How to Plan a Lively Girl’s Weekend in Nashville, TN

Whether you’re planning a bachelorette party or want to get away with your friends, a girl’s weekend in Nashville is a great choice. You’re sure to run into many other groups doing the same thing! With Instagrammable murals, live music, and delicious food, Music City will keep you entertained all weekend long.

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When to Go to Nashville

In my opinion, Nashville is best enjoyed during the summer months when pool parties and late night escapades are abundant. Tennessee has mild winters and hot summers, so if you want to avoid the extreme heat of the summer, spring and fall are also good options. I’ve been to Nashville twice over the winter months, and the gloomy days are less fun than the hot summer ones by the pool.

Best Places to Stay on a Girl’s Weekend in Nashville

Whether you stay in a hotel or a vacation rental, you need to be in a good neighborhood to experience everything Nashville has to offer. Each of the three I listed below has extensive options for both, so if you’re traveling with a large group, it’s totally possible to book an Airbnb or VRBO close to the action.

a brick building with pink accents and a large sign that reads case rosa miranda lambert's in nashville tennessee — Downtown Nashville

Downtown

If you and your friends are all about being in the heart of the action, downtown is the place to stay. Steps away from Honky Tonks where you can party the night away, Downtown and SoBro (south Broadway) are the most walkable neighborhoods in Nashville. You can easily reach the Country Music Hall of Fame and over 150 bars without having to take Uber or Lyft everywhere. Nightlife is the main attraction downtown, so prepare to get wild!

The Gulch

If you’re looking for a quieter place to stay that’s still close to the action, the Gulch is within walking distance of Downtown Nashville. This neighborhood is upscale and less touristy, so you’ll get a more local experience here. Expect plenty of food and shopping options in the Gulch. With plenty of boutique hotels and Instagrammable murals, this is the perfect spot for being part of the action while still taking in some relaxation.

Midtown

I stayed in Midtown and it was perfect for my highly sensitive self. The neighborhood is quiet yet filled with upscale bars and restaurants, and you’ll meet many young professionals hanging out in Midtown. You can walk to the Gulch and Downtown if you’re feeling up to it, or easily catch a ride from your hotel. I stayed at the Kimpton Aerston Hotel which was perfectly located. Their pool has a fantastic view of the city, and I loved hanging out there while we were in Nashville.

Where to Eat on a Girl’s Weekend in Nashville

a red and yellow wood sign reads the frothy monkey coffeehouse — The Frothy Monkey in the 12 South neighborhood

Brunch

IMO brunch is essential to a girl’s weekend in Nashville. Who doesn’t love mimosas with their friends in the morning?

Frothy Monkey is a go-to spot for bachelorette brunches. With two locations in Nashville, one Downtown and the other in 12 South, you have to visit this Instagrammable eatery. The location in 12 South is next to several popular murals. More on those below!

Milk & Honey was a great find in The Gulch, with gluten-free options and the Wings of Nashville mural just down the block. It gets busy, so make sure you arrive early or make a reservation!

a carry out container filled with spicy chicken, fries, and beans sits on the lap of a girl sitting poolside in nashville — I ordered some hot chicken while I laid by the pool at the Kimpton!

Dinner

Dinner in Nashville is incomplete without BBQ or famous hot chicken. Hattie B’s always had a line out the door, and with multiple locations around Nashville, you’re likely to have one nearby no matter what activity you are doing. Their grilled tenders were some of the best chicken I ever had! While I am not a BBQ fan unless there’s a good smoked turkey, many others can’t get enough of the Nashville-style BBQ. Check out Eater’s guide on where to eat BBQ and enjoy some finger-licking good meat on your girl’s weekend in Nashville!

Things to Do on a Girl’s Weekend in Nashville

Honky Tonk

Party the night away at the famous Honky Tonks on Broadway! The colorful lights and music blasting from every door will get you dancing in no time on your girl’s weekend in Nashville. You can’t miss the neon purple Tootsie’s with its rooftop bar, or try your luck at spotting big name country stars at The Stage. Don’t forget Famous Nashville, a multi level bar that boasts the tallest rooftop bar in Downtown. And of course, there is Honky Tonk Central. The building is massive and you won’t miss it! For more inspiration, check out this guide to the Honky Tonks in Nashville.

Murals

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Nashville has incredibly colorful and Instagrammable murals throughout the city, but the best are in12 South and the Gulch. The Gulch has the What Lifts You Wings, which was my personal favorite, and across the street, a funky colorful mural takes up the whole side of a building! In 12 South, you’ll find the Draper James blue and white mural, I Believe in Nashville, Nashville Looks Good on You, and many more. For the exact location and more, Visit Nashville has an extensive guide.

Country Music Hall of Fame

Downtown Nashville has more than just the Honky Tonks! The Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the most popular attractions. I highly recommend buying your tickets online in advance, as their timed ticketing system helps with the flow in and out of the busy museum. If you show up at the door to buy tickets, you may not be able to get in immediately.

White Limozeen

White Limozeen is a Dolly Parton themed rooftop bar and pool. Everything is pink! If your girl’s weekend in Nashville is in the summer, I highly recommend booking a poolside lounger, where you’ll be served drinks and snacks with an incredible view of Nashville. You can only book slots two weeks out, so make sure to set a calendar alert on your phone when it’s time to book. The Graduate Hotel, where White Limozeen is located, is another great place to stay in Midtown.

The Parthenon

A replica of the famous Greek Parthenon sits on Vanderbilt’s campus in the West End neighborhood of Nashville. You’ll definitely have to take an Uber to get out here. It costs $10 to visit The Parthenon, and make sure to check the website for up to date hours! Bring cute dresses so you and your friends can have photos to last a lifetime.

Tips for Travelers with Anxiety in Nashville

If you get anxious in large crowds, I recommend going in the spring or fall. But no matter when you go, Broadway is going to be packed at night. If you want to experience the music scene with fewer crowds, opt for a mid-afternoon traipse along the famous street. There are plenty of places to see live music in Midtown with a much more laid back vibe if you really want to go out for the night. Make reservations whenever possible, whether that is for dining or tours as the most popular spots get booked out. Knowing you have a spot will save you from getting a headache!

black and white painted cinderblocks read nashville looks good on you with a woman smiling and standing off to one side — Nashville looks good on you mural in the 12 South neighborhood

Final Thoughts on a Girl’s Weekend in Nashville

I’ve been to Nashville three times, and on each trip, I discovered something new and exciting. Music City has so much to offer, no matter if you’re into the party scene or want to hang out and shop with your girlfriends. Although two days is not a long time to explore such a fun and lively city, you can go back time and time again! So, have I convinced you to plan a girl’s weekend in Nashville?