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Neon Signs on Lower Broadway Area, Nashville, Tennessee,© Getty Images

The ultimate guide to Nashville including the best Broadway bars

From music to food, these are our top recommendations in Nashville, Tennessee

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HELLO!
US Lifestyle Editor
Rebecca Lewis - Los Angeles
Los Angeles correspondentLos Angeles
Updated: 5 days ago
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There's a reason Nashville, Tennessee, affectionately dubbed Music City, has become one of the top tourist destinations in the United States: good soul food, electrifying guitar riffs in the honkytonks, and a base to explore the surrounding countryside.

Nashville is also synonymous with country music and is home to some of the biggest artists in the genre, making it no better place to visit if you want to soak up the history of this influential city.

Broadway in downtown Nashville, Tennessee© Getty Images
Broadway in downtown Nashville, Tennessee

However, while music and creativity are undoubtedly its heart and soul, Nashville has something for everyone whether you're a foodie, culture buff, sports lover, or shopping enthusiast. 

Check out our top recommendations below for what to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Music City, for a trip that's totally unforgettable.

Where to stay in Nashville

JW Marriott

guest suite inside jw marriott nashville© Photo: Instagram

The JW Marriott boasts breathtaking views

If you're looking for true luxury and a prime location, you can't go wrong with JW Marriott, located in the heart of downtown, just two blocks to Broadway and the Gulch and adjacent to Music City Center. Plus, it has Nashville's only Bourbon Steak by Michelin-star chef Michael Mina.

Every room and suite boasts breathtaking views of the downtown skyline from floor-to-ceiling windows, stylish contemporary furnishings, luxe bedding, and spacious bathrooms.

Additional thoughtful amenities include a stunning and expansive rooftop pool deck enveloped by stylish cabanas and a sophisticated pool bar and grill, a full-service spa, a 24-hour fitness center complete with Peloton bikes, gourmet café and artisan bakery and artfully crafted cocktail lounges spread throughout the property.

What really makes JW Marriott stand out, besides all the above, is its attentive and friendly staff who will go out of their way to make sure you have an enjoyable stay. From the bellhops and front desk to the bartenders, housekeepers, and everyone in between, you will always be met with a smile and a helping hand.

Rooms at the JW Marriott Nashville start at $359 a night with packages and deals offered throughout the year. For more information, visit marriott.com. 

Bobby Hotel

guest room in bobby hotel nashville© Photo: Instagram

Bobby is located near Printers Ally

If you're looking for something a little different, then the Bobby is a vibrant lifestyle hotel unlike any other. Residing on historic Printers Alley, it is the perfect location to experience the wildness of Downtown Nashville, but without the lines, yet far enough away to enjoy the peace and comfort of your hotel room.

The comfortable and spacious rooms and suites feature high-quality bedding, in-room safes, eclectic bathrooms with rainfall showerheads and luxurious bath amenities, and unexpected treasures and trinkets. Additional onsite perks include a luxury spa, room service, round-the-clock gym access, concierge services, and more.

You will be spoilt for choice with the food and drink options with a variety of eateries to choose from, including Union Tavern, Bobby's Garage Bar – adorned with neon art by LA street artist Risk – Rooftop Lounge – where you can have drinks in the back of a 1956 retrofitted Greyhound bus – and Café at Bobby.

Another enticing draw of the Bobby is its one-of-a-kind style. Alongside a giant hubcap chandelier over the two-story lobby staircase and inviting room décor, you'll also see original art from local, regional, and national contemporary artists adoring the wood-paneled walls.

A stay at the Bobby Hotel Nashville starts from $329 per night. For more information visit bobbyhotel.com

Where to eat and drink in Nashville

Chiefs

Rooftop view of Eric Church's bar Chiefs
Rooftop view of Eric Church's bar Chiefs

There are over 30 bars in the Lower Broadway area, but in 2024 three of the best new bars opened, including Chiefs.

The brainchild of Eric Church, Chiefs is a six-story bar, music venue, and restaurant, offering whatever vibe you're looking for. 

Downstairs Chiefs has TVs for football watching and beer, while the second floor has a piano bar, where you can throw out requests, while the top floor is a rooftop bar, offering gorgeous views out over the river and the bustling crowds.

This Bar

Morgan Wallen's Nashville bar, This Bar
Morgan Wallen's Nashville bar, This Bar

Morgan Wallen's bar may have had a rough start, after being denied a sign to hang over the sidewalk, but it's been worth the wait. 

On a Sunday the bar was bustling and the live band was playing all the hits for people to join in with for a sing-along.

Butter Milk Ranch

Butter Milk Ranch© Southern Social
Butter Milk Ranch

Get away from Broadway and head for brunch in 12 South, a cute neighborhood home to Reese Witherspoon's Draper James store and Butter Milk Ranch.

The gorgeous brunch spot is a small batch bakery and day dining restaurant, offering up delicious pastries –the pastry basket of the day I visited included a cannoli-style croissant, and a smore pastry, filled with chocolate and marshmallow – and large plates of good southern food such as biscuits and gravy, and chilaquiles.

Pastries at Butter Milk Ranch in Nashville© Butter Milk Ranch
Pastries at Butter Milk Ranch in Nashville

While in the neighborhood, also make sure to stop by the iconic “I Believe in Nashville” mural, a popular photo opportunity for good reason, and Judith Bright, a local jewelry designer who handcrafts each piece on site.

Bourbon Steak

steak being cut at bourbon steak nashville© Instagram
Bourbon Steak is unforgettable

It's not hard to see why Bourbon Steak by Michelin Star chef Michael Mina has been rated the best steakhouse in Downtown Nashville on TripAdvisor. Not only is the food otherworldly, but the attentive service and 360-degree views of the city skyline from the 34th floor of the JW Marriott make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Befitting its tagline, 'A rare experience, well done', Bourbon Steak specializes in high-quality cuts of American beef, Kobe beef, and Wagyu, but it is also home to the freshest seafood and shellfish.

If that wasn't enough, to complement the deeply satisfying dishes there is an award-winning wine program that features over 800 selections representing iconic vintners from the world's most renowned wine-producing regions.

Elliston Place Soda Shop

fried chicken and meat and three at elliston place soda shop nashville© Instagram
The soda shop is a Nashville staple

No visit to Nashville is complete without a meal at Elliston Place Soda Shop, an iconic, family-style spot where you will be greeted with a friendly smile before you tuck into delicious southern fare while soaking up the intoxicating history of this city staple.

Despite its future looking uncertain in 2019, the soda shop was restored to its former glory by Tony and Lisa Giarratana, who reopened its doors in May 2021 – and thank goodness they did.

One part soda shop and one part meat-and-three, Elliston Place offers classic diner eats, including all-day breakfast, mouth-watering desserts, and some of the best milkshakes Nashville has to offer that will keep you coming back again and again.

House of Cards

inside house of cards nashville© Instagram
Dinner and a magic show

One of the greatest venues to open its doors in Downtown Nashville is House of Cards, which offers a truly unique dining and entertainment experience. With its speakeasy vibes, guests are transported into a world of decadence from the moment they enter the room.

It's impossible to not feel like you've stumbled onto a hidden secret at House of Cards. There is so much glitz, glamour, and show-stopping magic to witness from some of America's top magicians who perform on the restaurant floor at all times, as well as multiple nightly magic shows.

To add to its dramatic flair, House of Cards features several unmissable collections, including a handcuff device created, owned, and used by Harry Houdini, playing cards dating back to 1490, and European antiques from the 1700s and 1800s.

Don't let all the magic distract you though, as the restaurant serves up classic American cuisine and special creations by the chef. There's also a bar featuring one of the largest liquor and cocktail selections in the region, and a beautiful, secluded garden centered around a stunning 19-foot water feature.

The Twelve Thirty Club

seafood platter at the twelve thirty club nashville© Photo: Instagram

A 'one-of-a-kind' dining experience

The brainchild of restaurateur, Sam Fox, and music icon Justin Timberlake, The Twelve Thirty Club is a three-story, dapper-as-hell Supper Club that captivates from the moment you arrive.

Featuring two restaurants and five bars, the street-level offering is dubbed Honky Tonk and pays homage to "Nashville's rustic roots and trailblazing style". The Supper Club offers a "one-of-a-kind" dining experience, and the Rooftop boasts Instagram-worthy views of the bustling streets below.

No matter which level you choose, you'll find inventive cocktails, delicious food, live music and so much more.

Skulls Rainbow Room

lamb shank dish skulls rainbow room nashville© Photo: Instagram

Tasty dishes and Burlesque await you at Skulls Rainbow Room

Another must-see during a trip to Music City is Skulls Rainbow Room, Nashville's only downtown jazz lounge.

While the nightly live jazz bands are enough to beckon you in on their own, the weekends see a packed house as patrons are treated to live Burlesque by several multi-talented and beautiful women.

Located on the cornerstone of Printers Ally, Skulls Rainbow Room also boasts signature craft cocktails and an award-winning dinner menu, which makes it the perfect recipe for a memorable night.

Assembly Food Hall

different cuisines assembly food hall nashville© Photo: Instagram

Take your pick from 30+ eateries 

A relatively new spot that opened in Fifth + Broadway in June 2021, Assembly Food Hall is a multi-level, culinary and entertainment hub featuring bars and over 30 eateries from all over the globe, including Sixty Vines restaurant. Whether you're in the mood for Asian, Mexican, or American, there is a tempting dish to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

Plus, to keep you entertained, there are three live performance stages and Skydeck on Broadway, the largest rooftop entertainment venue in Nashville which offers up some spectacular views.

What to do in Nashville

Nelson’s Green Brier

Whiskey barrels at  Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery© Kelli Dirks Photo
Whiskey barrels at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Chris Stapleton sang about "Tennessee Whiskey" and so its only right to discover exactly how the smooth drink is made at Nelson's Green Brier distillery, home of the original 19th century Tennessee whiskey recipe.

The 60 minute tour ends with a tasting of the distillery's best-sellers, and then head over to the on-site restaurant for a delicious frozen Old Fashioned and good food.

Ryman Auditorium

view from stage of ryman auditorium nashville© Photo: Instagram

You can have your photo taken on the Ryman stage

Known as the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman Auditorium is another famous attraction in Nashville – it's even walking distance to the honky tonks on Broadway, which are also not to be missed.

The historic venue offers a diverse line-up and thriving concert schedule with over 200 shows per year, and the iconic stage has seen performances from the likes of Dolly Parton, James Brown, and in recent years Bruce Springsteen, Harry Styles, and Lizzo.

To really soak up the venue's impressive history, there are several different daytime tour options that run year-round, and all include a professional souvenir photo taken on the Ryman stage!

National Museum of African American Music

exhibit inside national museum of african american music© Photo: Instagram

A new appreciation of American music awaits you

NMAAM is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans.

The museum's expertly curated collections share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present.

You will leave feeling inspired, educated, and with a new appreciation of American music.

Explore Centennial Park and The Parthenon

the parthenon in centennial park nashville© Photo: Instagram

Experience Greece in Nashville

The world's only full-scale reproduction of the famous Greek temple, Nashville's Parthenon stands on the beautiful grounds of Centennial Park.

While the exterior is undoubtedly splendid, a visit inside is also worthwhile as you'll find the city's art museum and Athena Parthenos, the tallest indoor sculpture in the Western world measuring almost 42 feet in height.

Johnny Cash Museum

memorabilia inside johnny cash museum nashville© Photo: Instagram

A must-see for Johnny Cash fans

Fans of Johnny Cash and his music could no doubt spend hours in this compact museum, which contains the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of photos and memorabilia of the music icon.

Special pieces like handwritten lyric sheets, marriage licenses, clothing, records, instruments, and stage props directly tied to Johnny's life can all be found here.

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

exhibit inside country music hall of fame nashville© Photo: Instagram

All the country music history under one roof

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been called the 'Smithsonian of country music' – and it's not hard to see why.

Following a $100 million expansion in 2014, the museum now includes 350,000 square feet of dynamic galleries, archival storage, retail stores and event space, performance space in the CMA Theater and Ford Theater, and the Taylor Swift Education Center for students, teachers, and families.

A one-stop destination that will not only entertain but educate you with its unrivaled collection of historically important artifacts.

Historic RCA Studio B

recording studio door rca studio b nashville© Photo: Instagram

Elvis and Dolly Parton recorded at RCA Studio B

If you're going to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, then you can't miss out on a tour of Historic RCA Studio B, the former recording studio of Elvis Presley, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, and so many more.

You'll be transported back in time with the help of a knowledgeable tour guide and stand in the very room where some of the most iconic songs were recorded, including Dolly's timeless classic, 'I Will Always Love You'.

The Bluebird Café

outside photo the bluebird cafe nashville© Photo: Getty Images

The intimate venue where some of country music's greatest stars were discovered

The famous Bluebird Café is where some of country music's biggest stars honed their craft. In fact, it's the very stage where Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, and Faith Hill were discovered.

Described as "a songwriter's venue", it's best known for hosting shows in the round, where the "heroes behind the hits" share their stories and perform their original songs. An intimate experience not to be missed.

Grand Ole Opry

cmas at grand ole opry nashville© Photo: Getty Images

One of the world's most famous stages

Much like the Ryman, which is the most famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry, this notable music venue showcases country music's past, present, and future.

A cultural landmark, the Opry show presents superstars and rising stars with an ever-changing line-up, so you'll never see the same show twice. If you really want to soak up everything Opry has to offer, then a guided backstage tour is well worth your time and money.

You'll get to hear some fascinating stories, get an exclusive look behind the scenes, see the dressing rooms, and stand on the world-famous Opry House stage.

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