Top Things To Do In Nashville, Tennessee

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Nashville, affectionately known as the “Music City,” is a must-visit destination for country music fans, history buffs and foodies alike!  There is a plethora of unforgettable experiences to discover in Nashville.  Whether you’re strolling down Broadway, savoring mouthwatering barbecue, or exploring the city’s storied past, Nashville has something for everyone!  Let’s explore the top things to do in Nashville, Tennessee.

You don’t need to rent a car in Nashville.  If you stay in a hotel or VRBO close to Broadway, you will be in walking distance to most of the places you want to see.  You can take an Uber to the few places that you can’t walk to–like the Grand Ole Opry and Bluebird Cafe   

If you don’t want to do a lot of walking, Nashville’s Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley will take you to all of the top places.  This sightseeing tour by golf cart is also another good option.

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Live Music On Broadway

A trip to Nashville would be incomplete without heading to Broadway Street  in Nashville to listen to live music.  Morgan Wallen even wrote a song about Broadway called “Broadway Girls.” 

Broadway, also known as Honky Tonk Highway,  is several blocks of bars and restaurants in downtown Nashville, all of which have live music from up and coming country stars all day long.  Most of the bars have open windows and the competing music as you walk down Broadway is an incredible sensory overload when you first arrive, but it entices you in to listen to each band.  This is what Nashville is all about!  Most of the multi-level establishments have different live bands on each floor and rooftop bars. 

The best part of Broadway is the wide genre of live music.  It is not all country music!  In fact, the multi-level bars usually have a different genre of music on each floor! So you can listen to country music on the first floor or go upstairs to listen to a rock band!

Some of my favorite places on Broadway are: 

Honky Tonk Central

Jason Aldean’s Rooftop Kitchen & Bar

Kid Rock’s Big Honky Tonk 

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

FAMILY TIP:

Most of the bars on Broadway admit ALL AGES until 6:00p.m.  After 6:00pm, you have to be 21 to enter.  It is fine to bring your kids or teenagers to listen to some pretty amazing live country music on Broadway!

Broadway is one of the top things to do in Nashville Tennessee

Country Music Hall of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-see while in Nashville.  Located on 5th Avenue, just 2 blocks and a short 5 minute walk from the heart of Broadway, the Hall of Fame will immerse you in the history of country music, along with incredible  artifacts.  See Elvis’ gold Cadillac, Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” dress,  Hank Williams’ guitar, Johnny Cash’s black suit, and so much more!  Purchase your tickets for The Country Music Hall of Fame here.
The Country Music Hall of Fame Nashville TN

The Grand Ole Opry

Country music’s biggest stars have performed onstage at the Grand Ole Opry.  This historical and famous venue still has daily live performances.  While in Nashville, you can attend a concert and also take a tour of the Opry.  

The Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour is a popular and exciting option.  You can also combine seeing a concert with a backstage tour in this tour package. 

For the ultimate way to see the Grand Ole Opry, get the VIP experience with entry to the famous Opry Circle room and a tour with VIP Meet & Greet.  
The Grand Ole Opry Nashville, Tennessee

Ryman Auditorium

The historic Ryman Auditorium is known as the Mother Church of Country Music.  Also considered the birthplace of bluegrass, stars like Johnny Cash got their start on this famous stage.  Take a tour of the Ryman Auditorium to experience this incredible music legacy.  Purchase self-guided admission tickets to the Ryman Auditorium here.  
 
Ryman Auditorium Nashville Tennessee

The Bluebird Cafe

Another historical stage in Nashville, the Bluebird Cafe is big stars like Taylor Swift got discovered.  This famous restaurant is a must-see for country music fans, but you must reserve tickets in advance.  Tickets are released a week in advance and sell out quickly.  Click here for more information and to purchase your Bluebird Cafe tickets.   
 
The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville TN

Backstage Nashville

The extremely popular songwriter show,Backstage Nashville is one of Nashville’s top attractions.  It is described as “the Grand Ole Oprey meets the Bluebird Cafe.”   Check out the phenomenal reviews on TripAdvisor for Backstage Nashville. 
Backstage Nashville is one of the top things to do in Nashville

Music Row

Music Row is the section of Nashville where the record labels and studios are located.  One of the most popular things to do in Music Row is the RCA Studio B tour.  This tour takes you through the studio where famous country music stars like Elvis Presley recorded their biggest albums.   You can purchase your RCA Studio B tour here, or this package tour which also includes admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame. 
 
Check out the Recording Studio Experience, which allows you to record your own track in a recording studio!
RCA Studio B Tour Nashville TN

Johnny Cash Museum

The Johnny Cash Museum is ranked the top music museum in the world by National Geographic Traveler, containing the largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts.  .  
 
These city tours includes admission to the Johnny Cash Museum as well as other Nashville must-see destinations:
Welcome To Nashville: Private City Tour With Johnny Cash Museum 
 
 
Johnny Cash Museum one of top things to do in Nashville, Tennessee

The Gulch

The Gulch is one of Nashville’s trendiest destinations.  This upscale district has some of the best restaurants and boutique shops in Nashville, but it is most famous for its street art murals.  The most famous street mural is the Gulch’s Angel Wings.   You can experience the Gulch on the Hop On-Hop Off Trolley.
 
The Gulch Angel Wings Nashville, Tennessee

Street Mural Photo Spots

In addition to The Gulch, Nashville is home to several Instagram-famous street murals.   These tours take you to the best street murals in Nashville with a photographer or guide to take your photos.
 
The Nashville Photo Mural Walk tour takes you to all of the most famous Instagram-worthy photo murals in Nashville along with a professional photographer! No need to ask someone to take a picture with this tour! Be sure to book in advance because it does sell out!
 
 
 
Street Art Murals in Nashville, Tennessee

Musician’s Hall of Fame Museum

The Musician’s Hall of Fame Museum also features the Grammy Museum Gallery, where guests learn the history of the Grammy’s and interact with each step of the recording process. Click here to purchase tickets for the Musician’s Hall of Fame.
 
Musician's Hall of Fame Nashville Tennessee

Whiskey Distilleries

Nashville is home to some of the best whiskey distilleries!  Ole Smokey Distillery and Jack Daniel’s Distillery are two of the most popular.  Jack Daniel’s Distillery is located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, a little over an hour from Nashville, but definitely worth the trip!

These tours will take you to tastings and tours of these distilleries:

Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Adventure

Jack Daniel’s Express Tour

Jack Daniel’s Origin Tour

Jack Daniel’s Distillery Bus Tour

Big Machine Distillery Tasting & Tour

Tennessee Whiskey Trail Tour to 3 Distilleries

Straight From The Barrel Experience With Bottle

2 Hour Nashville Distillery & Brewery Tour by Golf Cart

Nashville’s Premier Distillery & Craft Brewery Tour with Tastings

Tennessee Whiskey Workshop Experience

 
Tennessee Whiskey Distillery Nashville TN

Homes of the Stars Tour

Hollywood isn’t the only place you can see homes of the stars! Visit the homes of Nashville’s stars with the  Homes of the Stars tour! This narrated bus tour takes you by 30+ homes of famous stars in Nashville.  See how the rich and famous live on this fun tour!

Homes of the Stars tour in Nashville, Tennessee

Food Tours

Foodies will delight in taking a mouthwatering food tour through Nashville! Check out these popular food tours:
Food Tours Top Things To Do In Nashville TN

Traveling Party Tours

If you are on a bachelorette or bachelor party weekend, or just a typical girls or guys weekend, Nashville has so many fun traveling party options!  Check out these fun party tours:
Nashville Pedal Tavern
 
Pedal Tavern Nashville TN
Party Tractor in Nashville, Tennessee

Printer’s Alley

Printer’s Alley is a historic alley way in Downtown Nashville, known for its rich history and vibrant nightlife.  It was originally named Printer’s Alley due to the large number of print shops back in the late 19th century.  It is now a popular spot for nightlife and live music. 
 
Printers Alley in Nashville Tennessee

Line Dancing Class

When in Nashville, learn to line dance by taking one of these line dancing classes:
 
 
Line Dancing Class in Nashville, Tennessee

Helicopter Tour of Nashville

Get a birds eye view of Nashville with this helicopter tour!
Helicopter tour in Nashville, Tennessee

Historic Mansion Tours

Nashville is home to some beautiful historical mansions and estates.  
 
Belle Mead Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee

Ghost Tours

Explore the spooky side of Nashville with these ghost tours:
 
 
Ghost tours are among top things to do in Nashville, Tennessee

Pub Crawls

For a fun bar experience, check out these Pub Crawls:
 
 
Pub Crawls Top Things To Do in Nashville

Bike & Segway Tours

Tour Nashville on one of these e-bike or Segway tours:
 
Segway tours in Nashville Tennessee

Best of Nashville Sightseeing Tours

These tours combine all of the top sights in Nashville!
 

Zipline at Nashville North

Ziplining in Nashville Tennessee

PERCY PRIEST LAKE

Spend the day relaxing at Percy Priest Lake in Nashville.  Rent a boat for the day out on the lake or hit the beach at Percy Priest Park.  Music City Captains offers designated boat captain services if everyone in your group wants to have some drinks or isn’t comfortable driving a boat.  
 
Percy Priest Lake in Nashville Tennessee

Cumberland River

The Cumberland River runs right through Downtown Nashville, separating Nissan Stadium from Broadway.    Nashville Kayak Adventures offers relaxing downstream kayak tours. 

 

Nashville Kayak Adventure

Madame Tussaud’s Nashville

Get your photo taken with incredibly lifelike iconic figures at Madame Tussaud’s Nashville.   

There are so many fun things to do in Nashville.  One of my favorite things to do in Nashville is attend CMA Fest in June!  Check out my article “Why You Need to Go To CMA Fest in Nashville.”   

Be sure to visit my Amazon Store for country music inspired clothes for your Nashville trip!

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