Nashville in 4 Days: Hot Chicken, Cool Bars & Country Soul – Straight from Dublin

With direct flights from Dublin to Nashville now available, it’s never been easier to experience the Southern charm, live music, and all-around good vibes of Music City. Whether you’re into neon-lit honky-tonks, vintage diners, street art, or rooftop cocktails, Nashville blends old-school soul with new-school style, and yes, it’s every bit as Instagrammable as it looks online.

If you’re visiting in June, you’re in for a treat. The CMA Fest takes over downtown with days of live music, superstar performances, and unforgettable fan experiences. It’s one of the biggest and most iconic country music festivals in the world, and a perfect excuse to plan your Nashville getaway around it.

Here’s how to spend four days soaking up the city’s best eats, beats, and sights.

Where to Stay

Check into The Graduate Nashville, a playful, pop-culture-infused hotel where Dolly Parton meets Wes Anderson. The rooftop bar, White Limozeen, is a pink dreamland, complete with poolside cabanas, chandeliers, and skyline views. If you're after sleek and modern, Noelle Nashville downtown offers a polished, artsy vibe and is walking distance from Broadway.

Day 1 – Honky-Tonk & Hot Chicken

Touch down and head straight to Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack or Hattie B’s for a proper Nashville welcome, spicy, juicy, legendary fried chicken. After checking in, stroll down Broadway, the city’s iconic strip of live music venues. Grab a drink at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge or the more elevated Whiskey Row, and watch the sun dip below the neon skyline.

Day 2 – Murals, Markets & Rooftop Vibes

Start your day in 12 South, Nashville’s trendiest neighborhood. Snap a photo at the famous “I Believe in Nashville” mural, then grab brunch at Bartaco or the ever-popular Frothy Monkey. Browse boutiques like Draper James (Reese Witherspoon’s store) and vintage shops. In the evening, head to L.A. Jackson, a rooftop bar atop the Thompson Hotel, for cocktails with skyline views and a stylish crowd.

Day 3 – Music History & Hidden Gems

Take the morning to explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, followed by a tour of the Ryman Auditorium, where legends like Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline once performed. For lunch, hit up The Pharmacy, a beloved burger and beer garden. In the evening, skip Broadway and discover East Nashville’s indie scene, check out The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club or catch a live show at Basement East.

Day 4 – Brunch, Bikes & The Gulch

End your trip in The Gulch, a sleek, modern district packed with murals, shops, and coffee stops. Don’t miss a photo op at “What Lifts You”, the angel wings mural by Kelsey Montague. Brunch at The Dutch or Milk & Honey, then rent a bike and cruise along the Greenway or visit Centennial Park for a replica of the Parthenon, yes, really.

With vibrant energy, southern hospitality, and nonstop photo ops, Nashville is more than just country music, it’s a city that hits every note, and it’s now just one direct flight away.