63 Fun Things to Do in Nashville

Nashville is known worldwide for its streets enlivened by live music. This city proudly represents its musical evolution through many genres and influences. The festive and authentic atmosphere is its hallmark.

On the other hand, it is home to interesting attractions that preserve the history of the United States. The combination of history and musical heritage makes it a very authentic and special city. Can it get any better? Yes! You will taste the most delicious southern food.

Downtown Nashville has a lot to offer. For starters, it's the heart of music, from authentic honky tonk to lively country. The streets of Nashville are characterized by a diversity of music bars and a renowned international cuisine.

There are many interesting corners of the city, places with history and famous legends to know. How to cover and know so much? Explore its colorful streets and boulevards on foot with one of the tours led by an expert guide. After the experience you will know much more about the city.

One of the attractions that most represents the city is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which offers a journey through the music of this genre. It takes in the beginnings of Honky Tonk in the 1960s, through Hillbilly to Country, a genre steeped in tradition and identity.

To know the music is to know the history, in the case of Nashville more than ever. The Country Music Hall of Fame is a very visual, dynamic and entertaining museum that you will undoubtedly enjoy even if you are not a country music fan. You can learn more about cultural visits in the city in our post about the best museums in Nashville.

I'm sure you're familiar with the Jack Daniels brand and its iconic bottle. Did you know that this drink was first produced in 1866? The distillery is located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, a small town near Nashville.

Well known, this historic distillery attracts onlookers from all over the world. The unique building and its history make it a very interesting visit, even for non-whiskey lovers. It is best to see it through a tour to soak up all the details. There is a lot to learn about its history.

Something that does not leave indifferent when visiting Nashville is the Cumberland River, which runs through the city. On its banks is Memphis, which is the city that houses Graceland, the spectacular mansion where Elvis lived.

Did you know that Graceland is the most popular house after the White House? Converted into a house museum, you can see the iconic costumes of Elvis, his jewelry, personal items ... A very entertaining and interesting visit, do not miss it! It can only be visited by reservation.

Did you know that Music Row is home to most of Nashville's recording studios? The area is bustling with 1960's style and, along with the Johnny Cash Museum, is one of Nashville's great music-related attractions.

Located in the southwest, Music Row is a must-see historic district. The best way to visit it is with a guided tour aboard a golf cart, a fun and comfortable experience in which you will know the area in detail. A great plan if you are traveling to Nashville with children.

RCA Studio B is a historic music recording studio. Active since the 1950s, it recorded greats such as Jonny Cash, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Jerry Lee Lewis and more. A modest but very special studio where you can feel the energy of these great figures of music.

An essential visit to share the space where these great stars were once. Want more? Combine it with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame with this tour and have a complete musical day.

Nashville has several neighborhoods with unique personalities Did you know there is a German neighborhood? It's called Germantown and is named after the German immigrants who arrived around the 1950's. It's now a very cool neighborhood known for its stores and restaurants.

Another neighborhood is Marathon Village, a hidden gem full of surprises. You can find lots of unique and quaint specialty stores. Would you like to get to know the streets of these neighborhoods and more? One idea is to do it on a guided bike tour.

Nashville is home to important historic buildings and monuments, all of imposing size. You can see the Parthenon, which is an impressive recreation of the Greek Parthenon. Of course, there is the Capitol, a grand building full of legends, also in the Greek style. Also, not to be missed, the Nashboro Fort, the ancient settlement of the city.

Other monuments at the height of these are those related to music: the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall, great emblems of the city. The best way to find out everything is to dedicate a day to visit these monuments with a guided tour so you don't miss anything.

The Cumberland River is a large river that measures 1,107 km and runs through Kentucky and Tennessee. It is a major player in Nashville from which there are beautiful views of the city. Several bridges cross it and boats and cruise ships pass through it daily.

Navigating it is not only practical but also a fun experience as there are lots of thematic and gastronomic tours. If you decide, I propose you a unique tour aboard the General Jackson, a beautiful and very elegant vintage ship.

When we think of famous actors and actresses in the United States, most likely the name Hollywood comes to mind, right?

Well... Surprise! Nashville is not only home to the homes of singers, but also of well-known actors. A unique opportunity to gossip, visit and admire the homes of celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift and more. How do you know where these homes are and their secrets? It is best to book a guided tour, you will not miss anything.

By now you have probably realized how many attractions, neighborhoods and points of interest the city of Nashville has to offer: Lower Broadway, the part famous for honky tonk bars, Music Row, the Johnny Cash Museum, the Parthenon... And much more!

A very simple way that allows you to see many interesting places in one day is to do it from the tour bus. You will know the best of the city comfortably and you can get on and off as many times as you want. Here is more information about the best bus tours in Nashville.

In Nashville art will enter through the ears with its music, but also through the eyes. Its streets are full of the most photographable and internationally recognized murals. Psychedelic, realistic, abstract, fun and much more. Have your camera ready!

You can see these murals in Downtown, 12th South, Charlotte Corridor... Although if you want to see the best ones and know the story behind each one I recommend you do it on a guided tour and find out everything.

Nashville is all about the senses, it is a super stimulating city: you will recognize it by the music, its colorful streets and of course through taste. Its gastronomic offer will surprise you. An opportunity to get to know Southern food and much more. Country Ham, Mac 'n Cheese, fried chicken, barbecue, pickles, sweet potato garnish... These are just some of its specialties.

The best places to go are undoubtedly where the locals go. For this, the best thing to do is to be guided by a guide and stop at the best local restaurants while seeing interesting points of the city and learning about it.

We've all seen a lot of movies and it seems like the most impromptu and crazy parties happen in America. You'll see that people in Nashville are super fun and open-minded, of course! Streets and streets of music bars help with that.

Would you like to do something crazy like in an American sitcom? Sign up for this party with music and drinks towed by a tractor through the city. The laughs are guaranteed!

Nashville, also called the Music City, is known for its year-round live music bars. That's why it also hosts major musical events and concerts of international artists playing at Ascend Amphitheater, Bridgestone Arena and other impressive venues worth visiting.

Knowing the corners of Nashville is an ambitious task, I won't lie to you... There is so much to see...! To preserve your energy a great idea is to move around on a segway. Have you tried it? It is very easy and fun. I propose you to take a guided tour that will explain and show you the essential places of the city.

To get the full experience of the city, you have to experience the night from Nashville's iconic bars. Do you know Printers Alley? It's a very quaint alley where there are a bunch of these bars. Entering them is like a trip back in time where you will go back several decades and experience the real American-style party.

Besides Printers Alley there are other less visited areas with their quirks and stories. If you don't know where to start you can sign up for this pub crawl. It will take you to the best corners and you will learn the anecdotes of each one. Alcohol included, only for people over 21 years old!

Afternoons and evenings in Nashville are very lively, not only because of the live music venues but also because of the comedians who perform in the famous Stand Up Comedy bars, which in the United States is practically a culture.

If you want to spend a hilarious night that brings together both music and humor, I encourage you to get on this bus that will offer you a country music show full of jokes where you can also sing along with them if you feel like it.

Did you know that the Ryman Auditorium was originally a church where gospel music was sung? Shortly after it was built, a major radio station began broadcasting a country channel from there and from then on its fame began to grow.

There is much more to know about the auditorium: stories, people who have passed through there, anecdotes... The best thing to do is to know it first hand from its spectacular interior with an expert guide who will tell you everything.

What city doesn't have some unsolved mystery, historical crime or ghost stories? Nashville is no less. In its historic sites there are both real anecdotes and legends that will fill you with curiosity, make your hair stand on end and others will make you laugh.

One of these haunted places is the State Capitol itself. Want to know what it hides? You can only find out on one of Nashville' s ghost tours with an expert guide. Plus, you'll learn history and trivia - recommended for families!

North of the music city and only 15 minutes away by car, is Whites Creek Valley of Nashville, a beautiful green region with huge forests. It is an ideal area to visit with children and admire this valley. If you go in autumn you will see it in shades of orange and yellow.

To have a good time in this area, I propose an alternative way to experience it, with a touch of adrenaline. Get on the well-known Fontanel zip line and cross the valley. You will enjoy the views of the forest like never before. If you go with your family, do not hesitate, both children and adults will have a great time.

Most of us love to see a city from above. Nashville is really special, even Bob Dylan dedicated a song to it: Nashville Skyline. Its green areas, the Cumberland River and the skyscrapers form an impressive postcard.

Can you imagine doing it from a helicopter? You will be able to see the emblematic points of the city with that touch of adrenaline that flying brings. Book a helicopter tour, a highly recommended experience.

Belle Meade is a mansion that together with its surroundings is a very interesting historical site. In this place, in 1807, there was a plantation where African Americans worked as slaves.

This place, now converted into a historic site and winery, offers a tour called Journey to Jubilee that tells this bloody story that goes from slavery to liberation. It's worth getting to know it with this guided tour, it won't leave you indifferent.

As you can imagine, a city with as many bars as Nashville also has a large number of breweries and distilleries. When you know the history and production of the beverage you drink, it seems to taste even better.

To visit the most iconic breweries and distilleries, it is best to do it with an experienced guide who will tell you everything aboard a golf cart. Along the way you will also see some of the city's most beautiful murals.

Although the bars are lively almost from the afternoon on, it's after dark that the colors and lights of Nashville come out. The monuments and historical sites also look special at night.

For this reason, you will like to take a tour on a traditional-looking trolley bus from which you can take a guided tour of the best places at night. The guide will explain all the details of the most iconic places.

Music cannot be conceived without the African American influence: gospel, jazz, blues, soul, R & B, rock, rap... History and music go hand in hand and each genre has an era of reference. The National Museum of African American Music explains the evolution of African American music from 1800 to the present day.

It is a very interactive museum so you can, if you wish, play and sing along. Here you will see and hear through projections, objects, clothing and more, the evolution of the many genres of African American music. Whether you are a music lover or not, you will love this guided tour.

Imagine an orange desert terrain with hills. In the distance you see a cloud of dust approaching accompanied by a powerful engine sound - it's a monster truck! When we think of America, this spectacular vehicle seems to fit right in.

Can you think of a more American experience than visiting Nashville in one? It certainly sounds like a unique experience. Driven by an expert guide, he will take you around the must-see areas of the city and explain everything there is to know.

You may not have heard of the Nashville Zoo, but it's pretty special. It is striking how well kept it is and the animals live in environments recreated as close as possible to their natural habitat. In general it is a very well valued zoo.

It also offers attractions such as a zip line, merry-go-round and educational activities to learn more about the species that live there. Are you traveling with children? Don't miss it and get in without waiting in line to make the most of the day.

The Cumberland River is one of the longest rivers in the United States, with 1106 kilometers and runs through 2 states: Kentucky and Tennessee. Settlers and hunters navigated this river to reach the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Nashville was founded and grew on the banks of this imposing flow.

At its widest point it is over a mile wide, which makes it navigable and so boats of all sizes can be seen daily plying it and even cruise ships. Would you like to navigate it and see Nashville from it? As easy as renting a kayak and have a great time.

Glen Campbell is another famous person who was born in a poor neighborhood in Nashville. He was an entertainer, actor, songwriter and country and pop singer. Author of great hits such as Rhinestone Cowboy and composer of the main theme of the movie True Grit, he is very loved in the United States.

For these reasons there is a museum dedicated to him collecting a trajectory of personal objects, instruments, costumes and even more. Don't miss it!

In Nashville there are several very interesting shopping spots, and not just for anything: second hand items, antiques, collectibles, specialty items and of course, clothing stores where you can get a good country outfit.

These streets are all over the city and some are more hidden than others. Would you like to visit the most beautiful and interesting ones? Take a specialized tour that will take you on a trolley to the best spots and along the way you will see some of the iconic murals.

Country is an upbeat and catchy music that is not danced alone or in pairs. It is danced in a group, forming a line of people following the same steps, so there is no risk of stepping on your dance partner's feet! A relaxed and simple way in which it is easy to have fun and socialize. That's what country dancing is all about.

Would you like to know how to dance it? It is one of the most recommended dances for beginners as it is easy to learn. Have fun and live it from the inside out with a class to learn how to dance it. You'll love it!

The Cumberland River is that great river that runs through Nashville and with the skyscrapers in the background forms that beautiful picture. Every day, hundreds of boats of all kinds pass through this river, which is very quiet and also offers beautiful views of the city.

If you are sporty or just like physical activity, I recommend an activity you can not miss: paddle surfing on the river. It is best to go with a guide who will also explain everything you see. Great to do with the family!

In the United States in general, they tend to offer more and bigger. This applies to its impressive geography as well as buildings, avenues, vehicles and of course: food. In the United States they are specialists in size and quality.

In this particular case I am referring to donuts. You will see them like never before, stuffed, with toppings, in shapes and flavors you have never tried before. They are very new and there are a lot of specialized stores in the city. Do you want to know the best ones? You can take an irresistible donut tour.

Nashville is all about food and there are many restaurants and food stands from all over the world but especially the local, southern food. There are three flavors that stand out: barbecue, beer and bourbon.

The gastronomy is to know the place and its customs and it is worth trying what is recommended. If you are one of those who enjoy food I recommend one of the gastronomic tours of the city in which you will be taken to the best places to taste barbecue, beer and bourbon in a way you have not done before.

The music city has a strong historical heritage that they have fought to preserve and that can be seen in city landmarks such as the Ryman Auditorium, Belle Meade, the State Capitol and many more.

One place worth noting from this list is the Belmont Mansion. This spectacular mansion was built before the Civil War and is steeped in history and interesting facts. You can visit it and learn the history that went along with it on a guided tour that will amaze you.

Water is seen in practically every postcard of Nashville and this is due to the spectacular river that crosses it: the Cumberland. Did you know that you could cross two states if you fly over the entire river? This river is used for boating and water sports activities.

If you are attracted to adventure you have the opportunity to try Flyboarding, it is a board that propels you and makes you fly. There is a section of the quiet river to do this and without a doubt it will give you exciting sensations. Do you dare?

Hard Rock Café started in 1971. The first restaurant was opened in London. Since then it started to grow and now exists in all major cities around the world. Its decoration appeals to music lovers and photographers, and they say the food is not bad either!

Each one has its own collection of instruments and details and as you might have guessed, the one in Nashville stands out. Do you want to visit it and eat some good ribs among the most famous album covers and guitars? Book your table!

Did you know that there was gold in the mountains of California? In 1849 there was a gold rush and people from all over the world went to the rivers of California to look for gold. Although it is no longer there, it is said that some people still go looking for it.

Are you good at solving mysteries and looking for clues? You have an Escape Room that will give you the opportunity to play the game of finding the gold in the Golden Hills in addition to solving other tests. Have fun with your family or friends and solve the mystery.

Do you know biscuits & gravy? It's a popular savory breakfast in Southern cooking. The breakfasts are quite varied and there are both savory and sweet, to suit all tastes. It's the most important meal of the day!

If you would like to not only taste a good southern breakfast but also learn how to cook it, take this experience with you so you can make it at home whenever you want. Take a cooking class where you'll learn anecdotes, recipes and leave with a full stomach.

Near Nashville, there's Arrington Vineyards, which are vineyards in a beautiful rural setting. Whether you are a wine lover or not you will enjoy this visit as the location and surroundings are something very different from the city.

If you feel like visiting these vineyards accompanied by live music and spending a quiet day surrounded by nature, I recommend this tour that will take you there and explain everything about this place.

Belle Meade is not just any winery. It is a historic complex dating from 1807 that consists of a spectacular mansion, its gardens and winery. In its plantations, at the beginning, slaves worked. This is documented in different ways in the mansion, which now functions as a museum and winery.

If you would like to know more about this mansion and its history and also taste its wines, I recommend this tour. You can have a guided tour inside, explore the surroundings and have a tasting.

Many places in Nashville were destroyed in the Civil War and faithfully rebuilt afterwards. Years later the city prospered and today the city has done much to preserve moments from that era.

You can learn a lot about the American Civil War by visiting places like the Lotz House and the Carter House, both historic sites. If you want to learn more details, it's best to have an expert guide explain it all to you - you'll be left open-mouthed!

Nashville is a great city with many attractions to offer besides music. At the Lane Motor Museum there is a huge collection of cars. In it, you can see models from all over the world throughout history in addition to books and pieces of art related to the world of motoring. But this collection also stands out for having the most extravagant, rare and unique cars.

It is located in Woodycrest, a neighborhood south of Nashville. Visit Lane Motor Museum for an interesting experience, recommended for a family trip!

Memphis is a city southwest of Nashville, also on the banks of the Cumberland River. It is worth a visit for its proximity and for a musical tradition very similar to that of Nashville.

Its streets are very lively and colorful, with many murals. As for its gastronomy, the restaurant The Four Way, the most famous of Memphis,stands out for its history and tradition. Another reason to visit this city is Graceland, the mansion where Elvis lived, which is now a museum.

In Nashville there is a lot of taste for antiques and this is noticeable in its stores and markets. In addition to clothing and antiques there are stalls to eat something to eat and live music. In this market you can find the most extravagant objects.

Stop by to enjoy the local atmosphere. Sometimes there are special activities, such as Christmas or evening events. If you go, check their schedule here

The Nashville Parthenon was initially built for an exhibition as a temporary exhibit. It is a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon. It was so spectacular that they reinforced its structure and today its impressive dimensions and realism attracts many visitors.

It is located very close to downtown so you can easily include it in one of your walking tours. Don't miss its illumination at night!

Grand Ole Opry is the first country music show in the United States. It is broadcast once a week from a theater in Opryland. It has become so important that each broadcast is a renowned ticketed show.

If you would like to attend or visit the theater, which by the way is impressive, you can reserve your tickets. Advance booking is recommended. The show is guaranteed!

In the United States, you get the impression that everything is bigger. This is also true for the caves in Mammoth Cave National Park. It is the largest cave system ever discovered.

Both the environment and the caves are worth a visit. They are located in Kentucky, about an hour and a half drive from Nashville. If you are interested in this plan, perfect to do with kids, you can book your tickets here.

This mansion belonged to the 7th president of the United States, Andrew Jackson, nicknamed "the people's president". In this historic complex you can see not only the magnificent mansion but more than 20 buildings of the time as well as his and his wife's tomb.

He was a very charismatic president with a curious history. If you want to know more you can book different tours. There are historical tours, ghost tours, wine tasting and more.

Very close to the center is a very different museum. It is the science museum for children. It is made to interact, touch and experiment. With simulators, projections and experiments the objective is to learn about the body, space and science.

Are you going with children? Take the opportunity to do this activity together. The older ones will have fun too. Book your tickets here

The Dukes of Hazzard was an American television series that aired in the 1970s and 1980s, known in Spain as El Sheriff Chiflado. The series was so iconic that there are several museums about it in the United States, one of them in Nashville.

There you can walk through the sets of the series, buy souvenirs and especially see the exhibition of the cars that were used in the filming. Book your visit here

Located in the heart of downtown and next to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Bridgestone Arena is a large multi-purpose complex that continuously hosts sporting and musical events.

If you're a basketball or field hockey fan, you can catch a game at this great stadium. I'm sure you've seen it in movies, but experiencing a game in the United States is a very exciting and fun experience. Book your tickets here

This contemporary art museum is housed in what used to be the old art deco post office building. Located in the center, the beautiful building alone is worth the visit.

A curiosity of this museum is that it has no permanent collection. Its exhibitions, always of contemporary art, are changing. Before your visit, check the program here.

Nashville has a lot of points of interest, on the one hand its historical buildings such as the Parthenon, the Capitol, the Nashboro Fort and on the other hand a lot of references to music such as its bars and museums. In short, there is a lot to see and experience in downtown alone.

If you want a super fun way to get to know all that plus a lot of surprises, sign up for a gymkhana, there are all kinds, you will learn about the city and have fun!

Hatch Show Print is a print shop that has been in business since 1879 and has produced iconic posters. Record covers and posters have always accompanied the evolution of music. You can see printed material from Elvis to The Black Keys through many others with their characteristic retro style.

It's an interesting visit as well as a great opportunity to purchase souvenirs for yourself or to give as gifts from your favorite bands. Here you can book a tour for Hatch Show Print.

Madame Tussaud was a wax sculptor who recreated important scenes of her time. Nashville's wax museum is named in her honor and today is considered one of the most important in the world - not surprisingly, it contains the world's largest collection of wax figures.

In addition to the characters, there are recreations of scenarios in which you will take the most incredible selfies. You may have already guessed it, it is dedicated to the musical artists of all times, so book a visit and don't miss it! More information here

In a city with so many stars, a walk of fame could not be missing. It is located in the Walk of Fame Park, next to Bridgestone Stadium, in the heart of downtown. Strolling through this beautiful park, you will find something similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where dozens of celebrities are paid tribute to.

Be sure to visit it and take pictures with your favorite characters. More information here

Nashville is a very genuine city that likes to honor traditions. One such example is the city's Farmer's Market, which has been active since 1837. The citizens of Nashville shop here for quality fruits, vegetables and artisan products.

Today there are also local food restaurants where, among other specialties, you can try Johnnycakes, cornmeal pancakes. If you visit the market you will see that in addition to selling products there are events and small exhibitions.

If you want to know more, you have more information here

This prison, currently closed, has a spectacular facade that has served as a set for several movies, such as the Green Mile. It was a maximum security prison that was closed in 1992.

Today you can't visit inside but it's worth a visit to see the building and learn a little more about its controversial history.

Fannie Mae Dees Park is known as Dragon Park as it has colorful dragon sculptures throughout the park. It is located at 2400 Blakemore Avenue and is a phenomenal place to visit with kids as it has swings. You can also sit on the grass and have a picnic at one of the picnic tables.

This church is considered one of the historical points of the city. Noted for its Neo-Egyptian style architecture, it was destroyed on several occasions and the one you can see now was built in 1848.

Its interior, with high ceilings, large stained glass windows and a striking red floor, will surprise you. It houses an art gallery and there are often educational and musical events. You can check their program of activities here.

Naville has a beautiful aerial view thanks to the huge river that runs through the center and its colorful streets and buildings. Did you know that from above you can see a large peace symbol in a green area? It is located southeast of the airport.

One way to fly over Nashville and enjoy its skyline in a different way is with a balloon ride. It will certainly be a memorable experience. Perfect to celebrate an anniversary, birthday or treat yourself.

Nashville is the birthplace of country music and for that reason there are several very important museums dedicated to the music. Some of the ones you should not miss are: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Johnny Cash Museum or the RCA Studio B.

On the other hand, another very entertaining visit is the wax museum, where you can see, among others, replicas of Elvis, Taylor Swift and Johnny Cash.

In between museums you should of course visit a distillery, there is so much to do! To optimize your time, I recommend this fun pass, in which you can visit all these attractions and museums and you will not miss anything.

Another of the city's tourist passes that might interest you and that includes up to 30 attractions is the Nashville City Pass.

You already know all the plans that the city of Nashville offers to those interested in visiting the city. Although most of them can be enjoyed throughout the year, it is true that depending on the weather, festivals or activities of each date there are some more recommended than others. Therefore, we select in the following posts the best things to do and see depending on the time of year:

• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in January
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in February
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in April
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in June
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in July
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in August
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in September
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in October
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in November
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in December

Or maybe you decide to visit the American city in winter and discover the many things to do in the off-season or, why not, discover the capital of Tennessee at Christmas time and live like an American the illusion of Christmas.

Finally, for those who like to optimize time and plan everything to perfection, we have prepared these travel guides that will help you better organize your trip to Nashville.

• What to see and do in Nashville in 1 day
• What to see and do in Nashville in 2 days
• What to see and do in Nashville in 3 days