Your Travel Guide to Nashville, TN.

I lived in Nashville, Tennessee, for 5 years, and by many, this city is known as the bachelor and bachelorette capital of the country. Yes, there are a ton of woooooo girls and party buses filled with drunk people singing Shania Twain at the top of their lungs, but before it became the “it” town, Nashville was known and is still known for its country music and live music venues. 

Now, since I used to be a local, I’m going to give you the typical touristy places to visit and some more off-the-beaten-path recommendations that are worth visiting, either if you have a car or additional time to explore.

Where To Stay

While I haven’t stayed at a hotel in Nashville in a very long time, there are places my friends and family have visited that I thought were a cut above the rest. Here are just a few to consider if you want to be close to the downtown action and nightlife. 

Where To Party

I’m assuming if you’re coming to Nashville, especially for a bachelor or bachelorette party, you’re going to drink and probably black out (no judgment, we’ve all done it). The main areas you’ll want to visit are downtown (Broadway) or Midtown.


Warning: There are a lot of garbage bars in Nashville, and if you’re into pop-country music and want to black out on Broadway, please do not spend your money at Tootsies Orchid Lounge. It’s the big purple building right by the Bridgestone Arena. Nashville locals know that the owner is an asshole. At the start of the pandemic in March 2020, he refused to close his bar and caused a big scene defying the mayor. Just don’t go there, or if you do, don’t spend a dime.

  1. Robert’s Western World
    • If you come to Nashville and don’t visit this place, you’re doing it SO WRONG. This place is what made me love Nashville. Robert’s is the original honky tonk bar and plays music that you won’t hear anywhere else in town. The beers are probably the cheapest you’ll find, and you can order the recession special (which, if they haven’t changed, is a PBR, fried bologna sandwich, a bag of chips, and a Moon Pie for $6). 
  2. Acme Feed and Seed
    • ACME’s mission is to save Nashville’s unique cultural and musical legacy, identity, and community. This is another spot worth checking out that plays more authentic music on Broadway.

Places to Visit 

There’s a lot of history in Nashville other than bars owned by famous musicians. Add these to your list of places to visit.

  1. Ryman Auditorium 
    • This is the spot where bluegrass was born, where Johnny Cash met June Carter. It is best known as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. Now, the current Grand Ole Opry is about 20 minutes outside of downtown. This venue is pretty historic and you can tour it during the day or when performances aren’t available. The venue has pew-style seating and is known for its great acoustics 
  2. Fifth + Broadway 
    • This is a newer spot in Nashville that features tons of local restaurants and shops steps from Broadway. 
  3. Printer’s Alley 
    • Another place downtown that is steps off of Broadway and worth exploring. Printer’s Alley is home to the nightclub district that dates back to the 1940s. I love going here when I’m a little tipsy and looking for drunk food. Daddy’s Dog is a pretty popular hot dog stand serving veggie and regular hot dogs. You gotta try them. 
  4. Centennial Park 
    • This large park is home to the Parthenon. Built in 1897, this full-scale replica of the Athenian Parthenon also houses American art galleries.
  5. The Gulch 
    • The Gulch is a popular area of town where you can shop and walk around. It is also where you can find the Instagrammable Nashville wings. 
  6. 12 South 
    • Tourists come here for shopping and “finer dining.” You’ll also find Reese Witherspoon’s store, Draper James, here.

Where To Eat

I could probably list around 20+ restaurants to go and visit while you’re in Nashville, but these are definitely at the top of my list. Note: I’m only listing Hattie B’s and Frothy Monkey because I think they are essential to any first-timer’s trip, but don’t be mistaken; there are places that offer better hot chicken and coffee.

  • Mas Tacos Por Favor
    • Hands down one of my favorite spots for tacos in Nashville. They typically have a line, but don’t worry, it moves pretty fast. My recommendation is to order the elote, tortilla soup, a couple of tacos, and an agua fresca.
  • Chauhan Ale and Masala House
    • Order the chicken tandoori poutine, you’re welcome.
  • Greko Greek Street Food
    • Everything on this menu is solid. 
  • Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish
    • I love ordering the hot fish here, just be careful because the spices here are very strong!
  • Sonobana Japanese Restaurant
    • This restaurant is a little bit out of the way if you’re only visiting for a weekend, but it’s a nice local place to grab sushi. 
  • Frothy Monkey
    • With a handful of locations around Nashville, Frothy Monkey tends to be a favorite among tourists and locals alike. I personally enjoy their specialty beverages.
  • Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
    • Go on girl, get that Nashville hot chicken and wait 30 minutes in line for it. Just know that Prince’s Hot Chicken is the original Nashville hot chicken.

Bars That Are A Little Bit Classier

If you’re looking to break out of the madness on Broadway and go to a bar serving solid cocktails, you can’t go wrong with these options. 

  • Bastion
    •  An enjoyable date night spot that also serves solid nachos. 
  • Bar Sovereign 
    • Located closer to Broadway, Bar Sovereign definitely has a local vibe and lots of spaces to sit and have a conversation. 
  • Rosemary & Beauty Queen 
    • Maybe it’s just me, but this spot reminds me of what Austin, Texas, was like pre-pandemic. They have a dance floor inside and a huge backyard area with food available. It’s a great part of the East Nashville vibe. 
  • Pearl Diver 
    • This is another popular spot in East Nashville. The vibes here are fun, and they’re known for their tiki drinks. 
  • Patterson House
    • Patterson House is kinda bougie and also hard to get into depending on when you’re trying to get a table. I recommend getting a reservation ahead of time to avoid waiting in line. 
  • LA Jackson 
    • If you want  a place to be seen that’s a little upscale and bougie with a rooftop view, LA Jackson is the place to go. It’s located in the Gulch and has a lot of fun fruity cocktails.

Day Trips Outside of Nashville

When traveling to Nashville, most tourists don’t leave the downtown area. While that’s totally fine, there’s much more to do and see that doesn’t involve hanging at a bar.

  • Franklin
    • About a 30 minute drive south of Nashville, the town of Franklin was a key location during the Civil War. Now, when you visit, you can stroll the main street and shop or visit Arrington Vineyards for an afternoon tasting. 
  • Cummins Falls
    • Located an hour and a half drive outside of Nashville, Cummins Falls is probably one of the most impressive waterfalls in the area that you can swim in. You’ll need to walk a bit to get there, so make sure to wear waterproof/hybrid-type shoes for a safer journey.  
  • Machine Falls 
    • Maybe I shouldn’t share this one because every time I’ve visited it has been practically empty, but it’s one of my favorites in Tennessee. There are a couple of other falls in the area, so you could use this as a starting point for seeing all the waterfalls in the surrounding area.

Why Should You Visit Nashville?

If you like country music, good food, or having a good time overall, Nashville is a great place to spend a weekend with friends.