Quick Guide to Music City
A Dozen Things To Do in Nashville
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear Nasvhille? For most, it’s MUSIC… especially country music.
Nashville’s long standing musical heritage earned it the nickname “Music City” and its musical roots trace back long before it was affectionately called that. Back in the 1700s, it was a place to find fiddle players and buck dancing. Then came hymnal publications and evenutally the establisment of the Grand Ole Opry in 1925, which solidified its reputation as the captial of country music. If you’re visiting, here’s a quick list of a dozen things to do in this bustling town allowing you to experience the best it has to offer.
Table of Contents
Best Things to Do in Nashville
Music Row
Music Row - The heart of Nashville’s music industry, home to historic recording studios, record labels, and music publishing houses. Centered around 16th and 17th Avenues South near downtown Nashville, this area is where countless country, rock, and pop hits were recorded.
Lower Broadway & Honky Tonks
Lower Broadway - The “Honky Tonk Highway,” a major downtown street famous for live music, honky-tonk bars, and restaurants. Music pours out of this lively area around the clock, and its neon-lit venues make it the heart of Nashville’s nightlife, especially for first-time visitors. From rooftop bars overlooking the Cumberland River to legendary honky-tonks hosting up-and-coming artists, Broadway offers an unforgettable introduction to Music City, and leaves a lasting impression.
Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium - The original home of the iconic Grand Ole Opry. This legendary venue is often referred to as the “Mother Church of Country Music.” Today, it continues to be one of Nashville’s most celebrated landmarks, offering daytime tours and hosting live music concerts across different genres, not just country.
Grand Ole Opry
Grand Ole Opry - Nashville’s most iconic live music venue and a cornerstone of country music history, showcasing legendary performers alongside up-and-coming artists. Attending a show at the Opry is a rite of passage for music fans, offering a chance to experience the genre’s roots in a live radio broadcast setting. Visitors can also explore the nearby Gaylord Opryland Resort complex, which features restaurants, shops, live music venues, and even an indoor boat ride.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Country Music Hall of Fame - The world’s largest collection of country music history with world class exhibits. Here, you can view over 850 gold and platinum records lining the walls, artifacts, interactive displays, videos, and recordings.
The Parthenon at Centennial Park
The Parthenon - Art museum housed in a full scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece. It is the centerpiece of the stunning 132-acre Centennial Park making it one of Nashville’s most unique attractions. Here, you can also catch some great Fever Candlelight Concerts.
Johnny Cash Museum
Johnny Cash Museum - World’s largest, most comprehensive collection of Cash memorabilia and artifacts dedicated to the life and musical legacy of Johnny Cash. It features an impressive collection of his stage outfits, instruments, handwritten lyrics, photographs and more. Plus, it’s officially endorsed by the legend’s estate.
Frist Art Museum
Frist Art Museum - Art exhibitions which include some of the most prestigious collections in the world as well as interesting and impressive temporary displays.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens - 55-acres of botanical gardens and a historic mansion built in 1929 that showcases its history and world-class artwork. Each year, the estate comes to life with various exhibitions and shows including Cheekwood in Bloom with 100,000 tulips each spring, classic car shows around Father’s Day, enchanted castles that turn the grounds into a fairytale land, Cheekwood Harvest with an explosion of 75,000 pumpkins at Halloween, and an Annual Holiday of Lights show that can’t be beat.
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
Tootsies Orchid Lounge - A famous and historic live music venue on Broadway. It was originally called Mom’s before Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess purchased it in the 60s and it was mistakenly painted orchid purple from which it derived its name. It gained notoriety over the years as a gathering place for famous musicians who were performing at the Ryman.
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage - A historic plantation that was home to 7th President Andrew Jackson. Today, you can tour the Greek Revival style mansion, housing for the enslaved who worked and lived on the estate, and the stunning gardens.
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery - A historic mansion and winery dedicated to perserving the history of Tennessee and its culture. It is also one of the largest thoroughbred farms in the south covering 5,400 acres.
Read More Tennessee Travel Guides
From Bridles to Barrells - How a Famous Thoroughbred Farm Became Nashville’s Oldest Winery - Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
Bolt Farm Treehouse - A Treehouse Unlike Any Other
Escape Your Concrete Jungle for a Secluded Tennessee Treehouse Getaway (Chattanooga)
Coalmont Cabin in Tennessee - My Introduction to Tiny Homes
