3-Day Nashville Itinerary:
A Weekend in Music City

Planning a weekend in Nashville? Music City can feel like two totally different trips depending on who you’re traveling with.

One weekend might mean rooftop bars, live music, and late nights on Broadway.
Another might be zoo visits, playgrounds, and park adventures with kids.

Here’s how to spend a long weekend in Nashville both ways.

With love - a local Nashville Mom & Travel Advisor

A Quick Note Before We Dive In

Nashville can feel like two completely different cities depending on who you’re traveling with.

Some weekends revolve around live music, rooftop bars, and late nights on Broadway.

Other weekends are all about parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly activities.

This guide shows you both ways to experience Nashville — whether you’re planning an adults’ weekend getaway or visiting with kids.

Nashville Weekend Itinerary (Adults)

Thursday – Arrive & Get Your Bearings

Fly into Nashville and check into your hotel downtown or in The Gulch so you’re close to the action.

Ease into the city with dinner at 5th & Broadway, Nashville’s modern food hall. You’ll find everything from hot chicken to tacos to sushi, which makes it an easy first stop when everyone’s hungry after traveling.

After dinner, wander down to Broadway and pop into a few honky-tonks to hear live music. Every bar has a band playing, so just follow the music.

Friday – Broadway & Music City Energy

Spend the day exploring Lower Broadway, Nashville’s famous strip of live music bars.

Grab drinks at a few different spots and enjoy the rooftop views over the city. If you need a break from the crowds, step over to Assembly Food Hall for lunch or snacks.

If you want something uniquely Nashville, stop by Goo Goo Chocolate Co. to make your own custom Goo Goo Cluster — Nashville’s original candy. You can also visit Lip Lab to create your own custom lipstick.

For a more relaxed music experience in the evening, grab dinner and a show at The Listening Room Café, where songwriters perform their music in an intimate setting.

Saturday – Nashville Music History

Start the day exploring the roots of Nashville’s music scene.

Ryman Auditorium Tour
Often called the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman is one of Nashville’s most iconic venues.

Country Music Hall of Fame
This museum tells the story of how Nashville became Music City and is worth a few hours to explore.

If your visit lines up with an event, consider catching a Titans football game, Predators hockey game, Sounds baseball game, or a concert at the Ryman.

Sunday – Brunch & Neighborhood Browsing

Slow things down before leaving town.

Start with brunch at Urban Grub, a Nashville favorite known for Southern brunch classics.

Afterward, wander through 12 South, one of Nashville’s most charming neighborhoods. Browse boutiques, grab coffee, and take photos at the murals before heading home.

Nashville Weekend (With Kids)

Nashville is surprisingly family-friendly and has plenty of activities that keep kids entertained without feeling like a “kids-only” trip.

Nashville Zoo

The Nashville Zoo is one of the best in the Southeast. Kids love the massive playground, animal exhibits, and wide walking paths. You also can PET kangaroos!

Plan to spend at least half a day here.

Adventure Science Center

The Adventure Science Center is packed with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and interactive displays. It’s a great option for curious kids or rainy days.

Centennial Park & The Parthenon

Centennial Park is one of Nashville’s most beautiful green spaces.

Inside the park you’ll find the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the original in Athens. Kids love exploring the park and seeing the massive Athena statue inside.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Cheekwood is a beautiful place for families to explore gardens, sculptures, and seasonal exhibits. It’s especially great during spring and fall events.

Local Events

Nashville always has something happening.

Before your trip, check:

Nashville Guru
The Buzz in Mt. Juliet

Both highlight festivals, markets, and events happening that weekend.

A Local Saturday Outside the City

For a slower pace, head out to Mt. Juliet, about 25 minutes outside downtown.

Families often spend the morning exploring:

Hermitage playground
Mt. Juliet Public Library
Flour Your Dreams bakery for pastries and coffee

You can also visit nearby parks like Long Hunter State Park or Charlie Daniels Park, both great for playground time and outdoor space.

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

If your family enjoys history, visit The Hermitage, the former home of President Andrew Jackson. The grounds are beautiful and the museum does a great job bringing early Tennessee history to life.