A Nashville Itinerary for Three Days in Music City

I’ve been to Nashville, Tennessee, a few times now, always on long weekends. It’s one of my favorite weekend getaways for solo trips (did that), in a couple (did that), or with your mom (did that one, too).

The perfect Nashville itinerary is all about soaking in those Nashville vibes. Yes, the city is a little bit country, but it’s also a little bit of everything else.

This guide to three days in Nashville combines the best of my visits to show off everything this city has to offer, especially if you’re here for the first time.

Quick Tips for Your Nashville Visit

Your Flight: Look for deals to Nashville International Airport using Skyscanner. Love deals? Subscribe to Going.

Your Accommodations: Browse Booking.com or Hotels.com for your options in Nashville. Vrbo is my Airbnb alternative.

Your Ride: I’ve been to Nashville with and without a car, and it was way more efficient of a visit with a ride. Book a rental car ahead of time.

Top Spots: Indulge in hot chicken at Prince’s Hot Chicken, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and see the show at the Grand Ole Opry.

Disclosure: Travel on the Reg uses affiliate links to keep things running around here. At no additional cost to you, I earn a lil’ commission if you make a purchase. Any income earned supports the upkeep of this site. I appreciate you!

How many days do you need in Nashville?

You need two to three days in Nashville to see the highlights of this vibrant city. Three days in Nashville means you have time to slow things down a bit or explore what there is to see outside the city limits, but a Nashville weekend itinerary works well, too.

A crowd gathers at the Grand Ole Opry.

When to Visit Nashville

The best months to visit Nashville are the spring months of April-May and September-October. Summer is a popular time to visit Nashville, but it gets hot and sticky.

Temperatures in and above the 90s are common in July and August. I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t make me want to honky tonk. (Can I use that as a verb? Well, I did.)

The cheapest months to go to Nashville are between November and March, except for the winter holidays. Generally, Christmas travel anywhere in the United States sees a rise in prices. 

Before you book, know that the weather may not be ideal for travel during that time. November sees some balmy days from time to time, but come January, expect temperatures in the 40s. That could mean freezing rain and sketchy travel conditions.

If you’re from acold climate like Chicago, that may not scare you away. In that case, enjoy the deals!

How to Spend a Weekend in Nashville

You can spend a weekend in Nashville like this:

  • Enjoy breakfasts or brunches at Nashville diners or Biscuit Love.
  • See the Ryman Auditorium.
  • Visit music-themed museums like the Johnny Cash Museum, Patsy Cline Museum, and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
  • Grab casual lunches of hot chicken, barbecue, and Southern goodies at Monell’s.
  • Tour RCA Studio B.
  • Walk the Music City Walk of Fame.
  • See the Tennessee State Capitol.
  • Take a drive out to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.
  • Treat yourself to sweets at The Cupcake Collection and Goo Goo Chocolate Co.
  • Catch some live music on the Honky Tonk Highway and the Grand Ole Opry.

Three Days in Nashville: Day 1

I assume you’ll get in on a Friday for your Nashville trip itinerary. If you’re traveling to Nashville mid-week, check on hours of operation for any eatery and attraction before calling me out about it. 

Otherwise, pick up this weekend in Nashville from wherever it makes sense. I’m starting things out as if you have a full three days in the city for you to pick and choose from. If you get in too late for something, rearrange things as you see fit. We’re all adults here!

Stop 1: Breakfast

For those with a three-day Nashville itinerary, grab some quick grub before you start your day. If you want a full meal, head to Liberty Common in downtown Nashville. They’re known for their fried chicken biscuits. Reservations are available online.

If you arrive mid-morning and just need a quick jolt of caffeine, Pinewood has the trendiest coffee program in town.

They have some intriguing creations involving matcha and some stronger ingredients if you’re so inclined, but they also have classic drop coffee.

They have a full food menu, too. I just like giving y’all options. 

Stop 2: Ryman Auditorium

A view of the exterior of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville

The Ryman Auditorium was the original site of the Grand Ole Opry from 1934 to 1974. It remains a place to see live country music (and other genres) today, but you can also book a self-guided tour of the venue. 

Expect to spend up to an hour on your self-guided tour, which includes a short film called The Soul Of Nashville that gives you a history of the space. If you book tickets ahead of time, you can still arrive anytime between 9am and 4pm. 

Tours are offered daily outside of special events in the space, so make sure you’re checking out that calendar before you assume this will work out for you.

Stop 3: Johnny Cash Museum 

The Johnny Cash Museum is worth going to if you’re a big fan of Johnny Cash. You’ll see exhibits from the early years through his battle with addiction, and be able to listen to as many samples of his music as you please.

It’s also one of the most popular museums dedicated to a musician in the world. As such, it gets crowded. 

The tickets are pricey,so if you’re all, “Who is Johnny Cash?” this may not be the best stop for you. 

Either way, I’d recommend getting your tickets ahead of time to avoid one of the lines inside. The tickets aren’t tied to a specific date, so you’ll still need to wait to get into the exhibit if it’s very busy that day. 

We had to wait in both lines, and I could feel the irritation in my mother building as we did so. Just plan better.

Stop 4: Patsy Cline Museum

The modestPatsy Cline Museum is just up the stairs from the Johnny Cash Museum, but it’s a separate ticket. You can skip any anticipated lines by buying tickets online or just deciding once you’re there. On my visit, the lines were for Johnny Cash, not Patsy. 

They’re both kinda pricey, so choose wisely if you’re a bigger fan of one or the other, or splurge if you’re here for all of it. 

Stop 5: Lunch

A hot chicken sandwich

Nashville is the birthplace of hot chicken. If you want to try a spicy bite, head to the OG, Prince’s Hot Chicken. Spice levels vary at this Black-owned business, so see what they recommend for you based on your tolerance for heat.

I’m in the medium camp, which is still pretty dang spicy.

We grabbed ours for takeout so we could have some privacy if things got too sweaty. You’ll want the chicken here (duh), but you can order light or dark meat as you desire. Don’t miss the “Get it Girl” greens and their baked beans. 

No, those aren’t vegetarian, either.

Local chain Hattie B’s is another tourist favorite for hot chicken, but I feel like there are better ways to spend your time than to stand in line at this one.

If you really want to comparison-shop, locals love Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish, another Black-owned establishment.

Stop 6: Goo Goo Chocolate Co.

A chocolate shop in Nashville

Calm those taste buds with a trip to Goo Goo Chocolate Co., home of the Goo Goo Cluster. 

No, this isn’t some baby shop. I wouldn’t feed these to babies, by the way. The nougat would be hard to navigate without any teeth. 

This is a sweets shop that specializes in the aforementioned clusters and their variations, boozy shakes, and chocolate experiences to make your own candy bar.

My mom and I went home with several boxes of the original Goo Goo Clusters for our men back home and a half-dozen of the most beautiful bonbons I’ve ever seen. 

Fun fact: Neither of us has much of a sweet tooth, but our partners do and sometimes it’s nice to treat your sweets with sweets. 

Stop 7: John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge 

A view from above of the The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in Nashville

Walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for scenic views of the city, the Cumberland River, and Cumberland Park below. 

Fun fact: The bridge has gone through several name changes over the years. It was originally named the Sparkman Street Bridge, which became the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge. It was renamed again in 2014 for Nashville native John Lawrence Seigenthaler, a civil rights advocate. 

Whatever you’d like to call it, this one is a Nashville landmark. If you’re a country music fan, you may even have this one on your list already. It was featured in the music video for “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” by Big & Rich. Whatever floats your boat.

Stop 8: Honky Tonk Highway

A large guitar on the Honky Tonk Highway in Nashville

The Honky Tonk Highway, a stretch of lower Broadway, is what folks mean when they affectionately refer to Nashville as Nashvegas. Find a spot where the music moves you and the neon lights beckon you inside, and listen to some live tunes.

If you’re not even sure whether a honky tonk is an animal, mineral, or vegetable, I guess it’s a mineral. That said, you may encounter some animals if you overlap with a Nashville bachelorette itinerary. 

A honky tonk is a bar that usually plays country music for the amusement and enjoyment of its customers. Cold beers or other elixirs are typically on hand as you enjoy the tunes and work up the courage to get out there and dance.

I’m very boring at bars and usually there for conversation, so I may not be the right person to ask if you’re looking for the loudest, most raucous scene.

I do know that Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is one of the most popular stops. It’s big with up-and-coming musicians and legends alike. Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline have both played there.

The Stage on Broadway is another popular option with a large dance floor if you want to cut a rug while you’re here.

Stop 9: Dinner/Snacks

You may not need a full meal after your hot chicken lunch, but if you’re interested in a nosh, you’ll be well-situated. There are all kinds of tourist traps along the Honky Tonk Highway named after famous country stars. Skip these. You’ll overpay for mediocre food.

Instead, head a bit north to Printers Alley for small plates and craft cocktails at Black Rabbit. Yes, they do serve rabbit. If you’re not into that, try their well-balanced beets. They also have live music on most weekends, so check their website for a full schedule. 

For a full meal, head to Etch nearby. Things get a little fancy at this one, so grab a reservation if you’re interested. Expect a global flair with dishes like Moroccan bastilla, an upgraded version of a chicken pot pie.

Three Days in Nashville: Day 2

It’s all about the country music scene in Nashville today, so if you brought a pair of cowboy boots for this trip, it’s time to put ‘em on. 

Nashville is still worth visiting if you don’t love country music. The live music scene is more diverse than you think. Even so, it can be fun to learn about the history of the genre while you’re here. 

I’m not a huge fan outside of some limited pop country e.g. The Chicks, but I always have a great time in Nashville, especially when I’m eating. This city is delicious.

Stop 1: Breakfast

Kick things off with an early start at your first stop this morning. Grab a bite from your Nashville hotel if you can, or pop into one of the diners nearby for a proper breakfast. The Diner Nashville is a classic choice with hours that start early and go late.

I’m saving a more leisurely brunch for tomorrow, as you need to get going today if you’re going to hit all of your tours. If you’re skipping the tours and only want to get to the Hall of Fame itself, by all means, take it easy with less pep in your step this morning. 

If you’re feeling that idea, The Mockingbird is another option for weekend Nashville brunches. This one’s still very much a diner, but a modern version. You’ll want to grab a plate of the cream cheese-stuffed bagel bombs with whatever you order. 

Reservations are recommended and available online for that one.

Stop 2: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Arrive at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum early enough to spend a few hours here before your next stop, a tour of historic RCA Studio B. I recommend two hours to give yourself time to see the majority of the exhibits. 

If you’re a huge country music fan, you may need more time. I’ve been twice now, and they do add and remove things throughout the main hall periodically. Taylor Swift had a larger presence on my second go-around, and I support that.

Work your way through exhibits on the history of different styles of country music, famous names in the genre, and diversity in country music.

My mom loved looking at the garb, as they have quite a few cases of dresses, denim jackets, etc., worn by the biggest stars in country.

Stop 3: RCA Studio B

Historic RCA Studio B in Nashville

You can only see this historic recording studio, the centerpiece of Nashville’s Music Row, on a guided tour through the Country Music Hall of Fame. I found that it was an even better time than the Hall of Fame. 

There’s just something about standing in the same space Elvis Presley did back in the day and listening to his music.

Book a combo ticket when you’re online so you can see the timing of it all. Tour times run every hour starting at 10:30am. I booked an 11:30am start time during my mother-daughter trip, and that gave us time to get through the main exhibits ahead of our tour. 

You’ll meet in the lobby for your studio tour upgrade and take a little bus to and from the recording studio. Our guide was fantastic and funny, so it made for an entertaining ride.

Stop 4: Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

A pulled pork sandwich and potato salad from Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint in Nashville

You’ve had the chicken. Now it’s time for some barbecue. Keep it to downtown Nashville with Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint. You’ll want to wear something you don’t mind getting smoky, but it’s worth it for succulent pulled pork and their house potato salad. 

The space is large, but you may encounter a wait to order if you arrive at peak lunch hour. We got there just a little after the big rush without incident.

READ MORE: Love barbecue? You’ll want to plan a trip to Memphis, too.

Not interested in meat sweats? Keep things light at veg-friendly E+Rose. There are a few locations of the wellness brand throughout the city but you can stay downtown at their bodega site. 

Stop 5: Hatch Show Print

Hatch Show Print is famous for its longevity. It’s been a working letterpress print shop since 1879, printing off posters for performances all over town since its inception. It’s fun to see a visual history of Music City and how its operation has changed over time.

A tour here will dig into that history and what they call the “golden age” of printing. While no longer as revolutionary, the print shop still designs over 500 posters each year, plus food packaging, art books, and postage stamp designs to supplement their work. 

You can buy combo tickets for the Hall of Fame, historic studio, and Hatch Show Print all at once, but you’ll need to make sure to time your day. These are timed entry tickets, and tours don’t run every hour.

Stop 6: Walk of Fame Park

Make a quick stop at the Music City Walk of Fame, a tribute pavement with plaques honoring the biggest names in Nashville’s country music scene. You’ll see views of the Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center from here.

On a longer stay, it looks like a spectacular venue to take in some classical music, especially if you came here for a little diversity of sound.

Stop 7: Pre-Show Snacks

You don’t want to arrive at the Grand Ole Opry in a food coma, but if you took my rec for platters of meat at lunch, you may not need a full meal before the show. The Bavarian Bierhaus is a great compromise and is under a mile from the venue itself.

Snack on pretzels and sauerkraut balls while sipping on steins of their draft beer. They offer paddle samplers of their drafts if you can’t decide. Just don’t overserve yourself. You want your wits about you for the next bit.

Stop 8: Grand Ole Opry

Vince Gill performs at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

The number one thing to do in Nashville is to see a show at the Grand Ole Opry. The venue is what put Nashville on the map as a hub for country music, and it’s why so many country music fans visit year after year.

I’ve already mentioned that I don’t love country music, but I’d still put this one high on your list as you’re planning a trip to Nashville. The Grand Ole Opry has been operating in some form as a country music stage concert and radio show since 1925. 

That makes it the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.

It’s essentially a variety show that features newcomers, country legends, comedy acts, and relevant commercial breaks throughout. I didn’t leave wanting to buy a Ford truck, but I’m sure someone did.

Vince Gill headlined our visit, so it was fun to see a well-known name in country perform live.

Prior to that, we listened to a pop-country group, a folk singer, and a gospel act that would have been beautiful were it not for the drunk man in front of us.

He was demanding we stand as brothers and sisters in the Lord during the performance, which made it all harder to enjoy. That same man yelled “Let’s go Brandon!” several times during the comedy act that followed, so the irony isn’t lost on me. 

Folks, it’s rude to heckle anywhere no matter your political leanings, but especially when you know they’re recording a radio show. Don’t be a jackwagon.

Despite all of that, I highly recommend you take in a show at this special place as you explore Nashville in three days. You never know who you’ll get in your lineup.

Note: We didn’t do a tour of the Grand Ole Opry House, but if this is what you came here for, you can book a tour time ahead of a live show. I have some regrets about missing out on a backstage tour, but it didn’t fit in with how our plans were timed.

Alternative Stop 8: More Live Music

A man poses with a large guitar in Nashville.

Let’s say you weren’t able to snag tickets to the Opry but you’re itching for some more live music. All hope is not lost. Here are a few more venues to check out ahead of your visit if you’d like a musical Saturday night:

  • The Bluebird Cafe: Tickets can be tough to snag at this intimate venue, but it’s another spot for Nashville up-and-comers. Aim for tickets labeled “in the round.” You’ll watch the songwriters face one another in the middle of the venue floor. 
  • Listening Room Cafe: This venue has moved around quite a bit over the years, but it seems to have settled in at its current spot downtown. The venue is larger than the one above, but things still get cozy with stripped-down performances.
  • Station Inn: It’s all about bluegrass here, so expect jam sessions no matter what you see on their events calendar. Enjoy a quick snap of the WhatLiftsYou Mural while you’re in The Gulch, one of Nashville’s trendiest neighborhoods.

Note: I did not wait in line to get my photo taken with the giant set of angel wings mentioned above. It’s just not something I do, as there is…a lot I’d rather do. If you have the time and love this sort of thing, have at it! 

If you love the idea of Nashville street art, I’d highly recommend a tour. Imagine yourself snapping pics for all of that hot social media content in a golf cart. It’s a thing, and it looks awesome. Book it here.

Three Days in Nashville: Day 3

Enjoy a city escape and more delicious eats on your final day in Nashville. If you really want to hit the road, continue reading for some Nashville day trip ideas to fill that need.

Stop 1: Brunch

I promised a more leisurely start this morning, so kick things off at super popular (for good reason) Biscuit Love. They don’t take reservations, so get there as early as you can make it and settle in for a wait.

There are a few locations for this one in Nashville. If you haven’t been to The Gulch yet, I’d recommend that one. It’s a great Nashville neighborhood for people-watching and all the eating.  

You obviously want biscuits while you’re here. Top them with whatever delights you, like peanut butter frosting, sausage, hot chicken, etc. If you’re feeling naughty, their Bonuts are a treat. It’s essentially fried biscuit dough covered in sugar with a fruit compote. 

Stop 2: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

The inside of the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville

Before I get into my mom’s favorite spot in Nashville, I want to address what some might consider an omission on my part.

I’ve seen lots of recommendations for the Belle Meade plantation (now the Belle Meade History Site & Winery) on itineraries for three days in Nashville.

Here’s the thing: I haven’t been and try to exercise caution around recommending plantations as part of my guides. 

I’m not against it, but I can’t tell you whether the site handles its history with the enslaved population here honestly as I haven’t been to Belle Meade. 

They have one tour now, the Journey to Jubilee Tour, that gets into that history, so I’m hopeful they do more than talk about the “Southern hospitality” at the site. (Those are their words.)

That all said, you deserve a scenic escape while you’re here. My top pick for that is the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. The 1930s-era mansion was completed for the Cheek Family of Maxwell House coffee fame. 

If you’re visiting in the spring, expect thousands of blooming tulips. I was there in the fall with no regrets, as it was all about the pumpkins at that time. You know I love fall. Take your time exploring the Japanese gardens, splendid archways, and seasonal blooms. 

Visitors interested in a mansion tour should book those online. I’d say it’s worth a visit inside if just for the art gallery on the second floor. My mom and I also spent over an hour hanging out in the beer garden listening to live jazz and sipping on hard cider. 

The approach to Cheekwood is impressive, too. You’ll be driving through a fancy neighborhood to get there, all in under half an hour from Nashville.

Stop 3: Monell’s

Come hungry and prepare to fast for the rest of the day with family-style dining at Monell’s. My mom overserved herself with all the food here, a classic case of “my eyes were bigger than my stomach.”

Their fried chicken had the perfect amount of juice and crunch. Their creamy mac ‘n cheese was a hit. All of their sides were fantastic, down the beets. 

Yes, I’ve mentioned beets in this Nashville guide already with no regrets. I love them. Just be prepared for what they do to your urine. You’re not dying. You’ve LIVING.

Come to Monell’s a little later after lunch (or a Polish dinner) for a shorter wait.

Stop 4: The Cupcake Collection

The outside of The Cupcake Collection in Nashville

My mom and I learned about The Cupcake Collection from the friends we made at our table at Monell’s. These are some destination-worthy cupcakes, but you don’t need to go far. They’re just down the street from the family-style eatery.

Check out the seasonal flavors online or just come expecting delicious wonders like their original sweet potato cupcake. That was my favorite one and worth the hype. 

Want more sweets? HiFi Cookies is a popular Black-owned business serving up both classic cookies and more creative treats. Five Daughters Bakery is another favorite that’s very Insta-ready with several locations throughout Nashville.

Choose their 12 South neighborhood location and you’ll be close to the popular “I Believe in Nashville” mural from there. It’s another great photo op for your socials.

Stop 5: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

The Tennessee State Capitol in the distance at Bicentennial Park in Nashville

This lovely green space is where you’ll find the Tennessee State Capitol. Walk through what’s more commonly known as the Bicentennial Mall and listen for ringing bells. If you want some steps, the Bicentennial Mall Trail is just under a mile and completely paved.

This is also where you’ll find the free Tennessee State Museum, a site of note if you’re interested in state history, and the Nashville Farmers’ Market.

The market is open daily in the Gardens of Babylon at the park until about 6pm, but some vendors may hold unique hours.

Optional Stop 6: The Parthenon

The Parthenon, a replica of the Greek original, in Nashville

This quirky Nashville attraction is worth a stop if you have the time. You’ll need to travel to Centennial Park to get there but I liked the idea of getting away from the thick of things to check this one out. 

It’s just a 10-minute drive from the Tennessee State Capitol, by the way, not to the moon.

The Parthenon in Nashville is a full-scale replica of the OG in Athens, Greece. It was built as part of the Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition, a world’s fair in 1897 that also resulted in the manmade lake nearby, Lake Watauga.

Sounds like a win all around. 

This can be a quick stop if you only want a photo outside, or you can explore inside and check out a large statue of Athena. You’re near Vanderbilt University here, too. The campus is lovely, especially if you time a visit for the fall.

Stop 7: Marathon Village

Explore a complex of shops, creative spaces, and distilleries once home to Marathon Motor Works. The car manufacturing factory produced 10,000 cars per year back in its heyday in the early 1900s. 

You can see some of that history, including some of the original Marathon cars, in the museum on site. Once you’re done with the learning, commence with the eating and the drinking.

Antique fans won’t want to miss Antique Archaeology, the flagship shop of the show American Pickers and a fun Nashville stop for couples.

My favorite stops are Grinder’s Switch Winery and the sandwiches at The Southern Engine Deli. If the idea of distilleries sparked something within you, test out Tennessee Legend and the Corsair Artisan Distillery. Corsair also has pizza if you want a base.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery isn’t in Marathon Village, but it’s just steps from the Marathon Motor Works building. The historical distillery is a big deal in these parts as its roots date back to the pre-Prohibition era.

This is the end of your three-day Nashville itinerary, but the fun doesn’t have to end here if you don’t want to leave.

More Things to Do in Nashville

A woman slides down a slide in Nashville.

A three-day itinerary in Nashville really only scratches the surface of all the fun to be had in this music mecca. Here are a few attractions that I’m hoping to tick off on future Nashville trips:

  • Make the half-hour trip to The Loveless Cafe, a Southern classic serving up biscuits for over 50 years.
  • Get beyond country music and explore the biggest names in blues, jazz, gospel, and more at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM).
  • Shop at Draper James, Reese Witherspoon’s flagship boutique, especially if you already love her book club. (That’s me!)
  • Get some fresh air at Edwin Warner Park and Percy Warner Park, collectively known as the Warner Parks.
  • Learn about the biggest names in Tennessee sports at the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
  • Take the “In Their Footsteps” walking tour at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage to learn about the enslaved population that worked there.
  • Sip on whiskey along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, home to over two dozen distilleries steeped in history and bitter, bitter booze.

I’d recommend a tour over a self-drive for that last one for what I hope are obvious reasons. Here are a few that look great:

Day Trips From Nashville

I’d recommend a full day three days in Nashville proper, but if you want to get out of the city due to a rough night on the Honky Tonk Highway, you have plenty of options:

  • Franklin, Tennessee (25 minutes): You could even make it a half day with the proximity of Franklin to Nashville. The city is popular for its charming Main Street and access to the scenic Natchez Trace Highway.
  • Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee (40 minutes): Come for the celeb spottings (Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton both have homes here), but stay for the rolling hills. You should also stay for a round at Leiper’s Fork Distillery.
  • Lynchburg, Tennessee (1 hour 25 minutes): This one may already be on your list if you’re here for Tennessee whiskey. Lynchburg is home to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. The town itself is also pretty dang adorable.
  • Chattanooga, Tennessee (2 hours 5 minutes): Stroll along the 16-mile Riverwalk, admire the public art downtown, or hit the trails nearby. You’re in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains here, so expansive views are within reach.
  • Paducah, Kentucky (2 hours 10 minutes): Ditch the Tennessee border if you’re feeling extra adventurous for this delight in Kentucky. Start (and likely end) your exploration in the historic downtown. The district has 20 full blocks of arts and eats.

READ MORE: Traveling the South? Steal this itinerary for a full two weeks on the road.

Where to Stay in Nashville

Nashville accommodations are expensive, no matter when you visit. I’ve stayed closer to downtown and closer to the airport. While there are some cost savings closer to the airport, you make your trip a lot less efficient. It really depends on your own budget.

If you want a traditional hotel, I’d recommend The Gallatin. You’re in East Nashville at this one, but you’ll save some money vs. booking something downtown.

It’s still a short drive to the main attractions downtown, but you’ll have easy access to indulgent eats like The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden.

To save more cash, I’ve also stayed at the Hyatt House Nashville Airport. My mom and I both enjoyed the hotel itself. It was spotless with friendly staff, but there was a lot of rideshare action to and from that location. It would have worked better with a rental car.

I’m all for comparing your options. Check out the map below to do so:

You don’t need to love country to love Nashville.

Nashville is worth the hype, whether you’re into country or not. Music City is big on charm, delicious eats, and cultural attractions. If you’re on a road trip through the South, prioritizing Nashville as one of your itinerary stops is a no-brainer.

Plan a long weekend on a Nashville three-day itinerary for an even better time!

Spending more time in the South? Check out my favorite places:

I’m not done! Here are more guides from the American South:

Postal icon for newsletter

Want to see more?

Subscribe to my biweekly newsletter for hot travel tips I come across, weird stories you won’t see elsewhere and perhaps lifelong friendship.

Too much, or just enough?

Photo of author

Agnes Groonwald

Agnes Groonwald is the creator of Travel on the Reg, a travel/humor blog for regular people who travel in a regular fashion. She has been to 50/50 U.S. states and explored 30+ countries, most often as a digital nomad. She's all about sharing the honest truth about travel, real experiences, and all the quirky stuff about her favorite (and not so favorite) places.