31 Epic Things to Do in Nashville: Your Ultimate Music City Guide

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Are you looking for the best things to do in Nashville? Find all the fun things to see and do in Nashville Tennessee for your visit. If you want a big-city experience with a small-town vibe, you’re headed to the right place. Nashville delivers on much more than just being the country music capital of the world!

You will find plenty to see and do in Music City, with fun for all ages (even if you’re visiting Nashville with kids) and plenty of bucket list experiences while you’re at it!

So to help you plan your time better, we’ve put together a huge list of ideas for what to do in Nashville, Tennessee.

This Nashville trolley tour is a fun way to see the sights!

Things to do in Nashville TN

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NASHVILLE TENNESSEE

Whether you are in Nashville for a short stay or an extended break, there is sure to be plenty of things on this list to help you fill your time, not to mention great eats!

This list is sorted into types of activities, to make it easier for you to pick and choose the things that make your heart sing when travelling!

Check out these COOL things to do in Nashville:

NASHVILLE CULTURE & HISTORY

Nashville, once known as Fort Nashborough, is rich in history and culture, from its humble beginnings to becoming the capital of the state of Tennessee.

If you’re a history buff, you will find plenty to enjoy in the city, learning about days of the past and how the city blossomed into the thriving place you now see.

Here are some of our top picks for historic and cultural Nashville experiences:

Nashville city street

1 – City Walking Tour

There are heaps of walking tours available around Nashville and some of these are FREE!

The best part of a walking tour is getting to see the sights up close and enjoy the great weather most of the year too! What better way to get familiar with the city.

The best way to find out about the available tours when you’re visiting is to pop into the Nashville Visitor Centre or have a look on Tripadvisor to find yourself a local tour guide.

If you’re a fan of the Nashville television show, this self-guided tour kicks off with a walking tour then gives you some choose-your-own-adventure options in different districts around town.

There is also an African American Culture walking tour that is a new tour option available for downtown Nashville.

2 – Tennessee State Capitol Building

If you’re interested in Nashville’s political history, you can organise a free tour of the Tennessee State Capitol via the Tennessee State Museum.

They run hourly between 9 to 11AM and 1 to 3PM, where you can learn the history of the Capitol via a self-guided tour.

They will also organise guided tours for large groups with some advance planning with the museum. The Capitol is closed on weekends so make sure this one is on your weekday to-do list!

Located in the shadow of the Capitol in downtown Nashville, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a place to see Tennessee’s history, natural wonders and celebrate.

Parthenon in Nashville TN

3 – The Parthenon

Not something you expect to see when you visit a city like Nashville, but it’s true… you can see a life-size replica of the Greek Parthenon!

Complete with replicated statutes and all. It’s just like you’ve stepped back into ancient Athens really.

It is home to a 42-foot full scale replica of Athena, but it isn’t just for show. The Parthenon also happens to be Nashville’s art museum too, so it is the perfect place to enjoy some artistic culture.

It is open every day of the week except Monday if you are looking for affordable Nashville attractions, at just $6 for adults and $4 for kids. You can find up-to-date open times and event details.

4 – Belle Meade Plantation

Experience the historic south with a visit to Belle Meade plantation home -an educational and enjoyable experience that will take you back in time.

There are several tour options available, which include complimentary wine tasting. Yes!

And your opportunity to learn more about American history in a home that was once one of the biggest slaveholders in Nashville.

You will have the opportunity to tour the home and the grounds, preserved to mirror days of the past and enjoy educational activities during your visit. Find out more via the Belle Meade website.

Book Belle Meade Plantation tour tickets online 

5 – Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage

For another look into Nashville’s history, visit the former home of 7th US President Andrew Jackson and his family.

Enjoy a chance to tour the grounds and mansion he had built, learning more about his background and fate, plus the history of the Hermitage itself.

Andrew Jackson's hermitage

The grounds are beautiful and you can walk around self-guided with an audio guide, which is included with each ticket.

You also have the chance to join in any of the guided tours through certain parts of the gardens and the mansion itself to learn more about former president Andrew Jackson and his family.

Make sure to pop over and watch the duel demonstration. It’s not how it sounds… no knights on horseback.

This was a gentleman’s duel and not at all what we were expecting but an entertaining and educational experience!

Purchase Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage tickets online

ALL THINGS MUSIC: NASHVILLE MUSIC CITY

It wouldn’t be a visit to music city without a whole lot of music experiences to fill your time with! These will likely be some of the most memorable of your trip so make sure you squeeze at least a couple of them in!

You need to add at least one live music experience to your Nashville bucket list! That’s where the magic happens and lasting memories are made!

From Downtown Nashville to Music Row, there is no shortage of places to explore when you’re a country music fan.

Grand Ole Opry

6 – Grand Ole Opry

Of course, it’s only natural we start with one of the most iconic music attractions in Nashville Tennessee – The Grand Ole Opry!

The Opry is one of the most well-known music concert halls in the world, and not just for country music either – this is a bucket list USA experience!

The Opry has been going since 1925 and has had a huge array of musicians grace its stage over this time.

There are regular performances year-round and if you have the time, be sure to grab yourself tickets to a show. It doesn’t need to be a big name act. It’s simply about the experience!

And you never know… the act you see could very well become the next big thing!

There are also daily tours backstage of the Grand Ole Opry House too, which you can book online or in person.

They will take you behind the scenes for a glance at the country music hall opulence and tell you some of the incredible histories.

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Book your Grand Ole Opry backstage tour online

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7 – The Ryman Auditorium

The previous home of the Opry, The Ryman Auditorium – The mother church of country music, is also a popular concert venue and hosts a couple of special Opry events throughout the year too, to celebrate its roots as the original home of the Nashville music scene.

The Ryman Auditorium is set out more like a church than an auditorium, with cushioned pew seating. You can see what concerts and events are happening, and find out tour times via their website.

Take a self-guided Ryman Auditorium tour

8 – Honky Tonk Highway

There is no way you can visit Music City and not take a stroll down Honky Tonk Highway.

Hear the live music blasting out of every door as you stroll along the bright lit street filled with neon signs, and it doesn’t even need to be dark to start hearing those tunes!

In fact, the honky tonks start at 10AM and play right through to 3AM… and no cover charge!

There is nothing quite like experiencing Nashville like this and it is definitely a bucketlist item for every traveller!

Don’t worry if you’re not a country music fan… you will find your toe tapping along anyway!

Take a Nashville Bar Hop Walking Tour to see some of the best

Best things to do in Nashville Tennessee

9 – Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Of course, there needs to be a museum in honour of all things country music in Nashville, so if you’re a fan, the Country Music Hall Of Fame is a must-do Nashville attraction!

This is the place to learn about your favourite country music stars, their beginnings and maybe discover some new ones to love!

There are regular interactive exhibits showcasing different artists plus tours to learn about the processes of making music in the recording studios and beyond.

You can find out all the details and opening times of the musician’s hall of fame via their website.

Get your Hall of Fame and Grammy Museum ticket combo online

10 – The Bluebird Cafe

There are so many incredible bars and music venues in Nashville, however if you are a fan of the Nashville television show, this is another must visit attraction on your list!

The Bluebird Cafe features heavily in the show and it also happens to be a really cool place too! The seating is limited for each performance, creating an intimate vibe and unique experience.

It has been known to have some pretty big name artists pop in for a surprise gig too! Bookings are almost always essential.

Certain sessions are free (no cover charge) although you do need to spend $10US on food and drink.

Other shows have a cost associated, but you can book via the website. Reservations for the free sessions usually open just a couple of days before so jump online as they go live to secure your seats!

If you do happen to love the Nashville show, the behind the scenes of Nashville TV show tour will take you to all the places you recognise from the show, including the Bluebird Cafe, the homes of your favourite characters, the Ryman Auditorium and more.

Nashville by night

11 – Music City Walk of Fame

Everyone knows about the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but Nashville has their very own dedicated to music stars, along Music Mile, which is where music stars from all genres who have had some influence and connection to Music City are honoured.

You can check out the Walk of Fame anytime and even cooler is the fact that the induction ceremonies are always open to the public too!

You may see one of your favourites getting inducted! Check out the updates on who’s being inducted next and when.

12 – Johnny Cash Museum

If you are a huge fan of Johnny Cash, this is a place you will want to check out! It features the largest collection of Johnny Cash memorabilia in the world and situated conveniently downtown.

Find out the Johnny Cash Museum open times and ticket info on their website. And if you are a fan of Patsy Cline, there is a specialty museum dedicated to Patsy upstairs!

13 – Line Dancing Lessons

While you’re in the heart of country music, it’s only natural you learn to dance like the locals! Country music and line dancing go together like peanut butter and jelly… well so they say in the USA.

That’s totally not a thing here in Australia, but we sure did give line dancing a crack!

Many of the honky tonks will offer line dancing lessons several times during the day/night, so you can just join in and have some fun with it!

Trust me, we weren’t very good but we sure did laugh!

Best things to do in Nashville Tennessee

We joined a lesson at the Wildhorse Saloon, which is a massive place with live music, a big dance floor, heaps of tables and totally family friendly too!

Make sure you try their moonshine cocktails too. Yum! It has hosted some massive acts over the years too… like Ringo Starr! I’m a Beatles fan so this is super cool!

NASHVILLE WITH KIDS

Nashville may not sound like the first choice of family holiday destinations, however there is so much to do as a family in the city!

Nashville may be a big city, but it has a small town vibe to it, even with the neon flashing lights and loud music cascading out every doorway.

The best thing is that many of the places that would traditionally be adult only stops in other cities are aimed to be family friendly in Nashville.

But music aside, there are plenty of other family travel experiences to be had while you’re there too! For nature lovers and music lovers alike. Here are some of our top picks!

14 – Centennial Park

Big open spaces are always popular when travelling as a family, and even if you’re kid-free, you will no doubt appreciate a bit of fresh air, outdoor activities and greenery during your Nashville visit!

Centennial Park hosts many events throughout the year, so you may get lucky enough to be in town when there is something fun going on.

There is always plenty to fill your time within the park grounds, being that it is home to the Parthenon, the Centennial Art Center, walking trails and a lake.

There is also a sports centre and exercise trail in case you are ready to get active!

15 – Nashville Zoo

We love animal experiences whenever we travel and Nashville has their own zoo that is open daily. It will give you the chance to see a huge range of animals up close during your visit.

With creatures great and small, you’re sure to fill in a few hours or a full day at the zoo and it’s a great option to educate and entertain the kids! You can find out their opening times and ticket prices via the website.

16 – Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum

If you are a fan of snapping pics with your favourite celebrities, Madame Tussauds Nashville has you covered, even if they are of the wax variety.

Music stars are the main theme of this particular Madame Tussauds museum, which is only fitting for Music City.

Wax museum Taylor Swift

Be greeted by Taylor Swift and Johnny Cash at the entrance and find other huge country, rock, jazz, and pop stars throughout. Selfies with Elvis Presley? Why not!

The Nashville Tennessee wax museum is located inside the Opry Mills Shopping Centre too, so you’ve got shopping and lunch covered for your day too!

Purchase Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Nashville tickets online

17 – Adventure Science Center

The Nashville Science Center has plenty to do with the kids, and a great way to learn some cool new science stuff too! Educational fun at it’s best! 

Check out the website to see the latest exhibits and events happening, and enjoy everything from the planetarium to hands on experiments, 3D printing, virtual reality and daily live shows featuring science experiments.

Fun for the whole family!

18 – Nashville Children’s Theatre

When looking for the best things to do in Nashville, the Nashville Children’s Theatre offers up regular performances aimed at children and families, popular with kids and for school trips too.

They also hold regular drama classes for kids who are keen to pursue their own future in the performing arts. You can find their upcoming performances on the website.

19 – Frist Art Museum

The Frist Art Museum located downtown is a family friendly gallery dedicated to presenting an ever-changing schedule of exhibitions from local, regional, national and international sources.

The Frist Center features the award-winning Martin ArtQuest Gallery with 30 interactive art-making stations, educational programs and they even have free live music on Thursday and Friday evenings.

Definitely exciting enough to keep the kids occupied for a couple of hours! Visit their website to check out the latest exhibits.

Bike hire in Nashville

20 – Murals & Street Art

Nashville has become quite well known for some of its iconic street art over recent years, and walking the city in hunt of fun photo opportunities with the family can be a lot of fun!

Sometimes there are some pretty big line ups for some of the more well known street art, such as the gorgeous What Lifts You by Kelsey Montague in the Gulch, but you will get your turn soon enough!

Get directions to the most well known Nashville murals. Some may say that the murals are right up there near the top of the best things to do in Nashville Tennessee!

21 – Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Cheekwood Botanical Garden is a 55-acre botanical gardens and art museum. It was built in 1929, and today it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nashville.

The gardens are special for all ages, with lots of open spaces, spectacular gardens and world-class art exhibits.

There are family activities, programming for all ages and seasonal festivals held in the gardens throughout the year. There is also a Train Depot playhouse inspired by The Little Engine That Could.

Find out more about what is happening at Cheekwood Estate and upcoming special events.

Street art

WHERE TO EAT IN NASHVILLE

When you’re short on time and want to fit everything in, sometimes the thing that you miss out on is a chance to try out all the best eats and drinks in town and Nashville has quite a few incredible offerings.

One of the best ways to find out where to go is of course to ask a local. Uber drivers are so good for this!

And a quick look on Tripadvisor can often point you in the right direction too! But lucky for you, because you’ve got us and we’ve put a list together for you right here!

22 – Biscuit Love

If the line up down the street doesn’t give you a good hint this place is amazing, nothing will. Biscuit love is located in The Gulch and is mega popular!

They have two other stores as well, in Hillsboro Village and Franklin and they offer up breakfast, brunch and lunch on their menu.

The food is made entirely from scratch and their hospitality is distinctly southern!

Like the name suggests, their signature focus is on biscuits… sweet, savoury, all kinds.

23 – Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Hattie B’s have several locations in Nashville and also a couple elsewhere now too and they serve up southern style chicken – with the choice to get your chicken in one of 6 levels of spiciness, from the not hot at all Southern to the Shut the Cluck Up mega hot.

Like I said, Uber drivers give great tips and one of our drivers said he tried the hottest one as a teen and will never do it again! He said it BURNED!

Are you brave enough for some really hot chicken?

24 – Monell’s Dining & Catering

Listed as number 1 on Tripadvisor, Monell’s offers southern food with the family at home feel!

Think fried chicken, cornbread, beans, gravy and biscuits and all things southern. Best of all, you will feel like part of the family! Check out the locations and menu for Monell’s via their website.

25 – General Jackson Showboat River Cruise

You can also dine with a moving view on the General Jackson showboat River Cruise boat ride for lunch or dinner, along the Cumberland River.

This is equally an attraction and a dining experience in one and one of the most fun things to do in Nashville.

Book your General Jackson Showboat tickets online

NASHVILLE’S SPORT SCENE

Nashville is home to several professional sports teams and stadiums, making it a great place to catch a match of your favourite sport during season and to join in a bit of healthy competition cheering them on!

Or even if you’re not a sports fanatic, it’s always a great thing to experience anyway because the vibe at these games can be really catching! 

26 – Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators are Nashville’s home-grown ice hockey team. They play home matches at the Bridgestone Arena between October and April each year.

With their tagline, welcome to Smashville, you will be in for some high energy fun! Check out the game dates.

Nashville Sounds stadium

27 – Nashville Sounds

You would be forgiven if you thought this one was listed under the wrong heading. In fact, Nashville Sounds is the name of Nashville’s baseball team. Quite fitting!

With their season running April to September, home games are played at First Tennessee Park. You can grab tickets and check out the dates.

28 – Tennessee Titans

If football is more your scene, the Titans are at home in Nashville, at Nissan Stadium. NFL is huge in the US, so it’s only natural you have the chance to see what all the hype is about for yourself!

Check out the latest game dates and times.

Nissan stadium - Tennassee titans stadium

29 – Nashville SC

Soccer is also a big thing in Nashville. Their soccer team Nashville SC play at First Tennessee Park for home games between March and October. Grab your tickets.

BEST PLACES TO SHOP IN NASHVILLE

If you love to shop, Nashville will have you well and truly covered with all the basics and some incredible shopping centres. Think outlets and bargains galore, and of course… boots, boots and more boots!

Perfect if you want to be decked out from head to toe like a cowboy or cowgirl! We went home with a pair of boots each…

Here’s some of the best shopping in Nashville:

Cowboy boots at Opry Mills Shopping Centre

30 – Opry Mills

If you are looking for some bargains, Opry Mills is Nashville’s largest outlet shopping complex and it is loaded with awesomeness.

Not only will you find fantastic clothes, homewares and tech products for cheap, you’ll also be able to enjoy great eats and entertainment all in the one complex.

And it’s within walking distance of The Grand Ole Opry!

31 – The Mall at Green Hills

If you’re looking for luxury, speciality and toy stores, The Mall at Green Hills has everything from Nordstrom to Gap, Macys to Burberry and so much more.

There are so many stores that you’re sure to find what you want! Find their store listing.

Best Things To Do In Nashville With Kids

Visiting Nashville with kids? There’s plenty of family-friendly fun to be had in this vibrant city.

From music and history to outdoor adventures and delicious treats, Nashville has fun activities for families that will keep both kids and adults entertained.

Some of these recommendations we have mentioned above, but they deserve another mention specifically when planning what to do in Nashville with kids.

Check out our top recommendations for the best things to do in Nashville with kids:

  1. Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Dive into the rich history of country music at this iconic museum. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, instruments to play, and opportunities to learn about their favourite country music stars.
  2. Visit the Adventure Science Center: This hands-on science museum is a hit with kids of all ages. With interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and even a space-themed climbing structure, it’s a perfect place to spark curiosity and engage in STEM learning.
  3. Enjoy a day at the Nashville Zoo: Get up close and personal with amazing wildlife at the Nashville Zoo. From giraffes and elephants to playful primates, kids will love exploring the various animal exhibits and even getting the chance to feed some of the animals.
  4. Take a walk through Centennial Park: This beautiful urban park is home to the iconic full-scale replica of the Parthenon. Kids can enjoy the open green spaces and playgrounds, or rent paddleboats on the park’s lake.
  5. Experience The Adventure Park at Nashville: If your kids are thrill-seekers, they’ll love this aerial adventure park. With zip lines, ropes courses, and challenging obstacles, it’s an adrenaline-pumping experience for the whole family.
  6. Have a blast at the Nashville Children’s Theatre: Catch a family-friendly performance at the Nashville Children’s Theatre. They offer a variety of shows throughout the year that will captivate young audiences and inspire their imagination.
  7. Indulge in some sweet treats: Don’t miss out on Nashville’s famous food scene. Treat your kids to some delicious local specialties like hot chicken and homemade ice cream. Look out for food trucks and local eateries that cater specifically to kids’ tastes.
  8. Discover the Nashville Public Library: The Nashville Public Library offers an array of children’s programs, including storytelling sessions, puppet shows, and educational workshops. It’s a great way to spend a rainy day or take a break from exploring the city.
  9. Attend a live music performance: Nashville is known as the “Music City” for a reason. Take your kids to experience live music performances, whether it’s a lively country music show or a family-friendly concert in one of the many venues throughout the city.

Nashville has something for everyone, and these are just a few of the highlights for families.

Whether you’re exploring the rich music history, enjoying outdoor adventures, or immersing yourselves in educational experiences, Nashville guarantees an unforgettable time for both kids and adults alike.

WHERE TO STAY IN NASHVILLE

There are endless options for Nashville accommodation, depending on the type of visit you take.

If you are doing an extended stay in Nashville and you have your own transport or access to public transport, AirBnb is a fantastic option.

There are some beautiful private homes and apartments available in Nashville, including the one we stayed at near the Opry.

Air bnb accommodtion

Alternatively, there are plenty of hotels in Nashville, both in the inner city area or on the outskirts of the city.

The Omni Nashville Hotel is in a great inner-city location, with rooms suited to all traveller types, including kids. They even have a kids club!

Compare Nashville hotel prices on TripAdvisor

Best Nashville Tours

If you are only visiting Nashville for a short stay or if you want to see the highlights while you are in town but aren’t sure where to start, a full or half day tour is a great option! And there are plenty of different tours on offer. Here are some of the best ones:

We have no doubt you will find something on this list for best things to do in Nashville Tennessee for your visit.

Whether you are visiting for the first time or the tenth, or even if you happen to be a local and may have overlooked some of these fun things to do! Nashville is a great city for all kinds of travellers.

Nashville may be a big city but it certainly has mastered the small country town vibe. It’s strong with southern hospitality everywhere you go!

And who knows… you may even bump into some real-life country celebrities!

Make sure you check out our other USA travel tips too! Have you been to Nashville? Tell us your favourite things to do in Nashville Tennessee!

Best things to do in Nashville Tennessee