48 Hours in Nashville (+ Best Things To Do)

48 Hours in Nashville Fun

Only have 48 hours in Nashville and you’re not sure what to do? Hey, don’t sweat it, I got y’all covered!

I recently traveled to Nashville with my teenage daughter. We were on a mission, pack as much as possible in 48 hours and we nailed it!

Now, I have taken many trips to Nashville, however not every trip has been to soak up Broadway and the live music. So knowing the best things to do in a short time frame can be hard.

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Traveling to Nashville

Flying

Choosing to fly or drive can be a challenge when traveling. However, with travel being so uncertain these days, the choice is up to you.

Southwest airlines are my go-to airline when flying to Nashville! Southwest has the cheapest rates and direct flights from my local area. Your home airport may have better options, however, I encourage you to look at multiple times and different times of the week as prices fluctuate frequently.

And another great thing about Southwest Airlines is FREE BAGS!!! Hell yeah! So cheaper flights WITH free bags (50-pound bags, none of this 40-pound restriction like other airlines.)

Car Rental

If you are flying into BNA (Nashville airport) I highly suggest renting a car. Why? Because Nashville is very easy to navigate and how else are you supposed to see ALL the things without one?

Renter tip: I LOVE using my Costco membership to score good deals on car rentals. However, sometimes Costco doesn’t always have the best prices. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check around on prices.

However, the last 3 times I have flown, Hertz Car rental (thanks to my corporate discount from my hospital nursing job) has had the best rates. Friends, do not forget about discounted prices offered by your employer, it’s not a scam, they are usually good deals!

And, once you have landed in Nashville, don’t get caught waiting in line at the car rental. Car rental lines can be awful and frustrating!

Tip: Here is what I know about Hertz Car Rentals. Join their Gold Plus Rewards membership unless you like standing in line FOREVER. With this free membership, you get to walk right up to the membership board, find your name, locate your car, and your off! Easy!

Accommodations

Next, where will you lay your pretty little head at night? I prefer Airbnb for a long trip with my family however with only 48 in Nashville a hotel will be more than likely the better option for the short duration of your trip. With that said, the farther away from Broadway the cheaper the hotel.

In addition, I have found hotels in Brentwood or Franklin that are fantastic and have free parking for your car, a bonus! (all the things you don’t get staying downtown near Broadway.) We will discuss parking downtown later 🚗.

But maybe you want to stay downtown a.k.a Broadway. If that is the case, there are plenty of options to choose from, all within walking distance of all the live music your heart desires.

Once in all my travels to Nashville have I stayed downtown. A girls’ trip. However, the room was split 4 ways, helping with the cost of high hotel prices. We stayed at The Hampton Inn and Suites downtown and enjoyed this hotel because of the complimentary breakfast and the location of all the downtown hot spots!

Getting Around and Parking

Let’s be honest, parking in downtown Nashville sucks. It’s expensive and traffic moves at a snail’s pace. Here are some options ⬇️

🚘 If you must park downtown, I recommend this parking spot. A large gravel lot (seems kind of sketchy, I know) just behind the Nashville Convention Center. 432 6th Ave S, between 6th and 5th Ave and Korean Veterans Blvd. 8 hours of parking for $8 plus a $0.99 service fee. Cheap! However, have your phone ready as it’s the only way to pay. Grrr, I paid $20 for 2 hours of parking on our first night downtown before finding this sweet spot!

Lastly, riding more your style? Hail a golf cart! It’s the easiest way to get around Nashville and it is so much fun! Check out companies like Joyride.

Tip: They may or may not stop at a liquor store for you!

Photo Worthy in 48 Hours in Nashville

If you are looking for some sweet new photos of yourself or your family to post on social media, head to Franklin, TN as you will find multiple places to get the perfect shot!

Bonus: Lots of cute little shops and restaurants too!

Plus another great mural to visit is “What Lifts you Wings”. A popular photo op in Nashville. Located in the Gulch district which you will see if you take the Xperience Nashville Bus tour. Located within walking distance of Broadway and make sure you have good walking shoes because it’s a little bit of a trek from downtown but totally doable!

Murals can be found all around if you take the time to seek them out.

Nashville is Music To My Ears

Famous Music Venues

And then, of course, there is more music to attend downtown. Located just off the ally behind the Famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge is The Ryman Auditorium. The Ryman draws artists from all corners of the globe and all entertainment genres, not just country music. A beautiful building with so much history. Advance ticket purchase is required.

And of course, the Grand Ole Opry is another famous venue. From country legends to rising stars, enjoy a two-hour show that will keep you entertained on all a show that made the Grand Ole Opry famous.

Upcoming Music Venues in Nashville

The number one music venue on my list is the Listening Room Cafe. I cannot say enough good things about this place. With that said, I have been a few times, and each time it gets better! Live performances by singers/songwriters. And, no loud background noise, a reserved table just for you and your guests, just sit back and listen. Reservations are required and a $15 food and drink minimum per person.

Of course, Broadway is something everyone must experience. The music, oh the music! There is something about live country music that makes my soul happy. But it’s not all country for those of you who don’t particularly like country.

Let me explain. Broadway is bar after bar after bar featuring live music all day long and into the wee hours of the morning. And let me explain that the word “bar” doesn’t mean it’s not for kids. Many honky-tonk bars serve food and welcome kids of all ages throughout the day. There is no cover fee to enter bars and kids are welcome in most places until 9 p.m., some as early as 6:00 p.m.

However, for those of you that like to shop, there is also shopping on Broadway so you can get your souvenirs before heading home.

Sightseeing in 48 Hours in Nashville

Looking for a little sightseeing during your 48 hours in Nashville? Be sure to set aside 2 hours to enjoy a little sightseeing and learn about the city of Nashville. Hop on a tour with Xperiencenashville. This fun little bus, max 10 people per bus, will take you to the following stops.

• Music Row
• Murals
• Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
• Marathon Motors- Stop in at the Tennesse Legend Distillery, free tasting!
• Broadway
• Football Stadium
• Printers Alley

And depending on your driver, a stop for beers before heading out on your tour!

Country Music Hall of Fame

Umm hello, a must-do in 48 hours in Nashville is the Country Music Hall of Fame. Put it on your list if you are a country music fan for sure! Located one block off Broadway.

Top Four Restaurants to visit in 48 hours in Nashville

Mas Tacos Por Favor Holy heck, these tacos are amazing! And if you’re like me, you would eat tacos for every meal. You definitely DO NOT want to miss this place. With that said, a rule of thumb my family and I follow when we travel, no chain restaurants. So, explore, and try something different!

Secondly, a Nashville favorite… HOT CHICKEN! On my first trip to Nashville, we stumbled across a hot chicken restaurant off the beaten path called Hattie B’s. And that one visit got me hooked. The best hot chicken you can find with all the fixins! Dare to be hot and sweat a little, too!

Bonus: there is a location downtown on Broadway, score!

The third restaurant on my list is Eddly’s BBQ. Good ol’ southern barbeque. This is the first place I was brave enough to try the grits, OMG yum!!! My kids loved this restaurant.

Tip: arrive early, once they are sold out of popular meats, they are out for the night.

And lastly, if you are looking for a unique experience with amazing food and music I highly recommend Skulls Rainbow Room in the heart of Printers Alley. Live jazz bands nightly and late-night Burlesque is on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

Tip: Plan to make reservations weeks ahead of your visit.

Bonus stop: Head out of Nashville to a small hidden village called Leipers Fork and have lunch at Fox & Locke. Try the fried bologna sandwich, it’s delicious!

By the way, maybe you will get lucky and run into Justin Timberlake or Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, maybe Chris Stapleton or Brad Paisely as they are all residents of Leipers Fork.

Get Out of Town

You won’t be disappointed in the sweet spot we found about an hour and a half away from Nashville.

Pack your swimsuit, hiking sandals, towel, sunscreen, and a backpack full of snacks, and be ready to enjoy the great outdoors of Tennessee.

Cummins Falls State Park near Cookville Tennesse is a quick hike (depending on the activity level of your group, our family had no issue with the steep grade to the river bed) to the river bed which leads to an incredible waterfall and swimming area. Because it’s an easy drive from Nashville you will have plenty of time to fill your day with more activities afterward.

Plan your day accordingly. Plan on arriving at Cummins Falls early as it tends to fill up around lunch. Check the website as you may need reservations and you will have to pay $6/person to enter. Hey, totally worth the fee and it helps keep the park clean and safe. Beautiful new restroom facilities for changing, no showers.

Start Planning your 48 hours in Nashville!

There you have it in a nutshell. 48 hours in Nashville + Best things to do. Though your time will go fast and you may not sleep much but it’s totally worth it. Every place mentioned, my kids have either attended or would enjoy every minute if they went. Nashville isn’t just for adults, it is family-friendly which I love!

So tell me, where will you go first?

Safe adventures,

Brooke