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The 20 best attractions and sights in nashville.

Whether you’ve lived here for years, just moved to town, or are visiting for the weekend, there’s no excuse for being bored in Music City. From must-see museums to iconic music venues, consider this your Nashville bucket list.

Nashville Zoo

Kids of all ages can enjoy a field trip to the Nashville Zoo , which has grown leaps and bounds since taking over the Grassmere property in 1996. Interactive exhibits like Critter Encounters and Lorikeet Landing as well as exhibits dedicated to flamingos, and meerkats keep local animal lovers intrigued.

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Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Perhaps the most gorgeous 55 acres in the greater Nashville area, Cheekwood is a hit with locals and visitors year-round. From the Cheekwood Mansion art gallery to the estate’s 12 sprawling gardens to special exhibits from world-renowned artists, you could spend hours taking in all kinds of stunning visuals. Cheekwood also has a variety of seasonal installations including Cheekwood in Bloom , Cheekwood Harvest , and Holiday Lights at Cheekwood .

Frist Art Museum

With exhibits that rotate every six to eight weeks, no visit to the Frist Art Museum is ever the same—but you’re always guaranteed to leave inspired. Housed in an art deco building, Nashville’s hub for visual art displays works from local, state, and regional artists as well as national and international exhibitions.

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The Hermitage

The home of Andrew Jackson, located on the outskirts of town, is one of the most popular attractions in the state. Open as a museum since 1889, The Hermitage sits on more than 1,000 acres and comprises the seventh U.S. president’s stately mansion, its surrounding gardens and grounds, and the Jackson family tomb. The million-dollar exhibit, Andrew Jackson: Born for a Storm , features interactive displays and a deep dive into his multifaceted life.

GEODIS Park

GEODIS Park , situated in the heart of Wedgewood-Houston, is home to the Nashville Soccer Club. This 30,000-seat stadium is the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States and Canada. Looking to catch a match? See the Nashville SC’s home game schedule here .

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Fifth + Broadway

Fifth + Broadway is a mixed-use development conveniently located on Broadway in Downtown Nashville. The building combines restaurants, shops, office space, a museum, and residential units. Restaurants include local favorites like Slim + Husky’s and Hattie B’s as well as nationally-known eateries like Shake Shack and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. On the retail side, visitors can purchase Nashville-centric apparel at The Nash Collection or shop at one of the only brick-and-mortar Ariat stores in the world. Explore the 55,000-square-foot National Museum of African American Music or stay indefinitely at The Place.

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Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

It’s known as “the Smithsonian of country music” for good reason, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum spans 350,000 square feet of prime Downtown Nashville real estate, which it packs with thousands of artifacts, two performance theaters, and countless rotating special exhibitions. The museum’s permanent installation, Sing Me Back Home , takes visitors through the evolution of country music from its roots in the nineteenth century to today’s biggest hitmakers.

Bluebird Cafe

The world-famous and incredibly intimate Bluebird Cafe is where you go to hear your favorite songs—and their backstories—straight from the people who wrote them. (Yes, just like on TV.) Nearly every night, this tiny cafe hosts a group of songwriters who play and banter their way through acoustic rounds, captivating those who got lucky enough to score a seat.

Grand Ole Opry

An essential Nashville music experience is a trip to the historic Grand Ole Opry —it’s the only place where country music stars of past, present, and future have shared the same stage. Spring for the backstage tour, where you can see the Opry’s 18-themed dressing rooms, learn behind-the-scenes secrets, and, if you’re lucky, step foot in “The Circle” yourself.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge , completed in 1909, is a steel-trussed bridge that connects East Nashville with the hustle and bustle of Downtown Nashville. Runners, commuters, and sightseers alike can be found crisscrossing this skyline landmark at all hours of the day, often pausing to admire the picturesque Cumberland views.

Ryman Auditorium

Your first show at the prestigious Mother Church—famed for its acoustics and pew seating—will be a turning point in your concert-going experience. Formerly the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman now shines on its own as a hallowed performance hall for all genres of musicians as well as comedians and authors. Self-guided tours are available daily, tickets are $27+ for adults and $18+ for children (4-11).

Broadway Honky-Tonks

Though they might complain about it, even locals have a hard time staying away from Nashville’s glittering main strip—it’s that much of a good time. Lined with perennial honky-tonks like Robert’s Western World and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge , Lower Broadway has seen a revitalization with trendier establishments like Acme Feed and Seed and Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa .

Radnor Lake State Park

Offering 1,300 acres of serene forests, trails, and wildlife, the Radnor Lake area is a literal breath of fresh air for cooped-up Nashvillians. And this natural treasure offers even more than just exercise and a break from daily stressors—The Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center can turn your visit into a full-on learning experience.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Stop at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery for a part history lesson and part good old-fashioned whiskey tasting. Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson revived their great-great-great-grandfather’s family business in 2009. The tour guides here will take you back to the start over a century ago and its subsequent shutting down during Prohibition—cheers to the Nelsons’ happy ending!

The Parthenon

The Parthenon , originally constructed as a temporary exhibit for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition, is a full-scale replica of the iconic Athens structure that became so popular it is now a permanent Nashville fixture. Updates over the years have included the creation of the surrounding Centennial Park, a complete overhaul of the structure’s exterior, and the installation of a 42-foot-tall Athena statue. When you visit, don’t miss the fine art museum on the lower level.

Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar

The Goo Goo Cluster isn’t just your ordinary sweet treat—it’s the world’s first-ever “combination candy,” a swirl of caramel, marshmallow nougat, peanuts, and chocolate. Fittingly, the Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar’s headquarters isn’t just a shop—it’s a decadent destination, featuring Goo Goo’s rich history, a dessert and coffee bar, and a clear view of the confectionary kitchen’s skilled candy makers.

“I Believe in Nashville” Murals

You won’t find a more “Nashville” photo-op than the “I Believe in Nashville” murals . Music City native Adrien Saporiti has created two of them across town, one each in 12 South and Marathon Village —both neighborhoods are a must-visit!

Johnny Cash Museum

Whether you’re a casual listener or a die-hard fan of the Man in Black, it’s hard not to be emotionally moved as you walk through the Johnny Cash Museum . From his humble beginnings in Arkansas to his groundbreaking Folsom Prison performance to his love affair with June Carter, this is a fully-encompassing journey of Cash and his legacy.

First Horizon Park

First Horizon Park , is home to The Nashville Sounds, a Minor League Baseball team of the International League. This massive ballpark situated in Germantown, boasts an unrivaled view of the field, a guitar-shaped scoreboard, and limitless concessions. The stadium also hosts occasional concerts, events, and festivals.

Soundwaves + Gaylord Opryland

SoundWaves , the upscale indoor-outdoor water attraction at  Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center , offers over four acres of entertainment, including 11 slides, a wave pool, FlowRider wave simulator, rapid and lazy rivers, an activity pool, a restaurant, adults-only pool and bar, private cabanas, and kids areas. This attraction is open year-round.

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7 Comments on "The 20 Best Attractions and Sights in Nashville"

looking forward to visiting

I need to see my beautiful city! Summer 2001 here we come!!!!!

Hello, thank you for the information. I would like to suggest one more place to enjoy night life in Nashville and it is called as Legend’s Corner.

Free 1910 year old car factory museum showing how they made car in the early 1900s

I will be visiting Nashville soon, so excited can’t wait!!!

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Your Trip to Nashville: The Complete Guide

• Best Time to Visit
• Weather & Climate
• Nashville International Airport Guide
• Neighborhoods to Know
• Public Transportation Guide
• Driving in Nashville
• Day Trips From Nashville
• 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
• Outdoor Escapes Near Nashville
• Live Music Venues
• Guide to the Grand Ole Opry
• Nashville's Top Annual Events
• Food to Try in Nashville
• Nashville's Best Restaurants
• Best Bars in Nashville
• Top Nashville Breweries

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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This Southern U.S. City Is Known for Great Eats and Even Better Music — Here's How to Plan Your Trip

Visit Nashville for an unforgettable adventure. Discover the best hotels, restaurants and things to do with this highly curated Nashville travel guide.

Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Nashville, Tennessee's capital city, is located in the north central part of the state on the Cumberland River. Founded in 1779 and named for Francis Nash, a Continental Army General during the American Revolutionary War, Nashville is the most populous city in Tennessee and one of the nation's fastest growing economies.

Called "Music City," Nashville is home to the Grand Ole Opry, known for country music performances and legends like Johnny Cash, Reba McIntire, Loretta Lynn, Minnie Pearl, Vince Gill and others who have graced the stage there. The Ryman Auditorium has also seen stars like Dolly Parton and Hank Williams, and now hosts shows of all genres. Bars, restaurants, and performance venues offer live music every day of the week, and it's not just country music. Bluegrass, rock, pop, and a wide range of styles can be heard throughout the city.

Another nickname for Nashville is "Athens of the South" for its many institutions of higher learning, including Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, and Belmont. The Parthenon in Centennial Park, a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, is a reminder of the city's reputation. It was built in 1897 for the state's Centennial Exposition.

Nashville is in the Central Time Zone, though the state of Tennessee is divided into Eastern Time Zone and Central Time Zone. (Daylight Savings Time is observed seasonally.)

Spring (April, May) and Autumn (September, October) are good times to visit Nashville because the weather is generally comfortable. The summer months of July and August are quite warm and humid, and winter is often cold and rainy. If weather is not an issue, it may be more economical to visit during winter months when there are fewer tourists.

Festivals like the springtime Cherry Blossom Festival , Fashion Week , CMA Fest , Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival , Pride Festival , Nashville Film Festival , or Germantown's Oktoberfest attract visitors based on their interest in the event rather than the time of year.

The elegant Schermerhorn Symphony Center , located downtown across from the Country Music Hall of Fame is the place to hear classical, jazz, world music, and Broadway.

Nashville is the home of Hot Chicken, and Prince's Hot Chicken is considered the original. Choose your heat level from Plain to XXX Hot, but be aware that they really mean XXX HOT!

The AT&T Building is nicknamed the Batman Building because its two towers make it resemble Batman's pointed ears.

Nashville was the first Southern city to desegregate public establishments after a series of downtown sit-ins by African-American college students in 1960.

Elvis Presley recorded more than 200 of his songs on Music Row at RCA's Studio B. (The year-round Christmas lights there commemorate his recording of his Christmas album when they were put up in July, along with a Christmas tree, to inspire the holiday mood.)

Tennessee is called "The Volunteer State." Volunteer soldiers from Tennessee played a large role in the War of 1812, especially during the Battle of New Orleans. Later in the Mexican-American War of 1846, Tennessee sent 30,000 soldiers for the effort.

Nashville is home to the National Football League Titans, the National Hockey League Predators, and Major League Soccer team the Nashville Soccer Club. The city also has a minor league baseball team, the Sounds.

A Nashville hotel led to the name of Maxwell House coffee. Their popular brew was given the hotel's name, and, during a 1907 stay, President Theodore Roosevelt supposedly said, "Good to the last drop," creating the brand's familiar slogan.

Nashville's main public transit system, WeGo Public Transit , has purple buses covering more than 50 routes throughout the city. Plan ahead of time using the service's convenient trip planner as a guide. WeGo offers an bus service to and from the Nashville Airport (BNA). It also offers a park and ride service with free parking at designated locations

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) operates ten bus routes between Nashville and several other cities as well as linking riders with the WeGo system. In addition, RTA oversees the Music City Star regional rail line.

Taxis, Uber, and Lyft all operate in Nashville.

Bobby Hotel

Address: 230 Fourth Avenue North Phone: (615) 782-7100 Book Now

This creative hotel in historic Printers Alley offers luxury, fun, and a variety of rooms, including one and two-bedroom suites. There's a full-service spa and several dining and cocktail venues including the rooftop lounge where you can sip your drink in a retrofitted 1956 Greyhound bus. When it comes to the best hotels in Nashville . this property pretty much checks all the boxes.

21c Museum Hotel

Address: 221 Second Avenue North Phone: 615-610-6400 Book Now

Set in a restored 1900s building, the hotel offers 124 guest rooms and suites with luxury amenities and original art. The hotel features a fitness center, business center, curated art exhibitions and dining at Gray & Dudley, named for the original building.

Moxy Downtown

Address: 110 Third Avenue South Phone: (615) 986-2091 Book Now

Steps from the Country Music Hall of Fame, the hotel features urban-chic rooms and amenities like locally roasted coffee, a 24-hour fitness center, and Plug & Meet areas. The casual Bar Moxy is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails.

Dream Hotel

Address: 210 Fourth Avenue North Phone: (615) 622-0600 Book Now

The Dream offers 168 art deco-inspired rooms set in two historic Printers Alley buildings conveniently located near Nashville's popular attractions. There's a fitness center, six dining and nightlife options, and luxury amenities.

Holston House

Address: 118 Seventh Avenue North Phone: (615) 391-1234 Book Now

Set in a historic building, the boutique hotel offers 191 rooms, including six suites blending modern and art deco styles. Roomy corner and penthouse suites offer even more room to relax. The signature restaurant is TENN, and the rooftop lounge, TENN on Top, boasts spectacular city views.

Hotel Indigo

Address: 301 Union Street Phone: (615) 891-6000 Book Now

This former Printers Alley bank building is now a modern hotel featuring a printer-themed lobby and a speakeasy-inspired lounge with local artists and songwriters performing seven nights a week. The District Bar & Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Address: 231 Sixth Avenue North Phone: (615) 244-3121

This five-star hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with soft bedding, plush robes, Bose docking stations, and excellent service. The signature Capital Grille restaurant first opened in 1910 and still serves authentic Southern fare made from the freshest ingredients. With more than 130 bottles, The Oak Bar boasts one of the largest collections of bourbons in Nashville.

Westin Nashville

Address: 807 Clark Place Phone: (615) 248-2800 Book Now

This luxury boutique hotel features guestrooms and one-bedroom suites, including the Presidential Suite with round bed and dazzling city views as well as the highest rooftop lounge in the city, L27. The on-site Rhapsody Spa offers CBD treatments, and their fitness studio is open 24 hours.

Grand Hyatt Nashville

Address: 1000 Broadway Phone: (615) 622-1234 Book Now

This luxury property at Nashville Yards is conveniently located within walking distance of the Gulch and Midtown. The Grand Hyatt boasts one of the highest outdoor rooftop bars in Nashville as well as a pool, spa, and seven dining and beverage options.

Fairlane Hotel

Address: 401 Union Street Phone: (615) 988-8511 Book Now

This retro-modern hotel was originally a bank built in 1972, and its mid-century architectural details have been preserved. Guestrooms and suites are luxuriously and uniquely furnished, and Penthouse Suites offer outdoor terraces with fire pits. Ellington's Restaurant continues the mid-century vibe with its modern take on classic dishes.

Aloft Hotel

Address: 1719 West End Avenue Phone: (615) 329-4200 Book Now

This design-forward hotel is in a lively area near Vanderbilt University less than a mile from downtown. The first floor is for socializing, with a pool table, regional art, and a grab-n-go pantry. The loft-style rooms feature comfortable platform beds and showers with rainfall showerheads.

Graduate Nashville

Address: 101 20th Avenue North Phone: Book Now

This playful and funky hotel in the heart of midtown, and near Vanderbilt University, features luxe guest rooms, animatronic karaoke, and Poindexter, its lobby-level cafe. Its Dolly Parton-themed rooftop bar, White Limozeen , provides stunning views of the Nashville skyline.

Kimpton Aertson

Address: 2021 Broadway Phone: (615) 340-6376 Book Now

This boutique hotel is the centerpiece of the Aertson Midtown mixed-use destination. Its industrial details and refined finishes include a live green wall, open living room, poured concrete floors, and double-sided fireplace. There's a seasonal swimming pool, expansive spa, and views of the Vanderbilt University campus.

Thompson Nashville

Address: 401 11th Avenue South Phone: (615) 262-6000 Book Now

This hip, Gulch hotel offers an inviting space with panoramic city views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Their indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant, L.A. Jackson, boasts incredible views of downtown Nashville's skyline.

East Nashville

Urban cowboy.

Address: 1603 Woodland Street Phone: (347) 840-0525 Book Now

The boutique hotel's eight uniquely furnished and decorated suites are housed in a historic Victorian mansion. The Public House serves craft cocktails in rustic surroundings or the stylish backyard.

The Dive Motel

Address: 1414 Dickerson Pike Phone: (615) 650-9103

Each of their 23 rooms is one-of-a-kind and equipped with their signature "Party Switch" that spins a Disco Ball with a choice of four channels. Pool, hot tub, and The Dive Bar & Lounge make a stay at The Dive a truly Nashville experience.

Other Nashville Locations

Gaylord opryland resort & convention center.

Address: 2800 Opryland Drive Phone: (615) 889-1000 Book Now

The 3,000 room resort destination is set on the Cumberland River, minutes from Nashville International Airport and a short drive (or riverboat cruise) from downtown. The resort includes nine acres of indoor gardens, an indoor river and waterfalls, a spa, fitness center, golf course, and a range of dining options and events.

Address: 221 Second Avenue North Phone: (615) 610-6460 Website

Adjacent to a museum and historical building, the restaurant honors both with a traditional Southern menu of appetizers, snacks, entrees, and delicious cocktails.

Frothy Monkey

Address: 235 Fifth Avenue North Phone (615) 600-4756 Website

Frothy Monkey has it all, seriously: breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, specialty coffees, signature coffee drinks, cocktails, wine, and a kid's menu, salads and sandwiches, and more — just to name a few.

Address: 303 Demonbreun Street Phone: (615) 522-0685 Website

Award winning chef Deb Paquette helms this modern restaurant with an open kitchen and a chef's bar where guests can watch and interact with her. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant's menu includes seafood, venison, veal, and a steak carpaccio appetizer.

Address: 611 Commerce Street Phone: (615) 493-4050 Website

Michelin-star Chef James Kerwin serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner of fresh Southern and traditional American fare along with cocktails, specialty drinks, and local draft beers.

Address: 401 Broadway Phone: (615) 254-1892 Website

This three-floor restaurant set in an 1892 building starts with a street level bistro offering cocktails and food. The second floor, a bit more upscale, is open for lunch and dinner with a refined menu and extensive wine offerings. The third floor is a private dining space for business dinners and events.

Nashville Underground

Address: 105 Broadway Phone: (615) 964-3000 Website

This live music venue, restaurant, bar, and event space features the largest and highest double-deck rooftop on Broadway. Southern-inspired dishes including signature Nashville Hot Chicken and BBQ are served on the first and second floors. They serve wine, spirits, and the coldest draft beer in Nashville at 29 degrees.

Address: 505 Third Avenue North Phone: (629) 236-0035 Website

This rooftop bar and restaurant serves a creative menu of appetizers, snacks, entrees, and desserts along with cocktails, wine, and beer in a spectacular setting.

Deacon's New South

Address: 401 Church Street Phone: (615) 994-1994 Website

The restaurant is located in a historic building, but their cuisine is modern, with dry-aged meats and seafood dishes inspired by the Gulf Coast. Traditional and creative cocktails and an extensive wine list are offered.

The Farm House

Address: 210 Almond Street Phone: (615) 522-0688 Website

Chef and owner Trey Ciocca serves lunch, brunch, and dinner offering traditional favorites and Southern classics like cornbread, fried catfish, and pimento cheese beignets along with cocktails, beer, and wine.

B.B. Kings Blues Club

Address: 152 Second Avenue North Phone: (615) 256-2727 Website

Dinner and weekend brunch are served along with blues, rock n' roll, and soul music. The menu is just as varied, with a selection of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts. Cocktails, wine, and beer are on the menu too.

Hattie B's Chicken

Address: 112 19th Avenue South Phone: (615) 678-4794 Website

Choose your heat level, but know what you're in for if you go with the hottest of the six. Sandwiches, plates, and sides like coleslaw and pimento mac and cheese are served, and there's peach cobbler and banana pudding for dessert.

Address: 2023 Broadway Phone: (615) 340-6378 Website

Billing itself as a "modern American brasserie," Henley is located in the Kimpton Aertson. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Henley's menu includes Southern favorites like Charleston hot crab dip, roasted Tennessee mushrooms, and smoked chicken with Alabama white sauce.

Address: 202 21 Avenue South Phone: (615) 925-3362 Website

Nada's extensive modern Mexican cuisine menu includes guacamole, ceviche, and cochinita pibil, with interesting additions such as cumin roasted beets, Peruvian chicken, and Romenesco al Pastor. Lunch and dinner are served as well as brunch and cocktails.

Jasper's

Address: Nashville, Tennessee 37203 Phone: (615) 327-4410 Website

This casual restaurant is also a grab n' go market with prepared foods like salads, soups, sandwiches, and pastries. The all-day menu includes meatballs, cornbread, enchiladas, wings, and burgers. Weekend brunch offerings include omelets, beignets, and house-cured gravlax.

Address: 1904 Broadway Phone: (615) 320-8580 Website

This gastro-pub style dining spot features creative cuisine in addition to extensive options for cocktails, wine, spirits, and beers. Sports fans will enjoy the fourteen TVs, and foodies will love the menu choices ranging from creative starters to tacos, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and fries. Weekend brunch and late night dining are available.

Mason's

Address: 2100 West End Avenue Phone: (615) 321-1990 Website

Mason's serves seasonal Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. They offer craft cocktails, wines, spirits, and an extensive list of beer from local breweries.

Other Neighborhoods

Rolf and daughters (germantown).

Address: 700 Taylor Street Phone: (615) 866-9897 Website

Located in a historic building and serving Italian and Mediterranean inspired dishes on their seasonally driven menu, the restaurant offers communal tables, patio, and bar for walk-ins as well as dining room reservations.

Redheaded Stranger (East Nashville)

Address: 305 Arrington Street Phone (615) 544-8226 Website

Authentic Tex-Mex dishes include tacos, burritos, and their own signature hot sauces. Cocktails, wine, and beer are served.

Adele's (The Gulch)

Address: 1210 McGavock Street Phone: (615) 988-9700 Website

Dinner and weekend brunch are served with a focus on seasonal comfort food like pork ossobuco, lasagna, and a meatball with polenta appetizer. Weekend brunch offerings include buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy, egg casserole, and brioche French toast.

The Bluebird Cafe

Address: 4104 Hillsboro Pike Phone: (615) 383-1461 Website

The Bluebird, one of the "world's preeminent listening rooms," presents two shows a night, seven days a week, featuring acoustic singer-songwriter style music by famous and up-and-coming artists.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Address: 222 Fifth Avenue South Phone: (615) 416-2001 Website

Located in downtown Nashville, the museum includes photographs, artifacts, recordings, vintage video, memorabilia, and interactive activities to tell the story of country music. Performance spaces in the CMA Theater and Ford Theater host live music and cultural events.

Grand Ole Opry

Address: 2804 Opryland Drive Phone: (615) 871-6779 Website

For nearly one hundred years, the Grand Ole Opry, called "home of American music," has showcased country stars on stage, as well as on WSM Radio. See a live show or take a guided backstage tour, starting with an immersive theater experience starring Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

RCA Studio B

Address: 1611 Roy Acuff Place Phone: (615) 416-2001 Website

Built in 1957, the studio was home to the "Nashville Sound" in the 1960's, and artists like Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, the Everly Brothers, and Floyd Cramer recorded there. Today, you can tour the studio as part of a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Ryman Auditorium

Address: 116 Fifth Avenue North Phone: (615) 889-3060 Website

Known as one of the best performance halls in the world, this historic venue was home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 until 1974. The Ryman hosts numerous concerts and events throughout the year, and visitors can take tours of its star-studded exhibits.

The Johnny Cash Museum

Address: 119 Third Avenue South Phone: (615) 256-1777 Website

This downtown museum contains the largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia. Visit for a self-guided tour to see instruments, hand-written notes, awards, stage costumes, and more. Stop for a bite at the cafe next door or at the gift shop for a souvenir.

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike Phone: (615) 833-1534 Website

Nearly 3,000 animals representing about 350 species reside at the zoo, including amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish. The 1810 Grassmere Historic Home, on the property, is open for tours. There's a zip line, carousel, playground, and Australian landscape with kangaroos.

Frist Art Museum

Address: 919 Broadway Phone: (615) 244-3340 Website

Exhibits, which rotate periodically since there's no permanent collection, have included Picasso, Albrecht Durer, and a variety of sculpture, vintage automobiles, prints, photography, and video as well as displays by local Nashville artists and Native American art.

The Hermitage

Address: 4580 Rachel's Lane Phone: (615) 889-2941 Website

The home of President Andrew Jackson, a National Historic Landmark with over 30 historic buildings over 1,120 acres, is one of the most visited presidential homes in the U.S. Self-guided and interpreter-led tours of the mansion and grounds are available.

Belle Meade Plantation

Address: 110 Leake Avenue Phone: (615) 356-0501 Website

From an 1807 log cabin set on 250 acres to one of the largest thoroughbred horse farms in the South, Belle Meade tells of Tennessee history, architecture, and equestrian legacy. Several tours are available, including the Mansion Tour and the Journey to Jubilee Tour that tells the stories of the enslaved African-Americans who were at Belle Meade from its beginning through the years following Emancipation.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Address: Enter on 3rd Ave. S between Broadway and Demonbreun, across from the Schermerhorn Symphony Center

The bridge connects downtown Nashville with East Nashville and Nissan Stadium, linking the two sides of the Cumberland River. Closed to automobile traffic in 1998, the bridge provides excellent views of the Nashville skyline

Centennial Park

Address: 2500 West End Avenue Website

The 132-acre park includes a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, historical monuments, a sunken garden, band shell, dog park, sand volleyball courts, and the Parthenon . The full-scale replica serves as an art museum with a recreation of the 42-foot statue of Athena at its center.

Tennessee State Museum

Address: 1000 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard Phone: (615) 741-2692 Website

The Tennessee Time Tunnel tells the story of the state through artifacts, exhibits, and stories from the permanent collection. The exhibits include natural history, archaeology, Civil War and Reconstruction, as well as temporary shows like "Women and the Right to Vote" and "Tennessee's Musical heritage."

White's Mercantile

Address: 2908 12th Avenue South Phone: (615) 750-5379 Website

With two Nashville-area locations, this nostalgic general store carries a variety of products including leather bags, handmade soap, home decor, antiques, and more. Shopping is a pleasure with artistic displays and a surprising assortment of beautiful things.

Hatch Show Print

Address: 224 Fifth Avenue South Phone: (615) 256-2805 Website

The Hatch Show Print show posters served as advertising for concerts from 1879 through the 20th century. Today, the posters are still popular with musicians and performers of all genres. In the downtown shop visitors will find apparel, greeting cards, prints, and custom work.

Imogene + Willie

Address: 2601 12th Avenue South Phone: (615) 292-5005 Website

This chic store specializes in denim, but also offers clothing for men and women, including tee shirts, jackets, accessories, and jewelry. Their signature candle incorporates scents of sage, palo santo, frankincense, and shiso leaf.

Rachel's Boutique

Address: 231 Sixth Avenue North Phone: (615) 345-7149 Website

From fashionable clothing to custom jewelry, this boutique carries creations from Nashville's local artisans. It offers home decor, gifts, linens, kitchen products, candles, and more.

Fanny's House of Music

Address: 1101 Holly Street Phone: (615) 750-5746 Website

Fanny's is a full-service music store with a variety of new, used, and vintage guitars and amps. It also offers professional lessons and repairs as well as clothing and gifts.

Antique Archaeology

Address:1300 Clinton Street, Suite 130 Phone: (615) 810-9906 Website

This is the home of the American Pickers , and it's the place for antiques, clothing, home goods, gifts, drinkware, and more. They offer clothing and accessories in Mike Wolfe's Two Lane brand.

Goorin Brothers

Address: 107 Second Avenue North Phone: (615) 248-4287 Website

Set in The District neighborhood, this is the place to find a wide selection of top quality hats for men and women. They offer fedoras, flat caps, baseball hats, straw hats, and cold weather beanies.

High Class Hillbilly

Address: 4604 Gallatin Pike Phone: (615) 840-7328 Website

Hand-selected vintage items from across the U.S. fill this boutique with vintage boots, hats, leather goods, tee shirts, and more. Denim jeans, jackets, shorts and accessories for men, women, and children are on display in addition to belts, belt buckles, jewelry, and purses.

Music Valley Antiques and Marketplace

Address: 1300 Clinton Street Phone: (615) 557-6560 Website

More than 30 vendors offer vintage furniture, home decor, accessories, and art.

Shopping Malls

Address: 433 Opry Mills Drive Phone: (615) 514-1000 Website

Tennessee's largest outlet, retail, shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.

The Mall at Green Hills

Address: 2126 Abbott Martin Road Phone: (615) 298-5478 Website

More than a hundred stores, including top luxury designer brands, can be found at this mall located three miles from downtown Nashville.

Downtown : This is the business center of Nashville as well as the location of Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans. Printers Alley, once the center of newspaper publishing, is now full of lively nightlife. Hotels, restaurants, and museums, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, reside in downtown Nashville.

Midtown : Adjacent to Vanderbilt University, with its 18th century architecture and sculpture gardens, Midtown is a neighborhood between downtown, Music Row, and West End. Restaurants, bars, hotels, and Centennial Park are conveniently located in this walkable neighborhood.

Music Row/Demonbreun/Edgehill : Just southwest of downtown, this area is Nashville's entertainment industry. This neighborhood is home to a variety of recording studios including the historic RCA Studio B. At its entry, a 40 foot bronze sculpture named "Musica" features nine figures celebrating the energy and diversity of the music industry.

Germantown : This urban residential community is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A few blocks northwest of downtown, the neighborhood is home to the Tennessee State Museum. Boutiques and restaurants abound in this area named for European immigrants who settled there in the mid-19th century.

The Gulch : This walkable community is located just south of downtown in a revitalized industrial area. Street art, live music venues, breweries, hotels, and restaurants make it a popular destination.

East Nashville : Dive bars, craft breweries, coffee shops, historic homes, art galleries, and vintage stores make up the culturally-diverse, artsy neighborhood. East Nashville is located across the Cumberland River from downtown.

Opryland : This neighborhood, located ten miles east of downtown, is home to Music Valley, Grand Ole Opry, and the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. The Opry Mills shopping center, Willie Nelson Museum, SoundWaves water park, and a variety of family-friendly restaurants can be found in this area.

West End/Elliston Place : Centennial Park, with its replica of the Greek Parthenon, is located in this neighborhood adjacent to Vanderbilt University.

Nashville has a subtropical type of climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Annual precipitation is about 47 inches, with the majority occurring in spring, particularly during the month of May. Spring is tornado season in Middle Tennessee.

Temperatures begin to cool in September, and autumn typically receives the least rainfall. Winter is colder, with little snow, usually about seven inches total, mostly during January.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month.

January 28 - 47 February 32 - 52 March 39 - 61 April 47 - 71 May 57 - 78 June 65 - 86 July 69 - 89 August 68 - 89 September 61 - 82 October 49 - 72 November 39 - 60 December 31 - 49

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33 Best Things To Do In Nashville, Tennessee

The ultimate guide for a trip to the Music City.

ROBBIE CAPONETTO

Nashville’s Honky Tonk culture makes it a favorite among bachelorette parties, friend groups, and those who simply travel for a good time. With live music pulsing through the city 24/7—no really, there’s rarely a time you’ll stroll the streets without live music emanating from Broadway’s many multi-level bars, restaurants and honky tonks—it’s the perfect destination for those looking for round-the-clock fun.

But there’s more to Music City than the thrum of Lower Broad and Downtown. The city’s tourist draws have spilled over into neighboring commerce districts like East Nashville, with its plethora of concept bars and indie shops, and Wedgewood-Houston, home to tech hubs, SoHo House, and plenty of spots to quench your thirst— Diskin Cider , Nashville Craft Distillery , and Jackalope Brewing Co.’s The Ranch , to name a few. 

The Nations has long been a bastion of more affordable housing for young families and entrepreneurs, but it’s now a place to eat, drink, and see art too. Its adjacent Charlotte Avenue corridor could not be more vibrant thanks to the evolution of adaptive re-use developments like L&L Market and Sylvan Supply . All that, and Nashville’s food scene is absolutely not to be missed. 

Attend A Live Show At The Opry

Tony R. Phipps / Contributor / Getty

There are few experiences that are more Nashville than attending a show at the Grand Ole Opry , which bears the distinction of being the longest-running radio broadcast in the world and has multiple shows a week year-round. Formatted like a variety show, the Opry puts musical royalty like the Oak Ridge Boys and Carrie Underwood on the lineup alongside newcomers, many taking the circle for the first time. It’s a great opportunity to see your favorites while learning about the next generation of country stars .

Grand Ole Opry ; 600 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214; (615) 871-6779

Visit The Mother Church Of Country Music

Jason Kempin / Staff / Getty

Built in 1892 as the home of the Union Gospel Tabernacle, the Ryman Auditorium remains relatively unchanged in appearance and ambiance with its iconic pews holding as much history as the building itself. The home to the Opry in winter months, the Ryman also hosts shows from world-renowned acts like Foo Fighters and Harry Styles, comedians like Trevor Noah on tour, and live lectures and readings from visiting authors such as Michelle Obama. It’s also open to visitors daily.

Ryman Auditorium ; 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219; (615) 889-3060

Cover The City By E-Bike

Raymond Boyd / Contributor / Getty

While public transportation in Nashville is hard to come by, if you don’t have access to a car, you can easily rent a pedal-assist BCycle bike at one of 30+ docking stations and use the city’s growing number of bike lanes and paths to see Nashville from a different angle.

Go To A Dolly Parton-Themed Bar

White Limozeen , a Dolly Parton-inspired rooftop bar at the Graduate Nashville hotel, is as fun and feminine as the icon herself. From the playful cocktail menu to the pink patio umbrellas and patio furniture, to the city views, the bar is practically begging for you to put it on Instagram.

See A Full-Scale Replica Of The Parthenon

Chuck Koehler / Contributor / Getty

One of Nashville’s greatest architectural marvels, the Parthenon is a replica of the Athens original that was built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition. It’s now the centerpiece of the 132-acre Centennial Park, which spans a walking trail, Lake Watauga, sports facilities, and gardens.

The Parthenon ; 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 862-8431

Enjoy A Free Outdoor Show

Rick Diamond / Staff / Getty

Visitors to Nashville get a front-row seat of all manners of music—from country and Americana to pop and gospel—and among the many outdoor concert options is Musicians Corner , a series of free shows in Centennial Park in late-spring and early-fall.

Musicians Corner ; 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Take A Selfie In Front Of The State Capitol

Perched on a hill overlooking the downtown core, Tennessee’s State Capitol opened in 1859 and bears the distinction of being one of the oldest working capitols in the country. It’s open for guided tours on weekdays. Equally impressive to architecture buffs is the Neoclassical War Memorial , a concert venue that sits adjacent to the capitol.

Tennessee State Capitol ; 600 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Nashville, TN 37243; (615) 360-4326

Honor Civil Rights Heroes

Paul Natkin / Contributor / Getty

Pivotal to the civil rights movement, Nashville was the site of many sit-ins and protests. The stately downtown branch of the Nashville Public Library lays claim to a Civil Rights Room where you where you can read protestors’ Ten Rules of Conduct and learn more about the influence of key leaders like the late Congressman John Lewis.

Nashville Public Library ; 615 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219; (615) 862-5800

See The Witness Walls

Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

Art is a powerful storyteller, and the events that took place during the civil rights movement following the segregation of Davidson County Schools are visually depicted through the Witness Walls at Public Square Park beside the Historic Metro Courthouse.

Witness Walls ; 1 Public Sq, Nashville, TN 37201

Learn About Local History At The Tennessee State Museum

The interactive Tennessee State Museum , next to the farmers’ market and just blocks away from the State Capitol, features permanent exhibits that tell the stories of the First Peoples and take viewers through times of conflict like the Civil War and Reconstruction. Take a stroll along Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park out back to unwind when you’re done at the museum.

Tennessee State Museum ; 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208; (615) 741-2692

Sip Your Way Through The Tennessee Whiskey Trail

Linking the state’s deep distilling history to its modern-day whiskey culture, the 28-stop Tennessee Whiskey Trail weaves its way from Memphis in far West Tennessee to Bristol up at the Virginia border. There are a handful of stops in Nashville—including the largest and recently upgraded Nelson’s Greenbrier Distillery —that you can visit without ever leaving the city’s confines.

Nelson’s Greenbrier Distillery ; 1414 Clinton St, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 913-8800

Learn About African American Music Makers

Opened in 2021, the National Museum of African American Music offers a look at how African American trailblazers shaped and paved the way for more than 50 musical genres . The sprawling 56,000-square-foot museum sits right in downtown Nashville on Broadway.

National Museum of African American Music ; 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 301-8724

Peruse Art Exhibits At The Frist

John Schweikert

In a city more dominated by music than visual art, the Frist Art Museum filled a much-needed void when it opened in 2001 and started bringing world-class exhibits—from vintage automobiles to the works of greats like Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo—to Nashville. Housed in the opulent old Art Deco post office, the art on the walls aren’t the only stars of the show here.

Frist Art Museum ; 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 244-3340

Stroll Across The Pedestrian Bridge

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge connects downtown Nashville to Nissan Stadium on the east side of the Cumberland River. For those attending a concert, a Titans game or the annual CMA Fest each June, the footpath is a convenient way to reach the stadium while avoiding traffic. Visiting during the day? The bridge offers one of the best perspectives of the city skyline.

Soak Up The Sun In The City’s Many Green Spaces

Nashville may be a big city , but it’s still got green space in spades. In Davidson and adjoining Williamson County, you’ll find parks aplenty; among them, Harpeth River State Park, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, Centennial Park, Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary, Bells Bend Nature Park, Montgomery Bell State Park and Radnor Lake. Traveling with kids and stuck downtown? You can walk over to the other side of the river to the 6.5-acre Cumberland Park with playground equipment and water features.

Cumberland Park ; 592 South First Street, Nashville, TN 37213

Check Out The City’s Mural Scene

Nashville’s public art has come a long way since the famed “I Believe in Nashville” in 12South was the only mural in town. Now, the city brims with public art from international artists like Guido van Helten (check out his 160-foot-tall Silo mural in the Nations) and hometown favorites like Mobe, who painted the city’s longest mural for the Tennessee Titans right across from the Music City Center on Korean Veterans Boulevard.  

See The Seasonal Exhibits At Cheekwood

Courtesy of Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

Nashville’s botanical garden, Cheekwood , is situated among the leafy lawns of Belle Meade, one of Nashville’s oldest and most stately neighborhoods. Among the 55 acres of garden, you’ll find a model train, a permanent art museum and rotating seasonal exhibits, like tulips every spring and pumpkins in the fall.

Cheekwood ; 200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205; (615) 356-8000

Take Home A Concert Poster From Hatch Show Print

Robert Alexander / Contributor / Getty

Nashville’s ultimate souvenir? A letterpress concert post from Hatch Show Print , a Nashville icon for more than 140 years. The shop that was originally a Broadway staple moved into the Country Music Hall of Fame a handful of years ago and now has a much larger studio space that can accommodate both shoppers and those who want to take a letterpress class.

Hatch Show Print ; 224 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 577-7710

Make Your Own Goo Goo

Goo Goo Cluster

Nashville’s century-old candy brand , Goo Goo Chocolate Co. has a storefront right off Broadway that has undergone a major renovation in recent years. In addition to buying Goo Goo-themed merch like the popular “What a Cluster!” Tees, you can pick up treats only available at the store and even make your own Premium four-ounce candy at electronic stations that allow you to choose what ingredients you sandwich among the chocolate and nougat. 

Goo Goo Chocolate Co. ; 116 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201; (615) 490-6685

Catch A Bluegrass Jam At Station Inn

Erika Goldring / Contributor / Getty

While many of Nashville’s storied haunts have shuttered as the city’s growth explodes, Station Inn has remained untouched and true to its roots. Go for the weekly Sunday night Bluegrass Jam, in which a mishmash of pickers and players take the stage for the ultimate jam session; all are welcome to bring an instrument and participate. Bonus: It’s free to attend, and you never know who might show up.

Station Inn ; 402 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 ; (615) 255-3307

Time-Travel Back Through Country Music History

Whether you consider yourself a country music scholar or are merely an enthusiast, you’re guaranteed to learn something—or maybe simply gawk at costumes and memorabilia from your favorite artists—at the Country Music Hall of Fame . The CMHOF also manages RCA Studio B —known as the birthplace of the Nashville sound and where Elvis Presley once recorded—and Hatch Show Print and offers a combo tour pass to all three attractions.

Country Music Hall of Fame ; 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 416-2001

Visit The Nashville Farmers’ Market

For a taste of everything the city has to offer under one roof, the Market House at the Nashville Farmers’ Market is open seven days a week and features a variety of food from bulgogi bibimbap at Bowl & Roll to Chicago-Style Gyros to Bubble Love tea. Be sure and check out the outdoor farm sheds where more than 150 farmers, bakers, and makers from all walks set up shop several days a week.

Nashville Farmers’ Market ; 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208; (615) 880-2001

Go To Space Via The Adventure Science Center

Adventure Science Center

The Adventure Science Center is not just for kids (though, of course, it’s got plenty for them, too!). The museum’s Sudekum Planetarium soars with laser shows, skies that change with the seasons and educational films lighting up its 63-foot dome theater.

Adventure Science Center ; 800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 862-5160

Test Your Taste Buds With Nashville Hot Chicken

COURTESY OF HATTIE B'S HOT CHICKEN

A deep-fried bird, smothered in spices and served on white bread, Nashville hot chicken has become a global sensation, spotted on menus in cities around the world. While Prince’s is oft-credited with making Nashville hot chicken a household name, Bolton’s and 400 Degrees also are worthy contenders.

Prince’s ; 5814 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211; (615) 810-9388

Bolton’s ; 624 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206; (615) 254-8015

400 Degrees ; 3704 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN 37218; (615) 244-4467

Find Your New Favorite Barbecue Spot

COURTESY OF PEG LEG PORKER

Chicken not your jam? There’s no shortage of barbecue in Nashville either. If you love brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, you’ll likely have decision paralysis when deciding where to go. Peg Leg Porker is a perennial favorite, Edley’s , Martin’s , Jack’s , Whitt’s , and Central BBQ are just a few that consistently get top marks from visitors and locals alike.

Peg Leg Porker ; 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 829-6023

Central BBQ ; 1601 21st. Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212; (615) 610-3440

Martin’s ; multiple locations

Jack’s ; multiple locations

Whitt’s ; multiple locations

Indulge In Nashville’s Ultimate Tasting Experience

Minnie Morklithavong

BBQ and hot chicken are great and all, but the ultimate foodie adventure can’t arrive in Nashville without having booked a table at Tailor , Chef Vivek Surti’s supper club-turned-restaurant. Four nights a week, the first-generation American guides diners through Indian dishes he grew up on—with his own spin. The result is one unforgettable and intimate journey through culture and cuisine via a dozen or so courses.

Tailor ; 620 Taylor St, Nashville, TN 37208

Check Out The Vintage Cars At Lane Motor Museum

Boasting 150 cars and motorcycles on its showroom floor, Lane Motor Museum is home to the United States’ largest collection of European cars. This working museum aims to keep all its cars in running condition, and a daily demonstration at 11am is included in the price of admission.

Lane Motor Museum ; 702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37210; (615) 742-7445

Explore Nashville’s International Corridor

JOHNNY AUTRY; PROP AND FOOD STYLING: CHARLOTTE L. AUTRY

Head down Nolensville Road, and you’ll find international restaurants galore, as well as the largest Kurdish population in America. Start your culinary adventure with fresh-baked good from Azadi International Food Market, then craft a taco crawl among the many stands and trucks that pepper the neighborhood.

Azadi International Food Market; 391 Elysian Fields Ct, Nashville, TN 37211; (615) 315-0940

Sample Nashville’s Craft Beer Scene

ANDREA BEHRENDS

Nashville’s beer scene has long been on the rise thanks to the OGs like Yazoo , established way back in 2003, and the many others who followed like Fat Bottom , Southern Grist , and Jackalope , which was named one of the South's best breweries .

Jackalope ; 429B Houston St, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 873-4313

Southern Grist ; multiple locations

Fat Bottom ; 800 44th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 678-5715

Take A Day Trip Along The Natchez Trace Parkway

Odinn Media

Nashville is the northern terminus of the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway that ends in Natchez, Miss. Even if you don’t have the time to make the multi-day trip, it’s less than 10 miles from the start to one of the parkway’s most photographed scenes: the double-arch Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge. While you’re already in Williamson County, you might as well browse the art galleries of Leiper’s Fork and explore Franklin ’s historic Main Street.

Try The Biscuits At Loveless Café

Right next to the start of the Natchez Trace Parkway, the Loveless Café has been slinging up steamy plates of country ham and the very best buttered biscuits since it first opened in 1951. Even if you don’t have time for a full sit-down breakfast—and the line is often long, especially on weekends—stop by the on-site country market and take some goodies to go.

  Loveless Café ; 8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221; (615) 646-9700

Rent A Paddleboard On Percy Priest Lake

Mickey-Bernal

Nashville’s a rare big city that’s flanked by both rivers and lakes , Percy Priest being one of the most popular recreational spots for water sports during warmer months. For more than a decade, Nashville Paddle Company has been getting people out on the water, both via board and kayak rentals, as well as classes like SUP Yoga and guided group paddles.

Nashville Paddle Company ; 2901 Bell Rd, Nashville, TN 37217; (615) 682-1787

See A Professional Sporting Event

Wesley Hitt / Contributor / Getty

No matter the time of year, Nashville has a pro team taking the turf, pitch or field. The Tennessee Titans play at Nissan Stadium during football season, the Nashville Predators take the ice at Bridgestone Arena during hockey months, and Nashville SC breaks out the cleats at GEODIS Park. Spring months also see the Triple-AAA Nashville Sounds step up to the plate at First Horizon Park right in the heart of downtown.

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Things to Do in Nashville

Here's your Nashville check-list. Made in Tennessee.

If you're asking what there is to do in  Nashville,  this article is for you. With the city's amazing neighborhoods, restaurants and live music scene, Music City should be at the top of everyone's travel list. Read below for places to visit and things to do in Nashville. 

1. Learn of Nashville's Music Influence

Sure, Nashville is commonly known as Music City, but did you ever wonder why? Go back in time to this city's roots at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum which covers country music's start and continuation. From the first note sung to the guitars that provided the music to legends and rising stars in the industry, you'll get a well-rounded education on Music City's music footprint. Also, check out Ryman Auditorium , also known as the Mother Church of Country Music, and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum which is the only museum in the world to honor the musicians and instruments who played on the greatest recordings in music history.

2. Explore the Neighborhoods

Once you've had a taste of downtown , mosey to some of Nashville's pockets of cute boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops. In the Gulch , you'll find delicious menus of a variety of fare from street tacos at Saint Anejo to succulent steaks at Kayne Prime. In 12South, you'll find Edley's Bar-B-Que , Burger Up , Reese Witherspoon's boutique Draper James , Holly William's store White's Mercantile and American farmhouse cuisine at Josephine. Also check out Germantown , East Nashville, and Hillsboro Village to name a few.

3. Experience the Country Music Scene

The show that made country music famous can be experienced as it makes its way live through the airwaves on 650AM/WSM. Take a backstage tour at the Grand Ole Opry  and you may just brush elbows with the stars. It's bustling activity and many times you can catch artists doing their vocal warm-ups before heading on stage to sing for hundreds of thousands year-round. After the show, dance the night away on Lower Broadway among the honky tonks where live music flows into the streets.

4. Beyond Country Music   

If country music doesn't fit your music tastes, check out Nashville's additional venues around town. Ryman Auditorium plays host to a variety of talent, just like it has for more than 125 years. If you want symphonic music, head to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center where you can hear the GRAMMY Award-winning Nashville Symphony perform Mahler, Beethoven, Bach, John Williams and more.

5. Connect with Nature

Need some fresh air? Nashville's close proximity to lakes, rivers, and greenways are endless. Pack a picnic and spend a day at Radnor Lake State Park , a 1,200-acre park with six hiking trails that make you feel as if the city isn't a mere half-hour away. Other parks include Percy Warner and Edwin Warner Parks , Sevier Park, and Centennial Park which is home to a replica of the Parthenon and a full-scale statue of Greek goddess Athena.

6. Visit the Past 

Visit presidential homes like Andrew Jackson's The Hermitage where you'll find, what many historians claim, the best preserved early U.S. presidential home. More than 16 million visitors have made this their stop since it opened in 1889. Belle Meade Plantation was the site of a skirmish during the Civil War Battle of Nashville. You can see bullet holes in its pillars as a result of the fray. Also, find out why Belle Meade also holds significance in the thoroughbred industry.

The significant impact Nashville had on the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s can be learned when traveling along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail , which leads you to sites like the Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library  and Fisk University . Hear the stories and see the progress of foot soldiers who led the charge for equality among all races in the United States.

7. See a Show

From national tours of Broadway musicals at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center to a graceful performance of classic and contemporary works by the Nashville Ballet , if you want a night filled with the arts, Nashville has you covered. Browse the artistic elegance of Frist Art Museum  and the world-class artwork displayed in its halls. Take in a play, spoken word concert, or an artwork installation (or all three) at OZ Arts .

8. Fill your Belly

All that exploring works up quite an appetite. Thankfully, Nashville's known for a few classic things: like barbecue, farm-to-table restaurants, and hot chicken. Find all three at a variety of restaurants including, but definitely not limited to Peg Leg Porker for barbecue, The FarmHouse which uses nothing but local farm meats and produce to create authentically local meals, and fire-in-your-mouth hot chicken at Prince's Hot Chicken  and Hattie B's .

9. Have a Day of Play

Kids of all ages have a blast exploring space, weather, biological history, and the science behind how everyday items work at Adventure Science Center . The Nashville Zoo is currently expanding in large ways with immersive exhibits like Expedition Peru: The Trek of the Andean Bear and Sumatran Tiger areas. They have their sights set on developing the African Savannah and Village and the African Forest exhibits in the coming years. Family-friendly games filled with clues, puzzles and more are a blast with older kids at The Escape Game in downtown Nashville , Opry Mills  and Berry Hill . You'll have an hour of nonstop action navigating temple runs, space, taking part in a heist and more.

10. Celebrate the Seasons

Finally, Nashville is the place to be for unforgettable, annual music festivals, events and activities during the holiday season. Enjoy a smorgasbord of samples from the city's famous restaurants at Taste of Music City, Nashville's largest food and drink festival each June at Public Square Park. Grab your friends to experience one of the biggest country music festivals in the country: CMA Music Festival each June at various stages in and around downtown Nashville , with nightly performances from big artists like Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs and more.

Come celebrate the nation's independence at one of the nation’s largest July 4 celebrations Nashville  is planning the largest fireworks show in Nashville history, synchronized to a live performance by the Grammy-winning  Nashville Symphony . The free  Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th  features performances by Brad Paisley, The War And Treaty, Langhorne Slim, Tiera Kennedy and more.

Don't miss family-friendly activities during the holidays like the Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas featuring ICE!  a changing list of Christmas characters carved from 2 million pounds of colorful ice, holiday shows, tubing, ice skating and more. Take the family to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens during Holiday LIGHTS for, not only 1 million lights illuminating the gardens, but also carolers, Santa, real reindeer, gingerbread house decorating and a s'more pit. Wrap up each year at the Jack Daniel's Music City Midnight: New Year's Eve in Nashville . 

Places in this article

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Our nonprofit museum is dedicated to preserving, documenting and sharing the rich heritage of country music.

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

Come experience the energy and excitement of Music City at Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Ryman Auditorium

Tour during the day ... Come back for a concert at night!

Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum

Come See What You've Heard!

Whiskey Kitchen

Whiskey Kitchen is a "tavern-chic" hotspot, serving up gourmet pub fare and an extensive spirits menu. If you're looking to have a memorable time, Whiskey Kitchen will not disappoint.

Burger Up is synonymous with good service and great food in a relaxing atmosphere.

Grand Ole Opry

See "the show that made country music famous. "

Nashville's Music Forum - Since 1971

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Located in the shadow of the Capitol in downtown Nashville, Bicentennial Capitol Mall gives visitors a taste of Tennessee's history, natural wonders and serves as a lasting monument to Tennessee's Bicentennial Celebration, which was June 1, 1996.

The Parthenon

Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery

1853 Greek Revival Mansion at Belle Meade offering guided tours, Food & Wine Pairings, Bourbon Tastings, Gift Shops and an on-site restaurant

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is a nonprofit dedicated to providing and supporting the performing arts in Tennessee.

Nashville Ballet

Frist art museum.

The Frist Art Museum presents world-class visual art on a schedule of changing exhibitions so you always see something new.

Adventure Science Center

Opening every mind to the wonders of science and technology, fostering a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Where animals, nature and fun converge

CMA Music Festival

Country music’s biggest party

Nashville Symphony

Grammy-winning orchestra and one of Tennessee's oldest and longest running performing arts organizations.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

Jack Daniel's New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash

Nashville's star-studded New Year's Eve is FREE and so much fun!

The Escape Game Nashville (Downtown)

60-minute adventures that are epic for everyone!

The Escape Game Nashville (Berry Hill)

The Escape Game Nashville (Opry Mills)

Fisk University & Fisk Jubilee Singers (TM)

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World-Famous Grand Ole Opry 

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Nashville Trip Planner

Looking for the best local tips to plan your future trip to Music City? Use Nashville’s newest trip planning service provided by those who know the city best!

Note: This tool is best suited for trips that are at least two weeks out! Looking for the best foodie spots so you can eat your way through Music City? Interested in the latest museum or art exhibits to enhance your cultural side? Excited to hear live music – in your favorite genre – at some of the most amazing music venues in the country? Let a Certified Nashville Expert help you customize your own “Nashville Trip Guide” based on what YOU want to do most. 

Tell us about your interests, and let us help customize your Music City experience! Need planning tips before two weeks? Call a Nashville Expert at 800-657-6910 or 615-259-4700!

Thank you for planning a visit to Nashville!

You will receive a confirmation email from the Visitor Experience Team within 48 business hours after sharing your information. A Certified Nashville Expert will get to work on customizing your Trip Planner with suggestions of things to see and do based on YOUR interests. If you prefer to talk with someone over the phone, you have that option or we will email your customized Trip Planner to the email provided two weeks prior to your trip.

Just can’t wait to get started? Check out our Digital Visitor Guide to get inspired for your trip!

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How to Spend 4 Days in Nashville

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Nashville Itinerary: Day 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Performances happen regularly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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36 Hours in Nashville

By Colleen Creamer Updated March 9, 2023

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Within five years, 200,000 people are expected to move to Nashville, the home of country music and Tennessee’s capital. The city welcomes the business boom, but is also coping with gridlock, an overwhelmed entertainment district and steep rents. Cue emerging neighborhoods like the Nations, Madison and the Buchanan Arts District, which are taking the heat off lower Broadway, the stretch of downtown where the bachelorette parties flock. The city has a thriving L.G.B.T.Q. scene in East Nashville, although the state last week passed a law aimed at curbing public drag performances. Nashville today combines tradition and evolution, where you can visit old-school restaurants and slick cocktail temples, stroll ravishing gardens and trace the impact of Black music at a new interactive museum . Venture into the heart of Broadway, but also take a chance on newer, smaller performance spaces. They’re everywhere. This is Music City.

Recommendations

• The National Museum of African American Music , which opened in 2021, covers 400 years of African American music and its impact.
• Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a sprawling 1930s mansion with 55 acres of cultivated, walkable gardens.
• Jane’s Hideaway , with stellar food, cocktails and music, is a place to spend an entire evening.
• Lou , a small bistro in East Nashville, nods to Southern California and Paris.
• Attaboy mixes up cocktails without a safety net: no menu, just good, old communication (and skilled bartenders).
• Sun Diner is a downtown diner inspired by Sun Studio in Memphis, where Elvis Presley and other greats recorded.
• Bartaco offers Mexican food with vegan options in the 12South neighborhood.
• Midtown Cafe is an old-school Southern restaurant near downtown.
• Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge is a great little dive bar in Madison with cheap drinks and fine music.
• 3rd & Lindsley , one of Nashville’s best midsize music clubs, brings in excellent talent.
• City Winery is a restaurant, a performance space and, yes, a winery.
• Robert’s Western World is favored by locals for traditional country music.
• Savant is a well-curated vintage clothing store.
• Draper James , the actor Reese Witherspoon’s shop, embraces all things Southern.
• White’s Mercantile is a charming “general store for the modern-day tastemaker” in the 12South corridor.
• The Ryman Auditorium ’s self-guided tour lets you browse the history of country music’s most iconic concert hall at your own pace.
• Traffic congestion is a major complaint in Nashville. If you’re going to the ever-jammed entertainment district, use a ride-hailing app like Uber or Lyft in and out; it’s worth the money.
• The Hermitage Hotel , long considered one of Tennessee’s best hotels, recently renovated its landmark Beaux-Arts building, which has two fine-dining restaurants, a bar and a stunning lobby. Doubles start at $489
• Waymore’s Guest House and Casual Club , a new addition to East Nashville, is pet-friendly and styled with a music theme (the bar fridges look like Marshall amplifiers). Doubles from about $170.
• There are ample short-term rental apartments. East Nashville or downtown can be expensive, so consider the Donelson and Hermitage areas, which are experiencing a boom of new cafes and offer easy access to the airport. South Nashville, another option, offers international food options along Nolensville Pike.

An earlier version of this article misstated the status of a free bus service called the Music City Circuit. The service is no longer operating.

An earlier version of this article misstated the amenities available at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville. The hotel does not have a library or a spa.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

D enver, Colo.: The city is undergoing a rebirth , with a newly refreshed Union Station and the gradual reopening of the mile-long, pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall to go along with views of the snow-capped Front Range.

La Rioja, Spain:  A drive through rolling vineyards will take you to 5 family-run restaurants  where you’ll find flavorful, affordable dishes you can linger over for hours.

Seattle, Wash.:  Today’s Seattle is ever evolving, filled with colorful neighborhoods that are emblematic of the Emerald City’s  natural beauty, vibrant street life ,  and commitment to both preservation and progress .

Stockholm-Helsinki Ferry:  The 16-hour trip between the two northern European cities is a festive summer ritual , with plenty of singing, gambling, limbo contests and maybe a bit too much to drink.

Swim in the Wild:  Looking to take a dip in or near a city center? Here are some European urban areas that have successfully opened up waterways for swimmers .

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Nashville Travel Guide: Make The Most Of Your Music City Getaway

Nashville should be at the top of your list for a memorable getaway this season. Known for its rich musical heritage and lively atmosphere, Music City offers an eclectic mix of notable restaurants, luxury hotels, chic shops and so much more for an unforgettable summer. Take notes from this Nashville travel guide highlighting can’t-miss hot spots around the city.

The Ultimate Nashville Travel Guide For Summer

Where to eat in nashville.

Photo: Courtesy Black Rabbit

Black Rabbit

Located in the heart of Nashville’s historic Printer’s Alley, chef Trey Cioccia’s Black Rabbit surrounds diners in timeless elegance and vintage charm. Originally a furniture store, the 1890s building welcomes patrons into a living room boasting plush sofas and a fireplace leading to the main dining space outfitted with original hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and 16-foot-tall ceilings for an inviting yet intimate setting. The open kitchen showcases live fire grills, providing a mesmerizing culinary display. On select nights, enjoy the soulful rhythms of live music for a harmonious and vibrant experience. And be sure to order the sourdough to kick off a memorable meal!

Photo: Courtesy The 404 Kitchen

The 404 Kitchen

Over in the Gulch district, The 404 Kitchen seamlessly blends Southern American tradition with modern European flair. Acclaimed chef Matt Bolus’ dedication to sustainability and seasonality shines through in every hand-selected ingredient. The modern interiors , featuring a main dining room and The Loft—a smaller seating area that leads to a patio—invite guests to settle in and savor unique flavors by candlelight or on the bustling terrace. Downstairs, Gertie’s Whiskey Bar showcases the Southeast’s largest selection of limited-edition whiskeys and bourbons as well as a dynamic selection of wines, craft beers and seasonal signature cocktails, making it the perfect spot for a date night.

Where To Stay In Nashville

Photo: Courtesy W Nashville

W Nashville

While in the Gulch, treat yourself to a luxurious stay at W Nashville . Designed by renowned architecture and design firm Rockwell Group , each modern-luxe room celebrates Nashville’s rich cultural and industrial heritage with wood accents, warm lighting and artwork—including installations by local studio Lockeland Leather in the building’s public areas. Against this backdrop, indulge in seven unique dining and drinking venues, including Carne Mare, an Italian chophouse, and The Restaurant at The W, an American eatery. Cap off your evenings at the stunning rooftop bar for skyline views or in the golden-hued lounge for live entertainment.

Photo: Courtesy Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown

If you are looking for an oasis nestled in the heart of downtown, just steps from the city’s premier attractions, then discover the lively atmosphere at Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown . Many rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the vibrant cityscape. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by subtle nods to the Nashville’s musical pedigree, including a captivating black-and-white brick mural in the lobby depicting music icons Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Bob Dylan. For dining, visit The Overlook rooftop restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy dinner and drinks while soaking in stunning views of the city.

Where To Go In Nashville

Photo: Krystal Racaniello

National Museum of African American Music

Embark on a journey through the heart and soul of Music City at the National Museum of African American Music . Since its opening in 2021, at Nashville’s iconic Fifth + Broadway complex, the 56,000-square-foot museum has been a beacon of cultural celebration, education and preservation. “All are welcomed here,” says Dr. Bryan Pierce, chief curator of the museum. Journey through six immersive galleries pulsating with the rhythms of over 50 genres rooted in African American culture, from the soul-stirring spirituals to the revolutionary beats of hip hop. “We want to inform visitors about African American music, history and culture. Our state-of-the-art interactives explore migration patterns in conjunction with African Americans’ influence on the foundation of American music” Pierce explains. Lose yourself through these captivating exhibits and innovative technologies—including creating your own rap—that honor musical pioneers from B.B. King to Prince.

Photo: Dean Dixon

LeQuire Gallery

Continue your day exploring Nashville’s vibrant art scene at LeQuire Gallery tucked away on Charlotte Avenue. For decades, acclaimed sculptor Alan LeQuire—known for Nashville’s monumental and iconic statues, Athena Parthenos and Musica—has been championing the best of local and national talent from contemporary paintings to stunning sculptures. With private viewings, wander through the 4,500-square-foot gallery and behold over 500 captivating works of art, including LeQuire’s figure sculptures. “When I work in natural clay, I feel connected to the entire history of sculpture making around the world,” the artist says. “The primary way we know about most early cultures is through their clay pottery and sculpture—because it lasts.” This summer, don’t miss “Juliette Aristides & Alan LeQuire: The Figure in Charcoal & Terra Cotta.” An exhibition featuring artist and author Juliette Aristides’ charcoal and oil drawings paired with LeQuire’s terra cotta sculptures. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just looking for something new, this gallery promises unforgettable discoveries.

Where To Shop In Nashville

Photo: Courtesy Renaissance Marketing Group

L&L Market

Just down the street, step into L&L Market for all things Nashville. Housed in a storied 1929 building, once bustling with hosiery and shoe manufacturing, it is now a vibrant hub of 55,000 square feet of local businesses. Owner Tamay Ozari’s commitment to preserving the building’s character led to its resurrection as a community treasure trove and thriving marketplace featuring 25 retailers. “I wanted to bring in people and vendors who have a love and passion for what they do,” Ozari says. “Whoever comes here will feel and see that, plus a touch of southern hospitality.” From artisanal shops to delectable eateries, there’s something for everyone. For showstopping floral arrangements, Amelia’s Flowers; for bespoke, handmade jewelry, Judith Bright; for approachable home decor, The Barefoot Cottage; for one-of-a-kind home goods handmade in Nicaragua, Masaya. Step inside, savor the nostalgia, and shop, eat and live—every corner holds a new delight.

Photo: Courtesy Able

For some feel-good style, visit Able , located in The Nations for everything from jewelry to handbags to chic outfits. With humble beginnings selling scarves handwoven by Ethiopian women coming out of the commercial sex industry, Able has burgeoned as a Nashville-based brand where every purchase creates better opportunities for women. “I love that every product has a story about the woman who created it and every purchase directly empowers another woman,” shares newly appointed CEO Misti Blasko. “I’m honored to grow this brand and carry on its legacy while using my leadership to give women a stronger voice in a challenging industry.”

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Nashville   Travel Guide

Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto | Getty Images

Why Go To Nashville

Nashville has evolved over the years and has become a city of a lot of things for a lot of different people. It's a popular weekend getaway for those based on the East Coast and in the Midwest. It's a foodie retreat for those who love affordable Southern cooking and international fusion cuisine. And it's a fun bachelor and bachelorette spot for friends looking to bond before taking the big leap into marriage. But Nashville at its core is a haven for country music fans. The bars lining Broadway (plus the famous Bluebird Cafe, which is about 5 miles south) host some of the most talented undiscovered artists in the country. In fact, Nashville is where many musicians – including Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line and Sam Hunt – were discovered or launched their careers. The best way to soak up Nashville's country scene is to enjoy the free live tunes at establishments throughout the city.

You should also visit the  Grand Ole Opry  and the  Country Music Hall of Fame , tour  Belle Meade Historic Site and ogle The Parthenon . And plan to spend some time just hanging out in the growing number of boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants downtown. Or, let a local show you around with a guided tour .

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

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• # 3 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
• # 6 in Best Party Cities in the U.S.
• # 9 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South

Best of Nashville

Best hotels in nashville.

• # 1 in 1 Hotel Nashville
• # 2 in The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville
• # 3 in Conrad Nashville

Best Things to Do in Nashville

• # 1 in Grand Ole Opry
• # 2 in Ryman Auditorium
• # 3 in Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Popular Tours

Grand Ole Opry Show Admission Ticket in Nashville

(1891 reviews)

from $ 57.70

Nashville Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour

(4604 reviews)

from $ 52.39

Nashville Biggest & Wildest Party Public Tractor Tour (Ages 21 + )

(1952 reviews)

from $ 44.95

Nashville Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Nashville is from April through October, when the warm weather brings this music city to life. Although December is quite charming with Christmas decorations at the Opryland Hotel and the Belle Meade Historic Site , winter is low season. From November to March, you could score slightly lower fares on flights and hotel  rates.

Weather in Nashville

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Try the hot chicken  Every city has its specialty dish, and in Nashville, it’s hot chicken. Claiming to be the birthplace of this spicy fried chicken, you can find it on menus everywhere in town.

The tea is sweet The tea is sweet down here – really sweet. If you like plain iced tea, specify by asking for "unsweetened tea."

See rising stars at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge You could visit Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium , but to see tomorrow's next big stars sing and strum, head to Tootsie's , located downtown on Broadway .

Take a tour Whether you want to learn about the city's food or its music, you'll find a range of tours to suit your interests.

How to Save Money in Nashville

Plan a winter trip Given Nashville's popularity, hotel rates can get pricey year-round. However, you'll save some coin by visiting in winter, when prices are as low as they get.

Check the tourism site for coupons Nashville's tourism bureau pulls together traveler discounts and deals  here .

Buy the Total Access Pass You can use the  Music City Total Access Pass  for admission to four attractions or tours of your choosing. It also includes two free tickets to the Parthenon and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, plus shopping discounts, for $99.

Read more ways to save on your Nashville trip »

What to Eat

Only a few years ago, Nashville's dining scene was dominated by deep-fried, saucy entrees that were enough to make even the healthiest heart palpitate. Diners flocked to this southern city for chicken-fried steaks or juicy barbecue pork with hearty portions of macaroni and cheese and spicy baked beans. Over the past decade or so, though, Nashville has welcomed less cholesterol and more international cuisine to its dining scene; you can find restaurants serving Indian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Italian and Cajun favorites scattered throughout Nashville. Food tours are a great way to get a better understanding of Nashville's mesh of the traditional and modern.

For a casual dining experience, head over to the West End for its ribs and barbecued pork; and you can't miss sampling the famous Nashville hot chicken at Prince's Hot Chicken Shack , Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish or Hattie B's . If you're on the go, grab a bite at Coneheads , which serves up tasty chicken in waffle cones for a trendy take on the classic dish.

Check out The District for more upscale dining establishments; you can eat at the tapas-focused Black Rabbit or enjoy Cajun flavors with a side of live music at the Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar . Don't forget to swing by East Nashville to dine at Butcher & Bee or make your way to the Southern V to sample vegan comfort food, even a version of hot chicken! And, when your sweet tooth strikes, indulge in a treat from Morning Glory Donuts or Mike's Ice Cream . 

You can't forget about the city's bar scene either. Locals say Dino's and Mickey's Tavern are some of the top spots to grab a drink in town. If you're interested in Nashville's brewery and distillery scene, check out these top-notch establishments . Or, if you're just looking to kick back and relax with a drink and enjoy some live music, bar hop along Broadway . 

Nashville's crime rate is significantly lower than Memphis '; however, visitors should still use common sense when exploring. Keep car doors locked and make sure valuables are stored in a safe place. When walking around after dark, avoid dimly lit streets, especially in inner city areas.

Nashville's steamy climate can be a little overwhelming to those who aren't used to it. Travelers should keep this in mind when preparing to visit – especially if you are planning a summer trip. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen to avoid getting burned. Visitors to Nashville should also take precautions against heat stroke, the most common symptoms of which include headache, dizziness, fatigue and nausea. Avoid eating overly heavy meals and drink plenty of water.

Getting Around Nashville

The best way to get around Nashville is by car. The city has a public transportation system, but neighborhoods and attractions  are a bit too spread out to walk between, which can make visiting multiple sites in one day more complicated. If you like to cycle, you can also take advantage of BCycle, an electric bike fleet with stations around the city. Several of the city's top guided tours get around via bus, which is another efficient way to sightsee.

To get from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to your hotel, it's best to get a rental car. You can also take an airport shuttle, a public bus (route 18) or a taxi. Ride-hailing apps, such as Uber and Lyft, also operate in Nashville.

Nashville's skyline is recognizable by the "Batman Building," which is the AT&T building and its iconc "bat ears."

Explore More of Nashville

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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3 Days in Nashville Itinerary: The Ultimate Weekend in Nashville

Posted on Published: December 29, 2019  - Last updated: July 30, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Nashville

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nashville Itinerary: Day 1

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

Brunch at Graze Nashville

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

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

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

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

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

Things to Do in Nashville: 12 South

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas At Gaylord Opryland OR Tour the Grand Ole Opry

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

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

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

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

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

Dinner at The Wild Cow

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

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

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

Bowling and Drinks at Pinewood Social

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

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

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

Nashville Itinerary: Day 2

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

Breakfast at The Southern V

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

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

Visit Downtown Franklin (for Christmas or All Year Long)

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

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

Bicentennial Park Nashville

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

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

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

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

Nashville Farmers Market

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

Nashville Itinerary: Day 3

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

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

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

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

Explore Downtown Nashville

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

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

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

Hatch Show Print

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

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

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

Lunch at Grins Vegetarian Cafe

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

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

Walk Around the Hillsboro Neighborhood

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

Centennial Park & The Parthenon

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

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

The Gulch Neighborhood

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

Dinner at AVO

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

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

Crema Coffee

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

Planning a Trip to Nashville Map

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

More Things to Do in Nashville

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

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

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

Getting Around Nashville

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

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

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

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

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

Monday 31st of July 2023

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

Friday 13th of August 2021

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

Nina | Lemons and Luggage

Monday 30th of December 2019

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

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

Sunday 20th of October 2019

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

Monday 21st of October 2019

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

james jones

Monday 16th of September 2019

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

Tuesday 17th of September 2019

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

Grand Ole Opry, CMA Fest, TN Titans, Bonnaroo, WWE > BEST Ticket Deals!

Nashville.com visitors guide to nashville, tn, welcome to nashville, tracy lawrence announces 19th mission: possible turkey fry and benefit.

Country music icon and philanthropist and current CMA Awards nominee Tracy Lawrence announced today that his Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert will return for its 19th year on Nov. 26, 2024 in Nashville, Tenn. The turkey fry will take place at the Nashville Fairgrounds Tuesday morning, followed by the …

Two Nashville Chefs Make 2024 Food & Wine’s BEST!

FOOD & WINE announces its 36th annual Best New Chefs: America’s most talented and dynamic up-and-coming chefs. This year’s 13 Best New Chefs—the largest class yet—represent the future of cooking in America. They are leaders at the stove, creating food that is innovative, disruptive, highly personal, and delicious—and also leaders …

Megan Moroney Announces AM I OKAY? TOUR

Today, singer/songwriter Megan Moroney announces her forthcoming AM I OKAY? TOUR — a spring/summer 2025 headline run kicking off on March 20 which will include a two night stop at The Pinnacle here in Nashville on April 9th and 10th. Fresh off playing stadiums all summer long as support for …

LISTEN: Luke Grimes’ “No Horse To Ride (Live From Boston)”

Mercury Nashville / Range Music recording artist Luke Grimes today announced his 10 city Playin’ On The Tracks Tour, which will make a stop at the Ryman Auditorium on 11/14 Tickets for the tour will go on sale Friday, Sept. 13. Also today, the country star released a live version …

Mountain Stage Returns To The Franklin Theatre

NPR Music and West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s live performance radio show Mountain Stage has announced they will return to Franklin, TN for two back-to-back live shows on September 21st and 22nd. Hosted by Kathy Mattea, the shows will take place at The Franklin Theatre and feature guest performances by Madi …

Lee cabinet to get ethics training; governor has no plans to repay travel expenses

Gov. Bill Lee said Tuesday his team is working to expand the ethics training required for all members of his cabinet after the Tennessee Ethics Commission recommended doing so following a complaint filed against the state education commissioner.

Last week, the Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds that alleged she had illegally accepted travel payments from a group that lobbies the legislature, finding that because she repaid the funds, there was no reason to take the case further. In dismissing the case, the panel recommended all members of the governor’s cabinet undergo ethics training to avoid a similar situation in the future. 

Lee also accepted paid travel from an outside group that lobbies the legislature, but said the payment was legal and has no plans to repay the expenses.

Reynolds last year traveled to two out-of-state conferences hosted by ExcelinEd — her former employer and a national school choice advocacy group — with expenses paid by the organization. ExcelinEd, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and its partner 501(c)4 organization, ExcelinEd Action, both employ Miranda Williams, who is registered as a lobbyist in Tennessee.

State ethics laws prohibit members of the executive branch from accepting gifts, including travel reimbursements, from lobbyists and their employers.

After The Tennessean first reported the travel, Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Nashville, filed an ethics complaint against Reynolds, alleging that in accepting the payments, she skirted ethics rules. Reynolds then paid back about $2,000 in travel expenses and was reimbursed by the state.  

Ethics commissioners considered the complaint behind closed doors and ultimately voted to dismiss it, citing Reynolds’ repayment of the money. 

Lee said Tuesday that he wants to see the ethics training happen. 

“I think it’s a great idea,” Lee said. “I think the more people understand exactly what the rules are and how to follow them, the more transparency there is to that, the better it is.” 

While their situations are similar, Lee said he has no plans to repay travel expenses paid for by the outside group, as Reynolds did.

In July, Lee traveled to Marco Island, Florida, to speak at a conference of Alliance Defending Freedom , a group behind a handful of controversial new state laws. ADF and its partner 501(c)4 organization both employ Matthew Lorimer, a registered lobbyist in Tennessee. 

The trip was not announced publicly, nor was it documented on any of the governor's social media accounts. The only mention of Lee's travel to the ADF conference outside his internal office schedules is an expense noted on campaign finance disclosures, which his office said was for a staffer’s travel expenses.

More: TN Gov. Bill Lee spoke at Florida retreat paid by Christian law firm behind new state laws

Lee said Tuesday that he does not plan to repay travel expenses reimbursed by Alliance Defending Freedom. 

“The two cases are different,” Lee said Tuesday. “That 501(c)3 organization offered to reimburse hotel and travel expenses, which is customary and allowable under the law, and so it’s an acceptable expense. I don’t have a plan to repay because it’s a legal expense.” 

Both Lee and Reynolds had travel expenses paid by 501(c)3 organizations that employ lobbyists registered in Tennessee. Each also has an affiliated 501(c)4, organizations that can employ lobbyists but are allowed to engage in more overt political activity.

Lee said group paying for his travel wasn't trying to skirt the spirit of the ethics rules. 

“I think the law is pretty clear, 501(c)3s customarily provide for travel expenses for speakers,” Lee said Tuesday. 

Members of the Tennessee House Democratic Caucus say Lee should pay the money back — as Reynolds did — because failing to do so gives an appearance of favoritism and impropriety that the law is designed to avoid.

"Rules for thee, but not for Gov. Bill Lee!" Hemmer wrote on social media Tuesday. "While I am glad the Cabinet will have to take required ethics training based on my complaint, I am befuddled on why the Governor thinks taking a lobbyist-funded junket to Florida isn’t illegal or at least against the spirit of the law."

If Lee doesn't pay back the money, House Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, said Democrats will file an ethics complaint against the governor.

“If Bill fails to reimburse the money like his unqualified Education Commissioner recently did, then we will necessarily file yet another ethics complaint against this administration,” Clemmons said. 

Clemmons called the governor’s acceptance of the travel reimbursement a “a prima facie violation of state ethics policy intended to prevent or create the appearance of one using public office for private gain.

“Though his personal opinion and actions have always indicated otherwise, Gov. Bill Lee is not above the law,” Clemmons said. “He knowingly accepted gifts in the form of travel and lodging from an organization that openly and consistently advocates for the enactment of policies in Tennessee."