Nashville earns its "Music City" nickname the moment you step onto Lower Broadway, where live bands play in every honky-tonk from late morning until the small hours, all for the price of a tip in the jar. But Tennessee's capital is far more than its famous strip — it's a city of world-class museums, a serious food scene built around hot chicken and Southern cooking, historic neighbourhoods, and genuine Southern warmth.
A weekend covers the highlights, but Nashville rewards a longer stay with its distinct neighbourhoods, from the hip boutiques of 12 South to the murals and bars of East Nashville. Whether you come for the music, the food, or a bachelorette party, the city delivers a good time with remarkable consistency.
Top Things to Do in Nashville
1. Lower Broadway Honky-Tonks
Music & NightlifeThe beating heart of Music City — a neon canyon of multi-storey bars with free live music on every floor. Tootsies, Robert's Western World, and Legends Corner are classics.
Tip: Robert's Western World offers some of the most authentic traditional country music on the strip.
2. Country Music Hall of Fame
CultureA beautifully designed museum tracing the genre's history through artifacts, costumes, and recordings. Essential even for casual fans, and a cool respite from Broadway.
3. The Grand Ole Opry
MusicThe legendary live radio show that built country music, still performing multiple nights a week. Catching a show is a quintessential Nashville experience.
Tip: Backstage tours run during the day if you can't make a show.
4. Hot Chicken
FoodNashville's fiery culinary gift to the world. Hattie B's is the popular favourite; Prince's is the original. Order one heat level below what you think you can handle.
5. The Gulch & 12 South
NeighbourhoodsTrendy districts for boutique shopping, murals (the famous "What Lifts You" wings), brunch spots, and rooftop bars away from the Broadway crowds.
6. Ryman Auditorium
Music & HistoryThe "Mother Church of Country Music" and former Opry home — a gorgeous historic venue. Tour it by day or, far better, catch a concert in its near-perfect acoustics.
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Where to Eat in Nashville
Hattie B's Hot Chicken
The hot chicken everyone talks about. Expect a line; it moves fast.
Biscuit Love
Beloved brunch spot in the Gulch — the "bonuts" (fried biscuit dough) are legendary.
Martin's Bar-B-Que
Whole-hog West Tennessee barbecue done right.
Day Trips from Nashville
Franklin
A beautifully preserved historic town 30 minutes south, with Civil War history and a charming Main Street.
Jack Daniel's Distillery
About 90 minutes away in Lynchburg — tour the famous Tennessee whiskey distillery.
Nashville Travel Tips
Broadway is for nights, neighbourhoods for days
Spend daytime exploring 12 South, the Gulch, and East Nashville, then hit Broadway in the evening when the bands and energy peak.
Book the Opry and Ryman ahead
Shows at the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium sell out, especially on weekends. Reserve before you arrive.
Getting around
Downtown is walkable, but rideshares are the easiest way between neighbourhoods. Parking downtown is expensive and limited on weekends.
What to Pack for Nashville
A few things worth having in your bag for Nashville — chosen to match the trip:
Comfortable Walking Shoes
All-day sightseeing
You will walk far more than you expect sightseeing — a broken-in pair of cushioned walking shoes is the difference between a great day and sore feet by lunchtime.
Check Price on AmazonA Packable Daypack
Day trips and city walks
Folds into its own pocket in your luggage, then carries water, layers, and souvenirs all day — the bag that saves you buying an overpriced one on arrival.
Check Price on AmazonA Slim Portable Charger
Long days out
A full day of maps, photos, and translation drains a phone fast. A pocket power bank means your battery never dies halfway through exploring.
Check Price on AmazonA Refillable Water Bottle
Hot days on foot
Staying hydrated while walking all day keeps energy up and headaches away — a collapsible or insulated bottle refills free and packs flat when empty.
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Nashville is best known as "Music City" — the home of country music, the Grand Ole Opry, and the honky-tonk bars of Lower Broadway where live music plays all day. It's also famous for hot chicken, Southern food, and its lively bachelorette-party scene.