Weekend Getaway To Nashville
Planning a Nashville weekend getaway? This itinerary shares where we stayed, what we ate, and the attractions we enjoyed during our three-day trip. You’ll also find tips for choosing the best neighborhood, getting around downtown, budgeting your visit, and making the most of a weekend in Music City.
A weekend is enough time to experience many of Nashville’s highlights without feeling rushed. Three days gives you time to explore Broadway, visit museums, enjoy live music, sample the city’s famous hot chicken, and still discover a few neighborhoods beyond the tourist crowds.
If you have an extra day, consider venturing outside the city for a scenic drive or nearby attractions.
Where We Stayed
SoBro (South of Broadway)
This is where we stayed, and it’s a great choice if you want to walk to Broadway, Bridgestone Arena, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and many downtown restaurants.
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Walking to attractions
- Concerts
- Couples
We booked two nights at Embassy Suites SoBro. It’s not right on Broadway, but it’s an easy walk (or quick Uber) to the action and includes free breakfast – always a win. If we go back, I might try a hotel closer to Assembly Food Hall and the Ryman Auditorium, where there’s a stop for the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley. (More on that later.)
First Night Out
After checking in, we walked to White Duck Taco Shop for dinner. I’ve loved their Asheville locations, but this one didn’t wow me. No biggie – an inexpensive Uber ride (under $5 with tip) got us downtown. We bar-hopped along Broadway, paying about $10–$12 per beer while soaking up live country music. We even stumbled on a Bon Jovi bar with solid classic rock and spotted the famous “Batman” AT&T building.
Touring the City
Day two was all about exploring. This is when we discovered Assembly Food Hall, where Jeff raved about Prince’s Hot Chicken. From there, we grabbed the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley, a smart way to see the city when knees or feet are protesting. The free brochure and map highlight stops like Ryman Auditorium, Musicians Hall of Fame, Centennial Park with its full-scale Parthenon, the Gulch, and more, though not in that order. We also passed the Tennessee State Capitol and the site of the 2020 Christmas bombing—sobering but part of the city’s story.
Dinner and Downtown Sights
That evening we ate at Puckett’s Restaurant, a Nashville staple. My shrimp and grits arrived with fennel and tails attached—two things I can live without – but the atmosphere was fun. Afterward, we checked out Printer’s Alley, spotted Daddy’s Dogs from Somebody Feed Phil, and caught a free pedicab ride when the driver noticed Jeff limping (we tipped him anyway). We made it to the top of Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, took a quick look around, and left because it was packed. Tip: Get there early and enjoy dinner with a view before the crowds roll in. We soaked in the neon lights and live music spilling onto the streets as we strolled back to the hotel, a nice low-key finale to our last night in Nashville.
If You Have Extra Time
We had planned a Secret Food Tour on our last day, but Jeff’s knee nixed it. I’ve taken it before and highly recommend it if you can. The Parthenon in Centennial Park is another must-see, offering an unexpected full-scale slice of ancient Greece right in the heart of Nashville.
How Much Does a Nashville Weekend Cost?
Your budget depends on where you stay and what you plan to do.
Here’s a rough estimate for two people:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Hotel | $250–$500 per night |
| Meals | $60–$150 per day |
| Drinks | $20–$75+ per day |
| Attractions | $25–$100 each |
| Parking | $30–$60 per day |
Nashville isn’t the cheapest destination, but planning ahead can help keep costs manageable.
Best Time to Visit Nashville
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and are ideal for walking around downtown.
Summer brings festivals and plenty of live music but also higher temperatures, humidity, and hotel prices.
Winter is often quieter, making it a good option if you’re looking for lower rates.
Getting Around Nashville
Downtown Nashville is surprisingly walkable.
During our visit, we walked to most attractions.
If you need transportation beyond downtown, consider:
- Uber or Lyft
- Bird scooters
- Lime scooters
- Ride-sharing bikes
If you’re staying downtown, you may not need your car until you’re ready to head home.
More Than Broadway
Broadway deserves its reputation, but don’t stop there.
Consider adding:
- Centennial Park
- The Parthenon
- Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
- Belmont Mansion
- Marathon Village
- RCA Studio B
- Belle Meade Historic Site
- Frist Art Museum
These attractions offer a different side of Nashville beyond the neon lights and honky-tonks.
Tips for a Smooth Nashville Weekend
- Book hotels early and plan around events. Hotel rates climb fast during big concerts, sports games, or conventions—reserve ahead and budget accordingly.
- Budget for beverages. Expect to pay about $10 – $12 for a beer in the honky-tonks.
- Use ride-share freely. Uber and Lyft are plentiful and often cheaper (and easier) than parking downtown.
- Grab a trolley map with your ticket. We received one when we bought Hop-On Hop-Off passes at the booth, and it’s handy for plotting stops.
- Mix it up. Beyond live music, check out art museums, historic sites, and trendy areas like the Gulch for variety.
- Zip around town. Consider renting an electric scooter for quick hops around downtown—just download a Bird, Lime, or Spin app, follow Nashville’s street-riding rules (no sidewalks), and park in the marked corrals.
Final Bite
Whether you’re chasing honky-tonks, sampling hot chicken, or just looking for a fun city escape, Nashville delivers. Grab a hotel in SoBro or near Assembly Food Hall, budget for a few Ubers, and let the music lead the way.
If you’re exploring lodging options, take a peek at our stay at the Virgin Hotel Nashville. It’s not smack in the center of Broadway’s bustle, but it’s still easy to reach on foot and delivers a stylish, modern vibe. Just note that rates run a bit higher, so it’s more of a splurge stay.
Have you visited Nashville, or is it still on your travel wish list? Leave a comment below and tell me what attraction, restaurant, or live music venue you’d add to a Nashville weekend itinerary!
