Nashville is a lively Tennessee city, famous for its vibrant nightlife, mouthwatering Southern cuisine, and incredible live music. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away in a honky tonk, relax in a peaceful park, or sample locally-made wine at a vineyard, Nashville has something for everyone. This one weekend in Nashville guide, will help you to discover all the sights and flavors that make Nashville one of the most exciting destinations to visit in the United States.
Side note: The following post was written by Kendra, a local of Nashville. This way, you can be sure you are reading the best and most accurate 3-day Nashville itinerary. Locals know best! See the author’s bio at the end for more information.
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Nashville?
Getting to Nashville is easy as you can fly directly into Nashville International Airport. Once you arrive, the most convenient way to get around is by car. You can either rent a car at the airport or use a ride-sharing app like Lyft or Uber to get around for the duration of your trip.
While public transportation is also available, bus routes are not very frequent, running only once every forty minutes to an hour. Although taking the bus may not be the most convenient option, it is an affordable way to see the city if you have the time and patience to wait on the next bus. If you are short on time, however, I would definitely recommend navigating the city by car.
Tip! Be sure to check out the DiscoverCars Search Engine to find the very best deals on rental cars in Nashville.
What is the best time to visit Nashville?
Nashville is good to visit at any time, in any season. Peak season will be during the summer months when the weather is the warmest. This is especially true in June when the city hosts the annual country music event CMA Fest. If you come for the festival, expect huge crowds and to hear lots of country music.
Average Nashville Temperatures:
- Winter (Dec-Feb): 50/30
- Spring (March-May): 71/48
- Summer (June-August): 88/68
- Fall (Sept-Nov): 72/51
Where should I stay in Nashville?
Booking.comTo be in the heart of the action, staying downtown is best. Staying downtown allows you to be footsteps away from Broadway where you will find all of the nightlife and live music that make Nashville so famous.
Another good area to stay would be Midtown. The area is a bit quieter but is a very short Lyft or Uber ride away from downtown. Accommodations in Nashville can get quite expensive so if you are looking for more budget-friendly options, you might want to consider one of the many airport hotels.
My Personal Recommendations:
- Budget-friendly Option: For under $100, you can stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Nashville Saint Thomas West Hospital which is just is an easy drive to the sights at Midtown and Downtown.
- Mid-range Option: For under $200 per night, you can stay at the Hutton Hotel in Midtown.
- Luxury Option: For 5-star luxury in the heart of downtown, you should check out the Hermitage Hotel. Prices start at $600 per night.
- Dog-friendly Stay: Virgin Hotels Nashville is a good dog-friendly option in Midtown and does not have any pet fees.
- Unique Option: Another unique option would be staying at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. This is a massive property with gorgeous waterfalls and a garden conservatory on the inside. This hotel is an attraction in and of itself.
3-Day Nashville Weekend Itinerary
3 days in Nashville really is the perfect amount of time to see all of the major sights at a relaxed pace. Below you’ll find a detailed long-weekend itinerary to take you around to the best sights in town!
Day 1 in Nashville: Explore Downtown
Morning:
You can start the day in Cumberland Park taking in Nashville’s best views including the tranquil riverfront and modern skyscrapers of Nashville’s skyline.
Next, you can walk across the pedestrian bridge to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame which documents and preserves the history of country music. They call it the “Smithsonian of country music” and its informative exhibits will help you appreciate all of Nashville’s live music even more.
Afternoon:
Just outside of the museum is the Walk of Fame Park where you can walk by the stars of famous country artists. Try to find your favorite artist before heading to lunch at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken.
At Hattie B’s, you can sample Nashville’s famous hot chicken with your choice of delicious Southern sides like mac & cheese and Southern greens. Just beware, that this place draws a crowd and the line frequently extends well outside the door. So try to get there right as they open to beat the crowds.
Nashville has a lot more to offer than just country music, so after lunch, you can check the National Museum of African American Music. What makes this museum so great is its interactive exhibits that allows you to see the influences of your favorite artists.
Evening:
Spend the rest of the afternoon and night, bar hopping on Broadway. This street is full of honky tonks that have incredible live music all day and night. Go in, have a drink, take a line dancing class, or simply just listen with amazement at the talented musicians. The quality of the music in Nashville is incredible so you won’t be disappointed no matter which bar you choose.
Broadway does get crowded at night, but there’s nothing like observing it all from above at one of the many rooftop bars. It’s highly entertaining to watch the crowd below and to see Nashville’s skyline all lit up at night.
Tip! If hoping to save a bit of money and see all of Nashville’s main attractions, be sure to look into the Nashville City Pass!
Day 2 in Nashville: Take a Walk in the Park
Morning:
After a night of dancing and live music on Broadway, start your morning with a leisurely stroll in the peaceful oasis of Centennial Park. This stunning park is situated in the heart of Midtown and is a beloved destination for both tourists and locals alike.
Take a scenic walk around the lake and enjoy the picturesque views of the Parthenon – an exact replica of the ancient Greek temple in Athens. It’s a surreal experience to find yourself transported to Greece while still being in the heart of Tennessee. Don’t forget to step inside the Parthenon to marvel at the incredible golden statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, that is housed within.
Afternoon:
After your morning in the park, you can have lunch at the Nashville Farmer’s Market. In addition to seeing all of the flower, fruit, and vegetable vendors, this market has a food court where you can try many different local and international flavors.
After browsing all of the stalls, you can walk outside to the Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park. This park is filled with beautiful sculptures, columns, and a great view of the Tennessee State Capitol.
Evening:
End the day with dinner and live music at the City Winery. This upscale venue offers high-quality music and wine, the perfect combination! Make sure to reserve your ticket beforehand and then sit back and enjoy dinner and a show.
Day 3 in Nashville: Spend the Day at Opryland
Morning:
Another unique place to visit is the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Resort. This massive property is amazing to see regardless of whether you are staying at the hotel or not because inside are gorgeous waterfalls, fountains, and a garden conservatory that is stunning. Spend your last morning strolling the grounds and grabbing breakfast at one of the on-site restaurants.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, you can shop til you drop at Opry Mills. This outlet shopping mall has some of the best deals in town. Plus, it’s a great place to get a bite to eat or catch an IMAX movie if you need a break from all the live music.
If shopping is not your thing, you can explore more of the city via a Segway tour or narrated carriage ride.
Evening:
End the day by catching a show at Grand Old Opry House. This venue has been hosting great artists since 1925, so you become part of that long history of music when you see a show here. However, if no shows are scheduled it’s also possible to take a backstage tour instead to learn more about this historic venue.
Have more time in Tennessee? Check out all the nearby TN waterfalls!
Other things to do in Nashville
Although if you follow this 3-day Nashville itinerary, you will be seeing some of the best sights, there is of course more to see. If you have longer than one weekend in Nashville or if you want to customize this itinerary, check out more things to do in Nashville below!
- Cheekwood: This museum has a gorgeous botanical garden and is a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours.
- Arrington Vineyard: You also might like visiting Arrington Vineyard for a wine tasting and to enjoy seeing expansive views of the grapevines.
- Radnor Lake: If you like nature walks, then take a stroll around Radnor Lake. This trail is flat and easy, and if you are lucky you might see wildlife like eagles, turkeys, and deer.
- Dinner Cruise: This 4-hour ride will take you down the Cumberland River while you listen to live music, enjoy the sights, and dine on a delicious dinner!
Where (else) to Eat in Nashville
Still hungry? Check out these delicious restaurants to try during your weekend in Nashville.
- Monell’s: This restaurant is Southern food at its best with savory meat and side dishes served family-style.
- Sambuca: This venue has excellent food, ambiance, and live music on select evenings.
- Vegelicious LLC: If you are vegan or vegetarian but still want to try some Southern cooking, then Vegelicious LLC is the place for you. They have all of the traditional dishes but are 100% plant-based.
Other Tips to know before visiting Nashville:
They call Nashville, Music City for a reason, and that’s because the live music scene here is one of the best in the world. Your ears will be amazed. Just know that while country music is the predominant genre of music on Broadway, it’s not the only one.
You can also find rock, jazz, and hip-hop music as well. Many venues even have multiple rooms with multiple genres playing so if you are unsure of whether or not you can find the genre that you like the most in Nashville, I’m happy to say that you definitely can. Just ask the bouncers if they have your favorite genre of music playing and see where they direct you.
Nashville is very casual so no need to dress formally when you come. If you decide to bring your cowboy boots, you will fit right in on Broadway. However, you won’t see many cowboy boots or hats outside of the touristy Broadway strip. Cowboy boots while certainly fun to wear on a night out are definitely not a Nashville requirement if you prefer to pack light and leave the boots at home.
Boots or not, Nashville is a city with a pulse unlike any other that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
3 days in Nashville Map
Feel free to download and use this map to help organize and plan the perfect 3-days in Nashville.
One Weekend in Nashville Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Nashville that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Nashville itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Nashville.
About the Author!
Kendra Lucas is a Nashville local who has lived in Music City for over 20 years. She loves to travel and has visited 50 countries and counting. If you like international travel tips that help to save you time and money then check out her world travel website here and subscribe to her YouTube channel here.
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