If you’re curious about the South but have yet to visit, Nashville is a great place to start exploring. With a fantastic music scene, delicious restaurants, charming cafes, and an overall fun vibe – Nashville is the perfect destination for a city getaway.
In this guide, you’ll find the perfect itinerary for 3 days in Nashville. With only three days in this capital city, your days will be maxed out with activities. There is so much to do and see here; you will only scratch the surface.
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Nashville Itinerary – Day 1
Nashville is known as the heart of country music, so you will encounter country music, whether you try to or not!
To get the full country experience, you should visit the Country Music Hall of Fame. Even if you aren’t a country music fan, this is something everyone can enjoy. Here you will learn about country music’s history up until the present day.
You will find fascinating memorabilia, a vast collection of artifacts, and tons of information on the story of country music. The museum is massive, so you could easily spend all day reading and seeing everything!
After visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame, you can head over to the Gulch. The Gulch is a trendy neighborhood known for its restaurants, shops, and music venues. It’s a great neighborhood to walk around and explore.
It’s also famous for its street art, including the iconic wings mural that people line up to take a picture in front of. If you head down 11th Ave South, you can find even more art and murals and find that perfect piece for you to pose for a picture with.
To hear country music in real-time, head down to Broadway in Downtown Nashville in the evening. You will definitely find live music at one of the bars here!
There is a strip of bars that are lively throughout the week and weekend. It’s a great street for bar hopping, nightlife, and of course, music.
Nashville Itinerary – Day 2
Start your day with a Hop On Hop Off trolley tour. It is a great and accessible way to see sites throughout the city. You are also able to get a tour and feel for the lay of the city.
The tour will stop at attractions such as the Belmont Mansion, Johnny Cash Museum, and Ryman Auditorium, only to name a few! You can have a look at all the stops here. You can get on and off the trolley as you please and make it special to you.
One attraction not to miss is The Parthenon located in Centennial Park. It is the only exact replica of the original Parthenon found in Athens, Greece.
Crazy, right? There is a 42-foot statue of the goddess Athena, and it serves as the primary focus when entering. The Parthenon is used as an art museum, and it has impressive architecture. Take a walk through Centennial Park afterward, as it’s a beautiful park for a stroll or to have a picnic!
In the evening, you can head to one of Nashville’s numerous rooftop bars. Find one that fits your style and hang out there with food and drinks, taking in the sunset over the stunning city.
Nashville Itinerary – Day 3
Today you can head to the Belle Meade Historic Site. The Belle Meade was home to one of the wealthiest families in the 19th century. You can tour the plantation and get an insight into the upper class’s life from this period.
The tours also educate visitors about the history of the times. The site also has a winery on the grounds you can visit. Or to get the best of both, you can combine a winery tour with a tour of the property!
Next, you can head to downtown Nashville and take a stroll on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. This is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world! You can take your time walking across, as there are no cars to get in your way.
The bridge offers excellent views of the Cumberland River and the Nashville skyline. If you visit the bridge at night, you can see the stunning skyline all lit up.
On your last night in this exciting city, head to Printer’s Alley. You’ll find great musicians and lots of fun little bars in this famous alley. A lively music scene is a great way to end your trip to this musical city.
Where To Stay In Nashville
Nashville has something for everyone, including the perfect neighborhood for your stay.
Each area will bring something different, although you will most likely find a music venue nearby, wherever you stay. After all, Nashville isn’t called the “Music City” for nothing.
Where To Eat In Nashville
Nashville is known for its delicious food, and you are bound to stumble across restaurants that aren’t on this list – but if you don’t know where to start, check out these popular spots!
Breakfast
- Pancake Pantry – A phenomenal breakfast spot with delicious pancakes. The atmosphere, staff, and food are all worth a visit.
- The Loveless Cafe – The cafe is a short drive outside the city, but the biscuits are worth the trip. They are made from scratch daily and are on most visitors ‘things to eat’ list.
- Biscuit Love – A family-owned spot with Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch
Lunch Or Dinner
- Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – A popular chain specializing in hot chicken – a fried chicken dish – that you must try while in Nashville.
- Peg Leg Porker BBQ – Found in the trendy neighborhood, The Gulch, this delicious BBQ spot has a quirky inside dining option or a lovely outdoor patio.
- Pinewood Social – This is a great place to hang out. There is a bowling alley, a cafe, a restaurant, an outdoor area to relax – you should enjoy everything it has to offer!
- The Pharmacy – A delicious burger spot with a creative menu. It has a charming dining atmosphere with a great outdoor patio.
Final Thoughts On Nashville In 3 Days
There is so much to see and do in Nashville. We hope our itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Music City. From visiting iconic music landmarks to sampling local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this eclectic city. We hope you enjoy your time in Nashville.
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