How to enjoy an ideal weekend in Nashville

While country music and southern hospitality are at the heart of Nashville’s essence, the city's growth is attracting artists, developers, and hospitality leaders from across the nation, adding a global flair to its traditional charm. Here’s how to make the most of your weekend in Nashville.

Spending two days in the city provides the perfect opportunity to experience Nashville’s rich history and its transformation into a vibrant metropolis. From lively honky-tonks to stylish rooftop bars, Music City blends the excitement of urban life with southern charm, leaving you eager for a return trip.

• Best time to visit: The peak season in Nashville is from May to November, featuring sunny days, lush greenery, and vibrant patio/rooftop scenes. Winter and early spring bring cloudy skies, chilly winds, and wet conditions, which aren't ideal for city exploration.  
• Airport transport: Your best option for airport travel is a rideshare service—Uber and Lyft are the most popular. Alternatively, you can utilize the WeGo Public Transit bus system located at the airport’s Ground Transportation Center, offering rides for $2 with unlimited access for two hours.
• How to navigate the city: Nashville is predominantly a commuter town, so getting around often involves renting a car or using rideshare services. If you're situated in Downtown or the Gulch, you can easily hop on one of the numerous scooters available to explore local attractions.
• What to bring: Your packing list will vary based on the season. For summer, lightweight clothing such as shorts and sandals are ideal, while winter calls for puffer jackets and boots. In spring, layering is wise as temperatures can vary from 80 degrees during the day to the 40s at night. For evenings out, jeans are a common choice in most bars and restaurants, but dressier options like slacks and shoes are recommended for upscale venues.

Saturday

Morning

In Nashville, the early risers reap the pastry rewards. At 12South’s The Butter Milk Ranch, lines can stretch around the building, so arriving a bit before it opens is your best shot at snagging a table or counter seat. Once inside, indulge in their oversized pastries like salted honey butter croissants, matcha pistachio lime tarts, and “Lil’ Deborah” oatmeal cookie sandwiches—big enough to take on the road alongside your ricotta scramble.

After refueling, head downtown to the Ryman Auditorium, a venue that transitioned from church to concert hall and once hosted the Grand Ole Opry radio show. This iconic location is where Johnny Cash met June Carter and a young Elvis sought fame; it’s steeped in musical history. Tours kick off at 9am, so it's advisable to book tickets a few days in advance to ensure your visit.

Take a short five-minute stroll from the Ryman to the Johnny Cash Museum, home to the most extensive collection of memorabilia celebrating 'The Man in Black.' The museum is cozy, allowing you ample time to visit the Patsy Cline Museum just upstairs and delve into the story of one of country music's icons.

Afternoon

Head another five minutes east to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for breathtaking views of the Cumberland River. This spot is perfect for stunning photo opportunities—no filter needed.

After walking off that Lil’ Deborah cookie, recharge at Pinewood Social, a laid-back venue in the city’s former trolley barns. Inside, enjoy a variety of activities, including a bowling alley and a wading pool, along with hearty salads, sandwiches, and grain bowls.

Even if country music isn’t your passion, the Country Music Hall of Fame is well worth a few hours of your time. Kids can enjoy creative activities in the Taylor Swift Education Center, while adults admire Elvis' gold Cadillac and Hank Williams’ classic suit. Be sure to visit the Hatch Show Print, one of the oldest letterpress print shops in the US, located next to the museum, which has been crafting iconic country music posters for over a century.

Evening

After quenching your thirst, take a five-minute stroll south to Four Walls at The Joseph Hotel, an elegant speakeasy known for some of Nashville’s top-notch cocktails. The deep red marble bar, luxurious couches, and soft lighting create an intimate atmosphere, while the drinks are entirely above board.

Pair your cocktails with a generous serving of fried chicken, and when in Nashville, that means ordering it hot—specifically Nashville hot chicken. Choose between two of the city's spicy heavyweights at Assembly Food Hall: Prince’s and Hattie B’s. Expect a line at both, but don’t let that discourage you. The perfectly crispy yet juicy chicken at either spot is worth the wait. You can opt for mild or challenge your palate with the hottest spice level available.

Even after the sun goes down, the energy on nearby Broadway remains vibrant. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of neon lights, pedal taverns, and bachelorette parties belting out Taylor Swift songs. However, be sure to visit some of the strip’s popular honky-tonks—such as Robert’s Western World, The Stage, Acme Feed & Seed, and The Twelve Thirty Club—to experience Nashville’s live music scene.

Sunday

Morning

While the creative pastries at Butter Milk Ranch showcase Nashville's culinary innovation, the classic Southern fare at Monell’s offers a glimpse into the city’s heritage. Be ready to dine with fellow guests in a charming Victorian house from 1905, enjoying an all-you-can-eat, family-style country breakfast featuring biscuits and gravy, country ham, pancakes, eggs, grits, and fried chicken starting at 8am. You’ll quickly discover, like many of Monell’s patrons, that these strangers can become good friends.

From there, hop on a Bird scooter and cruise over to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall to delve into the state's history. Here, you’ll encounter a 200-foot granite map of Tennessee, the Tennessee State Museum, and stunning views of the state capitol. The nearby Nashville Farmers Market is also a great spot to explore the local produce.

Afternoon

Travel about five miles south to the Instagram-famous 12South neighborhood for mural selfies and boutique shopping. Shops like White’s Mercantile, Savant, Imogene + Willie, and Draper James offer a range of locally crafted home goods, stylish clothing, and unique accessories, perfect for souvenirs.

While in 12South, be sure to visit the original Frothy Monkey, Nashville’s favorite coffee spot. Recharge with one of their delicious coffee drinks and hearty sandwiches, or for a more gourmet experience, head to the patio of the James Beard-nominated Locust for frozen Irish Coffees, interesting wines, and seafood-inspired snacks.

Evening

Every Sunday at 6pm, the Bluebird Cafe in Green Hills presents its Sunday Spotlight, a complimentary performance featuring emerging bands and songwriters. While famous from the TV show Nashville, the Bluebird has welcomed legends like Garth Brooks, Emmylou Harris, and the Cowboy Junkies since 1982. There’s a small cover fee, and it’s wise to book your seats online a week in advance.

After the show, grab a rideshare to Wedgewood Houston for dinner at Dicey’s Pizza and Tavern. The Chicago-style tavern pizza, known for its thin crust and square slices, is among the best in the city. Enjoy it with a glass of natural wine at one of the picnic tables under the stars for a fantastic end to your evening.

If you're not ready to call it a night, head to the lively bar at Bastion, which stays open until midnight and serves an elegant, boozy punch daily. For a more extended evening, Melrose Billiards offers a nostalgic slice of Nashville's past. This 80-year-old establishment features pool, shuffleboard, ping pong, and a fun rubber duck claw machine, keeping the good times rolling until 2am.