3 Days Nashville, USA Itinerary
This 3-day itinerary offers a blend of Nashville's iconic music venues, historical sites, and culinary delights. It's designed for travelers seeking an authentic Nashville experience within a moderate budget, balancing popular attractions with local gems.
Duration
3 days
Budget
$600-900
Best Time
The best times to visit Nashville are spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring on foot
Activities
14
Daily Avg
$250/day
Pace
Moderate
Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is a vibrant city renowned for its rich musical heritage, particularly country music. Beyond the music scene, Nashville boasts a thriving culinary scene, historical landmarks, and a friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for a diverse travel experience.
Your itinerary covers 8 of 10 must-have experiences
A Honky Tonk Experience
Day 1: Honky Tonk Highway
A Music History Shrine
Day 1: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
An Iconic Performance Hall
Day 1: Ryman Auditorium Tour
A Taste of Nashville's Signature Cuisine
Day 1: Lunch at Hattie B's Hot Chicken
A Trendy Neighborhood Stroll
Day 2: Explore the Gulch
A Rooftop Bar with a View
e.g., L.A. Jackson at The Thompson Nashville, Acme Feed & Seed Rooftop
A Historic Southern Estate
e.g., The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson's Home), Belle Meade Plantation
An Urban Park & Landmark
Day 2: Centennial Park
An Art & Botanical Escape
Day 2: The Parthenon
A Local Craft Distillery Tour
Day 1: Ryman Auditorium Tour
Nashville's food scene is a vibrant blend of Southern comfort food, hot chicken, and innovative culinary creations. From down-home barbecue joints to upscale restaurants, there's something to satisfy every palate. Be prepared for generous portions and bold flavors!
Must-Try Dishes
Crispy fried chicken coated in a fiery blend of spices, served on white bread with pickles. The heat levels range from mild to 'inferno'.
📍 Hattie B's Hot Chicken, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, Party Fowl
A Southern staple: a choice of one meat (e.g., fried chicken, country ham, roast beef) and three side dishes (e.g., mac and cheese, collard greens, mashed potatoes).
📍 Arnold's Country Kitchen, Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant, The 404 Kitchen
Fluffy, buttery biscuits served with gravy, jam, or as a sandwich. A perfect breakfast or side dish.
📍 Biscuit Love, Loveless Cafe, Holler & Dash
Slow-smoked meats, particularly ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, often served with tangy barbecue sauce and coleslaw.
📍 Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint, Peg Leg Porker, Edley's BBQ
Food Neighborhoods
Upscale dining, tourist-friendly restaurants
Trendy restaurants, eclectic cuisine, local favorites
Modern restaurants, rooftop bars, upscale options
Quaint cafes, boutique restaurants, Southern charm
Vegetarian options are increasingly available, especially in more modern restaurants. Vegan options may be more limited, but some restaurants offer plant-based alternatives. Check menus online beforehand to confirm options. Gluten-free options are becoming more common as well. For Halal options, search for restaurants specializing in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisine.
Tipping is customary in Nashville restaurants (15-20% of the bill). It's polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Dress codes are generally casual, but some upscale restaurants may prefer smart casual attire.
CMA Fest
JuneA large country music festival that draws huge crowds and significantly increases hotel prices.
Nashville Film Festival
September/OctoberA film festival showcasing independent films and attracting filmmakers and movie enthusiasts.
Americana Music Festival & Conference
SeptemberCelebrates Americana music with showcases, conferences, and awards.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From your hotel in Downtown Nashville, walk or take a short ride-share to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.$27.95
10:00 AM - Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Explore the history of country music through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the museum.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to Hattie B's Hot Chicken (check website for closest location as there are multiple).$15
1:00 PM - Lunch at Hattie B's Hot Chicken
Experience Nashville's famous hot chicken. Be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours. Choose your heat level carefully!
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- 🚶From Hattie B's, walk or take a short ride-share to the Ryman Auditorium.$37
3:00 PM - Ryman Auditorium Tour
Take a tour of the 'Mother Church of Country Music,' the Ryman Auditorium. Learn about its rich history and the legendary performers who have graced its stage.
Book on Klook - 🚶Honky Tonk Highway is a short walk from the Ryman Auditorium.$20 (for tips)
6:00 PM - Honky Tonk Highway
Stroll down Broadway, also known as Honky Tonk Highway, and enjoy live music at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, The Bluebird Cafe (arrive early!), and other iconic bars. No cover charges, but tipping the bands is expected.
Book on Klook
Downtown Nashville
Centrally located, close to many attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Nashville are spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring on foot. These seasons also feature fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid but packed with festivals like CMA Fest, drawing larger crowds. Winters (November-March) are generally mild but quieter, offering a more relaxed experience with occasional cold snaps.
Spring and fall in Nashville offer comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Expect sunny days with occasional showers.
Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
Major holidays like Memorial Day (late May), Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day (early September), Thanksgiving (late November), and Christmas (December 25th) can affect opening hours and crowd levels.
Getting Around
Car-centric; major cities have transit
City-specific
Uber/Lyft work nationwide. Rent a car outside major cities.
Travel
$150-250 (depending on origin)Accommodation
$200-300 (for 3 nights in a budget-friendly hotel or Airbnb)Food
$150-200Activities
$100-150Enjoy free live music: Many honky-tonk bars on Broadway offer free music all day and night. Just be sure to tip the musicians for their hard work.
Utilize free attractions: Explore Riverfront Park, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, or walk around the State Capitol building and free art galleries without spending a dime.
Attend a show at the Ryman Auditorium or Grand Ole Opry: The acoustics and historical significance make these iconic venues worth the ticket price for a truly memorable experience.
Indulge in a high-end Nashville culinary experience: Treat yourself to a meal at a renowned restaurant, showcasing Nashville's growing food scene beyond just hot chicken.
Explore neighborhoods beyond Broadway: Venture to areas like 12 South, East Nashville, or The Gulch for unique boutiques, local eateries, and different music vibes, often with more budget-friendly options than downtown.
Look for happy hour specials: Many bars and restaurants offer deals on drinks and appetizers, which can be a great way to sample local flavors and save money, especially during weekdays.
- Tipping is customary and expected in the USA: 15-20% for good service at restaurants, bars, and for ride-share drivers. Remember to tip musicians generously in honky-tonks, as that's often their primary income.
- Nashville's downtown (Broadway) is very walkable, but for exploring other neighborhoods or attractions further afield, ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are the most convenient option. Public transit is available but less comprehensive for tourists.
- Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, but it's wise to carry some small bills for tips, street performers, or smaller purchases. Contactless payment is also common.
- Book popular attractions and shows (like the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, or sought-after restaurant reservations) well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as they often sell out.
- Stay hydrated, especially during the warm and humid summer months. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it frequently, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking and dancing.
- While Nashville is generally safe, be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night in crowded areas like Broadway. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy venues.
- Embrace the 'Music City' culture; don't be shy to engage with locals about music or explore venues off the main strip for diverse experiences.
- Parking in downtown Nashville can be expensive and challenging to find. Consider parking garages or using ride-shares if you're not staying within walking distance of your activities.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes: Essential for exploring Broadway, museums, and various neighborhoods.
- 2Layers of clothing: Temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day, and air conditioning indoors can be quite cool.
- 3Smart casual attire: For evenings out at nicer restaurants, music venues, or embracing the 'Nashville chic' style.
- 4A light jacket or cardigan: Useful for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces, even in summer.
- 5Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses: Especially important if visiting during warmer months, as you'll spend time outdoors.
- 6Reusable water bottle: To stay hydrated, particularly during hot and humid summers.
- 7Small crossbody bag or anti-theft backpack: For security in crowded areas and ease of movement.
- 8Earplugs: If you plan on visiting loud music venues, especially late at night, to protect your hearing.
- 9Rain jacket or compact umbrella: Weather can be unpredictable, with occasional sudden showers year-round.
- 10A portable charger: To keep your phone charged for navigation, photos, and ride-sharing apps.
Flights
Book 2-4 months in advance for best prices and availability, especially during peak seasons or major events like CMA Fest.
Accommodation (Hotel/Airbnb)
Book 2-6 months ahead, particularly if traveling during peak season (spring, summer) or for specific events, as prices can surge closer to the date.
Grand Ole Opry / Ryman Auditorium tickets
Popular shows, especially weekend performances or those featuring well-known artists, can sell out weeks or months in advance. Book as soon as your travel dates are firm.
Popular restaurant reservations
For high-demand restaurants, secure reservations 1-3 weeks in advance, particularly for weekend evenings or groups.
Rental Car (if needed)
Only necessary if planning day trips outside the city center. Book 1-2 months ahead for better rates and vehicle choice; otherwise, rely on ride-shares.
eSIM or International SIM card
Arrange before departure for immediate connectivity upon arrival and to avoid high roaming charges from your home carrier.
Travel Insurance
Crucial for covering unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Purchase when you book your first major expense (flights or accommodation).
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 T-Mobile stores, some convenience stores, Amazon
📍 AT&T stores, Best Buy, Target
📍 Online rental with delivery to your hotel or pickup at select locations
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and many restaurants throughout Nashville. Public WiFi hotspots can be found in some parks and public spaces, but security may be a concern. The Nashville International Airport (BNA) provides free WiFi.
Useful Apps
Consider an eSIM for convenience upon arrival. Physical SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or in town. Check coverage maps for different providers to ensure good service in the areas you plan to visit. Download offline maps on Google Maps to save data and navigate without a connection. Be mindful of data usage when streaming videos or downloading large files.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
120V
60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
18–20% (before tax)
15–20%
$2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping
Tipping is expected. 18–20% is standard at restaurants.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Nashville is generally a safe city for tourists. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and take standard precautions against petty theft.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
911
911
911
911 for all emergencies
Payments
Cards preferred everywhere
Universally accepted
Common
Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best times to visit Nashville are during the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) months. The weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer. You'll enjoy comfortable temperatures for exploring the city on foot.
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