Nashville itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: Downtown & Broadway
The Ryman, Printer's Alley and the pedestrian bridge by day, then the honky-tonks of Lower Broadway at night.
- 1
Morning
Downtown: the Ryman & Printer's Alley
Start with the history behind the music: the Ryman Auditorium, once home of the Grand Ole Opry, the site of the 1960 lunch-counter sit-ins, the old Arcade and Printer's Alley, then cross the Cumberland River on the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge for the classic skyline view.
- Ryman Auditorium
- Printer's Alley
- The Arcade
- Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge
- Music City Walk of Fame
Downtown Nashville Walking Tour: Ryman, Printer's Alley & the Pedestrian Bridge
Video by Ruth and Thomas on YouTube
Jump toWalk back down to Broadway from the river, about 10 min.
- 2
Evening
Lower Broadway after dark
The honky-tonks of Lower Broadway play live music from late morning until late at night, with a different band on every floor and the neon at its brightest after dark.
- Honky-tonks
- Live country music
- Neon signs
Most honky-tonks have no cover charge; the bands play for tips.
Downtown Broadway Nashville: Saturday Night Walk
Video by Stella in the Wild on YouTube
Day 2: The Parthenon, Music Row & the Gulch
The Parthenon in Centennial Park, the studios of Music Row, then the shops and murals of the Gulch.
- 1
Morning
The Parthenon & Centennial Park
A full-scale replica of the Athens Parthenon, built for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, stands in a large park west of downtown, a reminder of the city's old nickname, 'the Athens of the South'.
- The Parthenon
- Centennial Park lake
- Park lawns
The Parthenon at Centennial Park
Video by The Perfect Walk on YouTube
Taxi or bus east along West End Avenue, about 10 min.
- 2
Late morning
Music Row
The quiet streets of the country music business, where houses hold studios, labels and publishers. Pass the Musica statue, RCA Studio B, where Elvis and many others recorded, and Edgehill Village.
- Musica statue
- RCA Studio B
- Music Square West
- Edgehill Village
Walk down Demonbreun Street into the Gulch, about 15 min.
- 3
Afternoon
The Gulch
Old rail yards turned into a neighbourhood of new towers, shops and restaurants, with the famous wings mural. Begin in the grand lobby of the restored Union Station.
- Union Station
- 12th Avenue South
- Wings mural
Expect a queue at the wings mural on weekends; there are other murals nearby with none.
Day 3: 12 South & East Nashville
An easy morning in 12 South and Sevier Park, then the bars, shops and Victorian streets of East Nashville.
- 1
Morning
12 South
A short, lively street of boutiques, cafés and murals south of downtown, with Sevier Park at its southern end. It is at its most relaxed early in the day.
- 12th Avenue South
- Sevier Park
- Murals
- Belmont Boulevard
12 South Early Morning Walk: Belmont Boulevard & Sevier Park
Video by Nashville Wanders with V on YouTube
Taxi or rideshare across the river, about 20 min.
- 2
Afternoon
East Nashville
Across the river, East Nashville is the city's laid-back, creative side: Five Points' bars and shops, small stores on Fatherland Street, and Victorian houses along Woodland Street.
- Five Points
- Fatherland Street
- Woodland Street
- Lockeland Springs
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 3-day Nashville plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Nashville
How many days?
Three days is a good first visit: downtown and Broadway, then Music Row, the Parthenon and the Gulch, then the neighbourhoods of 12 South and East Nashville. One day covers downtown and the honky-tonks.
Where to stay
Downtown and the Gulch put Broadway within walking distance; Midtown, near Music Row, is a little calmer and still close.
Getting around
Downtown, the Gulch and Music Row are walkable, though the streets between them are wide and spread out. For 12 South, East Nashville and Centennial Park, take a taxi, a rideshare or a bus.
Nashville is Music City, and most first-timers head straight for the neon honky-tonks of Lower Broadway. Give it more time and you find the Ryman Auditorium and the old downtown, the recording studios of Music Row, a full-size Parthenon in a city park, and walkable neighbourhoods like 12 South and East Nashville.
Every stop comes with a walking video filmed on those streets, so you can see each neighbourhood before you arrive. Use the buttons under each video to jump to a landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Nashville itinerary: common questions
How many days do you need in Nashville?
Two or three days is ideal: one for downtown and Broadway, one for Music Row, the Parthenon and the Gulch, and one for neighbourhoods like 12 South and East Nashville. A single day covers downtown and the honky-tonks.
Is Nashville walkable?
Downtown, the Gulch and Music Row can be walked, but distances between neighbourhoods are long and summers are hot. Plan on taxis, rideshares or buses for 12 South, East Nashville and Centennial Park.
What is the best area to see live music in Nashville?
Lower Broadway's honky-tonks have live music all day and night. The Ryman Auditorium hosts big concerts, and smaller venues in East Nashville and Midtown are popular with locals.
When is the best time to visit Nashville?
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant for walking. Summers are hot and humid, and weekends downtown can be very busy, especially with bachelorette parties and big events.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Keep exploring Nashville
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Nashville city guide →