When I first touched down in Nashville, I had a rough list in my head—some iconic murals, maybe a bit of hot chicken, and of course, live music. What I didn’t expect was just how much of Nashville’s soul you can experience without draining your wallet. Over the course of a long weekend, I dug deep into Music City’s culture, hidden gems, and budget-friendly thrills. And I’ll tell you now: you can absolutely have an unforgettable time here with $10 or less in your pocket.
1. Walk Broadway and Let the Music Find You
Broadway (Lower Broadway): A historic street in downtown Nashville packed with honky-tonks, neon signs, and live music venues that rarely charge cover fees.
No matter what time of day it is, Broadway has this electric hum. I walked down that stretch with zero plans and left with the rhythm of pedal steel guitars echoing in my ears. You’ll find open windows pouring out live country, rock, and blues at all hours. No ticket needed—just follow your ears.
● Best Local Stops I Enjoyed
- ◦ Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge – Authentic feel, old Nashville soul
- ◦ The Stage – Huge floor, vibrant crowd, dancing encouraged
- ◦ Robert’s Western World – Classic honky-tonk with rockabilly vibes and $6 fried bologna sandwiches
- ◦ Acme Feed & Seed – Rooftop view, great for sunset
Pro-Tip: Avoid the Saturday night tourist crunch and go mid-afternoon on a weekday for more relaxed vibes. And if you’re not into crowds, Midtown or East Nashville has equally brilliant bars with fewer tourists and more locals.
2. Tour a Distillery (Yes, for $10 or Less)
Distillery Tour: A guided walkthrough of the whiskey-making process, often with tastings included.
Tennessee and whiskey go hand-in-hand, and Nashville proudly showcases that bond. I visited two distilleries without leaving the city limits—Nelson’s Green Brier and Corsair. Each had its own flavor, literally and atmospherically.
● What to Expect at Each
- ◦ Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery – Offers a historically immersive tour with a generous tasting (reserve ahead, $10)
- ◦ Corsair Distillery – Craft cocktails, industrial-chic setting, experimental flavors
- ◦ Tennessee Legend – Free tastings, friendly guides, and gift-worthy bottles
Pro-Tip: Book early if you want to catch a guided session, especially on weekends. And don’t forget to snap a photo at the “I Believe in Nashville” mural nearby.
3. Take in the Riverfront Views
There’s something calming about walking beside a river that splits a city in two, and Nashville’s Cumberland River delivers just that. I started near Broadway and wandered toward the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge—what a view of the skyline!
● Walking Highlights
- ◦ Seigenthaler Bridge – Best at sunset
- ◦ Riverfront Park – Picnic-worthy green space
- ◦ Ascend Amphitheater – Outdoor concerts if you time it right
Pro-Tip: If you’re visiting in summer, bring a bottle of water and head out early in the morning to beat the heat. Winter? Grab a hot coffee from a nearby café and enjoy the peace.
4. Hot Chicken Showdown: Hattie B’s vs. Prince’s
Let me be honest—this was not a “just another fried chicken” experience. Nashville hot chicken is a culinary rite of passage. I tried both Hattie B’s and Prince’s, and they could not have been more different.
● How They Stack Up
- ◦ Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack – Spicier, more old-school
- ◦ Hattie B’s – Trendier, slightly milder, faster service
- ◦ 400 Degrees – Underrated third contender with excellent crunch
Prices vary depending on what you order, but I managed two meals for under $20 total. Trust me—worth every cent, and then some.
Pro-Tip: Go to Hattie B’s Charlotte Ave location to avoid the tourist-packed lines downtown. If you’re spice-sensitive, start with “mild.” Nashville heat doesn’t mess around.
5. Chase a Waterfall Near the City
While many visitors stick to downtown, I rented a car for a day and ventured about 90 minutes out. What I found? Lush trails, misty falls, and the kind of quiet only nature offers. Burgess Falls and Cummins Falls were the real standouts.
● Top Day Trip Waterfall Picks
- ◦ Burgess Falls State Park – Short hike, three falls in one trail
- ◦ Cummins Falls – Swimming hole, beautiful gorge (permit required in summer)
- ◦ Fall Creek Falls – One of the tallest waterfalls in the Eastern U.S.
Pro-Tip: Bring water shoes if you plan to wade in. And always check for seasonal access updates—some trails close during heavy rain or winter weather.
6. Step Into Ancient Greece at The Parthenon
Definition
The Parthenon (Nashville): A full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, located in Centennial Park.
Now, I didn’t expect to walk into ancient Greece in the middle of Tennessee—but that’s exactly what happened. The Parthenon is more than just a photo-op. Inside, I explored an art museum featuring 19th and 20th-century American painters and stood before a jaw-dropping 42-foot statue of Athena. For just $6, this was one of the best values of my trip.
● Why It’s Worth It
- ◦ Learn about the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition
- ◦ See the golden Athena up close
- ◦ Relax in Centennial Park, a massive and peaceful green space
Pro-Tip: Don’t skip the back entrance—it’s where you’ll find the best angle for full Parthenon photos. Early morning and golden hour offer the best light.
7. Explore the Trendy Gulch Neighborhood
The Gulch isn’t just Instagram-famous—it’s genuinely a great place to walk, window shop, and sip. I spent a good half-day here just wandering.
● Here’s What I Loved
- ◦ Biscuit Love – The hype is real, but so is the wait. Try weekday mornings.
- ◦ Uncommon James – Affordable, curated jewelry and lifestyle goods
- ◦ Killebrew Coffee – Solid lattes, cozy seating, great people-watching spot
- ◦ Street Art – The iconic wings mural is just the beginning
Pro-Tip: Parking can be tricky. Use the nearby paid garages to avoid circling for 30 minutes.
8. Eat Local Without Breaking the Bank
I went into Nashville expecting barbecue and left with a list of diverse, delicious, and budget-friendly eats. Here’s where I genuinely loved grabbing a bite—most under $15.
● Local Food Stops That Surprised Me
- ◦ Tom + Chee – Grilled cheese meets creativity. The s’mores donut grilled cheese is oddly addictive.
- ◦ Mas Tacos Por Favor – Tacos with attitude. $4 each, but full of flavor.
- ◦ Edley’s Bar-B-Que – Legit BBQ and fantastic banana pudding
- ◦ Spunky Monkey Coffee – Cozy café, huge cookies, killer espresso
Pro-Tip: Many local spots offer happy hour food specials or weekday lunch deals. Check their socials or Google hours before visiting.
9. Experience the Grand Ole Opry (Without a Ticket)
Yes, you can absolutely enjoy the Grand Ole Opry even if you don’t buy a show ticket. While full backstage tours run around $45–$60, I explored the outer grounds, snapped a few pics, and soaked in the energy. It’s attached to a massive shopping complex that includes the Opry Mills Mall and an IMAX theater.
● Free Experiences at the Opry
- ◦ Browse the gift shop for unique music memorabilia
- ◦ Visit the Opry Plaza during the day—great photo ops
- ◦ Walk the resort-like surroundings, especially near Gaylord Opryland Hotel
Pro-Tip: If you’re not doing a tour, plan your visit during the day. Parking is free and easier to manage before show crowds roll in.
10. Dive Into Nashville’s Hidden Alley of Music History
Printer’s Alley was one of the places I discovered accidentally—but what a happy accident it was. Tucked between towering buildings near downtown, this narrow strip has decades of music lore attached to it.
● Why Printer’s Alley Is Worth a Stop
- ◦ Skull’s Rainbow Room – Jazz, cocktails, and drag brunches all in one place
- ◦ Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar – Authentic New Orleans flair in Music City
- ◦ Murals and neon signage with historical placards throughout
I went in for one drink and ended up staying for two live sets. It’s a much calmer, more local vibe than Broadway, but still rich with history and talent.
Pro-Tip: Go early evening before it gets crowded. You’ll enjoy the architecture, atmosphere, and catch a seat before the rush.
Bonus: DIY Mural Tour — A Free Self-Guided Art Adventure
You don’t need to pay for an art museum to experience Nashville’s creative pulse. I spent an entire afternoon wandering around different neighborhoods, snapping photos of some of the most iconic and lesser-known murals around town. Best part? Totally free.
● Mural Hotspots I Explored
- ◦ “I Believe in Nashville” – Found in several locations, but the 12South version is a classic
- ◦ “Wings Mural” by Kelsey Montague – Located in The Gulch, expect a line—but it moves fast
- ◦ “Greetings From Nashville” – East Nashville, bright and retro
- ◦ “Drippy Lips” + “What Lifts You” – More abstract, perfect for artsy Instagram shots
Pro-Tip: Go in the morning to avoid crowds and harsh lighting. And wear comfy shoes—these murals are spread across neighborhoods, but that just gives you an excuse to explore more.
Travel Tips to Make the Most of Your Nashville Trip
Definition List
Best Time to Visit
- ◦ Spring (April–May) and Fall (September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds
Getting Around
- ◦ Rent a scooter or use Uber/Lyft. Walking is great downtown, but farther neighborhoods require a ride.
Where to Stay on a Budget
- ◦ Look into Airbnb in East Nashville or hotels in Midtown for lower nightly rates than downtown
Free or Cheap Transportation
- ◦ WeGo Public Transit offers $2 single rides across major routes
- ◦ Pedestrian-friendly areas include The Gulch, Broadway, and 12South
Packing Tips
- ◦ Weather swings fast—bring layers
- ◦ Comfy walking shoes are a must
- ◦ Keep sunscreen and a reusable water bottle handy for walking tours
Local Etiquette & Safety
- ◦ Tipping is standard—15% to 20% at restaurants
- ◦ Nashville is generally safe, but stick to lit, populated areas at night
- ◦ Avoid driving downtown during rush hour—use ride-share apps instead
Summary: Why You Don’t Need to Spend Big to Experience Nashville
From live music on every corner to Instagram-worthy murals, Nashville proves you don’t need a big budget to have an unforgettable trip. Over a single long weekend, I discovered authentic southern food, walked beside waterfalls, listened to local legends perform live, and soaked in both history and culture—all for less than what you’d spend on dinner in other cities.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple looking for a getaway, or a family on a budget, Nashville will welcome you with open arms and an open playlist.
