Nashville never slows down, no matter the season. From catching live music on Broadway to brunching in 12 South, the city is full of must-see attractions and must-do experiences that keep visitors coming back year-round. Skip the typical tourist spots and explore the local favorites—discover the ultimate Music City itinerary packed with the top attractions, iconic sights, and unforgettable experiences.
Top Must-Do Experiences in Nashville
Sing Karaoke at Santa’s Pub
Whether you’re in a private room or joining the lively crowd, karaoke at Santa’s Pub is a true Nashville experience. Belt out your favorite hits, soak in the festive energy, and maybe even run into a local celebrity.
Go Line Dancing at Some of Nashville’s Best Spots
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or trying it for the first time, Nashville offers plenty of places to kick up your boots and enjoy the music:
- Nashville Palace: Widely regarded as the city’s top line dancing spot, Nashville Palace offers free lessons on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (beginner 7–8 PM, intermediate 8–9 PM) and consistent dancing on weekends. It’s a must-stop for an authentic, high-energy night out.
- Category 10: Features a massive dance floor in Hurricane Hall, often with free lessons, and carries on the legacy of the Wildhorse Saloon.
- New Boots Line Dancing: Established in 2016, New Boots provides high-energy private lessons for bachelorette parties, corporate events, and groups of 2–200, either in-studio or at your location.
There are also plenty of other great line dancing spots around the city to explore—check out our full guide for more.
Ride a Mechanical Bull at Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar
Test your balance and bravery on the mechanical bull in the “Whiskey River” area, perfectly positioned near a window overlooking Broadway. Buck, twist, and spin while friends cheer you on, then head up to the rooftop for drinks and panoramic city views to keep the Music City energy going.
Shop in The Gulch & 12 South
Explore a mix of boutiques, local designers, and trendy shops. For a more unique vibe, wander the colorful streets of 12 South, stopping at murals and hidden gems along the way.
Custom Cowboy Hat at Rancher Hat Bar
Add a personal, Southern touch to your Nashville adventure! Rancher Hat Bar lets you design your own cowboy hat or trucker cap with trims, patches, feathers, bands, and branding. Perfect for bachelorette parties or group trips, this hands-on experience creates a memorable keepsake that goes beyond a souvenir. GoodNight Stay guests get 15% off your custom hat!
Explore Murals & Take a Photowalk
Capture your Nashville trip with a guided photo shoot through some of the city’s most Instagram-worthy murals, neighborhoods, and hidden gems. Book through Photowalk Your Travel and receive 15% off with code GOODNIGHTSTAY, making it a fun, hassle-free way to create lasting memories.
Visit Centennial Park & the Parthenon
Check out the Parthenon, Nashville’s full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple, complete with a towering 42-foot statue of Athena. After taking in the grandeur inside, enjoy a relaxing walk around Lake Watauga, discover the sunken gardens, and follow the 1-mile paved trail for a scenic loop through the park. It’s a perfect mix of history, architecture, and outdoor exploration.
Group-Friendly experiences
- Pins Mechanical: The main attraction is Duckpin Bowling, typically costing $7–$9 per person/game depending on the day, alongside arcade games and patio competitions for a full group experience.
- Urban Dog Bar: Let your pup roam in the climate-controlled off-leash area, enjoy dog-friendly meals or “chimpanzee-flavored” dog beer, while humans sip local beers, wine, or mocktails, catch live music or trivia, and watch sports on the large-screen TV area. If your dog can’t join for the full day, our partner Bark Squad offers dog sitting, walks, daycare, and overnight care to keep your furry friend happy and safe.
- Ole Smoky Distillery: Sample Apple Pie, Blackberry, or White Lightning moonshine and enjoy the outdoor beer garden. Guided distillery tours provide insight into the moonshine-making process, and onsite eateries like White Duck Taco Shop and Daddy’s Dogs serve bold, creative dishes.
See the City on a Joyride Tour
Take a guided tour by golf cart, monster truck, or tractor to explore murals, landmarks, and neighborhoods. GoodNight Stay guests receive 10% off with code GOODNIGHTGUEST.
Where to Brunch and Savor Nashville Flavors
Brunch in Nashville isn’t just a meal, it’s a citywide ritual. Rain or shine, solo or in a group, these spots serve up Southern comfort, international flavors, and long weekend vibes that keep Music City fueled all year long.
A downtown favorite for flaky croissants, glossy macarons, and buttery pastries, D’Andrews is ideal for sharing—though one pastry rarely stays on the plate. Indulge in their orange almond cake or pecan cinnamon buns, each bite balancing sweetness and richness for a quintessential Nashville brunch experience.
Part coffee roaster, part all-day café, this Nashville staple caters to both brunch lovers and coffee aficionados. Sip a golden monkey latte while enjoying the hearty loaded biscuits with chorizo gravy, a savory start to your day that pairs perfectly with the café’s relaxed, all-day vibe.
Dining Experiences in Nashville
Some nights call for more than casual bites—think carefully curated menus, inventive cocktails, and dinners that linger into the evening. These spots showcase Nashville’s upscale and signature dining scene, making them ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any night you want to dress up and savor the city’s culinary highlights.
Nashville Hot Chicken
A city staple and quintessential Nashville experience. Go for the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, featuring a crispy fried chicken breast topped with coleslaw, kosher pickles, and “comeback sauce” on a buttered bun. Choose your heat level—from mild Southern to the fiery “Shut the Cluck Up.”
For some locals, Red’s is the go-to. Their 36-hour-brined chicken and legendary mac-and-cheese crunch wrap are musts. Conveniently near Centennial Park, it’s easy to pair a spicy lunch with a scenic stroll afterward.
Dinner Spots with a Twist
Known for its rooftop lounge with stunning views of downtown Nashville, Hampton Social is a coastal-inspired escape in the city. The third-floor rooftop features an indoor/outdoor bar with a retractable roof. Must-try dishes include HS Crab & Shrimp Bruschetta, Lobster Roll, and the Southampton Pizza. Don’t miss a signature Rosé All Day cocktail as the sun sets!
Located in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, Bastion is an intimate, high-end dining destination that earned one Michelin Star in 2025. The seasonally rotating 12-course tasting menu features creative modern Southern dishes, including lamb tartare with hibiscus leaf, black cod in champagne butter, and unique items like mozzarella marshmallows. The front bar serves craft cocktails and their famous nachos, offering a lively complement to the refined dining experience.
Cocktail Bars & Unique Nightlife Experiences
Nashville’s nightlife is full of bars that are experiences in themselves. Intimate speakeasies, immersive game lounges, and vibrant tiki spots all offer something memorable. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, themed décor, and interactive fun that bring the city’s creativity and energy to life year-round.
A highly regarded cocktail experience in East Nashville, Attaboy has no printed menu; bartenders craft personalized drinks based on your preferences. The cozy, speakeasy vibe makes it a standout, though high demand can lead to long waits. Each cocktail is tailored to you, making every visit unique.
Step into a 1930s sideshow-inspired gin joint, known for its immersive décor and curated gin and martini menu. Specialty drinks like “Beneath the Cards” (a pear-forward gin cocktail) and the Cotton Candy Negroni add playful twists, while interactive elements make the experience feel like stepping into another era.
A Polynesian-themed tiki lounge that blends tropical energy with creative cocktails. Don’t miss The Pearl Diver, a creamy, rich, tart mix of Demerara rum, lime, orange, and Gardinia mix, or the fiery Banana! Banana!, made with banana-soaked dark rum, Thai tea, and delicious goodness.
A fully immersive gaming venue with physical, interactive, team-based games like Doctor! Doctor!, Whiskey Run, Record Time, and Whirly Wipeout. Must-dos include the Ringer Run, a giant Operation-style game, and rooftop dancing. The rooftop lounge is free to enter, featuring DJ sets, dancing, and, in winter, a covered, heated rooftop igloo with skyline views.
This hidden speakeasy beneath the Johnny Cash Museum offers a magical, immersive atmosphere. Step through a “secret tunnel” into a stylish, upscale space where handcrafted cocktails like the Disappearing Mule and Message in a Bottle complement the intimate, theatrical vibe. The focus here is on the speakeasy experience—perfect for a unique night out in Nashville.
Bar Hop on Broadway
Broadway is the heartbeat of Nashville nightlife, packed with iconic honky-tonks, rooftop views, and celebrity-owned bars. This is where live music, Southern energy, and unique venues come together to create unforgettable nights in Music City.
Known as the ultimate spot for live music on Broadway, Tootsie’s has been a Nashville staple since 1960. With three floors of continuous music and a rooftop patio, it has hosted country legends like Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline. The intimate, rowdy atmosphere and historic charm make it a must-stop for authentic Nashville sounds.
Blake Shelton’s 6,000-square-foot rooftop bar offers panoramic views of Lower Broadway. A fan-favorite for live music, it pairs a VIP patio vibe with signature drinks like the Honky-Tonk Howler Punch and the Top Dog Margarita. A prime spot to sip, people-watch, and soak in the downtown energy.
Celebrity-Owned Bars
Morgan Wallen’s This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen
This six-story, multi-stage venue stands out for blending high-tech entertainment with personal touches from Wallen’s East Tennessee roots. Fans can experience four stages, seven bars, and a rooftop, while enjoying family recipes like hot chicken and brisket—making it a must-stop for both music and food lovers.
Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville
Known for its industrial rock-and-roll vibe, this four-story, tattoo-themed venue features the city’s highest rooftop, a private speakeasy, and the “Glass House” tattoo parlor. Its combination of immersive design, on-site tattoos, and music-driven atmosphere creates a one-of-a-kind Nashville experience.
Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up
This 27,000-square-foot, three-level bar features a ’70s Western aesthetic, rooftop dance floor, Cajun-inspired menu, and inventive cocktails like the Road Runner. It stands out as one of only two Broadway bars owned by a female country artist, giving it a distinct vibe that makes it a must-visit destination.
Printers Alley
For a more intimate alternative to Broadway, explore Printer’s Alley, home to historic music venues and speakeasy vibes.
Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar
Enjoy live blues, soul, and boogie nightly in a New Orleans–themed, multi-level setting with wrought-iron balconies and authentic Cajun cuisine.
A legendary basement venue featuring jazz, burlesque shows, and fine cocktails in a moody, prohibition-era atmosphere. Elvis Presley once graced the stage here, and nightly performances keep the energy alive.
Stay Somewhere That Elevates the Trip
After a full day of eating, exploring, and bouncing between honky-tonks, where you stay matters just as much as what you do. A typical hotel room works for sleeping—but a Nashville trip packed with group dinners, rooftop drinks, and late-night storytelling calls for more space. That’s where a GoodNight Stay home changes the entire experience.
3 Beds | 2 Baths | 10 Guests
JamLoft sits right in the middle of the downtown action along historic Banker’s Alley. Broadway and Printer’s Alley are just a short walk away, making bar hopping incredibly easy. Inside, the loft features two open living areas, a built-in bar for pre-honky-tonk drinks, and a baby grand piano (because this is Music City after all). After a night out, the group can gather around the projector screen or recap the night’s adventures over late-night snacks.
4 Beds | 4 Baths | 10 Guests
Urban Row is your upscale Nashville escape, where rooftop nights and Music City energy come together. Soak in the skyline from the private rooftop hot tub, fire up the grill for sunset dinners, then gather inside in the stylish living area and chef-ready kitchen for cocktails and shared meals. Walk to The Gulch and Music Row for boutique browsing, coffee, and live music, or dive into Broadway’s neon nightlife just minutes away before returning to relax and do it all again tomorrow.
Prohibition Parlor
3 Beds | 2 Baths | 10 Guests
Step into Prohibition Parlor, a vintage-inspired retreat, just a short walk from Broadway. With speakeasy charm and a prime Music City location on the border of SoBro, The Gulch, and Pie Town, this playful hideaway is ideal for soaking up live music, Southern bites, and eclectic shops. Relax by the outdoor pool, fire up the communal BBQ, or gather in modern shared lounges before heading out to explore the city.
Make the Most of Nashville Year-Round
No matter the season, Nashville is packed with things to do—from rooftop cocktails and brunches to honky-tonks, karaoke, and museum strolls. Staying in a GoodNight Stay home gives you space, style, and a central spot to dive into the city’s year-round action. Don’t miss the Lucky in Love Sale—get 15% off select Tennessee homes for stays between Feb 12–Apr 20, 2026 with code LUCKYINLOVETN.
