Nashville has transformed from a country music mecca into one of America’s most dynamic group travel destinations. Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, a reunion, a girls’ trip, or just a long-overdue getaway with friends, Music City delivers experiences that work for every kind of group. Here’s a curated look at the best things to do in Nashville when you’re rolling deep.
Explore Lower Broadway Together
No Nashville group trip is complete without time on Lower Broadway. This legendary strip of honky-tonks, live music venues, and neon-lit bars is the heartbeat of the city. The best part? It’s free to walk in, the music starts early, and the energy is contagious from noon to midnight.
For groups, the key is to move together and not get separated. That’s where smart transportation planning pays off. Booking a party bus Nashville keeps your crew together as you move between Broadway, The Gulch, and East Nashville — no one gets lost, no one has to be the designated driver, and the party doesn’t stop between venues.
Take a Nashville Food Tour
Nashville’s culinary scene has exploded in recent years, and a food tour is one of the best ways for groups to experience it. From hot chicken at Prince’s or Hattie B’s to upscale Southern cuisine at The Catbird Seat, the city’s food culture is as diverse as its music scene.
Many tour operators offer guided walking or bus tours that hit multiple neighborhoods in a few hours. Alternatively, build your own self-guided tour by mapping out stops in The Gulch, 12 South, and East Nashville.
Catch Live Music at Multiple Venues
Nashville has more live music per square mile than almost any city in the world. For groups, the strategy is to plan a multi-venue night rather than camping at one spot. Start with the iconic honky-tonks on Broadway, then move to a mid-size venue like Mercy Lounge or Marathon Music Works for a ticketed show, and finish the night at a late-night spot in East Nashville.
Check the Nashville Scene’s weekly listings for shows that align with your group’s taste — there’s always something happening, from emerging country artists to indie rock and everything in between.
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame
For groups with even a passing interest in music history, the Country Music Hall of Fame is a must. The exhibits are world-class, the collection is massive, and the building itself is architecturally stunning. Plan for two to three hours and consider booking a guided tour for a richer experience.
Spend an Afternoon in 12 South
12 South is Nashville’s most Instagram-friendly neighborhood — a walkable stretch of boutique shops, coffee houses, and restaurants anchored by the famous “I Believe in Nashville” mural. It’s a daytime and early evening destination rather than a late-night one, making it perfect for the opening act of a longer party tour itinerary.
Biscuit Love is the neighborhood’s most famous brunch spot (expect a wait, but it’s worth it), and Draper James, Reese Witherspoon’s boutique, is a fun browse for the fashion-forward members of your group.
Catch a Nashville Predators Game
If your trip overlaps with hockey season, a Nashville Predators game at Bridgestone Arena is one of the best group experiences in the city. The arena is right downtown, the crowd energy is electric, and the post-game Broadway scene is just steps away.
Plan a Rooftop Bar Crawl
Nashville’s rooftop bar scene is one of its best-kept secrets. L27 Rooftop Lounge, Rare Bird, and Acme Feed & Seed’s rooftop all offer stunning skyline views and great cocktails. A rooftop crawl makes for a memorable group evening — especially at golden hour when the city lights up.
Final Thoughts
Nashville rewards groups who plan ahead and stay flexible. Lock in your transportation early, build an itinerary that mixes iconic stops with hidden gems, and leave room for spontaneous discoveries. The city has a way of surprising even repeat visitors — and that’s exactly what makes it one of the best group travel destinations in the country.