Nashville Itinerary: 3 Days of Music, Food, & Southern Charm

Planning a Nashville itinerary (3 days) and not sure where to start?

We recently visited Nashville, and it completely lived up to the hype. I wasn’t sure what to expect for our first visit to Music City, but after spending an entire weekend filled with incredible live music, the best BBQ I’ve had in the US, and so many cowboy boots, I really want to go back. 

We spent three days exploring the city, and we both ended up falling in love with how easy it is to dive into both the big attractions and the smaller, local gems like cool eateries and bars you stumble across along the way.

If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, here’s exactly how we did a 3-day Nashville itinerary! 

Short on Time?

Here’s the quick Sparknotes version of how I’d break down a Nashville itinerary 3 days:

• Day 1: Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame
• Day 2: Hit a local food tour
• Day 3 (Option 1): Segway tour downtown
• Day 3 (Option 2): Day trip to Jack Daniel’s Distillery

Where to Stay in Nashville

Nashville has no shortage of great places to stay. We stayed at the rom sleek downtown hotels to colorful boutique spots in East Nashville. Here are a few I came across (and a couple I stayed in myself!) that I’d genuinely recommend:

Downtown / Broadway

If you want to be right in the heart of downtown Nashville’s nightlife, then staying downtown is the way to go. You can easily hop between bars, music venues, rooftop spots, and late-night food without needing to think about transportation at the end of the night (especially helpful after a few drinks)

• Luxury: Kimpton Aertson Hotel – A more upscale option, ideal if you want to be close to the action but still have a refined, quiet place to come back to. The staff are warm and welcoming, and the rooftop pool with its views is a standout perk. It’s also just far enough from Broadway that you won’t have music blasting outside your window when you’re trying to sleep. Book your stay.
• Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Nashville MetroCenter Downtown – If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly while still staying close to everything, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Nashville MetroCenter Downtown is a solid mid-range choice. It’s clean, convenient, and the breakfast is fresh and tasty. Plus, you get one free Uber ride downtown each day, which is a surprisingly useful perk that really adds up. Book your stay.
• Budget: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Nashville Downtown/Capitol District – We stayed here and thought it was an excellent pick. It’s clean, comfortable, and perfect if you’re planning to spend most of your time out exploring rather than hanging around the room. The suite-style setup works really well for trips with friends or a multi-night stay, and the kitchenette comes in handy after late nights. Ubers to Broadway were usually about $7, though walking is totally doable. It’s a great spot that doesn’t come with a premium price, and the breakfast was easily one of the best I’ve had at a US hotel, more like a European-style spread. Definitely worth booking your stay.

East Nashville

If you’d rather swap the busy downtown energy for something more relaxed and creative, East Nashville makes a great alternative. It still has a fun nightlife scene, but with more of a local, neighborhood feel instead of a tourist-heavy atmosphere.

• Luxury: The Gallatin – Higher-end boutique hotel known for its bold design, original artwork, and country music-inspired touches. It’s a stylish and peaceful place to stay, perfect if you want to be near Nashville’s nightlife but prefer a more laid-back, artsy vibe. Book your stay.
• Luxury: The Russell – Another standout option, set inside a beautifully restored church. The space feels warm and inviting—especially the lobby, which is a great place to relax—and you’re within walking distance of plenty of great restaurants. It keeps you close to the action while still offering a calm place to unwind. Book your stay.

Nashville Itinerary 3 Days

I recently spent a few days in Nashville, and I can honestly say this three days in Nashville itinerary is packed with some of the best food, music, and energy I’ve ever experienced. 

Day 1: Explore the Heart of Music City

We both love country music, and we wanted to dive straight into what Nashville is all about. Day 1 of this 3 days in Nashville itinerary gives you the perfect mix of well-known tourist attractions and local charm, with plenty of time to relax without an itinerary. 

Morning: Farm City Coffee + Double Decker Sightseeing Bus Tour

Before hopping on the bus tour, we stopped at Farm City Coffee to fuel up for the day. Located in the Nashville farmer’s market, a little bit outside of Broadway, the coffee was delicious and they had some really filling breakfast sandwiches! It’s the perfect way to ease into your first morning in Nashville.

After that, jump on the double-decker sightseeing bus tour. Sit up on the top, and you’ll have a great view of all of the landmarks like the Ryman, Broadway, and the Parthenon, without the stress of driving or hunting for parking.

The guides are funny and full of random Nashville trivia, and it definitely feels more like hanging out with a local than sitting through a typical tour. If it’s your first time in the city, start here. 

➡️ Click here to book your bus tour!

Late Morning: Country Music Hall of Fame + RCA Studio B

After getting the lay of the land, head to the Country Music Hall of Fame. We had such a good time here, and we spent over an hour exploring the huge displays of memorabilia that even non-country fans can appreciate.

If you’re interested in music, I highly recommend grabbing the combo ticket that includes the RCA Studio B tour. You get to walk into the same studio where Elvis and Dolly Parton recorded! 

➡️ Get your Country Music Hall of Fame entry and tour tickets here!

Afternoon: Murals of Nashville Golf Cart Tour

In the afternoon, switch things up and join a golf cart mural tour. It’s easily one of the most fun ways to see the city. You’ll cruise through The Gulch, 12South, and East Nashville, stopping at some of the most iconic murals like “What Lifts You” and “I Believe in Nashville.”

The guides are usually super friendly and happy to snap photos for you along the way, so you can actually enjoy the moment without worrying about getting the perfect shot. It’s a fun, effortless way to explore Nashville’s artsy side.

➡️ Book your golf cart mural tour here!

Evening: Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour

In the evening, make your way to the Grand Ole Opry for a backstage tour. Even if country music isn’t typically your thing, the experience is so special, and you’ll get to walk through the dressing rooms, see where artists prepare before going on stage, and even stand in the famous Opry circle.

Being under those stage lights and taking in the history of all the legends who’ve performed there is pretty unforgettable. 

➡️ Click here to book your Grand Ole Opry backstage tour!

Optional Late Night Add-On: Party Bus or Party Tractor

If you’ve still got energy afterward, Nashville makes it very easy to keep the night going. Hop on a party bus, and if you’re looking for something a little more laid-back, go for the party tractor instead. It offers a similar vibe but with open-air seating and a bit more space. Either way, it’s a fun way to end the night.

➡️ Reserve your party bus here!

Day 1 – Quick Summary:

• Farm City Coffee to start the morning right
• Double-decker bus tour to get oriented
• Country Music Hall of Fame + RCA Studio B combo
• Golf cart mural tour through The Gulch, 12South, and East Nashville
• Grand Ole Opry backstage tour
• Optional: Party bus or tractor on Broadway

Day 2: Music, Food & Local Flavor

After soaking up all the classic Nashville highlights on Day 1, use Day 2 to dive into the city’s flavors, stories, and personality. This is the day to focus on great food, a bit of history, and those experiences that make you feel like you truly get what all the Nashville hype is about.

Morning: Nashville Food Tour

Start your day with a local food tour! You’ll hear stories about how hot chicken came to be, learn about Nashville’s barbecue roots, and discover why locals take their biscuits so seriously. Along the way, you’ll stop at places you likely wouldn’t find on your own. Come hungry, and you’ll leave full and with a whole new appreciation for Nashville’s food scene.

➡️ Secure your spot on the Nashville food tour here!

Afternoon: Belle Meade Mansion + Wine Tasting

After a full morning, head over to Belle Meade for a mix of history and Southern charm. The mansion itself is beautiful, surrounded by sprawling oak trees and filled with stories from the 1800s.

I recommend visiting via a guided tour so you get to learn more history as you admire the mansion. The guided tour wraps up with a complimentary wine tasting, which is the perfect finishing touch after an afternoon of exploring.

➡️ Click here to book your Belle Meade Mansion tour!

Smokin’ Butt’z BBQ at the Nashville Farmers’ Market

On your way back, make a stop at the Nashville Farmers’ Market and grab a bite from Smokin’ Butt’z BBQ. It’s the kind of spot you might miss if you didn’t know about it, but absolutely worth seeking out. Expect smoky, tender BBQ that sticks with you long after the trip. Their pulled pork sandwiches are incredible! 

Late Afternoon: Distillery Tour + Tastings

Later in the afternoon, learn more about Tennessee’s famous whiskey culture with a distillery tour. Big Machine Distillery is a great option for a fun, relaxed experience with friendly staff and generous tastings (don’t go on an empty stomach!!).

If you’re more interested in history, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery offers a family-run atmosphere, a fascinating backstory, and some excellent whiskey. They do a little bit of a better job explaining the history behind whiskey in Nashville. 

➡️ Book your distillery tour and tasting here!

Evening: Rollin’ Jamboree Comedy & Country Music Sing-Along

Wrap up Day 2 with the Rollin’ Jamboree! Part comedy show, part sing-along, this is a party on a bus with live performers who joke with you, play country favorites, and keep the energy high the entire night. It’s interactive, entertaining, and a memorable way to end the day.

➡️ Click here to book your Rollin’ Jamboree sing-along tour!

Day 2 – Quick Summary:

• Food tour with local history and hidden gems
• Belle Meade Mansion tour with wine tasting
• Smokin’ Butt’z BBQ at the Nashville Farmers’ Market
• Distillery tour at Big Machine or Nelson’s Green Brier
• Rollin’ Jamboree comedy and sing-along bus

Day 3 (Option 1): Fun, Sweet, & A Little Spooky

For Day 3, you have two options. This one shows another side of Nashville that typical tourists don’t add to their itinerary. You replace the BBQ and cowboy boots for ghost tours and candy! 

Morning: Segway Tour of Downtown Nashville

Start your morning with a Segway tour, as it’s a fun, easy way to see a lot of the city without feeling rushed. Even if you’ve never ridden one before, the guides make sure you feel comfortable before heading out.

You’ll glide past iconic spots like the Ryman, the riverfront, and Music Row, all while taking in the sights in a way that is effortless and entertaining.

➡️ Secure your spot on the segway tour here!

Midday: Goo Goo Chocolate Tasting & Candy Making Class

After a busy morning, take a break for something sweet at the Goo Goo Chocolate Co. You’ll learn how their famous Nashville Goo Goo Clusters are made, sample plenty of chocolate, and the best part is, you get to create your own custom candy to take with you!

The experience is fun, a little indulgent, and a great way to recharge before the rest of your day.

➡️ Click here to reserve your spot on the Goo Goo Chocolate tasting and class!

Afternoon: Dark Secrets Ghost Tour

In the afternoon and evening, if you’re feeling up for it, dive into a different side of Nashville with this ghost tour. You’ll hear a mix of real history and eerie local legends. The tour isn’t super cheesy, and it offers a deeper look at the city’s darker past.

➡️ Book your ghost tour here!

Day 3, Option 1 – Quick Summary:

• Segway tour through downtown landmarks
• Goo Goo Chocolate candy-making class
• Dark Secrets ghost tour through historic downtown

Day 3 (Option 2): Whiskey, Rolling Hills & Line Dancing

If you’re up for a little adventure beyond the city, and you don’t mind a good drink or two, this is an incredible way to wrap up your Nashville weekend. It’s all about experiencing Tennessee’s whiskey culture, taking in the countryside, and ending your trip on a high note.

Day Trip: Jack Daniel’s Distillery Bus Tour

Set aside the day for a trip out to Lynchburg to visit the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. The drive itself is part of the experience, with rolling hills, open fields, and a peaceful Tennessee countryside. Once you arrive, the guides bring the story of Jack Daniel’s to life.

If you’re looking to get out of Nashville for a bit, this is absolutely worth it and very much on theme.

➡️ Click here to reserve your spot on a Jack Daniel’s tasting and tour!

Evening: Line Dancing Class

Back in Nashville, end your trip with a line dancing class! After watching people dance all over Broadway, this is your chance to jump in and learn a few moves yourself. The instructors make it easy to follow, even if you’re a complete beginner, and the energy is fun and upbeat the whole time.

It’s a fun, feel-good way to close out your weekend (and you might even be ready for one last night on Broadway afterward if you’re not too tired from all of the partying!

➡️ Book your line dancing class here!

Day 3, Option 2 – Quick Summary:

• Full-day Jack Daniel’s Distillery bus tour to Lynchburg
• Evening line dancing class back in Nashville

How to Get Around Nashville

Getting around Nashville is a lot easier than I expected. Here’s what worked well for me:

• Walking: If you’re staying downtown or near Broadway, walking is your best friend. The area is super compact, and you can hop from one live music spot to the next without ever needing a car.
• Rideshare: We used Uber several times throughout the trip, and they were always quick and affordable. Most drivers were super friendly and full of local tips, which made every ride feel like a mini tour.
• Public Transit – The WeGo bus system is reliable and covers a solid amount of ground. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done, especially if you’re trying to stretch your budget or reach areas outside of downtown.
• Tours – Honestly, a lot of the tours double as transportation, which really gives you the most bang for your buck. The double-decker bus, golf cart, and Segway tours are fun ways to get around while actually learning something about the city.
• Car Rental – If you’re planning to visit spots like Belle Meade, Franklin, or the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, having a car makes life much easier. Parking downtown can add up, but most hotels and attractions have good options nearby.
• Bike Rental – If you’re looking to get away from the city, consider renting a bike and ride along part of Nashville’s Greenway System! It’s a peaceful, scenic way to see a quieter side of town that most tourists miss entirely.

➡️ Click here to reserve a bike!

Is Nashville Safe?

I felt completely safe during my entire trip, even walking around at night near Broadway and Midtown. Like any busy city, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. But overall, Nashville is a welcoming, friendly city, and most areas visitors frequent are well-patrolled and well-lit.

Have common sense, and you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Best Time to Visit Nashville

The best time to visit Nashville is spring or fall, hands down. The weather is warm but comfortable, and there’s almost always some kind of festival or outdoor concert happening. We went in early June, and it was pretty hot outside and crowded, especially when we visited during the weekend for CMA fest.

Winter is quieter and more affordable, and a little too chilly for rooftop bars and patio dining. If you can swing a spring or fall trip, go for it.

But also, check what events are happening before you book. Nashville hosts massive events like CMA Fest and Live on the Green that make the city feel extra electric, but they also fill up hotels fast, so plan ahead if your dates overlap.

A Few Tips Before You Go

A couple of things I wish I’d known before arriving in Nashville:

• Weekends are busy. Broadway and the downtown bars fill up fast. Go early if you want a good spot, and grab a rooftop drink before the crowds roll in.
• Pack layers. Nashville’s weather can change quickly. I kept a light jacket and a small umbrella in my bag most days and ended up using both more than once.

Final Thoughts

After following this Nashville itinerary 3 days, you’ll understand why people fall in love with this city. Between the good food, music, and friendly people in cowboy hats, you’ll want to come back. 

We can’t wait for our next trip to Nashville, and I hope you have a great time exploring the city. Happy travels!