24 Hours in Nashville: Where to Eat, Explore, and Experience the Best of Nashville
America’s country music capital, Nashville, is more than honkytonks and cowboy hats. Dig deeper and you’ll find museums to spark your curiosity, up-and-coming districts, and a diverse culinary scene that will leave your mouth watering.
If you’re short on time but still want to experience the best of Nashville, don’t worry…this southern city is perfect for quick visits and easily explored on foot. Whether you’re here for the first time, on a weekend break, or a layover, this is how to see the best of Nashville in 24 hours, with culture and food in mind.
Views!
Morning
Wake up bright and early and watch the sun rise over downtown Nashville as the city comes to life with a stroll across one of the world’s largest pedestrian suspension bridges, the John Seigenthaler Bridge. After some fresh air and exercise, it’s time to fuel up with a light breakfast at Milk & Honey in the Gulch. Get your first fix of classic, hearty Southern fare, like their signature buttermilk biscuits and gravy. Don’t eat too much, you’ve got a food tour to go on today! If the early morning starts to take its toll on you, pop into Killebrew Coffee for a little pick-me-up.
Hopefully, you’ve got space for what’s to come, because next you’ll be joining the Sidewalk Food Tour. Dive into downtown Nashville’s thriving food culture, staying clear of the tourist traps, and eating like locals. From a classic meaty Tennessee barbecue feast to Southern snacks, you’ll visit five epic foodie locations, one bite at a time, sampling some of the tastiest delicacies. Beyond the food, your entertaining and informative guide is an expert at fun!
We’re drooling!
Afternoon
Now that you’re nice and full, let’s get moving. Squeeze in a wander around Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and learn some eye-opening facts about the state of Tennessee since its founding. Continue your historical exploration with a visit to the Tennessee State Museum, which houses some of the state’s most important artifacts. Just don’t come on a Monday, as that’s the only day it’s closed.
Even if you’re still stuffed from all the food earlier, don’t skip Nashville Farmers’ Market. This open-air shed is where locals trade produce and sell goods. If you’re at all interested in the Southern way of life, it’s a must-see. Later on, you’ll probably want to fit in at least one musical experience (you are in Nashville after all), and you can do that without breaking the bank at the Music City Walk of Fame. Pop between the stars and see if your favorite artist has made the cut.
Evening & Dinner
As evening falls, Nashville truly comes alive, so don’t waste a minute. Assembly Food Hall is buzzing at this hour, with over 30 spots to chow down and grab a drink; it’s a total heaven for serious eaters. Dig into gooey grilled cheeses from Cheese Lab or give your sweet tooth what it’s craving with a warm Belgian waffle from the Liege Waffle Co.
No trip to Nashville is complete without hitting at least one honky tonk, and there’s no better place to do it than the famous Honky Tonk Highway. Just take a stroll down the strip and let the sound of live country music guide you; it’s so loud, you can hear it from outside the bars, so you won’t even have to go in anywhere. For those looking to end the night with some live tunes and even better views, the Second Fiddle has performances on different nights of the week on both levels, along with incredible vistas of Broadway from above.
A beautiful skyline!
Quick Wrap-Up
And that’s how you spend 24 hours in Nashville! With its delicious grub, rich history, and urban charm, this itinerary can easily be enjoyed at a relaxed pace while still soaking in everything the city has to offer. Capping it off with a food tour led by a local expert is the best way to gain real insight into Nashville’s vibrant gastronomic landscape, you don’t want to miss it.