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Things to do in Nashville

Honky-tonks on Broadway and country-music pilgrimage.

Nashville, TN, USA· Airport: BNA
Nashville — Things to do | CheapoTrav travel guide

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Key facts

  • Nashville's downtown core, including Broadway and the Ryman Auditorium, is highly walkable; rideshares or public transport serve outer neighborhoods efficiently.
  • Music City's appeal extends beyond country; find live performances across genres nightly in areas like East Nashville, The Gulch, and 12 South.
  • Peak seasons (spring, fall, major events like CMA Fest) require booking accommodations, popular tours, and dinner reservations well in advance.
  • Many key attractions, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Johnny Cash Museum, are concentrated downtown, allowing for easy multi-stop days.
  • Centennial Park, home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, offers extensive green space and free outdoor activities, a short drive from downtown.
  • Nashville International Airport (BNA) is a primary hub, located about 15-20 minutes from downtown, depending on traffic.

Nashville offers a distinct blend of music history, American culture, and Southern hospitality. While many know it for its country music roots, the city's appeal extends beyond the genre, encompassing diverse live music venues, a growing culinary scene, and historical sites. Whether you're exploring the iconic honky-tonks or delving into its artistic and culinary offerings, you'll find a city that's both vibrant and approachable.

Planning your visit to Nashville involves considering its diverse neighborhoods. Downtown is the energetic heart, home to the Ryman Auditorium, Broadway's music scene, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Venturing slightly out, areas like The Gulch offer trendy boutiques and dining, while East Nashville provides a more bohemian vibe with unique shops and independent music venues. Understanding the layout helps in navigating your priorities.

Beyond the well-known musical landmarks, Nashville holds numerous less-obvious attractions, from its impressive parks like Centennial Park with a replica of the Parthenon, to its rich Civil Rights history. Take time to explore the city's museums, historic plantations, or even a local distillery tour. The city's growth in recent years has also led to an explosion of diverse dining experiences, moving beyond traditional Southern fare to include international and upscale options.

For those looking to maximize their experience, consider grouping attractions by neighborhood to minimize travel time, especially during peak seasons when traffic can be a factor. Booking popular tours or tickets in advance is often advisable. If you need help tailoring an itinerary or finding specific niche experiences, a travel agent specializing in US domestic trips might offer valuable insights.

In this guide

  • Top sights
  • Free things to do in Nashville
  • Best with kids
  • Day trips from Nashville
  • Food experiences

Frequently asked questions

What are the essential music-related attractions to visit in Nashville?
For an immersive music experience in Nashville, begin with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which offers a comprehensive look at the genre's history. Nearby, the Ryman Auditorium, known as the 'Mother Church of Country Music,' is essential for its acoustics and storied past. Don't miss a walk down Broadway to experience the live music at the honky-tonks. The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum and the Johnny Cash Museum also provide insightful perspectives on different facets of music history and influential artists.
Is Nashville a good destination for travelers who are not typically country music fans?
Yes, Nashville offers a wide array of activities beyond country music. While it's undeniably a core part of its identity, the city's live music scene is diverse, with venues showcasing rock, blues, jazz, and indie artists in neighborhoods like East Nashville. Beyond music, you can explore historic sites such as The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's plantation, or visit art galleries and museums like the Frist Art Museum. The culinary scene is also thriving, with options ranging from upscale dining to casual Southern comfort food. Centennial Park, with its Parthenon replica, offers a unique cultural attraction and green space.
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What neighborhoods should I prioritize when looking for things to do in Nashville?
When planning your visit, focus on Downtown Nashville for its iconic honky-tonks, the Ryman Auditorium, and various music museums. The Gulch, adjacent to downtown, is known for its upscale boutiques, trendy restaurants, and murals. For a more bohemian and local feel with unique shops and independent music venues, East Nashville is a good choice. 12 South offers a charming strip of local boutiques, coffee shops, and eateries, perfect for an afternoon stroll. Each area provides a distinct atmosphere and set of activities.
Are there any free activities or attractions in Nashville?
Nashville offers several free options. Walking down Broadway to soak in the atmosphere and listen to live music from the open-air honky-tonks is a popular free activity. Centennial Park, home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, is free to enter and explore the grounds (there's a fee to enter the Parthenon interior). Public art, such as the numerous murals around neighborhoods like The Gulch and 12 South, provides great photo opportunities at no cost. Many parks and public squares also offer pleasant spaces for relaxation.
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What's the best way to get around Nashville to see different attractions?
For attractions concentrated in Downtown Nashville, walking is often the most efficient way to get around. To reach areas slightly further out, like The Gulch, Germantown, or East Nashville, rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) are widely available and generally cost-effective. Nashville also has a public bus system (WeGo Public Transit), which can be used to connect different neighborhoods, though routes might require some planning. For specific tours or themed excursions, dedicated tour buses are also an option.
Besides music, what unique cultural or historical sites should I consider visiting in Nashville?
Beyond music, Nashville boasts significant historical and cultural sites. The Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson, offers a detailed look into 19th-century plantation life and American political history. For art enthusiasts, the Frist Art Museum, housed in a beautiful historic post office building, hosts a rotating schedule of diverse exhibitions. The Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library provides a poignant exhibit on the city's role in the Civil Rights Movement. Additionally, various historical markers and districts throughout the city tell stories of its past, from early settlements to its contributions to higher education.
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