How to Spend 24 Hours in Nashville

Only have 24 hours to spend in Nashville? While that’s not nearly enough time to see everything in Nashville, you can still have a good time in Music City. 

I live in Nashville, and I try out new things in the city (almost) every single day! It’s hard to narrow down all the options, but I can help you figure out what to do with just one day in Nashville. 

Let’s get to planning!

24 Hours in Nashville

Morning

First, start off your morning with breakfast at Pancake Pantry in Hillsboro. Pancake Pantry has been a favorite for students from Vanderbilt University and Belmont University for years. The line will be long (especially on weekends), but the pancakes are worth the wait. I’ve never had better blueberry pancakes anywhere. 

Spend some time exploring Hillsboro Village after breakfast. The area is home to several cute boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. 

Then, make your way to Centennial Park. In addition to Lake Watauga and the Taylor Swift bench, Centennial Park is also home to a full-size replica of the Parthenon (like the one in Greece). If you have time, you can get a ticket to tour the art gallery inside. Note that American artwork is featured in the Parthenon. 

Afternoon

For lunch, the Market House at the Nashville Farmers’ Market is my top suggestion when you have a limited amount of time in Nashville. The shops and restaurants here are primarily locally owned. Jamaicaway was featured on Food Network and is a popular option. I almost always grab a crepe from Music City Crepes.

I have an entire guide to the Market House that’s more in-depth on what you’ll find here. 

Besides having great food, the Market House has another advantage – it’s right next to the Tennessee State Museum and the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. 

The Tennessee State Museum is my number one Nashville museum recommendation because it covers so much of the area’s history. You can see a printing press from the 19th century and one of Dolly Parton’s stage costumes all in one visit. And, it also happens to be free!

Then afterward, you can take a walk around the Bicentennial Mall. It’s fairly small, but it’s fun to read about the state’s history and listen to the carillon bells. 

Of course, you could switch out a visit to the Tennessee State Museum and Bicentennial Mall State Park for something else. 

Since Nashville is Music City, I wouldn’t blame you if you decided to take a tour of the iconic Ryman Auditorium or the Country Music Hall of Fame instead. 

Evening

For dinner, get reservations at Blue Aster in Conrad Nashville. The city isn’t particularly known for its hotel dining scene, but Blue Aster is one of the exceptions. It might sound odd given that Tennessee is landlocked, but you need to get seafood (or fish) here. 

If you’d rather go more casual than fancy, Assembly Food Hall is another good dinner option. There are 30+ popular Nashville restaurants here including Prince’s Hot Chicken and Pharmacy Burger. 

You’ll end the night downtown. You can always go to the honky tonks on Broadway if you like. They are all popular (and crowded). 

My suggestion as someone who prefers nights a little less rowdy is to go to the Hidden Bar at Noelle Hotel. You’ll still get to hang out downtown but with less craziness. The Hidden Bar’s theme changes seasonally, but it’s always awesome.

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Hopefully, this guide helps you make the most of your one day in Nashville. There are so many great things to do in Nashville that you’ll just have to plan a second trip later!