Looking for a fun and exciting weekend getaway? Look no further than Nashville, Tennessee! Known for its honky tonks, delicious food, and southern hospitality, Nashville is the perfect destination for a weekend full of adventure and relaxation.
With so much to see and do in Nashville, it can be overwhelming trying to plan the perfect weekend itinerary. From neon lights on Broadway to historic landmarks like the Grand Ole Opry, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this lively city.
Whether you’re a music lover, foodie, history buff, or just looking for a change of scenery, we’ve got the perfect Nashville itinerary to guide you through the top things to do, see, and eat during a weekend in Nashville.
- Friday Night: Kickoff your Weekend in Nashville
- Saturday: Dive into the Heart of Music City
- Sunday: Wrap Up a Great Weekend in Nashville
- Additional Tips for Your Nashville Itinerary
Friday Night: Kickoff your Weekend in Nashville
Welcome to Nashville!
Which neighborhood should you stay in? Right off the bat, staying in the downtown area will give you lots of options within walking distance for sightseeing, honky tonks and phenomenal restaurants. If it’s not your first visit–or if you prefer to stay “off the beaten path”–check out this blog with descriptions and lodging recommendations of other Nashville neighborhoods.
Hotel and AirBNB Recommendations
At a glance, here are our top choices of where to stay for a weekend in Nashville:
- Downtown: The Hermitage, Industrial Chic Loft Apartment Steps from Broadway
- Gulch: W Hotel, The 404 Hotel
- East Nashville: Petite Vintage Charmer – Trendy East Nashville, The Russell Nashville
- 12 South: Charming Music Row 20s Bungalow in 12 South
- Germantown: Walk to Restaurants from a Charming Victorian Suite
- Music Row: Songwriter’s Suite
Arrival and Check-In
If you get to your hotel before check-in, store your luggage with the concierge and start your Nashville adventure! If you can’t get into your AirBNB immediately upon arrival, no worries—it’s totally normal (and acceptable!) to see tourists walking around Broadway and even ducking into bars and restaurants with suitcases in tow. As long as it’s toward the first half of the day before it gets too crowded, you’ll typically be accommodated with your luggage.
Explore Broadway on Night 1!
Dinner recommendation: Head to Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint for incredible Tennessee-style BBQ, a fun atmosphere (upstairs is an enormous open-air beer garden with a stage!) and entertainment in the form of live music and games. Reservations are not accepted, but the line goes pretty quick as the staff are used to serving a crowd!
Nighttime Activity: Take a tour of the Honky Tonks! Trust us–taking a walk up and down Broadway is the best way to get to “know” what Nashville nightlife is all about. We suggest bar-hopping to some classic Honky Tonks, like Tootsie’s, The Stage and Robert’s Western World. If you’re looking to sample some celebrity-endorsed bars, we suggest adding these to your Nashville itinerary:
- AJ’s Good Time Bar (Alan Jackson)
- Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
- Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa
- Kid Rock’s Big A$$ Honky Tonk
- Garth & Tricia’s Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk
- Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar
- Ole Red (Blake Shelton)
- Luke’s 32 Bridge (Luke Bryan)
- Redneck Riviera (John Rich)
Saturday: Dive into the Heart of Music City
Activity Ideas for your First Morning in Nashville
Saturday morning is for exploration! You’re now familiar with Broadway after a night of honky tonks, so it’s time to work your way out with some iconic sights and Nashville can’t-miss attractions:
- Centennial Park: from its iconic full-scale Parthenon replica, to the awe-inspiring beautiful landscapes, a walk in this park offers history, culture, nature and recreation.
- Musicians Hall of Fame: Celebrate the achievements of legendary musicians and experience the rich history of American music through interactive exhibits and memorabilia.
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Wander through one of the largest museums in the world dedicated to past and current country music stars.
- John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge: Spanning the Cumberland River, the bridge is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world!
- Nashville Farmers Market: Pick up a snack from an array of fresh local produce and artisanal foods amongst a vibrant atmosphere
It’s Time for Lunch!
After putting in some steps for the AM portion of your Nashville itinerary, it’s time for a quintessential meal, and we’ve got lots of options!
- Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Famous for its spicy, flavorful Nashville hot chicken, this restaurant is a must-visit for a taste of the city’s iconic dish.
- The Loveless Cafe: Known for its Southern comfort food and legendary biscuits!
- The Catbird Seat: Renowned for its innovative and ever-evolving tasting menu, The Catbird Seat offers a unique dining experience where guests can observe chefs in an intimate, interactive setting.
- Husk: Located in a historic mansion, Husk is a must-visit for those wishing to explore the regional flavors and traditions that are integral to Nashville’s gastronomic heritage.
Afternoon Activity
After an incredible lunch, it’s time for another dose of fun!
- Nashville Pedal Tavern: Reserve one party bike or rent our whole fleet! Pedaling down Broadway is an iconic, unforgettable experience! Not only is a ride on Nashville’s number 1 party bike a guaranteed good time, you’ll be paired with an all-in-one tour guide, DJ and drinking game host!
- Bevē Shopping Tour: Take a small group in a luxury bus to visit the best shopping in Nashville, without the hassle of coordinating an itinerary or transportation on your own!
- Mural Walking Tour: An active way to see the city and get great group photos
- Nashville Toons: Switch out downtown for some down time with a stress-free boat ride on a tricked-out pontoon!
Saturday dinner and evening Entertainment
The cuisine in Nashville is as varied and celebrated as its musicians, so whether you duck into a random restaurant on a whim, or you research and reserve a table months in advance, you’ll likely wind up with a plate of incredible food. We’ve selected a few acclaimed restaurants below to add to your Nashville itinerary.
- Etch: Known for its creative and globally inspired menu, Etch is a favorite among food enthusiasts.
- The 404 Kitchen: This restaurant blends Southern charm with contemporary flair in a stylish, rustic setting.
- Rolf and Daughters: Located in a historic building, Rolf and Daughters is celebrated for its house-made pasta and New American cuisine.
After tucking into a good meal, it’s time to keep the good times rolling. Below are some ideas of what to do for the first half of your evening (don’t be surprised if you end up on Broadway doing the Honky Tonks again!).
- Grand Ole Opry Show: This show is iconic and long-running for a reason!
- Bluebird Cafe: Experience an intimate live music performance at this legendary venue, known for showcasing both established songwriters and emerging talent.
- Printer’s Alley: This historic district is filled with bars, clubs, and speakeasies offering a variety of entertainment options from jazz and blues to karaoke and cocktails.
- Ascend Amphitheater: An outdoor venue located on the Cumberland River hosts performances by top artists across various genres in a scenic setting.
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Sunday: Wrap Up a Great Weekend in Nashville
Let’s Brunch!
Brunch is a necessity to bookend a full Nashville itinerary, and the establishments below do not disappoint!
- Party Fowl: A lively spot known for its Nashville hot chicken and boozy slushies.
- The Sutler: A rustic-chic venue serving Southern-inspired dishes and craft cocktails in a cozy atmosphere.
- The Tavern: A hip gastropub featuring with an extensive drink menu.
- Pinewood Social: A versatile space combining a restaurant, bowling alley, and social club, perfect for a unique brunch experience.
Morning Activity
There are such fun and unique activities that are worth adding to an itinerary, whether you’re here for bachelorette party or just in for the weekend.
- Candle making at Paddywax Candle Bar
- Permanent jewelry at Link X Lou
- Spa services at Spa Haus Nashville
- Search for cowboy boots and hats at Lucchese Bootmaker and Rustler Hat Company
- Ax throwing at Bad Axe Throwing Nashville
- Art with spin a record: upcycle vintage vinyl records with pour art
Mid-day Recharge
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The time is ripe for a mid-day coffee or energy boost! Check out our favorite Nashville coffee shops and juice bars.
- Neighborlily: Showcasing locally sourced teas and coffee, this charming shop doubles as a gift shop with curated goods and fresh flowers. Outdoor seating is peaceful under the shade of a century-old crepe myrtle tree.
- Barista Parlor: Known for its hip, industrial-chic atmosphere, Barista Parlor offers meticulously crafted coffee beverages using high-quality beans, along with artisanal pastries and a rotating selection of local products.
- Frothy Monkey: A popular local chain with a cozy and inviting atmosphere, Frothy Monkey serves a wide range of coffee drinks, breakfast and lunch options, and features local artwork, making it a community favorite.
- The Urban Juicer: Specializing in fresh, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and healthy snacks, The Urban Juicer focuses on wellness and offers a variety of nutritious options in a vibrant, modern setting.
- Retrograde Coffee: A charming, retro-inspired coffee shop that prides itself on sustainability, Retrograde Coffee serves high-quality, ethically sourced coffee, and offers a unique, laid-back vibe with vintage decor and comfortable seating.
A Last Hurrah
We can’t pick just one cherry to top off an awesome Nashville weekend…so we’ll let you make the choice of what to add as a last evening in Nashville!
- Line Dancing Lessons at Urban Cowboy
- 16-Bit Bar+Arcade for some vintage arcade games and a dose of nostalgia
- Putt Shack for high-tech, next-generation mini golf
- Scream sing your favorite songs at WannaB’s Karaoke
- Kung Fu Saloon for a little skeeball, great cocktails and a fun atmosphere
Additional Tips for Your Nashville Itinerary
Accommodation Recommendations
We put together a list of our favorite vacation rentals by neighborhood and recommend checking out this list by Time Out. For those groups more into a hotel, check out this Nashville Hotel Guide from Travel + Leisure to lock down your accommodations.
Transportation Tips for Getting Around Music City
- Take advantage of Nashville’s air-conditioned and affordable city bus system.
- Ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber are easily accessible and efficient.
- There are ample bike-sharing lanes and B-Cycle is the city’s bike-sharing program, offering short-term rentals from various stations throughout the city.
- Electric scooters, offered by companies like Bird and Lime, are available for rent throughout Nashville.
So, pack your bags, embrace the rhythm, and prepare for an unforgettable weekend in the heart of Tennessee. Your perfect Nashville getaway awaits! Reach out to our team if you need any other recommendations or help making reservations – our Nashville concierge services are excited to help you design your perfect Nashville itinerary.
