Live Music & Honky Tonks

One of the things I love most about Nashville is that live music is everywhere. Whether you're bar hopping along Broadway or sitting quietly in a listening room, every venue offers a different side of Music City. Here you'll find a mix of my personal favourites and Nashville's most iconic live music venues - perfect for first-time visitors and returning country music fans alike.

Classic Honky Tonks

  • 📍 207 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

    A hidden gem just off the busiest stretch of Broadway. Smaller crowds, strong live music, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

  • 📍 329 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

    Three floors, three stages, and live music all day long. One of the largest traditional-style honky tonks on Broadway and perfect for bar hopping.

  • 📍 418 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

    A favorite among locals and visitors looking for traditional country and rockabilly. The atmosphere is intimate, the music is excellent, and it's one of the few places that still feels like "old Nashville."

  • 📍 428 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

    Known for consistently great country bands and walls covered in memorabilia from country music legends. A perfect stop for first-time visitors.

  • 📍 409 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

    Home to Nashville's longest bar and an impressive collection of authentic Nudie suits. A fun mix of country music history and modern Broadway energy.

  • 📍 416 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

    Probably the most authentic honky tonk on Broadway. Famous for traditional country music, incredible musicians, cold PBRs and the legendary Recession Special. If you only visit one classic honky tonk, make it this one.

  • 📍 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

    One of Nashville's most iconic bars. Countless country legends - including Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline and Kris Kristofferson—spent time here between performances at the nearby Ryman Auditorium.

  • 📍 420 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

    A laid-back Broadway classic with talented musicians playing country music all day long. Often overlooked, but one of the best places to enjoy authentic live music without the flash.

  • 📍 412 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

    One of the most recognizable venues on Lower Broadway, featuring live country music every day and a lively atmosphere that perfectly captures the Nashville experience.

  • 📍 306 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

    A cozy two-story honky tonk with talented local bands. Ideal if you're looking for a less crowded alternative during busy evenings.

💡 Insider Tip
Broadway can feel a little overwhelming, especially during peak season. If it's your first time in Nashville, I recommend bar hopping rather than spending the whole evening in one place. Every venue has its own atmosphere, live band, and signature drinks.

On my second trip, I already knew exactly where I wanted to go. I made sure to stop by Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa for their delicious Strawberry Margarita and Lainey Wilson's Bell Bottoms Up for one of their frozen daiquiris.

Celebrity Bars

  • Alan Jackson
    📍 421 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

  • Hank Williams Jr.
    📍 419 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

  • Luke Combs

    📍 120 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201

  • Eric Church
    📍 200 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

  • Dierks Bentley
    📍 400 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

  • Garth Brooks
    📍 411 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

  • Hank Williams Jr
    📍419 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

  • Jason Aldean
    📍 307 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

  • Jelly Roll
    📍 209 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

  • Jon Bon Jovi
    📍 405 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

  • Kane Brown

    📍312 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

  • Kid Rock
    📍 221 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

  • Luke Bryan
    📍 301 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

  • Lainey Wilson
    📍 120 3rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37201 (just off Broadway)

  • Morgan Wallen
    📍 107 4th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37219 (just one block off Broadway)

  • Miranda Lambert
    📍 308 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

  • Blake Shelton
    📍 300 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

  • Post Malone
    📍305 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

  • John Rich
    📍 208 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

  • Riley Green
    📍 1913 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203

💡 Insider Tip
On my second trip to Nashville, I had lunch at JBJ's Nashville, and it was delicious. The venue had just been renovated, and it's absolutely stunning inside. Definitely worth a visit! Oh and you can even get a tattoo while you’re there…

Listening Rooms

  • 📍 818 3rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37210

    One of Nashville's best venues for songwriter rounds, Americana and country performances. You'll often find both established artists and rising stars sharing the stage in an intimate setting.

  • 📍 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215

    Probably the world's most famous listening room. Many of Nashville's biggest songwriters—and artists like Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban and Vince Gill - have performed here. The Bluebird is known for its intimate "In The Round" performances, where songwriters take turns sharing both their songs and the stories behind them. Tickets sell out quickly, so booking in advance is essential.

  • 📍 1604 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203

    A cozy venue known for showcasing emerging artists, singer-songwriters and intimate performances across multiple genres.

  • 📍 917 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

    The larger sister venue to The Basement, hosting national touring acts as well as some of Nashville's best local artists.

  • 📍 110 28th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203

    A favorite among locals, musicians and industry professionals. You never know who might walk in or jump on stage, making it one of the best places to discover tomorrow's stars.

  • 📍 618 4th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37210

    Here you'll often hear the writers behind today's biggest country hits performing the songs they wrote for artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Cole Swindell and Megan Moroney. The venue also serves great food and drinks, making it perfect for dinner and a show.

  • 📍 402 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203

    A Nashville institution and the city's most famous bluegrass venue. Since 1974, The Station Inn has welcomed some of the world's best bluegrass, Americana and classic country musicians. If you want an authentic Nashville experience beyond Broadway, this is a must-visit.

💡 Insider Tip
The Bluebird Cafe is probably Nashville's most famous listening room and definitely on my bucket list. Although I haven't been there yet, I did attend a Bluebird on 3rd show at 3rd & Lindsley. The series is hosted in collaboration with The Bluebird Cafe and gives you the same intimate songwriter experience, with incredible artists sharing the stories behind their songs.

beyond broadway:
Printers alley

  • 📍 220 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201

    One of Nashville's best blues clubs, offering live music every night in the heart of historic Printers Alley. A great change of pace if you're looking to explore beyond country music.

  • 📍 207 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201

  • 📍 222 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201

    A true Nashville icon dating back to the 1940s. Known for live jazz, burlesque performances, craft cocktails and an elegant vintage atmosphere, it's one of the city's most unique nightlife experiences.

  • 📍 222 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201

    Inspired by the timeless style of Frank Sinatra, this upscale cocktail lounge is perfect if you're looking for a sophisticated evening away from the crowds of Broadway.

💡 Insider Tip
I didn't discover Printers Alley until my second trip to Nashville, and I'm so glad I did. I walked into Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar and ended up at Ms. Kelli's Karaoke Bar - it turned into one of the most fun nights I've had in Nashville with friends (for now).