Nashville’s Top Picks: 10 Essential Experiences for Your Weekend Getaway
Welcome to Nashville, Tennessee, where the music never stops and the hot chicken is as legendary as the music scene. Looking for a quick weekend getaway but don’t know where to start? This is the guide for you! Our ‘Nashville Weekend Guide: From Honky-Tonks to Hot Chicken, 10 Must-Do Experiences’ is the ultimate list of ‘best of’ activities for those wanting to see all that Music City has to offer in just two days. Whether you’re a music lover, foodie, history buff or simply want to experience the Nashville way of life, we’ve got you covered with our top 10 must-do experiences for a weekend in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. From iconic music venues and historical museums to eclectic dining and historic sites, we’ve got you covered. So grab your boots and get ready to experience the essential Nashville highlights with us in this top 10 list of must-do activities for a weekend adventure in Music City!
1. Tour Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry
A trip to the Grand Ole Opry is a rite of passage for anyone visiting Nashville, a deep dive into American music history, located about 20 minutes northeast of Downtown Broadway. A taxi, Uber or public transportation will get you there easily; the latter is cheapest, with buses regularly running from downtown to the Opry Mills complex. Once inside the famed venue, you’ll be immersed in some of the greats that have played there.
Even if they don’t have a concert scheduled, the Grand Ole Opry offers various backstage tours that allow you to get up close and personal to this historic music hall. The tour takes you back stage to the artist entrance and dressing rooms, and then on to the theatre stage where many of the world’s biggest stars have performed. Entry fees apply to the tours and to live shows, and they often sell out so it is wise to book ahead. There is nothing like standing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House to experience the heartbeat of Music City.
2. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame
No trip to Nashville would be complete without a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Less than a block off of Downtown Broadway, it’s an easy walk from the downtown entertainment district on a flat, very pleasant, and safe street. This location makes it easy to incorporate a tour of the Hall of Fame into a downtown touring itinerary.
The museum is open every day so you can schedule your visit at a convenient time. Expect to spend a couple of hours here, as the museum is spread across two floors and is full of memorabilia including iconic stage costumes, rare instruments and personal artefacts of country music legends. There are also interactive exhibits, documentary screenings and educational programmes on the history and cultural meaning of country music. You will have to pay an entry fee to get in, but tickets can be purchased online before your visit or at the museum itself. This visit will provide an overview of the rich history of country music in Nashville.
3. Taste Nashville’s Famous Hot Chicken
A trip to Nashville isn’t complete until you’ve eaten hot chicken, and Hattie B’s on 19th Avenue South near downtown is one of the best places to do it. It’s a block off Broadway, and walkable from the downtown area for those exploring the city centre. Hattie B’s vibrant atmosphere and spicy fried chicken make it a must-see on any visit to Music City.
Hattie B’s is famous not just for its delicious food but also for its lively setting. There is almost always a line out the door, so be prepared for a bit of a wait, especially at peak times. There’s no cover charge and the cost of food is very reasonable. If you want to be an expert on Nashville food, start here. Bite into tender, well-seasoned chicken with a bit of heat (there are 6 levels of spice to suit all tastes), and you’ll understand why this is a staple of Nashville cuisine.
4. Enjoy Live Music at the Bluebird Café
The Bluebird Cafe is an iconic Nashville’s venue renowned for having launched many prominent careers, both for songwriters and performers. It is located about four miles southwest of Downtown Broadway, a quick drive, an easy Uber or a cab ride, and a must for anyone seeking a quintessential Nashville experience away from the bustling downtown area.
The Bluebird Cafe is a cozy, intimate space renowned for showcasing emerging and established artists performing acoustic sets in a ‘listening room’ environment – where the music is most important. Patrons are expected to respect the artists by staying quiet and attentive throughout the show, and audiences often fill seats well in advance. Buy your tickets in advance to ensure a seat; demand is high and seating is limited, especially at the door. Whether you are a longtime country music fan or someone new to the genre, a night at the Bluebird is an unforgettable way to experience the richness of Nashville’s music scene.
5. Explore the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville
Explore the legacy of the ‘Man in Black’ at the Johnny Cash Museum in the heart of downtown Nashville, just a few blocks from Broadway. The museum is dedicated to one of the most famous country music stars of all time.
A comprehensive collection of artifacts, personal memorabilia and dynamic, interactive exhibits trace Cash’s career from early days to global superstar at the Johnny Cash Museum. Visitors can peruse stage costumes, instruments, personal letters, artwork, and rare musical recordings, listening at their own pace to the stories behind the memorabilia with descriptions and available headphones to play Cash hits and other less-known tracks. A must-see for every music enthusiast, it provides a poignant opportunity to glimpse the life of a legend. Open 7 days a week, there is an entry fee and tickets can be bought online in advance or in person at the venue. Visitors should check in advance for any special events during their stay. The museum tends to be less crowded in the early morning, a great way to start a full day of exploring the musical heritage of Nashville.
6. Experience the Music City Walk of Fame
Immerse yourself in Nashville’s musical roots at the Music City Walk of Fame, on Demonbreun Street between 4th and 5th Avenues South, just blocks away from the lively Broadway district. This landmark honours musicians who made cultural contributions to Music City. It is easily walkable from downtown Nashville and makes a great addition to a walking tour of the city’s musical highlights.
The Music City Walk of Fame is an outdoor public park featuring a series of commemorative sidewalk markers made of stainless steel and terrazzo, featuring the names of music legends for every imaginable genre, from country and rock to classical and blues. The walk is a great way to get to know the city’s deep musical legacy while enjoying a picturesque stroll through a beautifully landscaped area. There’s no admission fee, and everywhere you look is an opportunity to take in vital elements of the musical history that continues to shape Nashville today.
7. Discover the Ryman Auditorium
Enter the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville’s music mecca, and the home of the Grand Ole Opry in its early days. Just a few blocks from Broadway, off 5th Avenue, the historic Ryman is a short walk from downtown Nashville and a must-visit to get a glimpse of where country music began. Today, the Ryman also plays host to concerts, comedy acts and more.
The Ryman’s self-guided or guided tour of the auditorium tells the story of the performance space: from its first life as a gospel tabernacle to its birth place of bluegrass to its status as a mecca for musical legends. There are original wooden pews in the auditorium, gorgeous stained-glass windows and that iconic stage that has hosted the likes of Willie Nelson, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles and Elvis Presley. The Ryman is a sight to see, whether there’s a show or not. Whether you’re a huge fan of music or not. The venue’s important history and architectural preservation make for a pretty compelling experience. There’s an admission fee to tour the Ryman; tours allow you to not only see the space, but hear the stories behind it – stories of the Ryman’s role in Nashville’s music legacy.
8. Stroll Down Broadway – downtown Nashville
Experience the heart of Nashville’s entertainment district on a stroll down Broadway, the main downtown thoroughfare known for its honky-tonks and live music clubs. The street runs through downtown Nashville and is lined with bars, restaurants and shops that offer live music from midday into the early hours.
Music and nightlife lovers will find the ultimate fun-time destination here, where you can easily bar-hop from venue to venue, where each is as cool as it is congenial, and where the line-ups are equally varied. Also, Broadway is just a few blocks from anywhere else downtown, making it the perfect place to stroll and spontaneously create your own DIY musical tour of the area, where you might run into industry legends along the way. Aside from the famous joints on Broadway – such as Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Robert’s Western World, and Stage on Broadway – where you can catch famous and not-so-famous musical acts, there are many other venues nearby where you can listen to local musicians as they ply their trade. Though it doesn’t cost anything to wander Broadway’s length and breadth, be prepared to be tempted by the local beers and delicious Southern fare that are served at almost all of the historic venues along the street. A walk down Broadway not only promises great music but also a lively glimpse into Nashville’s bustling nightlife and cultural heritage.
9. Indulge in the Nashville Food Scene
Experience Nashville’s barbecue scene at Edley’s Bar-B-Que at 1004 Woodland Street, near the centre of East Nashville, just over two miles east of Broadway at the riverfront. It’s a half-hour walk from downtown, or you can drive there or take an Uber across the Cumberland River, a great stop for dinner after a day of musical sightseeing.
A unique, hybrid of traditional and innovative southern barbecue, Edley’s BBQ is a homey and cool place for a great dining experience that attracts locals and tourists alike. Here you can taste some of the most succulent, perfectly smoked meats you can find in Nashville while enjoying some of the more creative, fun sides you can find anywhere, like their barbecue nachos or Pimento cheese fries. It is a chill and fun place that still manages to be lively. You can get a little bit of everything here and that’s the beauty of this place, but it can be crowded – especially at lunch and dinner hours. The wait to get in is definitely worth it because you’ll end up eating some of the best BBQ in Nashville. There’s no need for an admission ticket to Edley’s, but an appetite is a must. Come here for the brisket, pulled pork or the full southern experience. It’s all amazing.
10. Tour Nissan Stadium
Go behind the scenes at American football stadium Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans. Across the Cumberland River from downtown Nashville, and easily walkable via the pedestrian bridge that connects downtown on the Piedmont side to the Broadway area on the Southside, a stroll along the river offers views of the Nashville skyline.
During the tour, you can go behind the scenes and visit areas that are usually off-limits on game days, including the Titans’ locker room, the press box, and the field, where you can stand where legends play. Tours are available on select days, and provide a unique look into how an NFL stadium operates and tells the story of the Titans and their history and highlights. There’s an entry fee for the tour, which provides a deep-dive sports fan experience, and even attracts sports curious visitors who want to see the architecture and inner workings of a major league sports venue. Whether you are a diehard National Football League (NFL) fan or a sports culture tourist, a Nissan Stadium tour is a fun way to spend part of your weekend in Nashville.
Conclusion: Capturing the Spirit of Music City
As your weekend in Nashville draws to a close, remember all the stops you made during your trip through Music City, USA. From the iconic sounds of the Grand Ole Opry to the historic echoes of the Ryman Auditorium. Remember the spicy taste of hot chicken and the athleticism on display at Nissan Stadium. Nashville has something for everyone. From music aficionados to foodies to history buffs and fans of the outdoors, each stop on your itinerary brought you closer to the soul of Nashville. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been many times before, Nashville continues to beckon with its unique blend of traditional charm and modern vibrancy, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.