Things To Do on Broadway Nashville (Day & Night Guide)

Broadway is the heartbeat of Nashville. Whether you’ve never set foot in Music City or you’ve visited a dozen times, there is always something new to discover on this iconic strip of honky tonks, rooftop bars, live music, and larger-than-life energy. This guide covers everything to do on Broadway Nashville, from morning sightseeing to late-night bar crawls, including the best bars, must-see landmarks, seasonal tips, and how the experience shifts dramatically from day to night.

What Is Broadway Nashville?

Lower Broadway is Nashville’s most famous street, a stretch running from roughly 1st Avenue to 5th Avenue in the heart of downtown, lined with multi-story honky tonks, live music venues, restaurants, and some of the most recognizable bars in the country. It’s where country music history lives alongside neon lights and rooftop crowds.

What makes Broadway Nashville worth visiting:

• Live country music plays in virtually every venue, every day of the week, starting as early as 10am
• Most honky tonks have no cover charge to walk in
• Multi-story bars with a different band on each floor mean you can bar-hop vertically
• Celebrity-owned venues including: Old Red (Blake Shelton), Whiskey Row (Dierks Bentley), Lainey Wilson’s Bel Bottoms Up bar, Jason Aldean’s Kitch + Rooftop Bar, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse and bar, and Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa bar.
• Walking distance from the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, and the Cumberland Riverfront
• The Country Music Walk of Fame is free and right on the strip

Broadway is almost entirely a 21+ environment after 9/10pm at most venues, though daytime hours tend to be more relaxed. Always check individual bar policies if you’re visiting with younger adults.

Things To Do on Broadway Nashville During the Day

Daytime Broadway is Nashville’s best-kept secret. Locals and seasoned visitors know that the hours between 10am and 5pm offer a version of Broadway that’s just as fun as the night and a lot easier to actually enjoy.

Daytime Honky Tonk Bar Hopping

The live music never stops on Broadway. Walk in before noon and you’ll find full bands playing classic country on stages that, by midnight, will be packed wall-to-wall. Afternoon bar hopping lets you actually hear the music, chat with the bartenders, and move freely between venues without fighting through a crowd.

Best bars to hit during the day:

• Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: The most iconic bar on Broadway. Multiple floors, incredible history (Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson both played here), and a purple exterior you can’t miss. Go here first.
• Robert’s Western World: A throwback honky tonk with a classic vibe and cold beer. Famous for the Recession Special (a fried bologna sandwich and a PBR). Exactly what Broadway is supposed to feel like.
• Legends Corner: One of the oldest bars on Broadway. Authentic, no-frills, and a favorite among locals for a reason.
• Whiskey Row: Dierks Bentley’s bar brings a little more polish to the strip. Great for a mid-afternoon whiskey and a relaxed vibe before the evening rush.

Don’t miss Printer’s Alley, located just a short walk off of Broadway. This historic hidden gem offers a change of pace from Broadway with different musical vibes, including jazz clubs and lively karaoke bars. It’s a local favorite that ends up being one of everyone’s best-loved spots, but only if you know it’s there!

Broadway Nashville Landmarks & Sightseeing

Broadway isn’t just bars. The surrounding blocks are packed with landmarks worth building into your visit, especially during daylight hours.

• Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum: Budget 2–3 hours for a full visit. The exhibits are genuinely world-class and the building itself is architecturally stunning. Located right at the end of Broadway near 4th Ave.
• Country Music Walk of Fame: Free, outdoor, and walkable. Bronze medallions embedded in the sidewalk honor legends like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Chet Atkins.
• Ryman Auditorium: Just a block off Broadway on 5th Ave. Called the “Mother Church of Country Music” for a reason. Self-guided tours are available daily. If a show is happening during your visit, get a ticket because the acoustics are unreal!
• Cumberland Riverfront Park: Walk east from Broadway down to 1st Ave and enjoy free views of the Cumberland River and the Nashville skyline. Great photo spot.
• Bridgestone Arena: Home of the Nashville Predators and a major concert venue. Check the schedule of shows and events, because it’s a great start to a Broadway night.

Daytime Tours on Broadway Nashville

One of the most popular ways to experience Broadway during the day is by the Nashville Pedal Tavern! The Nashville Pedal Tavern Broadway Tour starts at our location on Demonbreun Street, winds through downtown, and ends near 5th Ave and Broadway right at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Along the way, you pass the Walk of Fame, Bridgestone Arena, the Riverfront, and all the landmarks that make this neighborhood iconic.

Why daytime tours work especially well:

• Cooler and more comfortable than evening rides in summer
• Easier to navigate around traffic and crowds
• Perfect kickoff for a bachelorette party, birthday group, or corporate outing before a full evening on Broadway
• Bar stops include drink specials for riders at some of Nashville’s most iconic venues
• You get your bearings on the neighborhood before hitting it on foot later

Public tours run at $49.99 per person (or $52.99 on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm and later). Private tours for your full group start at $520 for a 90-minute exclusive experience.

Things To Do on Broadway Nashville at Night

If daytime Broadway is Nashville’s best-kept secret, nighttime Broadway is the reason Nashville has a reputation. After 7pm, everything turns up. The music gets louder, the crowds get thicker, the rooftops fill up, and the whole strip takes on a completely different energy.

The Honky Tonk Crawl After Dark

The multi-story bars come fully alive at night. What was a relaxed afternoon space becomes a full-on concert venue and dance floor by 8pm. Each floor of a bar like Tootsie’s or Jason Aldean’s has its own band, its own vibe, and its own crowd. You could spend hours in a single building without running out of things to experience.

A suggested Broadway Nashville night crawl:

• Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: Start here. Classic, historic, multiple floors. Get a drink, take in the history, then keep moving.
• Friends in Low Places: Garth Brooks’ massive, multi-story honky tonk. It’s an energetic spot with great production, a massive rooftop, and plenty of space to enjoy the music.
• Old Red: Blake Shelton’s bar brings serious production value to Broadway. The space is beautiful, the drinks are solid, and you’ll want to see at least one floor.
• Whiskey Row: Dierks Bentley’s spot gets significantly more energetic at night. The upper floors are worth the climb.
• Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar: End up here for some of the best nighttime views of the Broadway strip. Watching the neon glow from above is a Nashville moment you won’t forget.

Tips for navigating Broadway at night:

• Arrive before 8pm on Friday and Saturday if you want to avoid the peak crowd rush
• Wear comfortable shoes. The bars involve stairs, crowded floors, and a lot of standing
• Bring cash for tips; bartenders on Broadway work hard and cash tips are appreciated
• Rideshare in and out; parking near Broadway at night is expensive and hard to find
• Eat before you hit Broadway. Restaurant wait times can stretch 60–90 minutes on weekend nights

Nighttime Nashville Pedal Tavern Tours on Broadway

Evening tours on the Nashville Pedal Tavern have a completely different energy than the daytime experience. The city is lit up, the bars are in full swing, and the whole group hits the tour with the excitement of a night that’s just getting started.

Our Broadway Tour stops at several of Nashville’s most iconic bars along the route, and riders get drink discounts at each stop. Along the way, your guide keeps the music going and runs some of the signature social traditions that have become part of the Pedal Tavern experience. Including Red Light Socials (hit a red light, raise your drink) and Honky Tonk Socials (a car honks at us, everyone cheers). If you want to stay on the bike at a stop and play flip cup to Thunderstruck, we’re not going to stop you.

Reviews from Past Nashville Pedal Tavern Customers:

One guest who did the Broadway Tour said it was the best thing she did in Nashville! The tour stops at three to five bars with drink discounts for riders, and each stop gives the group 20–40 minutes to explore before heading back.

Another group called it the highlight of their entire bachelorette trip: “It ends in a great part of town so we kept the party going as soon as we were done.”

A third rider specifically called out the George Jones rooftop stop and the guide keeping the party going with games on the bike.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Broadway Nashville?

The answer to when the best time is to visit Nashville and go downtown to Broadway depends on what kind of experience you’re after, and it changes by season, day of week, and even time of day.

Broadway Nashville by Season

Broadway Nashville by Day of Week

• Monday–Thursday: The Broadway experience without the Broadway chaos. Locals mix in, wait times are short, and you can actually have a conversation at a bar. Ideal for first-timers or anyone who wants a more relaxed pace.
• Friday–Sunday: Full Nashville energy. This is the version of Broadway you’ve seen in Instagram videos. Packed rooftops, long lines, and a city that has fully committed to a good time. Worth experiencing at least once, but go in with eyes open.

Major Nashville Events That Impact Broadway

Planning around these means either leaning in (and booking everything well in advance) or strategically avoiding them:

• CMA Fest (June): One of the biggest country music events in the world. Broadway goes absolutely wild. Book months ahead.
• New Year’s Eve: Nashville’s NYE celebration rivals any city in the country. Broadway is the epicenter.
• Bachelorette season (March–October): Broadway is one of the top bachelorette destinations in the country, and it shows from spring through fall.
• Sporting events, marathons, major conventions, and Predators playoff runs: Check the calendar; any large event downtown sends Broadway crowds up significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broadway Nashville

Is Broadway Nashville free to visit?

Yes. Walking Broadway and entering most honky tonks is completely free. The vast majority of bars on Lower Broadway have no cover charge. You pay for your drinks inside, but getting in the door costs nothing. A few venues may have a cover for special events or during peak hours; this varies by night.

What time does Broadway Nashville get busy?

Crowds start building around 6–7pm on weeknights and as early as 4–5pm on Friday and Saturday. Daytime hours (especially before 3pm) are significantly calmer and still have full live music. If you want the experience without the crowd, afternoon visits are underrated.

Is Broadway Nashville 21+?

Most bars enforce a 21+ policy after approximately 9–10pm. Daytime hours are generally more relaxed, but individual venue policies vary. Check with specific bars if this matters for your group. All Nashville Pedal Tavern tours are 21+ to ride.

How long should I spend on Broadway Nashville?

Budget at least 2–3 hours for a casual visit. This will be enough to hit three or four bars and walk the strip. For a proper night out, plan for 4–5 hours. If you’re doing a pedal tavern tour, that accounts for 90 minutes of structured experience, and most groups keep going on their own afterward.

What are the best bars on Broadway in Nashville?

Consistently top-rated options include Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Robert’s Western World, Legends Corner, George Jones, Whiskey Row (Dierks Bentley), Old Red (Blake Shelton), Lainey Wilson’s bar, and Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar.

What tours are available on Broadway Nashville?

The Nashville Pedal Tavern Broadway Tour is one of the most popular! It’s a pedal pub crawl through downtown that stops at several iconic bars with drink discounts for riders. Public spots are available for individuals and small groups; private tours let you book the whole bike. You can explore all tour options and book at nashvillepedaltavern.com.

Is Broadway Nashville good for bachelorette parties?

Absolutely. Nashville consistently ranks as one of the top bachelorette destinations in the country, and Broadway is the reason. The combination of walkable bars, rooftop venues, live music, and group-friendly activities (including pedal tavern tours) makes it a natural fit. Many groups start with a Broadway Tour as their kickoff activity before hitting the strip on foot.

What should I do on Broadway Nashville before the bars?

The Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Cumberland Riverfront are all within walking distance and make for a great afternoon before the evening begins. A daytime pedal tavern tour is also a perfect way to get oriented before bar hopping on your own.

Tips for Making the Most of Broadway Nashville

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, these practical tips make a real difference:

• Book in advance for weekends. Tours, rooftop bars, and popular restaurants fill up fast. Don’t leave it to the day-of.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be on your feet for hours, navigating stairs, crowds, and sidewalks.
• Eat before you hit the strip. Restaurant waits on Broadway can stretch 60–90 minutes on busy nights. Grab dinner slightly off the strip and arrive ready to drink and move.
• Bring cash for tips. Bartenders on Broadway are working fast and hard. Cash tips are always appreciated.
• Rideshare in and out. Parking near Broadway is expensive and scarce. Lyft and Uber drop-offs are simple and cheap compared to parking garage rates. *Or book The Nashville Pedal Tavern as your way to get downtown Broadway and kickoff the fun!!
• Start your tour early. Whether you’re doing a pedal tavern tour or a self-guided crawl, starting before 7pm gives you the best of both worlds: less crowded and still fully lit up.
• Plan your exit. Most Nashville Pedal Tavern tours end near Broadway, not at the starting location. Plan your rideshare pickup from downtown in advance so the end of the tour flows straight into the rest of your night.

The Best Way to Experience Broadway: Nashville Pedal Tavern

There are a lot of ways to experience Broadway in Nashville. But if you want to hit the highlights, make new friends, have a built-in party on wheels, and arrive at the strip already having the best time of your trip — the Nashville Pedal Tavern is the best way to see Broadway and kick off your time down there!

Here’s what the party bike experience looks like:

• Starts at our home base at 1504 Demonbreun Street in Midtown
• Routes through around downtown Nashville may ride past the Country Music Walk of Fame, Bridgestone Arena, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Cumberland Riverfront
• Stops at some of Nashville’s most iconic Broadway bars with drink specials for riders at each stop
• Ends near Broadway, right in the heart of the strip so your night continues the moment you step off
• Tours run 90 minutes. Your guide handles the music, keeps the drinks cold from the cooler, and makes sure the energy never drops.

Public Tours are perfect for individuals and small groups who want to join other Nashville visitors and make the group part of the fun.

Private Tours give your group the whole bike for a completely personalized experience: up to 15 riders for 90 minutes.
Whether you’re planning a bachelorette party, a birthday, a corporate outing, or just a visit to Nashville that you actually want to remember, the Nashville Pedal Tavern party bike tour is the right call!

All Nashville Pedal Tavern tours are 21+ to ride. BYOB rules apply — pre-order your drinks through The Bike Barrel for easy pickup. Tours start at 1504 Demonbreun St and end near Lower Broadway. Riders are responsible for their own transportation from the end point.