Nashville is more than just cowboy boots and country tunes — though you'll find plenty of both! It's a city where history, creativity, music, and Southern soul collide to create something truly magical. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local rediscovering your city, here’s a curated guide to the best things to do in Nashville, Tennessee.
🎸 1. Experience Live Music on Broadway
No trip to Nashville is complete without visiting Broadway in downtown. Lined with neon signs, live music bars (aka honky tonks), and rooftop lounges, this is the city’s electric soul.
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: A historic bar with legendary roots.
Robert’s Western World: Known for its classic country sound and fried bologna sandwiches.
Artist-owned bars: Don’t miss stops like Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk, Jason Aldean’s, Luke Bryan’s, and Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa.
Whether it’s 11 a.m. or midnight, there’s always music in the air.
🏛️ 2. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame
Step into the heart of Nashville’s music legacy at this must-visit museum. It features:
Rare memorabilia and iconic instruments
Stories of legends like Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams
Rotating exhibits that explore modern artists and cultural shifts
Add on the Studio B tour to see where Elvis recorded over 200 songs!
🎤 3. Catch a Show at the Ryman Auditorium
Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman is one of the most revered music venues in the world. It’s an intimate, spiritual place to hear your favorite artist live. Even if you’re not catching a concert, the daytime tour is worth it — rich with stories, stained glass windows, and Nashville history.
🏞️ 4. Wander Centennial Park & The Parthenon
Yes, Nashville has a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon — complete with a 42-foot statue of Athena inside. It's the crown jewel of Centennial Park, a 132-acre green space west of downtown.
Great for walks, picnics, and people-watching
Seasonal festivals and outdoor concerts
Art museum and historical monuments
Perfect if you need a break from the city buzz.
🎸 5. Explore Music Row & Studio History
Take a stroll through Music Row, where legendary recording studios line the streets. This is where artists like Elvis, Dolly Parton, and Taylor Swift laid down their tracks.
Book a guided tour to get inside places like:
RCA Studio B
Ocean Way Nashville
Historic RCA Victor Studio
It’s like walking through a living music archive.
🍗 6. Eat Your Way Through Nashville’s Food Scene
Nashville's culinary game is 🔥.
Hot Chicken: Try it at Prince’s, Hattie B’s, or Bolton’s (and don’t underestimate the heat!).
Barbecue: Martin’s, Peg Leg Porker, and Edley’s are local favorites.
Brunch Spots: Biscuit Love, The Pancake Pantry, or The Southern are perfect weekend starters.
Food Halls: Assembly Food Hall downtown has something for everyone.
From Southern comfort to fusion cuisine, your taste buds will thank you.
🛍️ 7. Shop & Stroll in 12South and The Gulch
Want to explore Nashville beyond the tourist trail?
12South: Lined with boutique shops, coffee spots, murals (like the famous "I Believe in Nashville" sign), and bakeries.
The Gulch: Trendy and upscale, with rooftop bars, high-end dining, and the iconic “Wings” mural by Kelsey Montague.
Both neighborhoods are walkable, stylish, and full of personality.
🛶 8. Relax by the Cumberland River
Head down to Riverfront Park or walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for great skyline views. You can also:
Rent a kayak or paddleboard
Take a cruise on the General Jackson Showboat
Visit Ascend Amphitheater for open-air concerts with a riverfront backdrop
🎭 9. Dive into Arts, Culture & History
Nashville is more than music. It’s a city with layers.
Frist Art Museum: Set in an Art Deco post office, showcasing contemporary and classic art.
Tennessee State Museum: Free to enter, with exhibits on everything from Native American history to Civil War and civil rights.
National Museum of African American Music: An incredible multimedia experience of gospel, R&B, blues, and hip-hop.
🐴 10. Take a Day Trip to Belle Meade or Franklin
Want a break from downtown?
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery: Learn about Tennessee’s equestrian and Civil War history — and enjoy a wine tasting.
Leiper’s Fork & Franklin: Charming towns just south of Nashville with antique stores, local art, and small-town Southern charm.
🌃 Bonus: Experience Nashville at Night
As the sun goes down, Nashville lights up. Whether it's:
Live jazz in Printer’s Alley
Drag brunches and dance floors in East Nashville
Or karaoke at Santa’s Pub (a cash-only dive bar in a trailer!)
… there’s no wrong way to spend a night in this city.
❤️ Final Thoughts: Why Nashville Stays With You
Nashville has a pulse — it moves to its own rhythm. Whether you come for the music, the food, the history, or just to soak in the energy, this city wraps around you in all the best ways.
So grab your boots, your appetite, and your curiosity — and let Nashville show you why it’s called Music City.
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