Music & More: A 3 Day Weekend in Nashville Itinerary You’ll Love
Last Updated on 1st March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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It’s no secret that Nashville is the music hotspot of America and boasts a variety of music genres like country music, Bluegrass, R&B, and even rock n’ roll. Even if you only have 72 hours to explore the Tennessee city, here’s your ultimate 3 day weekend in Nashville itinerary you’ll love.
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Introducing Nashville
Nashville attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to its music-filled street, thrilling nightlife scene and infamous Broadway street, delicious hot chicken and southern cuisine, and a thriving economic and cultural atmosphere.
While the city is large in size, it comes with small-town roots, southern charm, and friendly hospitality in every direction. While most people come to Nashville for its bars and music, its an also an oasis for history buffs, foodies, and adventure lovers.
Whether you are visiting for a girl’s trip or a bachelor party, a romantic weekend getaway, a solo adventure, or an exciting vacation with the whole family, Nashville is an American gem holding a little something for everyone.
The trendy American city of Nashville has loads of things to experience, and 3 days is the perfect amount of time for getting a great introduction to the small-town thriving metropolis.
Tips for Visiting Nashville
Knowing what to expect when you arrive in a new city will make your trip a lot more successful and a chance to eliminate more stress and unwanted occurrences.
Knowing which places in the city to avoid, what time of year hosts certain festivals, high and low seasons, and what transportation is available ahead of time, will save you a lot of hassle and frustration in the long run so keep these tips in mind.
When to visit Nashville
The best time to visit Nashville is between the months of April and October. Temperatures are warm and comfortable and the city comes to life with sunny skies and a music-filled atmosphere.
This is also the most popular time of the year to visit the city and so you’ll want to secure any music tickets and accommodation well ahead of your travels (i.e. as soon as you lock down a date for departure)!
How to get around
Downtown Nashville is a very walkable area and can easily be explored on foot, just be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be on your feet for most of the weekend!
To venture to other parts of the city, the best way to get around is by car, taxi, Uber, or depending on where you are headed, tourist trolleys. Find out more details about the tourist trolleys here.
How to stay safe
Nashville is a fairly safe city to visit for tourists. Just as in any metropolitan city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid going out at night or into dangerous and unfamiliar locations, limit your alcohol intake, and be sure to lock your doors to your car and accommodation (i.e. all of the things you would do back in your hometown!).
Nashville 3-Day Itinerary Sample
A 3-day trip to Nashville is an ideal time to get a good taste of the city and see some of the top spots and popular attractions. Whether you have visited before, or if it’s your first time, this itinerary is perfect for the ultimate Nashville experience and can be altered and suited to fit your needs at any time.
Whether you are a country music lover, artist, party animal, or history buff, it’s easy to see why Nashville is becoming such the trendy vacation spot that it is today. Here is a fabulous 3-day itinerary for a quick trip to Nashville.
Day 1 in Nashville: Downtown & 12 South
Morning: To begin your 3-day adventure in Nashville, start by heading to one of the most famous locations in the city, the Ryman Auditorium. Opened in 1892, it’s known for its impressive acoustics and is one of the most desirable places to perform as an artist.
You can catch a concert, or take a tour of the auditorium (for around $30) and learn how it has influenced the country, see dressing rooms and backstage, and an on-site studio and exhibits. Tours last for around 45 minutes. Buy your Ryman Auditorium ticket here in advance.
After exploring the Ryman Auditorium, head due northwest and you’ll soon come across the Tennessee State Capitol. Like most Capitol buildings, this grandiose building is a feast for the eyes and is built in the Greek Revival architectural style.
If you’re curious about the interior of the building, there are both self-guided and guided tours available from Monday through to Friday. Guided tours last for around 45 minutes- find more details here. Afterwards, be sure to head to Victory Park, where Capitol Relics are all that remain of the original 19th-century Capitol façade.
Afternoon: In the afternoon head to 12 South and enjoy some time in a quaint and charming neighborhood of Nashville. Shop at the famous Draper James, have lunch at Burger Up, and grab a doughnut from 5 Sisters Bakery.
Bounce around local shops and boutiques, surrounded by street art and a friendly atmosphere. Artists have marked their place all over the place in Nashville, most famous being the I Believe in Nashville mural, sunflower mural, and huge angel wings wall as well. It’s a great part of the city to escape from all the noise and action and a perfect spot to see on a 3-day trip to Nashville.
Evening: For your first evening in Nashville, enjoy the city skyline from the Cumberland River onboard the General Jackson Showboat. Join a dinner cruise for a 3-hour experience of fine dining and entertainment on board with talented live singers and musicians, all while taking in the view of Nashville lit up by glistening lights and ferrying up the river.
Another idea for a way to spend your first evening in Nashville would be to take a Night Tour of Music City. This trolley tour will take you past many famous spots, with a live guide detailing various snippets of history as you go before the tour ends close to the Ole Smoky Distillery and Entertainment Complex.
Day 2 in Nashville: Art Trail in The Gulch & Whiskey Trail
Morning: On your second day in Nashville, start with a healthy breakfast to boost your energy levels before a busy day ahead. If you’re staying in Downtown, then some of the best cafés include Frothy Monkey and Drug Store Coffee.
If you want to see the waterway, make your way to the river and stroll across the John Seigenthaler pedestrian bridge. The bridge is 3150 feet with 4 over looks for viewing the skyline and snapping the perfect photos, and a bike path for those not on foot.
Afterwards, spend the morning sightseeing on foot in search of the dozens of Nashville murals around the city. You can take a guided tour like this one or alternatively head out on your own and see what you discover.
The best murals are located in The Gulch. This former railway terminal has been transformed into a hotspot for incredible murals and you won’t fail to see people snapping their Instagram shots in this spot of town. Another fun way to discover The Gulch is to take a Sip n’ Shop Guided Walking Tour.
Afternoon: After a long morning of walking and sightseeing, spend the afternoon relaxing and immersing in the foodie side of Nashville by embarking on the Whiskey Trail and visiting Marathon Village.
Marathon Village is an old automobile plant that has been restored into a creative community and shopping center. It features shops and boutiques, art galleries, antique rummages, and a whole lot of history. If you are a fan of the television show American Pickers, stop by the Antique Archaeology.
This district of Nashville is situated closed to Downtown and is full of pubs, bars, and distilleries. You can even embark on a distillery tour like this one. Another option would be to embark on a foodie tour like this one.
Evening: Have you ever been to Nashville if you didn’t see the Grand Ole Opry? Enjoy a night of live music entertainment and one of the most iconic event centers in the country and the longest-running radio show in the world.
Post-show tours will take you backstage to dressing rooms and famous Studio A, so stick around for the ultimate experience possible. Find out more details about visiting here.
Day 3 in Nashville: Music and more
Morning: On your final day in Nashville, begin by meandering through 2 ½ million artifacts of country music in the Country Music Hall of Fame. The museum is dedicated to all country music singers and songwriters throughout the years and is an additional exhibit for the history of recording technology in the rotunda.
Spend a few hours down memory lane learning about the history of the genre, with all your favorite artists and artefacts, videos, instruments, dress costumes, and photographs. Purchase your ticket in advance here.
Afternoon: After a morning of music, grab a bite to eat for lunch at Loveless Cafe. This historic venue is located a little way to the west of Nashville and serves up classic Southern dishes such as fried chicken, biscuits, blackberry preserves, and the like.
Afterwards head to Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery. Dating back to 1840, the grounds sit on 30 acres of land and include a 1907 log cabin, carriages, a stable house, slave quarters.
The plantation home features exhibitions which show a whole lot of history. History buffs will enjoy the mansion tour, as it explains the Journey to Jubilee and tales of the Jackson family. Then, head back into the city center for a final evening on the town.
Evening: If you’re able to secure seats, be sure to spend the evening at Bluebird Café. The Bluebird Cafe is a cafe and listening room, and a chance to hear up-and-coming artists for some of their first live performances in the city.
Grab a ticket and enjoy the show, or show up in the discussion circle, where some of the most famous names in country music sit and discuss the background and historical meaning of their favorite songs.
Alternatively, finish off your 3-day trip to Nashville, spend the night immersing in the nightlife on Honky Tonk Highway, on lower Broadway. This lively and brightly lit strip features the best nightlife in town, from up beat bars with live music performances, hand-crafted drinks and cocktails, and a chance to see many country stars out and about as well.
It’s THE place to be for a night out on the town; venture up to the rooftop at Tootsies for a birds-eye view of the street of action. There’s no better way to end a 3-day trip to Nashville than a night out to complete your long weekend.
Other things to do in Nashville
While Nashville is a smaller city compared to places such as New York or Miami, there is so much to see and do, and there is always something exciting happening around every corner!
Whether you are visiting for 3-days and have some spare time, or are already planning another trip after completing our previous itinerary, here are even more things to do in Nashville:
The Parthenon & Athena
Sitting in the middle of Nashville in Centennial park, is a replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon temple in Athens. Within the Parthenon features the tallest indoor artistic work in the Western Hemisphere and a 42-foot-tall statue of goddess Athena. Stand outside the sunken gardens for the best photo opt for your souvenir selfies, and enjoy a late afternoon picnic in the park.
Cheekwood Estate
There are 55 acres and over a mile of botanical gardens, 12 exhibits, and a huge outdoor sculpture garden. The estate itself was once home to Mabel and Leslie Cheek and is now a museum and art gallery, and host to various celebrations and prestigious throughout the year.
Willie Nelson & Friends Museum
Dedicated to the beloved country artist, Willie Nelson, the Willie Nelson & Friends Museum sits in the city general store and is one of the best attractions in the city for country music lovers. View many of Willies awards, guitars, microphones, and personal artifacts, in addition to exhibits and displays dedicated to 30 of his closet country artist friends.
RCA Studio B
If you are an artist or songwriter for country music, this is the place to record when in Nashville. The historical RCA Studio B is the most famous recording studio in the city and has hosted more than 1,000 top singles over the years, such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Elvis, Conway twitty, and Charlie Daniels. It’s the only historical studio visitors can tour in the city, and a must-see while in Nashville.
Andrew Jackson Hermitage
Andrew Jackson called Nashville home for many years following his presidency. Join a guided tour through the hermitage he built and lived in, and learn all about the highlights and downfalls of his life, his prestigious reputation, and his vision of presidency. After the tour, explore the cemetery outside, the burial grounds for Jackson, his family, and one single slave.
Where to stay in Nashville
The best neighborhoods to stay on a 3-day trip to Nashville include the Downtown neighborhood, Music Valley, West End, and Midtown. These locations offer safety, and convenience to popular attractions and landmarks, and have a lot of accommodation options.
Nashville is a really pricey city and so book your place to stay well in advance to secure the best deals. Here are some of the best hotels based on prices and location:
Mid-range- luxury: This four-star hotel is set against the backdrop of a 1929 art deco-style building and boasts amenities such as a restaurant and bar onsite as well as an outdoor pool. Check prices and availability here.
Luxury: For an unforgettable experience during your time in Nashville, you’ll want to book yourself into this five-star establishment, which is located in downtown Nashville. Highlights include a pool and spa. Check prices and availability here.
A final note on planning a visit to Nashville
BONUS: If you plan ahead, Nashville is an iconic destination to spend the 4th of July holiday. Its one of the most exciting locations in the country, with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the sky, and Broadway Street closes down to pedestrians only with no open container law for the celebration. There is live music, thrilling events, and concerts all around the city showcasing American pride.
Nashville has been a trending destination over the last few years, and it’s easy to see why! We hope you have enjoyed this itinerary on how to spend 3 days in Nashville. Remember to save this post and refer back here before planning your next adventure!
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About the author: Ali Sullivan is an experienced world traveler, freelance writer, small business owner, and CEO of Alis Happy Desk. She works online within the travel niche by running her own business, planning travel itineraries, writing blogs and guides, and exploring the world in her off-time.
