Nashville is known as “Music City” for a reason—more accurately, several thousand reasons. From Germantown to The Gulch, the city’s musical heritage is on full display in legendary venues, historic sites, honky tonks, funky boutiques, and public art displays.
In a sprawling cultural wonderland of this size, it’s easy for travelers on a time crunch to feel overwhelmed with choices. But never fear! With a little help from your friends at AAA, you’ll soon be marching to the beat of your own drum on a 48-hour jaunt through Music City.
PRE-TRIP: START WITH A BASIC SOUNDCHECK
The old adage applies to seasoned musicians and Nashville first-timers alike: Prior planning prevents poor performance. So, before you pack up the tour bus, be sure to…
1. Set a bassline: Whether you’re an audiophile, foodie, or history buff, jotting down any top priorities now will make in-the-moment decisions that much easier.
2. Find your groove: Explore Nashville’s 18+ distinctive neighborhoods to find your perfect home base vibes, from bustling Downtown to eclectic East Nashville.
3. Book sell-out gigs: Casual honky tonks are great for quick bites, sips, and tunes. But in-demand concerts and restaurants fill up fast, so reserve your spot in advance.
DAY 1: ROCK THE DOWNTOWN CORRIDOR FROM BRUNCH TO BROADWAY
With your perfect pitch in place, you’re ready to explore! But before you hit the Nashville scene, be sure to fuel up with a sampling of mouthwatering Southern cuisine. Dive into a plate of world-famous Nashville Hot Chicken from Hattie B's or Prince's, where you can customize your spice level—and don’t skimp on the pickles!
The Music City landscape is perfect for a stroll or BCycle ride, but no one could blame you if your belly’s still a bit too full for that. Old Town Trolley offers hop-on/hop-off tours every hour from the urban core to over 100 Nashville points of interest. Check out their signature “Soul of Music City Tour,” with fan-favorite stops at these and more legendary venues:
- Ryman Auditorium
- Municipal Auditorium & Musicians Hall of Fame
- Rhythm & Blues Heritage
- Historic Jefferson Street
- Elliston Place “Rock Block”
- Music Row
Your whirlwind urban tour stops on Broadway—and that’s good timing because the strip is just getting started. Belly up at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge for classic honky-tonk fare or take in the skyline views from one of Broadway’s many famed rooftop lounges. Either way, your neon-studded nightcap comes with live music from some of the city’s most beloved artists.
DAY 2: CHANNEL YOUR WANDERING TROUBADOUR ON THE FRINGES OF TOWN
After last night’s heady hootenanny, you may be craving a slower pace. And once again, you’re in luck! There’s another Nashville beyond the hustle and bustle of the city, primed for leisurely exploration.
But first things first: breakfast. If Southern comfort food sounds like just the ticket, head to Loveless Cafe for homemade biscuits, hot coffee, and country ham before making your way to some of Nashville’s equally fascinating—and quieter—attractions.
- The stunning Art Deco building at 919 Broadway is home to the Frist Art Museum, where art lovers can enjoy a diverse collection of rotating exhibitions.
- Built for the 1897 Centennial Exposition, The Parthenon at 2500 West End Avenue is a full-scale ode to ancient Greece, complete with a 42-foot statue of Athena.
- Glimpse 19th-century Americana at the one-time home and current resting place of President Andrew Jackson, The Hermitage mansion at 4580 Rachel’s Lane.
- Located on over 300 acres of pristine woodlands, the carefully preserved Grassmere Historic Home and Farm serve as an extension of the Nashville Zoo.
- Watch live reenactments of early Cumberland settler life at Mansker’s Station & Fort, located at 705 Caldwell Dr. in Goodlettsville’s Moss-Wright Park.
- Explore Nashville’s Thoroughbred horseracing heritage on the stately grounds of Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, 110 Leake Ave.
Want to soak up a bit more R&R before your 48-hour Nashville adventure ends? Just outside of town, Radnor Lake State Park offers miles of scenic hiking trails, tranquil lakes, and abundant wildlife spotting you won’t soon forget.
