11 Best Things to Do in Nashville No Matter When You Visit

The Best-Ever Things to Do in Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee is a city that feels electrifying and should be at the top of any vacation bucket list. Here are some of our favorite ways to spend time in Music City, from famous concert halls to peaceful gardens and everything in between.

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

This gigantic museum walks you through the history of country music through 2.5 million artifacts. Inside its 350,000 square feet, you can see Elvis’s golden Cadillac and countless sparkly outfits worn by stars.

Try writing your own song at the Taylor Swift Education Center, or mix music like a pro in their studio. Listen to rare recordings from the 1920s while you explore exhibits featuring both classic stars and modern artists like Miranda Lambert and Keith Urban.

The museum changes its displays often, so there’s always something new to see. Plan for at least three hours here, and catch a guided tour which run every hour from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Step Inside the Parthenon at Centennial Park

WThis full-size copy of the Parthenon stands proud with 46-foot columns in Centennial Park, complete with a towering 42-foot golden statue of Athena inside.

The 132-acre park around it is perfect for a relaxing afternoon under century-old oak trees. Watch locals doing yoga, feed ducks at Lake Watauga, or catch free concerts at the bandshell every Saturday from April through October.

Don’t miss the art gallery’s rotating exhibits featuring Tennessee artists. Visit on Saturday mornings to enjoy the farmers market that runs from 8 AM to noon.

Chow Down at Assembly Food Hall

At this 100,000-square-foot food lover’s paradise in Fifth + Broadway, where you’ll find over 30 local restaurants under one roof. From Hattie B’s hot chicken to Jeni’s ice cream and Thai Esane’s street food, there’s something for everyone.

Head up to the rooftop for live music every evening from 6 PM to 10 PM and great views of neon-lit Broadway. The central bar serves 20 local craft beers on tap, and outdoor fire pits make sunset extra cozy.

Spend Time at the Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman is a former church from 1892 that became the Mother Church of Country Music. The building’s perfect sound comes from its curved architecture and original wooden pews, which have hosted legends like Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline.

Take the backstage tour to see where bluegrass music was born, or record your own song using their historic microphone type. Evening shows feel magical when artists perform acoustic numbers under the glow of antique stained glass windows.

Float Down the Cumberland River

Rent a kayak from the River Queen Voyages and go for a nine-mile paddle through the city’s heart. Watch herons and kingfishers dart past while enjoying unique views of riverside parks and the skyline.

Evening trips Thursday through Sunday are particularly magical, especially when city lights reflect off the AT&T “Batman” Building. The water is usually calm enough for beginners, while experienced paddlers can explore upstream to Shelby Bottoms Natural Area.

Bring a waterproof camera to capture the best views, and plan your trip for early morning or two hours before sunset when boat traffic is light.

Browse Through Third Man Records

You can’t miss Jack White’s quirky record store, decorated in black and yellow and filled with vinyl treasures. For a few bucks, you can make your own record in the same booth used by Neil Young and Pearl Jam.

The Willy Wonka-style vault room displays their rarest records like museum pieces. The amazing staff knows everything about their 1,000+ Third Man label releases and loves sharing stories.

Wander Through Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Just 15 minutes from downtown, this 55-acre estate surrounds a 30,000-square-foot Georgian mansion from 1929. Spring brings a million blooming flowers, while winter sparkles with a million holiday lights.

Kids love the model train garden featuring mini Nashville landmarks and the interactive art center. Adults enjoy the peaceful Japanese garden and sculpture trails, especially during morning golden hour.

Stop by the café for seasonal dishes made with herbs and vegetables from Cheekwood’s own kitchen garden.

Catch a Show at the Bluebird Cafe

This unassuming 90-seat venue, open since 1982, has launched countless country music careers. Songwriters perform “in the round,” sharing stories behind hits made famous by artists like Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift.

Skip the tourist-heavy evening shows and try Sunday afternoon performances to spot rising stars. Book exactly one week ahead at 8 AM sharp online because spots disappear fast.

Tour Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Watch Tennessee whiskey being made in Marathon Village using an 1860 family recipe. Tours run every 30 minutes, teaching you about the Nelson family’s pre-Prohibition history and modern bourbon-making process.

Sample their award-winning Belle Meade bourbon and special releases in the tasting room. Try innovative cocktails at their bar, or take home exclusive bottles like their sherry-finished bourbon.

Explore the Tennessee State Museum

This free 137,000-square-foot museum brings Tennessee’s history to life through 13,000 artifacts. Interactive displays cover everything from First Peoples to the Civil Rights Movement, including lunch counter seats from Nashville’s 1960 sit-ins.

Six permanent exhibitions and the “Tennessee Time Tunnel” trace the state’s entire history. Join free guided tours every Tuesday and Thursday at 2 PM to learn fascinating details about specific time periods.

Before visiting any of these spots, check their websites for current hours and prices. Consider the Music City Total Access Pass if you’re hitting multiple attractions as it can save you up to 50% on admission fees.