10 Best Things to Do in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville Skyline: Begin your journey in Nashville (often called “Music City”) by soaking in the vibrant downtown skyline. With its towering AT&T “Batman” building and modern architecture, downtown Nashville showcases the city’s growth as a top U.S. destination. In 2023, Music City hosted a record 16.8 million visitors – attracted by its famous music venues, outdoor attractions, and Southern hospitality. Whether you’re looking for fun things to do in Nashville, TN, free attractions, or activities with kids, this guide covers the top 10 Nashville experiences you won’t want to miss things to do in nashville.

Nashville’s appeal goes beyond music: it was named one of AAA’s “10 Destinations to Put on Your Travel Bucket List” for 2025. Read on for must-see sights, from legendary concert halls to historic parks, each offering a taste of Nashville’s charm and culture.

1. Attend the Grand Ole Opry

Step into the world of country music at the Grand Ole Opry, America’s longest-running radio show and a Nashville icon. Founded in 1925, the Opry has hosted country legends and chart-topping stars on its stage for nearly a century. Today, the Opry broadcasts live performances in a grand theater, with nightly shows featuring a mix of famous acts and up-and-coming talent. Tour the Opry backstage or catch a live concert to feel the history and excitement. This experience ranks among the best things to do in Nashville, as hundreds of thousands of visitors flock here annually to hear authentic country, bluegrass, and gospel music. (Pro tip: book tickets in advance and arrive early to explore the backstage area and museum exhibits.) things to do in nashville

2. Tour Historic Ryman Auditorium

Ryman Auditorium: Often called the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium is a historic performance hall in downtown Nashville. Built in 1892 as a church, it became the Grand Ole Opry’s home from 1943–1974. Today, it still hosts concerts and events, known for its intimate acoustics and stained-glass décor. Visitors can take a guided tour to walk the famous stage, learn about the Opry’s past, and see vintage photos of music greats. Even if you can’t catch a show, exploring the Ryman’s rich history is a top thing to do in Nashville, giving insight into why Music City became America’s “country music capital”.

3. Explore Broadway & Honky Tonk Row

Broadway (Downtown): No Nashville trip is complete without strolling Broadway Street – the neon-lit heart of downtown. This lively avenue, often called “Honky Tonk Highway,” is lined with bars, honky-tonk venues, and live-music joints. Most bars offer free live music from day into night, featuring country, rock, and Americana acts – just buy a drink and listen. Iconic spots like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and the Stage are perfect for soaking up the atmosphere. During the day, don’t miss the Country Music Walk of Fame Park (free to visit) or street performers on Lower Broadway. At night, Broadway truly comes alive and is one of the most fun things to do in Nashville TN for first-timers and locals alike things to do in nashville

Downtown Tip: For a break from the bars, visit nearby Market Square or L&L Market (Rialto) for dining and shopping. Be sure to look up and enjoy the neon signs and historic buildings that give Broadway its charm things to do in nashville

4. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Music buffs will love the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, a modern museum in the heart of downtown. The Hall of Fame’s mission is to preserve country music’s history, and its collection of costumes, instruments, recordings, and memorabilia is one of the world’s largest (over 1.2 million visitors came in 2019). Walk through interactive exhibits like “Sing Me Back Home” to experience country’s evolution, and step inside the Hatch Show Print letterpress shop (the oldest working print shop in the U.S.) to see vintage poster printing. The museum’s sleek, glass-and-barn design symbolizes Nashville’s mix of modern and rustic culture. Plan at least a couple of hours here – it’s often listed among the best things to do in Nashville Tennessee for music lovers and museum fans things to do in nashville

Key Highlights:

• Hall of Fame Rotunda: View bronze bas-reliefs of legendary artists.
• Hatch Show Print: See iconic concert poster printing in action (free to walk in).
• RCA Studio B Tour: (On-site add-on) Visit the historic studio where Elvis, Dolly Parton, and others recorded hits.

5. Discover Centennial Park & The Parthenon

Centennial Park & Parthenon: For a break from city bustle, head to Centennial Park, Nashville’s beloved 132-acre green space. The park’s centerpiece is a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon, complete with a 42-foot statue of Athena. This Parthenon building houses an art museum and stands as a unique Nashville landmark. Families and history buffs alike will enjoy picnicking by Lake Watauga, walking the trails, or rowing paddleboats. The park also features playgrounds and the Ryman Auditorium former church building (on site) with historic exhibits. It’s a great spot for free things to do in Nashville TN – you can stroll the scenic grounds, visit the Parthenon (low admission fee), and often catch free concerts at the nearby bandshell (Musician’s Corner summer series).

Fun Fact: Centennial Park was originally created in 1897 for Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition, and it still hosts festivals and events in warmer months.

6. Family-Friendly Fun: Zoo & Science Center

For travelers with children, Nashville offers plenty of things to do with kids. A top pick is the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, home to giraffes, kangaroos, and other animals, plus a historic antebellum home. The zoo has playgrounds and a large carousel – making it one of the best family attractions in Nashville. Nearby is the Adventure Science Center, a hands-on STEM museum with interactive exhibits and a planetarium. Kids can experiment with rockets, climb a rope mountain, and explore the solar system things to do in nashville

Other kid-friendly activities include:

• Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: Explore 55 acres of beautiful gardens and a children’s garden with water features, a maze, and a turtle pond (older kids will enjoy the art museum inside the mansion).
• Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: A giant granite map and monuments teach Tennessee history – a fun outdoor classroom things to do in nashville
• Nashville Children’s Theatre: Catch a family-friendly show designed for young audiences.

With so many options, Nashville ensures children have as much fun as the adults. In fact, Adventure Science Center and the zoo frequently top lists of fun things to do in Nashville with kids for a reason things to do in nashville

7. Step Back in Time at Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery

Experience Southern history at Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery, a preserved 1850s plantation. Tour the grand mansion and slave quarters to learn about life in antebellum Tennessee. The property was famous for breeding racehorses; you can see the old stables and hear stories of the turf and of the families who lived there. After touring the estate, visit the on-site winery and tasting room in the carriage house. Sip local wines while overlooking the picturesque grounds – it’s one of Nashville’s most charming activities for couples and history buffs. (Belle Meade often appears on lists of the “top things to do in Nashville TN” for its blend of culture, architecture, and pastoral beauty.) things to do in nashville

8. Immerse Yourself in Nashville’s Art Scene at Cheekwood

Art and nature lovers should head to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. This former Vanderbilt family estate features 12 unique gardens and an art museum in a 1930s mansion. Wander through the Japanese garden, sculpture trail, and the new two-acre Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden (great for kids to explore tunnels and water features). The art museum hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, photography, and botanical photography. Cheekwood’s blend of art and horticulture makes it one of the best things to do in downtown Nashville (well, it’s a bit south of downtown but easily accessible) – especially in spring or autumn when the gardens are at their peak things to do in nashville

Nearby, the Frist Art Museum (in the old Post Office building downtown) offers more cultural outings with kid-friendly art galleries and exhibits. Together, these spots highlight Nashville’s creative side beyond country music things to do in nashville

9. Savor Nashville’s Food & Nightlife

No visit to Nashville is complete without indulging in its famous cuisine and nightlife. Treat yourself to Nashville’s hot chicken at legendary spots like Prince’s or Hattie B’s (spicy Southern fried chicken), or sample barbecue ribs. The Germantown and 12 South neighborhoods offer great restaurants and cafes if you want to explore beyond Broadway. In the evening, catch live jazz at a cozy bar on 4th Avenue or check out new music at the Basement East in East Nashville. For a classic experience, enjoy a country music show at the Station Inn, one of the city’s most famous bluegrass venues.

Cheers to Nashville’s nightlife – many bars keep the music playing until late, and cocktail lounges serve up local whiskey and bourbon. Whether you’re sipping a craft beer on a rooftop patio or two-stepping at a dance hall, fun things to do in Nashville abound after dark.

10. Free & Budget-Friendly Nashville Activities

Not everything in Nashville costs money. The city is famous for free live music 365 days a year. To save on entertainment, explore these budget-friendly attractions:

• Live Music for Free: Stroll Honky Tonk Highway (Broadway) or neighborhoods like Midtown and East Nashville in the evening to hear bands playing without cover charges. You’ll find everything from country and rock to Americana on sidewalk stages and bar patios.
• Historic Parks: Walk the grounds of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park downtown (giant granite map and fountains) and Centennial Park with the Parthenon replica – both free. Pack a picnic and enjoy the green space.
• Museums & Tours: The Tennessee State Capitol offers free guided tours of the historic legislative building. Nearby, the Tennessee State Museum (free admission) covers state history from frontier days to present.
• Cultural Events: Participate in First Saturday Art Crawl, when galleries across downtown open free to the public (usually with refreshments). In summer, check out free outdoor concerts (like Musician’s Corner in Centennial Park or evening music in local parks).
• Other Free Sights: Visit the Fort Nashborough historic replica on Lower Broadway – it’s open for self-guided tours at no charge. (This replica fort marks where Nashville’s first pioneers settled.)

Taking advantage of these free activities will keep your Nashville trip lively without breaking the bank. Combine free shows and strolls with a couple of paid highlights, and you’ll experience the best of Music City on any budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the best things to do in Nashville, Tennessee? Nashville offers a mix of music, history, and family fun. Don’t miss the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium for live country music, walk the neon-lit Broadway for free honky-tonk shows, and tour the Country Music Hall of Fame. Outdoor lovers should visit Centennial Park (home to a Parthenon replica) and the Nashville Zoo. Foodies will want to try Nashville hot chicken and local barbecue. These attractions – plus historic sites like Belle Meade and arts venues like Cheekwood – consistently rank as top things to do in Nashville.

Q: What are fun things to do in Nashville this weekend? On a weekend in Nashville, you can catch a live show at the Ryman or the Opry, enjoy morning brunch and live bluegrass at the Nashville Farmers’ Market, or take the kids to the zoo or science museum. Browse local shops in 12 South or Germantown, and don’t miss any special events – summer weekends often feature concerts in the park or festivals downtown. Even on a budget, you can listen to free music on Broadway or hike in nearby state parks.

Q: What can I do in Nashville with kids? Nashville is very family-friendly. Families love the Nashville Zoo, Adventure Science Center, and Cheekwood Gardens (which has a great children’s garden). Outdoor areas like Centennial Park and the Nashville Greenways are perfect for kids to run and play. The Country Music Hall of Fame also has interactive exhibits that engage all ages. Many museums and attractions in Nashville offer discounted rates for children, and younger kids can often enter free (for example, children under 2 enter the zoo free). There are also free storytimes, puppet shows, and children’s activities at the Nashville Public Library downtown.

Q: What free attractions are there in Nashville, TN? Free things in Nashville are plentiful. You can enjoy free live music every day by dropping into a honky-tonk on Broadway or a local bar on any night. Historical sites like the Fort Nashborough replica and Tennessee State Capitol offer free tours. The Tennessee State Museum has no admission fee and highlights Tennessee’s history. For outdoor fun, Centennial Park and Bicentennial Mall State Park are free to enter, and free festivals or art crawls pop up regularly in the summer and on First Saturdays.

Q: Why is Nashville a popular travel destination? Nashville’s blend of music, culture, and Southern hospitality makes it a magnet for travelers. It’s consistently ranked among the top U.S. cities to visit, thanks to its legendary music scene (Opry, Ryman, honky-tonks) and growing culinary and arts offerings. The city attracts millions of visitors each year (16.8 million in 2023) who come for the concerts, the nightlife on Broadway, and also for family-friendly attractions and history. In short, Nashville offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for free things to do in Nashville TN, fun family activities, or bucket-list music experiences.

Have a favorite Nashville spot? Share your recommendations or questions below! And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends planning a Nashville trip.

Sources: Official tourism and news data; Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. guides; Wikipedia and museum info.