Are you looking for the best girl’s trip that will be sure to go down in history?
Look no further than the iconic girl’s trip, bachelorette, and party destination!
Whether you are looking for the best bars, cutest boutiques & cafes, or the history behind the iconic city, this is the perfect place for you and your besties to go to…this place has something for EVERYONE!
Keep reading for the best restaurants to eat at, where to stay, murals to take pictures in front of, bars to drink, dance & sing at, and adventures to go on!
What to do in Nashville?
The most famous question of them all is What to do in Nashville?!
Like I mentioned before, there truly is something for everyone! From listening to live music at bars, taking Insta-worthy pictures, eating the iconic southern food, and exploring the city’s musical history!
First, get to know the area you are staying!
Once arriving in Nashville, FIRST drop your bags off to wherever you are staying and THEN, start exploring!
Whether you are right outside of the city or you are right downtown there are so many good places to eat and sites to see, take advantage of it.
After getting familiar with the area begin planning out your days in this beautiful city!
Go to the Bars & Listen to Live Music!
Every bar has LIVE MUSIC!!!
It’s basically a live country music concert everywhere you go!
Famous Bar Row: Honky Tonk Highway- Open from 10 am to 3 am
Favorite Bar: Dirks Bentle–Whiskey Row
A very fun and energetic vibe with many tables to sit and relax, but also a lot of areas to dance, great service, even better music, and an awesome view from the rooftop bar.
Some other NOT TO MISS bars…
Best Place for Munchies–Tin Roof
The best chicken tenders and fries in Nashville!
Best Sports Bar- Beyond the Edge
Known for the best places to watch your favorite sports!
Best Club Atmosphere- Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar
Thursday, Friday & Saturday live DJ on the top floor which gives off a club vibe!
(But honestly, you can’t go wrong with going to any of the bars they are all so different and all the performers are great)
Picture Perfect Areas You Don’t Wanna Miss!
What Lifts You Mural
I feel like this one is a no-brainer, who doesn’t go to Nashville and want to see this iconic mura?
(Make sure you do your research before you go to see when it is less busy! But also the line moves fast so don’t worry)
302 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Kittenish (Right in front of the “What Lifts You” mural)
This was one of the cutest boutiques I have ever been in! Not only were the prices great but there were MULTIPLE places to take the cutest pictures!
(Plus you are already basically right there so you might as well check it out!)
304 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Broadway PL Shopping Area- located off Broadway St.
Here, in the shopping area, there are multiple cute up & coming places to take pictures.
(Along with cute boutiques, cafes, and stores like Free People)
Broadway PL, Nashville, TN 37203
Belmont Hillsboro
This street is known for all its cute boutiques, cafes, and places to eat, BUT it also has many photo-worthy murals!
1704 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Belmont University
This was by far one of the prettiest Universities I have ever seen!
Everything from a rose garden, flowers everywhere, statues, pools, and water fountains around every corner!
(Also depending on where you are staying it might be closer than you think)
1900 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
Beautiful bridge in Nashville that overlooks downtown, especially pretty around sunset.
(Also seen and show in the show Nashville)
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, Nashville, TN 37213
Schermerhorn Symphony Center Water Fountain
This beautiful water fountain is in downtown Nashville and great for taking in the Nashville architecture.
1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201
Time to Eat!
You can’t go to Nashville and not be excited to try all the delicious food they have to offer!
I don’t know about you, but when traveling- TRYING NEW FOODS IS A MUST!!
Food Places You Don’t Wanna Miss!
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
We went here our first day & boy did it set my expectations high for the rest of the trip!
(My entire meal was under $10, service was fast, place was clean, great atmosphere & location!)
410 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
Biscuit Love (Hillsboro Village)
We went to this adorable café for breakfast one morning and it did not disappoint!
They had everything from biscuits & gravy to sausage & biscuit sandwiches- as pictured
(Definitely checked off the box for breakfast southern style and service was excellent)
2001 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN 37212
Hattie B’s- Hot Chicken
When coming to Nashville this was the place that was recommended by most & now I know why!
Delicious fried chicken and my meal came with 2 sides that were also AMAZING!
(I was beyond stuffed after this meal!)
5069 Broadway Pl Suite A-103, Nashville, TN 37203
Urban Juicer
After eating a bunch of food I normally wouldn’t eat, I knew my body needed a break!
We certainly found the best place to detox and eat a little healthier again!
(This aesthetically pleasing juice bar had endless options of smoothies, juices and my personal favorite, acai bowls!)
1622 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Taco Mama
This was a restaurant that reminded me of my favorite place to eat, Chipotle!
Very delicious, well-priced, fast service, and filling to say the least!
(Options ranged from salads to tacos and fish to chicken)
1612 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Greenery Co.
Yup, you guessed it! Another healthy meal was in need & we found the PERFECT place!
This restaurant was amazing from the ambiance to how eco-friendly they were, not to mention how good the food was!
1705 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
The Diner Nashville
This place was very unique due to its architect, this diner stood 5 stories high and is open late hours!
Serving everything from sandwiches to sushi!
(Can’t go wrong with diner food)
200 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
Things to Do!
Along with experiencing the bars & live music, taking pictures & enjoying the views and, eating all the delicious food imaginable, there is so much more to Nashville.
Belmont Mansion Tour
Approximately an hour-long tour that takes you through the Belmont mansion and all of its history.
On the tour, you can see all the old architecture and learn about the importance of the area.
Belmont Mansion, Corner of Acklen Avenue &, Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212
Nashville Pedal Tavern
All up and down the streets there are peddle bike tours and they look like they are having so much because they ARE!!
You will definitely feel like you have missed out if you do not book one of these tours!
Nashville Pedal Tavern, 1504 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203
Cowgirl/boy Hat AND Cowgirl/boy Boot Shopping
On Honky Tonk row and other streets there are SO many authentic cowboy boot and hat stores.
While some might be over your price point they are still fun to try on and embrace the Nashville ways.
Boutique Browsing
Nashville is thriving with boutiques! They are so stylish and chic!
Be sure to walk around & shop at:
- Broadway PL
- Belmont Hillsboro 21st Ave S
Country Music Hall of Fame
One of the most popular and iconic things to do in Nashville!
This museum will take you through the history of the music and everything in between, including the outfits that were worn.
Definitely, a DO NOT MISS attraction!
222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
Staying in Nashville
Staying in Nashville can be expensive but with the right research and an idea on what is most important to you and your girl gang, it can accommodate everyone’s budget!
Airbnb-Outside the City
I thought I would talk about this option first because it can be most the cheapest option for most travelers.
Renting an Airbnb right outside of the city center can decrease the amount you are paying per night BUT you can still be in an area where there is still hustle-bustle and some cute restaurants, cafes, and boutiques!
The Airbnb my friends and I stayed at was located near Vanderbilt University and Belmont College which means….we were walking distance from all the cute college things!!! Not to mention how BEAUTIFUL the Belmont campus was and nice it was to walk around it and explore.
PROS: Able to explore Belmont’s beautiful campus, eat at all the cute & aesthetically pleasing college munchie places, and pay less per night to stay in Nashville.
CONS: Not walking distance from downtown Nashville and had to Uber almost everywhere
Hotel-Inside the City
Like when traveling anywhere else it is extremely nice to be as close to the action as possible especially when it means saving money on Ubers and taking up less time walking.
I personally think this is the best option for smaller weekend or weekday trips where you are really trying to get your money’s worth, this way you can be in the action and not miss out on the hype of Nashville on your couple day trip.
This will also be better & easier for larger groups where ordering an Uber may become complicated and expensive.
PLUS… spending less on transportation will give you and your group more money to spend on a cute, center city hotel!
PROS: Right in the heart of it all and you will really get to experience Nashville and you will be able to save money on transportation like Uber
Another huge plus is that most hotels will hold your luggage before and after the check-out times so there is no need to drag around your suitcases the first or last days there depending on your flight times.
CONS: Can be loud and noisy at night, no matter the day of the week (but it also depends where you are staying), and you are most likely going to pay more for the prime location and proximity to everything.
When To Go?
So now that you have an idea of what kind of where you want to stay, lets talk about when to go!
Weekday VS. Weekend
On our girls trip down to Nashville we were able to stay for quite a few days which means we were able to experience the weekends and the weekdays!
And as you probably know, most places are always busier on the weekends, including good ole Nashville.
BUT during the week it can be just as busy or busier than you think it will be so…
YES… it is still pretty busy during the week, YES… all the bars are still open late even on Sundays, and YES… I still recommend that you make dining reservations before going to some of the well-known & popular places (for breakfast, lunch & dinner)!
It is also very understandable that most people may work a 9-5 job and aren’t going to want to or be able to take off during the week, NO WORRIES!
There is no way to not have fun in Nashville no matter the time of the week you go!
And there are so many pros of each… there are just a few things (“What Moves You?” Mural) that I would recommend doing at certain times or certain days to avoid long waiting times.
Transportation
I don’t know about anyone else, but for me transportation can be the most stressful when planning a trip.
It can be one of those expenses that adds up quickly or is more than expected with all the added fees and charges and don’t get me started about renting cars (especially if you are under 25).
Luckily for you though, Nashville is on the smaller side so walking is not bad at all, it can be eventful and is a very photogenic place.
Along with the option of walking; you can Uber, take a scooter or rent a car!
- Uber(or other similar services)
- PROS: very cheap, quick & convenient for short rides or to and from the airport.
- CONS: prices vary with demand, more individuals means larger car and higher price, and can take some time to arrive.
- Scooters(this is a very up-and-coming means of transportation)
- PROS: fast, at random convenient locations, connect to your phone/mobile app, beats most traffic, found all around the city, and best of all they are SO MUCH FUN!!!
- CONS: have to walk to the location of the scooter, may not have multiple together, can add up if you aren’t keeping track, and you can not leave your certain location.
- Rental Car(you are probably familiar with this means of transportation)
- PROS: always have access to transportation.
- CONS: not a lot of places to park, traffic and very expensive & can be inconvenient for individuals under 25.
*My recommendation would be to Uber and use the scooters around the city as much as possible*
