Discovering the Charm of Nashville USA Attractions
Nashville is known for its music scene, drawing in country music fans and blues aficionados from around the globe. Still, if your ear for music isn’t strong or you just want a diverse vacation, there are things to do in Nashville beyond square dancing and jazz clubs.
Go to the symphony, nom on some good southern comfort food, and explore your creative side on an art crawl. Nashville tours let you see plenty of Tennessee attractions in just one day, though to truly dig your teeth into the city you should stick around for a while.
Nashville USA Attractions to Explore
Considered by many to be the world’s music capital, Nashville has attracted legends ranging from Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline to Jimi Hendrix. In addition to music, discover delicious Southern cuisine, live entertainment and sprawling parks in Tennessee’s capital city.
Join the audience at the Grand Ole Opry, America’s longest-running radio show. Learn about Nashville’s illustrious entertainment history at the Ryman Auditorium.
Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which celebrates every country music genre, from Cajun to contemporary. Learn about the life and career of one of the city’s most legendary musicians at the Johnny Cash Museum.
Tour the many stately homes across Nashville. Visit the Hermitage, the estate and final resting place of Andrew Jackson, the 7th United States president.
Experience a classic Southern plantation in Belle Meade. Visit the art collection and botanical gardens within the neo-Georgian manor of Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. Tour Fontanel Mansion, the family home of Country Music Hall of Fame member Barbara Mandrell.
Interactive exhibits of the Adventure Science Center arranged around the five senses, outer space and dinosaurs make it a family-friendly destination.
Visit animals and the Grassmere Historic Home and Farm in the Nashville Zoo. In the Lane Motor Museum, see a unique collection of automobiles, trucks and motorcycles.
Admire architecture, art installations and decorative gardens in Centennial Park. Don’t miss the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of one of Greece’s most treasured monuments.
Enjoy Central Tennessee’s scenic beauty in Radnor Lake State Park. See an open-air concert in Riverfront Park, located downtown. Spot some of the hundreds of bird species in the wooded Edwin and Percy Warner Parks. Follow a riverside nature trail in Cumberland Park.
Learn about the state government at the Tennessee State Capitol. At the nearby Tennessee State Museum, understand the history of the South and see an impressive array of artifacts from the Civil War.
Nashville is a friendly city with a fascinating culture. Discover the charms of Music City for yourself.
Unveiling Nashville's Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Attractions Revealed
1. Grand Ole Opry
Beginning in 1925 as a “barn dance,” the Grand Ole Opry is the longest running radio show in American history. The two-hour program is broadcast live on Friday and Saturday nights, and on Tuesday nights March through December.
Each show features a number of artists, from country music legends to budding artists, performing bluegrass, gospel, folk and country.
2. Broadway
There’s never a quiet moment on Nashville’s Broadway, whose famous bars and cultural institutions keep the party going all day and all night.
Affectionately referred to as the Honky Tonk Highway, the bars and clubs here are defined by the presence of live music, long hours, and a lack of cover charges.
With a musical culture that encourages big stars and unknown acts alike to hit the stage, no matter how small, that means that bar-hopping is the way to go. There’s more than parties though, with the Frist Art Museum and other places offering respite from crowds and noise.
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CLICK HERE TO BOOK HOTEL3. Bridgestone Arena
Bridgestone Arena may just be one of the most convenient urban stadiums in America, sited right near most of Nashville’s biggest attractions.
That means it’s easy to slip in a hockey game on a whirlwind tour of the city, or hit the bars of Lower Broad after catching a sold-out stadium concert.
Come to see some of the biggest acts in folk and country, like Mumford & Sons or Kasey Musgraves, or get a completely new perspective on the human body with the death-defying feats of Cirque du Soleil.
4. Music City Center
Opened in 2013, the Music City Center aims to be one of the most convenient convention centers in the United States.
Created by an Atlanta-based firm, TVS design, in partnership with the Nashville-based Tuck Hinton Architects, the center harkens to the classic Nashville look while being thoroughly modern and definitely eco-friendly.
Stop by its central location, in an area that was, until the 1950s, nicknamed Black Bottom for its periodic floods, just to appreciate the sheer size of the building.
Spreading out over 2.1 million square feet (195,000 square meters), it is no surprise it has quickly become the city’s biggest spot for conventions and celebrations of all sorts.
5. Ryman Auditorium
Delve into over 100 years of entertainment history in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium. Browse museum exhibits, peak inside the dressing rooms and cut your own record in the recording studio.
Watch performances by both emerging and internationally famous artists, ranging from bluegrass and country to hip-hop and soul genres.
6. Opryland Hotel Gardens
The Opryland Hotel Gardens is an exceptional set of indoor gardens filled with fountains, waterfalls and canals. Beneath a glass ceiling, the leafy gardens stretch across 9 acres (4 hectares) of grounds overlooked by hotel rooms.
Enjoy a meal on the elegant terrace of a restaurant near the water on your visit to the beautiful Opryland Hotel Gardens.
7. Nashville Zoo
Established in 1996, Nashville Zoo is relatively young compared to other major zoological gardens in the USA. What the zoo lacks in years, it makes up for in species diversity and community engagement.
The centerpiece of this ever-expanding zoo is the nationally registered Grassmere Historic Farm and Home.
8.Vanderbilt University
Take a campus tour or just explore the area around Vanderbilt University, a top university in Nashville. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you’re in the area.
9.Nissan Stadium
Catch an event at Nissan Stadium during your trip to Nashville. Experience the acclaimed art scene or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
10.Downtown Nashville
Sounds of country and honky-tonk resonate around the streets of Music City. Watch a show, attend a hockey match and walk in the footsteps of U.S. presidents.
11.East Nashville
The great bars and great live music are top of the list for many visitors to East Nashville. A stop by Nissan Stadium or Cumberland River might round out your trip.
12.South Nashville
A large inland fort from the U.S. Civil War and one of the country’s leading collections of European cars make this a great area to visit in Nashville.
13. SoBro
While visiting SoBro, you might make a stop by sights like Bridgestone Arena and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
What to do in Nashville
Free Things to Do in Nashville
Some say the best things in life are free. Make sure you explore the following around Nashville:
- Tennessee State University - Be wowed by the design and originality of this fantastic example of modern architecture.
- Tennessee State Capitol - If you want to explore the region's history through its landmarks, add this one to your sightseeing list.
- Marathon Village - Stop for a while in this lively area and experience life as a local resident.
- Nashville Public Library - If you'd like to explore a few of the more important or unique places in the community, this place is worth visiting.
- Upper Room - Stop for some quiet contemplation and discover a few things about this site's religious significance.
- Legislative Plaza - Develop your green thumb and enjoy admiring the various plants on display.
Areas & Neighborhoods in Nashville
While the rhythm of the city might be universally musical, nearly any type of traveler can feel right at home in Nashville. The neighborhoods in Music City are more diverse than you might expect, serving up everything from rich history to modern cuisine.
Downtown Nashville
The downtown district marries high-end hotels with laid-back music venues. Anyone headed to Nashville with a tune in their heart will want to make a beeline for this district.
You will also find the Tennessee Performing Arts Center downtown, as well as the Tennessee State Museum.
Germantown
History buffs will find Germantown to be one of the best things to see in Nashville, since it’s the oldest neighborhood in town. This area also happens to boast many Victorian homes and other important buildings.
Midtown
Stretching across Broadway and Division Street, Midtown lives up to its name and puts you in the center of many vibrant Nashville hot spots. Grab lunch at a crab shack, dinner at a New York-style pizza joint, or dance the night away at a club with live music.
Music Valley
Don’t forget to make a stop in Music Valley, where some of the most quintessential things to do in Nashville, TN reside. From the Gaylord Opryland Resort to fun dinner theater, this part of the city is hopping.
Things to See in Nashville
Get your camera ready, because there are lots of sights worth a shot or two in Nashville. On the architecture front, the Belle Meade Plantation and Parthenon replica are very eye-catching.
You can also see a lion’s share of Johnny Cash memorabilia at the Johnny Cash Museum. Of course, art and culture in Nashville won’t be ignored, so set aside time for local galleries.
Sightseeing in Nashville
Once you have enough pictures to fill out your scrapbook entry, it’s time to think about putting your boots on the ground in Music City.
Visit the Grand Ole Opry, grab yourself some sweet tea and biscuits with gravy, and spend a lazy afternoon in the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
Visitors also flock to honky tonks and sports bars to unwind. Fun things to do in Nashville also include visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Jack Daniel Distillery. You have an eclectic array of attractions and activities at your disposal in this city.
Things to Do in Nashville with Kids
Nashville is a great place for a family break. Bring the little ones along and enjoy these fun family friendly experiences together:
- Zipline Forest at Nashville North
- The Nashville Dash Scavenger Hunt
- Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum Admission Ticket in Nashville
- Belmont Mansion Admission Ticket in Nashville
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Nashville depends on your priorities. The weather is at its most pleasant in spring and fall, and prices for accommodations may be lower then, too.
However, the peak season of summer sees the city come alive with a range of festivals and cultural events worth braving the heat for. Just make sure you come prepared for sizzling temperatures, sometimes even as high as 90 F (32 C).
