Nashville is for the gals! The Tennessee city once known mostly for country music has reinvented itself, but it hasn’t forgotten its roots. This is still the city of legends like Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift (not a Swiftie), and so many more, which means music is everywhere you turn! What’s different now is that Nashville has grown beyond its honky tonk history into a destination filled with chic brunch spots, mural-filled streets, boutique shopping, and a nightlife scene that stretches way past midnight.
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MY FAVORITES IN Nashville
Where to stay
What to do
That’s what makes it such a perfect spot for just about any kind of trip. Planning a bachelorette bash? Nashville definitely nails it! Meeting up for a long-distance friends’ reunion? You’ll find plenty of trendy spots to hang out. Celebrating a big birthday? There’s no shortage of ways to make it unforgettable. In case you’re wondering where there are lots of ladies, there’s likely to be a few boys hanging around too, if you get my drift. 😉
I’ve been a few times now, and each time I’ve walked away with a whole new list of things I can’t wait to do next time I’m in Nashville! This updated guide keeps all the highlights that first-timers will love. I’ve also packed in hidden gems, fresh dining and hotel picks, cool neighborhoods beyond Broadway, and even a fun day trip idea for when you want to venture outside the city.
Girlfriend-Approved Places to Stay in Nashville
Your hotel sets the vibe for the whole trip, so it’s worth choosing one that feels like part of the adventure instead of just a place to crash. Nashville has plenty of hotels, but a few stand out when you’re here with the girls.
If your group wants all-pink-everything, this is your dream hotel. Graduate Nashville leans into the kitsch in the best way, with Dolly Parton vibes everywhere you look and a rooftop bar that’s just as photogenic as the rooms. It’s playful and totally unapologetic, exactly the kind of backdrop you want for a bachelorette trip or girls’ getaway.
The Bobby feels more artsy and offbeat. It’s filled with art, live music flows through the lobby, and the rooftop has its own retro vibe (there’s an actual vintage bus up there). It feels like a hotel made for people who want something stylish but still social.
If your group wants a little more polish, this Hyatt hotel is a safe bet. The building itself is historic, but the interiors have that sleek Art Deco look that makes everything feel just a little glamorous. You’re steps from Broadway, but the rooms are a calm retreat when you’re ready to call it a night.
Hotel Indigo Nashville – The Countrypolitan
Right in Printer’s Alley, Hotel Indigo combines location with a laid-back vibe. The building was once a bank, so it has plenty of character, and the on-site lounge has a steady stream of live music. It feels polished but approachable, and you can be on Broadway in minutes!
In The Gulch, Thompson is a little more modern and upscale. The rooms are clean-lined and sophisticated, but the real draw is L.A. Jackson, the rooftop bar. Grab a cocktail, take in the skyline, and you’ll see why this hotel is a favorite for weekend groups.
Located in the heart of it all is the Omni Nashville Hotel. Perfectly positioned beside the Country Music Hall of Fame and steps from Broadway, the hotel offers an easy access to Nashville’s most coveted experiences while providing a serene retreat from the city buzz. Honestly, it was quieter than we expected. For dining, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Kitchen Notes, serves elevated Southern classics crafted with farm-fresh ingredients. The breakfast was so good that we dined there more than once!
1 Hotel Nashville is a sanctuary of sustainable luxury right in the heart of Music City. Designed with nature-inspired touches, guests are treated to spacious, serene rooms and elevated amenities that create a retreat-like atmosphere, perfect for recharging after exploring the city. The property’s crown jewel is Harriet’s Rooftop, one of Nashville’s most coveted spots for sunset cocktails, where skyline views meet curated craft drinks and sleek lounge seating tucked among lush plantings. Yes, I went just for the sunset views! 😉
If your crew is rolling deep (bachelorette parties, birthday trips, or just a lot of friends who don’t want to split up), a rental can make more sense than a hotel. Nashville has tons of spacious VRBOs and Airbnb-style houses that are built with groups in mind.
You’ll find modern townhomes with multiple bedrooms, big kitchens for cooking breakfast together, and rooftop decks that turn into your own private happy hour spot. Some are walking distance to downtown, which means you can save the Uber money and just stroll to Broadway. Others are tucked in neighborhoods like 12South or East Nashville for a more local feel with coffee shops and boutiques right outside your door.
The best part is you don’t have to worry about squeezing into one hotel room to get ready! Everyone has space to spread out, but you still get those fun group moments: lining up at the mirror before a night out or gathering in the living room to rehash the night before. For a big girls’ weekend, a rental often ends up being the most memorable choice.
Classic Nashville Experiences You Can’t Skip
If you’re the type to avoid “touristy” things, Nashville’s classic attractions are worth doing at least once. They’re the reason the city is famous, and they’re surprisingly fun even for locals! I’ve done some of these myself, and trust me, they’re as entertaining as they are iconic.
City Highlight Tours
Forget the stuffy history lecture, this is hands down my favorite way to see the city! It’s run by two hilarious sisters in a hot-pink converted school bus. They’ll drive you around to Nashville’s best-known spots, but what you’ll remember is the banter, the jokes, and the fact that you were laughing so hard you probably missed half the trivia. Believe me, it’s a hoot! Great bachelorette activity!
If you want a more relaxed option, the hop-on hop-off Old Town Trolley is for you. You can sit back and let someone else handle the navigation while you get a sense of Music City’s layout. The best part is the flexibility: you can hop off at a museum, grab lunch, then hop back on later without missing a beat. It’s especially helpful if you’re in town for just a couple of days and want to see as much as possible without running all over the place.
Music Landmarks
The Ryman Auditorium is the “Mother Church of Country Music” and one of those places that gives you chills the moment you walk in. Everyone has stood on that stage, from Johnny Cash to Elvis to Dolly. Definitely do the guided backstage tour if you can swing it. Standing in the wings where legends once waited to perform? It’s goosebumps all the way!
These days, the Grand Ole Opry has its own venue outside of downtown, but it still holds onto nearly 100 years of history. Seeing a live show here is an experience in itself. The energy in the room is unlike anything else! You’ll get to peek behind the curtain and see the dressing rooms where artists get ready before stepping into the spotlight.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
This museum is not just for die-hard country fans. The exhibits walk you through the evolution of country music and showcase everything from Elvis’s gold Cadillac to contemporary highlights. Attention Swifties! Brace yourselves, there’s a two-storey exhibit of Taylor Swift’s career timeline that’s basically a shrine.
The Johnny Cash Museum is small but mighty, packed with memorabilia that shows just how much impact “The Man in Black” had on music. You’ll see everything from handwritten lyrics to stage costumes, plus plenty of glimpses into his life with June. It’s an easy stop right off Broadway and doesn’t take long to get through, making it a great add-on while you’re downtown. We loved it!
This one’s more of a hidden-in-plain-sight stop. It’s the giant convention center downtown, but they offer free tours, and the architecture alone is worth a look. If you’re the type who loves modern design, it’s a fun little bonus stop between bigger attractions!
River Fun
Want the Broadway energy without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds? Book a Pontoon Saloon and take your party to the water. You’ll cruise the Cumberland River with your own drinks, your own playlist, and Nashville’s skyline as your backdrop! It’s especially fun for groups, and the golden-hour views are hard to beat.
Nashville’s Iconic Neighborhoods
What I love about Nashville is that it isn’t a one-note city. Some neighborhoods are loud and legendary, others are laid-back and local, but together they give you the full Music City experience.
This is the Nashville you’ve seen in every photo on TikTok. The neon lights, live bands spilling out onto the street, and people dancing from 10 am to 3 am. Don’t get me wrong, it’s part of the experience, but there’s so much more to Nashville. Honky Tonk Highway is a famous strip lined with multi-level bars and rooftop stages. Some of them are classics like Tootsies, others owned by big country stars like Luke Bryan, Kid Rock, Miranda Lambert, and Jason Aldean. If you’re in town for the full “dance ‘til dawn” experience, this is where you’ll want to kick things off.
A word of warning: these places are packed and loud! If you’d rather not fight the Broadway crowds all night, you can always rent a boat with Pontoon Saloon and throw your own private party out on the river.
A little west of downtown, The Gulch is basically the polished version of the rowdy Broadway scene. It’s upscale and has a more “see and be seen” vibe. This is where you’ll find chic boutiques, sleek cocktail bars, and some of the most photographed murals in Nashville (yes, the famous wings are here!).
The Gulch is perfect when you want to slow the pace a little without losing the fun. Brunch is practically an art form here, and the dining scene leans creative. Perfect for a girls’ brunch-and-shopping day when you want to balance out the honky tonk energy with Southern charm and modern cool.
If your idea of a girls’ weekend includes coffee, shopping, and stopping for photos every two blocks, 12South in the Belmont area is your spot. This neighborhood has that trendy-but-cozy feel that makes you want to spend hours just wandering. Start with coffee at Frothy Monkey, hit the boutiques for local finds, and plan your meal breaks carefully because the brunch options are endless!
Between the food, the shops, and the vibe, this is one of those places you’ll end up recommending to anyone heading to Nashville.
Across the Cumberland River from downtown, East Nashville has an artsy and eclectic feel. It’s more local than Broadway and definitely more low-key than The Gulch. You’ll find plenty of vintage shops, indie coffee houses, and local art galleries.
This is also a foodie goldmine! East Nashville has an amazing spread of restaurants, from casual neighborhood joints to buzzworthy spots that foodies fly in for. It’s where you go when you want a night that’s still fun, but less wild than downtown.
Beyond Nashville: Neighborhoods and Nearby Spots
Downtown is great, but there’s more to Nashville than Broadway and The Gulch. Nashville’s surrounding towns and neighborhoods have their own flavor, and sneaking in a side trip (or even just a new neighborhood) can change the whole pace of your weekend.
Franklin feels like its own little world, just 25 minutes south. The historic downtown is lined with indie shops, cafes, and old brick buildings that have been beautifully kept up. If history is your thing, places like Carter House and Carnton are open for tours, but honestly, I usually end up shopping or sitting with a glass of wine. It’s slower in the best way and a nice reset after the Broadway buzz.
Leiper’s Fork is tiny (blink and you’ve driven through it), but it has this artsy, small-town soul that pulls you in. Antique stores, galleries, and front-porch vibes everywhere. Puckett’s Grocery is the hub: one part restaurant, one part live music spot, and 100% Tennessee charm. Grab dinner, stay for a set, and you’ll see why people drive out here.
About 30 minutes outside Nashville, Arrington Vineyards’ vibe is more like a picnic party than a formal tasting room. Rolling hills, picnic tables scattered across the lawn, and live music on weekends make it one of the best low-key afternoons you can have. Bring your own food, grab a flight or bottle, and spend a couple of hours drinking wine in the sunshine.
Roughly an hour south, Columbia has been getting attention as a smaller-town alternative to Tennessee’s headliners. Its historic square is full of murals, vintage shops, and cafes, with Muletown Coffee often cited as one of the best in the area. There’s also a growing food and brewery scene if you want something less touristy.
Nashville’s Unique Food & Drink Scene
Music City’s food and drink culture fuses Southern comfort food, BBQ, modern American, and international fare. From boozy brunches to the city’s famous hot chicken, you’ll eat well on this trip. This isn’t the weekend to go on a diet! 😉
Nashville Staples
There are plenty of BBQ options in Nashville, and it’s hard to go wrong, but I recommend Peg Leg Porker for Tennessee-style barbecue. The pulled pork sandwich is addictive, and the ribs live up to the hype. Order the smoked green beans, too! They don’t sound like much, but you’ll remember them.
Hot chicken is a Nashville rite of passage, and Bolton’s brings the heat. It’s crunchy, spicy, and served with pickles and fries. I went for the mouthwatering spicy fried chicken, but everyone swears the fried fish is just as good!
This place is exactly what the name promises: biscuits, and lots of them! The savory biscuit sandwiches are filling, but the showstopper is the Bonut, a biscuit-donut hybrid that tastes as outrageous as it sounds.
Sometimes you just need pizza, and Ophelia’s has become a go-to for that craving. The pies are creative, the cocktails are solid, and the space is lively enough to feel like part of the night out. It’s an easy win when your group wants good food without overthinking it. It’s a fun spot to sneak in and get away from all the craze!
Brunch Picks
When it’s a weekend with the girls, you know there will be brunch! This is the spot you’ve probably seen all over Instagram and Pinterest. Bright and beachy interiors, flower walls, and a giant “Rosé All Day” sign make it popular for girl squads. Yes, it’s a little over the top, but that’s half the fun when you’re on a girls’ trip!
If you care more about what’s on the plate than photos, head to my favorite brunch spot, Milk and Honey. Their biscuit sandwiches and pastries are spot on, and the vibe will actually make you want to linger over a second coffee.
This great spot brings a little extra personality to the table. The menu puts a twist on comfort food, the space has a chic vibe, and the drinks are just as much of a draw as the food. It’s playful without being fussy.
Germantown Cafe keeps things simple. It has big windows with downtown views, solid brunch staples, and cocktails that don’t feel like an afterthought. It’s the best spot if your group wants a proper boozy brunch: mimosas, Bloody Marys, the works!
Want something low-key? Shugga Hi is a Southern buffet brunch with live jazz in the background. Nothing fancy, just good Southern food and a laid-back vibe that makes you feel like a local.
Indie Coffee Shops and Bakeries
Over in East Nashville, Sky Blue Café feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a tourist stop. Their biscuit breakfast sandwiches are filling and a little messy in the best way, exactly what you want after a late night out.
In 12South, this bakery-restaurant hybrid has become famous for its biscuit flights. Yes, flights! You can order biscuits topped with different gravies and spreads. It’s a fun way to try a little bit of everything and is perfect for splitting with friends.
If dessert is your love language, put Legendary on the list. Their milkshakes come stacked with toppings: whole slices of cake, cookies, or donuts perched on top. It’s completely over the top, and you’ll probably need to split one, but half the fun is going and watching what others order!
This coffee stop is a Nashville staple. The industrial-chic space is big and bright, and the drinks are carefully crafted without being pretentious. If you need a caffeine boost that feels like part of the experience, this is it.
Five Daughters is famous for its 100-layer donuts, somewhere between a croissant and a donut, and piled high with frosting. They’re rich, decadent, and perfect for sharing if you don’t want a full sugar crash.
If you want something a little different, Yeast Nashville bakes up fresh kolaches, a Czech pastry that’s both savory and sweet. It’s a place you’ll only find if you know to look for it, and once you’ve had one, you’ll wonder why kolaches aren’t everywhere!
Nightlife Beyond Broadway
Any girls’ trip to Nashville needs a night of classic Honky Tonk Highway nightlife, but if you stop at Broadway, you’re missing half the fun. Once you’ve had your fill of downtown, there are plenty of other ways to spend a night out in Music City.
This little stretch has been around forever, and it still feels like a secret compared to Broadway. Printers Alley is moodier and more tucked away, with bars that lean more alternative. One of the best stops here is Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar: low ceilings, neon signs, and a stage that’s always rocking! If you want something with a little more polish, Skull’s Rainbow Room has that old-school supper club feel, complete with live jazz and the occasional burlesque show.
When you’re with a group that can’t quite agree on the plan, Brooklyn Bowl is the answer. It’s a mash-up of live music venue, bowling alley, and restaurant. You can grab drinks, bowl a few frames, and still catch a band on stage. It’s rowdy in the best way, and it gives you something to do besides just sit at a table nursing a cocktail.
For skyline views and a rooftop that feels equal parts cool and social, head to L.A. Jackson at the Thompson Hotel. The drinks are polished, the crowd is stylish, and the energy stays buzzing late into the night. You’ll want to grab a group photo against the city lights before settling into a booth with your drinks.
East Nashville has its own energy, and Attaboy is the crown jewel for cocktails. There’s no menu. Instead, you tell the bartender what flavors you’re int,o and they’ll whip up something tailored just for you! It feels a little like a secret, even though it’s one of the most talked-about bars in the city.
For something quieter, The Patterson House is a speakeasy that gets the details right. Dim lights, leather booths, and cocktails made with care. It’s the opposite of Broadway’s chaos. This is where you go when you want to have an actual conversation without yelling over a band, or to end the night on a more relaxed note.
Local Boutiques & Shopping Highlights
You just can’t leave Nashville without shopping a little. From boots to wear on Broadway to biscuit-scented candles, the city has plenty of spots worth ducking into between meals and music.
The first thing you have to buy in Nashville is a pair of authentic cowgirl boots. Boot Country downtown has the legendary “buy one, get two free” deal, and it’s not a gimmick! You really walk out with three pairs. It’s the best kind of souvenir because nothing says Nashville like showing up to a honky tonk in real leather cowgirl boots.
12South is a dream for wandering with a coffee in hand and popping into little shops as you go. Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James is here if you’re into Southern-preppy, and White’s Mercantile is a general store–style boutique full of gifts that actually feel special. There’s also Kittenish, founded by Jessie James Decker, which is fun if you want something trendy and girly.
Stoney Clover Lane
This shop is made for a girls’ trip stop! There are customizable bags, bright accessories, and everything begging for a monogram. You’ll like walking in, planning to “just browse” and walk out with matching weekend pouches for the whole group.
Fifth + Broadway
For something more modern, Fifth + Broadway downtown is like a mall with a twist. This huge indoor-outdoor complex has a little of everything: local shops, national brands, plus plenty of food and drink options so you can make an afternoon of it. Even if you’re not here to shop, it’s a good place to regroup, grab a snack, and wander.
Day Trip: Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, TN
If you’ve got a full day to play with, grab your girls and head south to Lynchburg. The drive is about an hour and a half, but it’s totally worth trading Broadway neon for Tennessee hills, especially if whiskey is involved! If you don’t want to assign a “designated driver,” then book a fun ride out to Lynchburg!
The Jack Daniel’s Distillery tour walks you through every step of how the good stuff gets made. It starts at the cave spring where the water flows in, then on to the charcoal mellowing that defines Tennessee whiskey, and finally into the barrelhouses stacked floor to ceiling. You’ll hear stories about Jack himself and see just how much detail goes into every step. The tasting at the end is a bonus: six pours that give you a real sense of how the flavors change from label to label.
Once you’re done, walk over to the Lynchburg town square. It’s tiny, just a handful of shops and diners, but the pace that feels miles away from Broadway. You can pick up a bottle or two, browse some local crafts, and if you made a reservation, sit down for lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s. The food is hearty, served family-style, and comes with stories that feel straight out of a Southern front porch.
This day trip balances out a Nashville weekend perfectly: high-energy nights in the city, then a slower and story-filled day in small-town Tennessee. By the time you drive back, you’ll feel like you’ve had two completely different trips in one.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Nashville
Nashville really does have it all: live music morning to night, food that will test your willpower, nightlife that goes way beyond Broadway, and side trips that show off a whole other side of Tennessee. It’s a city that works whether you’re celebrating, reuniting, or just needing an excuse to get away with your favorite people.
My best advice: mix it up! Do the classics like Broadway and hot chicken, but leave room for the murals, indie bakeries, neighborhood bars, and even a little adventure outside the city. The balance of big-name spots and local gems is what makes a girls’ trip here feel so full.
I’ve been twice now, and every time Nashville pulls me in with something new. A restaurant I didn’t try before, a mural I hadn’t noticed, a town I hadn’t explored yet. That’s why it works so well: it’s familiar and fresh all at once.
If you’re ready to plan your own girls’ weekend in Music City, I’d love to help you put it together! Get in touch for a free 30-minute consultation and don’t forget to pack your boots!
Shout out to Charlee of travelcharlee for helping plan my first trip to Nashville. Always a bucket list destination I wanted to go to Nashville this summer. Charlee helped to make my trip a great success! Everything from the hotel booking to the suggestions for tours and restaurants Charlee nailed it! I would definitely call on her again to book my next adventure!