Nashville invites you to experience the city your own way - from legendary music venues and historic landmarks to standout restaurants, local favorites, and scenic escapes just beyond downtown. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer stay, there’s plenty to discover at your own pace.
This guide highlights some of the best ways to plan your Nashville itinerary, with curated recommendations and exclusive Bode Nashville perks to help you make the most of your stay. Mix and match as you go, and make Bode your home base, right in the heart of downtown Nashville.
1. Nashville History & Museums Guide
Start your Nashville story with the places that shaped the city, from music institutions and cultural landmarks to unexpected pieces of history. Begin downtown at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, where exhibits explore the evolution of country music through artifacts, stories, and iconic moments.Then wander a few blocks over to the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, where the focus shifts from marquee names to the session players and studio musicians behind the records, with Bode guests receiving 10% off admission.
For something a little more playful, Madame Tussauds Nashville offers a lighter take on music and pop culture history, with Bode guests saving $5 on admission. If you want to stretch your legs beyond downtown, head west to Centennial Park to see the full-scale Parthenon replica, a quietly surreal piece of Nashville history that most first-time visitors don’t expect.
2. Nashville Live Music Venues
The best way to experience Nashville is to follow the music. From historic stages and iconic honky-tonks to songwriter rounds and neighborhood venues, there’s always another place to hear a great story unfold.
Broadway is just steps away from Bode, home to iconic stops like Robert’s Western World and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, where traditional country music still takes center stage. For a deeper look at the city’s musical legacy, catch a performance at Ryman Auditorium, the legendary “Mother Church of Country Music,” or plan a night at the Grand Ole Opry, where generations of country artists have taken the stage.
Beyond the biggest names, Nashville rewards those who wander. Catch a songwriter round at intimate venues like The Bluebird Cafe, where the focus is on the stories behind the songs. For a more energetic night out, venues like Brooklyn Bowl Nashville combine live performances with a lively atmosphere, while Ascend Amphitheatre brings major touring acts to the riverfront with skyline views
3. Nashville Experiences & Nightlife
From game days and arcade bars to downtown landmarks and late-night cocktail spots, Nashville offers plenty of ways to keep the day going. Start close to home at Sidebar, Bode’s intimate lobby bar, where craft cocktails and local pours make for an easy first stop before heading out.
For a big crowd experience, catch a Nashville Predators game at Bridgestone Arena or a Tennessee Titans game at Nissan Stadium during football season. Both offer a chance to experience the city’s energy beyond the music scene, and Bode guests receive exclusive savings on tickets for both.
For something a little more casual, spend an afternoon at Pins Mechanical Co., where duckpin bowling, arcade games, and drinks make it easy to settle in for a few hours. Downtown favorites like The Arcade offer a slower-paced way to explore the city, with local shops, casual dining, and historic architecture just steps from Broadway.
When the sun goes down, Nashville’s bar scene takes on a life of its own. From classic honky-tonks and rooftop lounges to cocktail spots like Skull’s Rainbow Room and Pushing Daisies, there’s always another place to discover.
4. Best Restaurants in Nashville: Where to Eat
Nashville’s food scene moves easily between comfort, creativity, and tradition, with standout restaurants in every direction. Start your morning at Dawn, Bode’s café, before heading out to explore the city’s mix of neighborhood favorites, Southern classics, and chef-driven dining.
For a taste of Nashville tradition, Monell’s offers family-style Southern dining where plates are passed around communal tables, while Martin’s BBQ serves up whole-hog smoked meats, cold drinks, and classic sides in the heart of downtown. For brunch, Biscuit Love has become a local favorite with scratch-made biscuits and Southern breakfast staples, while Adele’s offers a more elevated take with its celebrated weekend brunch.
For a more contemporary dining experience, Husk reimagines Southern cooking through seasonal, locally focused dishes served inside a beautifully restored historic mansion. Maíz de la Vida brings an inventive Mexican approach centered around heirloom corn and shareable plates, while Noko delivers bold flavors through wood-fired, Asian-inspired dishes in a stylish neighborhood setting.
5. Nashville Scenic Day Trips & Escapes
Nashville is easy to explore, but the best trips leave room to slow down. Extend your stay and discover a quieter side of the city, from historic estates and garden walks to lake days and charming countryside escapes.
Just outside downtown, Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery offers a glimpse into Nashville’s past with historic grounds, shaded walking paths, and experiences ranging from mansion tours to wine tastings, with Bode guests receiving special discounts. For a slower pace, head south to Leiper’s Fork, a charming village known for local shops, art galleries, live music, and a relaxed Tennessee countryside feel.
For a dose of nature, spend an afternoon at Cheekwood Gardens, a 55-acre estate featuring seasonal gardens, art exhibits, and scenic walking paths. Or trade city streets for open water with Southern Marinas, where Bode guests receive discounts on boat rentals across Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake. Pack a picnic, rent a boat, and make a day of it.
Nashville has plenty to fill a weekend, but staying a little longer means experiencing more of what makes the city special. With Bode’s Stay & Save offer, guests can save up to 30% when extending their stay and making more time for everything Music City has in store.
Make Bode Your Nashville Home Base
Nashville rewards travelers who leave room to explore. Spend the morning discovering the city’s history, the afternoon finding a new favorite neighborhood, and the evening following the music wherever it leads. With Bode as your home base, you’re never far from the best of downtown while still having room to make the trip your own.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or staying a little longer, Bode puts you in the center of it all, with thoughtful perks and easy access to everything that makes Nashville worth returning to. Book direct and save on your next Nashville trip.