So, you’re heading to Nashville – Music City, baby! And you’re ready to dive into all the honky-tonk, hot chicken, and good vibes this place has to offer. But with so much to see and do, where do you even start? Don’t worry, I’ve rounded up the best things to do in Nashville to make your trip unforgettable.
Make sure to read ‘till the end to get some bonus tips for exploring Nashville like a pro. Let’s get to it!
Dive into Music City’s History
Step into the Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame is like the Smithsonian of country music, just with way more rhinestones. This massive museum is packed with everything like Elvis’s gold Cadillac and Dolly Parton’s sparkly stage outfits.
It’s basically a treasure chest of country music history, and trust me, you’ll want to take your time exploring. The exhibits go deep, covering decades of legendary artists, iconic performances, and even behind-the-scenes industry secrets. To skip the crowds and make the most of your visit, grab your tickets online before you go. If you want to immerse yourself even more, check out one of the frequent songwriter sessions or live performances.
Tour RCA Studio B, Where Music History Was Made
RCA Studio B is where the magic of the “Nashville Sound” was born. This studio on Music Row is where legends like Elvis, Dolly Parton, and Roy Orbison recorded some of their biggest hits. Over 35,000 songs were born here (yeah, you read that right).
It’s like stepping back in time. Fun fact: Elvis liked to record in near-darkness, so they installed colored lights just for him. You can even stand at the same piano where Floyd Cramer created his legendary “slip note” style.
Taking the tour with the Country Music Hall of Fame makes the RCA Studio B experience better. It includes transportation and insider stories you won’t get by yourself.
Experience the Magic of the Grand Ole Opry
No Nashville trip feels complete without stopping at the Grand Ole Opry, a century-old institution that put country music on the map. This place is the holy grail of country music; it hosted legends like Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton. If you’re even remotely into music, this is a must.
Opry shows are never rehearsed, and never the same show twice. For the best experience, book your show tickets well in advance, especially for weekend performances. But here’s the real experience: take the backstage tour. You’ll walk in the footsteps of legends, peek into themed dressing rooms, and hear wild stories about iconic performances.
Feel Nashville’s Soul at the Ryman Auditorium
If Nashville has a soul, it lives at the Ryman Auditorium. Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” this historic venue has seen everyone from bluegrass legends to modern rock bands like Coldplay and Mumford & Sons.
I recommend a self-guided tour for this, so you can take your time and really soak up all the history and story of the auditorium. You can also book tickets for an evening concert. The acoustics are insane, and the intimate setting means you’re practically on stage with the performers.
There is also a guided tour that will take you through Nashville, and includes entry tickets to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium. If that’s something you’d prefer, be sure to book your tickets early here.
*Daytime tours are less crowded, so you can take your time. Don’t forget to snap a pic on the legendary stage and check out the exhibits. And stop by the gift shop for unique Nashville memorabilia.
Visit the Johnny Cash Museum
The Johnny Cash Museum is a must-visit in Nashville. Tucked right in the heart of downtown, this place is all things Johnny Cash: think handwritten lyrics, iconic stage outfits, and even the famous black suit that became his trademark.
Walking through the interactive museum feels like stepping into Johnny’s life. You’ll see everything from his military uniform to rare recordings and clips from his legendary prison concerts. There’s even a mixing board you can try to remix his songs. Book your tickets in advance, and visit in the morning to beat the crowds, especially on weekends.
This Nashville Fun Pass gets you pre-paid entry tickets to the museum along with other attractions like RCA Studio B or Country Music Hall of Fame, making it a good value for your money.
Eat Your Way Through Nashville
Try the Nashville Hot Chicken
Let’s talk about Nashville’s claim to fame and something you’ve probably seen on the internet a thousand times: hot chicken. It’s a spicy, crispy, life-changing experience. As they say… no trip to Nashville is complete without trying it!
Hattie B’s is the popular go-to spot for locals and tourists. But food trucks are also putting their own spin on the tradition.
Start with a milder heat level and work your way up. Most places serve their chicken on white bread with pickle chips, those pickles are your best friend when the heat kicks in. And if you’re feeling brave, keep a cold drink (or chocolate milk, as the locals swear by) nearby to tame the flames.
Join a Nashville Food Tour (For Food that Isn’t Hot Chicken!)
I don’t know about you, but to me, one of the best parts of traveling is eating your way through a city. And in Nashville, that means way more than just hot chicken (though, yes, that’s definitely on the menu). If you wanna dive into Music City’s food scene like a local, then joining a food tour is your way to go.
They are great for discovering Nashville’s hidden culinary gems and sampling multiple dishes all at once, like crispy fried chicken, barbecue, and maybe even a surprise dessert. The best guides also give you insights into Nashville’s history, culture, and sometimes even the chefs behind the dishes. It’s like a food tour and a history lesson rolled into one delicious experience.
Book a spot in advance and I recommend doing this as early in your trip as possible, so you have time to revisit specific places or dishes that you like during the rest of the trip.
Sip & Stroll Through Belle Meade’s Historic Grounds
If you’re into history and wine, or just looking for a laid-back way to explore Nashville, Belle Meade is the perfect spot. This grand estate isn’t just pretty, it’s packed with stories about the Harding-Jackson family and their legendary thoroughbred racing empire. And yes, the guides dress the part, making history feel a little more alive (and a lot more fun).
After soaking in the past, head over to the on-site winery for a well-earned tasting. Their Blackberry Wine is a must-try, but you’ll find plenty of other sips to enjoy. Before you leave, swing by the gift shop for some local goodies, because why not take a little taste of Tennessee home with you?
Book your tour in advance and take your time wandering the grounds, you’ll find historic cabins, shady picnic spots, and some seriously Instagram-worthy views.
Enjoy a Night Out with a Pub Crawl
Talk about the ultimate Nashville night out: the Music City Pub Crawl. The bars are lively, the music is loud, and the drinks are flowing. It’s a great way to experience Nashville’s nightlife. Many of the best bars are on Broadway, with Honky-tonk bars lining the street, each offering its own vibe.
You can definitely jump from bar to bar yourself, but joining a pub crawl makes it more fun imo. Instead of wandering aimlessly (and probably missing out on the best spots), you’ll have a local guide leading the way to Broadway’s hottest bars.
Aaand you get to hang out with others too. Out of all the different tour activities, the people joining pub crawls are the most social lot, because well… alcohol just makes mingling easier. Think of it as the ultimate Nashville night out, minus the stress. Plus, you’ll get to skip the lines.
Just a little reminder: Pace yourself with the drinks. Just saying. 😉
*Wear comfy shoes (you’ll be walking and dancing, after all) and bring cash for tips (those musicians are working hard to keep the party going).
Explore the City Like a Local
See Nashville in One Day in a Double-Decker Bus
You’ve made it this far, so I’m pretty sure you now know that Nashville has a lot to see, and trying to hit all the highlights in one day can feel like a marathon. So if you have a tight sched, I recommend going for a guided tour bus. The best part is that it’s a double-decker bus, so if you grab a seat at the top deck, you get the best views.
You’ll go past iconic spots like the Ryman Auditorium, the Parthenon, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, all while your guide shares fun facts and stories about the city’s history and culture. Plus, you’ll get to explore neighborhoods like The Gulch and Music Row. This is just an hour long, so it will fit your busy schedule!
*Don’t forget to bring a jacket—it can get breezy up there!
Visit The Parthenon in Centennial Park
Okay, here’s something you probably didn’t expect to find in Nashville: a full-scale replica of the Parthenon. Yep, smack dab in the middle of Centennial Park, this ancient Greek masterpiece stands tall, and it’s as cool as it sounds. Built in 1897 for Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition, it’s now the centerpiece of Nashville’s favorite green space.
The 132-acre park is perfect for picnics, lazy afternoons, or just soaking in the vibe. The reflection pool is a must-see, especially at sunset when the Parthenon glows in golden light. The park is open daily, but the Parthenon’s indoor exhibits are Tuesday through Sunday (with a small admission fee).
You can drop by early in the morning to avoid crowds or at sunset for the golden hour. But if you’re ok with watching it from afar, which is still an awesome view, there’s a hop-on hop-off trolley going through Nashville’s attractions that make it easier to explore.
See the Homes of the Country’s Biggest Stars
Ok, this might be controversial, but if you’re already in Nashville, might as well, right? This is actually a very popular activity in Nashville. If you ever want to see the homes (and maybe indulge in a little gossip, hmm?), that’s where the Homes of the Stars Tour comes in.
This tour is your backstage pass to the swanky neighborhoods of sprawling mansions, gated estates, and maybe even a celebrity sighting if you’re lucky. You’ll drive past the homes of legends like Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, and Taylor Swift (yes, that Taylor Swift).
Your guide will spill all the tea on the stars’ lives, careers, and maybe even a few juicy Nashville secrets. It’s like a mix of a sightseeing tour and a celebrity gossip session.
Bonus: Take a Day Trip
Jack Daniel’s Distillery & Whiskey Tastings
Alright, whiskey lovers, this one’s for you. If you’re in Nashville and haven’t made the trip to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, what are you even doing? Get on a bus tour to Lynchburg, Tennessee, where the world’s most famous whiskey is made to complete your trip.
In this guided bus tour, you’ll hop on a comfortable bus (no need to worry about driving after those tastings) and head to the distillery for a tour. You’d get to learn about Jack Daniel’s history, see how the whiskey is made, and, of course, enjoy a few tastings along the way. Spoiler: it’s smoother than you’d expect. Remember to book in advance, as it’s likely to sell out!
Memphis & Graceland
You’re already in Nashville, and you have extra time to kill? Take a quick day trip to Memphis! Memphis is the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the capital of Blues, and home to some of the best BBQ you’ll ever taste.
To make the most of your time and for maximum convenience, I’d say opt for a guided tour. There’s this Memphis VIP Tour that makes it super easy to experience all of it in one day.
You’ll hit all the highlights: Graceland (Elvis’s iconic home), Sun Studios (where legends like Johnny Cash and Elvis got their start), and even the famous Peabody ducks at the Peabody Hotel. Plus, you’ll get to explore Beale Street and cruise by the Mississippi River.
Book your tickets in advance, and you can then flex that you’ve been in Graceland.
Tips for Exploring Nashville Like a Pro
Alright, let’s talk about how to do Nashville like a local. Because let’s be real, nobody wants to spend their trip stuck in lines or fighting crowds. Here’s how to make the most of your time in Music City:
Get Around Like a Pro
Nashville’s free Music City Circuit bus is a lifesaver. It connects major spots like the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Farmers’ Market, and Bicentennial Park. For longer stays, grab a WeGo bus pass to explore neighborhoods like East Nashville and 12 South.
Rooftop Vibes
For the best views (and Instagram shots), head to rooftop bars like L.A. Jackson at the Thompson Hotel or Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge. Want something quirky? Bobby Hotel’s rooftop igloo is open year-round—yes, even in winter.
Camera Ready
Nashville is basically one big photo op. Don’t miss the “Wings” mural in the Gulch, the Parthenon at golden hour, or the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge at sunset. Trust me, your feed will thank you.
More Things to Do and See (Next Time!)
There’s more to Nashville than all the things here on my list, trust me. If you have the time or you’re coming back, you can check more things off your Nashville bucketlist. You can try having a boat or bus party, view the city via helicopter, or even take a ghost tour if you’re brave enough. There is tons of stuff to try in Music City, but for now, enjoy your first visit and have fun!
