Nashville, the undisputed capital of country music, is a vibrant city defined by its neon-lit honky-tonks, rich songwriting history, and Southern hospitality. It is best visited during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the outdoor festival scene is in full swing.
Top Things to Do in Nashville
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Getting Around Nashville
From the Airport
Bus. WeGo Public Transit operates the 18 Bus route, which connects the Nashville International Airport to downtown for a very affordable fare. Rideshare. Uber and Lyft are the primary rideshare services at the airport, with dedicated pickup zones located on the ground level of the parking garage.
Once You're There
Walking. Downtown Nashville is highly walkable, allowing you to easily navigate between Broadway, the Ryman, and the major museums. Rideshare. Uber and Lyft are the standard for getting to neighborhoods outside the city center, such as East Nashville, Green Hills, or the Grand Ole Opry.
Where to Stay in Nashville
Hotel picks for Nashville are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Nashville
Monell's Dining & Catering★ 4.8 (8,056)1235 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, USADining here is a communal experience where you sit at long tables with strangers and pass platters of Southern fried chicken, biscuits, and gravy family-style.
Hattie B's Hot Chicken★ 4.6 (13,530)112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USAThis is the definitive spot to experience Nashville's signature spicy fried chicken, available in heat levels ranging from 'Southern' to 'Shut the Cluck Up'.
The Loveless Cafe★ 4.6 (13,248)8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221, USAFamous for their made-from-scratch biscuits and country ham, this spot is a quintessential Southern breakfast institution located just outside the city center.
Arnold's Country Kitchen★ 4.6 (2,869)605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USAA James Beard Award-winning 'meat and three' cafeteria that serves up soul-satisfying Southern comfort food in a no-frills, historic setting.
Lockeland Table★ 4.6 (1,424)1520 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206, USALocated in the heart of East Nashville, this community-focused eatery excels in wood-fired pizzas and locally sourced ingredients.
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint★ 4.5 (11,813)410 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, USAThis sprawling downtown destination is the place to go for whole-hog barbecue cooked the traditional way over wood coals.
Adele's★ 4.5 (2,958)1210 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203, USAHoused in a former tire shop, this airy restaurant is renowned for its farm-to-table seasonal menu and one of the best Sunday brunches in the city.
Butcher & Bee★ 4.5 (2,867)902 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206, USAA trendy spot in East Nashville that offers a creative, Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring fresh, small-plate dishes perfect for sharing.
Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant★ 4.4 (9,185)500 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219, USAKnown for its slow-smoked barbecue and live local music, this is the perfect place to grab a casual meal while soaking in the downtown atmosphere.
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack★ 4.3 (4,428)5814 Nolensville Pk #110, Nashville, TN 37211, USAAs the originator of the Nashville hot chicken phenomenon, this legendary establishment offers an authentic, fiery experience that defines the city's culinary identity.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Nashville
Music History and Downtown Icons
Morning. Start your Nashville journey by heading straight to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can easily lose two hours exploring the vast collection of costumes, instruments, and recordings. It is best to arrive right when they open to avoid the mid-morning crowds. From there, take a short walk over to the Ryman Auditorium, known as the 'Mother Church of Country Music.' Take the self-guided tour to stand on the legendary stage where bluegrass was born. It is a spiritual experience for any music lover, so bring your camera for the iconic stage view. Afterward, stroll toward the nearby Johnny Cash Museum to see the world's largest collection of artifacts from the Man in Black.
Afternoon. After a morning of history, head toward Broadway to soak in the neon-soaked atmosphere of the famous Honky Tonk Highway. Grab a quick bite at a nearby spot and then walk a few blocks to the Frist Art Museum, housed in a stunningly restored Art Deco post office building. The rotating exhibits are always world-class, and the building itself is a masterpiece of architecture. Spend about ninety minutes here, then walk back toward the riverfront. You can catch a great view of the skyline from the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, which offers the perfect vantage point for a sunset photo. It is a fantastic way to transition from the cultural depth of the museum to the high energy of the evening.
Evening. As night falls, the energy on Broadway shifts into high gear with live music pouring out of every door. Start your evening at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, a purple-painted landmark that has hosted countless country stars over the decades. You will want to move between venues, so don't be afraid to duck into Robert's Western World for a 'Recession Special' and some traditional honky-tonk tunes. The crowd is a mix of tourists and locals, and the talent level of the musicians is consistently mind-blowing. End your night by finding a spot at Layla's Honky Tonk to hear some authentic rockabilly. It is loud, crowded, and exactly what a Nashville night should feel like.
Culture and Parks
Morning. Begin your second day by heading to Centennial Park to see the full-scale replica of the Parthenon. It is a surreal sight in the middle of a Tennessee park, and the massive gold statue of Athena inside is truly breathtaking. Spend some time walking the park trails before heading toward the Vanderbilt University area. The campus is beautiful for a morning stroll, particularly around the historic buildings. It is a quieter, more academic side of the city that offers a nice contrast to the chaos of downtown. Make sure to grab a coffee at a local cafe near the university gates before moving on to your next destination.
Afternoon. In the afternoon, head west to the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery. You will need a car or a rideshare to get there, but the drive through the lush hills is well worth it. Take a guided tour of the mansion to learn about the history of the thoroughbred horse industry in Tennessee. Afterward, enjoy a complimentary wine tasting in the winery, which is set on the beautiful grounds. It is a relaxing, sophisticated way to spend a few hours away from the city center. If you have time, walk through the historic outbuildings to see the carriage house and stables, which provide a fascinating look at life in the 19th century.
Evening. For your evening, head toward the Bluebird Cafe for a classic Nashville songwriter's round. You must book tickets well in advance, as this tiny venue is legendary for its intimate acoustics and famous alumni like Taylor Swift. If you cannot get a ticket, head to the nearby Green Hills area for a nice dinner at a local bistro. It is a more upscale and residential part of town that feels distinctly different from the tourist-heavy Broadway strip. End the night with a craft cocktail at a quiet neighborhood bar, reflecting on the more refined and artistic side of the city's musical soul.
East Nashville Vibes
Morning. Spend your final day exploring East Nashville, the city's creative and hipster heart. Start at the Five Points intersection, where you can browse local boutiques and independent record stores. The vibe here is much more laid-back and local than downtown. Grab a pastry at a local bakery and wander down the colorful streets lined with historic bungalows. It is the perfect place to see the 'real' Nashville, where artists and musicians live and work. Don't miss the chance to check out the local murals, which are frequent and highly photogenic.
Afternoon. For the afternoon, head toward the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, located in the Municipal Auditorium. Unlike the country-focused museum downtown, this one honors all genres of music and the session musicians who played on the biggest hits in history. It is an often-overlooked gem that provides incredible context for the city's recording legacy. Afterward, take a short drive to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. You can walk the length of the park to see the World War II Memorial and the massive map of Tennessee etched into the ground. It is a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the view of the State Capitol building on the hill.
Evening. Wrap up your trip by heading to the Grand Ole Opry, located a bit outside the city center. This is the show that made country music famous, and seeing a live performance in the Opry House is a bucket-list item for any visitor. Book your tickets ahead of time, and try to arrive early to explore the Opry Plaza. The atmosphere is electric, and you might even catch a surprise appearance by a country legend. It is the perfect, grand finale to a trip centered on the history and spirit of American music.