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3 Days in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is known as the capital of country music, but this Tennessee city has so much more to offer visitors. From country music venues to historical sites, there are a ton of things to do in Nashville. If you can spend 3 days in Nashville, you will have time to see quite a bit!

How to Spend 3 days in Nashville

How to Spend 3 Days in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is a city that’s rich in history, music, and art.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning tourist, this three-day itinerary offers a vibrant snapshot of all the city has to offer. 

3 Day Nashville Itinerary

Day 1:

  • Country Music Hall of Fame
  • Broadway
  • Johnny Cash Museum
  • National Museum of African American Music
  • Hatch Print Show
  • Tootsies

Day 2

  • Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
  • The Gultch
  • Street Art
  • Music Row
  • Grand Ole Opry
  • Printers Alley

Day 3

  • Parthenon
  • John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour Tasting

DAY 1: Country Music Hall of Fame

Nashville is known as the Music City, and for good reason.

It is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, which celebrates the impact that country music has had on American culture.

The museum features a variety of exhibits that showcase Nashville’s rich musical history.

Visitors can learn about the origins of country music and see how it has evolved over the years.

The museum also features a rotating schedule of special exhibitions that highlight Nashville’s many iconic musicians.

From Hank Williams to Dolly Parton, the Country Music Hall of Fame pays tribute to the artists that have made Nashville one of the most important music capitals in the world.

Taylor Swift fans will love all the love this museum gives to the artist.

She has her own Taylor Swift Educaitonal Center that features some of the outfits she’s worn along with an interactive exhibit.

In addition to this, you will find numerous exhibits featuring everything from her guitars to handwritten lyrics!

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Broadway

Broadway in Nashville is world-famous for its live music and lively atmosphere.

It is definitely the place to be in Nashville!

The street is lined with honky-tonks and bars, each one offering a unique experience.

Visitors can enjoy live music, souvenir shopping, and some of the best Southern food you can find!

While best explored at night, if you are wanting to visit during the day, you will find tons to do.

The Johnny Cash Museum

Nashville is home to many different museums, but one of the most unique is the Johnny Cash Museum.

The museum is dedicated to the life and work of country music legend Johnny Cash, and it offers visitors a chance to learn about his life and career.

The museum features a wide variety of artifacts, including Cash’s guitars, stage costumes, and handwritten lyrics.

There are also interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience Cash’s music firsthand.

The Johnny Cash Museum is an essential stop for any Nashville visitor, and it provides a fascinating look into the life of one of country music’s most iconoclastic figures.

National Museum of African American Music

The National Museum of African American Music will show you that there is much more to the city of music than just country music.

This 56,000-square-foot museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of African American music and its impact on American culture.

The museum houses more than 5,000 artifacts, including musical instruments, sheet music, photographs, and recordings that cross musical genres.

The interactive features allow guests to reconnect with the music of the past and experience history as told through the music of each generation.

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It is really one of the hidden gems in Nashville that don’t get highlighted enough as a must-see attraction!

Hatch Show Print

Hatch Show Print is a world-renowned letterpress shop in Nashville, Tennessee.

The shop has been in operation since 1879 & specializes in creating custom event posters.

The shop’s distinctive style has been iconic for more than a century, and its prints can be found in museums and private collections around the world.

Today, Hatch Show Print continues to produce stunning original prints, carrying on a rich tradition of American artistry.

Whether you’re a music fan or a collector of vintage posters, Hatch Show Print is definitely worth a visit.

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is one of Nashville’s most iconic music venues.

Originally opened as a country music honky-tonk, Tootsie’s quickly became known for its eclectic mix of musical acts.

Over the years, the venue has hosted everyone from up-and-coming Nashville musicians to international superstars.

Today, Tootsie’s is still one of the best places in Nashville to catch a live music performance.

Whether you’re a fan of country music or not, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is a Nashville institution that is definitely worth a visit.

DAY 2: Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville is an often overlooked museum, but in my opinion, is a must-see for any music lover.

The museum chronicles the history of American music, from the early days of jazz and blues to the rise of rock n roll.

Visitors can see instruments and artifacts belonging to some of the most famous musicians in history, including BB King, Jimi Hendrix, and Johnny Cash along side current singers and bands.

It also is interactive where you can actually play the role of a musician by experimenting with different equiptment!

You can even practice in recording studios that were actually once owned by musicians like Garth Brooks.

With its extensive collection of memorabilia and insightful exhibits, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is a true celebration of American music.

Colorful Nashville Mural

Take a Self Guided Tour of Nashville’s Street Art

Nashville is home to a vibrant and ever-growing street art scene.

From murals to sculptures to installations, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The best way to explore Nashville’s street art is to take a self-guided tour.

Barbershop Mural in Nashville

With 3 days in Nashville, you will have plenty of time to see some of Nashville’s best displays.

The key is to plan your art walk around the area of Nashville you will be in.

The art is all over the city and to prevent you from spending the entire day traveling from one spot to another, find pieces that are nearby attractions you will be visiting!

If you really want to take the guess work out of it, you can also take a guided tour:

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Music Row

This eclectic district is home to a myriad of recording studios, radio stations, music licensing firms, and much more.

It is the birthplace of innumerable legendary songs and has seen the rise of countless music stars.

The foundation of Music Row was laid in the early 1950s, with the establishment of renowned recording studios such as RCA’s Studio B.

This iconic studio, often dubbed as the ‘Home of 1,000 hits,’ has paved the path for many country legends such as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and the Everly Brothers.

If you are looking to tour all the studios, consider this combo ticket that gets you into the studio and into the Country Music Hall of Fame:

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Grand Ole Opry

For almost a century, the Opry has showcased the best in country music, from legends like Hank Williams and Patsy Cline to modern stars like Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.

Copyright 2019 Grand Ole Opry®  Photo by Chris Hollo.

Every week, Nashville locals and visitors alike gather at the Opry House to enjoy live performances from some of the genre’s most talented artists.

There is also a great backstage tour you can attend that will give you a glimpse into the history of the theater and allows you to walk in the footsteps of the performers.

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Whether you’re a diehard country fan or just looking for a unique Nashville experience, the Grand Ole Opry is sure to impress.

Printers Alley

Printers Alley is a historic street located in the heart of downtown Nashville & got its name from the many printing presses that were once located there.

Today, Printers Alley is home to some of the best nightlife in Nashville.

The street is lined with bars, clubs, and music venues and is the place to go if you are looking for a good band or beer!

Day 3: Parthenon

When it comes to Nashville, it’s hard to believe that one of the most iconic structures is a replica of a Greek structure.

Built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, the Nashville Parthenon stands as an elegant symbol of Nashville’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Inside, guests will find several revolving art exhibits along with a permanent exhibition of art donated by James M. Cowan.

Its permanent exhibit is a collection of American oil paintings on canvas dating 1765-1923

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

This bridge was initially built to accommodate vehicles, but in 1998, it underwent a transformative renovation to make it pedestrian-only.

The bridge spans around 3,150 feet, making it one of the longest pedestrian bridges globally.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge View

It boasts an airy, open design and makes it the perfect place to see the sunset, look at the downtown skyline and view the Cumberland River below.

Belle Meade Mansion

Visiting the Belle Meade Mansion is more than just a tourist activity; it’s an immersive experience into the heart of Nashville’s history.

The architecture of the mansion is Greek Revival, characterized by massive pillars, symmetrical designs, and elaborate sculptures.

It stands today just as it did during the Civil War.

Today, Belle Meade Mansion functions as a museum, inviting visitors to step back in time to see what life was like for Southern plantation owners.

Nashville is a city that has something for everyone. If you’re looking for great food, music, art, or history, Nashville is the place to be. With its friendly people and Southern charm, you’ll quickly see why this city is such a popular tourist destination.

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Nashville Explorer Pass

When you are visiting Nashville for 3 days or more, I would consider getting the Nashville Explorer Pass. There are three passes to choose from: Circle Pass, Music Pass, or Fun Pass.

Circle Pass

This pass includes access to Nashville’s Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, National Museum of African America Music, and the option between Patsy Cline or Johnny Cash Museum.

Music Pass

This pass includes access to Nashville’s Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, and the option between RCA Studio B or Hatch Show Print Studio (with Hatch Souvenir Poster).

Fun Pass

This pass includes access to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Johnny Cash Museum, Patsy Cline Museum, and the option between RCA Studio B or Hatch Show Print Studio (with Hatch Souvenir Poster).

Taking a coast-to-coast road trip down I40 and plan on spending 3 days in Nashville? You might want to consider visiting some of these other Interstate 40 attractions along the way.

Have you been to Nashville? What was your favorite thing about the city?

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