Nashville Travel Guide: The Best Places to Stay, Eat, and Explore in Music City
Why Nashville Should Be on Your Travel List
Nashville is truly the place to be. With live music pouring out of every corner, Southern food that’ll make you rethink what comfort food really means, and endless opportunities to dance and explore, Music City is as vibrant as it gets. Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip, a weekend getaway, or just craving a little country charm, this city is full of unforgettable experiences.
If you’re looking for another great trip idea, check out Four Days in New York City.
Where to stay in Nashville
When visiting Nashville, your lodging choice can make a big difference — not just for your budget but for your experience. Hotels near downtown may cost more upfront, but they save time and money on transportation.
Downtown Nashville
Staying downtown keeps you close to Broadway, where most of the live music, nightlife, and attractions are located. A few great options include:
Moxy Nashville Downtown – A fun, trendy hotel with great energy and modern rooms.
Hilton Downtown Nashville – A convenient, classic stay with excellent service and easy access to Broadway.
Midtown Nashville
For a slightly quieter experience, consider Midtown. It’s still walkable to Broadway, but you’ll find more of a local vibe — think great bars, restaurants, and fewer crowds.
The Graduate Nashville – A can’t-miss boutique hotel filled with personality and charm. Known for its bold, pink-and-patterned design and its rooftop bar, White Limozeen, this hotel is a true Nashville experience. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth visiting for a cocktail and a photo with the Dolly-inspired décor.
Holiday Inn Express Downtown – Budget-friendly and walkable to the action.
Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Vanderbilt – My top pick. It’s located between Midtown and downtown, offers a free shuttle to Broadway, and is surrounded by great local spots frequented by Vanderbilt students.
PRO TIP: Always compare hotel rates with short-term rentals like Airbnb or VRBO, but don’t forget to factor in cleaning and service fees — they often make hotels the better deal.
What to See and Do in Nashville
There’s no shortage of things to do in Music City. From live shows to mural hunting, here’s how to make the most of your trip.
Experience Broadway
You can’t visit Nashville without spending time on Broadway. Yes, it’s touristy — but that’s part of the fun. Every bar has incredible live music, and the atmosphere is electric.
My favorite Broadway honky tonks include:
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge – A true Nashville classic and local icon.
The Stage – Great for dancing and live country music that never stops.
Ole Red – The place for a rooftop view and a good crowd, with a little Blake Shelton flair.
Before heading out for a night on Broadway, spend the afternoon at the Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s a must-see for country music fans and conveniently located within walking distance of downtown hotels. Buy your tickets online to skip the line and plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the exhibits.
Visit The Gulch
The Gulch is one of Nashville’s most stylish neighborhoods — full of boutiques, restaurants, and that famous angel wings mural you’ve probably seen all over Instagram.
PRO TIP: Get there early if you want a photo with the mural. The line forms quickly, especially on weekends.
While in The Gulch, make sure to:
Shop at Kittenish (by Jessie James Decker) and Uncommon James (by Kristin Cavallari).
Eat at Biscuit Love, home of the city’s most famous Southern breakfast. The line can be long, but the biscuits are worth every bite.
Keep an eye out for Amelia’s Flower Truck, often parked nearby — the perfect stop for a quick photo or fresh bouquet.
Enjoy sunset cocktails at L.A. Jackson, the rooftop bar at the Thompson Hotel, repeatedly voted one of Nashville’s best rooftop experiences.
Explore 12th South
Another charming area to visit is 12th South, a walkable neighborhood known for its murals, boutiques, and local eats.
Here you’ll find:
The iconic I Believe in Nashville mural
Draper James, Reese Witherspoon’s Southern-inspired boutique
Local coffee shops and bakeries perfect for a mid-morning stop
12th South is a great place to slow down, shop small, and soak in the local culture.
Where to Eat in Nashville
Nashville is known for its Southern cuisine, and no trip is complete without sampling its most famous dishes.
The Hampton Social – A beautiful, Instagram-worthy restaurant located downtown. The décor is stunning, but the food holds its own — fresh, flavorful, and perfect for brunch or dinner. Make reservations in advance.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – No Nashville trip is complete without trying hot chicken. Hattie B’s is the most famous spot in town and worth the wait. Pro tip: start with medium heat and work your way up.
Biscuit Love – If you missed it in The Gulch, find another location to grab a Southern-style breakfast before you leave town.
White Limozeen at The Graduate – For a picture-perfect rooftop dining experience, visit this Dolly Parton-inspired bar for creative cocktails and delicious Southern bites.
If you’re a fan of rooftop dining, also add Acme Feed & Seed to your list for great food, live music, and views of the Cumberland River.
What to Skip in Nashville
There’s a lot to do in Nashville, but a few attractions can be skipped if you’re short on time. The wax museum and Gaylord Opryland Hotel are both popular but located about 20 minutes outside downtown. Unless you’re specifically interested in wax figures or large indoor gardens, it’s best to spend your time exploring closer to the city center.
How Long to Stay
Two days and two nights is the perfect amount of time to experience Nashville. It’s long enough to take in the sights, eat amazing food, and listen to incredible live music — without feeling rushed.
Nashville is a city full of creativity, heart, and energy. Whether you’re dancing on Broadway, brunching in The Gulch, or sipping cocktails at The Graduate, you’ll leave already planning your next trip back.
