must visit places in nashville

Nashville   Travel Guide

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28 Best Things to Do in Nashville, Tennessee

There’s more to Nashville than the live entertainment and bars on Broadway (though those are very much worth experiencing – especially on a guided tour ). In recent years, Nashville has propelled its "It City" status by becoming a beacon for

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Grand Ole Opry Grand Ole Opry

U.S. News Insider Tip: Take the “Women of Country” tour to learn about the women who shaped country music, from Dolly Parton to Carrie Underwood, complete with mimosas and petit fours. – Kellie Walton

The Grand Ole Opry began as a radio show in 1925, and it put Nashville on the map as the "Country Music Capital of the World." Throughout its history, the Grand Ole Opry has called several different places home (including the Ryman Auditorium ), but has always hosted country performers from legends like Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton to favorites like Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.

Ryman Auditorium Ryman Auditorium

IU.S. News Insider Tip:  Take the tour to learn of this building's fascinating history, and check the calendar to see if you can experience a live performance. The intimacy of the space and amazing acoustics are one-of-a-kind. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

There's no better place to start absorbing Nashville's musical heritage than the Ryman Auditorium. It's no longer home to the Grand Ole Opry , but the venue continues to host contemporary acts like Trace Adkins, Blake Shelton and Luke Combs. The Ryman is not only for country stars however; it has hosted musicians like Paul Simon and comedians such as John Mulaney. Recent visitors suggest opting for a tour to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the legendary music venue. Sit in on the "Soul of Nashville" screening for a multidimensional experience that uses archival images and footage of performers from the Ryman's past to illustrate its role in music history. Plus, you can learn about the building's backstory with its "Workin' on a Building" exhibit, which displays artifacts from the Ryman's construction. What's more, you can test out your own pipes at the recording studio (subject to availability). The Ryman is also a featured stop on many of the city's top guided tours .

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Check the calendar for Songwriter Sessions (typically on Saturdays) in the Ford Theater, for a glimpse into the songwriting process. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Music and history lovers can mix and mingle over the exhibits found at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Peruse the plaques dedicated to country music's finest – from Patsy Cline to Reba McEntire to Alan Jackson – and walk among artifacts like Johnny Cash's guitar and Elvis Presley's "solid gold" Cadillac limo. For an interactive history lesson on the roots and evolution of country music, take a self-guided walk through the "Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music" exhibit. In addition to its permanent exhibit, the museum hosts various revolving temporary exhibits, which often focus on particular artists. Stop to browse the two-story wall plastered gold and platinum country records, and then head to Historic RCA Studio B . One of the world's most influential recording studios and a Music Row landmark, Studio B produced more than 35,000 songs by legends like Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings and Roy Orbison. (Note: Studio B is about 1.5 miles southwest of the museum.)

Popular Tours

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Grand Ole Opry Show Admission Ticket in Nashville

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Broadway Broadway free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Bar hop among the different Broadway bars to hear some of the most talented singers in the city. Bring some cash to tip the musicians and request your favorite country songs. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

While many people visit Nashville to soak up the history of country music at the city's museums (like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum ), others prefer enjoying the tunes in person. The best way to do that is to visit Broadway, downtown Nashville's main thoroughfare. Lower Broadway is nicknamed the "Honky Tonk Highway" because of the numerous spots that host live acts daily. What's more, there's no cover charge to the establishments, so you can bar hop as you please.

National Museum of African American Music National Museum of African American Music

The city of Nashville embodies more than just country music, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the National Museum of African American Music. Opened in 2021, the museum aims to educate visitors on the influence of African American people on more than 50 genres of popular music, including jazz, gospel and hip-hop.

Each of the museum's galleries focuses on how African American music changed through specific time periods. The "Wade in the Water" gallery highlights the call-and-response spirituals of the 1600s, while the "Crossroads" gallery showcases the emergence of blues music. The "A Love Supreme" gallery teaches museumgoers about the musical traditions of New Orleans and the emergence of the music now known as jazz, and the "One Nation Under a Groove" gallery details the emergence of R&B starting in the 1940s and chronicles music popularized by the civil rights era. Finally, "The Message" gallery offers a detailed look into hip-hop, rap and youth culture up until the present day. Interactive elements and musical artifacts like sheet music and costumes add to the informative displays. Recent visitors came away deeply impressed with everything from the comprehensive history presented to entertaining interactive exhibits.

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

After a day exploring the roots of the "Country Music Capital of the World," why not experience the sounds of Music City first-hand? If you're looking for a fun atmosphere with top-notch performances, Tootsie's "World Famous" Orchid Lounge on Broadway is the place to go. Since the days when the Grand Ole Opry  called the  Ryman Auditorium  home, this downtown bar has been featuring performances by both world-renowned and up-and-coming artists. Indeed, the place abounds in country music history: part of the Loretta Lynn biopic "A Coal Miner’s Daughter" was filmed here, and legend has it that Willie Nelson got his first songwriting job after performing at Tootsie's.

Patrons have mixed opinions about Tootsie's with some complaining about average food, expensive drinks, and musicians assertively soliciting tips, while others say the multiple floors of first-rate music make up for the woes. Though some travelers bemoan the bar's cramped atmosphere, many believe it's part of the Tootsie's experience.

Best Nashville Tours

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Bluebird Cafe Bluebird Cafe

U.S. News Insider Tip: This intimate venue is where stars like Garth Brooks were discovered. Check the calendar at least a month prior to your visit to get tickets in advance. There's a very limited amount of tickets that might be released the day of, but it's a must-experience spot in Music City. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

The Bluebird Cafe is an intimate, 90-seat music venue that presents two shows per night every night of the week. Despites its unimpressive appearance, location in a strip mall outside of downtown and small size, the Bluebird achieved a reputation as a songwriter's space, and many significant performers have graced its stage over the years. Garth Brooks, for instance, performed at its open mic night before hitting the big time. Be aware that the cafe has a "Shhh policy" which encourages folks to stay quiet during all performances. (As souvenir you can buy a T-shirt with "Shhhh!" printed on the back.)

Centennial Park Centennial Park free

Encompassing the site of the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, 132-acre Centennial Park boasts an art center, a lake, a walking trail, a band shell, volleyball courts, a dog park and various historical monuments. It's also home to the Parthenon as well as the Centennial Sportsplex, a facility for swimming, tennis and year-round ice skating. The park hosts numerous festivals as well as free concerts on Saturdays in spring and fall.

Reviewers frequently say that this peaceful, well-maintained greenspace is a lovely place to take a walk. Many say the Parthenon is the must-see attraction here.

1-Hour Nashville Line Dancing Class

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Historic RCA Studio B Historic RCA Studio B

In its heyday, this recording studio welcomed greats like Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, and the Everly Brothers through its doors. It is now part of the nonprofit Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum , and has been restored and renovated to reflect its historic roots. Built in 1957, the studio became famous for promoting the "Nashville sound" and put the city on the map as an international recording center. Today, visitors can take a tour of the studio to see where the stars recorded their music. Visitors give high marks to informative and engaging guides, with many saying the tour was a highlight of their visit to Nashville.

The studio is about 1.5 miles away from the Country Music Hall of Fame, where the tours depart (transportation is included). One-hour tours of Studio B are offered between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets for adults are $51.95 and include admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Youth tickets are $41.95. More information can be found on the website .

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Nelson's Green Brier Distillery

Fans of Tennessee whiskey and bourbon should make time for a stop at Nelson's Green Brier Distillery during their visit to Nashville. The distillery's roots reach back to the late 1800s, when Charles Nelson, a German immigrant, started producing whiskey in Greenbrier, Tennessee. It became so popular he ended up selling about 2 million bottles of whiskey in 1885 alone. Nelson was one of the first distillery owners to sell whiskey in bottles rather than more cumbersome jugs or barrels, which allowed him to achieve wide-spread distribution. He died in 1891 and his wife Louisa took over, though in 1909, Tennessee’s statewide Prohibition forced her to shutter the operation. Nearly 100 years later, the couple's great-great-great-grandsons, brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson, restored the business and brought the operation to Nashville. Today, the venue features the distillery, a tasting room, an event space and a gift and bottle shop. Tours of the distillery run on weekends.

Past travelers called the tasting fun and informational. Others said to sign up for a tour. Visitors said the friendly staff members were particularly knowledgeable and all the whiskey samples were excellent.

The Hermitage The Hermitage

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're a history buff, be sure to visit this historic site for a glimpse into the life of Andrew Jackson, as well as the realities of the lives of the enslaved people of the estate. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Constructed between 1819 and 1821 for President Andrew Jackson, this Federal-style mansion stands as a National Historic Landmark and a preserved window into the home life of Jackson. Many may be familiar with Jackson from his role in the War of 1812, his stint as president and his appearance on the $20 bill, but a tour of the massive estate provides a more up-close-and-personal look. Along the guided tour you'll see the main house, plus have (unguided) access to the garden, the quarters where enslaved people lived, Jackson's tomb and the Old Hermitage Church. 

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

U.S. News Insider Tip: While the blooms may fade in colder weather, the grounds are just as stunning when covered in mums and pumpkins each fall and draped in one million dazzling lights each holiday season. – Kellie Walton

Art aficionados and nature lovers alike should plan on making a stop at the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. With its greenhouses, sculpture trail and chromatic flower display, the 55-acre Botanical Garden offers sanctuary from downtown's bustle. In fact, the garden comprises multiple distinct gardens, including one dedicated to boxwoods, another focused on dogwoods, a rose garden, a Japanese garden, an herb garden and one intended to inspire writing that features a small amphitheater for literary events. The on-site art museum is just as striking. Housed in the original Georgian-style Cheek family mansion, the museum boasts an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century American paintings as well as antique furniture, photographs, prints, sculpture and artifacts from around the world.

Fifth + Broadway Fifth + Broadway free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Prolific restaurateur Sam Fox debuted a multistory restaurant concept that connects to Fifth + Broadway. Keep your eyes peeled for a hidden door on the street level that leads to an underground margarita bar, Pushing Daisies. – Kellie Walton

Broadway is one of Nashville’s top destinations, made even more desirable through the addition of the city’s largest mixed-use development, Fifth + Broadway. From retail shops to restaurants and residential space, Fifth and Broadway offers a plethora of options adjacent to Music City’s famed honky-tonk bars. Stroll the outdoor plaza to shop at retailers like Apple, Tecovas, Free People, and locally-loved boutiques like REVV and The Nash Collection, then stop for a pick-me-up at Elixr Coffee Roasters or Jeni’s for a sweet treat. 

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Radnor Lake State Park Radnor Lake State Park free

Though Nashville is a bustling metropolis, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors right on the outskirts of town. Located less than 15 miles south of downtown, Radnor Lake State Park is a calm and serene getaway for those looking to go for a walk and observe nature. The 1,368-acre park features a variety of plants and animals, including owls, waterfowl and herons. Plus, there are numerous jogging, hiking and biking trails in the park, many of which provide impressive lake views. If you're looking to learn more about local birds in the area, check out the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center for interactive displays, ranger-led programs and panoramic views of the surrounding hillside.

Parkgoers say they loved going on peaceful walks in this park and were astonished at the amount of wildlife they saw. Some people advise getting there early to get parking if you drive.

The Johnny Cash Museum The Johnny Cash Museum

Uncover the enigma behind "The Man in Black" with a visit to The Johnny Cash Museum. The museum boasts the world's largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia, including items from the film "Walk the Line" (which is about Cash's life), handwritten notes and letters penned by Cash and costumes worn during his career. Exhibits spotlight different periods in Cash's life, including his years in the Air Force, his marriage to June Carter and his famous prison concert tour. And because the museum is officially endorsed by the Cash family, you can bet you'll stumble across other personal mementos not available to the public anywhere else, like a stone wall excavated from Johnny and June's Hendersonville house.

Fans love the wealth of information on display at this museum. Not much of a Cash devotee? Museumgoers say you should still make time to visit. Some warn, however, that it can get crowded. Others complain that admission fees were too high for the small museum.

Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery

U.S. News Insider Tip: The historic home tour is worth the trip, and be sure to allow time to visit the winery for a tasting. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Belle Meade, which sits 8 miles southwest of downtown Nashville, offers a look into the lives of Tennesseans throughout the 1800s. The Greek revival-style mansion was built in 1853 and 1854 and is centrally located on the historic site's 32 acres of manicured grounds. Guides offer tours of the mansion's interior. 

Nashville Bus Tours Nashville Bus Tours

Bus tours offer almost effortless means of taking in what Nashville has to offer, whether you simply want to see the city's top attractions or have specific interests, such as music, comedy, celebrities or a certain adult beverage. Here are some to consider:

Old Town Trolley Tours – Nashville Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour: Explore the sights and sounds of Nashville at your own pace on this hop-on hop-off excursion. Vehicles stop at 13 prime attractions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame , Ryman Auditorium , Belmont Mansion and Centennial Park . Tours feature live commentary. They occur daily between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets cost about $55 for single-day tours. You may be able to score discounted tickets if you book online in advance. Riders say this tour offers a great way to learn about the city and praise its knowledgeable, entertaining guides.

Arrington Vineyards Arrington Vineyards

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you’re a fan of Arrington Vineyards, join Kix’s Wine Club to receive select bottles quarterly (with shipping available), and unlock discounts and special pricing for your next visit to the grounds. – Kellie Walton

Nestled in a south Nashville small town, Arrington Vineyards is a stunning winery co-owned by Kip Summers and country music star Kix Brooks (formerly of Brooks and Dunn). The rustic retreat boasts a primary farmhouse for wine tastings and multiple retail areas to grab a bottle or a flight of the brand’s signature wines, which range from red blends to white varietals and sparkling wine. Arrington Vineyards also offers a rotating seasonal frosé, which is especially refreshing during scorching Tennessee summers. 

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Belmont Mansion Belmont Mansion

If you love history or art, make time for a tour of Belmont Mansion – the largest house museum in Nashville. This Italian-style villa was constructed in the 1850s for Adelicia Acklen, one of the wealthiest women in the country at the time and, according to some, Nashville's own Scarlett O'Hara. Although it was originally built to be a summer home, the mansion was quite stately and featured an art gallery, a bowling alley, a zoo and gardens. A tour of the approximately 20,000-square-foot mansion leads visitors through rooms ornately decorated with 19th-century antiques and lavish art.

Visitors praise the nicely preserved interior and knowledgeable docents stationed throughout the mansion. However, some visitors felt their guides did not spend enough time acknowledging the backbreaking work of the property's enslaved workers, who, along with European immigrant servants, built and maintained this opulent mansion. Unfortunately, many physical remnants of the enslaved people at Belmont Mansion were destroyed over the course of history, but you can still learn some information about some of the property's enslaved families on the Belmont Mansion website .  

The Parthenon The Parthenon

Nashville is a city of many nicknames and most of them have to do with music. Still, the city is also known as the "Athens of the South" thanks to the numerous higher education institutions established there. This identity is reinforced with the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the one found in Athens . Although Nashville's Parthenon was only meant to be temporary – it was built for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897 – it has since become a beloved attraction, housing models of the statues found in the original structure as well as an impressive art collection. Travelers praise the well-kept grounds, peaceful atmosphere and magnificent building, recommending an evening visit to see it illuminated. Others rave about the fascinating exhibits and love the giant statue of Athena.

Located in Centennial Park about 2 miles west of Music Row , the Parthenon is open every day, though hours can vary by the week and the season. Check its website before you visit for current hours. Admission costs $10 for adults and $8 for seniors (older than 62) and children ages 4 to 17. However, you can tour the exterior of the building and its grounds for free.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Grab your camera (or phone) and walk this picturesque bridge, stopping midway for a fantastic selfie with the Nashville skyline. If it looks familiar, it's likely because many music videos have utilized the vantage point from this spot. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Formerly called the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge (and before that, the Sparkman Street Bridge), the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge – which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places – was built from 1907 through 1909. It was constructed to connect downtown Nashville to the suburbs of East Nashville. Designed by Howard M. Jones, the chief office engineer of the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railway, the bridge contains 48 spans, including four steel trusses and two reinforced concrete trusses. They're the only concrete trusses to be known of in Tennessee. In 1998, the city stopped allowing vehicles on the bridge due to its poor condition, and in 2003 it was restored and became a pedestrian-only walkway. There is also 15-foot-wide central bike lane in the middle of the bridge. Pedestrians can stop and relax at one of four overlooks along the bridge, which offer panoramic views of Nashville to the north and south. 

Music Row Music Row free

With record companies, recording studios, music publishers and related organizations as well as the Historic RCA Studio B , Music Row stands as the center of Nashville's storied music industry. In addition to the sites where musical history was made, this area southwest of downtown also has plenty of eateries and shops.

Music Row may not be as flashy or brassy as Broadway , but the area is a must-see destination for music lovers. Because the neighborhood is comparatively nondescript, many travelers recommend taking a guided tour to learn the history of the area. Several of the best tours in Nashville visit Music Row.

Tennessee State Museum Tennessee State Museum free

Located in downtown Nashville next to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and the Nashville Farmers' Market, the Tennessee State Museum preserves the unique and storied history of the Volunteer State. The large museum showcases permanent exhibits that display the heritage of Tennessee's natural history; Native American history; military and sporting history; and Civil War history. Plus, there are rotating temporary cultural and art exhibits on display as well. Several attractions at this museum specifically cater to children. The museum's Children's Gallery is specifically geared toward kids aged 3 to 8. In addition, the museum hosts many events and educational programs on-site throughout the year.

Museumgoers say the exhibits are well organized and highly informative. Many also appreciate the free admission.

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Nashville Zoo at Grassmere Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

If you're an animal lover or in the mood for a family outing, then the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is an excellent spot to visit. The zoo boasts more than 325 different animal species and more than 3,000 animals, including clouded leopards, monkeys, meerkats, red pandas, white rhinoceroses, alligators and anacondas. Plus, there are fish and bird exhibits showcasing both local wildlife and exotic creatures. There are a number of hands-on exhibits that are popular among kids, including the Critter Encounters (where you can get up close with various animals), Kangaroo Kickabout (where you can pet kangaroos) and Lorikeet Landing (where you can see Australian parrots and feed them for a small fee). What's more, the zoo also features a historic home and garden, a zip line, a 4D theater, an animal-themed carousel and a Wilderness Express Train.

Recent visitors were impressed with this zoo, with many reviewers complimenting the well-designed and well-kept facilities. Several families recommend this attraction when visiting Nashville with kids because of its various on-site activities.

Adventure Science Center Adventure Science Center

Take a break from history and country music and treat your kids to some hands-on educational entertainment. Interactive displays at the Adventure Science Center allow little ones to learn about science, from how beekeepers do their jobs to what goes on thousands of light-years above our heads. Kids can learn what it takes to become an astronaut and use an augmented reality mirror to get a peek at what their muscles and bones look like. Regular demonstrations and crafts further keep children engaged and shows in the planetarium are entertaining for the whole family. The facility also features a flight simulator. Museumgoers say this is a must for kids, as the facility has plenty of activities to keep children interested. They also laud the friendly staff. However, some say the exhibits could be better maintained.

Located almost 3 miles south of downtown Nashville, the Adventure Science Center is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended hours to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Adults pay $22; youths ages 2 to 12 enter for $18 and children younger than 2 get in for free. Admission to the planetarium and certain simulation activities costs extra. Free parking is available. For more information about the exhibits and upcoming events, visit the Adventure Science Center website .

Frist Art Museum Frist Art Museum

Located in a gorgeous 1930s art deco building that was once the city's main post office, the Frist Art Museum offers an ever-changing set of exhibitions, covering everything from paintings to sculptures to photography. Past exhibits have featured European armor, works of Albrecht Dürer and Picasso's renderings of the human form. Artwork by local artists and students are regularly in rotation as well. The museum runs programs, talks and activities to complement the exhibits. Families will want to make sure to visit the Martin ArtQuest Gallery, which offers interactive stations and creative hands-on learning. Recent visitors say even if you are not a big art lover, seeing the building alone is worth a visit. Multiple travelers were disappointed by how small the traveling exhibitions are. Many observe that staff members are friendly and knowledgeable.

Located downtown, the museum is just a few blocks from the Country Music Hall of Fame . The museum opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday except for Sunday, when it opens at 1 p.m., and Thursday, when it closes at 8 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and college students. Those 18 and younger can enter for free. Parking in the museum's lot costs $2 per hour. For more information, visit the museum's website .

Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway free

Located on an expansive stretch of the Cumberland River about 5 miles east of downtown Nashville, the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway is a sprawling green space where visitors can learn about the local landscape and take advantage of outdoor recreation opportunities. When you visit, start at the nature center, where you can view cultural history exhibits and artwork. You can also rent a bicycle from the on-site BCycle station to explore or participate in an environmental education program and learn about things to do on the greenway. The 950-acre Shelby Bottoms Greenway has about 17 miles of unpaved and paved pathways (perfect for strolling and biking) that pass through wetlands, streams, forests and fields.

Parkgoers say the atmosphere is relaxing and quiet; the trail system is easy to follow and clean. Many say cycling is quite fun here. Indeed, Shelby forms part of the 26-mile Music City Bikeway that connects Percy Priest Dam and the Warner Parks. Visitors also report glimpsing deer and other wildlife here.

Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland

The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center stresses that its SoundWaves is an "upscale" water park. The indoor/outdoor facility features a variety of water rides, including a total of 11 slides, and wave pools complemented by music. It also boasts waterfalls, lazy rivers, play structures and a surfing simulator, among other heart-pumping attractions. There is also a splash pad and activity pool for small children. Adults can enjoy two pools all to themselves (one indoor and one outdoor) plus a bar. Cabanas and private party rooms are available for rental. Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland is also featured in a list of best bachelorette party destinations .

Parkgoers deem this water park exceptionally fun with a great deal to do for people of all ages. It's frequently described as clean and well attended by lifeguards. While the park is open exclusively to those staying in the resort, some say this helps keep it from becoming overcrowded.

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The 20 best attractions and sights in nashville.

Whether you’ve lived here for years, just moved to town, or are visiting for the weekend, there’s no excuse for being bored in Music City. From must-see museums to iconic music venues, consider this your Nashville bucket list.

Nashville Zoo

Kids of all ages can enjoy a field trip to the Nashville Zoo , which has grown leaps and bounds since taking over the Grassmere property in 1996. Interactive exhibits like Critter Encounters and Lorikeet Landing as well as exhibits dedicated to flamingos, and meerkats keep local animal lovers intrigued.

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Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Perhaps the most gorgeous 55 acres in the greater Nashville area, Cheekwood is a hit with locals and visitors year-round. From the Cheekwood Mansion art gallery to the estate’s 12 sprawling gardens to special exhibits from world-renowned artists, you could spend hours taking in all kinds of stunning visuals. Cheekwood also has a variety of seasonal installations including Cheekwood in Bloom , Cheekwood Harvest , and Holiday Lights at Cheekwood .

Frist Art Museum

With exhibits that rotate every six to eight weeks, no visit to the Frist Art Museum is ever the same—but you’re always guaranteed to leave inspired. Housed in an art deco building, Nashville’s hub for visual art displays works from local, state, and regional artists as well as national and international exhibitions.

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The Hermitage

The home of Andrew Jackson, located on the outskirts of town, is one of the most popular attractions in the state. Open as a museum since 1889, The Hermitage sits on more than 1,000 acres and comprises the seventh U.S. president’s stately mansion, its surrounding gardens and grounds, and the Jackson family tomb. The million-dollar exhibit, Andrew Jackson: Born for a Storm , features interactive displays and a deep dive into his multifaceted life.

GEODIS Park

GEODIS Park , situated in the heart of Wedgewood-Houston, is home to the Nashville Soccer Club. This 30,000-seat stadium is the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States and Canada. Looking to catch a match? See the Nashville SC’s home game schedule here .

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Fifth + Broadway

Fifth + Broadway is a mixed-use development conveniently located on Broadway in Downtown Nashville. The building combines restaurants, shops, office space, a museum, and residential units. Restaurants include local favorites like Slim + Husky’s and Hattie B’s as well as nationally-known eateries like Shake Shack and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. On the retail side, visitors can purchase Nashville-centric apparel at The Nash Collection or shop at one of the only brick-and-mortar Ariat stores in the world. Explore the 55,000-square-foot National Museum of African American Music or stay indefinitely at The Place.

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Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

It’s known as “the Smithsonian of country music” for good reason, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum spans 350,000 square feet of prime Downtown Nashville real estate, which it packs with thousands of artifacts, two performance theaters, and countless rotating special exhibitions. The museum’s permanent installation, Sing Me Back Home , takes visitors through the evolution of country music from its roots in the nineteenth century to today’s biggest hitmakers.

Bluebird Cafe

The world-famous and incredibly intimate Bluebird Cafe is where you go to hear your favorite songs—and their backstories—straight from the people who wrote them. (Yes, just like on TV.) Nearly every night, this tiny cafe hosts a group of songwriters who play and banter their way through acoustic rounds, captivating those who got lucky enough to score a seat.

Grand Ole Opry

An essential Nashville music experience is a trip to the historic Grand Ole Opry —it’s the only place where country music stars of past, present, and future have shared the same stage. Spring for the backstage tour, where you can see the Opry’s 18-themed dressing rooms, learn behind-the-scenes secrets, and, if you’re lucky, step foot in “The Circle” yourself.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge , completed in 1909, is a steel-trussed bridge that connects East Nashville with the hustle and bustle of Downtown Nashville. Runners, commuters, and sightseers alike can be found crisscrossing this skyline landmark at all hours of the day, often pausing to admire the picturesque Cumberland views.

Ryman Auditorium

Your first show at the prestigious Mother Church—famed for its acoustics and pew seating—will be a turning point in your concert-going experience. Formerly the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman now shines on its own as a hallowed performance hall for all genres of musicians as well as comedians and authors. Self-guided tours are available daily, tickets are $27+ for adults and $18+ for children (4-11).

Broadway Honky-Tonks

Though they might complain about it, even locals have a hard time staying away from Nashville’s glittering main strip—it’s that much of a good time. Lined with perennial honky-tonks like Robert’s Western World and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge , Lower Broadway has seen a revitalization with trendier establishments like Acme Feed and Seed and Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa .

Radnor Lake State Park

Offering 1,300 acres of serene forests, trails, and wildlife, the Radnor Lake area is a literal breath of fresh air for cooped-up Nashvillians. And this natural treasure offers even more than just exercise and a break from daily stressors—The Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center can turn your visit into a full-on learning experience.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Stop at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery for a part history lesson and part good old-fashioned whiskey tasting. Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson revived their great-great-great-grandfather’s family business in 2009. The tour guides here will take you back to the start over a century ago and its subsequent shutting down during Prohibition—cheers to the Nelsons’ happy ending!

The Parthenon

The Parthenon , originally constructed as a temporary exhibit for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition, is a full-scale replica of the iconic Athens structure that became so popular it is now a permanent Nashville fixture. Updates over the years have included the creation of the surrounding Centennial Park, a complete overhaul of the structure’s exterior, and the installation of a 42-foot-tall Athena statue. When you visit, don’t miss the fine art museum on the lower level.

Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar

The Goo Goo Cluster isn’t just your ordinary sweet treat—it’s the world’s first-ever “combination candy,” a swirl of caramel, marshmallow nougat, peanuts, and chocolate. Fittingly, the Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar’s headquarters isn’t just a shop—it’s a decadent destination, featuring Goo Goo’s rich history, a dessert and coffee bar, and a clear view of the confectionary kitchen’s skilled candy makers.

“I Believe in Nashville” Murals

You won’t find a more “Nashville” photo-op than the “I Believe in Nashville” murals . Music City native Adrien Saporiti has created two of them across town, one each in 12 South and Marathon Village —both neighborhoods are a must-visit!

Johnny Cash Museum

Whether you’re a casual listener or a die-hard fan of the Man in Black, it’s hard not to be emotionally moved as you walk through the Johnny Cash Museum . From his humble beginnings in Arkansas to his groundbreaking Folsom Prison performance to his love affair with June Carter, this is a fully-encompassing journey of Cash and his legacy.

First Horizon Park

First Horizon Park , is home to The Nashville Sounds, a Minor League Baseball team of the International League. This massive ballpark situated in Germantown, boasts an unrivaled view of the field, a guitar-shaped scoreboard, and limitless concessions. The stadium also hosts occasional concerts, events, and festivals.

Soundwaves + Gaylord Opryland

SoundWaves , the upscale indoor-outdoor water attraction at  Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center , offers over four acres of entertainment, including 11 slides, a wave pool, FlowRider wave simulator, rapid and lazy rivers, an activity pool, a restaurant, adults-only pool and bar, private cabanas, and kids areas. This attraction is open year-round.

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7 Comments on "The 20 Best Attractions and Sights in Nashville"

looking forward to visiting

I need to see my beautiful city! Summer 2001 here we come!!!!!

Hello, thank you for the information. I would like to suggest one more place to enjoy night life in Nashville and it is called as Legend’s Corner.

Free 1910 year old car factory museum showing how they made car in the early 1900s

I will be visiting Nashville soon, so excited can’t wait!!!

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38 Things to Do in Nashville for First Timers (with hidden gems)

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: November 1, 2022  - Last updated: September 22, 2023

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Although Nashville is the bachelorette capital of the USA and known for the birth country music, after spending a week here, I learned that it’s SO much more than that. 

History, hospitality, food, all genres of music…the energy here is unmatched.

Here are the top things to do in Nashville, Tennessee, especially if you’re a first time visitor.

This list includes the main attractions as well as a few hidden gems, and nothing that’s not worth seeing.

Because I don’t want to waste your time by listing absolutely everything possible you can do in Nashville (hint, there’s too much).

These are only the places, sights, experiences and activities that are worth your valuable time in Nashville.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!

Lower Broadway Honky Tonks

Nicknamed the honky tonk highway, in downtown Nashville you’ll find Lower Broadway, home of the honky tonks and the best place for nightlife.

This street full of live music is probably the number one attraction in Nashville.

Along 6 blocks you’ll find over 40 bars, and they all have live music every day!

It’s not just nightlife here, the music runs from 10am to 3am everyday.

Some of these bars are even 2 or 3 stories high with a different band or musician on each floor.

The live music is free, but tips are encouraged and appreciated.

And don’t miss checking out the side streets.

For example, the Wildhorse Saloon has the largest dance floor downtown and offers free line dancing.

Doc Holiday’s Bar

Pay a visit to Doc Holiday’s Bar and add your name to a dollar bill and put it up anywhere in the bar. The entire place is covered in money.

It’s also the only bar left in downtown Nashville where you can smoke.

Printer’s Alley 

Printer’s Alley is a hidden gem that a lot of tourists miss. You’ll find it on church street between 3rd and 4th ave.

The narrow alley and all the lights and neon signs make this a magical spot.

It’s a little more lowkey than Broadway where you’ll find a little less country music and little more blues and jazz music. 

But beyond that, there’s so much history here.

During prohibition, the various print shops here turned into speakeasies which blossomed into an underground bar scene and the reason why you’ll find quaint bars and pubs still there today. 

Rascal Flatts and Gretchen Wilson were discovered at venues in Printers Alley. 

Fun fact: Toby Keith recorded “I love this bar” at Lonnie’s in Printers Alley.

The Arcade is a historic shopping area in Nashville with Diagon Alley vibes!

It’s a hidden gem that everyone misses because it’s tucked away 2 blocks behind Broadway between 4th and 5th Avenues.

It was Nashville’s first enclosed shopping district, opened in 1902.

Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium is known as the mother church of country music and the birthplace of bluegrass and where the Grand Ole Opry was born.

Legends that have performed here include Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline and Hank Williams.

It’s also where June Carter first met Johnny Cash.

While the grand ole opry has since moved locations, you can still buy tickets for live concerts as well as take a tour of this historic building.

View tour info here.

Ryman Alley

And while you’re there, walk down Ryman Alley, where you can literally walk in the footsteps of country music legends.

Performers would use the back door of the Ryman Auditorium to sneak through the back alley to tootsie’s orchid lounge for a drink after their shows.

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is arguably the most famous honky tonk on Broadway, and you can’t miss the bright purple colored building.

It’s where Willie Nelson got his first songwriting job after performing here.

The most famous patrons who frequented here were Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and since I’m Canadian, a plug for Terri Clark who got her start here.

Grand Ole Opry

You definitely need to enjoy a night at the Grand Ole Opry, which is not only a concert, but a live radio show that’s been running since 1925.

It’s the longest running radio broadcast in US history.

It’s known as the show that made country music famous.

Each Opry show features live performances by 8 or more artists that range from country music legends, up and coming artists and legendary songwriters.

On this night we saw Terri Clark and Jon Pardi perform among others!

You can also tour the building, learn about the history and go backstage if you didn’t manage to get concert tickets. 

There are two ways for you to enjoy the Grand Ole Opry! The first one is to buy Grand Ole Opry Show Ticket . Another one is to take this Grand Ole Opry Admission with Post-Show Backstage Tour . Choose the best one for you and enjoy the time spent there!

Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Conservatory

The Gaylord Opryland Hotel is the largest non-casino resort in the United States.

Not only is the hotel impressive, inside you’ll find a massive indoor garden and conservatory complete with a boat ride and waterfalls.

They also have stores and restaurants inside to complete your visit if you’re not an overnight guest.

Johnny Cash Museum

If you’re a fan of the man in black, the Johnny Cash Museum is a must see in Nashville.

It’s small, but packed with history and all kinds of items from his personal and professional life. 

Combine it with a meal at Sun Diner

For an exceptional breakfast or lunch before or after your visit, try out Sun Diner next door.

It pays homage to Sun Records’ legendary artists, including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

I may have ordered the crème Brule French toast more than once which is cinnamon bread dunked in a Rumchata batter.

Ernest Tubb Record Shop

Opened in 1947, this is the ultimate record shop where you’ll find almost every piece of country and bluegrass music. 

Country Music Hall of Fame

The country music hall of fame takes you through the origin of country music and bluegrass music all the way to current country rock stars.

This museum is massive and provides an in depth look at the most celebrated genre of music here in Nashville.

After exploring the exhibits, you can also take the Historic RCA Studio B tour.

Historic RCA Studio B

RCA Studio B is the famous recording studio which gave birth to the Nashville sound.

Many famous artists record here including Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton and many other legends.

Tip: save money and buy the combined Country Music Hall of Fame and RCA Studio B Tour ticket combo

Hatch Show Print

Hatch Show Print is the original letter press and poster print shop in Nashville, operating since the 1800s (and still going today).

On a tour here you’ll see the printmaking process in action, view iconic posters they’ve made for country music legends, as well as a chance to design and make your own print.

National Museum of African American Music

According to their website , the National Museum of African American Music is: “the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans.”

This is a brand new museum in Nashville and a must visit for any music fan.

Old Town Trolley Tour

One thing I really enjoyed was taking the Old Town Trolley tour of some of Nashville’s biggest attractions.

It’s a hop on hop off style sightseeing tour full of all kinds of fun facts and history from your driver who narrates the whole way.

I recommend this for first time visitors and early on in your trip to get the lay of the land.

There’s 13 stops so you can see many different parts of the city and you can ride as many times all day.

Many of the Nashville attractions listed within this post are accessible from stops on the Trolley Tour. 

View trolley tour prices & info here .

Bluebird Café

The Bluebird Café is one of the most iconic spots for live music in Nashville – you might recognize it from the famous show of the same name.

Established in the early 1980s, this small venue features up-and-coming as well as hit songwriters in an intimate setting.

The vibe here is a listening room where the songs and the stories are the stars of the show.

It was here that I really came to appreciate how respected the songwriting community in Nashville is.

You might recognize some country stars that were discovered here, including Keith urban, Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift.

General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise

Cruise the historic Cumberland River on one of the country’s largest paddle-wheel boats, the General Jackson.

Enjoy the Nashville scenery from a different angle and catch the sunset if you do the dinner cruise and indulge in a home cooked southern meal on board.

After dinner, sip drinks and listen to live music from the boat decks.

This is another highly rated experience in Nashville. 

View tour prices and info here.

Tour the Homes of the Stars

Did you know there are tons of famous country stars and musicians that call Nashville their home?

On this comfortable bus sightseeing tour you’ll pass by some of the most beautiful neighborhoods and homes of past and present Nashvillians, including Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon, Garth Brooks and many more. 

Even if you’re not a fan of the rich and famous, this tour provides an in depth tour of some of Nashville’s most varied neighborhoods that most tourists miss. 

Cowboy Boot Shopping

Now, a lot of locals will tell you that the way they can spot tourists is those who wear cowboy boots and hats.

Because of this I was almost not going to bring my boots, but I’m so glad I did.

I ended up wearing them every single day – because I was tourist and so was everyone else who were rocking their boots.

And there’s no shame in that.

One of my favorite things to do was to go boot shopping and check out all the different and outrageous designs (and price tags) among the fresh leather smell.

Line Dancing Class

If you’re in Nashville, there’s no way you’re leaving this town without hitting a dance floor and joining in on a line dance!

If you need a little help or want to brush up on your moves, you can take part in a one hour line dancing crash course.

This is a really fun activity if you’re in town with some friends for a bachelorette or a birthday party.

Check out line dancing lessons here . 

Tip – you can also learn to line dance for free at the Whiskey Saloon, just off Broadway where they offer line dancing lessons almost every night of the week on downtown’s largest dancefloor.

AA Foot Spa

After a couple days of walking around town in your cowboy boots, this place is much needed.

This one is a major hidden gem in Nashville, it’s called AA Foot Spa, and it came recommended to us from a friend who regularly works the country music awards.

It was $40 for the most heavenly foot massage I’ve ever had. It’s a good 20 minutes south of downtown but well worth the drive or Uber ride.

You can find it at 224 Thompson Ln #B.

East Nashville

East Nashville is across the Cumberland River and offers a really different vibe from the honky tonk country music atmosphere in downtown Nashville.

One of my favorite ways to tour this neighborhood was by going on the Brew Hop Brewery Trolley Tour.

It’s a hop on hop off trolley bus that takes you to 7 different breweries. 

View prices & info for the Brewery Tour here .

Go Mural Exploring

Nashville’s art scene was one of the biggest surprises about visiting this city.

I knew it had a few famous murals, but I didn’t realize you can find them on almost every corner it seems.

If you’re looking for a fun and free activity in Nashville, plan a day or an afternoon with your camera and go mural hopping.

If you don’t have a car, there are some fun guided mural tours you can join, like this one that brings you around in a golf cart .

Try Hot Chicken 

While some Nashville locals will tell you to visit Prince’s Hot Chicken, others will tell you to visit Hattie B’s.

Either way, you must try Nashville’s most famous food while you’re here – hot chicken.

We tried Hattie B’s where they’ve got different heat levels ranging from mild to shut the cluck up.

I went for the classic bone-in which is the most traditional way to get hot chicken and went for medium which had a bit of kick but not over the top.

Goo Goo Chocolate Co.

Goo Goo Chocolate Co. was the first company to make a combination chocolate bar in the USA.

If you love chocolate and want a taste of history, stop in for a goo goo cluster.

White Limozeen (Dolly Parton’s Bar)

A unique place to have some drinks and small bites (especially if you’re on a girls trip) is White Limozeen, which is Dolly Parton’s bar.

Everything is pretty in pink. In the summer there’s also the rooftop patio with a pool.

You can find it at the top of the Graduate Hotel in midtown which is about 10 minutes west of downtown.

A visit to White Limozeen is only 1 of 16 unique things to do in Nashville on your Bachelorette party !

Hermitage Hotel

The Hermitage is an upscale, swanky hotel that’s been in downtown Nashville since 1910.

But the most interesting thing about them are the fancy bathrooms, decorated in art deco style. Stop in and ask to see them.

Belle Meade Plantation and Historic Site

The Belle Meade Plantation dates back to the 1840s but was no ordinary plantation.

Here, they bred thoroughbred race horses, where famous bloodlines originated from including Seabiscuit.

There are a few different tours onsite – we chose to tour the mansion, which doesn’t allow photos or video inside, but I can assure you it was fascinating.

But the best part is that there’s a winery onsite, and you can tour the grounds with a glass of wine.  View tour info and prices here.

The Parthenon

Nashville has a full scale replica of the Parthenon, which has earned this city the nickname, Athens of the South.

Inside, you’ll find beautiful art galleries.

Tip – this is included as a stop on the Old Town Trolley tour.

12 South Neighborhood

The 12 South neighborhood was one of my favorite areas to visit, home to locally owned shops and restaurants, vintage stores and of course more murals.  

The Gulch 

Closer to downtown is the Gulch – a higher end neighborhood with boutique shops, famous murals and great eateries.

You’ll find Biscuit Love which is very famous, and also Milk & Honey which was our go-to breakfast spot more than once.

But it’s very popular – sometimes there was a 2 hour wait!

We got lucky and got first come first serve bar seating both times. 

Tip: book a golf cart neighborhood shopping tour and hit all the hot spots without having to walk. 

Frist Art Museum

The Frist Art Museum is home to some of the most prestigious art exhibits in the country and the rotating exhibits are exceptional.

But not only that, the building itself is historically significant. Built in 1934, his building was originally Nashville’s main post office.

Marathon Motor Works

Marathon Motor Works is a former automobile plant that’s been resurrected into a district full of shops, restaurants, distilleries, wineries,  recording studios and more.

The old brick building is unique and is one of the most popular stops on the Old Town Trolley tour.

Belmont Mansion 

The Belmont Mansion is an ornate Italian-style villa that almost reminds one of a mini-Versailles.

It’s been beautifully preserved and it’s not far from downtown.

If you don’t have much time to get out of the city to see other mansions from the 1800s, this one is a great choice.

Jack Daniels Distillery

It doesn’t get more Nashville than this – take a tour of Tennessee Whiskey at the Jack Daniel’s distillery.

It’s about 1.5 hours from Nashville (in Lynchburg), so the easiest way to enjoy the tour and tasting is to join this day trip bus tour.

Visiting the Jack Daniel’s Distillery is one of the best and highest rated day trips from Nashville, and I definitely recommend making time to do this one.

View tour prices & info here.

Arrington Vineyards

If you’re in need of some stunning scenery and a glass of wine, Arrington Vineyards will take your breath away.

With picnic areas and live music throughout the summer months, this place is more than just your typical wine tasting experience. 

🍷 Book your transportation to the Arrington Vineyard

Visit award-winning winery with this Arrington Vineyard Winery Round-Trip Shuttle Transportation from Nashville . Luxury round-trip transportation from Nashville will take you right to the Arrington Vineyards Winery!

Wille Nelson and Friends Museum 

This place is a quirky little museum combined with a massive gift and souvenir shop.

Buy your admission tickets online to save a little money.

Catio Cat Lounge

The Catio Cat Lounge is a rescue agency that houses cats until they get adopted.

Until then, visitors are able to book a one hour session (for $12) to play and snuggle with the cats and kittens in their cat café. Check out their website for more info.

Where we Stayed in Nashville (first timers)

Since we were in Nashville for 8 days, we wanted to stay in two different hotels.

We stayed at the Graduate Nashville (fancy) which is the perfect place for a girls trip because it’s home to White Limozeen – Dolly Parton’s all-pink rooftop bar!

We also stayed at Element Nashville Vanderbilt West End (budget).

We liked it because it was low cost, brand new and only a 10-minute drive to downtown/Broadway.

Each of these hotels worked really well for us even though we didn’t have a car.

We just used Uber everywhere and it was easy!

If you’re coming to Nashville on a girls trip, here are the Best Hotels in Nashville for a Bachelorette Party

Touring more of Tennessee?

Read my list of 11 Unique Places to Stay in Tennessee (that you can actually afford)!

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30 Best Things to Do in Nashville, From Civil Rights Exhibits to Live Music

Locals weigh in on how to explore this energetic capital city.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

If Nashville holds a spot on your must-visit list, you’re not alone — in 2022, more than 14 million people made their way to Music City to take in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the cultural hub (and yes, that number includes bachelorette parties ). While Nashville’s reputation as a country music destination precedes itself, there’s more to Tennessee’s capital than the honky tonks on Broadway, the Grand Ole Opry, and The Bluebird Cafe (although travelers should make a point to visit all three). It’s home to top-tier museums, sprawling green spaces, historical markers, and no shortage of places to eat or grab a drink. “The quality of the food and restaurant scene has really exploded over the past 10 years,” says Meredith DiMenna, director of programming for Hutton Hotel and its live music venue, Analog . No matter where you choose to dine in Nashville, your itinerary must include two things: hot chicken and a meal at a meat-and-three (more on that later). “ Prince’s is my go-to for hot chicken, while Puckett’s always impresses with their meat-and-three,” says chef Maneet Chauhan, who owns three restaurants in Nashville: Chauhan Ale & Masala House , Tansuo , and The Mockingbird .  

Famous music sights and non-negotiable Southern dishes will quickly fill up your days and nights over a long weekend getaway, but there’s so much more to discover within the metro area. To help narrow down the list of the best things to do in Nashville, we tapped a few residents, DiMenna and Chauhan included, to share what’s on their “must-do” agenda for anyone spending time in Tennessee’s largest city.  Related : 5 Best Hotels in Nashville

Listen to live music at Robert’s Western World.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

If you can only fit in one stop along Nashville’s famed Honky Tonk Highway, make sure it’s Robert’s Western World . “You can’t beat the traditional country music every night there,” says Stephen Rose, founder of The Peach Truck . If you’re feeling a bit peckish, order a fried bologna sandwich to go with your cold beer.

Have a meal at a meat-and-three.

This Southern food concept is straightforward: Pick your meat and your three sides. “[Meat-and-threes] used to be pretty much the only food in Nashville, before it became the food Mecca it is today. There are so many good places that offer this, [but] I’m partial to Martin’s BBQ ,” says DiMenna.

Snap a photo in front of a mural.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

You’ve probably seen one of Nashville’s many murals on Instagram, but nothing compares to seeing them in real life. Get a picture with artist Kim Radford’s Dolly Parton in East Nashville, or line up in front of the black-and-white “Nashville Looks Good on You” mural in 12South. No matter which neighborhoods you visit, you’ll probably run into one of the city’s many large-scale creations.

Get tickets for a show at The Bluebird Cafe.

Robert Alexander/Getty Images

You never know who will stop by The Bluebird Cafe to play a few songs — Maren Morris, LeAnn Rimes, and Taylor Swift among them. The listening room only has 90 seats, so it’s an intimate and special experience for both the performers and the audience. “It’s such a great spot for a date night, girls’ night, etc., and you could be watching the next biggest country music superstar,” says chef Chauhan.

Tour the Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library.

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

The Civil Rights Movement in Nashville, which took place during the 1950s and 60s, is well documented inside the Nashville Public Library. Powerful photographs showcase the work and events that eventually led to desegregation, and there’s also a symbolic lunch counter, where you can read the Ten Rules of Conduct carried by the protesters during the sit-ins.

Walk around one of Nashville’s many public parks.

Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure

In between meals, you may want to get your steps in, and there are myriad ways to do so. “When visiting, you must walk across the [John Seigenthaler] Pedestrian Bridge, and check out Nashville’s selection of public parks,” says DiMenna. Centennial Park and Bicentennial Park are two of the more well-known spots, but there’s also Shelby Park, Percy Warner Park, and Cumberland Park. “It’s easy to forget that there is a lot of nature in Nashville, and if the weather is right — don’t try this when it’s super hot — you can get the feeling of being on a true nature walk while you’re still within city limits,” she adds.

Snack on a donut from Five Daughters Bakery.

Courtesy of Five Daughters Bakery

If you have a sweet tooth, schedule a trip to Five Daughters Bakery . There are several locations around Nashville, but the 12South store might be the most picturesque. Once you’ve acquired a donut or two, you can take an Instagram-worthy photo in front of the iconic “I Heart Donuts” mural.

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

To truly understand Nashville and its role in music over the years, you must visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and its extensive collections. “In a stroll through the galleries, [you will] experience everything from Thomas Heart Benton’s The Sources of Country Music painting and Elvis Presley’s 1960 Gold Cadillac to the American Currents: The State of the Music exhibit, which takes a broad look at the genre’s contributions to art and life across the last year,” explains Lisa Purcell, executive vice president of external affairs for the museum.

Get a taste of hot chicken.

rez-art/Getty Images

Have a cold glass of sweet tea on standby when dining on hot chicken, especially if you’re sensitive to a bit of heat. “Hot chicken is obviously a must in Nashville, and my go-to is Bolton’s in East Nashville. You can’t ever have a bad experience there,” says Rose.

Shop around 12South.

Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

One of the more walkable areas in Nashville, the 12South neighborhood is filled with coffee shops, bakeries, and boutique stores. Imogene + Willie is known for denim pieces, and White’s Mercantile, owned by Holly Williams, is billed as a “general store for the modern tastemaker.”

Pick up local produce at a Nashville farmers’ market.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

If you want to experience Nashville as the locals do, head to one of its many farmers’ markets. “I recommend 12 South Farmers Market in beautiful Sevier Park on Tuesday nights and Richland Park Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings,” says chef Tony Mantuano, who, along with his wife Cathy, guides the food and beverage program at The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel.

See a show at the Grand Ole Opry.

Self-described as the “home of country music,” the weekly live country music radio broadcast has been around since 1925. From 1974 on, it’s been housed in the Opry House, where acts ranging from up-and-comers to big names play multiple nights a week. If you want backstage access before the show, be sure to book a tour in advance.

Book a stay at one of Nashville’s best hotels.

A tourist destination as large as Nashville must meet demand with a variety of accommodation options. Choose from luxurious newcomers like Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Nashville and Conrad Nashville , or veer more toward boutique hotels — Graduate Nashville , Hutton Hotel, Bobby Hotel , and Urban Cowboy are all great choices. The latter, according to Rose, is also ideal for pizza and cocktails. “The vibe is always super on point, with the location housed in a gorgeous mansion in East Nashville,” he adds.

Bowl a few games at Pinewood Social.

A night out in Nashville doesn’t have to include fighting the crowds along Broadway. Instead, you can opt for dinner, drinks, and bowling at Pinewood Social . The six lanes made of reclaimed wood are open seven days a week, and ball and shoe rentals are included.

Buy a pair of cowboy boots.

When in Nashville, right? There are several places to purchase your own pair of boots, including Boot Country , Nashville Boot Co. , and Betty Boots . If you want an extra-luxe experience, custom boot fittings are offered in the VIP loft at Lucchese . “Guests of The Joseph have unique access to schedule a custom fitting at the Lucchese store in The Gulch. Guided by their experts, [you] choose [the] style, materials, shape — everything from toe to heel,” says chef Mantuano.

Pose in front of The Parthenon.

Bruce Yuanyue Bi/Getty Images

Photo ops are widely available in Nashville, but The Parthenon might be one of the more impressive ones. “The Parthenon in Centennial Park is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, and it's so unique and stunning to see,” says chef Chauhan.

Get your biscuit fix at The Loveless Cafe.

Courtesy of Loveless Cafe

Biscuits are par for the course in the South, so you can’t leave Nashville without having one or two for breakfast. The Loveless Cafe has been serving its famous biscuits to Nashvillians and visitors since 1951; try them with country ham, fruit preserves, or the red-eye gravy.

Explore the National Museum of African American Music.

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) opened in early 2021, preserving and celebrating the Black music experience across genres. Interactive technology lives alongside artifacts, memorabilia, and clothing to create six engaging exhibits that highlight the history of hip-hop, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, spirituals, and more. “This is the newest edition to the music museums, and it is absolutely incredible. You can spend hours in here if you’re a music fan,” says DiMenna.

Make a souvenir at Hatch Show Print.

Jackson Vance/Travel + Leisure

Part of the Country Music Hall of Fall and Museum, Hatch Show Print has been creating designs and show posters with its vintage type and hand-carved imagery since 1879. Visitors can stop by to learn more about the letterpress print and design shop or they can opt to make something themselves. “Advance book your slot in hands-on workshops, called Block Parties, which invite participants to use some of Nashville’s most recognized imagery to make Hatch Show Prints of their own,” says Purcell.

Swing by the Nashville Zoo.

Misty Mullican/Getty Images

“The Nashville Zoo is a great place to visit for the day, [and it's] enjoyed by both adults and children,” says chef Chauhan. The expansive zoo has more than 3,000 animals and hosts programming that includes overnight camping experiences, classes, and more.

Karaoke at Santa’s Pub.

For more than a decade, Santa’s Pub has been welcoming guests 21 and over for cold beer and karaoke. Like many things in Nashville, it’s something you have to see to believe. “Sunday night at Santa’s Pub. Just trust me,” says Rose.

Stroll around Lower Broad in the evening.

The Lower Broad section of the Broadway Historic District has a variety of sights and sounds to experience. Along with Robert’s Western World, you’ll find Tootsies Orchid Lounge , Legends Corner , and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row . “It captures the pulse of the city, and you get to see and hear so many amazingly talented musicians,” says chef Chauhan.

Go for a hike at Radnor Lake.

“Radnor Lake is a thing of beauty — our family loves to enjoy great hikes, beautiful scenery, wildlife, and more here, and it’s only minutes away from downtown Nashville,” says Rose. The state park boasts over 1,300 acres of nature preserve, and the Lake Trail is accessible for those with all-terrain wheelchairs.

See a performance at Ryman Auditorium.

Chef Mantuano says that seeing a show at the Ryman is a “truly religious experience.” Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman has more than 2,300 seats and has hosted acts like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Lizzo, and Harry Styles over the last 130 years. To immerse yourself in this landmark’s history, take a tour (either guided or self-guided) through the venue.

Spend a day at Cheekwood.

Depending on the season and the weather, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is the perfect place to explore with the whole family. The 1930s estate includes a 30,000-square-foot mansion and 55 acres of gardens. Visitors can purchase tickets to access the botanical garden, arboretum, and museum, and there’s also a 1.5-mile woodland trail with outdoor sculptures.

Attend CMA Fest.

Larry McCormack/ABC via Getty Images

“ CMA Fest , which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, is the largest and longest-running country music festival in the world,” says Purcell. Recent performers have included Darius Rucker, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, and BRELAND. The 2024 festival will be held June 6 through June 9.

Catch one of the rotating exhibits at the Frist Art Museum.

Housed in a building that formerly served as the city’s main post office, the Frist Art Museum has no permanent collection, and its mission is to “inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways.” “This is a really approachable yet super high-quality museum. They do a great job of mixing internationally known selections with local artists,” says DiMenna.

Learn about Nashville’s recording history at RCA Studio B.

RCA Studio B , described by Purcell as a “time capsule and working studio,” is a Nashville music staple, known for its role in making Nashville the recording center it is today. A guided tour allows you to see where the “Nashville Sound” came to be, and where country and pop stars like Dolly Parton, Charlie Pride, Waylon Jennings, and Elvis once recorded some of music’s most iconic songs.

Browse the Fisk University Galleries.

Travelers interested in American art and American history should make a point to visit Fisk University, Nashville’s historically Black university. The Fisk University Galleries — including the Carl Van Vechten Gallery and the Aaron Douglas Gallery — showcase pieces by Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe, and Diego Rivera, among other artists.

Hear the Nashville Symphony.

Music comes in all forms in Nashville. If your tastes lean more classical than country, listening to the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center may be more up your alley. “The building is an architectural gem with incredible acoustics, and the musicians are among the world’s best,” says chef Mantuano.

17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nashville, TN

Written by Bryan Dearsley , Colin J. McMechan and Catherine Hawkins Updated Mar 18, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and is centrally located in the state along the Cumberland River. One of Nashville's top attractions—a replica of the Parthenon—along with its many universities and colleges has earned it the nickname the "Athens of the South."

Nashville began building its reputation as the capital of country music around 100 years ago with the creation of the radio station dedicated to the Grand Ole Opry. The city is now home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Music Row . One of the most popular music-themed walks is the Music City Walk of Fame located on Nashville's "Music Mile."

Keep walking to one of Nashville's greenway trails that includes spans over the Cumberland River: John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge. Another popular attraction and wandering place is Bicentennial Capitol Mall. Grab a beverage and pastry from the adjacent Nashville Farmers' Market.

The city is a jumping-off point to explore the rest of Tennessee. Many historical attractions, including old plantations and Civil War sites, are no more than a half-hour drive away. Numerous hiking trails around Nashville offer a chance to get active.

Learn about the best places to visit with our list of attractions and things to do in Nashville.

See also: Where to Stay in Nashville

1. Grand Ole Opry

2. country music hall of fame & museum, 3. ryman auditorium, 4. make the scene in downtown nashville, 5. learn about the man in black at johnny cash museum, 6. belle meade historic site, 7. groove in glorious gardens at gaylord opryland resort, 8. andrew jackson's hermitage, 9. nashville parthenon, 10. rca studio b, 11. visit exotic friends at nashville zoo, 12. cheekwood estate and gardens, 13. make a recording at musicians hall of fame and museum, 14. belmont mansion, 15. tennessee state museum, 16. view vintage cars at lane motor museum, 17. cruise on the general jackson showboat, where to stay in nashville for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to nashville, best time of year to visit nashville.

The Grand Ole Opry radio show is the longest-running radio program in the United States . Since its first broadcast in 1925, the Opry has presented more than 5,000 shows. It continues to contribute to Nashville's identity as Music City.

In 1974, the venue for the show shifted from the Ryman Auditorium to the 4,000-seat Grand Ole Opry House northeast of downtown. Throughout its history, performers have entertained fans of country, bluegrass, gospel, and old-time music, along with popular music and comedy.

Join in the fun by attending one of the broadcasts. Purchase your Grand Ole Opry Show Admission Ticket in Nashville in advance to assure your seat and free parking in nearby Opry Mills Mall. Consider a scheduled backstage tour to experience the bright lights of show business from a different angle. The Grand Ole Opry House Guided Backstage Tour in Nashville is your VIP pass.

Address: 600 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, Tennessee

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is located in the heart of downtown. The tall windows of this striking building cleverly resemble the keys of a piano.

The museum features a multimedia display of historical performances, costumes, instruments, gold records, and memorabilia. Other highlights include a Cadillac that belonged to Elvis, a massive 40-foot guitar, a tour bus, and a recording booth. Guided tours of the nearby historic RCA Studio B are also available.

Tour yourself through the museum and enhance the experience with the audio backup of stars such as Dolly Parton. Visit a replica of a tour bus to record your own country music song. And look for the gold record of your favorite bestselling country music album from the thousands on display along many walls.

Address: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S., Nashville, Tennessee

The Ryman Auditorium , home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, is still being used to host broadcasts of the famous radio show. Originally opened in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, the Ryman offers superior acoustics for regular performances of classical and bluegrass music, musical theater, and television shows.

The Ryman is often referred to as the " Carnegie Hall of the South ." Located just off Honky Tonk Row, the auditorium features a museum with exhibits related to its rich musical past. Guided and self-guided tours are available. Try your hand at cutting a record of your own in the Air Castle Studio. Fun backstage tours are available but book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Address: 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Nashville, Tennessee

In the heart of every city are areas that have become a destination. Manhattan has Midtown, Miami has Little Havana, and Music City has Downtown Nashville.

Many of the go-to music attractions in the city are located in Downtown Nashville: Ryman Auditorium, Honky Tonk Row, museums honoring the best-known country music performers such as Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Broadway is the hub for nightlife in this neon-lit district, where live country music wafts out into the street.

While strolling through Downtown Nashville and experiencing its contemporary tourist attractions, you are following in the footsteps of the city's past. Evidence of the earliest settlers can be found along the shores of the Cumberland River at Fort Nashborough , which offers self-guided tours. The views in Downtown Nashville feature landmarks that you can see from the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.

Johnny Cash, known as the "Man in Black," had a hardscrabble life that he surmounted to win the Grammy award 13 times (and earn an impressive 35 nominations!), becoming one of the most beloved stars of country music. Visit the museum in his honor in downtown Nashville.

Among the exhibits, the museum features handwritten lyrics for two of the most famous of the 1,500 songs Cash recorded: "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk the Line." Johnny Cash's costumes, instruments, letters, artwork, marriage licenses, and songs are on display. There's also a museum store, where you can buy souvenirs, and a café next door, where you can buy whatever you need to fuel an extra hour of touring the museum.

Consider a trip upstairs to visit the Patsy Cline Museum . View videos, memorabilia, and personal items of this gifted country music star. Her career as a country music star tragically ended in a plane crash when she was only 30.

Address: 119 3rd Ave. S. Nashville, Tennessee

Constructed in the mid-19th century, the Belle Meade Mansion is designed in the Greek-Revival style and surrounded by what remains of the former antebellum plantation. During the two-day Civil War Battle of Nashville in 1864, Union and Confederate forces fought on the front yard of the mansion. Evidence of gunfire can still be seen in its tall stone columns.

Guided tours are available, including one that's devoted to telling the history of the estate from the perspective of the slaves forced to work and live here. Attend one of the culinary experiences and seasonal programs offered at Belle Meade. Explore the plantation stables, gardens, and grounds. If time allows, be sure to grab a bite to eat at the on-site Belle Meade Meat & Three restaurant (a popular spot for lunch), or an ice cream at the Coop N' Scoop, located in a 160-year-old chicken coop. Belle Meade Historic Site is nine miles from downtown.

Address: 110 Leake Ave., Nashville, Tennessee

You don't need to be staying at the Gaylord Opryland Resort to enjoy its most famous asset: its collection of 50,000 tropical plants, many of which are rare international specimens. This magnificent exhibition is a visual and olfactory feast, housed on nine acres of indoor space and tended by 20 full-time horticulturalists.

One-fifth of the collection is in the Garden Conservatory, which features palms and banana trees 60 feet tall. These plants were so tall, they had to be installed in the glass-topped atrium before its construction.

Florida was the source of more than 8,000 tropical ornamentals chosen for the Cascades Atrium. You'll find a 40-foot palm tree, and ginger bushes as tall as the average man.

Delta Atrium, the third large garden, ushers you into a zone of subtropical plants that you can explore in a delta flatboat. Pass beneath the Wishing Banyan tree and make a wish. Admire exotics such as black olive trees and mahoganies dripping with Spanish moss, more than 100 palm trees, banana trees, gardenias, and camellias. Marvel at the entrance to the Delta Mansion, glorified by two 40-foot Southern magnolias.

Address: 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee

The Hermitage was the home of America's seventh president, Andrew Jackson . The estate is one of the most picturesque spots in Nashville. Located 14 miles from downtown, the Hermitage was originally constructed in 1819 and rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1834.

Visitors to the Hermitage experience the place as it would have looked when Jackson lived here from 1837 to 1845. The mansion includes a museum with exhibits of Jackson's private and public lives.

Participate in a formal guided tour of the property. Other fun activities include draft horse-powered wagon rides and themed events such as ghost tours. The grounds are well-maintained and include the burial site of Jackson and his wife. Visit the nearby Tulip Grove mansion, the one-time home of family members Emily and Andrew Jackson Donelson.

Address: 4580 Rachel's Ln., Hermitage, Tennessee

If you're looking for one of the best free things to do in Nasvhille , see the iconic landmark of Nashville , a reproduction of the Parthenon in Athens. Located in Centennial Park and a short walk west of the city center, the original Parthenon replica was built of wood, plaster, and brick in 1897 to commemorate the state's first century. The current full-scale replica of the original Greek temple is made of concrete.

Inside the Parthenon is a permanent art collection of 63 works by 19th- and 20th-century American painters. Admire the 42-foot-high model of the statue of the goddess Athena Parthenos covered with gold leaf. Replicas of the famed 5 th century BCE Parthenon Marbles are also on display.

Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, Tennessee

RCA Studio B is near Music Square in the area known as Music Row . This is the heart and soul of the nation's music industry, and RCA Studio B is its most protected historic landmark. The "home of 1,000 hits" thrived for about 15 years starting in 1957.

This recording facility is credited as the birthplace of the unique "Nashville sound" that defined so many big hits of the 1950s and 1960s. While the site closed as a recording studio in 1977, it has become a teaching facility. Visitors come on scheduled tours arranged by RCA Studio B's owner, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Address: 1611 Roy Acuff Place, Nashville, Tennessee

The Nashville Zoo is a great place for tourists to visit with children. Explore the plains of Africa, delve into the rainforests of South America, and discover the many animals of Asia. More than 3,000 animals from 350 species can be viewed, including clouded leopards, Baird's tapirs, toucans, and Sumatran tigers. Animals at Nashville Zoo reside in habitats that represent their natural environments.

Lorikeet Landing allows you to enter an aviary and be surrounded by around 85 Australian parrots. Come to the zoo to ride the Wild Animal Carousel and Wilderness Express Train. Kids naturally know what to do on the zoo's large Jungle Gym, where they slide, swing, climb, crawl, and explore. The Soaring Eagle Zip Line takes your visit to the zoo to new heights.

Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, Tennessee

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is a sumptuous 55-acre haven of peace and grace. This elegant park-like setting is a tranquil place to visit on a sunny day. Galleries of contemporary art in the historic mansion exemplify the Cheekwood's commitment to the arts and arts preservation.

After your tour of the mansion and the Cheekwood's indoor collection, step onto the Sculpture Trail to experience creatively landscaped installations, including "The Glass Bridge for Nashville." Marvel at the diversity of garden designs and influences and range of trees and shrubs, especially when flowering in season.

This historic attraction also hosts regular music performances, including an "under the stars" concert series in the summertime.

Address: 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, Tennessee

Not to be confused with the Country Music Hall of Fame is the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum , which honors the musical heroes who helped to create the stars . These talented session artists hail from Nashville, Motown, Muscle Shoals, New York, Los Angeles, and recording studios.

Along with their instruments, these are the fellows that made the hits happen. That's why there's so much emphasis at this 30,000-square-foot museum on the presentation of studios, stages, and guitars.

View the studio where Elvis recorded hits such as In the Ghetto . Behold the stage where young Jimi Hendrix performed, as well as one of his guitars. See guitars played by Glen Campbell, who was a session musician before he became a star. Other instruments on display were played by Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, and Elton John.

If you're into the process that creates superstars of all musical stripes, you can happily learn and experiment at this interactive museum. Here you can try things out–from mixing music and trying out instruments to making your own recording.

Address: 401 Gay Street, Nashville, Tennessee

Built in the 1850s, the Belmont Mansion is the largest antebellum house in Tennessee. It is considered one of the finest mansions of its kind in the United States. Many rooms have been preserved with much of their original décor and furnishings. Designed in the style of an Italian villa, the mansion features elaborate gardens with outbuildings. Belmont also has permanent art exhibits.

Entering Belmont Mansion, the historic splendor of the building is enhanced by furniture, paintings, and original statues by American artists. Following a guided introduction, you are free to explore the mansion on your own.

During the holidays, one of the top things to do at Belmont is attending its Christmas Tour. You'll get to see the mansion dressed up in Victorian decorations and learn about 19th-century holiday traditions.

Address: Belmont Blvd. & Acklen Ave., Nashville, Tennessee

Learn more about the rich history of Tennessee's social and natural history at the Tennessee State Museum . Located adjacent to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, this spacious state-of-the-art museum covers an area of 137,000 square feet that efficiently accommodates the large collection of original items, interactive exhibits, and multimedia displays.

The museum's diverse collections are considered the "Smithsonian of Tennessee" and filled with artifacts relating to the state's role in the Civil War, including period weapons and furniture. There's also a vast collection of artworks and paintings, in addition to displays related to music and musicians. Notable features that bring the state's past to life include a theater, an education and learning center, and on-site gift shop.

Address: 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, Tennessee

Lane Motor Museum showcases a large collection of vehicles, most of which are from Europe, but also includes exhibits from Japan and the United States. The collection includes the tiniest French-made minicar, with room for only one person and requiring no driver's license. Among vintage cars, there are streamlined Adler coupes dating back to the 1930s. The motorcycle collection includes a 1964 folding scooter.

The museum is not just a space for displaying vehicles. It's a showplace for vehicles that have been restored, as closely as possible, to their original condition. The museum also put its engineering expertise into creating a replica of one of the most unusual cars ever made–a 1933 Dymaxion. The brainchild of Buckminster Fuller, designer of the geodesic dome, this streamlined vehicle is so unusual, it looks like it could power an extra-terrestrial. Only three prototypes were ever produced.

The museum displays about 150 vehicles from its collection of more than 580. To view some of the other cars, consider hopping on one of the guided vault tours on the weekends.

Address: 702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, Tennessee

The General Jackson Showboat is the modern version of the 1800s classic four-deck paddle-wheel steamship. This showboat is a great way to get your country music fix while cruising on the Cumberland River.

If you're looking for fun things to do in Nashville at night, this pleasant outing offers a unique view of the cityscape from the water. A highlight is passing under the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.

Simplify your planning by booking the General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville . Everything is included: Southern cooking during a lunch or dinner cruise, onboard entertainment, and unsurpassed views of Nashville and the Cumberland River.

Address: 2812 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee

Downtown Nashville beats with a country heart, and this is where first-time visitors will want to stay. This area is home to music venues, the historic 2nd Ave, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, the world-famous Ryman Auditorium, and Printer's Alley. At the southern end of downtown, sports fans will find Bridgestone Arena. Below are some highly rated hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• Nashville's The Hermitage Hotel , housed in a Beaux Arts building dating from 1908, is right by the State Capitol and offers an experience in grandeur from the turn of the century.
• Opened in late 2022, the Four Seasons is one of Nashville's newest five-star properties. Its large suites are outfitted with music-inspired touches, like lamps that resemble recording studio microphones. It offers packages that immerse tourists in Nashville's music scene.
• Next door to the Bridgestone Arena and steps to Ryman Auditorium, the recently renovated all-suite Hilton Nashville Downtown offers large rooms, and may be a good option for families.
• Fully integrated with the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Omni Nashville Hotel is well located just a short stroll from the hip and lively Broadway Avenue.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Mid-range hotels tend to be clustered near Vanderbilt University, an easy drive two miles southwest of downtown on Broadway Avenue. This is a nice area, with lots of parks and The Parthenon historical site, a full replica of the original Greek Athenian Temple. Great for families, the Homewood Suites Nashville Vanderbilt offers full kitchens. This hotel has an indoor pool.
• Another all-suite option is the Home2 Suites by Hilton , located in the same area and offering similar amenities.
• The Hilton Garden Inn Nashville/Vanderbilt has standard rooms, a fitness center, and an indoor pool.

Budget Hotels :

• The fully-renovated Red Roof PLUS+ Nashville Airport offers decent rooms and a shuttle to/from the airport. A convenient base for the budget-minded is the area near the airport. It's a straight shot down Interstate 40, seven miles from the attractions downtown
• A few miles farther out, and featuring an outdoor pool, is the Sleep Inn .
• Just across the street is La Quinta Inn & Suites Nashville Airport , with basic rooms and an outdoor pool at a fair price. Surrounding both hotels is a good selection of chain restaurants.

City Sightseeing :

• Depending on your schedule, you can choose between a morning or afternoon departure for the half-day Discover Nashville tour, which packs in all the city's top attractions in a 3.5-hour tour. Music Row, Riverfront Park, and the Tennessee State Capitol are included on the itinerary, and the cost includes admission to Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
• If you prefer to do things at your own pace, opt for a Nashville Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour . This handy option allows you to stop wherever you choose, and spend as long as you like exploring favorite attractions including Music Row, the Parthenon at Centennial Park, and Vanderbilt University, all accompanied by a guide's informative commentary.
• When you're on a tight schedule or just want to get your bearings at the start of your visit to Music City, opt for the one-hour Best of Nashville City Tour on a Double Decker Bus . This tour will zip you by 100 of the top landmarks and attractions, and offers live commentary by your driver.

Helicopter Tour :

• Fly above the skyscrapers and crowds on Honky Tonk Row while scanning the city like an eagle in the Helicopter Tour of Downtown Nashville . During the 15-minute ride, you learn about Music City from your pilot while experiencing Nashville in your own whirlybird.

The spring and fall are the best times of the year to visit Nashville , when the weather is pleasant and the temperatures are comfortable. You will also encounter slightly fewer tourists on either side of the booming summer season, which can be a relief for those who want to avoid crowds.

Fewer tourists also means more availability for tickets to high-demand places like the Grand Ole Opry , and easier access to other music venues. Hotel rates will be slightly lower in the spring and fall than they are in the summer when prices are inflated.

During the spring and fall, weather is nice enough to go to the many outdoor concerts around the city and enjoy patio dining at local restaurants. Spring is the start of fun free outdoor events , like Musicians Corner with live music at Centennial Park, and outdoor concert dates continue into the fall.

If you cannot decide between spring and fall, it is best to scout out the Nashville festival scene and pick dates based on what strikes your interest.

While summer has some exciting events in Nashville like the CMA-festival, if you are not going for a specific reason during this window of time then it is best not to. Summers in Nashville are sweltering. In contrast, the spring and fall temperatures average in the 70s.

Even in the more comfortable months there can be occasional unpredictable storms and high humidity, so it's a good idea to pack for a range of weather conditions.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Popular Nashville Day Trips : When you're done exploring Nashville, be sure to spend at least a little time exploring the surrounding area. Top-rated day trips within an easy drive include a visit to the Carter House and Carnton Plantation, as well as the Historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation, both of which became famous as battlegrounds during the Civil War.

Another great destination with a rich musical history, Memphis is perhaps most famous as the home of Elvis Presley's Graceland. Memphis is also famous for its fun Beale Street Entertainment District, as well as the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.

The Great Outdoors : For a fun back-to-nature experience, head to the Smoky Mountains , home to the country's most visited national park. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, biking, camping and white water rafting. And if fishing's your thing, Tennessee is famous for its superlative fly fishing , boasting an impressive 22,000 miles of streams and some 29 reservoirs in which to cast a line.

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The 15 Best Things to Do in Nashville

By Margaret Littman

Music City is a quirky place: It's a big place with a small-town feel—a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, if you will. That makes for an all-encompassing list of things to do in Nashville. The music scene here obviously draws both travelers and aspiring song writers alike, and Honky Tonk Row beckons with ‘round the clock live shows and cheap beer in plastic cups. But don’t forget to venture off of Broadway—way off Broadway. Look around and you'll find a burgeoning art community, eclectic indie boutiques, and a food scene that has grown immensely from its local Southern roots and into one of America's most exciting dining destinations. Tick as many of these places as you can off your list if you want to feel the real heart and soul of this city: These are the best things to do in Nashville on your next visit.

Click the link to read our complete Nashville city guide .

Hatch Show Print Arrow

Part of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Hatch Show Print has been churning out show posters for some of Nashville’s biggest venues and most celebrated artists for more than 140 years. The shop still prints more than 500 posters per year, but visitors can also snatch up a token of Nashville history in the form of replica vintage posters like the one founder William Hatch made for the Grand Ole Opry in 1941. It's not just a place to pick up souvenirs, though. Temporary exhibitions and displays of archival posters are in rotation, and real letterpress geeks can sign up for tours and workshops. Ultimately, the crowd is pretty touristy, but there are plenty of locals who have a piece of Hatch history in their homes.

National Museum of African American Music Arrow

NMAAM covers the whole of the Black music experience. The collection, which includes audio and video files, costumes, posters, instruments, photographs and more, is organized by genre and chronology. The material is designed to be interactive, and visitors can see where musicians got their influences and then who influenced them. The museum goes in-depth, covering both well-known performers and those whose names are otherwise lost to history. The entire collection is permanent, but because so much of it is how you interact with it—do you try to record your own song, listen to different artists—it never feels like the same place twice. And as the cornerstone of the mammoth Fifth + Broadway complex (a destination in and of itself with restaurants, live music venues, and shops), it still never feels crowded thanks to timed ticketing. 

Arnold's Country Kitchen Arrow

Yes, Arnold's Country Kitchen is essentially a glorified cafeteria—albeit, one with a James Beard Classic award ( one of two in the city ). Expansions have somewhat shortened the long lines, but because everyone in town, from musicians to politicians to tourists, eats here, expect to wait for the Southern-style "meat ‘n’ three." For decades, Arnold's was only open for weekday lunch, but it now has dinner hours (the popular Arnold’s After Dark), weekend hours, and even a new bar. Whether you're a born-and-bred Tennessean or a Southern-food novice, the meat ‘n’ three is a rite of passage.

Frist Art Museum Arrow

Nashville had a dearth of art museums, but the Frist—which opened in 2001 in a stately Art Deco building that was once the city's main post office—helped fill that void. The art museum has no permanent collection, so you never know what will be on view—and that's why locals love it. The exhibits run the gamut, from vintage automobiles to Japanese art to relics from the Houghton Hall country estate in England . Each one is thoughtfully laid out in a well-illuminated gallery space and there's also a free music show, Music at the Frist, about once a month.

Stacey Lastoe

Tonya Russell

Laura Kiniry

Nora Zelevansky

RCA Studio B Arrow

Everyone from Elvis Presley to Roy Orbison and Carrie Underwood have laid down tracks at this historic recording studio, now a museum operated by the Country Music Hall of Fame. The only way to visit Studio B is on a guided tour, hosted hourly from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It's a tourist hotspot though, so don't be surprised to see some Elvis diehards who drove over from Graceland in Memphis. It's a whirlwind glimpse of Nashville's music scene , and you'll be sure to leave feeling that Music City magic.

The Station Inn Arrow

The Station Inn isn't just Nashville's best bluegrass club; rather, it's the country's best. If you want to hear fast pickin', down-home excitement every night, played by many of the genre’s best musicians, high-tail it here. The drinks are cheap, and the cinder-block building might not gleam like its high-rise neighbors, but everything about the Station Inn is true-blue Music City. You never know who will show up for the Sunday Bluegrass jam, but you do know it’ll be a night to remember. Come and explore the Nashville music scene beyond the honky tonks.

Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library Arrow

Tucked away on the second floor of the main downtown public library, the Civil Rights Room honors Nashville's role in a seminal period of American history. The collection here includes photographs of school desegregation, sit-ins, and marches. A circular table is symbolic of the lunch counters where  college students sat, peacefully protested, and demanded change. The table is engraved with the 10 rules of conduct set out for sit-in participants. The centerpiece of the room is a glass inscription by Martin Luther King, Jr., who visited the city in 1960. Across the hall, you’ll find the  Votes for Women room, a similar tribute to Tennessee’s role in the passage of the 19 th amendment. Browse hear to see propaganda, posters and photos from the divisive time in America’s history a century ago. 

Robert’s Western World Arrow

Lower Broadway is lined with honky tonks, all-day and all-night watering holes, and dance halls that make Nashville Music City. While some have expanded into bachelorette -pleasing cover bands and rock sing-a-longs, Robert’s Western World has remained a legit place to hear Western swing from the best musicians in the city. Come here to kick up your heels, drink PBR, eat a fried bologna sandwich, and have a good time. It’s perfectly acceptable to wander from stage to stage (Layla’s Honky Tonk, the only woman-owned bar on Lower Broad, is another good choice.) As is the case at all honky tonks, don't forget to tip—both your server and the band.

Jefferson Street Sound Museum Arrow

A small house-turned-museum on one of Nashville’s most historic streets, the Jefferson Street Sound Museum sort of looks and feels like you're in someone’s house with their chock-full music collection… because it sort of is. Lorenzo Washington took over the former home and converted two stories into a museum with exhibits based largely around his own collection of artifacts. This museum is oft-overlooked by visitors to Nashville, perhaps because it's small and it is only open one day a week (otherwise, you can come by appointment). But just walking in the front door makes you feel like an insider privy to the secrets of Jefferson Street’s musical legacy.  Much of the signage is handwritten, and going through with Washington as guide is really the only way to understand what’s what. Items on display include many, many autographed photos, instruments, costumes, sheet music, and playbills. The emphasis is on Nashville’s Black music scene from 1940 to 1970, from Jimi Hendrix to Marion James.

Backstage Nashville at 3rd & Lindsley Arrow

Like many time-loved Nashville venues, 3rd & Lindsley is nondescript. From the outside it looks like the DMV, and inside it's basic square tables and ladder-back chairs. All the lighting and sound mechanics are unhidden, but it has good sound and a stage visible from almost any spot on both floors of the bar—and that’s what matters here. If you want to understand Nashville's music, Backstage Nashville's focus on the singer-songwriter is the place to do it.  The weekly event takes place from 12:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Kids of all ages are welcome, and it's the perfect place to expose them to Nashville music without all the age inappropriateness of Lower Broad.

Lane Motor Museum Arrow

This is not your normal museum . The idea behind the private Lane Motor Museum is to display vehicles from Europe, Asia, and North and South America from the 1920s to present day. Every vehicle is in working order and there are more than 150 cars, motorcycles, even some amphibious vehicles. Even if you've been before, you might want to return. The collection rotates; you can see something today that wasn’t shown last week. Labels explain each car's significance, and visitors can peer into the garages where the museum's ongoing restoration efforts take place. 

Carl Van Vechten Gallery Arrow

The Van Vechten Gallery at Fisk University, the historically Black university on the city’s north side, has a world-class collection of art that once belonged to photographer and art promoter Alfred Stieglitz. Stieglitz’s wife, Georgia O’Keeffe, donated a portion of this collection to Fisk on his death. Fisk and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, now take turns exhibiting the collection in its entirety, with it moving back and forth every two years. It is amazing to think about the foresight Stieglitz had when he compiled this collection, with works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Cézanne, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Diego Rivera, Arthur Dove, Gino Severini, and Charles Demuth. When the collection is at Crystal Bridges, though, it's still worth visiting the Van Vechten to see exhibits like its impressive Harlem Renaissance collection.

Grand Ole Opry Arrow

Chances are, you've heard of The Grand Ole Opry, and with good reason. The historic live broadcast changed locations a few times and moved to its current location—and first dedicated space—at the Opry House in 1974, after more than 30 years as a resident of the Ryman Auditorium . Famously, it has no bad seats, balcony, or floor. The biggest names in country music headline and even make surprise appearances here regularly, but it's still open to fresh up-and-coming talent. To get the full depth and breadth of the Opry experience, book one of the backstage tours before you see a show. They’re chockful of facts and artifacts.

Plaza Mariachi Music City Arrow

Every day is different at Plaza Mariachi, a buzzing gathering place that had a former life as a Kroger grocery store. It's a bit different than some of Nashville's music venues . Mariachi bands and DJ shows are a sure bet, often accompanied by silk dancers. But you may also catch salsa dancing classes, mariachis playing Rocky Top, big-name Latinx stars, guitarists, kids’ shows, and more. The shows are always hopping, so you don't need to seek a specific one. Just come because you have some free time and you're looking for good energy and live music.

Silver Sands Cafe Arrow

Even more than hot chicken, Nashville is known for the meat-and-three–a cafeteria-style diner where you order one meat and three sides. And for more than 70 years Silver Sands has been a Nashville meat-and-three soul food institution. It is nothin’ fancy inside or out, and that utilitarian time-loved ambiance fits the place. The food, made daily by Sophia Vaughn, changes based on the day of the week; meatloaf on Wednesdays and barbecue chicken on Thursdays, for example, and each day includes several lunch options. At breakfast, biscuit sandwiches are built to order, as are pancakes, bacon and other classics. While the word is out among visitors who travel for good food, the majority of customers lining up for breakfast and lunch are locals. The wait can be long, but the vibe is convivial and you'll get to know your neighbors. Nothing here is fancily plated or garnished—it's just classic, delicious eats.

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Things to Do in Nashville

Creativity is the heart and soul of Music City, and there’s never a shortage of inspiring things to do. From tours , music , and the arts to food , sports , and shopping , there is an “only in Nashville” experience waiting for you.

Creativity is the heart and soul of Music City and there’s never a shortage of inspiring things to do. From music, culture and the arts to food, sports and shopping, there is an “only in Nashville” experience waiting for you.

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Home » North America » USA » Tennessee » 39 Best Things to Do in Nashville

39 Best Things to Do in Nashville

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: November 1, 2023

Music City (aka Nashville) seems to have it all. There is live music basically any hour of the day, fun places to hang out and relax, and history stretching back to the early days of America. And don’t forget the incredible food. We’ve spent a lot of time exploring the city and learning about all the best things to do in Nashville, Tennessee.

Whether you’re looking to booze it up at a rooftop bar on Broadway, settle in for a night of acoustic music, or uncover the quirky side of the city, there is plenty to choose from. From finding cool street art to checking out the city’s museums, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a look at some of our favorite ways to spend time in the city. 

Try hot chicken

See the parthenon, visit robert’s western world, hang out at pinewood social, visit the hermitage hotel, shop at marathon village, seek out street art, try biscuits at loveless cafe, see a show at a listening room, sink your teeth into a goo goo cluster, tour belle meade historic site, enjoy the view at a rooftop bar, visit the ryman auditorium, see hatch show print, play around at tee line, get outside at cheekwood estate & gardens, sample spirits at a local distillery, try artisan chocolate at olive and sinclair, stroll the seigenthaler pedestrian bridge, visit the national museum of african american music, hang out in printers alley, indulge at five daughters bakery, browse five points alley shops, tour belmont mansion, go wine tasting at arrington vineyards, see an exhibit at the frist art museum, visit the johnny cash museum, browse nashville farmers market, learn about history in the civil rights room, explore l&l market, have a drink at the patterson house, take a walk at the warner parks, explore gaylord opryland, visit andrew jackson’s hermitage, try a flight at diskin cider, eat dinner in a former theater, see the country music hall of fame, enjoy a game at game point cafe, wander hillsboro village.

Trying hot chicken is at the top of the must do list in Nashville. The succulent meat is marinated, floured, and fried. But the last couple of steps are what set it apart from other fried chicken.

Right before serving, a cayenne pepper sauce is added to the hot chicken before it is neatly positioned between a slice of white bread and pickle chips. Depending on your request, the sauce can vary from mild to sweet-Jesus-this-is-spicy. Add black eyed peas, baked beans, French fries, or pimento mac-and-cheese, and you’re good to go.

Prince’s Hot Chicken is the original place to try Nashville hot chicken. They’ve been making it delicious and down home for over 80 years. Bolton’s also comes highly recommended. My choice is Hattie B’s , which has quickly become a local staple.

Centennial Park is home to a full-size replica of the Parthenon , originally built in 1897. Now an art museum, it houses a group of paintings by 19th- and 20th-century American artists and provides space for temporary exhibits.

The centerpiece of the building is an imposing 42-foot-tall statue of Athena covered in gold leaf, as it would have been in the Parthenon in Athens . Not exactly an expected sight in the American South.

See The Parthenon and other landmarks the easy way on a half-day city tour or this 2.5-hour Segway tour . To do it all at your own pace, the hop-on hop-off trolley is a great option.

On our first trip to the city, a Nashville native told us that the only honky tonk on Broadway that locals go to is Robert’s Western World . We can’t confirm that, but the recommendation made us change our plans and head for the place with the boot and guitar sign.

Honky tonks don’t have a cover charge, so you can grab a stool, order the house specialty—a fried bologna sandwich—and pay what you wish when the band passes the tip jar. Live bands play essentially all day, providing the soundtrack for visitors two-stepping just in front of the stage.

The classic country tunes give the place a laid back but fun atmosphere if you want to have a good time without feeling like you’re in the middle of a rock concert. You can’t have an experience like this just anywhere, which makes visiting Robert’s Western World one of our favorite Nashville activities.

Pinewood Social is…well, it’s almost impossible to come up with a short phrase to describe this distinctive, genius space. A restaurant, coffee shop, bowling alley, outdoor oasis, and co-working space all rolled into one, Pinewood Social serves just about every need morning, noon, and night. It’s one of the best places to visit in Nashville.

Pinewood Social is a great place to have a cup of coffee and get some work done during the day before visiting the pool and grabbing dinner and a cocktail in the evening. And don’t forget the bocce ball.

If we lived in Nashville, we’d be here all the time. Instead, we have to settle for having the smashburger and crispy tater tots on every visit.

The Hermitage Hotel is one of the finest places to stay in Music City. At over 100 years old, the hotel has welcomed just about everybody who’s anybody into its well-appointed rooms (there was a Keith Urban sighting during our visit!).

The lobby is spectacular, and the food is delicious, but one of the quirkiest reasons to visit the Hermitage Hotel is the Art Deco men’s bathroom. Located just off the hotel lobby, it has consistently been noted as the best bathroom in America.

The large loo is decorated with bright green and black glass tiles and green fixtures. If you’re in the mood, you can stop a moment in the two-seat shoeshine station that greets you when you pass through the door. At this point, it’s so famous that the bathroom is also open for women. And photos. A visit here is one of the best free things to do in Nashville.

At Marathon Village , a former automobile plant has been re-purposed into a cool shopping center and creative community in the North Gulch neighborhood. There are art studios, galleries, and home decor and gift shops. You’ll even find Antique Archaeology—the shop owned by the guy in the History Channel’s American Pickers show—and one of the famous “I Believe in Nashville” murals.

The building renovation was a decades-long labor of love resulting in a contemporary space that’s full of history. In open spaces throughout the building, there is old equipment from the original factory and panels describing the building’s illustrious past.

Nashville is packed with street art. Hidden in alleys, under bridges, in parking lots—murals and artworks seem to be everywhere. Finding them around the city feels like a scavenger hunt. Luckily, you never have to look too far.

One of the most popular murals in town is the “WhatLiftsYou Wings mural ” by Kelsey Montague, which you can find in The Gulch. There’s even a painted line on the sidewalk to show people where to patiently wait a turn for a photo. When you’re done there, take a walk down 11th Avenue South to see what other murals you can find.

Beyond The Gulch, the Germantown and East Nashville neighborhoods have lots of street art. Wander the area near Werthan Lofts or take a drive down Gallatin Pike to see some of the highlights of the ever-changing canvas.

Loveless Cafe in southwest Nashville, Tennessee, is the place to go for Southern cooking. It’s known for all things heavenly from country ham to red-eye gravy and especially its all-day breakfast. But what people line up for just about every day of the week are the biscuits at Loveless Cafe .

The flaky pillows of love—served with homemade preserves, of course—come alongside almost everything on the menu. That’s because they’re delicious and rival the cooking of any Southern grandma. Made from scratch every day, the biscuits are worth the 25-minute trip outside of town.

See our recommendations for a weekend itinerary in Nashville .

There’s no shortage of great music in Nashville, but the bars and honky tonks—especially downtown—can get a little crazy. If you’re looking for a more relaxing environment, consider one of the venues featuring song writers and up-and-coming performers.

Bluebird Cafe is the classic listening room. It’s super popular, and even their open mic nights sell out faster than you can say “Music City.” The aptly-named The Listening Room Cafe is a great alternative for hearing works straight from the song writers of both new songs and chart-topping hits. They also serve good food and have valet parking. It’s a great date night spot .

Take peanuts, caramel, and marshmallow, and coat it in milk chocolate, and you get what is essentially the perfect candy bar—a Goo Goo Cluster. Invented in 1912, this classic candy has its own outpost in the heart of downtown.

At the Goo Goo Chocolate Co., you can find varieties of the clusters or go all-out at their dessert bar with different kinds of fudge, ice cream, and other treats. I did the classic with a spin—premium vanilla ice cream topped with a chopped peanut butter Goo Goo Cluster. It was heaven.

To immerse yourself in this chocolate world even more, consider their make-your-own chocolate bar classes or a class that pairs chocolate with wines and spirits.

Once home to the wealthiest family in Nashville and the largest thoroughbred horse farm in the US, Belle Meade plantation welcomed celebrities, presidents, and countless notable people at its height.

Today, a tour of Belle Meade offers a glimpse into the life of the moneyed class around the time of the Civil War and beyond. Visitors can wander the grounds to see original buildings, tour the mansion, and learn about the lives of the enslaved people who built the family’s fortune. It’s an interesting and educational experience to get a brief peek into the Old South at one of the top places to go in Nashville.

Nashville is blessed with dozens of rooftop bars with picturesque views and lots of ambiance. From pool decks and live music to seating in swings and private cabanas, they are great places to chill out and enjoy your beverage of choice.

On Broadway, Lookout at Ole Red is our go-to spot—it’s a bit more refined than some places and has a great view of the action. In The Gulch, our choice is Up , a rooftop lounge where you can relax on the couches or chat over the fire pits.

In the Arts District, the super cool Bobby Hotel has a premium rooftop lounge. You can grab a seat at the bar or hang out in the bus. In winter, you may even find yourself in one of their igloos or chic cedar cabins like we did.

In many ways, the Ryman Auditorium made Nashville the capital of country music. Opened in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, the Ryman was the home of the Grand Ole Opry, which was broadcast from the stage every week for 30 years.

Today, visitors can tour the hallowed auditorium and hear Trisha Yearwood, Nicole Kidman, and others talk about the history of the building and its performers on audio information panels. You can take a photo on the Ryman’s famous stage and even make a record. The self-guided tour of one of the top Nashville attractions is at your own pace.

If a tour isn’t quite your speed, you can grab a ticket to one of the performances (country music and beyond) that still happen here almost every night of the week.

Hatch Show Print’s distinctive letterpress printing style is known throughout the South. Its images of Americana—especially those related to music and art—and its vintage lettering have made it sought after by entertainers and businesses. One of the oldest working letterpress print shops in America, Hatch Show Print is open for tours, and you can even make your own prints at one of their regular block parties.

We loved browsing all the examples from art through the years and seeing presses and fonts on display. When you’re finished, pop into Bajo Sexto Taco (in the same building) for great street tacos. We loved the carnitas and the coconut shrimp tacos. You can even grab a margarita to-go.

For something a little unexpected, head to Tee Line . A visit to the city’s first curling venue is what to do in Nashville when you want something off the typical tourist track. This fun space has classes where you can learn to curl, bowling lanes, and lots of food, drink, and TVs for when you want a break from the recreation.

Tee Line features daily happy hour specials, and there is always something fun happening here, so it’s great to visit even if you only want to be a spectator.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a must if getting outdoors is on your Nashville to do list. The beautiful botanical garden spans 55 acres and features 12 distinct gardens and a woodland walking trail. It’s an easy place to lose yourself for hours among the trees and blooming flowers. We’ve been in spring and winter, and it was stunning in both seasons.

There are seasonal festivals and events like the spring Cheekwood in Bloom that features over 150,000 blooming bulbs and Cheekwood Lights , which includes over one million lights during the holiday season.

The estate’s art galleries showcase some of the 7000 works in its permanent collection—including sculpture, paintings, and artifacts from around the world—as well as temporary exhibitions.

Distilleries are always on the top of our list any time we visit a new destination. About 90 minutes from Nashville in Lynchburg, you’ll find the home of the top-selling American whiskey in the world—Jack Daniel’s. A tour of the Jack Daniel’s distillery demonstrates the care and craftsmanship that goes into this line of incredibly popular beverages.

Whether you’re a Jack drinker or not, we couldn’t recommend the tour here more highly. And, if you are a Jack drinker, definitely take the tasting tour. It’s one of the best things to do in Tennessee !

If you’d like to visit Jack Daniel’s but don’t want to drive yourself, check out this convenient transportation option.

If you want to stick a little closer to Music City, there are several great Nashville distilleries to visit . Three of our favorites are Corsair Distillery, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, and Nashville Craft Distillery.

At Corsair’s location on Merritt Avenue, visitors can sample absinthe, whiskey, gin, or any of the other spirits at the bar or take a behind-the-scenes tour. Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery offers tours, tastings, and cocktail experiences featuring their bourbons that are made using pre-Prohibition family recipes. Nashville Craft Distillery produces small-batch spirits like gin and bourbon as well as unique offerings made from sorghum. I particularly liked their spiced honey liqueur.

Located in a 19 th -century building in East Nashville, Olive and Sinclair is the city’s premier chocolate maker. They pride themselves on being Tennessee’s first “bean-to-bar” chocolate company, roasting and grinding the cacao and making their unique flavors on-site. Stop by to try their sea salt chocolate, duck fat caramels, or other specialties.

If you want to see the process at work, take one of the Saturday tours. There are plenty of samples available on the 45-minute tour, and you’ll learn all there is to know about how the artisan chocolate is made.

The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge spans the Cumberland River and connects downtown to the football stadium. There is no automobile traffic, so cyclists and walkers move at their own pace, often stopping to take photos of the river and downtown. It’s a very pleasant place for a walk.

From spirituals to hip hop, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) traces the evolution and impact of Black music in America. The 56,000-square-foot space is full of interactive exhibits that let visitors hear a huge range of songs and see how artists across generations and genres collaborated and influenced each other to create some of the best songs ever written.

Visitors can curate their own playlist of songs they like by scanning personalized bracelets as they move through the exhibits. They can also make their own beats and sing along with a gospel choir. In addition to the interactive elements, NMAAM has lots of memorabilia ranging from early hymnals and songbooks to costumes and platinum records.

Once the center of the city’s printing industry (hence the name), Printers Alley is a National Historic District. But, more importantly for visitors, it’s a center of nightlife in the heart of downtown.

With nightclubs, karaoke joints, bars, and places for live music, Printers Alley is a fun place for a night out. Check out Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar for blues music and a Hurricane or grab a bite to eat at Skull’s Rainbow Room.

The donuts at Five Daughters Bakery are the best I’ve ever had. Ever.

With three locations, this family-run bakery makes a variety of donuts. There are traditional yeast donuts and vegan and paleo options. But what they’re known for is their 100-layer donut–the combination of a donut and croissant is rolled in sugar, filled with cream, and glazed. I’m head-over-heels for the maple glazed donut. SO. GOOD.

The Five Points Alley Shops are a hub of creativity. This collection of small businesses in one shopping center makes it easy to see lots of unique offerings in one spot. See the treasures at the unconventional fine jewelry store Riveter or browse used, rare, and out-of-print books at Defunct Books . See artistic exhibitions at Raven & Whale Gallery or shop for amazing vintage cowgirl boots and other stylish finds at Goodbuy Girls.

Belmont Mansion was the antebellum summer estate of Adelicia Acklen, who was the wealthiest woman in Tennessee in the mid-1800s. Once in the countryside, the home is now right in the heart of the city on the campus of Belmont University.

The house is sumptuously furnished in period pieces, including Roman sculptures, gifts from a US President, and treasures brought back from a Grand Tour of Europe. A visit to Belmont Mansion is a look at the luxuriant lifestyle of a family who seemingly sailed through the Civil War with little repercussion, which was uncommon in the South. Unfortunately, due to the lack of record keeping at the time, information about the enslaved workers who built that fortune is scant, which means visitors only get a part of the story. But an opulent story it is.

Just a half-hour from downtown, a visit to Arrington Vineyards is one of the fun things to do near Nashville. On weekends and nice days, it seems like the whole property is full of families and groups of friends having picnics, playing games, and drinking wine from Arrington.

With about 20 reds, whites, and dessert wines to choose from, the vineyard offers tastings and bottles for sale. There is frequent live music and a rotating list of food trucks on Fridays.

The Frist Art Museum is unique in that it doesn’t have a permanent collection. Instead, it showcases the work of artists from across Tennessee, the US, and the world in rotating exhibits. The museum has featured everything from art from the American West to the best works of Picasso.

The Frist is also the home of the Martin ArtQuest Gallery which allows guests of all ages to create art at 30 interactive stations and features regular classes and educational programs.

The Johnny Cash Museum is dedicated to the life and music career of the country legend. In this small space, you can listen to a retrospective of Cash’s music through the years and see exhibits like his costumes, instruments, photos, and handwritten lyrics. Personal items like his high school yearbook and his marriage certificate with June Carter Cash are also on display.

One of the more unexpected items is a stone wall that was part of Cash’s home before it burned down in 2007. The museum is well-done and interesting, but with a $26 admission fee, the Johnny Cash Museum may be best reserved for Cash’s most enthusiastic fans.

Next door, you’ll find Johnny Cash’s Bar & BBQ. Each of the two floors of this Southern restaurant has a stage for live music and a bar, so you can eat pulled pork and mashed potatoes, sip whiskey, and listen to some of the city’s best music all at once.

Open year-round, Nashville Farmers Market is home to a variety of not only farmers but artisans, restaurateurs, crafters, and more. Since it began in the early 1800s, the market has been a bustling place and a must see in Nashville.

The Farmers Market covered farm sheds host up to 100 farmers–depending on the season–along with dairies, cheese-makers, and others selling their products. Inside the market are 20 restaurants and shops. Whether you’re looking for gourmet pizza, Jamaican specialties, or anything in between, you’re likely to find it here.

The Civil Rights Room on the second floor of the Nashville Public Library focuses on the protests against Jim Crow laws that took place in the city. Visitors can read about activists’ efforts to end segregation and can sit at a symbolic lunch counter of the kind occupied by protesters in 1960. Reproductions of the arrest records of future Congressman John Lewis, who played a leading role in the sit-ins, are also in display.

In West Nashville, L&L Market is a fun place for a little shopping and a lot of eating. There’s great coffee at Honest Coffee Roasters, over-the-top milkshakes at Gracie’s Milkshake Bar, and charcuterie on a cool conveyor belt at Culture & Co.

If you need a break from eating, browse around for jewelry, home furnishings, and gifts.

L&L Market is great any time, but it’s a particularly nice place to go in Nashville when it’s raining or cold because there’s so much to choose from.

At this speakeasy on Division Street, a floor-length, velvet curtain separates the entryway from the main bar. It’s the first sign that the Patterson House is a kind of cool you don’t experience many places. To get in, there must be a seat for you. No seat, no drink. It all contributes to the upscale but relaxed environment where the bartenders will engage with you at length before recommending one of their custom-crafted cocktails.

In addition to the drinks, you’ll also find a menu featuring delicious bites like shrimp corn dogs, fried brie, and fried chicken po’ boy sliders. It gets busy here, so show up near opening or closing time if you don’t want to wait. It’s worth it to see this institution when you visit Nashville.

At more than 3100 acres, the Edwin and Percy Warner Parks—collectively known as “The Warner Parks”—are where to go in Nashville for getting some fresh air not far from downtown. Go for a hike, take a picnic, take advantage of the golf course, or challenge yourself on the massive staircase that welcomes visitors to Percy Warner Park.

The Gaylord Opryland is like an indoor city. With more than 15 restaurants and bars, 2800+ rooms, and lots of shops and other features, I’m embarrassed to say how many times we got lost during our stay here.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-manage adventure with everything you need in one spot, this is it. Take a boat ride through the hotel, watch a radio broadcast in the on-site studio, or check out their water park called Soundwaves where you can slide, swim, or float the lazy river. The choices for things to see and do here are insane.

A visit to the Gaylord is a must do in Nashville at Christmas . From decorations to ice sculptures to indoor snow tubing, all the wintery things are available here.

The Hermitage plantation was the home of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, and his family from 1804 until his death in 1845. The 1100-acre property includes the mansion and garden (including a tomb), former cotton fields, and several 19th-century cabins that housed enslaved people.

One of the more historical things to do in Nashville, a tour of the Hermitage’s museum and grounds paints a picture of a popular but complicated president with a fiery personality and provides information about the lives of the enslaved people on the plantation. Guides inside the mansion provide commentary about life in the house and are proud to point out that the Hermitage is the most accurately-preserved of the early Presidents’ homes .

Diskin Cider is Nashville’s first (and only!) craft cidery. Using fresh pressed apples, they make a range of cider flavors ranging from traditional dry to hopped to fruit flavors and even fruit tea. Our favorites were the semi-sweet and the seasonal cinnamon flavor.

The key to Diskin Cider’s product line is that none of the ciders is overly sweet—there’s no sugar or anything artificial added. Plus, they’re gluten free.

There are about 10 ciders on the menu at the tasting room , plus a couple of beers and lots of cocktail choices (some incorporating the ciders). Food offerings include a cheese board, salads, grilled flatbreads, and a burger.

Located in the historic Melrose theater, Sinema is an upscale restaurant with a distinctive theme. The moment you enter, you see a movie playing in the bar, the staircase leading to the mezzanine, and walls lined with throwback photos of the stars from the ‘40s and ‘50s—the Melrose’s heyday.

Sinema’s eclectic American menu and unique setting make it a popular special occasion restaurant, but it’s also great for people looking for something a little different from the downtown hotspots. The food is delicious, and the setting is packed with nostalgia.

You certainly don’t have to be a country music fan to appreciate the Country Music Hall of Fame , but a visit here is one of the quintessential best things to do in Nashville. One of the world’s largest museums, it is home to 2.5 million artifacts, including recordings, photos, instruments, and so many other things.

Just the collection and variety of cowboy boots and clothes alone is kind of mind-blowing. There are also larger, one-of-a-kind items like Elvis’ “Solid Gold” Cadillac painted with crushed diamonds and fish scales.

The Country Music Hall of Fame makes an effort to pay tribute to county music’s heritage while also having a focus on contemporary and even cross-over artists. While there is a permanent collection, some of the exhibits rotate.

A cute cafe in East Nashville, Game Point Cafe is fun whether or not you’re into the 400+ games they offer. There is a sizable food menu in addition to lots of coffee and select beer offerings, and there’s lots of space for people to work, chat, or chill out.

Unlike many game-focused cafes, Game Point Cafe doesn’t charge an entry or playing fee. They offer game coaches on weekday evenings and weekends and host regular events. The whole environment is laid-back and designed to encourage fun. If you’re in the area, don’t miss it.

Near Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, Hillsboro Village is a neighborhood filled with boutiques and restaurants to explore. Punctuated by fun works of street art, you’ll find favorites like Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Impeccable Pig, and Rebecca James Clothing here. Bonus: If Biscuit Love restaurant is on your list and you don’t wait to wait at the Gulch location, you might find a shorter line at the Hillsboro Village location.

Where to Stay The Hermitage Hotel : Historic elegance Omni Nashville : Music at your doorstep Gaylord Opryland Hotel : Resort complex with endless options See our full guide to the best downtown Nashville hotels . Where to Eat Husk : A celebration of Southern ingredients The Southern Steak & Oyster : Seafood, steak, and locally-grown produce Josephine : Regularly-changing menu of the best produce and meats available daily Check out other choices for great restaurants in Nashville .

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Friday 29th of October 2021

Some things we missed

Sara Albert

Friday 20th of August 2021

Been to Nashville 8 times but still haven't seen it all. I'm a huge country music fan & it's my #1 place to visit.

Bryson Fico

Thursday 4th of March 2021

I couldn't ask for a more detailed guide to Nashville, TN. You hit everything a visitor could want to know and do. I will bookmark and share your blog for sure.

Laura Longwell

Thanks! So glad you found it helpful. It's a great city.

Elaine Marble

Wednesday 12th of February 2020

Planning a trip in Sept. Thanks for great ideas!!

Puja Sheth Sheth

Sunday 9th of February 2020

Thank so much for this great list! I got a lot of great ideas. Keep at it! :)

The Best Things to Do in Nashville (Even If You're Not a Partier!)

See country legends perform, visit beautiful state parks, taste the best hot chicken, and more.

Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

Nashville has a reputation for being a prime destination for partiers. It's one of the top spots for bachelorette parties, after all! But while there are certainly many honky-tonks open until the wee hours of the morning—and bar bikes riding up and down Broadway all day long—this historic city has even more to offer that you may not know about.

So make your way down Honky Tonk Highway for a quintessential Nashville experience. Or if you'd rather have a quiet night listening to live country music, wait in line for the best hot chicken sandwich (ever!), enjoy a day at a distillery or winery, go zip lining, have a peaceful day at a state park, or take in Nashville views on a hot air balloon, we're happy to report you can do that here too.

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

You can't go to Nashville without learning about country music, and one of the best places to do that is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum . Located on Music Row in downtown Nashville, this large museum celebrates all things about the genre.

Meet animals at the Nashville Zoo.

Whether or not you're traveling with little ones, it's worth a trip to the Nashville Zoo . Not only are there plenty of animal exhibits, but there are also fun family-friendly experiences, like zip lining, a carousel, and animal shows. Make a day out of it by enjoying some of the dining options, including a pizza kitchen and a creamery.

Stop by the Johnny Cash Museum.

Fans of Johnny Cash will not want to miss the Johnny Cash Museum , which features the world's largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia. It's one of the top attractions in the area—and right next door, you can grab something to eat at Johnny Cash's Bar & BBQ .

Find snacks at the Nashville Farmers' Market.

A stop at the Nashville Farmers' Market is a must for anyone who wants to do something low-key. The large market features artisanal food, fresh produce, restaurants, shops, and crafts. Grab some snacks or something to cook later if you need a break from eating out.

Walk the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.

Take in incredible views of the river and downtown skyline by walking the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge , which is closed to car traffic. The historic bridge built from 1907-09 connects downtown Nashville to East Nashville.

Explore the Adventure Science Center.

If you're looking for a way to entertain the kids, head to the Adventure Science Center , a non-profit science museum for children. There, you'll find over 175 hands-on interactive exhibits, from climbing structures to the Sudekum Planetarium.

Experience the Honky Tonk Highway.

One of the most famous streets in Nashville, the Honky Tonk Highway (aka lower Broadway) is a stretch of honky tonk bars known for their music and atmosphere. For a more family-friendly vibe, go before 8 p.m. If you want to get a little wild, head there after dinner. You'll find iconic spots, like Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and The Second Fiddle.

Enjoy the outdoors at Cumberland Park.

If you want to get out of the city for a bit, Cumberland Park is a great spot to walk along the water and enjoy river views. You can walk The Explorer Trail if you want to see butterflies, or take the kids to the play area.

Get a glimpse of (or go inside!) the Parthenon.

Located in Centennial Park, the Parthenon in Nashville is the world's only exact-size and detail replica of the original in Athens, Greece. It was once created for a celebration—but it was so popular, it stuck around. Today, the building regularly hosts art exhibits.

Browse the Nashville Flea Market.

The Nashville Flea Market at The Fairgrounds is only open during the fourth weekend of each month (with some exceptions), but if you catch it, it's worth a visit. It features a wide variety of shopping booths—and if you're looking for unique antiques and vintage items, it's a great place for browsing.

Catch a show at The Bluebird Cafe.

The tiny Bluebird Cafe isn't just a place to get something to eat: It's one of the most iconic listening rooms in the world. Artists like Taylor Swift and Faith Hill have had career-defining moments there, and the place is teeming with country music history. There are two shows a night and reservations are highly recommended.

Stay at the iconic Hermitage Hotel.

There are a lot of hotels to choose from in Nashville, but an iconic and classic option is The Hermitage Hotel —where music greats like Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash have stayed. It's located in a prime downtown Nashville spot and offers gorgeous rooms and luxury amenities.

Watch country legends perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

The Grand Ole Opry , one of the biggest attractions in Nashville, is one you won't want to miss. Catch a two-hour live show multiple nights a week, with performances by country legends and rising stars—or just take a tour . And if you need somewhere to stay, the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is a popular hotel, with a spa, golf course, and water attraction.

Visit the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame honors teams, coaches, athletes, and more from the state of Tennessee. Even if you don't actively root for a Tennessee team, diehard sports fans will enjoy browsing the memorabilia and taking in sports history.

Fly high in a hot air balloon.

Adventure seekers will want to reserve a seat in a hot air balloon for arguably the best views of middle Tennessee.

Eat at The Grilled Cheeserie.

There are tons of great restaurants to choose from in Nashville, but The Grilled Cheeserie can't be missed. The food-truck-turned-restaurant is known for—of course—grilled cheese. Try one of the popular gourmet options, like the Buffalo South Melt, or make your own.

Spend time in The Warner Parks.

There's so much to do in the city of Nashville that it's easy to forget that there are a lot of nature-centric things too. Edwin and Percy Parks, collectively known as " The Warner Parks ," create one of the largest parks in Tennessee. You'll find these iconic Allée steps, hiking trails, golf courses, dog parks, horse trails, scenic overlooks, and more.

Have lots of fun at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort.

If you visit Nashville during the spring or summer months, wear the kids out at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort , a waterpark (with 1 million gallons of water!), adventure course, and campground located on Percy Priest Lake—just 10 miles from downtown Nashville. You can rent a lakeside cabin, go zip lining, rent a pontoon boat, go on the water slides...the list of activities is basically endless.

Embrace music culture at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum.

There's a lot to see at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum , so plan accordingly! See instruments used by famous artists, like Simon and Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, and more—and actual studio booths used by the likes of Elvis.

Spend an evening at the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory.

Visit Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory at Vanderbilt University for tours, telescope nights, meet the astronomer evenings, and more. It's not open all year round, so check the website for hours and ticket information.

Jessica is a freelance writer from New York who loves kale salads and hanging out with her cats.

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Discover the Top 19 Must-Visit Attractions in Nashville: Your Ultimate Guide

Nashville, the vibrant capital of Tennessee, offers a plethora of attractions that cater to all interests and ages.

From its iconic music scene to its rich history and charming architecture, this city has something for everyone.

One of the main draws is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where visitors can explore the fascinating world of country music through interactive exhibits and memorabilia.

Additionally, the Grand Ole Opry, the world's longest-running live radio show, showcases top-notch performances by renowned artists and emerging talents, leaving audiences captivated.

Whether you are a music aficionado, history buff, or simply seeking a lively atmosphere, Nashville's attractions promise an unforgettable experience.

If you want an immersive experience, check out our captivating visuals below and get ready to be enthralled! 🌟👀

For map lovers 🌍, we've charted out all the amazing spots just for you to discover and delight in! 🗺️✨

Also don't forget to take a look at our other curated collection of articles 📚, revealing the hidden gems 💎 and bespoke local attractions 📍 of this mesmerizing area.

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Discover the Top 19 Best Cafes in Nashville for Unforgettable Coffee and Dining Experiences

So without further ado and if words are your thing, just continue reading on and dive right into what we found! 📖✨🚀

Patsy Cline Museum

The Patsy Cline Museum in Nashville offers a unique and immersive experience dedicated to honoring the life and career of one of country music's most beloved icons.

Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, this museum is a must-visit for fans of Patsy Cline and country music enthusiasts alike.

The museum showcases a vast collection of personal artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits that provide an intimate glimpse into the life of the legendary singer.

From her humble beginnings to her tragic death, visitors can explore the extraordinary journey of Patsy Cline and gain a deeper understanding of her lasting influence on the genre.

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Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Located in the heart of Nashville, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a renowned urban oasis that offers visitors a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities.

Spanning 19 acres, this magnificent park was established in 1996 to commemorate Tennessee's 200th anniversary as a state.

With its meticulously landscaped gardens, historical monuments, and interactive exhibits, the park serves as a tribute to the significant events that shaped the state's rich heritage.

Whether you're strolling along the granite pathways, enjoying a picnic with family and friends, or immersing yourself in the park's educational exhibits, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

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Centennial Park

Centennial Park is a sprawling urban oasis nestled in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee.

This historic park spans 132 acres and offers a serene escape from the fast-paced city life.

With its lush greenery, picturesque lake, and iconic Parthenon replica, this beloved park serves as a popular recreational destination for locals and tourists alike.

Renowned for its rich history and cultural significance, Centennial Park is a cherished symbol of Nashville's heritage.

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Adventure Science Center

Adventure Science Center is a renowned institution located in Nashville, Tennessee.

With an aim to ignite curiosity and inspire a love for science, it offers an array of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.

The center boasts state-of-the-art facilities, making it a hub for innovation and discovery.

From exploring the mysteries of outer space in the planetarium to unraveling the wonders of the human body in the BodyQuest exhibit, Adventure Science Center provides a captivating and immersive learning experience for everyone interested in the world of science.

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

This expansive zoo spreads over 188 acres and is home to a diverse range of animal species.

With over 2,760 animals from all corners of the globe, visitors can enjoy an immersive experience and learn about various ecosystems and conservation efforts.

From lions, giraffes, and elephants to red pandas, kangaroos, and meerkats, the Nashville Zoo offers a thrilling adventure for individuals of all ages.

Fort Nashborough

Fort Nashborough, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is an iconic historical landmark.

This fort holds great significance as it was the first permanent settlement in the area and played a vital role in the founding of Nashville.

Built in 1779, the fort was initially named after General Francis Nash, a Revolutionary War hero.

Today, Fort Nashborough stands as a reminder of the early settlers' courage and determination in establishing a community amidst challenging frontier conditions.

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Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, is a renowned country music institution.

This legendary venue has served as the beating heart of the genre since its inception in 1925.

Countless country music legends have graced its stage, establishing it as a symbol of authenticity and tradition.

With its distinctive barn-like facade and a rich history spanning nearly a century, the Grand Ole Opry remains an iconic shrine to the genre it helped create.

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Lane Motor Museum

The Lane Motor Museum in Nashville is a must-visit for automobile enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

This unique museum showcases an impressive collection of over 500 rare and vintage vehicles from around the world, spanning over a century of automotive design.

From quirky microcars and motorcycles to iconic classics and prototypes, there is something to captivate every visitor's imagination.

The museum's mission is to preserve, educate, and celebrate the rich history and diverse evolution of the automobile, making it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the fascinating world of automotive innovation.

Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park, located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, is a breathtaking urban oasis that offers a vibrant and diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages.

With its prime location along the Cumberland River, the park boasts stunning views of the city skyline, creating a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls or picnics.

The park's extensive green spaces provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including jogging, biking, or simply unwinding amidst nature's embrace.

Whether attending a lively concert at the Ascend Amphitheater, exploring the towering structures of the Adventure Playground, or marveling at the intricate fountains, Riverfront Park promises an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists alike.

2nd Avenue Historic District

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the 2nd Avenue Historic District is a charming neighborhood that encompasses a rich history and exudes undeniable charm.

The district is renowned for its well-preserved and beautifully restored buildings that date back to the mid-19th century.

Its cobblestone streets and vibrant energy make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Home to a diverse mix of boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries, the 2nd Avenue Historic District offers visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.

Whether exploring its storied past or indulging in its vibrant present, the district promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery

Welcome to Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, situated in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee.

This iconic landmark holds a rich history dating back to the 1800s and offers visitors a unique blend of nostalgia and modernity.

As you step onto the meticulously preserved grounds, you will be transported to a bygone era, where Belle Meade was renowned for its thoroughbred racehorses and Southern hospitality.

Today, this magnificent estate not only pays homage to its past, but also boasts a thriving winery, inviting guests to sample an exquisite selection of award-winning wines.

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is a historic site and museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the life and legacy of America's seventh president.

With its sprawling plantation grounds and meticulously preserved mansion, the Hermitage provides an intriguing insight into the world of Andrew Jackson and the era in which he lived.

The site showcases not only the opulence of the time, but also sheds light on the controversial aspects of Jackson's presidency, including his policies towards Native Americans and the enslavement of African Americans.

As one of the most visited presidential homes in the United States, the Hermitage stands as a testament to both the complexities and accomplishments of Andrew Jackson's life.

Percy Warner Park

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Percy Warner Park is a sprawling green oasis that offers a serene escape from the bustling city life.

Spanning over 2,600 acres, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

With its abundant hiking and biking trails, picnic spots, and scenic overlooks, Percy Warner Park provides ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

Home to stunning natural vistas, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained landscapes, this picturesque park is a cherished gem in the heart of Nashville.

National Museum of African American Music

The National Museum of African American Music in Nashville is a cultural institution that celebrates the rich musical heritage of African Americans in the United States.

Founded in 2013, the museum showcases the impact and influence of African American musicians across various genres such as jazz, blues, hip-hop, and gospel.

Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the museum features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and collections that chronicle the evolution of African American music and its significant contributions to American culture.

It aims to educate and inspire visitors while honoring the enduring legacy of African American musicians and their invaluable contributions to the music industry.

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Frist Art Museum

The Frist Art Museum, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a renowned cultural institution showcasing an impressive collection of visual arts.

This museum, housed in a historic art deco building, offers an enriching experience for art enthusiasts and visitors of all ages.

With its diverse exhibitions, the Frist Art Museum aims to stimulate creativity and inspire a deeper appreciation for the arts within the community.

From traditional to contemporary art, this museum is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an immersive and educational artistic journey.

Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum

The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, is a testament to the incredible talent and impact of musicians throughout history.

Located in the heart of Music City, this iconic institution celebrates the contributions of musicians from various genres, showcasing their memorabilia and preserving their legacy.

With a vast collection of artifacts, including instruments, stage costumes, and handwritten lyrics, visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of the immense talent and artistry that has shaped the music industry.

From legendary country singers to groundbreaking rock bands, this museum offers an immersive experience that highlights the diverse range of talents that have made Nashville a global hub for music.

Honky Tonk Highway

Located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Honky Tonk Highway stands as a testament to the city's rich musical heritage.

This iconic stretch of Broadway Street draws locals and tourists alike with its vibrant atmosphere and world-class entertainment options.

As the birthplace of country music, Nashville takes pride in its honky-tonk bars that line the street, each one offering unforgettable live performances from talented musicians.

From the moment visitors step foot on Honky Tonk Highway, they are enveloped by the energetic sounds of twanging guitars and the charming ambience that makes Nashville the Music City.

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Off The Wagon Tours – Nashville Party Wagon / The Nashville Mural

Off The Wagon Tours is an exciting and vibrant company that offers unique and unforgettable experiences in Nashville, Tennessee.

One of their most popular attractions is the Nashville Party Wagon, a lively and immersive tour that allows visitors to explore Music City in style.

It is a one-of-a-kind way to enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, making stops at popular bars, restaurants, and landmarks along the way.

Additionally, Off The Wagon Tours also offers the Nashville Mural tour, which takes guests on a journey through the city's stunning street art scene.

With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and an unrivaled party atmosphere, Off The Wagon Tours is the perfect choice for a memorable Nashville adventure.

12 South Nashville

Located in the vibrant city of Nashville, 12 South is a trendy and thriving neighborhood renowned for its lively atmosphere and unique attractions.

Situated just minutes away from downtown, it offers locals and visitors a diverse array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

With its eclectic mix of boutique shops, stylish eateries, and vibrant street art, 12 South captures the essence of Nashville's vibrant arts and culture scene.

The neighborhood's charm extends beyond its bustling main street, as it is also home to beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and welcoming community parks.

About the Author

Donna, a proud native of Nashville, possesses a deep connection to her hometown that resonates in every aspect of her life. Born and raised amidst the vibrant streets and rich cultural heritage of the city, Donna embodies the warmth, authenticity, and southern charm that Nashville is renowned for.

The content on our site is reader-supported. By clicking on some of our links, we may earn a commission. Find out how we're funded , why it matters, and how you can help.

To create engaging and interesting content for our readers, we use the latest technologies, such as AI and AI writing assistant. However, all our contents are manually reviewed, edited and fact-checked by real humans to ensure their most authenticity and accuracy.

Must-see attractions in Nashville

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Downtown & the Gulch

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Historic RCA Studio B

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Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art

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Natchez Trace Parkway

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National Museum of African American Music

The National Museum of African American Music tells the story of the impact that African American culture has had on music around the world, from gospel to…

Grand Ole Opry House

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Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge

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Cumberland Park

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Warner Parks

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Nashville Public Library – Downtown

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Andrew Jackson's Hermitage

The former home of seventh president Andrew Jackson lies 15 miles east of downtown. The sprawling, well-kept grounds of this 1150-acre site offer a peek…

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Mammals chill out along the grassy Savannah Loop and the bamboo-filled Jungle Loop, and amphibians get their own special house. We're partial to the…

Frist Art Museum

A top-notch post office turned art museum and complex, hosting traveling exhibitions of everything from American folk art to Picasso, and as off-the-wall…

Radnor Lake State Park

It's hard to imagine that this beautiful lake is artificial, but so it is, built by a railway company in 1914 and handed over to public use in 1973. These…

Built in 1897 to celebrate the state of Tennessee's centenary, Nashville's Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the Ancient Greece original, with a jaw…

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

For a photogenic view of Nashville's skyline, stroll to the middle of this lovely truss bridge across the Cumberland River. Seigenthaler, longtime editor…

Adventure Science Center

The centerpiece of this museum is the 75ft-high Adventure Tower, a multi-floor pyramid loaded with interactive features covering music, health and energy…

Fontanel Mansion

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5th Ave of the Arts

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Belmont Mansion

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Travellers Rest Plantation & Museum

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Two Rivers Park

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Riverfront Park

This narrow park sits between downtown and the Cumberland River. Take your pooch for a romp in the dog park, have a picnic as you watch the barges from…

Bells Bend Park

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Elephant Gallery

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Schermerhorn Symphony Center

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Centennial Park

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Percy Priest Lake

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Tennessee State Museum

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Vanderbilt University

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Fannie Mae Dees Park

A colorful dragon sculpture lurks in the heart of this busy park, luring hordes of small children eager to scramble over its serpentine back. There's also…

Johnny Cash Museum & Store

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Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge

East Nashville

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Jefferson Street Sound

Musicians like Muddy Waters, Etta James and Jimi Hendrix all played in clubs on Jefferson St, the heart of the city's Black community during segregation…

Shelby Bottoms Nature Center

For a primer on the flora and fauna that live in East Nashville's green spaces, head to this park facility, which features a range of displays and free…

The Nations Silo

Artist Guido van Helten painted this 15-story lifelike image of longtime Nations resident Lee Estes, who has lived in this neighborhood since the late…

Fatherland District Mural

This colorful mural celebrates the Fatherland District shopping area. It's one of several murals place-marking neighborhoods and shopping districts in…

Red Arrow Gallery

Featuring early and mid-career artists, this small gallery has a laser focus on Nashville's developing art scene.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall

Downtown Nashville's 19-acre green lung swoops grandly north from the Tennessee State Capitol, giving unparalleled (and much televised) views of its white…

Belle Meade Plantation

The Harding-Jackson family purchased enslaved people to build a cotton gin, gristmill and sawmill along the Natchez road in the early 1800s. These…

30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Nashville (Tennessee)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: October 11, 2019  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

Known for its energy and vibrancy, Nashville is one of the most famous music destinations in the world.

It’s actually nicknamed “Music City” because of its significance to the biz.

Its streets are filled with bars, clubs, concert halls, music studios and more recording stations than you can shake a microphone at.

There are other sides to Nashville, however.

It’s located on the river, so it has gorgeous natural landscapes filled with forests and ravines.

It was the birthplace of several notable figures, so there’s history to be learned from its landmarks and memorials.

A well-rounded vacation will take advantage of all of the attractions that the city has to offer.

If you’re looking for the most awesome things to do in Nashville, Tennessee, here are just a few suggestions for your bucket list!

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a booking through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

1. Grand Ole Opry

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Grab your stetson. Pull on your spurs. It’s time to visit the Grand Ole Opry .

Hailed as “the show that made country music famous,” the Grand Ole Opry has been running for almost a century.

It offers all of the latest and greatest in country, folk, gospel and bluegrass music, and it’s easily one of the best things to do in Nashville.

Catching a show is almost like a rite of passage in the South!

Visitors to the Grand Ole Opry can take a tour of the stage and dressing rooms before settling in for the night’s entertainment.

In addition to toe-tapping music, they also broadcast skits, comedy routines and other live performances.

When the curtain falls, you can grab a bite to eat at the Opry Back Porch BBQ or catch some ZZZs at the Opryland Hotel.

You’re sure to have a grand ole time at the Grand Ole Opry.

Swing by the famous red-barn stage if you’re looking for the very best in Nashville attractions!

Check details, prices and reviews here.

Address:  2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, United States

2. Broadway

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Broadway is the beating heart of downtown Nashville.

Covering several neon-lit blocks, it’s a neighborhood where there are bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, saloons and honky-tonks as far as the eye can see.

During the day, Broadway serves as one of the more typical tourist attractions of Nashville.

Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining and sightseeing as they hop on old-fashioned trams and trolleys and explore the streets.

At night, Broadway transforms into something else entirely.

Live music spills out of dozens of bars and pubs.

Rooftop bars glitter with everything from lights to swimming pools.

You can find places to eat, drink, dance, sing karaoke, ride a mechanical bull or try on a jumpsuit covered in rhinestones.

Broadway is at the center of all of the action, so it’s easily one of the best things to do in downtown Nashville.

Grab your dancing shoes and get there tonight! You won’t want to miss a thing!

3. Parthenon

Before it became known for country music, Nashville used to have a reputation for higher learning.

It offered the largest number of colleges and universities in Tennessee and was sometimes referred to as “the Athens of the South.”

In 1897, builders decided to run with that nickname and raise a full-scale replica of the Parthenon right in the middle of Nashville.

Today, the Parthenon functions as an art museum and cultural center.

It hosts a number of paintings, texts, statues and sculptures from the classical era.

It’s one of the major points of interest in Nashville, especially for patrons of the arts; you can often find theater troupes performing Greek plays on the front steps.

The Parthenon is definitely one of the top things to do in Nashville, Tennessee.

It’s such a unique attraction that it deserves a visit even if you aren’t the type to wear a toga and philosophize about the stars.

How often do you get the chance to visit a Parthenon?

Experience it while you can!

Address:  2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

4. Cumberland Park

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Nashville has beautiful views of the Cumberland River, a 700-mile waterway that winds through Tennessee and Kentucky .

One of the best places to travel and see it is Cumberland Park .

Officially called a “riverfront play space,” Cumberland Park is basically a stomping ground for families who want to have fun both in and out of the water.

Its biggest attraction is a gigantic splash pad where you can cool off on hot summer days, but there are also bike paths, climbing structures and butterfly gardens.

There’s even an amphitheater for outdoor concerts that are held in Nashville.

If you want to gaze at the Cumberland River during a romantic date, that’s an option, too.

The park sits right on the riverfront; you can even take a stroll down the famous pedestrian bridge that stretches across the water.

One thing is for sure: Cumberland Park should be on your list of awesome things to see in Nashville.

Whether you’re honeymooning or just looking for ways to entertain the kids, it’s a great destination for a Tennessee vacation.

Address:  592 S 1st St, Nashville, TN 37213, United States

Planning to visit other parts of Tennessee? Be sure to check out our lists of things to do in Chattanooga and things to do in Pigeon Forge !

5. Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center

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You’ve never seen a hotel like the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center .

Not only does it offer luxury suites in the most hopping, bopping parts of downtown Nashville, but it’s also home to activities and amenities that make it a vacation destination in its own right.

For starters, the resort is filled with pools, plants, gardens, fountains and waterfalls in a glass atrium.

Boat tours are available if you want to drift along the water and enjoy all nine acres of the indoor jungle.

There’s also a spa, gym, golf course and several different ballrooms for banquets and other special events.

More than a dozen bars and restaurants line the corridors if you work up an appetite.

Long story short, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center isn’t your usual hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.

It’s more like an adventure that you can take during any time of the day or night.

If you’re looking for amazing things to do in Nashville this weekend, book a room at Opryland.

It’s the best of the best in terms of accommodation!

Address:  2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, United States

6. Music Row

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Music Row is the single most famous street in Nashville.

Packed with record labels, radio stations, recording studios and music production companies, it offers a top to bottom look at the thriving music scene of the city.

What can you do at Music Row? It depends on your interests.

Lots of tours are available for recording booths and radio towers, and there are several local landmarks for sightseeing, including the statue of a famous producer in front of a grand piano.

It can also be fun to play “spot the star” with street names: Many avenues are named after country singers.

If you’re willing to venture a little outside of the neighborhood, Music Row is centrally located enough that many stores and restaurants are within walking distance.

You can eat, drink and shop while visiting the best parts of the area.

Music Row is one of the most iconic places to go in Nashville, Tennessee, so consider it a must see when you’re visiting the city.

Even if you only have time to snap a few selfies on the boulevard, it’s a destination that you’ll want to check out at least once.

Address: 16th/17th Ave. South – Division Street and Music Square, Nashville, TN, USA

7. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory

Larry Darling / flickr

It’s easy to spot the large white dome of the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory .

It’s one of the biggest astronomy centers in Tennessee, and it stands on top of a large hill that provides clear, unobstructed views of the night sky.

Tours and telescopes are open to the public if you want to learn a few constellations while you’re in Nashville.

The observatory also hosts all kinds of special events like summer camps and eclipse parties.

They even open the grounds for outdoor concerts; you can bring snacks and a blanket to lay on the grass while you enjoy the music.

And when the performers have taken their final bow, the observatory staff will bring out the telescopes and let you cap off your evening with a look at the moon.

The Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory is one of the most fun things to do in Nashville, Tennessee.

You might be drawn in by the dome; you might be irresistibly tugged by the music.

Either way, you’ll have a great time under the stars.

Address:  1000 Oman Dr, Brentwood, TN 37027, United States

8. Nashville Zoo

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The Nashville Zoo is one of the most unique attractions in Tennessee.

Located about 6 miles south of downtown Nashville, the zoo we know today was a standard farm home in the 1800’s on a land that was later donated to the city by the Croft family.

The standard home, that paved way for the country’s 9th largest zoo, still stands on the property and available for tours.

There are approximately 3,000 animals in total, that represent about 350 different species.

Some animals are even available for feeding and taking pictures with!

There are also zoo-sponsored camps and classes if you’re looking for fun stuff for your kids to do on the weekend.

For example, “Night Owls” is an overnight sleepaway adventure, and “Zoo Tots” has games and lessons for tiny zookeepers.

Consider a trip to the Nashville Zoo if you’re looking for the best attractions to put on a to do list.

With everything from a rich history to a delightful menagerie of animals, it’s one of the top places to visit in Nashville for sure.

Address:  3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211, United States

Visiting other parts of Tennessee? You’ll love our lists of things to do in Gatlinburg and things to do in Memphis !

9. Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

Many award-winning athletes have come out of Tennessee, including Daren Bates, Reggie Grimes and Jalen Reeves-Maybin.

The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates them all, and it’s conveniently located in downtown Nashville.

Browse the displays and exhibits that showcase the history of the state’s finest sportsmen.

Let your kids dress up in jerseys, helmets and pads for photo ops.

There are even a few rides that will keep your little ones entertained while you read up on all of the Olympic champs that have come from the Volunteer State.

The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and Museum isn’t a large museum, but it’s a significant one.

You won’t find another destination like it in the Nashville area.

You should definitely bookmark it in your “what to see” tab when planning your Nashville vacation.

Address:  501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

10. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

Kevin Oliver / flickr

You can’t miss Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge .

It has a bright purple building located in downtown Nashville, and at night, the line stretches down the entire street.

Everyone wants to toss back a drink at the oldest honky-tonk bar in Tennessee!

Tootsie’s has a long, colorful history in the country music scene.

Patsy Cline and Waylon Jennings were among its most famous customers.

Willie Nelson got his first gig after performing on its live stage.

It’s even been featured in a documentary called Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: Where the Music Began.

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is still thriving today.

It’s a place to see and be seen in Nashville, especially for up-and-coming musicians, and there’s always a lively crowd ready to buy another round.

Stop by Tootise’s when you want fun things to see and do in Nashville, Tennessee.

You never know when the next act will be the hottest thing in country music in a few years!

Address:  422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

11. Warner Parks

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Nashville is such a busy metropolitan area that it can be easy to forget about its green places.

Fortunately, the Warner Parks are here to remind you of the beauty and majesty of Nashville’s natural landscapes.

The Warner Parks are actually twin parks, Edwin Warner Park and Percy Warner Park, that span thousands of acres in the wilderness near Nashville.

Their beautiful lush hills are filled with everything from nature trails to picnic areas.

You can walk, tour, hike, bike or even go horseback riding among the sights.

If you like working up a sweat, check out the playgrounds, golf courses, tennis courts and mountain bike trails.

If you prefer more low-key activities, stroll to the top of an observation point and see for miles as the leaves fall and the sun sets.

There are a lot of outdoor activities to enjoy here, so if you’re a nature buff wondering what to do in Nashville, Tennessee, consider a trip to the Warner Parks.

They’re some of the most beautiful places in USA , and even though they’re free, you’ll enjoy a “two for the price of one” feeling when you hop between them.

Address:  50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221, United States

12. Hatch Show Print

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Hatch Show Print is another one of those uniquely Nashville destinations.

While other cities might have similar establishments, this one is firmly rooted in the one-of-a-kind color, charm and kitsch of Music City.

What is Hatch Show Print?

It’s a letterpress print shop that has been making posters for local musicians since the turn of the century.

Some of its earliest works have become famous for advertising young stars that grew into legendary figures; these posters are now priceless collector’s items.

Visitors to Hatch Show Print can tour the facilities and see how the old-fashioned printing machines work.

They’re still functional, and for a fee, they can print your own customized posters to take home.

Everything is done in the distinct and signature style of Hatch Show Print.

If you’re looking for the coolest things to see in Nashville, this is the site for you.

It’s almost like the birthplace of country music advertising.

It’s a little slice of history in the city, and it’s yours for the exploring.

Address:  224 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

13. Tennessee State Prison

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You’ve seen the Tennessee State Prison even if you’ve never been there before.

Looking like a medieval castle with its spiked towers and chamber windows, it’s been featured in countless movies, including The Green Mile, Against the Wall and Ernest Goes to Jail.

In its heyday, inmates at the Tennessee State Prison were subjected to harsh manual labor and long periods of solitary confinement.

They were even forced to wear striped uniforms like they really were in the movies.

Today, the Tennessee State Prison is an abandoned facility.

You aren’t allowed to go inside, but you can drive up to the fence and take pictures, or you can sign up for marathons and ghost tours that are given permission to operate on the grounds.

It’s an especially eerie place at night.

If you’re looking for unusual Nashville attractions, try a medieval castle prison that’s a favorite of Hollywood directors.

Stop by the Tennessee State Prison for a hair-raising time!

Address: 6404 Centennial Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209, USA

Planning a road trip around Tennessee? Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Tennessee !

14. Hermitage

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The Hermitage is one of the most important sights in the U.S. when it comes to the history and heritage of the American South.

As the home of former president Andrew Jackson, it’s a stunning example of grandiose, plantation-style architecture, and it’s been carefully preserved as a testament to the way that wealthy Nashville residents used to live.

It’s also an uncomfortable look at how the slave trade was normalized in the South in the 1800s.

Andrew Jackson owned dozens of slaves, and they were housed in log cabins behind the estate.

The dual nature of the Hermitage is why it’s considered one of the best tourist spots in Nashville.

It’s beautiful and culturally significant, but at the same time, it doesn’t let you forget about its dark past.

Consider a visit to the Hermitage if you’re wondering where to go during your trip to Nashville, Tennessee.

The best history lessons are ones that show you both sides of the story.

Address:  4580 Rachels Ln, Hermitage, TN 37076, United States

15. Radnor Lake

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Radnor Lake is another one of those breathtaking places that you can only find in Tennessee.

With sparkling waters that lap sandy shores and jagged rocks, it’s actually considered a Class II Natural Area because of its beautiful, rugged scenery that’s protected from commercial development.

Activities at Radnor Lake are mostly centered around sightseeing.

Wildlife is abundant, so if you like observing animals in their natural habitats, you’ll be in for a treat.

Turtles waddle in the dirt; red-tailed hawks soar in the sky; deer can always be seen darting through the trees.

Swimming in the lake is prohibited because of its protected status, but you can arrange for special, supervised canoe trips in the springtime.

You’ll just need advanced permission, so if you’re wondering how to plan a trip to Radnor Lake, calling the visitor’s center should be your first step.

Grab your binoculars and head out to Radnor Lake so that you can experience one of the best sites in Nashville.

The views alone will be worth the trip!

Address: 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220, USA

Planning on a road trip around Tennessee? Why not check out some of the things to do in Knoxville, TN  & some of the top Johnson City attractions ?

16. Adventure Science Center of Nashville

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If you’re traveling to Nashville with kids, you won’t want to miss the Adventure Science Center .

It’s an interactive, hands-on museum where learning is done without tests and textbooks.

Instead, children are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild with things like painting classes, building stations and excavation exercises!

Many different topics are covered at the museum, and many different activities are available for kids of all ages and interests.

Do they like animals?

Maybe they can learn how to harvest honey from a real beehive.

Are they addicted to tech gadgets?

Let them watch a laser show or put on a virtual reality helmet.

Adults can have fun at the Adventure Science Center as well.

The planetarium hosts “yoga classes under the stars” on the weekends, and there are workshops on the science of beer or the creation of famous movie monsters.

If you’re looking for lively places to visit around Nashville this weekend, consider the Adventure Science Center.

The whole family can have a good time, and if you play your cards right, your kids might even learn something new.

Address:  800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

17. Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary

Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary

Despite the name, there are a lot more than just owls at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary .

It’s a protected area for many species of Tennessee wildlife, including birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals.

If you want to go exploring, tours are available through the crunchy leaves of its nature trails.

If you like more structured activities, you can sign up for a basket-weaving class or a sunny picnic in the grass.

If you’re interested in special events in Nashville, you can swing by during a seed sale or a “movie in a meadow” feature.

All proceeds go towards conservation.

The sanctuary is a nonprofit with a good reputation, and its goal is to rehabilitate animals, repopulate plants and reignite the public passion for the environment and everything living within it.

If you love animals but hate seeing them in overcrowded, underfunded places, your heart can rest easy at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary in Nashville.

Not only does it offer some of the best views that you’ll ever see of Tennessee flora and fauna, but your ticket sale will go towards a good cause.

Address:  545 Beech Creek Rd S, Brentwood, TN 37027, United States

18. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

If you’re a fan of country music, you won’t want to miss the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum .

It boasts one of the largest musical collections on the planet, so not only is it a worldwide marvel, but it’s also a distinctive hallmark of Nashville, Tennessee.

There’s a lot of fun stuff to do at the museum.

You can take in photos, plaques, musical instruments and memorabilia.

You can watch archived footage of famous performances and interviews.

You can take in a biographical film reel or explore interactive displays and exhibits on country music.

There are also some famous sites at the museum, including the historic RCA Studio B.

Everyone from Dolly Parton to Elvis Presley has recorded there, and you can take a tour of the studio like you’re the next artist in line.

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum if you’re putting together a list of vacation ideas for Nashville.

It offers such a fun and interesting experience that it should be at the top of the page!

Address:  222 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

19. Bootleggers Inn

Bootleggers Inn

Tucked away near several other buildings in downtown Nashville, Bootleggers Inn is a quiet, dimly-lit bar that might not catch your eye right off the bat.

It isn’t painted purple or flashing with neon lights.

You might need to circle the block before you even find it.

Once you’re inside, however, Bootleggers Inn will offer an extremely atmospheric vibe that befits Nashville’s underground music scene.

Its wooden tables soak in low lighting from vintage chandeliers.

Its crowd is very casual, and its live music comes in the form of guitar strummers and indie crooners.

Another nice thing about Bootleggers Inn is that it’s one of the only places in Nashville that sells moonshine, so if you’ve always wanted to try the real deal from a Southern speakeasy, this is the place to do it.

Nashville is no stranger to bars and clubs, but if you’re looking for something in the top 10 of fun, boozy establishments around the city, stop by Bootleggers Inn.

It’s a must do when you’re in downtown Nashville.

Address:  207 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201, United States

20. Honeysuckle Hill Farm

Honeysuckle Hill Farm

Located a few miles north of Nashville, Honeysuckle Hill Farm is one of the best places to visit when you’re looking for clean, family-oriented entertainment.

People of all ages and genders can find something fun to do!

Toddlers can shriek with laughter when they take a hayride or feed an animal at the petting zoo.

Kids will enjoy running around the fun house, getting lost in the corn maze or picking out pumpkins for arts and crafts.

Adults will appreciate sweet but healthy refreshments like candied fruits and ciders.

If you’re contemplating what to do during a vacation to Nashville, Tennessee, consider Honeysuckle Hill Farm.

It’s one of our top vacation ideas for families, especially in the fall.

There’s nothing like bobbing for apples to put you in an autumn mood!

Address:  1765 Martins Chapel Church Rd, Springfield, TN 37172, United States

Doing a road trip around Tennessee? Why not check out some of the best things to do in Franklin ?

21. Nashville Shores

Nashville Shores

Laugh in the face of danger when you visit Nashville Shores .

Offering a waterpark and a treetop adventure course, it’ll provide hours of fun whether you’re soaring on top of the world or diving deep into underwater pools.

The waterpark uses more than one million gallons of water in slides, rivers, wave pools and splash pads.

The treetop adventure course offers everything from ziplines to rope ladders and cargo nets that stretch between canopies.

Something to note about Nashville Shores is that it isn’t open year-round.

If you’re headed to Tennessee during the off-season for tourist attractions, make sure to book your tickets for this weekend!

All things considered, however, Nashville Shores is a wonderful destination for family-friendly fun.

Whether you’re a fan of water slides or ziplines, it’s one of the best places to visit near the city of Nashville.

Pull some goggles over your eyes and have a blast!

Address:  4001 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN 37076, United States

22. Sri Ganesha Temple

HiFi123 / flickr

You might not expect to see a Hindu temple in a place like Nashville, but the Sri Ganesha Temple is proof that multiculturalism is alive and well in the city.

With a beautiful temple that showcases everything from botanical gardens to bejeweled elephant statues, the Sri Ganesha Temple will dazzle you as soon as you walk through its doors.

Things only get more impressive on the inside; drums pound, disciples pray and homemade charms wave in the wind.

Visitors are encouraged to wander the grounds and learn more about the Hindu way of life.

A canteen will feed you if you’re hungry, and tour guides can explain the meanings of various shrines and statues.

If you go on a weekend, you might be able to sign up for a dance class or a dinner event.

The Sri Ganesha Temple is one of the best things to do in Nashville.

It’s a fascinating place that can teach a lot to open-minded visitors, and it’s worth a trip just to experience real Hindu culture in the heart of Tennessee.

Call and find out if they have anything fun planned for this weekend!

Address:  527 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209, United States

23. Johnny Cash Museum and Cafe

Konstantin L / Shutterstock

You can’t talk about country music without talking about Johnny Cash.

He’s an absolute legend in the industry, and if you don’t believe that fact before you walk into the Johnny Cash Museum and Cafe , you’ll believe it afterwards.

Photos, records and artifacts tell his story.

Listening stations have samples of his most famous songs and demos.

Priceless guitars are protected in glass cases underneath wall-to-wall posters.

When you’re done with the displays, a live band covers Johnny Cash songs in a cafe near the museum.

Souvenirs are available at the gift shop, including the chance to “take a picture with Johnny.”

You don’t have to be a fan to appreciate what the Man in Black has done for the music industry.

Even if you’re just looking for fun things to do in Nashville, you’ll want to make some time for the Johnny Cash Museum and Cafe.

Address:  119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, United States

24. Printer’s Alley

Bo Arrington / Shutterstock

Originally the home of newspaper stands and publishing companies, Printer’s Alley has transformed itself into a busy area for Nashville’s nightlife.

No one is quite sure how it happened, but it might’ve had something to do with the dark, gritty atmosphere of the alley or the way that many local restaurants smuggled in liquor during the Prohibition era.

Today, however, Printer’s Alley is home to all kinds of bars, clubs and burlesque joints.

Their lights glitter through the darkness and beckon people to come and visit.

No cars are allowed in the alley, so there’s always a crowd.

Printer’s Alley isn’t for everyone.

For example, you’ll want to leave the kids at the hotel before you venture into the thick smoke clouds that hover over the red bricks and flashing signs.

If you’re looking for jazzy places to see, however, Printer’s Alley is definitely near the top of the list of Nashville attractions!

Address: Between 3rd Ave N & 4th Ave N, An alley from Union St to Commerce St, Nashville, TN 37201, USA

25. Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Brian Wilson Photography / Shutterstock

A little-known fact about Nashville is that it celebrates all genres of music.

It isn’t limited to country and bluegrass.

This is why classical fans flock to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center .

Towering above downtown Nashville with white columns and ornate clerestory windows, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center is a pillar to the community.

It’s most famous for its violin concertos and string orchestras, but it also welcomes other types of performers.

It isn’t uncommon for the venue to host jazz shows, ventriloquists, drum lines, mariachi bands or Disney musicals.

Between its size and versatility, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center is one of the best things to do in Nashville.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking a black-tie opera event or a fun night on the town with the kids.

The Schermerhorn Symphony Center can do it all.

Address:  1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201, United States

26. Long Hunter State Park

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There are many parks and wilderness areas in Tennessee, but only some pay homage to the Native Americans that worked the land before the Europeans.

Long Hunter State Park is one of them.

Home to the annual NAIA Education Pow Wow, the park is known for the mounds and relics of its original Native American inhabitants, and the pow wow brings together thousands of people each year to celebrate that fact.

You can find all kinds of lectures, workshops, demonstrations and souvenirs when you visit.

Another nice thing about Long Hunter State Park is that it offers a full roster of activities even when special events aren’t being held.

You can hike, swim, boat, bike or camp among the nature sites.

It’s also one of the best places in Nashville to go fishing!

If you’re wondering what to do to “get away from it all” in the Nashville area, Long Hunter State Park is a great destination for relaxing and recharging.

Visit at the right time and you can even enjoy authentic Native American culture!

Address:  2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076, United States

27. Belle Meade Plantation

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If you’re interested in revival-style architecture, you’ll die and go to heaven at the Belle Meade Plantation .

It covers more than 30 acres and is filled with 18th and 19th century hallmarks, including cabins, stables, carriage houses, mausoleums and slave quarters.

You can tour the grounds at your leisure or stop at the visitor’s center for a more guided experience.

A winery is nearby if you want to take in the sights while sipping on a red.

Some of the plantation’s points of interest are fun, like the carriage house that stored everything from plain picnicking carriages to elaborate Victorian carriages meant for showing off within the city.

Other points of interest are uncomfortable but necessary, like the educational exhibits on the slaves that built the estate from the ground up.

The Belle Meade Plantation is located a few miles south of Nashville in the city of Belle Meade, so you’ll need to take a short road trip to reach it.

However, if you’re willing to explore attractions near Nashville and not just within it, the plantation is a wonderful place to go!

Address:  5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205, United States

28. Timothy Demonbreun House

Timothy Demonbreun House

If you’re hankering for grits and gravy, the Timothy Demonbreun House is one of the best bed-and-breakfast joints in Nashville.

It offers soft, comfortable rooms in a vintage-style mansion, and its menu is filled with all of the Southern cuisines that you can eat!

Romantics, you should also know that the Timothy Demonbreun House is renowned as a wedding and honeymoon destination in Nashville.

It sits on beautiful, picturesque fields of vibrant green grass, and the white neoclassic mansion is a favorite backdrop for engagement photos.

Another fun fact about the Timothy Demonbreun House is that it’s named for Timothy Demonbreun, the so-called “first resident” of Tennessee who lived in a cave on the river.

His great-great-great grandson was tickled by the story and decided to name the business after his most famous ancestor.

Don’t worry, however; you won’t have to sleep in any caves as a visitor!

Book a room at the Timothy Demonbreun House if you’re looking for nice places to visit in the greater Nashville area.

Do it soon; do it this weekend.

It’s a popular destination, especially when love is in the air, so the suites fill up fast!

Address:  746 Benton Ave, Nashville, TN 37204, United States

29. Shelby Bottoms Greenway

Jeremy Christensen / Shutterstock

The Shelby Bottoms Greenway is one of the best places for nature lovers in Nashville, Tennessee.

It boasts forests, swamps, streams, fields and wetlands, so there’s something beautiful to see during every season.

It’s also home to more than five miles of paved trails, so you can enjoy the sights on foot or with a bike or skateboard.

Do you like a challenge?

Shelby Bottoms Greenway has a golden pheasant that scurries around the marshes at certain times of the year.

It’s something of a hobby among naturalists in Nashville to try and spot him before he disappears.

Do you want to slow down and just enjoy yourself in nature?

Spread out a picnic blanket by the river.

No motorized vehicles are allowed in the park, so nothing will disturb your peace and quiet.

Tennessee has some of the most gorgeous scenery in the South, so make sure to visit the Shelby Bottoms Greenway when you’re in Nashville.

It isn’t the only place to stop and smell the roses, but it’s one of the best.

It’s worth a day trip to experience it all.

Address: 1900 Davidson St., Nashville, TN 37206, USA

30. Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant

Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant

Housed in a blocky building straight out of the 1950s, Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant is one of the oddest Nashville attractions that you’ll ever visit.

On one hand, it’s a grocery store where you can stock up on the essentials.

On the other hand, it’s a restaurant where you can order plate lunches and ice-cold pitchers of beer.

On the other other hand, it’s a music hall where you can enjoy live performances from local rock and country bands.

Despite its identity crisis, however, Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant is a hot destination in Nashville.

People come from all over to enjoy its barbecue platters and music shows.

If you’re wondering what to do in the Nashville area on a Friday night, this is a location to consider.

Stop by Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant if you’re looking for the best, most memorable things to do in Nashville.

None of your friends will even believe that you ate dinner and watched a concert in a grocery store.

You’ll have to take pictures to prove it!

Address:  500 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Nashville

These are just a few of the most fun things to do in Nashville, Tennessee.

Whether you’re interested in high-energy concerts or low-key nature retreats, this city has it all.

Happy travels!

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Tennessee (TN) » 25 Best Things to Do in Nashville (TN)

25 Best Things to Do in Nashville (TN)

Nashville is the capital of the state of Tennessee and it sits along the banks of the Cumberland River. Nashville picked up the nickname ‘Music City’ due to its long and exciting musical history, as you go around the city you will notice the great music venues that are situated here.

The city was founded in 1779 and named after an American Revolutionary War hero called Francis Nash. The summers here are hot and humid and the winters are moderately cold with normally only a light snowfall. The downtown part of the city is an exciting place to hang out so let’s take a look at the best things to do in Nashville .

1. Witness A Star Performance At The Ryman Auditorium

In the 1880’s local businessman Thomas G. Ryman became a converted Christian after listening to the words of the evangelist Reverend Sam Jones. At that moment he decided that he would build a tabernacle that would allow everyone to hear the great man speak. The tabernacle was completed in 1892 and was the largest structure in the area. Over time the place was used for political rallies, local events and entertainment productions. Over the years many legends of the entertainment business have taken to the stage, including the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Aretha Franklin. Many awards decorate this fantastic venue and a trip whilst in this city is highly recommended.

2. Pretend You Are In Ancient Greece

The Parthenon is a full scale replica of the original Athenian building and statue found in Greece. It feature a 42 foot high statue of Athena and is the main focus of this incredible sight. The Parthenon was built in 1897 as part of Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition. The idea behind the structure was that it would be a replica to a monument that was considered the pinnacle of classical architecture. Today the Parthenon is used by the city of Nashville as an art museum, 63 paintings from 19th and 20th century American artists adorn the walls for all to see.

3. Tour The Belle Meade Plantation

The Belle Plantation is steeped in history and a tour when in Nashville is both enjoyable and educational. You will start by taking a tour around the Greek-Revival mansion where you will learn about the history of the mansion and the surrounding area. Once you have finished this you will be able to view other buildings such as the dairy, carriage house, dairy and gardens. When the site seeing is finished you can take a trip to the winery for some free wine tasting. If you are hungry there is an onsite restaurant in Harding House where you can stop for lunch or dinner.

4. Visit President Andrew Jackson’s Home

Between 1829 and 1837 Andrew Jackson was the President of the U.S.A. he was the seventh president and one that was loved by his countrymen due to his natural leadership abilities. A walk through Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage with give you an insight into his colorful life as well as experience the great personal loss that he suffered during his life. You can explore the farm as well as the beautiful mansion where he lived. Whilst at the Hermitage you can also visit Andrew and his wife Rachel’s final resting place, a tomb where they now lie side by side.

5. Explore The Beautiful Grounds Of Centennial Park

Just a couple of miles outside downtown Nashville sits Centennial Park, the park spans an area of 132 acres and was previously used as farmland. There is a one mile walking trail that keen walkers can take a stroll around. A beautiful lake called Lake Watauga sits within the perimeter of the park and provides a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing picnic. Each year many people visit the park with their dogs, the dogs can take advantage of the dog park to roam free and get some exercise. Other attractions of Centennial Park include an art activity center and a museum.

6. Ignite Your Passion For Science At Adventure Science Center

Since 1945 the Adventure Science Center in Nashville has been inspiring people to become involved in the sciences. The center now spans an area of 44,000 square feet and features just under 175 exhibits that are hands-on and interactive. The main focus of the museum is physics, biology, visual perception, mind, air and space, and energy and earth science. There is a planetarium on site that has the most current technology installed ensuring that guests leave feeling excited and interested in the field of science.

7. Get Close To The Animals At Nashville Zoo

The Nashville zoo is spread out over 200 acres and offers a fantastic day out for both children and adults. The zoo has many activities to get involved in, rather than just seeing the animals you will find yourself running and crawling to experience the zoo in the most interactive way. There is a jungle gym that will see you swinging like a gibbon, running like a zebra and crouching like a tiger. There is a mob of meerkats that you can visit and see the world from their perspective. Other exhibitions include the gibbon islands that call out to visitors as they enter the park.

8. Enjoy The Frist Art Museum

If you are an art lover then you need look no further than the Frist Art Museum. There is 24,000 square feet of gallery space that showcases the best local, national and international artists. The center is open seven days a week and under 18’s will always have free entry. There are permanent exhibitions as well as temporary ones allowing frequent visitors to experience something new each time they visit.

9. Take Some Quiet Time In The Cheekwood Botanical Gardens

The Cheekwood Botanical Gardens are a spectacular place to spend an afternoon, you can bask in the beauty of the immaculately kept lawns and the dazzling displays of flowers. There are eleven display gardens that each other a different variety of flowers. In spring you can visit the Cheekwood in Bloom festival where you will see more than 100,000 tulips in bloom at the same time. Each Christmas there is a wonderland that is full of Christmas trees, trains, live reindeer’s and of course Santa.

10. Watch The Best Of The Best At The Bridgestone Arena

Since 1996 the Bridgestone Arena has been hosting the biggest names in the music industry. The likes of Adele, Rhianna and Madonna have all performed on the stage here and over 16 million people have been to see a show. For music events there is a capacity of 20,000 and when the Nashville Predators are here 17,113 people can pack in and enjoy the game. Originally the arena was known as the Nashville Arena before several other firms took over sponsorship. Currently Bridgestone have the naming rights after entering into a financial arrangement to have their name on the arena.

11. Learn The History Of The State

Tennessee State Museum was established in 1937 to tell the story of the state of Tennessee. There are 60,000 square feet of space dedicated to permanent exhibits and another 10,000 to temporary exhibits. The story starts pre-colonisation and goes on throughout the 20th century. You can learn about President Andrew Jackson as well as the American Civil War. There is a collection of uniforms, weapons and flags from the civil war which is the one of the largest collections in the U.S.

12. Visit The State Capitol

The historic Tennessee State Capitol building is one of the oldest working capitols that the nation has. The building was designed in a Greek Revival style and is still a working building. You can go on a tour of this grand facility where you will get to see the chambers, house of representative and the old state library. The building was first opened in 1859 and was designed by the famous architect William Strickland. Unfortunately during construction of this building Strickland passed away and he is buried in the northern part of the building.

13. Soak Up The Atmosphere Of The Tennessee Titans

The People of Nashville love their football and when the Tennessee Titans play their home games at the Nissan Stadium the whole city becomes awash with excitement. The Titans compete in the NFL and have a proud history having competed in the playoffs on 21 occasions. The team was formerly known as the Houston Oilers before relocating to Tennessee in 1997. After they had moved they changed their name to the Tennessee Oilers before settling on the Titans a few years later. The current stadium has a capacity of 69,000 that is often full to the brim with adoring fans.

14. Take A Tour Of Belmont Mansion

Belmont Mansion was constructed between 1849 and 1853, the building is an Italianate Villa and covers an area of 19,000 square feet. Initially the building was used as the summer home for a local socialite known as Adelicia Acklen, she would come here in the summers and spend time with her family. Other uses for the building have included being the headquarters of the Union army as well as an all-girls college. The buildings are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the house operates as a museum.

15. Take A Walk In The Park

The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville provides a tranquil setting to gather your thoughts and go for a stroll. A gentle walk around the park will see you come into contact with various exhibits that teach you about the history of Tennessee State. There is a 200 foot granite map of the state, a 95 bell carillon, a memorial to World War II, a Pathway of History and the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains. Each year this charming park puts on a variety of free events that draw the community together. The highlight being the Tennessee History Festival that is held each year in the fall.

16. Understand The Beginnings Of Nashville At Fort Nashborough

Fort Nashborough was where it all begun for the city of Nashville. In 1779 this stockade was built to protect the local people from wild animal and Indian attacks. It was built from logs and covered an area of 2 acres. The fort was reconstructed in the 1930’s out of used telegraph poles and tells a fascinating story about the history and origins of this city. One month after the land for the original fort was agreed to be purchased the American Revolution broke out.

17. See The European Cars At Lane Motor Museum

Lane Motor Museum is situated on the site that used to be the well known Sunbeam Bakery. The bakery is no more but when you visit Lane Motor Museum you will see that many of the original characteristics have been kept. Jeff Lane opened the motor museum in 2002 after a lifetime love of automobiles, he began by donating his own collection of cars to the museum. The cars are mainly European and is the largest collection of such cars in the United States. Many of the cars in the showroom are in working order and in excellent condition, other cars have been left to show their natural aging.

18. Watch A Show At Nashville Municipal Auditorium

If you like to see a good show then a trip to Nashville Municipal Auditorium will take care of that. The venue hosts many indoor sport and music events and has an ever changing program of shows. The auditorium was constructed in 1962 and has been going strong ever since. Another feature of the venue is the Musicians’ Hall of Fame Museum which feature all genres of music and dates back to when music was first recorded. Many famous musicians have been inducted here including Keith Richards and the late Roy Orbison.

19. Enjoy The Warner Parks

Just nine miles outside of downtown Nashville are the Percy Warner Park and the Edwin Warner Park. The parks cover an area of 3,180 acres and are one of the largest municipal parks in the country. You will come across a great network of hiking trails in Percy Warner Park as well as the 10 miles of equestrian paths to enjoy. If you and the family want a picnic there are plenty of picnic shelters that are big enough for everyone to enjoy. Another feature of the parks are the two golf courses that are present, Percy Warner Golf Course and Harpeth Hills Golf Course.

20. Relax At Percy Priest Lake

Percy Priest Lake was completed in 1968, it is 42 miles long and covers an area of 14,000 acres. The lake has numerous recreational activities that you can enjoy, these include boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, sailing, hiking and many more. The camping facilities range from very basic facilities on islands within the lake to fully developed campsites. If you choose to go fishing you must hold a Tennessee State Fishing License, you can fish for many varieties of bass as well as sunfish, catfish, bluegill and trout.

21. Walk The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

The Cumberland River in Nashville has long had a bridge running over it but for many years it sat there unused. In 2003 the bridge was reopened and named the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. The bridge is 960 meters in length and is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. During the last refurbishment the bridge had a centre lane created that is fifteen feet across and is dedicated to bicycles. A great time to admire the bridge is at night as it is always dramatically lit which makes it stand out for miles around.

22. Listen To Some Bluegrass At Station Inn

The Station Inn in Nashville has gathered a bit of a cult status since its opening in 1974. The inn was originally opened by 6 bluegrass pickers, they provided the music for the guests and the site started to gain in popularity. In 1981 the Station Inn was sold to a new owner and different performers started to play each night, the owners would book in many acts and the Inn was nearly always full to capacity. Many big names in Bluegrass would regularly drop in unannounced and the place gained the iconic status that you see today. A trip to the Station Inn is an absolute must for any Bluegrass fans.

23. Take The Family To The Agricultural Museum

The Tennessee Agricultural Museum is situated on the grounds of the Ellington Agricultural Center. The museum features a whole array of farming items from the 19th and 20th century and they are exhibited in a plantation barn. You can take a look around a blacksmith shop, wagons and even see a Jumbo steam engine. After you have seen the items in the museum you can explore the farm house, gardens and go on a nature trail.

24. Reflect In The Mount Olivet Cemetery

Mount Olivet Cemetery spans an area of 206 acres and is located in Nashville. The cemetery was opened in 1856 and has many of the areas political and business leaders buried within its boundary. When the American Civil War ended the women of the city wanted somewhere to bury the men that had given up their lives for their country. This part of the cemetery is known as Confederate Circle. The cemetery is open during daylight hours and is a place of quiet contemplation for visitors.

25. Have Fun At Robert’s Western World

Many of the biggest country artists have performed and continue to perform at Robert’s Honky Tonk. A trip to Robert’s will see you enjoying a few cold beers, a sizzling hot grill and lots of live music. There is also a gift shop on site should you wish to take a memento home with you. The business is currently owned by the famous musician Jesse Lee Jones, lead singer of Brazibilly.

25 Best Things to Do in Nashville (TN):

• Witness A Star Performance At The Ryman Auditorium
• Pretend You Are In Ancient Greece
• Tour The Belle Meade Plantation
• Visit President Andrew Jackson's Home
• Explore The Beautiful Grounds Of Centennial Park
• Ignite Your Passion For Science At Adventure Science Center
• Get Close To The Animals At Nashville Zoo
• Enjoy The Frist Art Museum
• Take Some Quiet Time In The Cheekwood Botanical Gardens
• Watch The Best Of The Best At The Bridgestone Arena
• Learn The History Of The State
• Visit The State Capitol
• Soak Up The Atmosphere Of The Tennessee Titans
• Take A Tour Of Belmont Mansion
• Take A Walk In The Park
• Understand The Beginnings Of Nashville At Fort Nashborough
• See The European Cars At Lane Motor Museum
• Watch A Show At Nashville Municipal Auditorium
• Enjoy The Warner Parks
• Relax At Percy Priest Lake
• Walk The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
• Listen To Some Bluegrass At Station Inn
• Take The Family To The Agricultural Museum
• Reflect In The Mount Olivet Cemetery
• Have Fun At Robert's Western World

Must-Visit Attractions in Nashville

There is so much more to experience in Nashville than just country music. While the music scene is an important part of the city’s heritage, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. These exciting things to see and do prove just how diverse the entertainment community in Nashville really is.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center

Even if you don’t book a room at Gaylord Opryland , it’s worth checking out. The resort has a spa and salon, golf course, swimming pools and a state-of-the-art fitness center. But the most impressive part is the inside of the hotel. With nine acres of indoor gardens featuring more than 8,000 tropical plants and cascading waterfalls, it offers visitors some magnificent views. There’s also a quarter-mile-long indoor river that takes you through this visual masterpiece.

Museum Also known as the “Smithsonian of country music,” the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a popular attraction in the downtown area. The main exhibit at the museum is Sing Me Back Home: Folk Routes to the Present, which takes visitors through the history of country music with photographs and artefacts. Limited engagement exhibits are also featured throughout the year, alongside programs and events for adults and children. These offerings take place at the Taylor Swift Education Center, the CMA Theater and the Ford Theater.

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Ryman Auditorium

Music Venue

Often referred to as the Mother Church’of country music, the Ryman Auditorium is named after Nashville businessman Thomas G Ryman, who first opened the venue in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle for revivalist Samuel Porter Jones. It was the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974 and became a National Historic Landmark in 2001. Today it serves as a 2,362-seat live music venue that hosts singers, songwriters and musicians from near and far on a nightly basis.

Wildhorse Saloon

Bar, American, $

Since 1994, the Wildhorse Saloon has been Nashville’s premier dance destination. With 66,000 sq ft (6,132 sq m) of space, the venue offers free line- dancing lessons and books live music to be enjoyed from each of its three floors. It has a full-service bar and restaurant and also serves as an event space for parties and special occasions. Inside the venue are horse statues that are often the backdrop for selfies.

Building, Museum In 1897, the Nashville Parthenon was built in Centennial Park for Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition. The 42ft (13m) Athenian replica is the pinnacle of traditional architecture, with plaster replicas of direct casts of the Parthenon Marbles that are found in the original sculpture. The originals are in the British Museum in London. The building also serves as an art museum, showcasing 63 paintings by 19th- and 20th-century American artists.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Concert Hall For 22 years, Maestro Kenneth Schermerhorn led the Nashville Symphony. Today the building, named after the late maestro, stands in Nashville’s SoBro downtown neighborhood. Construction on the Symphony Center began in 2003 and it was officially opened to the public in 2006. The design of the building was inspired by concert halls that were built in 19th-century Europe. The main venue is the Laura Turner Concert Hall , wone of the few halls in the country to feature natural light through 30 soundproof windows. The hall also has a custom-built concert organ, a special choral loft behind the stage and a convertible seating system.

Arrington Vineyards

Winery Country music artist Kix Brooks of the duo Brooks and Dunn – along with entrepreneur John Russell and winemaker Kip Summers – established Arrington Vineyards in 2003. Kix purchased farmland that was adjacent to the original vineyards and the three men began work on the winery. In 2007, Arrington was officially opened for business. Two years later, Kix’s Wine Club began and today, club members receive wine in 35 states across the country. The vineyard, in the Greater Nashville area in the city of Arrington, offers free wine tastings and hosts live music by local artists . Kix has also been known to make frequent appearances.

Cheekwood Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden Now a 55-acre (22ha) botanical garden and art museum, Cheekwood was once the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek. Built in 1929, it was converted into a museum of art and botanical garden in 1960. More than 250,000 people visit Cheekwood Botantical Garden each year. The garden is located on the historic Cheek estate and features programs and activities for all ages. Some of the special sights that attract visitors include 150,000 blooming bulbs in the spring and 1m holiday lights in the winter.

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

Museum Former president Andrew Jackson and his wife Rachel lived in Nashville after marrying. In 1804, Jackson purchased a piece of property from his neighbor, Nathanial Hays, that would someday become The Hermitage . The 425-acre farm was originally a brick, federal-style house that was typical of plantation dwellings for farmers in the upper south. A major restoration was done on the Greek Revival mansion between 1989 and 1997, however, original furniture, wallpaper and family possessions still occupy the home today.

Frist Center for the Visual Arts

Art Gallery The Frist Center for the Visual Arts opened in 2001. The family-friendly venue has a rotating schedule for its exhibitions, showcasing new art from regional and international artists every six to eight weeks. In addition to the main floor that displays works of art, there’s the Martin ArtQuest Gallery on the upper level, which is an area specially designed for children. It offers 30 interactive stations that allow children to paint, sculpt and print their own art. The center also has a gift shop and cafe.

Belle Meade Plantation

Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark Translated to mean “beautiful meadow” in old English and French, the Belle Meade Plantation was founded in 1807 by John Harding. The property started out as a single log cabin on 250 acres (101ha) and grew to become a 5,400-acre (2,185ha) thoroughbred horse farm that had a Greek Revival mansion, train station and deer park. Presently, the plantation retains 34 acres (14ha) of the original property, including the mansion and the original homestead.

The Bluebird Cafe

Even though it’s located in a small strip mall, the Bluebird Cafe is one of the most famous music venues in Nashville. Almost every aspiring songwriter has heard of the Bluebird Cafe, adding it to their list of places to perform in the hope of making it big. Several well-known artists, including Garth Brooks, were discovered at the venue on open mic or songwriter nights. In 2012, the Bluebird Cafe made its primetime debut, being featured on the television series Nashville .

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Park Tennessee’s bicentennial celebration was on June 1, 1996, and the Bicentennial Capitol Mall commemorates the event. The 19-acre (8ha) park features a 200ft granite map of Tennessee, a World War II memorial, a 2,000-seat amphitheater and a 95-bell carillon. There are a variety of events scheduled at the park throughout the year, including the Tennessee History Festival .

Adventure Science Center

Museum With more than 175 exhibits, the Adventure Science Center is a non-profit, independent science and technology center. The 44,000 sq ft (4,087 sq m) space features hands-on displays geared towards children. Exhibits cover information on astronomy, biology, earth science, weather and space. The Sudekum Planetarium provides shows that use an optical star projector to produce 6.5m stars, and the BodyQuest exhibit explores the human body and its many functions.

Tennessee State Capitol

Cathedral, Memorial What was once the first Roman Catholic cathedral in Nashville – Holy Rosary Cathedral – is now the Tennessee State Capitol. Designed by Philadelphia architect William Strickland, and completed in 1859, the building was modeled on a Greek ionic temple. It’s where the governor’s office and the Tennessee legislature are located. There are several monuments on the Capitol grounds, including the Tennessee Holocaust Commission Memorial and the Sam Davis Memorial. Statues of former US Presidents Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson are also here, and President James K Polk is buried in a tomb here, along with his wife, Sarah Childress Polk.

Cathedral of the Incarnation

Cathedral There have been three Catholic cathedrals in Nashville. The first was Holy Rosary Cathedral, which is now the site of the Tennessee State Capitol. The second was Saint Mary’s Cathedral, which is located downtown on the corner of 5th and Church Street. The third Catholic cathedral in Nashville, Cathedral of the Incarnation , was dedicated in 1914. With Italianate architecture modeled on the Roman Basilica, the church began construction under the direction of Bishop Thomas Sebastian Byrne in 1910 and has undergone two major renovations. The cathedral has traditional Catholic masses and hosts occasional music performances by local college singing groups.

Pancake Pantry

Restaurant, Caribbean, American, Vegetarian, Vegan, $

It’s one of the few places in Nashville where there is always a line out the door that curves around the block. Since 1961, Pancake Pantry has served the Hillsboro Village area, offering its famous pancakes and other breakfast and brunch dishes. The menu is full of creative pancake options such as sweet potato, banana bread, sugar and spice and Caribbean. Alternatives include French toast, sandwiches and the option to make your own omelette.

Tennessee State Museum

Building, Memorial, Museum, Shop Back in 1817, a museum opened on the Nashville public square by portrait artist Ralph EW Earl. In 1823, a young boy who visited the museum wrote home about a life-size painting he saw of then General Andrew Jackson. That same painting is now on display in the Tennessee State Museum, originally located in the lower level of the War Memorial Building and housing World War I mementos and other collections from the Tennessee Historical Society. It was moved in 1981 to the James K Polk Center, where it now has more than 60,000 sq ft (5,574 sq m) full of exhibits.

Cumberland Park

Gym, Park Situated on the riverfront downtown, Cumberland Park is an innovative play space for children. The 6.5-acre (2.6ha) park has an outdoor amphitheater, a stone climbing wall and a cooling-off area known as the Scoops. There’s a washboard activity area, a place for sand play, a green maze and an interactive splash pad. Kids and their parents can also enjoy a tandem see-saw and stroll down the Explorer Trail that weaves through plant groves and meadows.

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14 Must-See Attractions and Hidden Gems in Nashville, Tennessee

From country music to contemporary art, Nashville has got it all. The vibrant Music City, with its hipster vibes and caravans of drunk pedal tavern riders, is always ready for a party. There’s so much to do in Tennessee’s capital city, but we’ll stick to just these 14 things (for now) to give you a little taste of Nashville. 

Nashville is one of the most exciting destinations in the U.S. and boasts a wide variety of attractions, amazing cuisine, and of course some of the best music venues in the country.

If you’re ready to make the most of your trip and explore the best places the city has to offer, then check out these fun things that should top your Nashville itinerary.

Post Contents

Top Things to Do in Nashville

From Civil War history to music history, and from Broadway to the Gulch, there are tons of fun things to do and see in Nashville, Tennessee. Don’t miss out on these must-see Nashville attractions and hidden gems.

1. Go Country at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

When in the Music City, you can’t miss the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum . The museum is considered the “Smithsonian of country music”. Its permanent exhibit is a walk through country music’s history and traditions, showcasing famous artists’ instruments, stage costumes, and even cars.

Rotating exhibits focus on certain eras and artists in country music. Currently on are exhibits showcasing The Judds, Little Big Town, music of the 70s, and music of 2017. A tour of the museum culminates in the Country Music Hall of Fame, a large circular room containing bronze plaques naming the inductees into the Hall of Fame.

Even if you’re not a fan of country music (which I am not), visiting the museum is still worth while to learn about the music that shaped Nashville.

Book your Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum ticket here .

2. Bar Hop on Lower Broadway

Lower Broadway is Nashville’s Honkey Tonk Highway, a stretch of bars pouring beers and pumping out loud live music. Some of country music’s biggest stars got their start on Broadway, and musicians today are still trying to catch their big break there.

Broadway is the place to go for Music City bar hopping and a good mix of the city’s country, bluegrass, and rockabilly roots.

Book an all-inclusive Nashville pub crawl here .

3. Catch a Concert at…

The Ryman Auditorium , the Grand Ole Opry , Bridgestone Arena, Ascend Amphitheater, you name it.

Back in my day (wow, I sound old), we would go up to Nashville to see bands play at Rocketown, and that’s the only venue I ever knew because I guess alternative and emo bands only played at venues attached to skate parks back then.

But there are tons of places to see a show in Nashville! They don’t call it Music City for nothing!

Get a ticket to a Grand Ole Opry show here .

4. Tour the Belmont Mansion at Belmont University

Belmont Mansion was once the summer home of Adelicia Acklen, one of the wealthiest women in the antebellum South. Built between 1849 and 1860, it’s the largest house built in in Tennessee prior to the Civil War.

The home is located on the Belmont University campus, which no occupies what was once the Belmont estate.

A tour of the restored house gives you a glimpse into Adelicia’s life, the lives of the enslaved people who lived here, and the house’s transformation from summer home to girls’ academy to private university.

Get your tickets to Belmont Mansion here .

5. Wonder How You Ended Up In Ancient Greece at the Parthenon

In the center of Centennial Park stands the Parthenon . No, you didn’t take a wrong turn and end up in Greece .

The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the one in Athens, Greece. It was built for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition, but now it’s the home of Nashville’s art museum.

The primary collection is American Impressionism donated by James M. Cowan, but the main exhibit is really the full-scale replica of Athena Parthenos. Athena was added to the Parthenon in 1982, though her construction took eight years to complete and she wasn’t gilded until 2002. Now she stands tall at 42 feet.

6. See Something New at Frist Art Museum

Housed in the historic U.S. Post Office building, Frist Art Museum is a contemporary art museum that keeps new art flowing through it every 6 to 8 weeks, so you can see something new with each visit.

Examples of exhibits include Chaos and Awe: Painting for the 21st Century; We Shall Overcome: Civil Rights and the Nashville Press, 1957–1968; The Presence of Your Absence Is Everywhere: Afruz Amighi; and my favorite, Image Building: How Photography Transforms Architecture.

7. Play With the Polar Bear Statues

At 1408 Edgehill Ave., two polar bears play in a chilling snowball fight at the entrance of a retirement home. The bears have been frozen in this game since the 1930 when they were created to advertise a Polar Bear Frozen Custard shop on West End Ave.

There were multiple bears advertising these shops around the city, and once the businesses shut down the bears were shuffled from home to home and even stood outside a funeral home for a while.

These two bears in particular made their home at the retirement center in 2005 and have played in their plaza there ever since. Nashville historian and blogger Debie Cox has a great history of the polar bears here .

8. Watch a Nashville Predators Game

The Predators are Nashville’s NHL ice hockey team, and the fans are loud and crazy when they pack the Bridgestone Arena for the team’s home games.

And seeing a hockey game is the perfect winter activity in Nashville !

If you go, you’ll need to brush up on your heckling and learn all the Predators fan chants so you can really get into the game.

9. Go Shopping at Opry Mills

On the site of the old Opryland theme park is something that’ll probably cause you to spend just as much money — Opry Mills , Tennessee’s largest outlet mall.

Opry Mills has stores like Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Forever 21, J.Crew Factory Store, and Vera Bradley Outlet, as well as plenty of restaurants, a movie theater, and a Madame Tussauds.

10. Try to Break Out of an Escape Game

New escape rooms are popping up all over Nashville, but the one that I recommend is The Escape Game Nashville .

Their games are well designed and their clues fun and well thought out. We managed to break out of The Heist with only seconds to spare! I always love feeling like Nancy Drew .

Book your escape room experience here .

11. See Bears at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere has an Expedition Peru exhibit that has bears! And I’m all about some bear-related travel!

These bears, hailing from Darkest Peru, arrived at Paddington Station with just a battered hat, duffel coat, and battered suitcase with a hidden compartment for extra marmalade — oh, no wait, I’m getting my bears mixed up.

The Nashville Zoo has three Andean Bears, also called Spectacled Bears because the white pattern around their eyes look like glasses, and more than 2,761 other animals like tigers, red pandas, kangaroos (which you can pet), and clouded leopards.

12. Relax at Rockland Recreation Area

If you’re willing to venture a little outside the city, Rockland Recreation Area in Hendersonville is a relaxing spot on the shore of Old Hickory Lake just upstream on Cumberland River.

This is a great spot for picnicking and sitting around catching some rays and enjoying time with friends.

13. Explore Modern Nashville at The Gulch

The Gulch district took Nashville’s neglected railroad yard and turned it into one of the city’s hottest neighborhoods. It has everything that the rest of Nashville has — music, shopping, dining — but with a trendy, rather than country, vibe.

People wait hours in line under the hot sun to pose with the wildly popular What Lifts You mural here. But there are plenty of great places to eat, some with boozy milkshakes, for when you’re done waiting in line!

You can take a private walking food tour of The Gulch here .

14. Sing Karaoke at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole

Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole is the world’s first animatronic karaoke bar. It opened in 2020 in the Graduate Nashville hotel, which itself is a lavishly decorated work of art. The “Cross-Eyed Critters” refers to the backup band of an animatronic bear, pig, and fox that help you sing your heart out at karaoke.

The name “Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole” evokes visions of a dive-bar, but the bar actually felt pretty classy.

There’s an entrance to the bar on West End Avenue, which was closed when we went; instead, we entered through the hotel lobby where there is little to no signage and down a long back hallway, giving the bar a speakeasy feel. Inside, the bar’s dark walls are lined with paintings of country western stars and string lights.

Read next: A Romantic Weekend in Dickson, Tennessee

Top Nashville Tours

With so much to see, Nashville can be overwhelming for any first-time traveler. To take some of the stress out of planning your visit, opt for a guided tour! Check out this list of the top Nashville tours to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful Southern city.

• Explore the City of Nashville Tour by Golf Cart
• Best of Nashville City Sightseeing Tour on Double Decker Bus
• Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting

Top Places to Stay in Nashville

For a great Nashville trip, you’ll need great Nashville accommodations. You have plenty of options.

In Downtown Nashville, you have hotel options like the Dream Nashville and the JW Marriott Nashvill e . In the Gulch, top choices include the W Nashville and the Thompson Nashville . Top Midtown hotels include the Kimpton Aertson Hotel and the Embassy Suites Hotel .

Hotels closer to Downtown tend to be more expensive. If you’re looking for a nice options further out, I recommend the DoubleTree Suites Nashville Airport. You’ll have a bit of a drive to get into the Downtown area, but you’ll save some money.

I’ve also stayed in the Belmont/12 South/Hillsboro Village area, which is a trendy part of town with a lot of cute restaurants, gorgeous houses, and a bunch of college students. We stayed at a vacation rental called The Belmont – Lux Abode with Pool on Belmont Blvd , which is a beautiful old home that sleeps 12. This rental is within walking distance of a lot of restaurants and is a short drive to Downtown.

Where to Stay in Nashville

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Nashville, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

• Where We Stayed: DoubleTree Suites Nashville Airport or The Belmont – Lux Abode with Pool
• Great Value: Holiday Inn Vanderbilt (Downtown)
• Top Hotel: Fairlane Hotel
• Unique Stay: The Germantown Inn

Mapping Out Your Stay in Nashville

Ready to explore Nashville’s top attractions and hidden gems? Use the map below to help plan out your itinerary exploring Nashville, Tennessee.

Nashville, Tennessee is a fun town with tons of hidden treasures for you to unlock. After a weekend in the city, you’ll leave Nashville with a whole new sense of honkey-tonk adventure.

So, why wait? Start planning your visit to Nashville, Tennessee today.

More Things to Do in Nashville, Tennessee

Make the most out of your vacation to Nashville! Check out these other Nashville travel guides to plan your perfect trip:

• Best Restaurants to Try in Nashville, Tennessee

Ready to visit Nashville, Tennessee? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner , my favorite flight search engine.
• Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Nashville using Hotels.com.
• Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
• Explore Nashville in a New Way: Enjoy a Mystery Picnic in Nashville to discover more of the city.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Nashville? Let me know in the comments!

Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta? , a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

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Wealth of Geeks

24 Unique and Instagram-Worthy Things To Do With Friends in Nashville, TN

Posted: January 13, 2024 | Last updated: January 13, 2024

If you have to choose just one incredibly Instagrammable US town, it’s got to be Tennessee’s Music City. The state’s capital, Nashville, is home to museums, downtown skyscrapers, tourist destinations, iconic music venues, and green space—plus a whole lot more.

Things To Do With Friends in Nashville

Whether you’re visiting with a long-term bestie or want to host a day out with fellow residents, you could easily make a day trip out of all the photogenic locations Nashville has to offer. If you’re looking for things to do with friends in Nashville, here are a few of our favorites that make for the perfect Instagram shot.

1. Gaylord Opryland

With more than 100,000 uses of its three main hashtags, #opryland, #gaylordopryland, and #oprylandhotel, the Gaylord Opryland Hotel is one of Nashville’s most visited resorts and one of its most Instagrammable locations. The hotel features multiple gigantic indoor gardens, running waterfalls, a boat ride, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and live music. If you could only pick one thing to do with friends, this would be among the must-see things to do in Nashville.

2. Cheekwood

If it’s natural beauty you’re after, Cheekwood might be your favorite spot. The estate features 55 acres of art exhibitions and botanical gardens. It boasts more than 100,000 followers on Instagram and is regularly tagged  by the hottest musicians in town. Whether you’re looking for delicate photos among the flowers, a must-see seasonal event, or high-brow art photos, Cheekwood has you covered.

3. I Believe in Nashville Mural

The “I Believe in Nashville” mural might be one of the city’s most recognizable—and it got started in 12 South, where the original striped artwork was first painted. A second, larger mural has been added at Marathon Music Works. Snag directions and details on the mural’s official website . 

4. Radnor Lake

Nashville’s Radnor Lake is situated about 30 minutes outside and features a beautiful hour-long walk on a super easy flat trail around the lake. Its hiking ease and plethora of wildlife make it an excellent spot for photography. It’s been featured on the  official Nashville Instagram account  and has wooded areas, lake vistas, bridges, kayaking, and more that offer great photo opportunities.

5. Rosepepper Cantina

If you’re looking for things to do with friends that don’t necessarily require you to be in the photo, Rosepepper Cantina has your back. Rosepepper is well-known for its quirky jokes and puns on the sign outside, so join the more than 18,000 photos taken at the Instagram location tag—no selfie required! 

6. Nashville Looks Good on You Mural

The 12 South neighborhood is home to a lot of Music City’s iconic murals, and  the “Nashville Looks Good On You”  painting is no exception. The simple black background and white text mean any outfit will match, and the rectangular, lengthy wall it’s painted on makes group shots a breeze. A quick search for the mural’s name on Instagram reveals this one has been a go-to for years.

7. Downtown Broadway – AKA Honky Tonk Highway

One of Music City’s namesakes is country music. There’s no shortage of it on Honky Tonk Highway, the neon-lit section of downtown Broadway. From the brightly lit celebrity bar signs to horse-drawn carriages and line dancing, there’s excellent photo appeal here.

8. What Lifts You Wings Painting

Take a scroll through the 1,000+ posts tagged with The Gulch, and you’ll immediately notice multiple photos of the “What Lifts You” wings painted on a black wall in the Music City neighborhood. They were created by  Kelsey Montague , who has more than 150,000 Instagram followers. Although no single hashtag quantifies how many times people have taken photos here, it’s one of the most popular in town.

9. Draper James

With nearly one million followers on Instagram, the Draper James clothing company, founded by Reese Witherspoon, has a mural of its own that folks love to take photos with. Just outside the shop, you’ll find the blue and white gingham mural, plus a bench to pose on.

10. Printers Alley

Full of burlesque, cozy bars, lounge clubs, and eateries, Printer’s Alley has a life of its own. While also listed as one of the  best engagement photo locations  in the city, it has multiple Instagram location tags that have been used more than 10,000 times. The #printersalley hashtag has also been used more than 36,000 times. 

11. Centennial Park

Is there anything more quintessentially Nashville than Centennial Park? The city’s alternate nickname is “The Athens of the South,” and it makes sense; Nashville is home to the world’s only exact-size replica of the Parthenon. The gem itself offers multiple photo opportunities, but so do the pond and live ducks.

12. Percy Warner Park

Percy Warner Park is located just outside the city and offers miles of beautiful hiking trails to take photographs on. While the park’s official Instagram page has 8,000 followers, the location tag has been used more than 5,000 times, and #percywarnerpark has been used nearly 14,000 times. 

13. Five Daughters Bakery

Are you looking for super hip things to do with friends in Nashville? Five Daughters Bakery, with nearly 200,000 Instagram followers, also has an Instagram location tag that’s been used more than 30,000 times. From delicious pastries to the aesthetic decor, there’s so much here to photograph.

14. Pinewood Social

Another super cool eatery, Pinewood Social, feels like it was built for Instagram photos. With more than 33,000 followers and 73,000 posts on its location tag, Pinewood is a top spot for snazzy pics. From the drinks to the bowling lanes, there’s so much here to love!

15. Country Music Hall of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame encapsulates Music City’s namesake and history, and it’s super popular. With more than 155,000 posts on its location tag, there’s something here for country fans and history buffs alike.

16. Cumberland Park

A favorite spot for influencers because of its downtown location and waterfront views, Cumberland Park has more than 16,000 posts on its location tag and more than 5,000 posts on #cumberlandpark.

17. Amelia’s Flower Truck

Amelia’s Flower Truck has more than 73,000 followers on Instagram, and it’s not hard to see why — who doesn’t want to snag a beautiful bouquet from a quaint flower delivery truck? There are more than 1,500 posts across multiple location tags and 5,000 posts on #ameliasflowertruck. This one is photogenic and popular but is still a little niche and unique.

18. John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

With more than 28,000 posts on its location tag, this striking downtown pedestrian bridge is a top location for group and single photos. Whether you’re shooting the bridge itself or a view of your outfit from its top, this is a must-visit spot. 

19. Dream Nashville

Talk about swanky! Dream Nashville is a new lounge club and bar with nearly 25,000 Instagram followers. The location tag has been used more than 5,000 times, and with a speakeasy, pop-up installations, and more, there’s a lot here to show off. 

20. Frist Art Museum

Is there anything more visually appealing than a literal art museum? The Frist is Nashville’s most iconic gallery, and the exhibitions change all the time. With 40,000 followers on Instagram, it’s also a trendy locale. 

21. White Limozeen

This Dolly Parton-themed bar sits atop a separate Nashville hotel and has art, drinks, and a pool that’s just begging to be photographed. With more than 30,000 posts at its location tag, it’s not like you’d be the only one!

22. Biscuit Love

With multiple Nashville locations that have thousands of posts to each of their location tags, you can’t go wrong by brunching at Biscuit Love. It’s just one of many spots that offer something other than country music if that isn’t your thing.

23. 5th and Broadway

The latest shopping district, nestled in downtown, 5th and Broadway, offers tons of shops, food pics to snap, and outdoor posing opportunities!

24. Ryman Auditorium

Last but certainly not least, Ryman Auditorium is an iconic, historic Nashville venue. With nearly 300,000 Instagram followers and more than 300,000 uses of its location tag, this is one place you shouldn’t miss!

Music City isn’t just about country music, although there’s also plenty of that. Whether you’re looking for things to do with friends or simply need a new snapshot for Instagram, Nashville has something for you. From museums and history to beautiful outdoor green spaces, there’s no excuse not to grab a great photo. Grab your boots and cowboy hat and get to it!

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A Nashville guide for Beyoncé fans and new visitors: Six gems in Music City

Beyoncé 's new album " Cowboy Carter " appears to be a reclamation of country music, and it's led to interest from fans who haven't tuned in to the genre before. Naturally, those listeners are considering trips to the heart of country music — Nashville .

As a new resident of the city, I ventured to some beloved places around town and talked to some local experts. Whether you're visiting or hosting family and friends, here's a simple guide meant to appeal to new fans that features unique places in Music City, some of which have greatly influenced country music past and present.

Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa

This lively eatery and honky-tonk is considered the first female artist-inspired restaurant and bar on Lower Broadway. Inspired by chart-topping country music superstar Miranda Lambert, the Tex-Mex eatery highlights her career and reflects her Texas roots.

The establishment spans multiple floors with unique pink decor. On a Saturday afternoon, a live country band played while patrons dined. The singer's influence is evident in the menu and art displayed throughout the place.

Of course, the Beyhive has been buzzing with speculation about whether artists like Lambert or Dolly Parton will be featured in some capacity on the new album, which comes out March 29.

Daniel X Diamond 

Longtime Los Angeles-based stylists Daniel Musto and Lani Lupton eventually arrived in Music City and founded the Daniel X Diamond clothing line. The brand is known for its cowboy core staples, mainly statement pieces embellished with fringe and rhinestones.

The brand has been sourced to some of the most prominent artists in the music industry, including Gwen Stefani , Shania Twain and Carrie Underwood . Beyoncé's oldest daughter, Blue Ivy Carter , was spotted in a Daniel X Diamond jacket in the 2023 "Renaissance" film.

I stopped by on a Saturday afternoon to try on some of the bedazzled pieces and speak with Musto, who referred to his business with Lupton as "our Sasha Fierce." Of course, the hive knows this references Beyoncé's alter ego.

"I've been a fan of Beyoncé forever, (and) I'm so excited now I can tell Alexa to play Beyoncé and all different genres of music pop up," he said. "She did all the really cool house music, country, and obviously pop, R&B and hip-hop."

Musto said the Grammy-award-winning singer began wearing this clothing style with her "Renaissance" album.

"She was introducing country-western through fashion only," he said. "If you think about it, she used fashion to tease music."

And while he is excited about Queen Bey's foray into country music and fashion, he acknowledged the lifestyle's roots.

"I just want to talk about Black culture in general, because that's where country music began," he said. "We always have to nod our cowboy hats to those who started something that's turned into this multibillion dollar business. And I think it's magical the woman at the top of the music industry is going back to her roots of Houston."

The Grand Ole Opry House

Dubbed the home of country music, the Grand Ole Opry has become a cultural landmark. Initially founded in 1925 by George D. Hay as a one-hour live radio show on WSM 650 AM, the Opry is the longest running radio broadcast in the U.S. Since 1974, the radio show has been housed in the Grand Ole Opry House — a 4,400-seat Opryland area venue that hosts several shows each week featuring some of country music's biggest names and rising stars. Artists including Dolly Parton, Darius Rucker, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood have graced the stage.

The Opry holds several types of venue tours daily throughout the year. This month, it offered a Women of Country tour. Guests were greeted with mimosas before they journeyed through the halls where country music legends changed backstage and performed in front of thousands. This tour was a deep dive into all the women who have paved the way in the industry. Of course, guests didn't leave without stepping on the famous circle in the floor of the stage.

Slim & Husky's Pizza Beeria

Slim & Husky's is a Black-owned pizza shop. One location of the Nashville-area chain is located in the city's heart at the Fifth + Broadway complex. Amid the country music scene, the eatery boasts a love for hip-hop and R&B culture — not unlike Beyoncé.

"It's Music City, so we wanted to make sure we represent all music genres in Nashville," said co-founder Derrick "Mo" Moore. "R&B, hip-hop and soul happen to be (genres) we're attracted to, as well as country music."

Co-founder Clint Gray said it was important to open the location downtown.

"There's so many different Black country artists here in Nashville, and to have Beyoncé put a light onto country music from an African-American standpoint, just give them a big opportunity to grow, kind of shift that genre, you know, back to its roots," he said.

House of Adora

The House of Adora , or the "pink house," is a not-so-hidden gem East Nashville tucked into a residential neighborhood. Social media Beverly Griffith painted her home in 2021. Since then, it has become a Music City staple and an Instagram-worthy attraction.

For those from town or visiting, Griffith rents out her home for photoshoots, video shoots and everything in between. The pink house has been a go-to location for Nashville-favored country and pop singers like Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves and Yola.

Station Inn 

The Station Inn is a small but mighty concert venue located near Nashville's Music Row and notable recording studios. The establishment has been deemed America's bluegrass hub. Bluegrass is a particular style of country music influenced by jazz and blues. It is often characterized by banjo and guitar playing coupled with high-pitched vocals.

Beyoncé's hit track "Texas Hold' Em" features MacArthur Fellow and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Rhiannon Giddens on the banjo and viola. Before starting her solo career, Giddens founded and played in the country, blues and old-time music band the "Carolina Chocolate Drops." The group became the first Black string band to play the Grand Ole Opry. She has dedicated her career to educating the nation about the banjo and its roots in Black culture before becoming a predominantly white instrument.

Giddens also educated folks about the history of bluegrass, not solely a descendant of Scottish and Irish music but incorporating banjo and fiddle players from Africa, as well.

Marcus Dowling contributed to this story.

Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X  as @cachemcclay .

Total solar eclipse April 8, 2024: Path, time and the best places to view

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality.

Scroll down to see the list of U.S. cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible, the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

On April 8, 2024, a historic total solar eclipse will cast a shadow over parts of the United States, prompting a mass travel event to the path of totality -- from Texas to Maine and several states and cities in between.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun, according to NASA .

The track of the moon's shadow across Earth's surface is called the path of totality, and to witness the April 8 total solar eclipse, viewers must be within the 115-mile-wide path.

Eclipse travel

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality, bringing the celestial phenomenon to their doorsteps, Michael Zeiler, expert solar eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told ABC News.

MORE: Eclipse glasses: What to know to keep your eyes safe

But for individuals outside of the path, investing time and money are needed to experience the event in totality.

Eclipse chasers, or umbraphiles, are individuals who will do almost anything, and travel almost anywhere, to see totality, according to the American Astronomical Society .

"There's a very active community of solar eclipse chasers and we will go to any reasonable lengths to see solar eclipses anywhere in the world," Zeiler said. "All of us are united in pursuing the unimaginable beauty of a total solar eclipse."

MORE: The surprising reason why a Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of April total solar eclipse

Bringing together both eclipse experts and novice sky watchers, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is projected to be the U.S.'s largest mass travel event in 2024, according to Zeiler, who likened it to "50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation."

"When you look at the number of people expected to come to the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we estimate those numbers are roughly the equivalent of 50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation, from Texas to Maine," he said.

Eclipse map, path of totality

In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

Best times, places to view eclipse

Below is a list of some American cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be most visible -- pending weather forecasts -- the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

• Eagle Pass, Texas, 1:27 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Uvalde, Texas, 1:29 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 16 seconds
• Kerrville, Texas, 1:32 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Austin, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 1 minute, 53 seconds
• Killeen, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 17 seconds
• Fort Worth, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 34 seconds
• Dallas, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 47 seconds
• Little Rock, Arkansas, 1:51 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 33 seconds
• Jonesboro, Arkansas, 1:55 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 24 seconds
• Poplar Bluff, Arkansas, 1:56 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1:58 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 6 seconds
• Carbondale, Illinois, 1:59 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Mount Vernon, Illinois, 2:00 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Evansville, Indiana, 2:02 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 2 seconds
• Terre Haute, Indiana, 3:04 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 57 seconds
• Indianapolis, Indiana, 3:06 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 46 seconds
• Dayton, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 46 seconds
• Wapakoneta, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 55 seconds
• Toledo, Ohio, 3:12 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 54 seconds
• Cleveland, Ohio, 3:13 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 50 seconds

Pennsylvania

• Erie, Pennsylvania, 3:16 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 43 seconds
• Buffalo, New York, 3:18 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
• Rochester, New York, 3:20 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
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