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Nashville Weekend Trips are phenomenally entertaining. Known for an epic live music scene, delicious hot chicken and fine Southern hospitality, Nashville does not disappoint! Spending 3 days in Nashville, Tennessee on a long weekend is just enough time to get acquainted with the city. We created a perfect Nashville Itinerary that highlights the best music experiences, top places to eat and must-see attractions.
Nashville Weekend Trips
On Nashville weekend getaways, visitors can experience the absolute best of Music City. While some travelers are content to spend an entire weekend in Nashville at the bars listening to music, we think there is so much more to see in the city!
In our weekend getaway to Nashville, TN, we do include iconic live music venues (because, honestly, what kind of Nashville itinerary would it be if we didn’t?!) – plus legendary eats, cool districts and some intriguing history.
On your weekend trip to Tennessee, we assume that you will have three days in Nashville to explore. While our Nashville, TN weekend trip plan is designed to take place over Friday, Saturday and Sunday (or Saturday, Sunday, Monday), the itinerary can work for weekdays as well.
3 Days in Nashville, Tennessee
If you are wondering, How many days in Nashville is enough? – we think visiting Nashville in 3 days is ideal. However, we know not all travelers are planning a Nashville 3-Day Itinerary. To help visitors with various timeframes, we have outlined sample Nashville itineraries for shorter and longer trips at the end of the article.
Are Nashville Trips just for Country Music Fans?
Nashville is nicknamed Music City for a reason – so, if you are wondering if there will be loads of country music whirling in your ears, the answer is a resounding yes! If you are not a fan, however, you can still have heaps of fun in the Country Music Capital. We highlight an array of activities for your weekend getaway to Nashville.
To be honest though, it would be a crying shame (yep, that’s a country song…see what I did there?) if you completely eliminate listening to or learning about country music during your weekend trip to Nashville Itinerary.
While it is true that many Nashville trip ideas revolve around the country music scene, our Nashville 3 Day Itinerary covers a range of attractions that are suitable to all types of travelers.
Nashville Girls Weekend
My first weekend in Nashville was for a bachelorette party. Friends of the bride had planned an epic Nashville bachelorette party itinerary – so all I needed to do was show up and enjoy! However, on a return trip for a Girls Weekend in Nashville, I was in charge of planning our Nashville weekend getaway.
Determined to create the Best Nashville Weekend Itinerary, I incorporated the highlights from my first trip and added sights that we skipped to my Girls Weekend Nashville plan. In the end, we created a 3 Days in Nashville Itinerary that is suitable to a variety of travelers – from a couples trip to mother-daughter trips to bachelor parties!
3-DAY WEEKEND NASHVILLE ITINERARY
When planning a trip to Nashville, it is easy to get overwhelmed – there is just so much to see and do! In our 3-Day Nashville Itinerary, we have created a detailed day-by-day plan for the best way to spend a long weekend or mid-week city break.
In addition to the activities that we include in our 72 Hours in Nashville trip plan, we also include essential tips for how to get there, where to stay and what to pack.
Pro Tip: Get (and stay) organized) for your vacation to Nashville by using our Trip Planning Printables!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Nashville Itinerary to plan your trip to Tennessee!
DAY 1 of Your Weekend in Nashville
After getting settled into your accommodations (recommendations below), start your Nashville weekend at one of the top attractions, Ryman Auditorium. Then put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a Nashville night of fun!
Ryman Auditorium Tour
A perfect first stop on your 3-day trip to Nashville, Ryman Auditorium is considered ‘The Mother Church of Country Music.’ On self-guided tours, visitors get an introduction to the history of the Nashville music scene in one of the most adored music venues in America. Get tickets!
Line Dancing at Wildhorse Saloon
Before heading out for a night on the town, brush up on your line dancing moves at the Wildhorse Saloon. Located in a historic warehouse, the 3-story venue offers free line dancing lessons throughout the day. On a Girls Weekend in Nashville or even if you are a solo traveler, line dancing at Wildhorse is a fun way to kick off your Nashville trip.
Pro Tip: Get there before 6pm to avoid a cover charge.
Dinner at Acme Feed and Seed
Ease into the first night of your 3 Day Nashville Itinerary with dinner, drinks and music at Acme. Sprawled over three floors, Acme Feed and Seed is a a lively place that is perfect to grab some grub – as each level is designed around a different theme.
The first-floor honkytonk has a full menu of Southern favorites and 28 beers on tap – plus live local bands. Meanwhile, the second level features craft cocktails, sushi and vintage games. On the rooftop, guests can savor sweeping Nashville city views – and join dance parties on weekend nights.
Lower Broadway Honkytonk Bars
A Weekend in Nashville Itinerary would not be complete without venturing into the bars on Lower Broadway. Nicknamed Lower Broad and Honky Tonk Highway, the street is the epicenter of Nashville nightlife.
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is the most well-known live music venue on Lower Broadway. Up-and-coming musicians have graced the stages at Tootsie’s for more than 60 years. Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline and Waylon Jennings are just a few of the legendary country music singers to perform Tootsie’s.
Other honkytonk bars to check out on Nashville getaways are Legends (one of our favorite live music venues) and Robert’s Western World.
DAY 2 of Your Itinerary for Nashville
On Day 2 of your weekend Nashville trip, get a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry, discover the delectable tastes of Tennessee and settle in for songwriters’ performances.
Grand Ole Opry
A highlight of many weekend trips to Nashville is the famous Grand Ole Opry House. Home to the famed weekly Grand Ole Opry Show (the longest running radio show in America) and host to countless country music celebrity performances, it is one of the best places to visit in Nashville.
As you plan a trip to Nashville, you have two options for how to experience the Grand Ole Opry: Tour or Performance.
Note: The Grand Ole Opry House is not located in downtown. You will need to organize transportation to get there if you don’t have a car for your weekend in Nashville. You can rent a car, hop in an Uber/Lyft or take the city bus.
Tour the Opry House
For our 3 Days in Nashville Itinerary, we recommend booking a morning backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry House. Tour participants get to walk in the footsteps of singers and sometimes onto the stage. The tours often sell out, so book your tickets in advance!
Watch a Nashville Performance
Rather than just touring the iconic attraction, visitors on a weekend trip to Nashville, Tennessee can opt to be in the audience for a Grand Ole Opry concert experience. The live radio broadcast performances feature multiple musical acts along with other entertainment.
If a Grand Ole Opry performance ranks high on your list of what to see in Nashville in 3 days, then make sure to get tickets in advance! Shows start at 7:00pm and tickets start at around $50. Reserve your seat!
Nashville Food Tour
Food is a major factor when planning a trip to Nashville! Rather than strenuously trying to figure out where to eat, let a guide lead the way.
Indulge in the tastes of Nashville on a locally guided food tour. In addition to the classic local eats – like Southern BBQ and Nashville Hot Chicken – tours are peppered with history and insider tips. So, it is really like taking two tours in one. The mid-day tours are 3-hour walking culinary adventures – and no one leaves hungry! Book it now!
Walking and Shopping in Nashville
After your filling lunch, carve out a little time in your Nashville trip itinerary to take a walk along the Cumberland River. Start at Riverfront Park, then cross the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge to Cumberland Park for epic views of Nashville.
Then, get a different view of Lower Broadway – one in the daylight. Walk the length of the street and pop into the historic Ernest Tubb Record Shop. Make it a true weekend in Nashville and go shopping at one of the country western clothing stores – like Boot Country – to peruse the abundance of leather boots and cowboy hats.
Pro Tip: Hatch Show Print is another famous shop to see – and it’s just a block off Broadway. The store is known for their woodblock print country music posters.
Yee-Haw Brewing Co
If you are starting to get thirsty (and we’re not judging!), the Yee-Haw Brewing taproom is an entertaining spot to spot by on your three days in Nashville. The taproom features a spacious interior, outdoor loungers and games. Guests are invited to enjoy a leisurely afternoon sipping flights of craft beer.
Listening Room Cafe
One of the best things to do in Nashville is to listen to writers perform their original songs. The Listening Room Cafe is one of the best venues to do just that.
Tickets to the dinnertime shows are typically $10 to $15, plus a minimum food and drink purchase. Rather than the rowdy atmosphere of Lower Broadway, the Listening Room offers a real opportunity for songwriters to showcase their work.
Pro Tip: The Bluebird Cafe is another legendary venue for up-and-coming songwriters and a popular destination on Nashville weekend trips.
DAY 3 of Your Nashville Weekend Trip
Finish off your 3-day weekend in Nashville delving into some fascinating history – not only of the music scene, but the state of Tennessee as well.
Nashville Brunch
A weekend boozy brunch has become all the rage, and it’s an experience not to be missed on your Nashville trip. Top places for brunch in Nashville include Biscuit Love (a trendy spot with origins as a food truck that will likely have long lines) and Woolworth on Fifth (a historic site of civil rights protests during the 60s). At either establishment, get an order of a Southern classic: Chicken and biscuits!
Country Music Hall of Fame
Offering an incredible array of country music memorabilia, visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is practically a requirement on your weekend Nashville trip.
Through the exhibits and interactive displays, visitors learn about the evolution of country music and the most famous artists throughout it’s history. Must-see exhibits include Elvis Presley’s Cadillac, a guitar played by Johnny Cash and outfits worn by Dolly Parton. Buy your tickets!
Pro Tip: If there is time in your Nashville Weekend Itinerary, consider visiting the fantastic Johnny Cash Museum.
Tennessee State Capitol and Bicentennial Mall State Park
Spend the rest of your afternoon at the Tennessee State Capitol building and the adjacent Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. The State Capitol Building is a national historic landmark – and is open to visitors for free self-guided tours (weekdays only).
In the Bicentennial Capitol Mall Park, visitors walk along the paths and learn about the state’s history via informational plaques and monuments. Other nearby attractions include the Nashville Farmer’s Market, Tennessee State Museum and the Nashville Public Library (which features an excellent Civil Rights Movement Exhibit for free).
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Make the final meal on your Nashville in 3 Days trip one to remember with Hot Chicken from Hattie B’s. The casual, counter-service fried chicken restaurant is a local favorite and a must-eat on a long weekend in Nashville. The spicy chicken sandwiches come with a choice of Southern sides – like their amazing potato salad, pimento mac and cheese and baked beans.
Pro Tip: Guests in a hurry can avoid the wait by ordering ahead online.
Nashville Neighborhood Exploration
As your weekend trip to Nashville winds to a close, spend your final hours wandering through some of the best districts near Hattie B’s. Walk through Music Row (home to record label offices and recording studios) and consider visiting the Vanderbilt University campus or strolling through Centennial Park.
Nashville Map
Find your way to all the Best Nashville Things To Do with our Nashville Tourist Map!
More Things To Do in Nashville, Tennessee
We packed our 3 days in Nashville, Tennessee with some of the absolute best things to see and do in the city. That said, there are still more attractions that you could visit on a weekend in Nashville!
Nashville Museums
We highlighted our top picks for the best museums in Nashville. However, other travelers planning a Nashville vacation itinerary may want to include a few more top-rated museums on their trip.
The National Museum of African American Music sits right on Broadway and features an interactive music history from gospel to rap.
The Belmont Mansion is a historic house built in the 1850s that details Tennessee history, architecture and artworks from the time.
Those interested in art might want to carve out time to visit The Parthenon – a full-size replica of the Athens Parthenon and art museum featuring paintings by American artists.
The Adventure Science Center – which has interactive, hands-on displays – is an ideal choice to include in a Nashville family itinerary.
Nashville Antiquing
We already mentioned the shops along Lower Broad for western wear and souvenirs, but antique fans should head for Marathon Village. The multi-use complex is housed in the former Marathon Motor Works building and features a selection on unique retails shops – including the flagship store for the TV show American Pickers.
Tennessee Whiskey and Craft Breweries
Several whiskey distilleries are right in the Nashville city center – including Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Corsair Distillery and Big Machine. In fact, Big Machine is also a craft brewery along with Tennessee Brew Works, Marble Fox, New Heights and Blackstone Brewing.
Best Nashville Districts
Most visitors planning a weekend in Nashville spend their time in downtown, but there are some fascinating neighborhoods near the city center, too. Curious travelers may want to incorporate some of these districts into their three perfect days in Nashville itinerary!
12 South Nashville
The revitalized neighborhood has boutique shops (Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James), excellent coffee shops (Frothy Monkey), chic donut shops (Five Daughters Bakery) and heaps of street art murals (like the ‘I Believe in Nashville’ artwork).
The Gulch
One of Nashville’s hippest districts, The Gulch is a small neighborhood highlighted by posh eateries, cool bars and fun shops. Check out Two Old Hippies!
Hillsboro Village Nashville
Many travelers are lured to Hillsboro Village to eat at Pancake Pantry, a local breakfast spot since 1961. The youthful neighborhood also has chic coffee shops (such as Fido), boutique stores and the historic Belcourt Theater.
East Nashville
On the east side of the Cumberland River, East Nashville is a fun area to explore. Top attractions are the sophisticated restaurants in The Five Points, quirky shops on Fatherland Street and Shelby Bottoms, the vast green space along the riverside.
Nashville Day Trips
We designed our 3 Days Nashville Itinerary as a great introduction for first-time visitors. However, there are places to see in Tennessee that can be reached on day trips from Nashville.
Belle Meade Plantation and Winery
Fun to include on a Nashville Bachelorette Itinerary, Belle Meade is just a short jaunt from the city center. The estate dates to the mid-1800s and visitors can take tours, enjoy a wine or bourbon experience or wander the beautiful grounds. Get the details!
Jack Daniel’s Distillery
The state of Tennessee is well-known for its whiskey production. A popular Nashville day trip itinerary travels to Lynchburg, where participants will tour and taste at the famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Book it now!
Memphis and Graceland
The home of Elvis Presley’s Graceland, famous Sun Studios and vibrant Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee is an incredible place to visit. Although quite a distance from Nashville, it is possible to see the highlights on one of the long (15-hour) Nashville day trips. Get the details!
Civil War Tour from Nashville
History buffs can embark on a journey to the site of the Civil War Battle of Franklin. Visit key sites of the battle, including the Lotz House, Carter House and the Carnton Plantation to learn about the history, war and aftermath. Find out more!
Nashville: How Many Days?
You’ve read our outline for our 3 day trip to Nashville, but you may still be contemplating, How Many Days Do You Need in Nashville?
Determining how many days to spend in Nashville will depend on your interests and budget. With 3 days in Nashville there is enough time to experience the highlights, hear live music, eat authentic fare and do a little shopping, too.
That said, we could easily plan a trip to Nashville for an entire week and not get bored. If we were limited to just one day in Nashville, we wouldn’t pass up the opportunity, either!
Alternate Nashville Trip Planner Itineraries
We believe our Nashville Itinerary for 3 days is the perfect weekend plan. However, we know that many travelers have different timelines. Therefore, we are offering our top tips for both shorter and longer Nashville itineraries.
Nashville 1-Day Itinerary
We have devised a prime plan for things to see in Nashville in one day. Start at Ryman Auditorium for a self-guided tour. Next, join the Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour to see top attractions. Then, book a late afternoon line dancing lesson at Wildhorse Saloon. Finally, end your day at the hopping bars on Lower Broadway!
2-Day Nashville Itinerary
For us, the best 2 Days in Nashville Itinerary can be planned quite simply. In fact, we recommend following Days 1 and 2 exactly as outlined in our above 3 perfect days in Nashville!
Alternate 3-Day Weekend in Nashville Itinerary
If you are going to Nashville for the weekend, but are not that interested in country music, we have suggestions for other attractions.
Instead of going to the Country Music Hall of Fame, spend time exploring one of the vibrant districts. Rather than going to the Grand Ole Opry, take a tour of the Belle Meade Plantation. Skip the honky tonks on Lower Broad in favor of the music scene in East Nashville.
Tennessee Itinerary
If you are planning a longer Tennessee Vacation Itinerary, we recommend adding Knoxville and Memphis on either side of your 3 Days in Nashville. Another way to plan a trip to Tennessee is to focus on nature. If you want to get outdoors, head toward the Great Smoky Mountains and visit Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Top Tips For Your Nashville Itinerary
Now that you know all the amazing things to do in Nashville, we have a few final travel tips for your trip!
What’s the Best Time To Go to Nashville?
Everyone has their own opinion about the best time to visit Nashville in a weekend. We think there are pros and cons to every season.
Summer Vacations to Nashville
Summertime is a fun season for Nashville vacations. The bars are lively and people are out and about enjoying the warm weather.
The downside of planning a summer trip is the heavy crowds and higher prices. The best places to visit in Nashville are absolutely packed in the summer – and accommodations are most expensive. Plus, when it gets really hot, the humidity is stifling.
Autumn Weekend Trip Nashville
We think the fall is the best time to travel to Nashville. The crowds are lighter, the temperatures are cooler and hotel rooms are cheaper.
Winter Weekend Trip to Nashville
Although many would avoid visiting Nashville for three days in wintertime, we believe it’s fabulous! In fact, it is one of the Best Destinations for New Year’s Eve!
Springtime Nashville Weekend Trip
There are several reasons travelers might want to plan a spring Nashville weekend trip. The springtime is considered shoulder season – which means fewer crowds and more affordable rooms.
How To Get to Nashville
Nashville can be reached by plane or car. We think it is best to fly – we are JetSettingFools, after all! When we need to purchase plane tickets, we start our search for the best airfare on SkyScanner.
The Nashville International Airport (BNA) is located about 8 miles southeast of the city center. It is serviced by all major US airlines as well as direct flights on British Airways from London!
Where To Stay in Nashville
We think the best Nashville place to stay for a weekend is right in the heart of the city – and there are loads of places to choose from!
Nashville Hotels
On our trips to Nashville we stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown. The hotel is perfectly located just steps from Broadway, the Ryman Auditorium and other top Nashville sights. Check rates and availability!
Nashville Gaylord Opryland Resort
Located near the Grand Ol’ Opry, the Gaylord Opryland Resort can be a great place to stay for a Nashville family vacation itinerary. The 4-star property features pools, gardens, restaurants and plenty of family fun entertainment. Check rates for your stay!
Weekend Rentals Nashville, TN
Those who prefer staying in apartments will find numerous properties on Airbnb. While there are just a handful of places to stay in Downtown Nashville, most of the weekend apartments are located in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Start your search on Booking.com and use our top tips for Finding the Best Hotels!
What To Pack For a Weekend in Nashville
And finally, our top packing tips for your weekend to Nashville trip! We are highlighting a few essentials for what to pack for Nashville – but you can find all of our hacks on our Packing Page.
Walking Shoes
While you will definitely want your dancing shoes and maybe even boots for weekend getaways in Nashville, you will also need walking shoes.
In our Nashville weekend guide, we outline long days of exploring on foot. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. I prefer wearing lightweight shoes by Columbia (for women), while Kris likes wearing Merrell trail shoes.
What Clothes to Pack
We recommend packing your suitcase with lightweight clothing in the summertime and clothes that can be layered in the winter. And, anytime of year, it is a good idea to have a packable raincoat and travel umbrella.
Travel Camera
Our go-to travel camera is a DSLR Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens. However, in a city like Nashville – where music venues and rowdy bars are the main attractions – we prefer using a smaller camera. The Canon Powershot ELPH is our slim and lightweight budget travel camera. We love the zoom feature and the fact that it can easily fit into a pocket or day bag.
Start planning your trip to Nashville, USA! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Planning More Fantastic US Weekend Getaways?
Use our guide to the Best Weekend Getaways in the United States and Top Underrated US Destinations to find your next quick vacation spot!
Want to keep the party going? Check out our weekend guides for other Southern cities – like Louisville, Savannah and New Orleans.
How about ideas for NYE or a Winter Vacation? We’ve got complete lists of Great Places To Ring in the New Year and Excellent US Winter Destinations!
Heading out West? Get our tips for trips to Phoenix, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, San Diego, Austin and Denver.
Planning big city trips? Use our guides to DC, Boston, Chicago, and NYC!
Want to take a road trip? We outline a spectacular California Coast Road Trip – as well as a Columbia River Gorge and Oregon Coast Road Trip. If you want to really get in the great outdoors, see our tips for a Ultimate Montana Road Trip!
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