Are you heading to Music City? If it’s you’re first time in Nashville I can’t wait to help you plan your trip with this 3-Day Nashville itinerary!
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I was born and raised in Nashville, TN. When I say this city has my heart- I really mean it.
If it’s your first time in Nashville I totally understand it can be a bit overwhelming trying to plan out your days and finding the best spots to hit – especially if you’re only there for a short time.
I’m a strong believer that when you visit a new place you should cross off the bucket list items – the big touristy things that everyone talks about.
BUT… you should do the best you can to really get a taste of what the locals do – try to see what it’s actually like for the people living in the city.
A prime Nashville example is if you’re going out in Nashville to drink and/or listen to music.
You should TOTALLY go to Broadway. You should definitely experience it. You may fall in love and want to spend all your time there (which is totally fine!!)
But pretty much everyone on Broadway is a tourist. Anyone who has lived in Nashville for more than 5 seconds doesn’t usually go down to Broadway when they want a night out.
I hope this 3-Day Nashville itinerary helps you make sure you do all the bucket list items but also gives you a little bit of a taste of what the locals do so the next time you visit you know what vibe fits you and where to focus your time!
If you’re only spending one day in Nashville check out my 1 Day in Nashville Itinerary: Day Trip Travel Guide!
Here’s you’re 3-Day Nashville itinerary!
Ultimate 3-Day Nashville Itinerary!
Day 1: Downtown & Honky Tonk Nights
Morning: Exploring Broadway & Breakfast at Biscuit Love
To kick off your time in Music City, start your day at one of Nashville’s most popular breakfast spots – Biscuit Love in The Gulch. They are famous for their Bonuts (biscuit doughnuts) so make sure to give those a try!
A little tip – they do get VERY busy. According to their website (and I can attest this is the truth!) The weekends are by far the busiest.
If you plan to be there on the weekend I would suggest to either go early or be prepared to have to wait a bit.
The great thing about going in the Gulch though is that there are other great breakfast options around. If for some reason your wait is too long at Biscuit Love – check out other options right in the area like Milk & Honey.
Once you’re done with breakfast, time to head down to Broadway of course!
I suggest getting your bearings during the day. There’s still music if you want to enjoy some while you’re down there – most places start as early as 10 am and even 9 am in some cases depending on the time of year and what day of the week it is.
You can go ahead and scope out some of the Honky Tonks, check out the gift shops, and figure out the lay of the land.
📍 Fun Things To Do While You’re Down There:
- [Country Music Hall of Fame](Click Here to book!) – Explore Nashville’s rich music history.
- [Johnny Cash Museum](Click here to book!) – A must for country and rock fans.
- [Ryman Auditorium](Click here to book!) – Take a guided tour of the “Mother Church of Country Music.”
Afternoon: BBQ & Murals
Continuing on with your 3-Day Nashville itinerary – After you’ve done some exploring, I’m sure you’ll be ready for lunch! Grab a bite to eat at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, where they are known for their pulled pork and brisket. My friends and I go to Martin’s all the time. There are a couple of locations in the Nashville area – but the downtown we go to all the time if we are headed down to Broadway or heading to a show. They sometimes have live music as well!
Then it’s time to check out some of the most Instagram-worthy murals in Nashville! We have a ton of murals around the city and my friends and I love driving around for some good photo ops every now and then! Head to The Gulch and 12 South where you’ll find tons of them, including probably the most recognizable one: the “I Believe in Nashville” mural.
Plus these neighborhoods are so cute and fun to walk around anyway!
📸 Photo Spots:
- Angel Wings Mural (302 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203)
- I Believe in Nashville mural (2702 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204)
- Draper James Wall – (2608 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204) Right outside of Reese Witherspoon’s boutique!
- Make Music Not War Mural (2902 12th Ave. S, Nashville, TN)
Evening: Honky Tonk Bar Crawl
Whenever you’re ready for dinner head over to The Stillery – all the food is amazing and they also have great hot chicken (obviously a staple item in the Nashville food scene!). If I have time to waste in between gigs The Stillery is always a go-to for me! I personally love the hot chicken salad!
Then, once you’ve finished up – it’s time to do a little bar crawl down on Broadway! Then, hit the honky-tonks on Broadway! Each bar has live music, so you can hop around until you find your vibe.
🎶 The most “famous” Honky Tonks With A Lot of History:
- Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge – A classic Nashville bar with rooftop views.
- Honky Tonk Central – Three levels of live music.
- Robert’s Western World – Best for traditional country music lovers.
🎶 Smaller Honky Tonks For A More Intimate Setting:
- Losers’ Downtown – Smaller bar but great vibe!
- Redneck Riveria – Smaller bar with a super fun rooftop where you can play games (PS I play music there if you want to come see me my schedule can be found HERE.
🎶 Honky Tonks From Your Favorite Artists:
- Ole Red – Blake Shelton’s Bar
- Casa Rosa – Miranda Lambert’s Bar
- Goodnight Nashville – Jelly Roll’s Bar
- JBJ’s – Jon Bon Jovi’s Bar
- Chief’s – Eric Church’s Bar
**There are tons more and so many more are opening each day – but hopefully, this gets you started for places to explore!
If you want to know all my favorite places to eat in Nashville check out 11 of Best Places to Eat in Nashville: Restaurant Guide!
Day 2: History, Local Eats & Outdoor Fun
Morning: Breakfast & The Parthenon
Start your day at probably the most famous Nashville breakfast spot – Pancake Pantry, a favorite since 1961. I would HIGHLY suggest going early. The line can get quite long (although they are usually good at being quick and helping people get through the line quickly). If you go pretty early though, you usually can get in pretty quick – and potentially not have to wait at all.
Pancake Pantry is one of those places that IS really good but to be honest, locals aren’t really going there. Nashville has so many great breakfast places that for us it’s probably not worth the wait. But it seriously is amazing food and I do think it’s kind of a bucket list item. So if you’ve got the time check it out to check it off the list!
Then, it’s time to visit The Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek structure located in Centennial Park. The whole park is beautiful so take some time walking around and checking out the ponds. If you’re a Taylor Swift fan check out the park bench dedicated to her!
I’ve always loved going to Centennial Park. Literally everyone I know has gone there to take photos or even film music videos at some point.
Afternoon: Grand Ole Opry & Local Breweries
Then it’s time to head over to Opryland, about 20 minutes from downtown. Explore the famous Grand Ole Opry (Click here to book!), where EVERY country music legend has performed. Every show they do typically has several different artists. I highly recommend going to a show if you’re a country music lover!
You can also do tours if you would like and get to see the backstage area. If you have time, check out the Opryland Resort, which is literally right next door. It has beautiful indoor gardens and waterfalls and you can even take a boat ride throughout the resort.
Growing up we went to the Opryland Resort every year for Christmas because they go ALL out with their decorations. And to be honest so many friends of mine did the same every year. It’s beautiful all the time but if you’re around during the holidays make sure you don’t miss it because it’s absolutely stunning.
There’s also a mall (Opry Mills Mall) right in the same area so if you need to get any shopping in now is the perfect time to do!
🍺 Afternoon Chill:
If you’re feeling like having a little pre-dinner drink there are a couple of local breweries that offer locally brewed craft beer! Check out TailGate Brewery. My personal favorite is Yee-Haw Brewing Co. They have a brewery but also have moonshine tastings. You can book a tour or just hang out for a drink.
They have a beautiful outdoor area where they have games and sometimes play football games or hockey games on a huge screen. It’s perfect if you need a little relaxation with some drinks (they also have some food if you need a little snack before dinner!).
Evening: Dinner & Rooftop Views
When you’re ready for dinner head over to The Southern Steak & Oyster. Yall know I love oysters and The Southern has the perfect selection! I’ve had several friends who have bartended and waited tables there! Absolutely everything I’ve tried there is amazing!
Once you’re done with dinner head over to L27 Rooftop Lounge for cocktails. This rooftop bar seriously has the BEST views of downtown Nashville. It’s always been a major go-to when my friends and I want to have a fun cocktail before or after dinner. It also makes for the best photo ops!
Day 3: Hidden Gems & Day Trips
Morning: Coffee & Shopping in East Nashville
For the last day of your 3-day Nashville itinerary – Next, it’s time to head over to East Nashville! East Nashville is known for being a little quirky and super trendy! It’s grown a TON in the past several years.
Start off by grabbing a locally brewed cup of coffee and a quick breakfast at the Barista Parlor and then explore the fun little shops in East Nashville. There are all kinds of boutiques, vintage stores, and art shops all around!
I feel like East Nashville is an area most tourists never think to check out but all the locals love it!
Day / Afternoon: Choose Your Own Adventure
Depending on what kind of stuff you love here are a couple of fun ways you can spend your day:
🌿 Option 1: For Nature Lovers and Outdoorsy People – If you’re looking to add a little nature into your trip or need a little peaceful escape head to Radnor Lake State Park. It’s just a short little drive outside of the city!
🏇 Option 2: Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour (Click Here To Book) – If you’re down for a bit of a day trip – the Jack Daniel’s Distillery is definitely worth it! It’s about an hour and a half outside of Nashville, but the drive is beautiful and the tour and tasting is absolutely incredible! If you’re a whiskey drinker it’s a must-see. Also, make sure you eat at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House right by the distillery. We always make sure we eat there if we are visiting!
🎶 Option 3: More Music Fun Right In Nashville– Visit the Musicians Hall of Fame (Click here to book!) or take a backstage tour at RCA Studio B (Click Here To Book), where Elvis himself recorded (and many others!!).
If you’re looking for other things to fill your time that don’t break the bank check out 13 of the Best Free things to do in Nashville!
Evening: Sunset Dinner & Live Music
Wrap up your trip with dinner at Acme Feed & Seed, which has a rooftop overlooking the river. Anytime I’m on vacation I’m always on the hunt for a good rooftop view – and this one is perfect! I’m also a big sushi lover and they’ve got great sushi (and a great poke bowl!!).
They also have great live music! I used to go all the time to watch a friend who played in a band on the first floor and they always put on an incredible show!
If you still have energy, check out The Bluebird Cafe. You’ve probably heard about the Bluebird Cafe but if you haven’t it’s definitely one of Nashville’s most famous music venues.
It’s pretty hard to get in so you’ll definitely want to try to get tickets in advance. It’s a tiny venue but the talent that plays there is incredible.
You’ll find huge artists roll in sometimes. You’ll definitely hear hit songwriters (and it’s so cool hearing the actual writers play the songs you’ve heard on the radio a million times). And you’ll get to hear some up-and-coming artists that you’re sure to hear more from.
Where to Stay in Nashville
Trying to decide where to stay? Check out these options: 🏨 Click Here To Find Hotel Options – From budget-friendly to luxury stays.
🏡 Vacation Rentals on Vrbo (Click Here To Find Available Options) – Great for groups, extended stays, or just if you want a little extra room than a normal hotel room.
✈️ Package Deals on Expedia (Click Here to See Available Options) – Find flight + hotel deals for your trip.
Getting Around Nashville
🚗 [Rent a Car](Click Here To Find The Best Deals) – Perfect for day trips to Lynchburg or Radnor Lake.
🚕 Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) – Best for downtown travel.
🚲 Scooters & Bikes – A fun way to explore The Gulch or East Nashville or any of the other side neighborhoods close to downtown. (But be careful!!)
Final Tips for Your Nashville Trip
✔️ Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall have the best weather and fewer crowds.
✔️ Pack Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, especially on Broadway. (Check out these good walking shoes! (Click Here to Grab Them On Amazon)).
✔️ Must-Have Travel Essentials: A portable charger (Click Here To Get One On Amazon) is a must for long days out.
✔️ Make Reservations: Popular restaurants and music venues fill up fast, so book ahead!
I hope this 3-Day Nashville itinerary helps you have the BEST time in Nashville! As a Nashville native, it holds such a special place in my heart!
This post was your ultimate 3-Day Nashville itinerary!
Other posts you may like:
1 Day in Nashville Itinerary: Day Trip Travel Guide
11 of Best Places to Eat in Nashville: Restaurant Guide
13 of the Best Free things to do in Nashville
Ultimate Nashville Packing List & What to Wear in Nashville
11 Must Have Amazon Travel Finds That Will Make Your Life So Much Easier!
