48 Hours in Downtown Nashville

The Ryman Auditorium is a Nashville institution.

Nashville can be overwhelming. It’s a big, bright city with tons of fun places to drink, dine, dance and just stare in amazement. If it’s your first time to Nashville, you’ll want to center your trip around Lower Broadway, also known as the “Honky Tonk Highway.” Everything is so concentrated here, you literally need only to walk out into the street, but we’ll show you the best places to hit.

It’s no surprise that the hotels are abundant here. so let your budget and desired location choose. On my last visit to Nashville (I visit regularly for work), I stayed at the JW Marriott, and found it centrally located to all of my favorite things downtown.

If there’s one thing you must do in Nashville, make it the Ryman Auditorium. The Ryman is my favorite Nashville attraction hands-down—it’s full of history and tradition, got an inspiring story and I could stand and marvel at those stained-glass windows for hours. Take a guided backstage tour (book early) in the daytime and come back in the evening for a concert.

Just steps from the Ryman is Assembly Food Hall, my favorite place to eat in Nashville. It’s all about choices here, so if you’re in the mood for tacos, sushi, Indian or barbecue, you’ll find it all. Take a walk around before you make your choice, because the next great thing is always around the corner! When you’re finished eating, head out towards Fifth and Broadway to snap a selfie at the Springtime Wall mural.

The Springtime Wall mural behind Assembly Food Hall.

Now you’re out in the middle of it all, and a walk towards the Cumberland River will take you to all the honky tonks, classic and modern. The best way to explore these is to just amble into what grabs you, but I’ve had fun times at Rippy’s (order the barbecue) and Luke’s 32 Bridge—head to the rooftop panoramic views.

Just before you get to the river, cut across on 2nd Street to get to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Warning: you could be in here for hours, so plan your day accordingly. Between all the videos, listening stations and displays, you’ll not just learn about music but music history in general.

When you purchase your ticket, do be sure to add on a tour of Hatch Show Print, next door to the HOF, where you’ll learn about this iconic letterpress shop and create your own keepsake poster. Afterwards, head to the amazing Bajo Sexto Taco for tacos, burritos, bowls and margaritas. I wandered in here out of curiosity once and try to stop by on every Nashville visit.

Stacey Mitchhart on stage at Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar.

Music is everywhere you turn in Nashville (including many hotel lounges), and you can find a great show in just about every genre. Do yourself a favor and head to Printers Alley, tucked away behind the honky tonks. The Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar is home to performer extraordinaire Stacy Mitchhart, who’s been performing on Nashville stages for decades. His enthusiasm is infectious, and even if you’re not usually inclined to get up and dance (like me), you will.

Another one of Nashville’s hottest reservations lies in Printers Alley, next door to Bourbon Street—Skull’s Rainbow Room. Its burlesque is the main draw, but Skull’s also has a great band and food, so stay for a while. Be sure to book reservations well in advance.

Last but not least, just west on Broadway from the honky tonks is one of my favorite art museums in the county, The Frist. I love how the The Frist’s exhibits offer a new perspective on traditional styles, and turn a lens toward more modern forms. It also offers a vibrant event schedule. The art museum is housed inside Nashville’s original post office, and its architecture is used in imaginative ways. Learn more about it on architecture tours that take place every Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 p.m.