Downtown Nashville is packed with energy, music, and local flavor around every corner. But if you really want to experience the best things to do in downtown Nashville, beyond the honky tonks and neon lights, you’ll want a mix of unique tours, real local eats, and authentic group adventures.
This guide lays out exactly how to plan a perfect day in the heart of Music City, from rolling party bikes and must-try food tours to the ultimate Nashville brewery tour. Whether you’re visiting with friends, planning a Nashville bachelorette party, or just want to live like a local for a day, you’ll find everything you need right here.
I may earn a small commission if you book through some of the links in this post but I only recommend locally owned Nashville experiences I trust and love. Supporting local is what we’re all about.
Late Morning to Early Afternoon: Start with a Downtown Nashville Food Tour (and a Full Lunch!)
Nothing sets the tone for your day like discovering the real flavors of Nashville, and making sure your group is well-fed. Start your adventure with a Nashville food tour that serves as a full lunch. You’ll visit downtown’s best hidden gems and get a true taste of Music City.
Why a Food Tour with Lunch is the Perfect Kickoff
Enjoy a full meal: Our food tour isn’t just snacks, it’s a generous lunch featuring local specialties and unique dishes at multiple stops.
Meet local chefs and owners who make downtown special.
Learn the history of the city not just about food, but music, neighborhoods, and more.
Tip: A food tour is ideal for groups and solo travelers alike. Many tours, like A Little Local Flavor’s Downtown Food Tour, include tastings at multiple restaurants, insider history, and local recommendations to shape the rest of your day.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Nashville Food Tours
Afternoon to Early Evening: Discover Nashville’s Brewery Scene
After your food tour and full lunch, spend your afternoon exploring the city’s incredible craft beer scene. The Music City Brew Hop is the perfect way to visit several local breweries, try unique beers, and soak up the afternoon vibes.
Why Brew Hop in the Afternoon?
Relaxed pace: Afternoon is ideal for sampling and lingering at your favorite breweries.
Plenty of time: The Brew Hop runs from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, giving you several hours to enjoy multiple stops.
No need to drive: Hop on and off the shuttle as you like.
Evening: Experience Downtown on a Nashville Pedal Tavern
As the sun sets and the city lights up, it’s time for the most iconic group adventure in town, a Nashville party bike ride!
There’s nothing like pedaling under the neon lights of Lower Broadway, music pumping, drinks in hand, and your group laughing as you cruise through the heart of Music City. This is our favorite locally owned Nashville Pedal Tavern.
Why Ride a Party Bike at Night?
Neon lights: See Broadway and SoBro glow with energy and color after dark.
Ultimate pre-game: Get your group hyped for a night out, or make the party bike your evening’s main event.
Unforgettable atmosphere: Music, lights, and the buzz of the city all around you.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Nashville Party Bikes and Pedal Taverns
What to Expect & How to Book
Tours last about 1 hour 35 minutes with stops for photos and bathroom breaks.
BYOB: Bring beer, seltzer, or canned cocktails (no glass or hard liquor).
Pro drivers keep you safe and the party going.
Book in advance, especially for evening and night slots!
Pro Tip: There’s no better way to feel the pulse of Nashville than rolling through the streets after dark with your own crew.
Plan Your Perfect Pair - Downtown Nashville Day Combos
Most guests pick two top experiences in one day for maximum fun. Here’s how to build your ideal itinerary:
Option 1 - Food Tour with Lunch + Brewery Hop
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Downtown Food Tour
Enjoy a full lunch with Nashville’s best local flavors, stories, and culture.
Afternoon: Music City Brew Hop
Kick back and sample the city’s craft beer scene with a relaxed, flexible brewery tour.
Option 2 - Food Tour with Lunch + Evening Party Bike Ride
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Downtown Food Tour
Fuel up with a generous lunch and get insider recommendations.
Evening: Sprocket Rocket Party Bike Ride
As the city comes alive, hop on a party bike for a one-of-a-kind Nashville night under the neon.
Option 3 - Brewery Hop + Evening Party Bike Ride
Afternoon: Music City Brew Hop
Spend your afternoon sampling local brews and exploring downtown.
Evening: Sprocket Rocket Party Bike Ride
Finish your day with a high-energy pedal tavern party through Music City after dark.
For most guests, two experiences make for a perfect day. For weekend trips or larger groups, consider spreading out your party bike, food tour, and brewery hop across multiple days!
Planning Tips for the Best Day in Downtown Nashville
Can We Book Tours Back-to-Back?
Yes! Plan a food tour and then a brewery hop, or a brewery hop followed by a party bike ride, or a food tour and an evening party bike ride.
Tips:
Book tours with at least 30 to 45 minutes in between for check-in and travel.
Hydrate and pace yourself, especially on sunny days.
Call ahead for large group reservations or special requests.
What’s the Best Way to See Nashville with Friends?
Pairing a food tour with a brewery hop, or ending your day with an evening party bike ride, gives you the best of Nashville: amazing flavors, local craft brews, music, and those iconic neon-lit city vibes.
You’ll make unforgettable memories, support local businesses, and get a real feel for what makes downtown Nashville special.
Related: Top 10 Group Activities in Nashville
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the party bike go in downtown Nashville?
Most party bike routes cover Lower Broadway, The Gulch, and SoBro. You’ll cruise by legendary honky tonks, neon lights, and some of the city’s most iconic murals.
Can we book tours back-to-back?
Yes! With a little planning, you can enjoy a food tour with lunch and a brewery hop, or a brewery hop and a party bike ride, or a food tour and an evening party bike ride in one day. Leave enough time between for check-ins and breaks.
What’s the best way to see Nashville with friends?
The ultimate group day combines food, music, and unique local tours—book a food tour and party bike ride, or party bike and brewery hop, for the full Nashville experience.
Final Tips & Bookings
Book tours in advance - weekends and festival days fill up quickly.
Mix indoor and outdoor experiences for weather flexibility.
Don’t forget your camera and a sense of adventure!
Ready to Experience the Best Things to Do in Downtown Nashville?
Plan your perfect Nashville day now:
Not sure where to start? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Nashville Party Bikes for a deep dive on all things party bike, or browse our Nashville food tours and Nashville brewery tours for more ideas!