Nashville (Chic and modern on Music Row)
• Dream Nashville (Luxe downtown location)

On this Nashville itinerary, we’ve made sure to include a little bit of everything the city has to offer. Whether you love bourbon, country music, unique museums, or even Greek architecture, there’s something on this Nashville itinerary for you. We’ve also made sure to give you some of our favorite tips to help plan a trip to Nashville.

Each day on this weekend trip to Nashville features some of the most popular attractions in Nashville. Of course, if there are things you want to skip, you can easily do that. One of the best things about Nashville is that there is always something to do or see. However, you can still explore Nashville in a weekend and leave feeling like you explored the city fully!

Getting To Nashville

Because Nashville is one of the major cities in Tennessee , it’s very easy to get there. If you are traveling from far away, you can fly in. In fact, Nashville even has an international airport. So, that means you get there directly from just about anywhere in the world.

Nashville is also a very car-friendly city, and you’ll be able to easily get there from a variety of major highways. If you don’t like to drive, or just don’t want to, there are also train and bus routes that you can use to get to Nashville. No matter what form of transportation you choose, it’s very easy to get to Nashville.

Getting Around During Your Nashville Weekend Getaway

One of the best things about larger cities is public transportation. Nashville has its own bus system and you can easily take them all over the city. You’ll also find rideshare programs like Lyft, Uber, and a city cab service. Because Nashville is pretty condensed, you can also very easily walk most of the city. But you don’t have to walk.

Scattered throughout the city you’ll find scooters and bikes that you can rent. You can rent them for a period of a few hours to even a few days. And if you want a really unique way of getting around, hail one of the pedicabs. Pedicabs are bicycle cabs that can usually fit up to three people. It’s a fun way to see the city on a beautiful day! There are tons of options for getting around during your weekend in Nashville.

The Ultimate 3 Day Weekend In Nashville Itinerary

Day 1: explore the country music city.

On your first day in Tennessee, you’ll want to see why they call it the Country Music City. We’ve included some of the most prominent country music attractions. They are all within walking distance of each other, with the longest walk being 4 minutes. So you won’t need a car to get to any of these destinations.

Stop 1: The Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum

The number one stop to make while spending 3 days in Nashville is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum . Not only is it one of the best things to do in Nashville , but it’s also one of the most popular attractions. We’ve made it the first stop on our itinerary for Nashville for a few reasons. The first reason is so that you don’t miss it. The second reason is so that you have plenty of time to explore.

It’s a large museum, and you won’t want to rush through your visit. Inside, you’ll find the Country Music Hall of Fame inductees, dating back to 1961. Along with information about all of the inductees, you’ll find tons of artifacts as well. The museum has everything from iconic country musicians’ instruments, to groundbreaking records, and famous pieces of clothing. If you are going to see Nashville in a weekend, this has to be your first stop.

Book Your Entry Ticket Here: Getyourguide.com

Stop 2: The Johnny Cash Museum And Cafe

Your next stop is just a short 4-minute walk away. It’s the Johnny Cash Museum and Cafe! You may think that you have to be a fan of Johnny Cash to enjoy this museum. However, we think everyone can find something interesting to learn here. Even if you aren’t a big fan of country music or Johnny Cash. Inside, you’ll find the largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts in the world.

Not only that, but it’s been frequently rated as the number one country music museum in the world by Conde Nast, Forbes, and National Geographic Traveler. So, if it’s your first time in Nashville or your 30th, we suggest visiting the Johnny Cash Museum. Attached to the museum you’ll also find a great cafe that is perfect for lunch. Their menu includes tons of southern classics like fried chicken, bbq, and banana pudding.

Stop 3: National Museum Of African American Music

After learning about Nashville’s country music scene and Johnny Cash, you’ll walk another 4 minutes to your next stop. The National Museum of African American Music highlights music genres that were either created or influenced by Black people in the United States. It’s especially important that this museum was placed in the Country Music City. That’s because the roots of country music can be traced back to the Blues.

The Blues is a distinctly Black music genre that was influenced by the traditional songs sung by enslaved Black people. From there, it evolved into the country music we know today. It’s these unique and important influences on music history by Black Americans that you’ll learn about at this particular museum. It’s a fairly new museum that only opened in 2020, and it’s absolutely worth a visit. We suggest planning to spend at least 90 minutes exploring this new museum in Nashville.

Stop 4: Robert’s Western World

Your last stop of the day is right down the road from the National Museum of African American Music. It’s also a great place to have a light dinner or afternoon snack. Robert’s Western World is a traditional Honky-Tonk. It’s easily one of the best things to do during your first time in Nashville. Robert’s Western World is a perfect stop on your itinerary for Nashville if you want to explore the local nightlife.

It’s a popular Honky-Tonk bar that also has a full grille. So you can enjoy an iced cold beer, live country music, and southern food. They serve things like fried bologna sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and more. You can also just stop by and enjoy the atmosphere. When there isn’t a live band playing, they have a running playlist of country classics and new hits. If you’re planning a bachelorette weekend in Nashville , this is a must-stop!

Day 2: Explore Historic Nashville

For your second day on this weekend guide to Nashville, you’ll get to explore the historic side of the city. While all of these attractions are in the city, they are a bit farther apart. So you’ll want to use your car or grab a ride from a rideshare program.

Stop 1: The Grand Ole Opry

Start your day by exploring The Grand Ole Opry. Performing at The Grand Ole Opry is an honor for country musicians. Many musicians dream of the day they can step foot on that stage. That’s because it’s a historic stage where all of the best country musicians have performed. The performing venue has a pretty packed schedule of events. So you’ll almost always have a chance to catch a show at this iconic performance hall.

If you aren’t able to catch one of the shows, don’t worry. Throughout the day, the venue hosts tours. The pre-show backstage tour is a super unique way to experience The Grand Ole Opry. You’ll get to see where the artists get ready in one of the 18 dressing rooms, see the stage from the backstage area, and more. You don’t need to have tickets to see a show to get tickets for the backstage tour either. So if you don’t stick around for a show, you’ll still have a good time.

Book Your Tour Here: Getyourguide.com

Stop 2: Riverfront Park

After visiting the iconic Grand Ole Opry, hop in the car and drive over to Riverfront Park. It’s a short drive that’s just under 20 minutes away. While the park itself isn’t historic, it was built in the 1980s to honor the unique history of the river. Within the park, you’ll find a few different interesting things to explore. To commemorate the first European settlers to the area, the city built a replica village.

Along with that, there is also plenty of street art and beautiful gardens. There are sculptures scattered throughout the park. At night, the park lights up with different colored lights. It’s also where the city hosts all of its open-air concerts. We suggest going during the day so you can see everything without running out of daylight. However, it’s a great place to walk around anytime during the day.

Stop 3: The Parthenon

From the Riverfront Park, take a short 8-minute drive to The Parthenon. The Parthenon is a full-size replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece. You’ll find it in Centennial Park, which is the premier urban park in Nashville. It may seem odd to find a full-scale replica of The Parthenon in Tennessee. However, at the time it was built, in 1897, it made sense. Nashville was nicknamed the “Athens of the South”, and to celebrate 100 years of Tennessee being a state, the Parthenon was built.

Today, it is an art gallery and museum that is open Tuesday through Sunday. Inside, you’ll find exhibits about the original Parthenon, the building of the replica, and Tennessee in general. The gallery often exhibits works by world-renowned Black artists. While it’s not a massive gallery and museum, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore.

Stop 4: Historic Horse And Carriage Ride And Guided Tour Through The City

By now, your feet are probably pretty tired. So what’s better than a carriage ride through the city? There are a few options when it comes to booking your tour . All the tours are private for your group. However, you can choose between a 2-hour ride with up to 9 people or an hour ride with up to 4 people. So, it really just depends on the size and needs of your group.

While you ride in your private carriage, your tour guide will tell you all about the varied history of Nashville. You’ll pass by historic landmarks, beautiful historic homes, and of course, all of the big country music landmarks. It’s a great way to learn all about the history of the city when you only have time to explore Nashville in 3 days. It also makes for a great activity if you’re on a couples trip to Nashville. It can be pretty romantic to ride through the city in a carriage.

Editorial Credit: F11photo/Shutterstock.com

Stop 5: Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

End your day back in downtown Nashville with a stop at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is one of the best places to visit when you’re in Nashville . Your last stop is a world-famous Honky-Tonk bar. It’s been open and running since 1960, and since then, it’s become an iconic Nashville attraction. If you want to have a really fun weekend trip to Nashville, you’ll want to stop at Tootsie’s.

You can enjoy a nightcap at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge while you listen to live music. This iconic bar has hosted plenty of famous country musicians when they were just up and coming. In the bar, you’ll find ‘Tootsie’s Wall of Fame, where there are pictures of all the musicians Tootsie helped support, like Willie Nelson! If you only have 3 days in Nashville, you’ll want to make sure to stop by Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.

Day 3: Experience The Spirited Side Of Nashville

For your last day on your weekend in Nashville trip, you’ll get to explore the more spirited side of the city. That includes bourbon and some of Nashville’s haunted offerings as well.

Stop 1: Breakfast At Five Daughters Bakery

While Five Daughters Bakery isn’t exactly on the theme for the day, it’s a great place to grab a quick breakfast. All of their donuts are made from scratch daily and they are incredible. There are several shops scattered around Nashville.

So just pick the one closest to wherever you are staying! They are known for their donuts, but they’ve got great coffee too. It’s a great way to kick off the last day of your weekend getaway in Nashville.

Stop 2: The Ryman Auditorium

After you’ve enjoyed your donuts and coffee, head to your first attraction of the day! The Ryman Auditorium is considered ‘the Mother Church of Country Music. From 1943 to 1974, it was the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It played a pivotal role in the popularization of country music and is now a historic landmark.

It’s also said to be extremely haunted. Part of that is because it was used as the site of memorial services for several prominent country musicians. Many of them performed in the auditorium when it hosted the Grand Ole Opry. They include Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, and Chet Atkins. You can take a self-guided tour of the historic venue, and maybe you’ll see a ghost or two!

Stop 3: Take A Whiskey And Bourbon Tour

You can’t visit Nashville without taking a bourbon tour . Tennessee is known for its whiskey and bourbon, and you’ll want to sample it. This is a great activity when you spend your bachelorette weekend in Nashville, or if you’re on a couples trip to Nashville. The city has a variety of different tour options, so just pick the one that works best for you. There are even day trips to the Jack Daniels distillery !

There are also tons and tons of bars and pubs in Nashville. If you want to explore them, there are themed pub crawls you can do. They have ghost and moonshine tours, true crime pub crawls, and just a normal pub crawl. No matter how you want to explore the city while you sample whiskey and bourbon, there’s a tour that’s perfect for you.

Stop 4: Belle Meade Historic Site And Winery

If you don’t like bourbon and whiskey, don’t worry. There are other ways to sample the local spirits. In fact, one of the best things to do in Nashville on a weekend is to visit the Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery. The Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery is a pretty popular Nashville attraction. It is a Greek-revival Plantation Home that was built in the 1840s. Now, there is also a winery on site. Along with the winery, there is an excellent restaurant and an ice cream shop.

You can tour the Belle Meade Historic Site, and there are a few different options. On the main mansion tour, you’ll learn all about the history of the house itself. It’s been beautifully renovated to look like it would have during its prime. After your tour of the mansion, we suggest taking the Jubilee Tour. The Jubilee Tour focuses on the history of the enslaved Black people who lived and worked in the home. You’ll hear their stories and learn what life would have been like for them.

Stop 5: Go On A Ghost Tour

For your last night during your weekend in Nashville, we suggest taking a ghost tour! The Music City has such a long and unique history. Many think that this history makes it super haunted. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, it’s a fun way to learn about the city’s more lurid history.

Make sure to check out our epic list of the Best Things To Do In Nashville At Night for nightlife and more!

You’ll walk through Broadway, Nashville’s historic nightlife area. While you walk through, you’ll hear about the darker side of Nashville. It’s all based on historic accounts and eye-witnesses. So, while you may not see an actual ghost, you will learn something new about this unique city!

Where To Stay For A Weekend In Nashville

Dream nashville.

If you’re looking for upscale elegance, then Dream Nashville is a great option. Dream Nashville is located in two historic buildings that are connected in the center, where the hotel lobby is now located. The rooms are decorated with art-deco elegance and most of them have great views of the city. But that’s not all this beautiful Nashville hotel has to offer.

Along with the beautiful decor, Dream Nashville has some great amenities. Spend your nights relaxing in plush bathrobes while you order from the 24-hour room service menu. Or, you can go down to one of the 6 hotel restaurants and bars. Plus, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Ryman Auditorium, and so many other attractions are within walking distance.

Check Rates Here: Booking.com

Music Row Bungalow

The Music Row Bungalow is a cute 1911 resorted building right by the heart of downtown Nashville. While you stay at this Nashville VRBO, you’ll be within walking distance of some of the best attractions the city has to offer.

You’ll find it’s close to Belmont, Vanderbilt, the Bluebird Cafe, the Music Studios, and plenty more. This is truly one of the Best Places To Stay In Nashville!

This Nashville vacation rental is one bedroom with one full bathroom. It’s also very budget-friendly! So, it’s great for the solo traveler or couple looking to explore Nashville. If you’re planning on driving to Nashville or renting a car, this vacation rental also has plenty of parking options.

Check Rates Here: VRBO.com

Bode Nashville

When you want to stay in the heart of downtown Nashville, you’ll want to check out the Bode Nashville . The Bode Nashville is truly in the heart of the city. So you won’t have to walk very far from the hotel to find something fun to do! They also have a few different room layouts. You can choose from rooms with a king-sized bed or a full two-bedroom apartment. That makes it a great option if you’re traveling with a larger group.

Make sure to check out our list of the Best Resorts In Tennessee!

The hotel amenities also include a beautiful bar and terrace. On the terrace, you’ll find an outdoor fireplace with plenty of outdoor seating. The rooms are simply, but beautifully decorated and very comfortable. You will have to pay a bit more to enjoy being in the heart of downtown. But if you can swing it, a stay at Bode Nashville is totally worth it.

Stylish Loft In The Gulch

Located in the Gulch, a popular district in downtown Nashville, you’ll find the Stylish Loft . The Stylish Loft features huge ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and plenty of space. You may think of small spaces when you think of lofts, but the Stylish Loft is anything but small. There are two queen-sized beds, a fully equipped kitchen, a full bathroom, a dining area, and a living room. In the living room, you’ll find a couch that converts to another queen-sized bed.

That means there is plenty of room for up to 6 people to comfortably stay here. You can choose to cook in the loft’s kitchen or take a short walk to one of the many nearby restaurants and bars. Attached to the loft there is a shared patio space that you’ll have full access to. If you’re planning to spend the weekend in Nashville with a group or your family, then consider staying at the Stylish Loft in the Gulch.

Where to Eat During Your 3 Days In Nashville

One of the best restaurants in Nashville is Sinema. Sinema is worth a visit just for the atmosphere alone. You’ll find it in the old 1942 Melrose theater, and much of the original theater can be found in the restaurant still. It’s an incredibly charming atmosphere, which is just made better by the delicious food!

At Sinema, you’ll find classic American cuisine with a contemporary approach. That means you’ll find menu items like burgers, ribs with buttermilk horseradish, or pork chops topped with roasted peaches. The menu is definitely a unique and upscale take on American cuisine that you’ll want to experience.

Big Al’s Deli

If you’re looking for southern comfort food, then head to Big Al’s Deli. Big Al’s Deli is popular with locals and visitors. That’s how you know it’s good! Part of the reason Big Al’s is so popular is because of Big Al himself. You’ll frequently find Big Al chatting with customers while he works on creating the delicous dishes you’ll find on the menu.

Big Al aims to responsibly source all of the ingredients he uses while cooking. On the menu, you’ll find classics like shrimp and grits, fried catfish, and hot chicken. Everything is made to order. So you won’t be eating fried catfish that has been sitting under a heat lamp for hours. Instead, you’ll get to enjoy freshly made delicious dishes every time you visit Big Al’s Deli.

Butcher And Bee

When you’re traveling with a large group, Butcher and Bee is a great restaurant in Nashville to try. That’s because everything on the menu is served family style. So, instead of getting individual plates with your menu items, you’ll get large portions that you can share with the group. It’s a great way to get to try a variety of different dishes. Plus, it’s great for making sure everyone can easily find something they like on the menu.

The menu at Butcher and Bee is a mixture of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. Because of this, a lot of the menu items are actually served seasonally. So if you visit multiple times, you might not always have the same menu. Typically, you’ll find dishes like whole Morrocan cooked chickens, whipped feta hummus, and avocado crispy rice.

This weekend guide to Nashville is full of some of the top attractions, packed into just three days! We hope you’ve found these Nashville tips useful when you’re wondering how to plan a trip to Nashville. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway or simply wanting to explore the city with friends, a weekend in Nashville is always a great idea!

The ultimate musical pilgrimage. Attracting country fans and wannabe songwriters for a century, a new wave of bars, breweries and boutique hotels has left Nashville sounding fresher than ever.

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Nashville and beyond

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 .

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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 .

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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. 🙂

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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?

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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.

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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

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

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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!

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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

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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.

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Attractions & Events in Music City!

Nashville is an exciting vacation destination, with all of the live music and history there are a ton of fun things to do. Plan your Nashville Tennessee Vacation with us. Make the most of your Music City Vacation! Tune into every sweet note Nashville Tennessee has to offer. Start here with our Nashville Vacation Planner & Guide. We also have a What to See and Do in Nashville and a Nashville Vacation with Kids Guide. We hope you enjoy all the Nashville happenings.

Live Music Downtown

It would be a shame to visit Nashville without checking out all of the live music downtown. 2nd Avenue and Broadway are the well know (and for a really good reason) venues, but you can travel (by foot, car, or trolley) to a number of other streets to find fun and happening honky-tonks. Most downtown Honky-tonks are kid & family friendly until 9 PM because they know everyone enjoys great music & dancing!

Vacation Ideas and Travel Guide for Nashville

Nashville Tennessee is full of fun, lets start with our Nashville Entertainment Guide and Nashville Attraction Guide . If you are traveling with kids check out our Nashville Kids and Family Vacation Guide .

Nashville Vacation Attractions by Interest

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Don't Miss These Music City Attractions!

You have to see the Grand Ole Opry get your Friday or Saturday night tickets. There are music related museums such as The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum , The Ryman (original home of the Grand Ole Opry, and the Antique Archaeology seen on American Pickers.

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When a city is full of creative people the city has an appreciation for all things art, check out Nashville's Frist Center for the Visual Arts and The Parthenon two more MUST SEEs in Nashville. Here are a few other attractions you will want to visit while in Nashville:

Don't leave Nashville without hearing Brit Stokes and the Brit Stokes Band performing in the downtown honky-tonks. Live music is everywhere in Music City! Enjoy Life - Nashville Life!

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Planning a Trip in Nashville

Before heading to Music City visit  Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (NCVB) , call tel. 800/657-6910 , or swing by one of their offices when you arrive: in the tower of Bridgestone Arena at 5th and Broadway, or at 150 4th Ave. N., in the lower level of the Regions Bank Building. The NCVB offers money-saving and themed travel packages that include accommodations, attraction discounts, and events. The discounts themselves aren’t huge, but it does take some of the worry out of booking every element of your trip. 

Another easy and informative way to prepare for your trip is to check out local news and entertainment sites. “ Nashville Scene” is the city’s main arts and entertainment weekly and “The Tennessean” is the city’s daily newspaper. Both have event calendars and information on everything going on in Nashville.  Native Nashville  is a local culture magazine that you can thumb through online, and for foodies, Eater Nashville is a great repository for news and reviews of Nashville’s constantly changing dining scene. 

For music, there are a few stations you can tune into online before you visit or check out while you’re here: Lightning 100 is the city’s longest running independent radio station, and they focus on local music and emerging artists; WMOT Roots Radio   is a public radio station broadcast out of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro that plays everything from classic country to new Americana; and WFSK-FM, the campus radio station of Fisk University, broadcasts smooth jazz on 88.1. If you have a Spotify account, you  can also check out Tennessee Tourism’s Spotify channel for mixes that cover country music, the Ryman, and more. If you’re unfamiliar with exactly what Americana music is—essentially just a contemporary mix of country, roots-rock, folk, bluegrass, and the blues—check out “Americana Replay” on iTunes.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Plan Your Next Trip to Nashville online with our host, Christy!

When you’re planning trips, it can be overwhelming to research where to stay, eat, shop, and see live music. What’s the best time to go? How many days do you need? How much does it cost to stay and play? We’ve got answers … plan your next trip to Nashville online with our host, Christy! 

Airbnb Experiences are unique, memorable activities designed and hosted by locals that go above and beyond your typical tours or workshops. They provide a different way to experience a destination because of the passion of each host puts into creating memories for travelers. This is how we were born ( click here for the full story of how PhotoWalk came to be )! 

In the beginning of May, Airbnb launched a pilot program, ONLINE AIRBNB EXPERIENCES! They’re taking experiences online to help travelers plan their ultimate vacation with local legends. The first few cities to be tested out are New York, Mexico City, Bangkok, Venice, Paris, and Nashville. And our very own, Christy, was hand picked by Airbnb for this new opportunity as a global ambassador for Nashville! She is so excited and wanted to share this exciting new with her favorite people, you! 

If you are planning a trip to Nashville, hop on a  30 minutes zoom call  to let Christy offer insight and experience to your itinerary. She will be sharing all the best Tennessee travel tips, like how to get around, where to eat, best places to shop, and the best local attractions to see while you are in Music City. Plus a little bit of history and culture mixed in. She has already been helping guests from India, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and all over the US! You can book with a group or make it a private experience for more of a personalized itinerary. 

Photos taken by Shelby Carver at The Russell Hotel, Nashville, TN

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Christy is so excited to host you and can’t wait to get cracking on your trip planning.  Check out the links below to the other online experiences in the other 5 pilot cities! Even if you are just curious about planning future trips, check em out and tell em we sent ya!

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February 14, 2022

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Nashville's $3.1B transit plan: What's in it and how much it will cost taxpayers

Mayor Freddie O'Connell on Friday unveiled the estimated $3.1 billion final transit plan and accompanying sales tax increase that will appear on Nashville voters' ballots this November.

If voters approve, a half-cent sales tax increase would fund accelerated expansion of Nashville's bus system, build out dozens of miles of sidewalks and bike lanes and upgrade nearly 600 traffic signals to better handle vehicle congestion.

O'Connell addressed a packed room at the Southeast Community Center in Antioch, which is slated to become a neighborhood transit center, wearing a Peanuts transit-themed tie. The program, he said, draws from 70 previous studies and plans for improving Nashville's transit, as well as more that 66,000 points of input collected from the public over the last several years.

"It's not a new conversation, but it is a new opportunity," O'Connell said. "It is an opportunity to move after being stuck for so long, and it's an opportunity to invest in ourselves and the people who make our city go, and … invest in options for how to move around the city conveniently and safely."

The cost of the total "Choose How You Move" package , including funds set aside for anti-displacement and equity initiatives, is currently estimated around $3.1 billion in 2024 dollars, according to plan documents.

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Recurring costs may total an estimated $111 million. The plan's financial elements are undergoing a third-party audit and review by the state comptroller, and more financial details are expected to be released upon the review's completion.

The tax increase will cover around 40% of the plan's total cost, with the remainder expected to be funded through fares, bonds and state and federal programs. Having a dedicated source of transit funding will make Nashville more competitive for limited federal grant funds, O'Connell said.

An average family will pay about $70 per year or less through the higher sales tax to fund it, O'Connell said Friday, adding that people who live closest to transit today save around $200 per year than households located farther away.

The announcement comes seven months into O'Connell's first year as mayor, and solidifies the path forward for what could ultimately be one of his most consequential decisions as Nashville's top elected official.

He announced his intention to push forward with a transit referendum in February, aiming for a Nov. 5 vote that coincides with the typically higher turnout of a presidential election. O'Connell's administration has been working on a tight timeline to clear the state and local hurdles necessary to get the plan on the ballot.

The comptroller's review of the program's financial details is expected to be complete by May 31.

The administration will solicit public feedback and seek approval from Metro Council — all before the final ballot text is due to the Davidson County Election Commission on Aug. 22. In the meantime, O'Connell and other supporters of the plan will campaign for public support. The "Nashville Moves" campaign to support the transit improvement program will launch Friday evening.

"It's your move, Nashville," he said. "Let's go."

What's in the Nashville transit plan?

Nearly 60% of the transit improvement program focuses on the expansion and enhancement of WeGo bus services. Light rail, which is about five times more expensive to install than a comprehensive bus service, is not part of the plan.

"Choose How You Move" would nearly double WeGo service from current levels, updating dozens of routes, creating four new express routes and boosting frequency.

Bus system essentials would see significant upgrades, including:

• 285 upgraded bus stops
• 12 new transit centers to support better connections outside of downtown and offer amenities
• 17 park-and-ride locations
• Two bus garages
• 65 new buses

What could Nashville transit look like? New North Nashville center offers glimpse

The program also includes plans to purchase about 26 acres of land adjacent to transit center locations to ultimately be used for things like housing, parks and other public benefits.

Fifty-four miles of high-capacity transit corridors would upgrade roadways for vehicles, buses, cyclists and pedestrians on the city's heaviest traffic routes. Priority bus lanes would be installed in strategic areas to prevent WeGo buses from getting stuck in traffic.

Improvements to sidewalks, signals, streets and safety include:

• 86 miles of sidewalks (when paired with annual capital spending on sidewalks, this would effectively fund all of the city's 2022 WalknBike plan priority sidewalk network)
• 592 replaced or upgraded smart signals that can adapt based on demand and work with a forthcoming traffic management center to reduce time that drivers spend at red lights
• 39 miles of complete streets, including bikeway construction and safety improvements to Nashville's most dangerous roadways

What a sales tax bump means for your wallet

Davidson County residents currently pay 6.25% sales tax on  most groceries  (except prepared foods, alcohol and tobacco, candy and dietary supplements) and 9.25% on everything else.

Raising the local sales tax 0.5% would bump that up to 6.75% for groceries and 9.75% for other taxable goods, bringing Nashville's sales tax to the same level as several surrounding counties.

For a single adult, that could mean paying an extra $4 per month in tax on groceries and other household goods, based on average household costs in Davidson County, according to  MIT's Living Wage Calculator . A family with two adults and two children could pay around $10 more per month in sales tax on those basics.

The plan's proposed timeline

Should the sales tax increase pass in November, the increase could go into effect on Feb. 1, 2025.

Immediate improvements would include:

• WeGo bus service enhancements
• Lighting and safety improvements
• Early improvements to sidewalks, safety measures and traffic signals
• A microtransit pilot program through WeGo Link, which partners with rideshare providers to offer subsidized fare to certain bus stops for riders in less-dense areas of the county

Within two years:

• "Substantial" bus service improvements to hours and frequency
• Sidewalk and upgraded signal installation continues
• The first "Complete Street" project (which will include updates for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and transit users) will be completed

Within five years:

• More than 150 signals will be upgraded along with the Traffic Management Center
• All-Access Corridors begin high-frequency bus service on West End, Charlotte Pike and between Elizabeth Duff Transit Center and South Broadway (through James Robertson Parkway, Rosa L. Parks Blvd. and Lafayette Street)

Within 10 years:

• 60 miles of sidewalks will be built
• All-Access Corridors will begin high-frequency bus service on Murfreesboro Pike, Gallatin Pike and Clarksville Pike
• Downtown, All-Access Corridors will provide high-frequency service on James Robertson Parkway linking the Elizabeth Duff Transit Center to the East Bank, and the East Bank to South Broadway via the Gateway Bridge

Within 15 years:

• Nearly 600 traffic signals will be upgraded
• 78 miles of the Vision Zero high-injury network will have safety improvements
• 86 miles of new sidewalk will be complete
• High capacity transit will be available on Dickerson Pike and Nolensville Pike, rounding out service on Nashville's 10 busiest roadways.

What's next for Nashville transit

• May 31: Financial certification from State Comptroller
• June 7: Transit Improvement Plan/Ordinance filed for Metro Council review
• Aug. 6: Metro Council final reading and vote
• Aug. 22: Transit Improvement Plan ballot language must be submitted to the Davidson County Election Commission
• Oct. 16: Early voting begins
• Nov. 5: Election Day

Plan A Road Trip to Nashville

Grab your family or friends, and then hit the road! Check out our downloadable Road Trip Guides to Nashville, with suggested stops highlighted along the way. There’s a guide for every interstate leading into Music City.

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