Traveling to Tennessee? Here’s your ultimate list of things to do in Nashville, whether you’re traveling alone, with family, or with a group of friends in tow.
Here are a must see attractions that are unique to the great city of Nashville TN
#1
Attend A Live Show At The Opry
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There are few experiences that are more Nashville than attending a show at the Grand Ole Opry, which bears the distinction of being the longest-running radio broadcast in the world and has multiple shows a week year-round. Formatted like a variety show, the Opry puts musical royalty like the Oak Ridge Boys and Carrie Underwood on the lineup alongside newcomers, many taking the circle for the first time. It’s a great opportunity to see your favorites while learning about the next generation of country stars.
Grand Ole Opry; 600 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214; (615) 871-6779
#2
Visit The Mother Church Of Country Music
Built in 1892 as the home of the Union Gospel Tabernacle, the Ryman Auditorium remains relatively unchanged in appearance and ambiance with its iconic pews holding as much history as the building itself. The home to the Opry in winter months, the Ryman also hosts shows from world-renowned acts like Foo Fighters and Harry Styles, comedians like Trevor Noah on tour, and live lectures and readings from visiting authors such as Michelle Obama. It’s also open to visitors daily.
Ryman Auditorium; 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219; (615) 889-3060
#3
Cover The City By E-Bike
While public transportation in Nashville is hard to come by, if you don’t have access to a car, you can easily rent a pedal-assist BCycle bike at one of 30+ docking stations and use the city’s growing number of bike lanes and paths to see Nashville from a different angle.
#4
See A Full-Scale Replica Of The Parthenon
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One of Nashville’s greatest architectural marvels, the Parthenon is a replica of the Athens original that was built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition. It’s now the centerpiece of the 132-acre Centennial Park, which spans a walking trail, Lake Watauga, sports facilities, and gardens.
The Parthenon; 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 862-8431
#5
Enjoy A Free Outdoor Show
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Visitors to Nashville get a front-row seat of all manners of music—from country and Americana to pop and gospel—and among the many outdoor concert options is Musicians Corner, a series of free shows in Centennial Park in late-spring and early-fall.
Musicians Corner; 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
#6
Peruse Art Exhibits At The Frist
In a city more dominated by music than visual art, the Frist Art Museum filled a much-needed void when it opened in 2001 and started bringing world-class exhibits—from vintage automobiles to the works of greats like Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo—to Nashville. Housed in the opulent old Art Deco post office, the art on the walls aren’t the only stars of the show here.
Frist Art Museum; 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 244-3340
#7
Stroll Across The Pedestrian Bridge
View from the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge connects downtown Nashville to Nissan Stadium on the east side of the Cumberland River. For those attending a concert, a Titans game or the annual CMA Fest each June, the footpath is a convenient way to reach the stadium while avoiding traffic. Visiting during the day? The bridge offers one of the best perspectives of the city skyline.
#8
Check Out The City’s Mural Scene
Nashville’s public art has come a long way since the famed “I Believe in Nashville” in 12South was the only mural in town. Now, the city brims with public art from international artists like Guido van Helten (check out his 160-foot-tall Silo mural in the Nations) and hometown favorites like Mobe, who painted the city’s longest mural for the Tennessee Titans right across from the Music City Center on Korean Veterans Boulevard.
#9
See The Seasonal Exhibits At Cheekwood
COURTESY OF CHEEKWOOD ESTATE AND GARDENS
Nashville’s botanical garden, Cheekwood, is situated among the leafy lawns of Belle Meade, one of Nashville’s oldest and most stately neighborhoods. Among the 55 acres of garden, you’ll find a model train, a permanent art museum and rotating seasonal exhibits, like tulips every spring and pumpkins in the fall.
Cheekwood; 200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205; (615) 356-8000
#10
Time-Travel Back Through Country Music History
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Whether you consider yourself a country music scholar or are merely an enthusiast, you’re guaranteed to learn something—or maybe simply gawk at costumes and memorabilia from your favorite artists—at the Country Music Hall of Fame. The CMHOF also manages RCA Studio B—known as the birthplace of the Nashville sound and where Elvis Presley once recorded—and Hatch Show Print and offers a combo tour pass to all three attractions.
Country Music Hall of Fame; 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 416-2001
#11
Test Your Taste Buds With Nashville Hot Chicken
A deep-fried bird, smothered in spices and served on white bread, Nashville hot chicken has become a global sensation, spotted on menus in cities around the world. While Prince’s is oft-credited with making Nashville hot chicken a household name, Bolton’s and 400 Degrees also are worthy contenders.
Prince’s; 5814 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211; (615) 810-9388
Bolton’s; 624 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206; (615) 254-8015
400 Degrees; 3704 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN 37218; (615) 244-4467
#12
Find Your New Favorite Barbecue Spot
Chicken not your jam? There’s no shortage of barbecue in Nashville either. If you love brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, you’ll likely have decision paralysis when deciding where to go. Peg Leg Porker is a perennial favorite, Edley’s, Martin’s, Jack’s, Whitt’s, and Central BBQ are just a few that consistently get top marks from visitors and locals alike.
Peg Leg Porker; 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 829-6023
Central BBQ; 1601 21st. Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212; (615) 610-3440
Martin’s; multiple locations
Jack’s; multiple locations
Whitt’s; multiple locations
#13
Sample Nashville’s Craft Beer Scene
Nashville’s beer scene has long been on the rise thanks to the OGs like Yazoo, established way back in 2003, and the many others who followed like Fat Bottom, Southern Grist, and Jackalope, which was named one of the South's best breweries.
Jackalope; 429B Houston St, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 873-4313
Southern Grist; multiple locations
Fat Bottom; 800 44th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 678-5715
#14
Take A Day Trip Along The Natchez Trace Parkway
Nashville is the northern terminus of the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway that ends in Natchez, Miss. Even if you don’t have the time to make the multi-day trip, it’s less than 10 miles from the start to one of the parkway’s most photographed scenes: the double-arch Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge. While you’re already in Williamson County, you might as well browse the art galleries of Leiper’s Fork and explore Franklin’s historic Main Street.
#15
See A Professional Sporting Event
No matter the time of year, Nashville has a pro team taking the turf, pitch or field. The Tennessee Titans play at Nissan Stadium during football season, the Nashville Predators take the ice at Bridgestone Arena during hockey months, and Nashville SC breaks out the cleats at GEODIS Park. Spring months also see the Triple-AAA Nashville Sounds step up to the plate at First Horizon Park right in the heart of downtown.