Nashville Travelers Recommend

With country soul and urban chic, Nashville’s more than a must-stop for music lovers. Beyond the honky-tonks on Music Row lie fascinating history, great architecture, and chefs serving creative takes on Southern cuisine. Here’s how to dive into the very best of Nashville in just one jam-packed day.

Morning: Music City Exploring

Get your bearings in the compact downtown on a tour that takes in a little bit of everything. A hop-on hop-off trolley is great for total flexibility, or you can explore by private car, Segway, bike, or on foot. If you’re planning to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame or other Nashville highlights, opt for a tour that includes tickets—it can be a money-saving option that also avoids waiting in line. Since the Cumberland River runs right through the heart of Nashville, river cruises provide a front-row seat for checking out downtown, as well.

Afternoon: That Nashville Sound—or Flavor

Country music or country cooking? Choose between Nashville’s two great loves for an afternoon that’s all about what most appeals to you. Music lovers can book tickets to the Grand Ole Opry, tour the Ryman Auditorium, or go behind-the-scenes at RCA’s Studio B. If Southern fare is more your style, foodie tours of downtown are the chance to sample a little bit of everything without committing to a full meal. Taste your way through Tennessee whiskey, slow-cooked barbecue, and Nashville’s signature hot chicken with a guide to share insider stories from the local food scene.

Evening: Paint the Town

From the bars on Music Row to a raucous college scene, Nashville earns its title as a legendary place to enjoy nightlife. With one chance to get a taste of the action, joining a tour takes you straight to the party—whether you’re catching country shows, rolling through town in an open-topped party bus, or just hopping between local pubs. If that’s not your scene, there’s more to Nashville at night than wild parties; food tours, barbecue dinners, and sunset dinner cruises on the Cumberland River are a laid-back way to take in the city’s evening glitter.

With three days in Nashville, you can sample Music City’s top experiences—from studio visits to soulful cuisine—and add a day trip into the rolling hills beyond the city. Find whiskey stills, sprawling plantations, and Civil War battlefields as you use the following tips to make the most out of 72 hours in Nashville.

Day 1: Nashville’s Greatest Hits

Since many Nashville highlights are packed into an easy-to-explore downtown, you can get your bearings in just a morning of sightseeing. Choosing a hop-on hop-off bus or trolley tour means you don’t have to deal with driving and parking—and with a guide sharing inside tips, it’s a great way to discover where to visit later on.

After a classic Nashville lunch of barbecue or fiery hot chicken, scoop up tickets to one of the city’s musical attractions. The Grand Ole Opry still echoes with some of country music’s most iconic performances, while the self-guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium features music history presented by celebrity hosts. More reel-to-reel than rhinestones, RCA’s Studio B is a glimpse of the process behind the music, and tours feature the spaces where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson created some of Music City’s most hummable tunes.

Day 2: Beyond the City Limits

Pick a day trip from Nashville to taste Tennessee whiskey, walk Civil War battle lines, or tour grand plantations. With so much history in the Nashville area, there’s plenty of overlap between Civil War sites and other historic destinations, and many full-day tours combine a little bit of everything for a whirlwind introduction to Tennessee history. 

For example, you can learn the legend behind Jack Daniel’s distillery in historical Lynchburg; there’s a lot to see here even if you don’t drink whiskey, but aficionados will love capping off the tour with a Tennessee whiskey toast. To peer into the heritage of the old South, head into the green hills of Tennessee for a guided plantation tour: see Andrew Jackson’s country retreat, visit a onetime thoroughbred farm, and walk the halls of historic mansions. 

Day 3: Take a Deeper Dive

Make your last day in Nashville count by going in-depth to explore the side of the city that interests you most. Whether you’re tasting local food, taking in the music scene, checking out breweries, or interested in history, guided tours of the city take you beneath the surface.

Since food tours and brewery tours explore some of Nashville’s most colorful neighborhoods, you’ll see firsthand what the city is eating and drinking—and learn about the personalities at the cutting edge of Nashville trends. If you’re here for the music, brush up on your local celebrity lore by visiting star-studded neighborhoods and hearing the latest gossip. Whatever you choose, don’t skip town before you sample some of the city’s legendary nightlife. Spend your final evening in Nashville hitting honky-tonks, cruising the Cumberland River, or hopping from bar to bar.

With two days in Nashville, hit the musts while you delve into the city’s creative heart, from local restaurants to country stars. Dabble in energetic nightlife, follow in the footsteps of Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn, then slow down for a leisurely barbecue dinner with all the fixings. Here’s how to maximize 48 hours in Nashville.

Day 1: Country Classic

**Morning:**Get your bearings on a tour that explores the heart of the city—it’s a great way to discover places to visit later on. A hop-on hop-off tour offers flexibility, while guided tours of Nashville music spots, history, and landmarks provide more insight and context.

**Afternoon:**Visit the places where country greats made music history: tickets to the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and RCA’s Studio B offer peeks into the places behind your favorite country songs. For lunch, choose between the city’s two classic eats: a barbecue feast or Nashville’s fiery hot chicken.

**Night:**Dance your way into vacation mode on a tour that explores Nashville nightlife, from honky-tonk bars to wild party buses. If you’re looking for a quieter evening, catch your music on the Cumberland River, where dinner cruises feature live entertainment and barbecue buffets.

Day 2: Culture and Cuisine

**Morning:**Enter a world of rhinestones and hairspray on a tour of Nashville’s celebrity homes; you’ll peer past the gates and get some insider gossip about top local stars. If you’re determined to see inside, opt for the over-the-top Fontanel Mansion, which is packed with Barbara Mandell’s country memorabilia.

**Afternoon:**Skip a full lunch in favor of a food-themed tour so you can taste a little bit of everything while exploring some of Nashville’s most energetic neighborhoods. Sip local whiskey, learn what sets Tennessee barbecue apart, and check out the vibrant craft beer scene.

**Night:**Having taken in Nashville’s nightlife last night, experience a different side of the city after dark tonight. Evening city tours take in glittering views from the waterfront, and by booking you can secure tickets to see the Nashville Symphony at their magnificent, open-air amphitheater.

The home of country music, Nashville lives up to its nickname of "Music City." Here's how to best soak in the city's music scene, rich with live performances, legendary musicians, historic venues, and museums.

Grand Ole Opry and Museum

The city's premier country music stage and home of the world's longest-running live radio program, the Grand Ole Opry is not to be missed. Choose from one of the many live concerts that feature eight or more artists, or get a behind-the-scenes tour backstage to see where the careers of many country music favorites were launched.

Ryman Auditorium and Museum

Known as "The Mother Church of Country Music," the Ryman Auditorium is another venue grounded in legacy and history. Its exhibits feature the story of country music as told by the genre's biggest stars, and can be leisurely explored at your own pace.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Less of a museum and more of a Tennessee experience, the Country Music Hall of Fame is a modern facility with event space, state-of-the-art galleries, archival storage, and an incredible view of the city. Here you can learn about (and listen to) country music within the context of American history.

RCA Studio B

This famous recording studio is part of the Country Music Hall of Fame, which is about a mile away. Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson are just a few of the artists who have recorded at the historic RCA Studio B, where you can now learn about the "Nashville sound" the studio helped popularize.

Johnny Cash Museum

This museum holds the largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world. Discover his life and career through rare artifacts, storytelling, and entertaining interactive exhibits.

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

The Music City isn't limited to just country music—through the many galleries and exhibit at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, you'll learn about the celebrated performers from all genres that have passed through the city.

Nashville has quickly become a culinary capital of the South in recent years, with countless restaurants serving traditional and modern Southern fare with a Tennessee twist. Here are a few foods and activities that will make your taste buds sing during your stay in Music City.

Must-Try Dishes

Kick off your day of sightseeing and gastronomy with a hearty breakfast—in Nashville, that likely includes scratch biscuits and country ham. While fried chicken is a staple throughout the South, Nashville has put a fiery twist on it with their signature hot chicken, made with plenty of cayenne pepper. Another hearty option, popular at lunch, is what’s known locally as a meat-and-three : typically meatloaf, brisket, ham, or country-fried steak with three veggies on the side. Thirsty travelers shouldn’t miss the chance to sample some sweet tea or a craft cocktail made with Tennessee whiskey.

Must-Do Experiences

• Take your taste buds for a ride on a food and sightseeing bus tour of Nashville and its dining scene.

• Learn about the history of Music City while sampling tasty local specialties in the historic riverfront area.

• Indulge your love of two classics—beer and BBQ—with a local foodie guide.

• Explore Nashville’s burgeoning craft beer scene with tastings at three area breweries.

• Get insider tips on the best places to eat and drink from an in-the-know local.

• Listen to live music while sipping local whiskey at a renowned honky-tonk.

Antebellum plantations are an important part of Southern history and architecture, and many can be seen just outside Nashville. For a closer look at Tennessee’s past, consider a peek into 19th-century life at these historic homes. Here are your options.

Guided Tours

Set out from the city with a tour guide who will not only transport you from Nashville but share significant details that will add context to what you’re seeing at the plantation sites. History buffs will appreciate the facts pointed out by knowledgeable guides about the important Civil War Battle of Franklin, while wine lovers can opt for a tour that includes tastings at an operating plantation vineyard. Roundtrip transportation from your hotel and admission fees are included, making this an easy way to absorb a lot in one day.

Admission Tickets

If you’d prefer to see the surrounding sights at your own pace, the Hermitage is a 30-minute drive from Nashville. This elegant manor, home to seventh US President Andrew Jackson, can be seen on a self-guided audio tour of the gardens and grounds.

Though it’s known for country music, Nashville also has a lot to offer travelers in the way of yoga and wellness. Whether you want to power through a vinyasa class or rejuvenate with restorative postures after visiting the honky-tonk bars of Lower Broadway, here are a few ways to get your yoga fix in Nashville. 

Highlights

• Inject some zen into your Nashville break during an alfresco yoga session in one of the city’s leafy parks, such as Centennial Park, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, or Shelby Bottoms Greenway.

• Get sweaty during a studio class while a yoga instructor gives you helpful hints on breath work and tips for perfecting your downward dog and other postures.

• Try a private yoga class with your partner, friends, or family for a tailored yoga flow and help with personalized adjustments.

• Choose a yoga experience to suit your group’s style, whether that be an intense power session or a mindfulness practice.

• Most Nashville yoga classes last about an hour. All levels can be catered for and yoga mats are usually provided upon request.