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The nicknames Music City and Nash Vegas should conjure up an image in your head as to what to expect from 3 days in Nashville – Tennessee’s ultimate party destination.
Live music blasts through the open window fronts at every neon-signed bar lining Broadway. In between the buzzing bars are a few small stores selling cowboy boots, cowboy hats and all manner of rhinestone encrusted clothing and trinkets.
So much activity in only a couple of city blocks. Broadway is where the action is and where, for better or worse, you’ll likely end up on at least one occasion. But don’t worry, there’s more to Nashville than bars, although it might take a little digging to find out what.
For a non Country music loving introvert like myself, Nashville seemed like it wasn’t going to be my kind of place. But it grows on you, the music and the southern charm affecting you more than you might expect.
Within the course of the week I spent there I went from overwhelmed and defiantly nonchalant about the city, to planning my inevitable return, rhinestones, boots and all.
Where is Nashville?
Tennessee’s largest city is in the center of the only state whose length spans two time zones. Less than 4 hours to the western city of Memphis you can enjoy two musical cities with very different personalities on the same trip if you have the time.
Nashville is just over two hours from Chattanooga, another Tennessee staple. You can also be in the Great Smoky Mountains, one of the most beautiful National Parks in the United States, in just over 4 hours.
In the same length of time, why not celebrate a famous Tennessee native, Dolly Parton with a trip to the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. You can also be in either Kentucky or Alabama in as little as 1-2 hours which leaves you open to some additional exploring around these southern states.
How many days should you spend in Nashville?
I’d recommend at least 3 days in Nashville to really appreciate what the city has to offer, and in my case allow it to grow on you. Broadway can be crazy and the very part of the city that has caused it to be likened to Las Vegas in recent years, but it’s worth a wander. There are live music shows for all tastes, YES even if that taste isn’t Country music.
Other than live music and bars, there are plenty of other things to see and do, even if they don’t get the immediate recognition that Broadway does. Sure, many are still music related, but what do you expect in a place nicknamed Music City. That said, I found enough non music activities to keep my occupied too.
Don’t spend all your time in the city – there are lots of great places nearby you should visit. Like the lovely little town of Franklin, or one of Tennessee’s popular distilleries.
A week could be a tad too long unless you have more out of city activities planned, but three or four days is the sweet spot for a first time visit.
Top Tip: Don’t mess with Dolly
Country fan or not, you can’t help but fall in love with the city-wide appreciation of the legend that is Dolly Parton.
Even if she’s had a permanent 9 to 5, warning Jolene away from her man, she still has time for a bunch of philanthropic work, is unabashedly genuine and relatable, and her word is almost gospel in this part of the world.
What would Dolly do? It’s a phrase you’ll be more than familiar with before you depart Nashville, exhausted but still humming catchy tunes all the way to your departure gate.
Will 3 Days In Nashville Be Expensive?
I’m not going to lie to you, the hotels aren’t cheap. Soaring popularity equates to a cash grab on an elevated scale. If you find hotels for less than $300 a night you might be able to count yourself one of the lucky ones. Another reason why 3 days in Nashville may be all you can manage.
But Airbnb-like accommodation if sharing with friends can help the wallet a little. Look around, plan ahead, and maybe avoid the Country Music Awards weekend like I accidentally booked into. Still, I enjoyed the Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Downtown where I stayed. Walkable to all the sights but in a quieter area.
I didn’t find all meals to be much more expensive than many other big cities, but there’s a lot of BBQ and fried food that feel a bit fast-food like in the way they are served that it can feel like you’re paying more than you get sometimes. Still, you won’t go hungry and you’ll find tons of great food options.
Drinks on the other hand are where the extra costs occur. And many bars won’t serve water unless in bottles for a fee. Not so subtle tip touting from bathroom attendants and live bands are the kinds of extra costs you won’t have prepared for. Keep a few smaller bills in your pocket for those incidentals.
3 Days in Nashville – Top things to do
Don’t worry, you won’t be bored. But what is there to actually do in Nashville? And how should you plan your time around listening to live music and day drinking?
LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC
It has to be done, so we’d best put it first on the list. Music City should be best enjoyed from an open-windowed bar, rocking along to classics you know and new tunes you’re gonna love. You can’t spend 3 days in Nashville without hitting up a musical bar at least once.
Sip a whisky or relax with an ice cold soft drink to combat the heat as you listen to dazzling performances by up and coming stars, or seasoned pros.
Live music is everywhere, you won’t have trouble finding it. The only effort you’ll have is beating the lines at popular spots or finding a space to dance. And it’s not all about country music. Rock, blues, pop and all other sorts of music are played everywhere in Nashville.
Where to start – Fill your (cowboy) boots with live shows on Broadway at:
Want somewhere quieter? – Try an off-Broadway experience at:
Thanks to my friend Holly who shared some of these suggestions prior to my visit.
COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM
Don’t let the word country put you off. See where it all began: before country music became country music. The roots of music in America, famous musicians who inspired it, and how Nashville got involved. A museum where you can listen as well as read the info boards on your way around. Not to mention all the musical memorabilia the museum has on show.
Want to see Elvis’ gold plated Cadillac? Johnny Cash’s suit? or Willie Nelson’s hat? There are also dozens of instruments and hundreds of gold and platinum albums on display.
You can get interactive by creating your own album cover or engineering your own song. At almost $30 for a ticket to get in, the museum isn’t cheap, but it is worth a visit – even if you’re not super into country music. Before you leave check out the Circle Guard with the crème de la crème of Country honored in this unique space.
TENNESSEE STATE MUSEUM
Diverging a bit from the music scene in general, to just generals – head on over to the Tennessee State Museum. You see, Nashville is not only the most popular city in Tennessee, but it’s also the state capital.
The best thing about the museum is that it’s completely free. And you’ll get to learn all about how Tennessee grew, and what came before it in that region.
There are exhibitions about the wars that have been fought, and all the people who’ve called it home. Note the museum is closed on Mondays.
NASHVILLE FARMER’S MARKET
Right across from the Tennessee State Museum, and the perfect place to grab lunch, is the Nashville Farmer’s Market.
The indoor market is open every day. The outdoor farm shed stall vendors vary each week but there is usually a good selection Friday through Sunday. So hopefully your 3 days in Nashville includes a weekend day or two.
You can often find food trucks outside and there are plenty of food options inside the market. Get some Nashville hot chicken, a wood fired pizza or any number of sweet desserts and treats. Not to mention this is a cool place to seek refuge from the sun on a hot Nashville day.
MUSIC CITY WALK OF FAME
See which musicians with links to Nashville have had influence worldwide on the music industry.
From the likes of Patsy Cline and Garth Brooks to Jack White and Jimi Hendrix. There’s a heavy leaning towards country music stars, but a good peppering of musicians from other genres too.
The square tributes embedded into the sidewalk are found in the Walk of Fame Park opposite the Country Music Hall of Fame.
EAT ALL THE SOUTHERN FOOD
Prepare to leave your 3 days in Nashville full of sticky sweet barbecue sauced up meat, everything you can possibly fry with cheese and desserts that cause diabetes just by looking at them. Southern food is hearty, filling and deliciously tasty. You’re gonna love it.
Non-vegetarians will have to try a Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich, or some such variation. Local fave Hattie B’s is a popular choice. Stop by a Tennessee BBQ joint like Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint. And start your day off right with a trip to Biscuit Love. So good I went there twice. For dessert you have to try the delicious donuts at Five Daughters Bakery.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC
Everyone was so busy telling me about Country Music that no-one mentioned this Nashville gem. Luckily I stumbled across it myself and can now share it with you. The National Museum of African American Music ended up one of my top things to do on my 3 days in Nashville.
Start with an inspiring video introduction to African American music which sets the tone for the rest of the museum. Learn about the roots of African American music in the US and the influence its had on artists throughout the 20th century.
With everything from blues to rock ‘n’ roll, country to rap, this museum shows the significant impact of African Americans on the world on the world of music.
SEE A SHOW
Sure live music is everywhere, but there are also plenty of shows to see in the many theaters around Nashville. Probably the most famous is the Grand Ole Opry,
Considering each 2-hour Grand Old Opry show has multiple artists playing, tickets are not badly priced. $55 and up, depending on seats.
As well as seeing new and up-and-coming stars, you could be lucky enough to also see some pretty famous ones. The Opry is a little far to get to, which is the only downside. Nothing a taxi or Uber can’t handle though if you really enjoy your country music, or want to savor a piece of Nashville history.
Downtown though, there’s the Ryman Auditorium – you can also take a tour of the Ryman. Or the Nashville Symphony for some classical or jazz. And if music isn’t your thing (you may be in the wrong city), you can always catch a sports show game. The Nashville Predators hockey team play downtown, and the Tennessee Titans NFL team play here too.
MUSICIAN’S HALL OF FAME
The Musician’s Hall of Fame brings together all genres of music. Although the museum isn’t as polished as many of the other musical museums in Nashville, this is a good alternative if you’re not a big country music fan.
The intro video could do with some work, but the content of the museum is interesting enough. If you’re a music fan, of course.
There are also some historical musical items that are cool to see: BB King’s tuxedo, Ringo Starr’s drumsticks, and even a piece of the stage from Woodstock so you can say you’ve actually stood “on stage” at Woodstock.
When I visited there was a Johnny Cash exhibit and another about the Grammys. There are also a few interactive exhibits – sing on stage with Ray Charles, or play some instruments in a studio.
DRINK CLASSY COCKTAILS AT A SPEAKEASY-STYLE BAR
I’m a huge fan of hidden Speakeasy bars, and tequila. While Pushing Daisies isn’t exactly a Speakeasy, it is a fun underground bar with great décor and even better cocktails.
Their inventive margaritas are so good you won’t know which to have first. The strawberry kiwi smash was my favorite. Other famous cocktails with a tequila twist are worth a try. Or there are zero proof cocktails if you need a break from alcohol after 3 days in Nashville.
Other hidden bars in Nashville include Red Phone Booth – where you’ll need to find a code to get in, or The Patterson House. Both have incredible cocktails and a really unique vibe.
TENNESSEE STATE CAPITOL
Nashville is not only the biggest city in Tennessee, but the capital city of the state. So be sure to check out the impressive Tennessee State Capitol building, situated high on the hill in Victory Park.
Built in the 1850s, the Capitol became a fortress during the Civil War just a few years later. President Polk is also buried just outside the building. You can take a tour of the Capitol during the week – self guided and fully guided options are available.
But tour or not, it’s just a cool building to see. If you’re heading to the Nashville Farmers Market or the Music Hall of Fame, take a few minutes to stop be the Capitol.
VISIT THE PARTHENON
“Wait a minute, isn’t this in Greece?” you might ask. You’d be correct, but that didn’t stop the US building their own full-scale replica here in Nashville over 100 years ago. So it’s a little newer than the Athenian version, but worth seeing all the same.
Been to Greece already? Try comparing the two Parthenons. Can’t afford a trip to Greece? Maybe this is the next best thing.
The Parthenon is in Nashville’s Centennial Park, so named for the state’s Centennial celebration – when the Parthenon was also first built.
JOHNNY CASH MUSEUM
One of the most popular music artists of the 20th Century wasn’t just a country singer. Johnny Cash explored all genres including blues, rock’n’roll, rockabilly, gospel, and of course country.
The Johnny Cash Museum is housed in downtown Nashville. While you’ll see him referenced in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Musician’s Hall of Fame Museum, there’s way to much to say about this man not to have his own dedicated museum.
If you’re a Johnny Cash fan, this should be on your list. Even if you’re not, there’s a reason he’s popular and you’re likely to find the secret here.
Much like visiting Graceland to learn about Elvis, the Johnny Cash Museum is a top Tennessee attraction. On display are lots of artifacts such as clothing, musical instruments and more.
TENNESSEE WHISKY TASTING
Whisky is an acquired taste to many, but since Tennessee Whisky is fairly popular around these parts you may as well give it a go while you’re here. And the best way to do this is to take a Whisky Tasting tour around Nashville.
You can order a drink in any bar, or you can go to the source. Get up close to some smooth Tennessee Whisky-filled oak barrels on a tour. Learn what goes into the whisky, and the best way to drink it.
Most tours leave from downtown Nashville. Of course there’s the famous Jack Daniel’s distillery a couple hours away in Lynchburg but there are closer ones too. I visited Lieper’s Fork near Franklin TN and it was worth the trip – even for a non-Whisky-loving person like me.
VISIT FRANKLIN TENNESSEE
Lieper’s Fork isn’t the only reason to stray further than downtown Nashville. Franklin Tennessee is an adorable little town in the suburbs where you can easily spend a day.
Browse the cute shops filled with local artisan crafts, antiques and boutique clothing. Walk the postcard-perfect streets lined with beautiful Victorian buildings. Or take a Civil War tour around some of the famous battle sites.
Looking for a bite to eat in Franklin? You can’t go wrong with any of these:
Enjoying 3 Days in Nashville
I was skeptical about visiting Nashville. Country music isn’t typically my jam, so I wasn’t sure how much I’d enjoy it here. But I managed to balance the music with other activities in and around the city, and found enough to do here to end up enjoying my time in Nashville.
If you prefer Rock ‘n’ Roll and Blues, you might be better suited to Memphis. It’s a little less popular, but with some great museums and activities. However Nashville shouldn’t be overlooked, country music fan or not.
Between the two I think I still prefer Memphis. But I’m glad I went to Nashville, and I’d definitely go again.
It’s important to mix in some culture, sports and away-from-Broadway exploring to truly get a feel for Nashville, Tennessee. The city has character, heart and a whole lotta good food. The country music is just a bonus.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What would you do with 3 days in Nashville, Tennessee? Any other recommendations you’d make?
I’d love to go back to Nashville. I went when I was younger and don’t feel like I truly appreciated everything it offers. Three days looks like I can see a lot in a short time frame! Definitely sign me up for the whiskey tasting!
Nashville isn’t a place that we’ve really considered visiting as, like you, we’re not Country music fans. (Although who doesn’t adore Dolly Parton, especially for her philanthropic work?) So it was intriguing to read about the diversity of things to do in the city. From a foodie perspective, the farmer’s market, whiskey tasting and speakeasy definitely appealed. And I can understand how the music can grow on you over the course of a few days, especially with all the museums and live music on offer. We were quite surprised at the prices of the hotels though – better start saving!
I am glad you mentioned that you were sceptical about Nashville but have been converted and got a good time out of your stay. I can imagine it to be a very extroverted and social place with all the music lovers. It was refreshing to read your honest insights and activities away from the music scene, although this is Nashville’s bread and butter so one will be engaged with country music at some point. The farmers market and the free state museum would be on my list. Ouch at the accommodation prices but then I take it, Nashville markets itself as an attraction itself, so I feel this is a compromise one has to make when planning a trip to Nashville.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
There’s plenty to unpack here! This really brought me back to my architectural pilgrimage in Barcelona. The funny thing is, after my excursion was over, I remember passing by a square and seeing a huge crowd all dressed in an all American southern state outfit. I realized that ther’s going to be a mini country music concert that evening. What are the odds of that said event predating my future visit to Nashville? A musical pilgrimage! I can see it coming 😉
Jan – https://flyingbaguette.com/
I am not a huge fan of country music or day drinking, so it’s good to know that I would find things to do that don’t include either — and that the city grows on you. I would enjoy the African American Music Museum and Hall of Fame. Maybe it’s time to geet out my rhinestone studded boots and head on down.
Lyn | http://www.ramblynjazz.com
You grabbed me with the words “Non-Country Fans” 🙂 glad to hear I’m not alone.
From everything I’ve read and seen over the years about Nashville, I’ve always been really curious about getting to know the city and getting a feel for its vibe… but then there’s a style of music associated with it that I’m not a big fan of. So it was good to read that there are other options for those visiting the city to consider.
I’m sure I’d enjoy visiting the Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum and also the National Museum of African American Music 🙂
Hello! You recommend spending at least 3 days in Nashville, but what is the optimal period to observe all the attractions?
Thanks for sharing this info anyway!
Personally I’d say 5 days. That gives you time to see enough of the museums you’d want to see, catch enough live shows, take a day trip to Franklin or a Whisky tour and enjoy the outdoor activities and markets in the city
Nashville has not been high on my list of places to see – Tennessee yes, Nashville not so much. Country music is probably my least favorite genre, but I do think there’s something to be said for seeing all the other parts of Nashville. Like any city known best for one thing, – Orlando and theme parks, for instance – there’s always a lot more to do. I might have to plan a trip there soon!
This article is very helpful since we are going to Nashville in November with my dad.
Nashville is fun, but Franklin is sooo cute! I’m so glad you included it on here. Visiting the Factory is an absolute must.
My son and I spent a long weekend in Nashville, going to a concert at the Grand Ole Opry and exploring town. Such a fun town!
As a country fan Nashville is a dream destination!
Nashville is one of my favorite places to visit in the USA. So much fun, so much to eat, so many museums, and lots of music at night.
We are not big country music fans but we still have Nashville on our travel wish list as a great music city. I might even grow to love the country music! Good to know there are lots of fun sites to visit. And of course, take in the great Southern food.
This was the perfect post to read for a non country music fan! Nashville is now on my buck-list.
I do love country music but Nashville has soooo much to offer !!