Girlfriends Guide to Nashville

Nashville, the vibrant and soulful city, where music reverberates through the streets and hospitality flows as freely as the Tennessee whiskey. Known as the Music City, Nashville is a haven for music lovers of all genres, from the twang of country to the smooth melodies of blues and the electrifying sounds of rock 'n' roll. But it's not just the music that makes this place special. The city is alive with a rich history, captivating art scene, and mouthwatering Southern cuisine that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're strolling down Broadway or exploring the charming neighborhoods, Nashville never fails to charm and captivate its visitors.

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Where to Stay

We’ve curated a short-list of moderately priced boutique hotels perfect for your next girls’ weekend.

Note: some of the boutique hotels we recommend have a nightly amenities fee for some awesome extras included in your stay. Be sure to read about what’s included to take full advantage!

Holston House

Located in the heart of Music City, this boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern luxury with Southern charm. Indulge in stylishly appointed rooms adorned with plush furnishings, elegant decor, and breathtaking city views. Savor delectable cuisine at the onsite restaurant and unwind with handcrafted cocktails at the rooftop bar overlooking Nashville's vibrant skyline. Immerse yourself in the city's thriving music scene, explore trendy boutiques, and soak up the lively atmosphere. The Holston House Nashville promises an enchanting getaway where memories are made and friendships are celebrated.

Holston House
Noelle

Located in downtown Nashville, Noelle is a stylish boutique hotel that offers a blend of modern design and historic charm. The hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites with unique artistic touches as well as an on-site restaurant and bar. Fun extras include a daily champagne toast at the front desk betweek 4-6 pm, virtual yoga and pilates in the fitness center and a special hidden bar.

Noelle
Thompson Nashville

Situated in the trendy Gulch neighborhood, the Thompson Nashville is a boutique hotel known for its contemporary style and upscale amenities. The hotel offers chic and comfortable rooms and suites, a rooftop pool deck with a bar and panoramic city views, a fitness center, and a trendy restaurant and cocktail lounge. Its prime location puts guests within walking distance of popular restaurants, bars, and shopping destinations.

Thompson Nashville

Where to Eat

We’re not gonna lie, trying to recommend a great place to eat in a large metropolitan area is like trying to hit a moving target. Where you stay and the activities you have planned often dictate where you will end up eating.

Most often when planning our weekends away, we put in a little time looking for nearby places that match our taste. Rather than give you a long list of places that might not be right for you, we’re giving you our favorite local search links to help you get started.

What to See

This is where the heart and soul of country music lives, and it’s way more than a museum. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum invites you to step straight into the story of country music, from its humble, pre‑commercial roots to today’s chart‑topping stars. Inside the galleries, you’ll find priceless artifacts that bring the genre to life (instruments, legendary stage outfits, rare recordings, films, handwritten lyrics, and personal memorabilia) and offer intimate glimpses into the artists who shaped country music along the way. Every exhibit feels like a backstage pass to music history.

At the center of it all is the Hall of Fame Rotunda, a quiet, awe‑inspiring space that honors the genre’s most influential legends. Surrounding it are world‑class exhibitions and rotating displays that make the experience feel fresh, emotional, and deeply personal,  whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering your love for country music. It’s immersive, meaningful, and one of those places where you slow down, wander, and walk out with a deeper appreciation for the songs that tell America’s stories, a must‑stop on any Nashville girls’ getaway.

Cue the rhinestones and the goosebumps, this is where country music history comes alive. The Grand Ole Opry is one of Nashville’s most legendary experiences and has been showcasing live country music since 1925, earning its title as “the show that made country music famous.” It’s also the longest‑running radio broadcast in U.S. history, which is pretty iconic in itself.

Each Opry show features eight or more artists, blending classic country, bluegrass, folk, and modern sounds, from legendary performers to today’s superstars and rising new talent. You never know who you’ll see on stage, which makes every night feel special and completely one‑of‑a‑kind.

While the Opry famously called the Ryman Auditorium home from 1943 to 1974, it now broadcasts from the 4,440‑seat Grand Ole Opry House near Opryland,  a state‑of‑the‑art venue that still holds onto all that historic charm. It’s timeless, unforgettable, and one of those “we’re really in Nashville” moments, the perfect night out with the girls, whether you’re longtime country fans or just soaking in the Music City experience.

Welcome to the loudest, liveliest, most boot‑stomping street in America, Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway! Stretching along Lower Broadway, this legendary strip blasts live music into the streets from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m., and the best part? No cover charges. Ever. That means more money for cocktails, cowboy boots, and (most importantly) the tip jar.

In Music City, live music is for everyone, and you never know who you might see on stage. Legends like Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton, Gretchen Wilson, and Dierks Bentley all got their start right here. Translation? The singer rocking the mic in front of you tonight could be the next big thing.

Lower Broadway might be the most famous stretch, but it’s not the only place to play. Venture just a bit off the main drag to check out:

  • Luke Combs’ Category 10 on 2nd Avenue North
  • Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up on 3rd Avenue South
  • Printer’s Alley, a local favorite just steps away, packed with speakeasies, karaoke bars, and late‑night vibes

 

Most bars stay open until 3 a.m., so pace yourselves. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a race. Many honky tonks have multiple levels and bars, so if one floor feels packed, head upstairs or downstairs for a totally different scene.

One final pro tip: bring cash. The bands on Broadway play for tips, and showing love to the musicians keeps the music going strong and the vibes high. Live music, neon lights, no cover, and endless stories by sunrise, this is Nashville, and there’s no better way to experience it with the girls.

Fifth and Broadway
Credit: Larson Group | Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

Where to Shop

Betty Boots sits right in the heart of downtown Nashville, and it’s truly a dream for women who love a little Southern flair. As the only all‑ladies western store in the country, it’s packed wall‑to‑wall with the biggest selection of women’s western wear you’ll find anywhere. Think bold boots, stylish hats, edgy belts, and outfits that make you feel instantly ready for a night out on the town. The whole space is designed with women in mind, celebrating Southern style and helping every shopper look and feel amazing. It’s no wonder girlfriends from all over the country make a point to stop here. Betty Boots delivers a one‑of‑a‑kind shopping experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Fifth + Broadway is the perfect downtown Nashville stop for a girls’ shopping getaway. Here you’ll find an energetic mix of fashion, food, and fun right across from the iconic Ryman Auditorium and Bridgestone Arena. The open‑air, walkable layout makes it easy to hop from one chic boutique to the next, with a blend of national favorites and trendy local brands like Ariat, Buck Mason, Free People, gorjana, Nike, Ray‑Ban, and Tecovas. And when you’re ready to refuel, you’ll have more than 40 dining options at your fingertips, from quick bites to sit‑down spots and the lively Assembly Food Hall. It’s the kind of place where you can shop, sip, and savor the Nashville vibe all in one stylish stop.

Imagine the perfect girls’ day out at Nashville’s premier luxury shopping spot, just minutes from the energy of downtown. The Mall at Green Hills brings together more than 125 stores and restaurants, including Tennessee’s only Nordstrom, the stunning RH Nashville Gallery, and a state-of-the-art Dillard’s flagship. Spend the day browsing iconic designer favorites like Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent, then mix in some everyday style, beauty finds, home décor inspiration, and a little tech and fitness shopping along the way. And when you need a break, choose from 15+ dining options, whether you’re grabbing a latte or settling in for a relaxed meal with the girls.

Honky Tonk Highway
Credit: Chad Morehead | Unsplash

Nightlife

For those of you looking for a fun night out on your girls’ getaway, we’ve got your back. Whether it’s dancing the night away or girl talk over delicious cocktails, we’ve got options. We’ll help you find the right fit with our favorite local search links below.

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