Nashville is a fun city that is home to more than just country music—there are so many neighborhoods to explore!

Music City Tips:

Get off of Broadway. Sure, pop into some honky-tonks, see some live music, but then explore the rest of the city!
The city is pretty spread out so plan ahead to make the most of your time.
If you don’t have a car, you don’t need a car. Parking is difficult and costly in a lot of neighborhoods so if you can use ride shares and walks that is much more convenient.
On a road trip? Louisville is 3 hours north of Nashville, check out my guide here + Chattanooga is 2 hours southeast—recommendations here!

Adventures & Ales Top Recommendations:

Southern Grist Brewing: A stellar brewery absolutely killing the game + they’ve got two taprooms for you to choose from:
- East Nash Taproom: A restaurant-style brewery with tasty eats and a dog-friendly patio.
- The Nations Taproom: A smaller taproom with food options from nearby restaurants. Located on the West side of town.
Barrique Brewing and Blending: Such a great brewery! They specialize in Wild Ales and Lagers and make fantastic beers. Their team is super nice as well and they allow dogs outside.
Living Waters Brewing: A great brewery with a Lager and IPA heavy tap list. They also have coffee and a small breakfast menu. It is a cute spot that also has a small dog-friendly patio.
Bearded Iris Brewing: Great IPAs and two taprooms:
- Sylvan Supply has Black Dynasty Ramen inside for delicious (though pricey) eats. Their patio here is heated and dog-friendly.
- Their original taproom is downtown and very dog-friendly with chill vibes.
Ladybird Taco: A delicious spot for tacos near 12 South. They have an Austin-style taco menu with breakfast tacos, coffee, lunch/dinner tacos, and starters. It is a popular spot so you can also order online to save time!
Smith & Lentz Brewing: A tasty Lager-forward brewery with a pizza menu. They have a spacious dog-friendly back patio and are located in East Nashville.
Monday Night Preservation Co.: The Nashville location of Monday Night Brewing is a gorgeous space. It is a converted warehouse that used to be a meat packing facility giving it super unique vibes. The outdoor space is partially covered and huge. They have classic MNB beers, wine and cocktails.

The Classic Tourist Spots Actually Worth Visiting:

Tootise's: The most popular bar on Broadway, with good reason. Three different floors of live music and bars. The rooftop patio is also fun!
Explore the 12 South neighborhood: This is a super cute area with plenty of bars, restaurants, stores, and murals to explore!
Pedal Bar: Soooo touristy. Surprisingly fun. BYOB and ride the city!
Acme Feed & Seed: Rooftop bar and restaurant on the end of Broadway near the river!
Union Station Hotel: This is a gorgeous hotel in an old train station. Even if you don’t stay here it is worth wandering into their lobby that is stunning and home to a bar.

Other ideas:

The Pharmacy: A tasty spot for burgers and beer in East Nashville.
Fait la Force Brewing: A solid brewery specializing in European style beers and eats. Their dog-friendly patio has skyline views.
Waymore’s Guesthouse and Casual Club: A nice hotel in East Nashville that is art deco themed and very trendy. Their rooftop bar is coming soon and their lobby bar has delicious cocktails. I would have enjoyed a fridge and microwave in my room.
Bongo Java East: A good spot for coffee, breakfast, lunch, board games and beer in the 5 points neighborhood.
Marble Fox Brewing Company: A cute spot with solid beers. They are located downtown in The Gulch and the tap list is IPA heavy.
Five Points Alley Shops: A nice little array of shops and small businesses.
Pinewood Social: A fun spot for upscale bowling with a bar and restaurant.
Fat Bottom Brewery: Average brewery with a large taproom with great outdoor space.