Nashville Weekend Trip: Itinerary for Nashville in 3 Days

A Nashville weekend trip is a must-take vacation in the United States. Nashville is a great destination for all occasions including girl’s trips, bachelorette parties, US road trip, or a couple’s trip. This guide to visiting Nashville in 3 days explains what to do, what places to visit, and how to plan the perfect three day Nashville itinerary.

My first time in Nashville was a girl’s trip with my mom to celebrate my college graduation. It was the perfect weekend trip with a balance between live music, tasty food, local history, and sightseeing. It was a great destination for a mother-daughter trip because all though there is a party atmosphere, there are activities for all ages.

If you plan to take a Nashville weekend trip, keep reading for the best things to do in Nashville, where to stay in Nashville, and other great Nashville travel tips.

For related posts, check out my guide to the best bars, the Grand Ole Opry, and a Nashville packing guide.

Some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe in. Thanks for your support!

Nashville Three Day Itinerary

Is three days enough in Nashville? Yes! In fact, I think a long weekend in the perfect amount of time to spend in Nashville.

Since you will have busy days and late nights, longer than 3 days will be too tiring. Less than three days and you won’t have enough time to see the highlights.

Here’s how I’d break out a three day Nashville itinerary:

Nashville Itinerary – Day 1: Opryland & Country Music

Spend the first full day in Nashville at the Opry. When I visited Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry was the highlight of the entire vacation. If you are a fan of country music, this experience cannot be beat!

The first day of this itinerary for Nashville is three days will be spend mostly around the Opry. After grabbing breakfast in downtown Nashville, take a taxi or drive out to the Grand Ole Opry.

Start the day at the Opry off with a backstage tour, where you will learn about the history of the Opry, see the dressing rooms, and even get to stand on the stage. Doing the backstage tour will give you a better appreciation for the show later.

After the tour, grab dinner and explore the Gaylord Opryland hotel, before returning for the show at night. Enjoy the show where you will see a mix of up-and-coming artists with some of your favorite popular artists.

Starting your trip off with an amazing performance is a great way to set the tone for the weekend.

Day 2: Broadway & Golf Cart Touring

The second day of this 3-day Nashville itinerary is all about exploring downtown and Broadway. Spend most of your day on a golf cart tour to get a taste for the history of the city, see the most popular murals, and try some moonshine.

This combo golf cart tour combines a Nashville city tour, mural tour, and brewery/moonshine tour. Since you only have three days in Nashville, a combo tour is a great way to hit a lot of highlights in a short amount of time.

Following the tour, spend the afternoon and evening on Broadway, eating great food and exploring the honky tonks.

The bars in Nashville on Broadway are unique because they are more casual than other cities and feature the best live music. Spend 1-2 hours at different bars to get a taste of them all.

Day 3: Nashville History & More Music

For the third and final day, round out the trip with some museums and more music. Visit the Johnny Cash museum or Country Music Hall of Fame, depending on what appeals to you most.

Both of these museums will deep dive the history of music in Nashville and highlight the most famous artists. There is also plenty of unique memorabilia that can only be seen in Nashville.

Finally, visit more honky tonks or the Bluebird Cafe for you final live music performances.

What to Do in Nashville – 7 Top Things to Do

There are many great things to do in Nashville. Some Nashville activities are centered around the party and musical atmosphere of the city while others focus on the culture. For the perfect Nashville weekend trip, plan to hit a variety of both.

The below activities are the best things to do in Nashville and can all be packed into one weekend if you plan ahead.

1. Grand Ole Opry Show

Seeing a live show at the Grand Ole Opry is my #1 recommendation for what to do in Nashville. This historic music venue is the center of country music and is sure to put on a fantastic show.

The Grand Ole Opry House is the official home of the original Opry show that began at the Ryman Auditorium. Each show, multiple stars will perform in the famed circle for the intimate crowd and live radio audience.

The performers are announced days-weeks in advance, so it may be a bit of a surprise who is performing for your visit. If you are a country music fan, I can almost guarantee you will know the headliner. When I visited, the main performance was Gary Levox, the head singer of Rascal Flatts.

In addition to the headline performer, there will be other sets by smaller country artists, musicians from different genres, or even comedians. There will be a good mix of established performers and up-and-coming artists.

Be sure to book tickets to the show ahead of time to ensure you get a spot. Since the venue is small, there are no bad tickets in the house. I recommend purchasing a ticket in a middle price point for the best value.

Read my post all about the Opry for more details including what to do near the Opry and what to wear!

2. Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour

If you are making the drive out to the Grand Ole Opry, you must take the backstage tour in addition to viewing the show.

The backstage tour is a series of videos and a guided tour to learn the entire history of the show and people who have performed in it. The entire tour is extremely well-done and gave me chills just learning about the significance of the venue and show.

When this tour was recommended to me, I was a bit hesitant. I’m not much of a “museum person” as was much more interested in the show than the history of the Opry. However, by learning about the origins of the show and hearing about it’s importance to country music, I gained a much greater appreciation for the show that night.

3. Joy Ride Managers Special Tour

During my Nashville weekend trip, my favorite activity was the Opry, mentioned above. My close second favorite was this golf cart your. This tour with Joy Ride is a fun, easy, and efficient way to see the city and learn about the history.

Joy Ride offers mural, city, and brewery tours or a combination of all three. With only a short amount of time in Nashville, I highly recommend the three-hour combination manager’s special tour to check off many highlights of the city quickly and easily.

In contrast to many of the party-based Nashville tours, Joy Ride offers more informative and cultural tours, with a bit of drinking on the side. The guides are knowledgeable, kind, and open to personalizing the tour to your interests.

Some highlights of the tour include photo ops at murals around the Gulch, moonshine tasting at top distilleries and a complete tour of the city and its musical history. I walked away from this tour with so much love for the city and cannot wait to go back.

4. Country Music Hall of Fame

As mentioned above, Nashville is all about country music. For a bit of country music history, be sure to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Here, you will find exhibits showcasing memorabilia from top country artists including some of their stage outfits and a wall of records. Additionally, you can add the studio B or hatch print tours for extra history.

5. Moonshine Tasting

The other thing Nashville is known for is whiskey. During your weekend in Nashville, be sure to do some moonshine and whiskey tasting at local distilleries.

My favorite distillery in Nashville is Ole Smokey, located in downtown. They have a $10 moonshine tasting where you are offered seven moonshine tastings with flavors ranging from blackberry to salted caramel. My favorite Ole Smokey moonshine flavor is the apple pie. I don’t like Whiskey (at all), but these flavored moonshines reminded me much more of a flavored vodka and were absolutely delicious.

If you are a big whiskey fan, look into visiting the Jack Daniels distillery around 30 minutes outside the city for a more in depth background of the Whiskey distillation process and tastings.

6. Honky Tonk Hopping

You cannot spend a weekend in Nashville without hitting some honky tonks on Broadway. All the bars are open (basically) all day, have constant live music and are sure to be a great time. Keep reading this guide for a list of my favorite bars in Nashville.

7. Belle Meade Plantation

For a different view of Nashville, head out of the city for a tour of Belle Meade Plantation. This will give you a glimpse into the unfortunate history of the American south.

While emotional, the mansion and Journey to Jubilee tours showcase the history of slavery in an informative and sensitive way.

Other Fun Activities in Nashville

If you are craving more things to do in Nashville, I’ve heard great things about the below sites, but have no experienced them personally.

• Johnny Cash Museum
• Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
• Tennessee State Capitol

Where to Stay in Nashville

Since Nashville is a walkable city, where you stay will dictate where you can easily get to. There are many great hotel options at all price points, so choosing can be tricky. Airbnb’s are also a great option for large groups.

The best areas of Nashville to stay are the Gulch and Broadway. The Gulch is a bougie, new, neighborhood that has cute cafes, chic restaurants, and modern accommodations. Broadway is where all the action is, near all the best bars and nightlife.

The Westin Nashville is one of the best places to stay in the city because it is walking distance to both areas mentioned above. The large hotel has modern rooms, good service, and a high-end rooftop infinity pool.  I recently stayed in one of their large corner king suites and was very impressed.

Another great hotel in Nashville is The Joseph, a luxury collection hotel. The Joseph is one of the most luxurious hotels in Nashville and is great for special occasions.

What to Wear in Nashville

Choosing what to pack for your Nashville Weekend trip is the last step in preparing for your vacation. Overall, wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Nashville is a casual city so you can get away with cute casual rompers or dresses or even jeans all day and night.

Nashville is also a great place to break out your cowboy boots and hats. Yes, you will stick out like a tourist, but you really aren’t fooling anyone either way. Some cute outfits are jean shorts, cowboy boots, and a blouse or a midi dress with short cowboy booties.

Some things to avoid in Nashville are high heels or fancy dresses. The honky tonks are casual and you will be on your feet for a long time.

I have a lot more to say about what to wear in Nashville, so check out my packing guide for more tips and outfit ideas.

Shop these Nashville outfit ideas

Best Restaurants in Nashville

Nashville is the ultimate foodie city. Think fried hot chicken, flaky biscuits, and other southern fare. Your taste buds will thank you, but your waistline may not.

Nashville food is known for being southern comfort food with an emphasis on butter, fried foods, and sweets.

The below restaurants in Nashville are my favorites for each meal. They range from casual fast food to nicer sit-down restaurants. Also, these popular restaurants are by no means hidden gems, so be prepared to wait in line or get a reservation. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Try to hit as many as possible during your Nashville weekend trip!

Best Brunch in Nashville

Biscuit Love– This is probably the most popular brunch spot in Nashville, for good reason. Their homemade biscuits and fun toppings make for a delicious, hearty breakfast. If you’re wondering what to order, you need to get the bonuts, east nasty and an iced chai latte.

Milk and Honey– Find this cute brunch spot in the Gulch. They have all the brunch classics such as breakfast sandwiches, baked goods, and some lunch items as well. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.

Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row– This celebrity-owned bar surprised me with the quality of their brunch. Order your favorite flavor of Bellini with a sampler of their breakfast sliders. My favorite is the cheddar waffle with fried chicken.

Best Lunch in Nashville

ACME Feed and Seed– This three-level restaurant bar is a great spot for a casual lunch in Nashville. The first floor serves classic bar food such as nachos, pulled pork, and hot chicken sandwiches. Upstairs, find a surprisingly good sushi bar. Enjoy the rooftop for great views of Broadway.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken– Hattie B’s is a Nashville staple. They have multiple locations around the city, but I recommend the midtown location to avoid the Broadway crowds. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu, but I recommend the chicken strips, mac and cheese, and peach cobbler.

Best Dinner in Nashville

The Stillery– If you are looking for a nice, sit down dinner in Nashville, be sure to visit The Stillery. Their menu is fantastic and makes it hard to choose what to order. You need to try their mac and cheese skillet and any of the wood fired pizzas.

Peg Leg Porker– This gulch bbq joint is often rated the best barbecue in Nashville. Their specialty, in the name, is any of their pork products. I recommend ordering their ribs or pulled pork platter.

Check out my list of the best restaurants in Nashville for a complete overview of the Nashville food scene.

Best Bars on Broadway in Nashville

As mentioned above, one of the best things to do in Nashville is honky tonk hopping on Broadway. Nashville has a mix of classic country dive bars and newer, celebrity owned joints. Spend an hour or so in each place, searching for the best atmosphere, drinks, and live music.

Best Nashville Original Honky Tonks

The number one original bar on Broadway is Tootsies Orchid Lounge. This light purple building is always packed with customers enjoying their no-frills atmosphere and fantastic performers.

Another great classic Nashville bar is Nudies. Again, the venue is no-frills but tons of fun!

Best Celebrity Bars on Broadway

• Casa Rosa– Owned by Miranda Lambert, this is the best woman-owned bar on Broadway.
• Ole Red– Blake Shelton’s bar always delivers with fantastic up and coming talent.
• Luke Bryan– This bar has a sushi restaurant and stunning rooftop.
• Whiskey Row– Dierks Bentley’s bar has some of the best food and lively performances.
• Jason Aldean– The best rooftop bar in Nashville, plus you cant miss the tractor bar.

Click here for my 13 favorite bars in Nashville

Getting Around Nashville

In general, Nashville is a very walkable city. If you stay in any of the below recommended hotels, you should be able to walk to most sights.

For medium-far destinations, you can utilize the cities vast network of electric scooters. They can be found on most street corners and can be rented directly from your phone. Be sure to follow traffic rules and not drink and ride.

If you plan to visit some locations outside the city, Uber or Lyft are your best options. Since everything else is close together, it is not worth renting a car for your Nashville weekend trip.

Fun Facts About Nashville

Nashville, known as “Music City” has a ton of charm and culture. The below Nashville fun facts will you give you a taste of what makes this city so special.

1. Nashville is the top bachelorette destination in the United States, leading many to call it “Nashvegas”
2. Elvis recorded over 200 songs at Studio B on music row, a famous street near Broadway
3. The Grand Ole Opry has broadcast its radio show every Saturday for 95 years, without missing a single show

Tips for Visiting Nashville

The below Nashville tips and tricks will help make your trip go super smoothly. By planning in advance and using the right tools, traveling to Nashville is very easy.

1. Plan Accommodations in Advance: Nashville is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons and major events like music festivals. To secure the best accommodations at a reasonable price, book your hotel or vacation rental well in advance.
2. Use Public Transportation: Nashville’s traffic can be congested, so consider using public transportation options like buses, the Music City Star commuter train, and rideshare services to navigate the city more efficiently. The free downtown bus circulator, the “Music City Circuit,” can also be a convenient way to get around downtown Nashville.
3. Stay Hydrated: Nashville’s climate can be hot and humid during the summer months. Carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors or walking around the city.
4. Embrace Local Cuisine: Sample Nashville’s culinary delights, including hot chicken and southern comfort food. While dining out, remember to tip your server appropriately (typically 15-20% of the bill) as it’s customary in the United States.
5. Download Useful Travel Apps: Use Nashville’s official tourism app or transportation apps, to stay updated on local events, navigate the city, and access information about nearby attractions and dining options.

Summary of Planning a Nashville Weekend Trip

I can guarantee you will have a fantastic Nashville weekend getaway. The city is lively, vibrant, friendly, and memorable. Follow this Nashville travel blog to help plan your thee day weekend itinerary and focus on what to do.

Spend some time exploring the country music history of the city through the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Hit the Honky Tonks to learn why many call it “Nashvegas”. Finally, take a golf cart tour to learn about the history and culture of the city.

Between sightseeing, stop by many of the great Nashville restaurants for a taste of the city. Feast on Nashville hot chicken, mac and cheese, biscuits, and other fantastic Tennessee cuisine.

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or visiting just because, have a great trip!

FAQ- Nashville in Three Days

Related Posts:

• What To Wear In Nashville – Ultimate Nashville Packing List For Women
• 11 Best Restaurants In Nashville On Broadway For Visitors
• 13 Best Country Bars In Nashville – Broadway Honky Tonks And More
• Best Tours In Nashville: What To Do In Downtown Nashville Tennessee
• The 17 Best Murals In Nashville & Nashville Mural Tours
• Guide To Visiting The Grand Ole Opry – Must-Do Activity In Nashville
• 160 Nashville Instagram Captions, Quotes, & Hashtags

Pin this for later: