Nashville offers several fantastic neighborhoods to explore, plenty of history to brush up on, a wonderful nightlife scene, and enough food to keep you full.
Nashville in 3 Days
Nashville is perfectly built for a three-day itinerary that is full of the Music City essentials.
Day 1: Today is all about the music. Start at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (CMHFM), learning all about the history of country music and the artists who made it what it is. Check out the Music City Walk of Fame in the park across the street before you head over to grab lunch at Hattie B’s on Lower Broad (be prepared for a line). After lunch, head next door to the Ryman Auditorium for a self-guided tour. If you have time, consider a trip to the Historic RCA Studio B (you’ll need to book this along with your ticket to CMHFM). Before you head out for an evening of honky-tonk hopping, take a quick walk over the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge to see how the city skyline looks all lit up at night.
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Day 2: Your second day is about art, culture, and green spaces. Start the day off at Centennial Park and the Parthenon to find out why Nashville is known as the “Athens of the South.” Next, take the short drive over to 12South to pose in front of murals, shop at boutiques, and grab a bite to eat at Edley’s Bar-B-Que. After lunch, drive over to Germantown, park the car, and find out why this historic neighborhood is one of the best places to explore. Drop into the Nashville Farmers’ Market for local handmade goods and crafts and take a stroll through Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Don’t miss checking out the free Tennessee State Museum for a look at the Volunteer State’s history. After all your shopping and walking, it’s time to quench your thirst; stop by Corsair Distillery and Taproom for a tour and a taste of Tennessee whiskey before heading out to grab dinner, and hear live music at Skull’s Rainbow Room (reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance).
Day 3: Take a step back at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage (timed tickets are necessary to tour the mansion) for a look at the seventh president’s home as well as what life was like during the 19th century. After you spend the morning outside the city, head back to Lower Broad for lunch at Acme Feed and Seed (it’s first come, first served), then take a stroll to appreciate the city outside of the neons. It’s a short walk to the Nashville Public Library, where you can visit the Civil Rights Room to learn more about Nashville’s involvement in the civil rights movement. For a great last evening, head to Pinewood Social (reservations taken) for drinks, dinner, and bowling.
Nashville in 5 Days
Spend the first three days as outlined above.
Day 4: Time to get out of Nashville. Take a day trip south to the charming town of Franklin. Spend the morning exploring Downtown Franklin’s shops before grabbing lunch at Frothy Monkey. After lunch, check out the historic Civil War sites in Franklin. To end your Franklin field trip, an evening picnic at Arrington Vineyards is the perfect way to relax.
Day 5: For your last day in Nashville, it’s time for some more special Music City experiences. Start your day in The Gulch with breakfast at Biscuit Love, shopping, and mural hunting. Next, make the walk Downtown to tour Hatch Show Print (book your tickets in advance) and create your own keepsake poster. For lunch, head to Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant (reservations taken) for some Southern cooking before heading to The Goo Goo Chocolate Company to create your own dessert. For your last night, keep things more low-key but still quintessential Nashville by heading to The Listening Room Cafe (purchase your tickets in advance) or The Station Inn (seats are first come, first served).