- Verdict: do it smarter. We score it 6.3 out of 10.
- Many honky-tonks have no regular cover, so the music is free; tip the band.
- Go Sunday to Thursday in the afternoon or early evening to skip weekend crowds.
- Live music runs from around 10 AM to about 3 AM daily (Visit Music City).
Lower Broadway is the picture most people have of Nashville. Is it worth your time? Our verdict is do it smarter, with a score of 6.3 out of 10.
What you get
Visit Music City says live music starts around 10 AM and runs until about 3 AM every day, and that many Lower Broadway honky-tonks do not charge a regular cover. That makes it one of the best free things to do in the city, as long as you tip the band.
What costs you
Crowds. It is loudest at night and on weekends, and downtown parking is limited when it is busy. Age rules also vary: some venues welcome all ages during the day and restrict entry to 21 and older at night, so check before you bring kids.
How to do it smarter
- Go early. A Sunday to Thursday afternoon or early evening is far calmer than a weekend night.
- Pick a spot. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is the classic neon-sign dive. Robert’s Western World plays traditional country from open to close and is all ages until 6 PM, per its own site.
- Use the second door. Visit Music City says Tootsie’s, The Stage on Broadway and Legends Corner each have a second entrance if the front is packed.
- Watch your drink. Keep a tight grip on it so it is never left unattended.
- Plan your ride. Walk, take transit or rideshare.
The bottom line
Worth an afternoon, not a whole trip. Pair it with the Ryman and the Pedestrian Bridge, and see our full Lower Broadway page.