Planning a trip to Nashville? My husband and I went to Nashville for a few days and had the best time. I’d recommend spending 3 – 5 days there to experience what Music City has to offer. Continue reading to learn about best things to do and where to eat in Nashville.
THINGS TO DO
Day 1
Key highlights:
- Walk around The Gulch
- Visit the 12 South neighborhood
- Listen to music on Broadway
Start the day by getting breakfast or brunch at Milk & Honey, located in The Gulch. This spot doesn’t take reservations so you’ll need to walk in and put your name on the list.
While you’re waiting for your table or after breakfast, check out The Gulch neighborhood. You’ll find some cute boutique stores, coffee and pastry shops, and murals.
Then head over to the 12 South neighborhood to check out more murals. You’ll find cute stores, restaurants and more along the way. If you’re there during the week, make time to go to Sevier Park to check out the farmer’s market (on Tuesdays).
If you’re looking for lunch, you’ll find several spots in that area to choose from. Have a sweet tooth? Stop by Jeni’s ice cream for some unique ice cream flavors.
Once you’re done, head back to Broadway to listen to some live music. You can hop around the bars for free and listen to various artists at each bar. Most of the bars will have a band playing most of the day and night.
For dinner, head to Martin’s BBQ Joint for some delicious barbeque. We enjoyed a combo sampler with two sides. You can’t go wrong with the mac & cheese and broccoli salad.
Day 2
Key highlights:
- Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame (if interested in history/artifacts)
- Walk on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
- Listen to live music on Broadway
Get started with breakfast or brunch at Liberty Common, located in downtown Nashville. It’s a cute vibe and there are a few waffle benedicts to choose from.
After breakfast, head to the Country Music Hall of Fame if you’re interested in learning about the history of country music and famous artists, as well as seeing their memorabilia and outfits they wore. You can buy tickets ahead of time online or at the door. I’d note that if you’re not interested in museums, you could skip this stop. It could also be a good backup on a rainy day.
Once you’re done, make your way to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. You can walk across the entire bridge or just walk up to the top to check out views of downtown Nashville.
For lunch, head to Assembly Food Hall for various vendors to choose from. You can try the well-known Nashville hot chicken spots – Hattie B’s or Prince’s. We tried Hattie B’s and thought it was great. Depending on the time of day you go, you may end up waiting in a line to get your food.
Another good spot at Assembly Food Hall is Dock Local – get yourself a warm lobster roll to change it up. Want something sweet? Stop by Five Daughters Bakery for a layered donut.
Once you’re done, head back to Broadway to listen to some live music. You can hop around the bars for free and listen to different artists throughout the day.
Once you’re ready for dinner, head to Iberian Pig or Peg Leg Porker in The Gulch. Iberian Pig serves tapas and Peg Leg Porker serves barbeque. Can’t go wrong with either, just depends on what you’re feeling.
Day 3
Key highlights:
- Visit Centennial Park
- Stop by a distillery
- Grab happy hour at Harriet’s rooftop
- Go to a show at The Listening Room Café
Start the day by getting breakfast or brunch at Biscuit Love, known for their bonuts, located in The Gulch.
After breakfast, head over to the Graduate hotel, featuring Dolly Parton. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the first floor café and check out the rooftop.
Then walk over to Vanderbuilt University to check out the campus on your way to Centennial Park. At the park, go check out the Parthenon and enjoy a stroll around the area.
For lunch, head to Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. It has some good drink and food options. If you’re feeling happy hour, check out Harriet’s rooftop for some snacks, drinks, and a good view.
Once you’re done, go to a show at The Listening Room Café. It’s a cool spot with local artists.
For dinner, head back to Assembly Food Hall’s third floor and eat at Sixty Vines. We ordered the roasted cauliflower and Margherita pizza. For those with a sweet tooth, save room to try the Deviled Affogato for dessert. It’s worth it.
If you want to stay out late, end the night back on Broadway listening to some more country music.
WHERE TO STAY
Below are the best areas to stay in Nashville. There are many hotels and Airbnbs to choose from in these areas.
- Downtown Nashville: Staying here puts you at the heart of all the music. You’ll be right by Broadway and can easily walk to all the well-known spots in the downtown area.
- Sobro: This is right by downtown Nashville, but is a bit quieter than staying right by Broadway. It’s also easily walkable to all the well-known spots downtown.
- The Gulch: This area is a bit further from downtown Nashville but is still filled with many restaurants and shops. You may need to take a Lyft or Uber more often if you stay here.
I searched on Airbnb and hotels.com to find affordable places to stay depending on what you’re looking for.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW AS YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP
- You can easily walk around downtown Nashville and don’t need a car. You can use Lyft or Uber to catch a ride to areas nearby, such as the 12 South neighborhood, the Parthenon, etc., or you can rent a car.
- If you have more time, here are some other restaurants and places to check out:
- Restaurants:
- Bourbon Steak – It’s a pricey restaurant, but you can stop by at the bar for a drink and to check out the nice view of Nashville.
- Places to go:
- Grand Ole Opry – Go for a tour or a concert. Check out the schedule on their website.
- Bluebird Café – Known for finding artists, get tickets ahead of time.
- Zanies Comedy Club – Want to change it up? Go to a comedy show.
- Opryland
- Music Row
- Restaurants:
Hope you enjoy your trip to Nashville!
For more itineraries and destination ideas, check out my Travel page.