Nashville has a thriving music scene that’s produced some of the finest musicians and songwriters in history.
Nashville, TN, also known as the “Music City” is home to world-renowned country, blues, jazz, rock n’ roll songs, hip hop music, and everything in between. But, of course, there are also plethora of other things to do here too!
The City has one of the best high school sports programs in the nation, an award-winning culinary scene, and it’s ranked one of the most affordable cities for housing… we could go on all day!
The best way to get acquainted with Nashville is by visiting some of the local attractions – from Opryland Hotel to The Grand Ole Opry House. The music city has a little something for everybody. So give your next vacation plans a Southern twist with your visit to Nashville!
Take a look at these fun things to do in Nashville, Tennessee.
Broadway
Broadway is a vibrant area of downtown in the heart of Nashville with many fun things close by for first-time visitors. There is also lots of shopping and restaurants within walking distance, so travellers are sure to find plenty of things to do here in just one day. If you have more extra traveling days to spare, then you have to go up North and explore some more!
Broadway at night is always a good time too. Actually, it’s a great time! Nightclubs and bars here are entirely something. I recommend that visitors come with friends because it can be tricky when you haven’t been here before. But the moment you get the hang of it, we guarantee you that Broadway packs tons of fun at night.
Parthenon
The Parthenon is a model of the original that is in Athens. It was constructed in Nashville, Tennessee, and a park surrounds it. The Parthenon features full-scale replicas of friezes from the original Greek building and sculptures that were created for the 1888 World’s Fair in Paris.
It also has an art museum inside containing more sculptures, pottery, jewellery and other artefacts from ancient Greece. The outdoor art museum is open to visitors for free, but you have to buy tickets to enter the indoor museum, which costs 6.00USD for adults and 4.00USD for children 4-11 years old.
While it takes a little imagination to picture soldiers atop these columns in ancient times, it is not difficult to see why this structure has been called one of the most important symbols of Nashville culture and history.
You can walk around the park near Parthenon, or you could go visit one of the many archaeological sites nearby, such as the FortNegley.
Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry showcases what Nashville is all about. It’s where you can watch really talented singers and enjoy great country music. Even if you’re not a huge country music fan. It’s home to a great variety of talent, and there are lots of things you can do here. You can see performances on the stage or just enjoy the scenery from outside.
You might be interested in learning a little bit more about country music or meeting up with some country fans. After the show, you can do things such as eat at a restaurant associated with the Grand Ole Opry. You can also buy souvenirs or take photos if you’re interested in doing so.
Ryman Auditorium
Ryman Auditorium is an interesting place to visit, especially for tourists visiting Nashville. When you first enter the building, you are met with a dark basement. There are two staircases made of stone that lead up the balcony from both sides of the building. The auditorium itself is very small and intimate but powerful in sound.
A beautiful statue of a young girl near one of the doors leads llooks solemnly at all those who have come to see it and listen to its music from their days as an opera house. This statue inspired one of Johnny Cash’s most famous songs as he walked by it on his way home from dinner with friends one night.
Ryman Auditorium is an old but impressive and famous place to visit for anyone who loves music, history or just appreciates architecture and design. They occasionally hold free concerts here, and people are welcome to come to listen to amazing talent for free! Who doesn’t like free? And if you like museums, there is also a museum housing historical artefacts on stage at this location.
Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a 350,000 square foot museum that showcases country music history with exhibits, artefacts, live performances, video, and classrooms in the Taylor Swift Education Center. It is located in downtown Nashville Tennessee.
One of the main reasons travellers should visit the Country Music Hall of Fame is to explore the history of country music and see all the fun things they can do while there, like tour the on-site museum or even play in their guitar shop for lessons.
It is a great place for those who love country music and also for those who are not hardcore fans of the music genre.
The museum houses thousands of artefacts, including rare guitars, musical instruments, costumes, awards, photographs, and more. The museum is open every day, and it is a must-see if you are visiting the Music City.
East Nashville
Why not visit the best part of Nashville? East Nashville has everything you could imagine! The lines are different, and the people are different too- it’s like a whole other city with its own vibe. From coffee to vintage clothing, East Nashville is full of fun things to do and places to go.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the fun, trendy art gallery in East Nashville(The Red Arrow Gallery, Main Street Gallery, Raven & Whale Gallery). When you arrive, all of the available artwork will be on display for your viewing pleasure. You can even purchase your favourite pieces. It is a great place to stop by because there are so many different artists featured in these exhibits.
Suppose you feel like dancing, head over to Little Harpeth Brewing, where they always have some type of live music entertainment. They offer seveal different beers and tons of varieties from other breweries that can’t be found anywhere else. All of their beer is sold by the pint or in sets. This makes for a great time for everyone! They offer some delicious food options too.
Cumberland Park
Cumberland Park has many historical features that are thought to reflect the city’s history and its original inhabitants. The park is also accessible by any means, including walking, biking, and public transit.
Cumberland Park area is filled with many iconic attractions, including theatre companies, art museums, restaurants, and unique shops. Several other parks around the city can be explored on foot or via public transportation.
Some of the fun things that you can do at Cumberland Park include gazing at the river and enjoying a romantic date, and strolling down the bridge that stretches across the river water. Their biggest attraction is the gigantic splash.
Belle Meade Plantation
Belle Meade Plantation is a a famous plantation and historical attraction in Nashville, Tennessee. It was the more thousands of acres of land originally purchased by William Giles Harding in 1818. Belle Meade Plantation has been credited as the pinnacle of Southern life and opulence because of its grandiose architecture.
The site highlights an antebellum design with several formal gardens and a series of structures on 30 acres, including multiple carriage houses, barns, slave quarters and a creek that runs through it all.
Visitors can stroll through the gardens or explore the many artefacts inside one of the mansion’s rooms to get an idea about what life as a wealthy Southern plantation owner was like during this time period.
Nashville Zoo
Visitors to Nashville Zoo are encouraged to explore the grounds where they will find various mammals, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and red kangaroos. Visitors should not expect anything less than a full day because there are so many park features.
The zoo has an abundance of water parks and playgrounds for children and a butterfly garden. It is also home to some of the world’s most popular animals like lions, bears, cheetahs, and elephants. Tickets to the zoo are reasonably priced and can be purchased online.
Nashville Aquarium & Science Center
Nashville Zoo and the aquarium are located on the same property. With this, it is possible to take advantage of the one ticket price and visit both attractions in one day. The aquarium is home to an abundance of sea life, including a shark tank, native fish and turtles.
There is also plenty of sunfish, seahorses, jellyfish, starfish, and other aquatic animals like arctic grey whales and beluga whales. The aquarium features an ocean floor exploration that takes place below the surface of the aquarium. The whole family will find something fun and exciting to do here for sure.
Public Square Park
Nashville’s Public Square Park is a great place to visit for travellers. The variety of activities and events offered in the park are a lot of fun, making any trip to Nashville worth it! Visitors can try their luck at goldfish popping and other games throughout the park.
Vendors sell mint-chocolate covered hot spiced candies, including chocolate-covered peppermint sticks that are great for jumping between lifeguarded games. You can stop by the new food truck market every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There are interactive art installations around the park that you can photograph to share with friend’s back home!
Lane Motor Museum
Visitors to Nashville can visit the Lane Motor Museum to explore the history of some of America’s greatest cars and motorcycles.
There are over 170 vehicles on display, not including the rolling jukebox and rare vintage motorcycles and car collection. The current collection includes everything from a DeLorean DMC-12 to a 1920s Chevrolet Chambered V8.
Nashville, Tennessee, was a pleasure to visit. I had heard a lot about the city, and I had assumed it would only have country music and honky-tonks. I was so wrong.
Nashville is a city that offers something for everyone, and I can’t wait to go back and experience even more of what it has to offer. Nashville is a city that is constantly evolving, and with the influx of people moving here, there is always something new to discover. Find more interesting articles in the articles section of our website.