Your Non-Touristy (and Budget Friendly) Guide to Nashville

Consider this your handy guide to planning a trip to Nashville that you’ll actually enjoy!

Nashville has so much more to offer you besides getting blackout drunk on Broadway (although there is plenty of fun to be had on Broadway). 

We’ve visited Nashville a handful of times and each trip we’ve gotten to see a different and more unique side of the city.

It pains us when people say they didn’t enjoy Nashville because they got stuck in the tourist traps, and didn’t venture beyond the main street.

Don’t waste a trip to this incredible city by missing all the good spots! It’s one of our favorite places to visit and by the end of this post you will understand why!!

Some spots you may have heard before, but others may be unique gems that we are putting on your radar for the first time! 

It can be difficult to know what to prioritize in your trip, especially if you only have a few days to explore. 

Best Places to Eat in Nashville

The food scene in Nashville is one of the main reasons people come to the city. Here are the ones that we can’t stop thinking about!

Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner

Prince’s Nashville Hot Chicken – Home of the original Nashville HOT chicken! We tried both Prince’s and Hattie B’s and our vote has to go to Mr. Prince. The portions were sizable and the hot chicken lived up to it’s name.

Rolf & Daughters – the cutest restaurant located in the Germantown neighborhood of the city. Known for their delicious pasta and fun cocktails! A great spot for groups but a bit pricey.

Martin’s BBQ Joint – If you are craving classic BBQ, this is the spot. Known for it’s West Tennessee-style whole hog tradition, this is a popular one amongst locals and tourists. Everything on the menu is made fresh for that very day (even their sides!), so you’ll want to get there before they sell out!

Biscuit Love – The fluffiest southern biscuits made in all different varieties, from sweet to salty. A sit down breakfast from here is the perfect way to start your day. But we aren’t the only ones that think this place is great – They don’t accept reservations so lines are usually long to get a table.

Assembly Food Hall – If you are visiting with a group of people who have different food cravings, you may want to check out this spot. Located right off Broadway, this massive food hall houses many of the Nashville cuisine classics all in one spot.

Dessert

Five Daughters – No trip to Nashville is complete without visiting this iconic donut bakery. Choose from unique flavors such as Chocolate Sea Salt, Spiced Honey Cheesecake, and Coconut Macaroon. There are multiple Nashville locations but we recommend visiting the one in 12th South and exploring the adorable neighborhood when you’re done.

Jeni’s Ice Cream – It’s so good we stopped here twice! After over 20 years, this ice cream parlor is still rocking the same unforgettable recipe. It’s the perfect treat for a hot Nashville day. There is one in Assembly Food Hall.

Free things to do in Nashville

It’s easy to go over budget when visiting Nashville. However, you’d be surprised how many incredible things there is to do in this city that are completely free!

1. Listen to live music all throughout the city
2. Check out the incredible street art in 12 South neighborhood 
3. Visit the Nashvilles Farmers’ Market which is open year round
4. Stop by the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park for a lesson on Tennessee’s rich history
5. Pop into Hatch Show Print Shop to see vintage and hand crafted designs

Nashville bars that aren’t overrated 

TWO DAY EXAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1

• No better way to start the day than with warm donuts from Five Daughters.
• Spend the morning walking through the 12 south neighborhood and admiring the unique street art.
• By afternoon, head to the Nashvilles Farmers’ Market to browse the many booths. Grab a quick bite of fresh food there too!
• Round the corner to check out the historical Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
• Snag some dinner reservations at Rolf & Daughters for their homemade pasta.
• While in Germantown, stop for a drink at Mother’s Ruin for the ultimate local hang.
• End the night playing yard games and jamming out to piano bar-karaoke at Sonny’s.

Day 2

• Get an early start and grab breakfast at Biscuit Love.
• Rent a street bike or scooter and explore more of The Gulch neighborhood.
• Spend the afternoon at Pins Mechanical Co for bowling and arcade games.
• Don’t leave Nashville without trying the famous Prince’s Nashville Hot Chicken.
• Grab a beer flight and check out the outdoor patio at Yeehaw Brewing Co.
• Enjoy a some live music and dancing as you make your way through Broadway.
• Stop at Jeni’s Ice Cream for a late night treat.

That’s a wrap on the Music City! If you are visiting Nashville soon, you will have so much to see and do! Let us know if you found this guide helpful!