25 essential Nashville experiences

Nashville may be best known as the home of country music, but this dynamic city contains multitudes of great things to do. Catch up-and-coming talent on intimate stages. Tour the Grand Ole Opry. Dine at some of the South’s best restaurants. Explore the city’s history, join the crowds listening to music in the streets and bars or hike through gorgeous wetlands bursting with wildlife. 

Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Nashville.

1. Make a pilgrimage to the Mother Church of Country Music

The Ryman Auditorium is Nashville’s premier music venue – this historic stage was the original home of the Grand Ole’ Opry and where superstars like Dolly Parton, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash jump-started their careers. Today it continues to welcome an impressive roster of country royalty, indie artists and internationally renowned speakers to its hallowed halls.

2. Discover Nashville rock ‘n’ roll at Basement East

Nashville may be known for its country scene, but Music City rocks hard. If you’re more into electric guitars than banjos, head to the Basement East. This local venue survived an encounter with a 2020 tornado and continues to churn out high-energy shows ranging from national touring acts to local cover bands. And if you’re lucky, one of Nashville’s rock elite just may make a surprise guest appearance.

3. Explore the artsy neighborhood of Wedgewood-Houston

This former industrial area is experiencing a major boom, but luckily it’s managed to hold on to some of the quirkiness that originally made it a haven for Nashville’s local art scene.

Edgy galleries like Zeitgeist and the Packing Plant commingle with unique bars – Diskin Cider, Flamingo Cocktail Club and Never Never, to name a few – and a growing number of delicious restaurants. Stop by on the first Saturday of every month for the neighborhood’s buzzy art crawl. 

Detour: Just because Nashville loves its down-home cooking doesn’t mean it doesn’t appreciate inventive high-end food, and the kitchen at Bastion delivers one of the best chef-curated tasting menus in the city.

4. Catch an MLS game at the new Geodis Park

Nashville’s newly minted Major League Soccer team has shown that this southern city embraces all versions of football. Locals show up en masse to cheer on the Coyotes at the sparkling new Geodis Park; come decked out in team colors and revel in a spirited night of soccer alongside a raucous crowd. 

5. Learn about music history at the National Museum of African American Music

Black music has been – and continues to be – the driving force behind the American music scene at large, and this expertly curated museum takes you through the history of these contributions, from jazz and blues to today’s rock and hip-hop scenes. Expect a hands-on approach – you can record yourself singing with a gospel choir, compose your own blues ballad or even participate in a virtual dance battle.

6. Go for a float on the Harpeth River

Nashville is a river city crisscrossed by large water thoroughfares and a circulatory system of smaller rivers and creeks. You can find some relief from the southern heat by paddling your way down the Harpeth River, an easygoing waterway perfect for lazy floats in the sun. If you’ve got your own boat, you can access the river at several different locations in and around Harpeth River State Park; if you need to rent a vessel, try booking with Foggy Bottom Canoe or Canoe Music City.

Planning tip: Always check the forecast for the day before your outing – heavy rains can make the water levels rise to dangerous levels. Follow Foggy Bottom or Canoe Music City on social media for updates on weather-related closures.

7. Listen to the next big thing at the Bluebird’s famous songwriter rounds

Even before the show Nashville made it a household name, the Bluebird Cafe has been a legendary locale for singer-songwriter rounds featuring the best of the best – Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban all graced this stage before they hit it big. It’s all about the listening experience at this bar-restaurant, which puts audiences up close with both rising and established talent. 

Planning tip: The Bluebird’s storied status makes it a hot ticket – always book ahead.

8. Take a hike at one of Nashville’s green spaces 

Nashville may be an urban metropolis, but it’s also a place that values its green spaces. Head to Percy and Edwin Warner Parks to clock some miles on trails that feel far more remote than you’d think, or walk the extensive greenway at Shelby Bottoms, alongside East Nashville families. If you’re a wildlife fan, don’t skip Radnor Lake State Park, a striking nature reserve home to critters like barred owls, bald eagles, beavers, turtles and wild turkeys. 

Planning tip: Outdoor Nashville is so much fun to explore, but be careful during the hot months of July and August – temperatures and humidity levels soar and can be dangerous. Always bring water with you.

9. Learn to salsa dance at Plaza Mariachi

Managed by the Hispanic Family Foundation, this cultural center/music venue/food hall hosts everything from mariachi concerts to ballet folkórico performances to thumping DJ sets, but our favorite is the Bailamos party. Come early to learn salsa, bachata and merengue, and then test out your new skills on the dance floor the rest of the night.

Detour: Nashville is home to the country’s largest Kurdish community, and just across the street from Plaza Mariachi you’ll find Edessa Restaurant serving Kurdish and Turkish cuisine. Order the kabob festival for an indulgent culinary journey you won’t soon forget. 

10. Admire exhibitions at Nashville’s art deco treasure, the Frist Art Museum

At the center of Nashville’s thriving art scene sits the Frist Art Museum, a stunning space featuring rotating art exhibitions that range from exuberant contemporary installations to mid-century Italian concept cars to illustrated medieval textbooks. Housed in an art deco–era post office, this museum also hosts art workshops, live music events, lectures series and more.

11. Support local at Honeytree Meadery

Local businesses are Nashville’s beating heart, and the network of friendly folks working at and with Honeytree Meadery exemplify the camaraderie that can be found among business owners here. Their perfectly balanced mead is made with honey from East Nashville beekeepers; a favorite is the Flower Garden, a floral take on the old classic made with tea from local herbal experts High Garden, who lost their building across the street during the 2020 tornado.

If you’re hungry, snag a delectable creation from Alebrije truck parked out front, specializing in Mexico-City-style tacos made with heirloom corn tortillas.  

12. Test your taste buds at Prince’s Hot Chicken

Nashville Hot Chicken is an institution, and it all started with Prince’s, the city’s original hot-chicken shop. Still run by the great-niece of the founder, Prince’s brings the heat. Go easy with mild spice or give it all you’ve got with XXX hot – either way, you’ll be indulging in a quintessentially Nashville experience.

13. Join a dance party at the Blue Room

Part of Third Man Records’ headquarters – owned by Nashville’s most eccentric frontman, Jack White of the White Stripes and the Raconteurs – the Blue Room is a surreal art space/bar that hosts poetry readings, theater performances, film screenings and curated dance parties. It also features a cool “infinity wall,” a giant (fake) elephant head and a lush outdoor space, making an atmospheric setting for a night out.

Detour: Just around the corner from Third Man and the Blue Room is Tennessee Brew Works, one of the few local breweries that has truly nailed the art of having both excellent beer and excellent food. Open mics and live music also hit the small stage throughout the week – we love Bluegrass Wednesdays.

14. Watch the sunset from a downtown rooftop

Nashville’s ever-growing skyline is home to a number of spectacular rooftop bars delivering 360-degree views of Music City, each one with its own distinct personality. Channel your inner rockstar at the Bobby Hotel rooftop lounge, check out the latest themed pop-up at the Fairlane or swim in the infinity pool of the L27 Rooftop Lounge.

Detour: Nashville has bars in the sky – and bars down below. Seek out the Noelle’s Hidden Bar for a magical treat.

15. Tour the famous RCA Studio B

Now a branch of the Country Music Hall of Fame, RCA Studio B is a must-see for anyone interested in Nashville’s music history – you can tour the birthplace of what became known as the Nashville Sound, a particular recording style that highlighted background vocals and string instruments. Industry titans like Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley recorded some of their biggest hits here. 

16. Rollin’ on the Cumberland River

Take a four–hour journey down the Cumberland River aboard the General Jackson Showboat, the country’s largest paddle-wheel boat. The 274-foot boat which can accommodate up to 1000 passengers is named after the first steamboat to navigate the Cumberland River in 1817. Covering all the bases when it comes to entertainment, the General Jackson Showboat features a variety of cruise offerings. Dinner theater with live music, scenic cruises, and holiday shows (think New Year’s Eve and Merry Christmas City) take place in the two-story Victorian theater.

17. Explore the largest home built in pre-Civil War Tennessee

In an era where women were restricted in their ability to work, earn a decent wage or even engage in business, Adelicia Acklen became the wealthiest woman in Tennessee. 

Belmont, her magnificent pink mansion accented with white trim and green shutters, was the largest house in Tennessee prior to the Civil War and took ten years to complete in 1853. Located on the campus of Belmont University Campus in the hip Belmont-Hillsboro Neighborhood, many of the rooms feature period and original furnishings, drawing visitors even more into the feel of the home’s past.

But there is more to the story than just an opulently furnished, confection-like home and a shrewd businesswoman. Mansions like these prospered because of the enslaved people who toiled there. Through much research, their stories at Belmont are also emerging, providing a more comprehensive lesson in history. 

Planning tip: Take time to stroll through the Belmont-Hillsboro Neighborhood. Close to Vanderbilt University and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s a wonderful mix of Victorian-era mansions and fun restaurants and shops.

18. Savor French–Italian fare on 4th Avenue

Margot Cafe & Bar is a standout even on this stretch of 4th Avenue in Nashville’s cool Five Points neighborhood known for its trendy eating spots and one-of-a-kind boutique shopping. Founder Margot MacCormick was a 2019 James Beard Foundation Semifinalist for Outstanding Chef and her two–story restaurant with its gallery overlooking the first–floor bar and outdoor patio is always abuzz with serious food–seekers enjoying the take on local cuisine with French and Italian vibes. The menu changes frequently, giving visitors even more of a reason to come back. 

19. Bring the kids to Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

A lovely house museum and botanical gardens, Cheekwood is considered among the best of the American Country Era estates—the time between 1890 and 1930 when the wealth of Americans exploded because of the Industrial Revolution. The former home of Leslie and Mabel Cheek, the many rooms of the 30,000-square-foot mansion showcase furnishings and art original to the house. The surrounding 55-acres of cultivated gardens, divided into 13 distinct garden areas, are a lush accompaniment to the home’s stately beauty. There’s also a 1.5 woodland trail and statue garden to explore.

But what makes this estate even more unique is that it’s family-friendly with programs like the Enchanted Express, a garden railroad, hands-on art activities, summer camps and storytelling sessions. Adult education programs are also available including the Cheekwood Gardening School. 

20. Experience the ultimate celebration of country music

Mark your calendars for the annual CMA Fest, four days and four nights of non-stop music held each June. It’s a total music take-over covering more than two miles with seven day stages and two nighttime stages as well as activities and events all along Broadway. Organized and hosted by the Country Music Association, tens of thousands of people typically throng to the festival. 

Planning Tip: If you’re serious about going, buy your tickets and book your hotel rooms early. The countdown for next year’s fest begins as soon as the current one ends.

21. Celebrate a third-generation whiskey history

A road trip, historic marker, and two ancient bottles of Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey connected Andy and Charlies Nelson back three generations to their grandfather, a master distiller.

Using a century-old recipe, the brothers founded Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, winning awards and honoring their heritage. Now the distillery, located in Marathon Village, a happening neighborhood that’s a five-minute drive from downtown Nashville, is a place to take tours and sample the wares. That includes Louisa’s Liqueur, a Coffee Caramel Pecan drink, named after the woman who ran the original Nelson’s from 1899 to 1909. 

The menu at the distillery’s restaurant is a creative combination of Southern comfort foods, historic foodways, and local produce and products—fried green tomatoes, schnitzel, house-made bratwurst, and German chocolate cake. Book ahead for weekend tours, as they sell out quickly. 

Local Tip: It’s only about a minute away so be sure to check out the calendar of events at the Marathon Music Works.

22. Discover 12South, Nashville’s coolest neighborhood

This half-mile stretch of 12 South Avenue known as 12South is packed with stylish boutiques, restaurants, and businesses including a couple owned by celebrities. See what’s in stock at White’s Mercantile. Founded in 2013 by singer-songwriter Holly Williams to save a vintage gas station and reimagine the old general store concept, there are now five locations selling food, apparel, and home décor.

Check out Reese Witherspoon’s curated selection of women’s fashions, books and gifts at Draper James. Stock up on local and regional products at Made in TN. 

Amble down to the Frothy Monkey for a Golden Monkey Latte (espresso with steamed milk, honey, cinnamon, and their house turmeric blend) and the Vanilla-Cinnamon French Toast. At Five Daughters Bakery, order hand-crafted 100-layer doughnuts. A cross between a croissant and doughnut, they can take up to three days to make and come in such flavors as Chocolate Sea Salt and Maple Glaze.

23. Take the Honkey Tonk Highway

Immerse yourself in live music on the Honky Tonk Highway, a stretch of honky tonks on Lower Broadway where, from 10 am to 3 am, music fills the streets – and it’s free! You’ll discover legendary country music venues, including Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree at the Texas Troubadour Center on Saturday nights and Miss Zeke’s Juke Joint at Papa Turney’s BBQ. Robert’s Western World is known for its live country music and The Recession Special, a fried bologna sandwich served with a Moon Pie and cold PBR.

Planning Tip: Just like it’s free to walk the Honky Tonk Highway, you don’t have to spend a fortune or even a buck in Nashville to have fun. Check out these Music City destinations.

24. Follow Your Favorite Musicians at the Music City Walk of Fame Park

Located on Nashville’s Music Mile, between 4th and 5th Avenues, the Music City Walk of Fame Park on Nashville’s Music Mile honors musicians and others in the industry who have had an impact on the music world. 

25. Cross one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges 

Take in incredible views of the river and downtown skyline by walking the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, which is closed to car traffic. The historic bridge built from 1907–09 connects downtown Nashville to East Nashville. 

Planning Tip: Though the walk is free, there are shops and restaurants on either end so bring your wallet with you.