Nashville Itinerary for Your 40th Birthday Getaway

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If you’re looking for a fun, music-filled, slightly rowdy, yet totally unforgettable way to celebrate your 40th birthday, Nashville is the perfect spot. In fact, that’s where I just celebrated my big 4-0 with a group of girl friends and some hubbies. We had the absolute best time, so I want to share our Nashville itinerary for those who want to do a little bit of everything.

Nashville is packed with live music, incredible restaurants, rooftop bars, and plenty of places to toast to turning 40. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, your partner, or a mix of both like I did, here’s how to make the most of a long weekend in Music City.

And, if you’re looking for more 40th birthday travel ideas, check these out.

Where to Stay in Nashville

Nashville has no shortage of fun, centrally located hotels that will make your birthday feel special. I chose to stay in the trendy Gulch neighborhood. It’s a bit removed from the chaos of Broadway, but still plenty close to some of the must-dos on my Nashville itinerary, such as the murals, brunch places and cute shops.

Check out this breakdown of the best neighborhoods to stay in while visiting Nashville.

A few favorites hotels to consider:

• The Graduate Nashville – A vibrant, Instagram-worthy hotel with Dolly Parton vibes, a rooftop bar (White Limozeen), and a fun, playful atmosphere. Perfect for a girls’ trip.
• Thompson Nashville – This is where we stayed. Located in The Gulch, this chic hotel has sleek rooms and a rooftop bar with amazing city views.
• The W Nashville – A stylish, upscale choice in The Gulch with a rooftop pool, a lively lobby bar, and easy access to Nashville’s best dining and nightlife. We used the pool here (with ResortPass) since the Thompson doesn’t have a pool.
• Noelle Nashville – A boutique hotel downtown with a cool, artsy feel. Bonus: it’s within walking distance to Broadway but not right in the chaos.

Nashville Itinerary Day 1: Settle In and Celebrate

Check-in & Afternoon Drinks: Drop your bags and kick things off at White Limozeen (even if you’re not staying at The Graduate). The rooftop poolside bar has great cocktails and plenty of photo-worthy moments. And it’s just off of Broadway, so a great spot to kick off some bar hopping.

The first thing we did after checking in was grab a cab to Broadway. We wanted to go boot shopping so we’d have cute boots for our trip. Boot Country on Broadway has a standing deal where you can buy 1 pair and get 2 free (and you can mix and match sizes, making the deal shareable). It’s a great spot to check out if you want some cute Nashville boots!

• Dinner: If you want a more traditional, sit-down experience, head to The Southern Steak & Oyster This is a lively spot with fresh oysters, delicious steaks, and a celebratory vibe. Or, you can do a taste of Nashville like we did, and just order some appetizers along the way on Broadway. Ole Red, Jason Aldean’s and Friends all have delicious menus.
• After-Dinner Fun: Continue on Broadway to check out more honky-tonks. Even if you’re not a huge country music fan, the energy is contagious. Pop into Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge or Robert’s Western World for a classic Nashville experience.

Nashville Itinerary Day 2: Music, Murals, and Nightlife

• Brunch: Start with Hampton Social, a bright, coastal-inspired restaurant with great brunch cocktails and a “rosé all day” vibe. Or if you’re staying in the Gulch neighborhood, breakfast at Biscuit Love is a must.
• Daytime Activities:
  • Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame (even non-country fans love it).
  • Stroll through The Gulch to check out boutiques and grab a photo with the famous “What Lifts You” angel wings mural.
  • If you’re into history, swing by Ryman Auditorium for a tour.
  • Take a free line dancing lesson at Category 10. We did, and it was so much fun!
• Dinner: Treat yourself to Kayne Prime, one of the best steakhouses in town with elevated sides and craft cocktails.
• Nightlife: For a more upscale evening, head to L.A. Jackson, the rooftop bar at the Thompson, or grab tickets to a show at the Grand Ole Opry (bucket-list-worthy for any Nashville trip).
• We booked the Grand Ole Opry tickets that included lounge access with unlimited drinks and appetizers. We also got to meet a performer there and have our photo taken with our group.

Nashville Itinerary Day 3: Explore Beyond Broadway

• Brunch: Pinewood Social, where you can sip mimosas, enjoy Southern-inspired dishes, and even bowl a few frames at their in-house lanes.
• Daytime Activities:
  • Check out 12South, a trendy neighborhood with fun shops, murals (including the “I Believe in Nashville” mural), and plenty of coffee stops.
  • If you want to keep things active, book a pedal tavern or party bus tour—a very Nashville way to celebrate.
  • Looking to cool off and not walk as much? Book a cabana at a hotel pool. We booked a cabana at the W, which is right across the street from the Thompson where we stayed.
• Dinner: For something lively, book The Twelve Thirty Club (especially their rooftop for views and cocktails). It’s perfect for a birthday celebration. I recommend the espresso martini tower!
• Nightcap: End the night with live music at The Listening Room Café (pictured above), which offers a more intimate experience than the honky-tonks.

Optional Day 4: Relax and Recharge

If you’re staying a fourth day, keep it low-key:

• Grab breakfast at Biscuit Love (if you haven’t already).
• Enjoy lunch or a late-night snack at Hattie B’s if you haven’t already. It’s a staple in Nashville.
• Walk along the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for skyline views and photos. Check out Printers Alley for a laidback vibe.
• Book a murals tour to catch all of the amazing murals in Nashville.
• If you’re craving more music history, stop by the Johnny Cash Museum before heading home.

Final Tips for a Perfect 40th Birthday in Nashville Itinerary

• Make restaurant reservations early—Nashville’s food scene is busy, especially on weekends.
• If you’re not into Broadway crowds, focus on neighborhoods like The Gulch, 12South, or Germantown for dining and nightlife.
• We were there mid-week in July, starting on a Wednesday and leaving on a Saturday. Wednesday was a lot quieter and easier to snag tables. Thursday got busier, and by Friday, places had lines and were jam packed (they closed Broadway at night!). Keep that in mind when you choose your dates–we were so thankful we only had one crazy busy day while we were there.

Interested in more southern fun? Check out some of my other popular blog posts:

• Top Family Hotels in Gatlinburg
• The Best Water Park Hotels in Pigeon Forge
• The Best Fall Destinations for Families
• Top 4th of July Destinations Throughout the U.S.

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