8 Things to Do Alone in Nashville
Nashville is one of the easiest cities in the US to visit on your own. Music is the main event here, and you don’t need anyone with you to enjoy a great band. In fact, a single seat at the bar is often the best seat in the house.
In this guide
- 1. See a show at the Ryman
- 2. Spend a morning at the Country Music Hall of Fame
- 3. Hit Broadway in the afternoon
- 4. Go to a songwriter night
- 5. Walk across the pedestrian bridge
- 6. Visit the Parthenon
- 7. Eat hot chicken at the counter
- 8. Wander 12 South
- Where to stay on your own
- Tips for traveling to Nashville alone
- Common questions
The city is friendly, the downtown is compact and people strike up conversations easily. Here are eight things that are especially good to do solo, plus a few tips to keep the trip easy.
1. See a show at the Ryman
The Ryman Auditorium is known as the Mother Church of Country Music. It was built as a church in 1892 and later became the home of the Grand Ole Opry. The acoustics are some of the best in the world, and the old wooden pews are still there.
Shows often sell out, but one seat is much easier to find than two, even at the last minute. If you can’t get a ticket, take the daytime self-guided tour. You can even stand on the stage where Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and so many others performed.
2. Spend a morning at the Country Music Hall of Fame
Even if you’re not a big country fan, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is excellent. It’s full of costumes, guitars, handwritten lyrics and Elvis’s gold Cadillac. The story of how the music grew is told really well.
Going alone means you can take your time with the parts you love. Plan around three hours. Add the short bus tour to Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis and Dolly Parton recorded hits. It’s one of the best things in Nashville.
3. Hit Broadway in the afternoon
Lower Broadway is lined with honky-tonks, and almost all of them have live music from late morning until late at night with no cover charge. At night, it gets loud, crowded and full of bachelorette parties. In the afternoon, it’s much more relaxed.
Go solo around 2pm, grab a stool at the bar and listen to a full set. The musicians are really talented, and they play for tips, so bring some cash for the jar. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and Robert’s Western World are classics.
4. Go to a songwriter night
This is what makes Nashville special. At a songwriters’ round, a few writers sit in a circle and take turns playing their songs and telling the stories behind them. You’ll often hear songs you know, played by the people who wrote them.
The Bluebird Cafe is the most famous spot. It’s tiny, and seats are booked online and go fast, but singles often have better luck. If you can’t get in, the Listening Room Cafe downtown is a great alternative. These are quiet rooms, so no talking during the songs.
5. Walk across the pedestrian bridge
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge crosses the Cumberland River from downtown to the stadium on the east bank. It’s an old truss bridge that’s now only for walkers and bikers, and it has the best view of the Nashville skyline.
Go at sunset, when the city lights come on. It’s a peaceful spot for a solo walk, and a good place to ask someone to take your photo. Most people are happy to help.
6. Visit the Parthenon
Yes, Nashville has a full-size replica of the Parthenon in Athens. It was built for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897 and later rebuilt in concrete. Inside, there’s an art museum and a 42-foot gilded statue of the goddess Athena, which is quite a surprise.
It sits in Centennial Park, which is a nice place for a walk or a book on the grass. On a nice day, bring lunch and stay a while.
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7. Eat hot chicken at the counter
Nashville hot chicken is fried chicken coated in a fiery, cayenne-heavy paste, served on white bread with pickles. Places like Prince’s, which started it all, and Hattie B’s have counter seating and quick service, so they’re perfect for solo diners.
A word of warning: even “medium” is very hot. Start with mild. For more choice, Assembly Food Hall near Broadway has dozens of vendors and plenty of solo-friendly seating.
8. Wander 12 South
12 South is a walkable neighborhood a short ride from downtown. It’s full of boutiques, coffee shops and murals, including the famous “I Believe in Nashville” wall. Reese Witherspoon’s shop Draper James is here, too.
It’s a good place to slow down after the noise of Broadway. Grab a coffee, browse the shops and finish with a cupcake or ice cream. East Nashville and the Gulch are also worth exploring if you have more time.
Where to stay on your own
Downtown is the obvious choice if music is the point of your trip, since you can walk home from Broadway and the Ryman. It’s also the priciest. The Gulch, just south, is a little quieter and full of restaurants. If you’d rather save money, a hostel near downtown is a great way to meet other solo travelers, and many run their own group nights out.
Whatever you choose, check the dates before you book. Prices jump on big concert and football weekends, and Friday and Saturday nights are always the most expensive.
Tips for traveling to Nashville alone
Stay downtown or in the Gulch, so you can walk to the music at night. Broadway is generally safe and busy, but use rideshare late at night rather than walking long distances. And keep an eye on your drink, as you would anywhere.
Talk to people. Nashville is friendly, and bartenders and musicians are often happy to chat between sets. Many visitors are there for the same reason you are.
Common questions
Is Nashville good for solo travelers?
Yes. The music scene is easy to enjoy alone, the downtown is walkable and people are friendly.
Is Nashville safe for solo travelers?
The tourist areas are generally safe. Use normal city sense, especially late at night, and take rideshare back to your hotel.
How many days do I need?
Three days covers the highlights, the music and a few neighborhoods without rushing.
Can I get into the Bluebird Cafe alone?
It’s easier for one person. Watch for the online release and book quickly, or try the first-come seating when it’s offered.
What’s the best time to visit?
Spring and fall have the best weather. Avoid big events like CMA Fest in June unless you’re going for them.
