So you're heading to Nashville for the weekend — first time, bags packed, Opry tickets in hand. You're pumped. Maybe even a little overwhelmed? Totally fair. Nashville is a city that hits the gas pedal from the minute you land. Good news? You don’t need a hyper-detailed itinerary to have an amazing time. But a few smart picks will go a long way. Here’s your cheat sheet: seven places and experiences that turn your “we’re just winging it” plan into an epic Nashville weekend.
1. Backstage Nashville at 3rd & Lindsley
If you do one thing besides the Opry, let it be this. Saturday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., you’ll sit down at the legendary 3rd & Lindsley and hear hit country songs performed by the people who actually wrote them. Not the radio-friendly polished version — the behind-the-scenes stories, the raw vocals, the soul of the song. It’s intimate. It’s daytime. It’s unforgettable.
2. Broadway (But Be Strategic About It)
Broadway is sensory overload in the best way. Neon lights. Live music pouring out of every bar. Bands going full throttle at 2 p.m. (yes, really). But don’t just walk in anywhere. Make a beeline for Robert’s Western World for old-school country, cheap beer, and genuine honky tonk vibes. Want more wild? Kid Rock’s bar and Ole Red (Blake Shelton’s spot) are high-energy and tourist-loved for a reason.
3. Station Inn on Sunday Night
You could end your weekend quietly… or you could go out with some bluegrass magic. Every Sunday at 8 p.m., Station Inn hosts a casual drop-in jam session that’s as local and real as it gets. Get there early — it fills up fast. And don’t be surprised if a Grammy winner sits in without warning.
4. Wander Nashville E-Bike Tour
Let’s be honest — Nashville’s not known for being super walkable. But an e-bike? Total game-changer. Wander Nashville offers a historic and immersive ride through the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. It’s fun, it’s chill, and it gives you a great lay of the land. Bonus: you’ll burn off last night’s hot chicken.
5. Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
Yes, it sounds touristy. Yes, it’s 100% worth it. For about $45, you can explore spots like the Farmers Market, the Parthenon, Music Row, and the Gulch — all without stressing about parking. Plus, the drivers are low-key comedians with a deep love for Nashville’s music scene. Get tickets here.
6. The Listening Room
It’s dinner and a show, minus the overpriced chicken parmesan. The Listening Room gives singer-songwriters a mic and an audience that actually listens. You’ll laugh, maybe cry, and definitely find yourself Shazaming songs that haven’t even hit the charts yet.
7. Monell’s for Southern Food That Feels Like Home
Every city has that one “you’ve gotta eat here” spot. In Nashville, it’s Monell’s. You’ll sit at big communal tables with strangers (who won’t be strangers for long) and pass around platters of fried chicken, mac and cheese, cornbread, and banana pudding. No menus. No pretense. Just ridiculously good food and a full belly.
8. Musicians Hall of Fame — A Hidden Gem You’ll Wish You Knew About Sooner
Tucked near the civic arena, this spot doesn’t get nearly the hype it deserves — which makes it even better. The Musicians Hall of Fame celebrates the unsung heroes of music: the studio musicians, the session players, the people behind the hits. You’ll see instruments used on iconic tracks, step inside recreated studios, and walk out wondering why it took you this long to hear about it. Quietly brilliant. Just like the legends it honors. Learn more here.