Nashville Weekend Trips are phenomenally entertaining. Known for an epic live music scene, delicious hot chicken and fine Southern hospitality, the city does not disappoint!
We created a perfect 3 Days in Nashville Itinerary that highlights fun music experiences, top places to eat and must-see attractions.
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3 Days in Nashville Weekend Itinerary
On Nashville weekend getaways, you 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 know there is so much more to see in the city!
Don’t worry, on our weekend getaway to Nashville, we do include iconic live music venues. Honestly, what kind of Nashville itinerary would it be if we didn’t?
While our Nashville weekend trip itinerary is designed to take place over Friday, Saturday and Sunday (or Saturday, Sunday, Monday), it can work for weekdays with just a few tweaks!
Are Nashville Trips just for Country Music Fans?
It’s nicknamed Music City for a reason – so, if you are wondering if there will be loads of tunes whirling in your ears, the answer is a resounding yes!
If you are not a fan, you can still have heaps of fun in the Country Music Capital. To be honest though, it would be a crying shame (yep, that’s a country song…see what I did there?) if you completely eliminated music on your trip to Nashville Itinerary.
While it is true that much revolves around country music, our Nashville 3 Day Itinerary covers a range of attractions that are suitable to all types of travelers.
Nashville Girls Weekend
My first time in Nashville was for a bachelorette party. Friends of the bride had planned an epic 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 the planning. Determined to create the Best Nashville Weekend Itinerary, I incorporated the highlights from my first trip and added sights we skipped.
In the end, we created a 3 Day Nashville Itinerary that is suitable to a variety of travelers – from a couples trip to mother-daughter trips to bachelor parties!
Read about more of the Top US Weekend Getaway!
BEST 3-DAY NASHVILLE ITINERARY
When planning a trip to Nashville, it is easy to get overwhelmed – there is just so much to see and do!
Don’t stress. Our 3 Day Nashville Itinerary is a detailed plan of the prime way to spend a long weekend or even a 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 where to stay and when to go.
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 Itinerary
After getting settled into your hotel (recommendations below), start off 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.
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 structure offers free line dancing lessons throughout the day.
Dinner at Acme Feed and Seed
Dive into your first night with dinner, drinks and music at Acme. Sprawled over four floors, it’s a lively place that is perfect to fuel up for a big evening.
The first-floor honkytonk has a full menu of Southern favorites and 28 beers on tap – plus live local bands. The second level features craft cocktails, sushi, vintage games and TV’s for viewing sports.
Level 3 is a private event space, but the 4th floor rooftop provides sweeping city views and dance parties on weekend nights.
Lower Broadway Honkytonk Bars
A weekend Nashville itinerary would not be complete without venturing into the bars on Lower Broadway. Nicknamed Lower Broad and Honky Tonk Highway, it’s 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 Corner (one of our favorite live music spots) and Robert’s Western World.
DAY 2 of Your Itinerary for Nashville
As your weekend Nashville trip continues, 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 and host to countless country music celebrity performances, it’s 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.
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 Opry House Performance
Rather than just touring the iconic attraction, visitors on a weekend trip to Nashville can opt to be in the audience for a Grand Ole Opry concert!.
The live radio broadcast features multiple musical acts along with other entertainment. If a Grand Ole Opry performance is on your list of what to see in Nashville in 3 days, then make sure to get tickets ahead of time!
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 this 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’s really like taking two tours in one!
Walking and Shopping in Nashville
After your filling lunch, carve out 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.
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.
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 stop by on your three days in Nashville. The taproom features a spacious interior, outdoor loungers and games.
Listening Room Cafe
One of the amazing 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.
Rather than the rowdy atmosphere of Lower Broadway, the Listening Room offers a real opportunity for songwriters to showcase their work.
DAY 3 of Your Nashville Getaway Trip
Finish off your 3-day weekend Nashville itinerary delving into some fascinating history – not only of the city, 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 fun Nashville trip!
Top places for brunch in Nashville include Biscuit Love (a trendy spot with origins as a food truck) and The Hampton Social (a beach themed venue that might make your forget where you are).
Country Music Hall of Fame
Offering an incredible array memorabilia, visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is practically a requirement on weekends in Nashville.
Through the exhibits and interactive displays, visitors learn about the evolution of country music and the 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 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 Bicentennial Capitol Mall Park, walk along the paths and learn about the state’s history via informational plaques and monuments.
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 itinerary in 3 Days one to remember with Hot Chicken from Hattie B’s.
The casual, counter-service spot is a local favorite and a must-eat when in Nashville. The spicy chicken sandwiches come with a choice of Southern sides – we like their amazing potato salad!
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 Itinerary Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Nashville Tourist Map below.
More Things To Do in Nashville
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!
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!
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!
Top Tips For Your Nashville Itinerary
Now that you know all the amazing things to do in Nashville, we have some final advice for your trip!
When To Go to Nashville?
Well, how about now?! Actually, we feel there are pros and cons to every season and here’s an overview to help you decide.
Summertime is a fun season for Nashville vacations. The bars are lively and people are out and about enjoying the warm weather.
We believe fall is the best time to travel to Nashville. The crowds are lighter, the temperatures are cooler and hotels are cheaper.
Although many would avoid visiting Nashville in wintertime, we think it’s fabulous. In fact, it is one of the Best Destinations for New Year’s Eve!
There are several reasons to plan a spring trip. It’s actually considered shoulder season – which means fewer crowds and more affordable rooms.
Where To Stay in Nashville
We believe the best Nashville place to stay for 3 days is right in the heart of the city – and there are tons of places to choose from!
Nashville Hotels
On our trips, we stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Nashville. The property is perfectly located just steps from Broadway, the Ryman Auditorium and other top Nashville sights.
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 fun entertainment.
Start your search on Booking.com and use our top tips for Finding the Best Hotels!
Start planning your USA Trip! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more 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!
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