Three days in Nashville with the perfect mix of honky-tonks, live music, incredible food, vintage shopping, rooftop cocktails, and a few local favorites beyond Broadway.
By Teddy Danielson
A trip to Nashville, Tennessee (aka Music City, aka Nashvegas) is a wild ride, pretty much any way you slice it. But despite its party reputation (and nothing wrong with that), there’s so much more to it. It’s the music capital of the world and is, therefore, loaded with musical history and boatloads of talent. I have been lucky enough to take biannual trips with my good old dad for the past several years (he runs a non-profit with a chapter in Nashville) and have had the pleasure of exploring the city alongside locals who really know their stuff.
This 3-day itinerary highlights some of the more under-the-radar attractions I’ve picked up from friends along with some can’t-miss Nashville favorites you’ve got to check off your bucket list. From the honky tonks of Broadway to the rooftop bars to the surprisingly fabulous thrift stores in East Nashville, there’s something for everyone in this bustling metropolis. So throw on your cowboy boots and get ready for an adventure.
Nashville Quick Links
Lodging and Transportation
Before you start your exploration of Nashvegas, let’s get you settled in one of the city’s lovely hotels:
- Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel: For the ultimate Music City stay, it’s hard to top Dolly Parton’s new SongTeller Hotel. Located downtown between Lower Broadway and historic 2nd Avenue, the hotel was created by Dolly as a love letter to Nashville, with her unmistakable style and songwriting spirit woven throughout the rooms and public spaces. There’s live music at Parton’s Live and Jolene’s, plus the new Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum, the largest exhibition dedicated to her life and career. For Dolly fans especially, this one belongs on the Nashville bucket list.
- The Virgin Hotel: Ever since I discovered The Virgin Hotel, it’s been my top pick in town. Close enough to Broadway, but not so close that 24/7 music flows into your windows, its location is fabulous, and the rooms are modern, clean, and top-notch. Plus, there’s always something to do. Between the fabulous rooftop pool scene, the hoppin’ bar downstairs, and the sporadic drag brunches, there’s never a dull moment.
- The Caroline House: If you’re looking for more old-school luxury, The Caroline House provides an upscale historic “B&B” experience. It’s pricier than the Virgin, but it gets you a feel of old-school southern charm. Your stay includes in-house coffee followed by a different dining experience every morning at one of its partnering breakfast venues within walking distance. Pretty cool!
- Kimpton Aertson Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel on Broadway is right in the thick of things. Complete with a rooftop pool, a luxurious spa/fitness center, and a lovely restaurant, it’s a great place to get all your needs met in one place. The price tag is tough to beat, too.
- Graduate by Hilton Nashville: Colorful, quirky, and unapologetically Nashville, the Graduate is a fun Midtown option near Vanderbilt and less than a mile from Lower Broadway. The hotel celebrates Nashville’s music legends throughout its wonderfully over-the-top interiors, but the real star is White Limozeen, its fabulously pink, Dolly-inspired rooftop restaurant and bar. Add skyline views, the Governor’s Pool, and an animatronic karaoke bar, and this is a great pick if you want your hotel to be part of the Nashville experience rather than simply a place to sleep.
I organized this trip such that you won’t need to drive much. It’s kind of a pain to have a car in Nashville, and many main attractions are within walking distance or a quick Uber ride. Nashville BCycle is another great way to get around if you prefer to explore on two wheels. If you want to rent a car, by all means go for it! Just know that parking in the thick of it all can be kind of a bummer.
Day 1
Morning
All of the hotels I recommended above offer fabulous breakfast options. That said, I’m still going to recommend a few breakfast spots to try outside of your hotel’s offerings during your stay. The Butter Milk Ranch is one of my top picks. Their Turkish Eggs (fried dough topped with garlic yogurt, three poached eggs, heirloom tomatoes, pickled shallots, and za’atar seasoning) are one of a kind, and they have some of the best pastries in town if you’re not in the mood for a sit-down.
After an indulgent breakfast, head on over to River Queen Voyages on the Cumberland River. Here, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and/or 4-person pedal kayaks (super fun for families). Seeing Music City from the water is one of my favorite ways to witness it. You’re somehow in the middle of it all while viewing it from afar. For those of you looking for a classic Nashville “party” experience, book a seat on one of their party cruises. The captain will play your favorite tunes, and you can BYOB aboard to get the good times going.
Afternoon
Back on land, get yourself to Peg Leg Porker BBQ for some real, down-home Tennessee BBQ. Grab a BBQ pork sandwich, some slaw, and baked beans for the full experience. It’s nothing fancy, but this family-owned restaurant does BBQ right and is the perfect way to fuel up for your Broadway adventure.
Whether you’re exploring on foot or on a classic BYOB Nashville Pedal Tavern (basically a group party bike…super popular for young folk in town), Broadway (aka HonkyTonk Highway) is sure to overwhelm your senses in all the right ways. It’s the tourist hub of town; there’s no denying that, but it’s a must-do for every first-timer. Lined with back-to-back bars, clubs, and restaurants all blasting their own brand of country music, it’s easy to get distracted. Pop in wherever you’d like for a beverage and a couple of songs, but be sure not to miss the following iconic stops:
- Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge for classic Nashville honky-tonk vibes
- Nudie’s Honky Tonk for over-the-top country music memorabilia
- The Stage on Broadway for live music and a lively party atmosphere
- Acme Feed & Seed for its rooftop views
My personal favorite stop on Broadway is Robert’s Western World, but we’re going there later tonight.
Evening
As the sun starts to dip behind the city skyline, it’s time to think about dinner. The Twelve Thirty Club is an absolute must on Broadway, and you’re already right there. Co-founded by Nashville native Justin Timberlake, this polished, upscale restaurant/bar/music venue oozes with Nashville’s rich honky-tonk and supper-club traditions.
Each level has its own flavor, with the first boasting classic Nashville honkytonk vibes. The second floor is a formal dining scene with lush seating and an elevated menu. Then, there’s the rooftop bar, which really comes alive after hours with its renowned cocktails and bumping DJ sets.
You could finish your night out at Twelve Thirty Club’s rooftop bar, but I highly recommend you strut down the avenue to Robert’s. Tiny, crowded, loud, and wonderfully unpolished, it’s undisputedly Nashville’s best old-time, honky tonk venue. My dad (big music guy) is obsessed with Lucas McQueary and Joe Flick, a duo that plays at Robert’s Wednesday through Saturday most weeks.
Day 2
Morning + Afternoon
Today’s all about getting outside of the Broadway bubble and exploring one of my favorite parts of Nashville: East Nashville. Grab a coffee if you need a little fuel and then pick up a bike from a Nashville BCycle station downtown.
Your first stop is Cafe Roze for breakfast. I first visited this sweet little neighborhood favorite with a local friend before a day of thrifting. So, that’s where I’m taking you today. Their menu feels farm-to-table and health-focused, with dishes like avocado and hummus toast, green goddess salad, and a bulger egg bowl. I particularly love their Roze Latte with rose cardamom syrup.
Once you’re fueled, hop back on your bike and cruise on over to the heart of East Nashville for some of the best thrifting you can imagine. First up is Black Shag Vintage, which is one of the most unique vintage shops in town (ever, if you ask me). Housed inside a historic 1930 fire station, the shop is packed with true vintage clothing, leather, boots, and more than 500 vintage concert T-shirts. It’s a little pricey, but totally worth the experience.
On your way to your next thrift shop, pick up a sandwich for later at FatBelly Pretzel Bakery & Deli. Their freshly baked pretzel breads and big deli sandwiches are the perfect lunch to look forward to after an afternoon of biking and shopping. Before lunch, though, peddle over to Goodbuy Girls. This little boutique specializes in interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces and carefully curated vintage cowgirl boots. I got my first ever pair of real boots there 5 years ago and wear them whenever I get the chance.
Sandwich in tow, continue on your bike ride to Shelby Park. This sprawling 300-acre park sits right along the Cumberland River and gives you a completely different side of Nashville. Sprawl out by the water for a leisurely picnic, then spend some time wandering the park’s trails and waterways before biking back to town.
Evening
After a day on two wheels, stop back at your hotel to clean up before heading over to Harriet’s Rooftop for cocktail hour. Perched on the 19th floor of 1 Hotel Nashville, Harriet’s offers sweeping city views, an elegant atmosphere, and mouthwatering small bites. It’s a great place to dress up a little and enjoy the sunset before dinner.
For dinner, you’re off to Giovanni’s for some fine dining. Stepping into this old-school Italian restaurant feels like stepping into a Tuscan villa. The menu features authentic homemade pasta, risotto, truffles, imported cheeses, seafood, veal, and prime beef. I’m in love with their grilled octopus and their beef and veal bolognese.
Day 3
Morning
Your last day in Nashville is all about slowing things down a bit and taking in some of the deeply rooted musical history of the place. But, first, brunch. Suzy Wong’s Drag’n Brunch might not be for everyone, but it’s one of those fringe Music City adventures you might just want to check out. Between the beignets, the biscuits, and, of course, the fabulous drag queens, it’s a wild way to kick off the day.
If drag isn’t your thing, book a rooftop cabana at The Virgin Hotel’s Pool Club instead. Their weekend brunch includes live music, cocktails, and a bacon double cheeseburger that’ll blow your mind. Soak up some sun and enjoy some fabulous people-watching.
Afternoon
Brunch? Check! Time to nerd out on Nashville’s music history. Start with the Country Music Hall of Fame. I’m not even a die-hard country fan, and this place is still 1000% on my can’t-miss list. The sheer amount of music history packed in the place is mind-blowing. The museum takes you down a carefully curated, chronological collection of iconic costumes, instruments, photographs, and exhibits tracing the evolution of country music from Hank Williams to Taylor Swift and everything in between. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum currently has Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker, featuring outfits, handwritten lyrics, instruments, awards, and photographs. It’s scheduled to run through October 4, 2026.
Next, pop into the Johnny Cash Museum for an intimate look at the life and career of one of Nashville’s most iconic musicians. It’s packed with personal artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs documenting Johnny Cash’s history.
Still got some museum energy left? Check out the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. This one’s a little different in that it focuses on the musicians behind the music. It pays tribute to the session players and instrumentalists who helped create some of the most famous recordings of all time, giving a totally different perspective on the music industry. For someone whose dad is a songwriter, I love that it recognizes the behind-the-scenes guys.
Evening
For your final night in Nashville, I saved the best for last. The legendary Bluebird Cafe might just provide one of the most authentic slices of Nashville there is. It’s a tiny, unassuming little venue known for its intimate “in the round” performances where patrons gather around a circle of songwriters while they share their stories and latest ideas. Some major stars, such as Garth Brooks and Faith Hill, got their start at the Bluebird Cafe. Who knows, maybe you’ll witness the next big thing!
If you have some energy after Bluebird, I highly recommend taking yourself speakeasy hopping downtown. Nashville is known for its hidden bars and secretive speakeasies. It’s a fun way to experience a quieter, more sophisticated side of the city (as opposed to the honky-tonk madness of Broadway). My personal favorites include Red Phone Booth, Old Glory, and The Patterson House. I don’t even drink, and I still think the vibes at these places are a kick. Sort of prohibition meets modern Nashville meets old-school glamour. A great way to close out the night.
Conclusion
You did it! You got through three wild days in one of the world’s most musically rich cities. You explored the honky tonks of Broadway, saw a drag show, witnessed songwriters at work at the Bluebird Cafe, sipped and savored in back-door speakeasies, and more. Nashville may be known for its crazy bachelorette parties and enough live music to keep you up all night, but there’s so much more to Music City. From the thrifting to the fine dining to the incredible musical history, it’s a city that deserves more than 3 days of your time. That said, if you only have three days, you’ve got my itinerary. Now go forth, explore Music City, and let me know what you think.
NASHVILLE AT A GLANCE
Short on time? Here’s the quick list of where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Nashville, plus a few special stops for Dolly Parton fans.
Where to Stay in Nashville
- Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel
- Virgin Hotels Nashville
- Graduate by Hilton Nashville
- Caroline House Nashville Historic Inn
- Kimpton Aertson Hotel
Best Things to Do in Nashville
- Walk Lower Broadway and experience Nashville’s legendary honky-tonks
- Catch live music at Robert’s Western World
- Kayak or paddleboard the Cumberland River
- Shop for vintage clothing and cowboy boots in East Nashville
- Bike through East Nashville and picnic at Shelby Park
- Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Explore the Johnny Cash Museum
- Visit the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
- Catch an intimate songwriter performance at the Bluebird Cafe
- Have a rooftop cocktail overlooking Nashville
- Go speakeasy hopping at Red Phone Booth, Old Glory, and The Patterson House
Where to Eat & Drink in Nashville
Breakfast & Brunch
- Butter Milk Ranch — pastries and an indulgent sit-down breakfast
- Cafe Roze — a neighborhood favorite in East Nashville
- Suzy Wong’s Drag’n Brunch — brunch with a decidedly Nashville twist
- Virgin Hotels Nashville Pool Club — weekend brunch, live music, and rooftop vibes
Lunch
- Peg Leg Porker BBQ — classic Tennessee barbecue
- FatBelly Pretzel Bakery & Deli — giant sandwiches on freshly baked pretzel bread
Dinner
- The Twelve Thirty Club — upscale dining, cocktails, and live music right on Broadway
- Giovanni’s — old-school Italian, homemade pasta, and fine dining
Cocktails & Nightlife
- Harriet’s Rooftop — cocktails with sweeping Nashville views
- White Limozeen — the fabulously pink, Dolly-inspired rooftop at the Graduate
- Robert’s Western World — classic honky-tonk Nashville
- Red Phone Booth, Old Glory, and The Patterson House — three favorites for a Nashville speakeasy crawl
Nashville for Dolly Parton Fans
Few people are more closely tied to Nashville than Dolly Parton, who arrived in Music City in 1964 and went on to become one of its most legendary songwriters and performers. Fans can experience plenty of Dolly sparkle around town while celebrating the extraordinary musical legacy she left behind.
- Stay at Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel. Located right off Lower Broadway, Dolly’s 245-room hotel was designed as her love letter to Nashville, with her style and storytelling spirit woven throughout.
- Visit Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum. Located inside SongTeller Hotel, the new 20,000-plus-square-foot museum is the largest exhibition devoted to Dolly’s life and career, with memorabilia, personal stories, multimedia exhibits, and immersive experiences.
- Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Even beyond Dolly-specific exhibits, this is one of the best places to understand her place in country music history.
- Have a drink at White Limozeen. The Graduate Nashville’s fun pink rooftop bar takes its name from Dolly’s 1989 album and serves up cocktails, skyline views, and plenty of over-the-top glamour. It’s Dolly-inspired rather than Dolly-owned, but it’s still a must for fans.
- Look for Dolly throughout Nashville. Her influence stretches from Music Row to Lower Broadway and throughout the city’s songwriting community. Even a weekend in Nashville makes it clear why Dolly and Music City will always be intertwined.
