Weekend in Nashville: Making the most of Music City
Experience Nashville from first light to last call — from Bicentennial Park to the Parthenon, SoBro, and Broadway’s live music.
Edited by Robin Reetz | December 4, 2025
Nashville rewards early risers and encore seekers alike. With walkable neighborhoods like Downtown and SoBro, you can move from Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park to Lower Broadway’s honky-tonks in minutes. Each stop is sequenced to help you skip lines and catch the right show, so you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying every memorable moment Nashville has to offer. Base your 24- to 48-hour stay at the centrally located Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown and let the weekend unfold.
Sunrise
Start your Nashville morning with a stroll through Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, about a 15-minute walk from Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown. See the sunrise light up the Tennessee State Capitol Building, then explore the Pathway of History, the 95-bell carillon, the 200-foot granite map of the state, the World War II Memorial, and the geyser-like Rivers of Tennessee Fountains. Early risers will find the park’s walking trails and historic markers pleasantly uncrowded, giving you a head start before downtown fills up. Nearby, the Nashville Farmers’ Market serves local coffee, fresh pastries, and seasonal produce daily. Be sure to arrive before 10 am to enjoy a relaxed breakfast and avoid the brunch rush.
Morning
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opens at 9 am, and arriving close to opening lets you enjoy the music-filled exhibits and galleries before the midday rush. Timed tickets help you move smoothly through the museum, with options for guided tours and special packages. Afterward, take a five-minute walk across Broadway to the iconic Ryman Auditorium for a daytime tour or to plan your evening show. Make your way back up Broadway where the bars are already starting to buzz with live music. Stop back at the hotel for lunch at the on-site Bluestone Lane café, featuring a menu of seasonally inspired wraps, bowls, sandwiches, and snacks.
Afternoon
As midday arrives, step into the Frist Art Museum’s grand art deco halls for a cool, inspiring break — plan for one to two hours exploring the rotating exhibitions. When the sun softens, head to Centennial Park for a stroll and photos of the Parthenon’s iconic columns or return to the hotel for a well-deserved break. If you’re in the mood to relax, spend your downtime at the fifth-floor outdoor pool and sun deck, or grab a margarita at the poolside bar and cozy up by the fireplace. The hotel also has an on-site Topgolf Swing Suite for golf and non-golf games, if you want to keep the fun going.
Sunset
Flow from happy hour to dinner at the hotel’s Lovelorn Lounge. Cheers to the night ahead with craft cocktails and a shareable menu of classic southern bites. Next, head downtown where SoBro’s rooftop bars set the scene for a relaxed pre-show window. The Overlook at Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown offers sweeping views and a laid-back atmosphere before the evening crowds arrive. From here, you’re just a short walk from Bridgestone Arena, Ryman Auditorium, and Broadway’s live music venues.
Evening
Whether you have tickets to a performance at the Ryman or are catching a songwriter set at the Listening Room Cafe, the city’s music scene comes alive after dark. If your first choice is sold out, a stroll down Broadway offers plenty of alternatives, from classic honky-tonks to celebrity bars for line dancing, people-watching, and nonstop live music. After last call, the hotel is just a short walk from Lower Broadway, making late-night returns simple and car-free. Enjoy a restful night in your inviting guest room before heading home in the morning — or stay another day to experience the Music City scene all over again.
Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.
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