Things to Do in Nashville, Tennessee, a city renowned as the heart of country music, offers a captivating blend of rich cultural heritage, musical history, and modern excitement. Nestled along the Cumberland River, Nashville beckons visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and an array of attractions that cater to diverse interests.
As the epicenter of the country music industry, this lively city boasts legendary venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, where visitors can immerse themselves in the melodies and stories that have shaped American music. Nashville, TN Attractions Beyond its musical legacy, Nashville embraces a burgeoning culinary scene, bustling nightlife, and a tapestry of art galleries, creating an unforgettable experience for every traveller. Whether strolling through the historic streets of Downtown Nashville, indulging in finger-licking Southern cuisine, or tapping into the city’s live music offerings, visitors are destined to be enchanted by the harmonious symphony of old-world charm and modern allure that defines this iconic Tennessee destination.
1. Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry has presented more than 5,000 shows over the past one hundred and twenty five years. It continues to contribute to Nashville’s identity as music city.
Since 1974, the Grand Ole Opry House has hosted country, bluegrass and everything else that might be played. Throughout its history, the venue has been a destination for the best of all music genres and comedy.
By attending one of the broadcasts, you can have a fun and interactive experience while learning about country and entertainment. And, with everything being stored in a data center and backed up regularly, there’s no reason not to attend. Attend a show and buy your ticket in advance or take a booked tour to see the sights and sounds of what it’s like backstage on the Grand Ole Opry.
Address: 2804 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee
2. Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is located in the heart of downtown. The windows of this striking building cleverly resemble the piano keys is Attractions in Nashville Tennessee.
Fans of music history can see the museum’s extensive multimedia display of historical performances, costumes, instruments, gold records, and memorabilia. Other highlights including a Cadillac that belonged to Elvis and a massive ’40-foot’ guitar. Getting a guided tour of the nearby historic RCA Studio B is also available.
Follow your self through the museum and add audio recording of stars such as Dolly Parton while you’re at. You may also stop by a replica of a tour bus to record a country music song that is unique to your experience.
Address: 222 5th Ave S, Nashville, Tennessee
3. Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium is known for hosting broadcasts of the famous radio show, “the Grand Ole Opry”. It opened in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle and serves as a venue for regular performances of classical and bluegrass music, musical theater, and television shows.
Located in the heart of Nashville’s lively honky tonk row, The Ryman Auditorium offers many opportunities to explore its rich musical past. Looking for a special souvenir? Consider signing a record or receiving a musical composition lesson in the Air Castle Studio. This is the attractions in Nashville ,TN
Address: 116 5th Ave N., Nashville, Tennessee
4. Make the Scene in Downtown Nashville
In cities like Manhattan, Miami, and Nashville, certain areas have become destinations in their own right. These areas have trends, residents, and distinct charm that put them on the map.
Many venues include the world famous Ryman Auditorium, Honky-Tonk Row, museums honoring the most famous country music personalities such as Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Nashville’s nightlife hub for live country music is on Broadway where it emits out into the streets during the busy days.
While walking through Downtown Nashville and experiencing the city’s trendy tourist attractions, you walk 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. These views are made possible by landmarks that can be seen from the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
5. Learn about the Man in Black at Johnny Cash Museum
Johnny Cash was a country singer who became one of the most loved singers and won a Grammy award 17 times. You can visit the museum in downtown Nashville for stories about his struggle, welcoming spirit, and all around badass life. If you have music background, so many attractions in Nashville, TN
One of the museum’s most prominent exhibits is a handwritten page from 2 songs, “Folsom Prison Blues” and “I Walk The Line.” There’s also paperwork, pieces of art, costumes, instruments, and Johnny Cash himself. There is a souvenir store, as well as a café on the bottom floor next to it where you can buy anything you need for your journey!
Consider visiting the Patsy Cline Museum, which pays tribute to the country music star. View videos, memorabilia and personal items of this gifted singer. Her career as a country music singer was tragically cut short when she was only 30.
Address: 119 3rd Ave. S. Nashville, Tennessee
6. Belle Meade Historic Site
Designed in 1845, the Belle Meade Mansion is a two-story Greek Revival style building surrounded by antebellum era buildings. The building also featured evidence of battle when Union and Confederate forces fought over Nashville on its front lawn during the Civil War.
With guided tours available, this is the perfect location for travelers to learn about the history of a plantation from the perspective of slaves. If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, book one of their culinary experiences or seasonal programs at Belle Meade. There are plenty of other things to explore here, such as the horse stables, gardens, and grounds. If you have time during your visit, be sure make a stop by The Harding House Restaurant. It’s an alternative lunch and dinner spot.
Address: 5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, Tennessee
7. Groove in Glorious Gardens at Gaylord Opryland Resort
There are countless things to experience at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. It is a treat for the olfactory and visual senses with more than 50,000 plants that make their home in nine acres of indoor space and overseen by 20 full-time horticulturalists.
One-fifth of the collection in the Palm House at the Garden Conservatory is in the tall palms and banana trees, which have to be planted high up against its glass roof.
Fresh flowers from Florida’s Tropical Zone brought out the jungle dwelling amenities at one of Seattle’s newest buildings, Cascades Atrium. This building has a 40-foot tall palm tree and ginger bushes as tall as anyone.
There are three large gardens in the Delta Atrium. It is possible to explore the subtropical plants in a delta flatboat. Make your wish under the Wishing Banyan tree and enjoy Spanish moss, banana trees, camellias, palms, and more. The entrance to the Delta Mansion is glorified by two 40-foot Southern magnolias.
Address: 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee
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8. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Andrew Jackson’s home, The Hermitage is one of the most picturesque spots in Nashville. Located 16 miles from downtown, it was originally built in 1819 and rebuilt 25 years later after a devastating fire.
A visit to Hermitage lets the visitor explore what life would have been like when Jackson lived here in 1837 to 1845. The Hermitage Museum includes exhibits of his personal and public lives.
There are lots of fun activities to do while visiting. The property is well maintained and has previously been owned by the Jackson and Donelson families, Emily and Andrew Jackson. Enjoy the Tulip Grove Mansion, once the home of family members.
Address: 4580 Rachels Ln, Hermitage, Tennessee
9. Nashville Parthenon
If you are looking for some free things to do in Nashville, Tennessee, consider the iconic Parthenon replica. This reproduction is located in Centennial Park and is a short walk west of the city center. The original was originally built from wood in 1897 to commemorate the state’s first century. The current full-scale replica of this original Greek temple is made of cement.
The beauty and majesty of the Parthenon is celebrated inside its permanent art collection, with pictures from classic American painters like El Greco, Matisse, and Frederick Remington. A large gold statue of Athena Parthenos gazes down on visitors and for good measure, the hall is also peppered with replicas of famous 5th century BCE Parthenon Marbles.
Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, Tennessee
10. RCA Studio B
RCA Studio B is located in Music Square, the heart of the nation’s music industry. RCA Studio B is a protected historic landmark. It 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. Visitors come on scheduled tours arranged by Lee Ann Womack’s owner, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. RCA Studio B became a teaching facility in 1977 and closed down after.
Address: 1611 Roy Acuff Place, Nashville, Tennessee
11. Visit Exotic Friends at Nashville Zoo
Nashville Zoo is an excellent spot to visit with children. Explore the plains of Africa, delve into the rainforests of South America and explore the many animals of Asia. More than three thousand animals from 350 species are viewable, and many reside in their bio-habitats that represent their natural environments.
Lorikeet Landing is a zoo that allows you to enter an aviary, surrounded by more than 50 Australian parrots. The zoo also has attractions such as riding the Wild Animal Carousel and Wilderness Express Train. Kids also know what to do on the Jungle Gym at the zoo, which offers sliding, swinging, climbing, crawling, or exploring. The Soaring Eagle Zip Line will take your visit to the zoo for new heights.
Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, Tennessee
12. Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
With art on display in galleries, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is a 55-acre place of beauty. Galleries showcase contemporary artwork and the estate’s commitment to the arts while even being historical.
Embark on a tour of Woodland Mansion and the Cheekwood Sculpture garden, and learn about ways these cultivars thrive in our artificial conditions. Then walk the outdoor “Sculpture Trail” to come across installations surrounding the garden that showcase surprising twists and surprises.
Address: 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, Tennessee
13. Make a Recording at Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
This was not intended to be confused with the Country Music Hall of Fame that honors the stars that came out of Nashville. These session artists, from Muscle Shoals, New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville helped to make the hits happen through their instruments. That’s why there is so much emphasis on display studios and guitars at this 30,000 square foot museum.
In addition to seeing instruments from accomplished artists like Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, and Garth Brooks, you can also come see one of the rarest guitars in the world—Elvis Presley’s original 1956 Fender Stratocaster. Also on display are instruments from Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, and many more.
If you are interested in music, this interactive museum is perfect for you. With all of the tools and equipment here and a staff that will help guide you, you’ll be able to learn how to make your own songs, experiment with music and make your dream come true.
Address: 401 Gay Street, Nashville, Tennessee
14. Belmont Mansion
Built in the 1850s, the Belmont Mansion is the largest antebellum house in Tennessee. It is considered one of the finest mansions of its time period in the United States. Many rooms have been preserved with much of their original décor and furniture. The mansion’s style is a result of an Italian villa design, and it has been acclaimed for its art exhibits that are on display permanently.
Entering Belmont Mansion, the grand old building, is enhanced by its furniture, paintings, and original statues. You are free to explore the mansion on your own after a guided introduction with no lines.
Address: 1700 Acklen Ave, Nashville, Tennessee
15. Tennessee State Museum
Learn more about Tennessee’s rich history at the Tennessee State Museum, located adjacent to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. This state-of-the-art museum covers an area of 137000 square feet that complements the large collection of original artifacts and interactive exhibits.
The museum has a wide range of exhibits, including weapons from the War Between the States. With plenty of art and paintings, there is also a special section for Tennessee musicians and art. The museum includes a theater with films about Tennessee history, an education and learning center, an on-site gift shop, and more!
Address: 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, Tennessee
16. View Vintage Cars at Lane Motor Museum
The Lane Motor Museum is a large collection of vehicles, with cars from Europe, Japan, and the United States. One of its smallest cars was an obscure French-made microcar measuring about two feet long; the car seats one person and requires no driver’s license to operate. Another vehicle is a streamlined Adler coupe dating back to the 1930s. The museum has vintage motorcycles from as early as 1964 – including a folding scooter!
For 8 years, the museum has tried to make as close to a replica of the Dymaxion car possible. Using engineering expertise, they create one of the most unusual cars ever created. The Dymaxion looks like it could actually be part of an extra-terrestrial machine’s engine.
The Lane Motor Museum has a diverse collection of cars, including exhibits from across the world. There are even cars that fit in your pocket. The minicar collection includes a tiny French-made car meant for just one person and requiring no driver’s license. Along with classic automobiles, there are Adler coupes dating back to the 1930s. There are also motorcycle and scooters on display at the museum.
The Wright Brothers Exhibition has vehicles that have been restored to their original condition and displays sketches and models that show the entire process before the car’s manufacture. The most unusual car ever made is on display, which is a replica of one of the Dymaxion cars. It was designed by Bucky Fuller, an American designer who created geodesic domes and also came up with the idea for this distinctive vehicle.
Address: 702 Murfreesboro, Nashville, Tennessee
17. Cruise on the General Jackson Showboat
The General Jackson Showboat is an old-fashioned yet modern version of the 1800s classic four-deck paddle-wheel steamship that provides an opportunity to get your country music fix while sailing along the Cumberland River.
If you want to do something relaxing during the night in Nashville, check out this tour of the city skyline from below the water. It’s a highlight of the tour because you’ll pass under John Seigenthaler’s Pedestrian Bridge.
One way to enjoy a summertime vacation is to book a General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville. It includes all-inclusive Southern cooking during a lunch or dinner cruise, along with onboard entertainment, and granting an unparalleled view of Nashville’s Cumberland River.
Address: 2812 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee
