How to Spend The Perfect Weekend in Nashville
- Robynne Trueman
- Oct 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 20
Nashville, Tennessee, also affectionately referred to as Music City, is the state capital and is home to some of the world's top country music venues and attractions like the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Whether you're a music lover, a couple seeking a fun weekend getaway, or a bachelorette group looking for a crazy night out on Broadway, this Nashville weekend itinerary will give you a taste of Music City and leave you wanting more.
Where to Stay For a Weekend in Nashville
There are plenty of options for where to stay in Nashville, and the best choice for you will depend on whether you're visiting with family, as a couple, for a bachelorette party, or solo. I visited with my husband (and our dog) and we loved our stay at Virgin Hotels Nashville.
Besides it being a dog friendly property where our pooch felt very welcome, this hotel is in a great location on Music Row, making it easy to walk to nearby restaurants and attractions. The interior is very modern and clean, plus there's a rooftop pool. I would stay here again when returning to the city.
Where to Eat with 48 Hours in Nashville
Where do I begin? I could spend a week in Nashville and not be able to visit all the restaurants I want to try, but with one weekend in Music City, we did our best to check off the top contenders. From Nashville hot chicken to biscuits with gravy to Tennessee barbecue, these were my favourite stops that you have to try while visiting.
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint is a must-visit while in Nashville for barbecue enthusiasts. I ordered the "redneck tacos" which is a signature dish that features a hoecake (a cornbread pancake) topped with barbecue meat, coleslaw and BBQ sauce. This was a delicious option for someone who isn't a huge meat eater – if you love southern barbecue, you can order larger servings of barbecued meats with all the southern sides as well.
Address: 410 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, United States
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Hattie B's Hot Chicken
Hattie B's is a Tennessee staple and there are multiple locations in the city, but you're sure to find yourself strolling past the Lower Broadway location at some point during your visit to Nashville. This is the perfect place to try some hot chicken with all the classic southern sides.
Address: 5069 Broadway Suite A-103, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Biscuit Love
Get some southern biscuits and gravy at Biscuit Love for breakfast or brunch while in Nashville at either the Gulch or Hillsboro Village location. The menu is loaded with heavy comfort eats – I had the Princess Biscuit Sandwich but I highly recommend getting the East Nasty Biscuit Sandwich instead – my husband got this and it was much more satisfying because it is covered in gravy and differs from the other chicken sandwiches you'll be eating throughout the weekend. Don't forget to try the bonuts. These balls of fried dough are tossed in sugar, topped with lemon Marscarpone, and served over blueberry compote. You'll be so full, but you will not be sorry you ate them!
Address: 316 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
Hours: Monday to Sunday to Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Top Things to Do in Music City
If you're planning a trip to Nashville, chances are that some of these top things to do are already items on your bucket list. From museums celebrating famed musicians to opportunities to engage with live performers, a weekend in Music City is sure to leave you inspired and wanting to pick up a guitar yourself. These are some of the top things to do in Nashville if you only have 48 hours to explore.
Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
In Music City, checking out the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must. It is one of the world's largest museums and research centers dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American country music. The museum first opened its doors on Music Row in 1967 and today contains one of the world's most extensive musical collections. If you love country music, you'll learn not just about your favourite artists here but also about the origins of country music and its evolution over the years. If you're not a country music fan, the museum will give you a new appreciation!
Listen to Live Music at the Bluebird Cafe
The Bluebird Cafe has long been a haven for budding artists to workshop their latest songs in front of a receptive audience. You might have seen it on the television show Nashville, as the place Scarlett and Gunnar sing many a duet. To visit in person was a dream come true for me and I was so thrilled to be there on a Monday night when up-and-coming musicians can sign up to play their original songs. Make sure you buy tickets in advance or arrive early to line up as the venue is fairly small and quickly fills to capacity.
Visit East Nashville Five Points Neighbourhood
We visited East Nashville at the recommendation of a friendly waiter at our hotel and I'm glad we did! It's a very different atmosphere from Broadway or Music Row and offers a laidback vibe with many eclectic bars lining the streets of the Five Points Neighbourhood. If you have time, I would check it out on a Saturday night – it was very quiet on a Sunday night and not worth the trek out there at that time.
Explore the Johnny Cash Museum
The Johnny Cash Museum opened in May 2013 and is presently the world's largest, most
comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia. For fans of the "Man in Black" it's a great opportunity to learn more about his career and music.
Dance at a Honky Tonk on Broadway
The infamous honky tonks (bars) lining Music City's popular Broadway street are one of the highlights of spending a weekend in Nashville. With live music, dancing, drinks, and good vibes, there are no shortage of places to choose from. My favourite spot was Tootsie's Orchid Lounge which has three levels and three different performances going at any given time, plus a rooftop patio for a great view of Broadway. A close second for me was The Stage on Broadway, which had a lively dance floor and talented live performers.
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