10 Things to Do in Nashville
Known as the capital of country music and home of the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville is so much more than honky tonk bars and hot chicken. However, it is those things, too.
Located just 4 hours from us in St. Louis, we love visiting Nashville as a couple for an adults-only weekend and as a family. This lively Southern city boasts a thriving arts scene, trendy restaurants and boutiques, historical attractions, and plenty of activities for both types of trips.
Whether you’ve been once or a dozen times like us, these are my 10 things to do in Nashville.
10 Things to Do in Nashville
- Stroll Down Broadway
- Visit the Grand Ole Opry
- Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Cheer on the Nashville Predators
- Take a Country Music Crawl Tour
- Tour the Tennessee State Capitol
- Stroll Along the Pedestrian Bridge
- Tour the Johnny Cash Museum
- Relax at Centennial Park
- Catch a Show at the Bluebird Cafe
Stroll Down Broadway
Known as Honky Tonk Highway, Broadway is the vibrant heart of Nashville’s entertainment district. This downtown stretch features endless bars, restaurants, boot shops, and souvenir stores under bright neon lights.
There are so many favorites– my husband loves The Stage, Rippy’s Honky Tonk, and The Station Inn. I recommend strolling along Broadway and popping into whatever sounds good. Most places don’t charge a cover during the day, so it’s easy to head in and out of various bars to see what you like.
Order some barbecue, Tennessee whiskey, or hot chicken as you listen (Graze has the best vegan hot chicken!)
Visit the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is an iconic Nashville attraction. This live country music show has been running since 1925, making it the longest-running radio broadcast. Even if you don’t consider yourself a country music fan (I don’t!), This is still a must-do in Nashville, given its history and popularity.
Take a Backstage Tour
Go behind the scenes of the Opry and learn about the history of this music institution on a guided tour. You’ll see the artists’ entrance and dressing rooms and walk on the same stage as the greats like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton.
Catch a Show
This is obviously why you are here! Every Opry show features eight or more artists – think country superstars, award-winning musicians, and songwriters. The lineup is constantly changing, and it’s never the same show twice, so every night is the night to see the Opry. Music starts at 7 pm but arrive early to catch the preshow.
Shop for Opry Memorabilia
Browse country music souvenirs and gifts in the Opry store. You can also shop online at opry.com.
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
This museum houses the world’s most extensive collection of country music artifacts and memorabilia. Learn about country music history and see rare items like Elvis’ gold Cadillac and a stage outfit worn by Hank Williams.
Highlights include iconic photos of country stars over the decades, from Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison to Dolly Parton in the 1970s.
And, my personal favorite, the Taylor Swift Education Center. I’ve become a full-on swiftie after seeing her in concert (in Nashville!) last year. This interactive space lets visitors try playing different instruments and learn how songs are written.
Cheer on the Nashville Predators
Sure, Nashville is home to the Nisson Stadium, where the Tennessee Titans Play. However, Nashville is more than home to just the NFL.
The Nashville Predators are the city’s professional hockey team, and tickets are often much less expensive than the Titans. Watch them take on rivals like the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings at the Bridgestone Arena downtown. Games are fast-paced and energetic – perfect for families and sports enthusiasts.
The NHL season runs from October to April, so look for game tickets when you visit Nashville during these months. Playoff games in May/June have the most electric atmosphere.
Take a Country Music Crawl Tour
Take a bus tour for stops at famous Nashville music sites. Guides play tunes and tell stories about music history. Depending on your tour, some include drink samples at local honky-tonk bars.
Tours are 2-3 hours long, and stops may include the Ryman Auditorium, Music Row, RCA Studio B, Johnny Cash Museum, and more.
Tour groups with up to 20 people are kept relatively small, so you can easily ask questions. They run daily, with more availability at night. Prices range from $35-$85 per person. Operators include Nashville Crawl, Nashville Music City Tours, NashTrash Tours, and Songwriter City Nashville.
Tour the Tennessee State Capitol
Consider touring the Capitol between eating plenty of hot wings and getting your fill of live music. The Tennessee State Capitol is an impressive 19th-century building that offers free guided tours.
Complimentary tours run daily. Knowledgeable guides provide insight into the capitol’s history, architecture, and state government. Tours last 45-50 minutes.
When you are done, head to the Tennessee Bicentennial Mall. This outdoor park next to the capitol has over 30 educational exhibits about Tennessee’s history and culture.
Stroll Along the Pedestrian Bridge
This pedestrian bridge connects downtown Nashville to the residential suburbs of East Nashville. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the bridge day or night. Rent a bike for a fun way to cross it!
You can also see beautiful panoramic city views and landmarks like Nissan Stadium and the Batman Building. At the Taylor Swift concert in 2023, fans stood on the bridge to hear (and catch a glimpse) of the show.
The full length is around a half mile. Stop at various points to take in the views. The span links Riverfront Park on the west side of the river with Cumberland Park on the east. For free parking close to downtown, park in the lot beside Cumberland Park, then walk across the bridge to downtown.
Tour the Johnny Cash Museum
This museum showcases the life and music of country legend Johnny Cash. See artifacts like handwritten song lyrics, musical instruments, stage costumes, and more. Interactive exhibits let you record your own song and create a music video.
Learn about Johnny Cash’s ups and downs through memorabilia and informative displays about his childhood, relationships, struggles, and triumphs.
Relax at Centennial Park
Nashville’s central public park features gardens, trails, memorials, and a gorgeous full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon temple. It’s a perfect place for a pleasant stroll.
This is a favorite of my kids whenever we go to Nashville. They can run around as much as they’d like and take in the colorful gardens and many paths.
I have yet to rent a pedal boat on Lake Watagua, at the heart of Centennial Park, but that’s another great thing to do in Nashville.
Catch a Show at the Bluebird Cafe
The cozy Bluebird Cafe offers a uniquely intimate live music venue. Talented up-and-coming singer-songwriters perform acoustic sets on the small stage. John Mayer, Kelsea Ballerini, the Chicks, and yes– Taylor Swift again played here before they made it big.
Reserve tickets online in advance, as shows typically sell out.
Whatever you decide to do, Nashville offers various attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests to enjoy. It’s such a great, affordable city, and I would highly recommend taking a trip!
This top 10 list is just the tip of the iceberg– there is so much more to do in Nashville (let other readers know what I missed in the comments below!)