I’ve got the perfect guide for you to get the full Nashville experience in 1 day. Use this guide to get the most out of your trip. I’ve included great food, sightseeing, and live music all packed into a tourist-y schedule that all can enjoy!
Tips before reading the guide:
- Parking is free at Nissan Stadium Lot R. You will have to pay if there is a stadium event or a concert at Ascend Ampitheater
- Are you a first time user of Uber or Lyft? Use these promo codes to get free rides!
Uber: coryi171ue
Lyft: CORY712690 - Joyride is a golf cart transportation service that will pick you up and drop you off anywhere downtown and surrounding neighborhoods with speed limits below 40mph. They work for tips and operate 9am-4pm and 6pm-2:30am (weekends are 9am-2:30am). Call (615) 285-9835 and press “1” to be picked up!
MORNING:
Biscuit Love
The food truck turned restaurant is a popular place to eat breakfast for both locals and visitors. Being such a big hit in the Gulch, they’ve opened a second location in Hillsboro Village. I recommend going to the Gulch location to be close to your next destination. Be sure to get there early (around 8am) because the line can get VERY long.
You need to try the Bonuts and Southern Benny.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
You’ll learn about the history of Music City from legends of country music to newcomers in the scene. They have tons of activities and events each week for all ages. Exhibits come and go, so you can have a totally different experience on your next trip to Music City.
Pedestrian Bridge
If you’re itching for a great spot to take photos of the Nashville skyline, you need to check out the pedestrian bridge. You can access the bridge from 3rd Ave in front of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center or the elevator on 2nd Ave next to Joe’s Crab Shack. There are 2 outlooks on the bridge that makes for a great selfie with Nashville behind you! If you get the right angle, you won’t catch any cranes in your photos.
Pro tip: Late morning, early afternoon is the best time for the perfect lighting.
AFTERNOON:
Hattie B’s
Nashville is known for it’s hot chicken. Hattie B’s, although it’s not the original, it is the most popular. You can choose from southern heat to ‘shut the cluck up’ for your chicken. Be prepared to wait in line for about an hour if you go to the Midtown location because it is crazy busy all the time.
I suggest you try the damn hot tender plate with fries and pimento mac & cheese
Pro tip: Buy a beer to drink while you’re waiting in line
Parthenon
The Parthenon, located in one of Nashville’s best parks, is an exact replica of the temple in Greece. Inside, there is a 42 foot statue of Athena. Take photos for free outside of the Parthenon, but going into the museum will cost you a small fee. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children 4-17.
Tuesday-Saturday: 9am-4:30pm
Sunday: 12:30pm-4:30pm
LATE AFTERNOON:
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center
This massive hotel has 17 restaurants, 9 acres of gardens and waterfalls, and a river. When you first walk in, you will be overwhelmed. Take a deep breath of fresh air, glance at the beautiful waterfalls, and get ready to spend a couple hours here. Parking is free at Opry Mills Mall, next to the gaylord resort event center (the parking lot closest to the pin on the map below)
EVENING:
Grand Ole Opry
If you are coming to Nashville for the first time, you NEED to see a Grand Ole Opry show. Countless country music stars have shared the legendary circle to perform on the stage that made country music famous! Make sure to buy your tickets as soon as possible to get a good section.
Bar Hop on Broadway:
With tons of honky tonks and bars on broadway, you won’t have any trouble finding a party spot for you and your friends.
My favorites: The Stage, Legends Corner, The Second Fiddle, Tin Roof, The Valentine, Acme Feed & Seed, Robert’s Western World, Crazytown
Late Night Bites:
Paradise Park
Open to 3am, delicious burgers!
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The Diner
6 floors, 24 hours, serves alcohol all day and night except for 3am-4am!
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Sun Diner
24 hours, retro Sun Records theme!
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