From Live Music to Local Whiskey, Nashville Delivers Big on Vibes, Flavor, and Rhythm
All recommendations on World Wild Schooling are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through our links.
The best things to do in Nashville, Tennessee, include visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame or the Grand Ol Opray. Besides music, there are tons of outdoor activities and historical places to see.
Nashville is one of the world’s top hubs for music and entertainment. It also has a booming food scene. Two establishments made the New York Times 50 Best Restaurants in the US list.
Over 16 million people visit Nashville annually. It is considered one of America’s music capitals. It’s also the home of Nashville Hot Chicken, a popular and spicy local cuisine.
We analyzed Google reviews, personal experiences, and local recommendations to make the ultimate list of things to do in this amazing city. Below are the 12 top things to see and experience in Nashville, Tennessee.
Swipe and Vote: See What Travelers Recommend
So you’ve landed in Nashville—what’s the first thing you do before you inevitably end up eating too much hot chicken?
This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.
© Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons CC BY SA 4.0
© dconvertini_Flickr / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 2.0
© Ruslan Mitin / Adobe Stock
© Pilipphoto / Adobe Stock
© Take Production / Adobe Stock
Results
1
2
3
4
5
🎧 Listen Instead: Your Article in Podcast
Enjoy this article in podcast form—perfect for staying informed or listening on the go.
Highlights at a Glance
See the Grand Ol Opry
The Grand Ol Opry is a destination full of history. It’s one of the longest-running radio shows on the planet. Since 1925, it’s been the home of Country Music.
When you visit, you can see some of the genre’s biggest stars. The shows attract huge crowds, upwards of 250,000 a year.
Book your tickets early so you get the prime seats right up in front. Even if you don’t like Country Music, you’ll love a show or two at the Grand Ol Opry.
Read also: Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About the USA
Experience Music History at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM)
The National Museum of African American Music is one of the only museums in the world dedicated entirely to African American Music. Jazz, Blues, Rock and roll, Hip Hop, and several other genres are represented here. Each one was invented by African Americans.
Since opening in 2021, it’s become the center for honoring American music’s pioneers. You’ll experience several stories all in one museum. From Mo-town to the Deep South and all the way to California and beyond, music history is on full display.
You’ll travel through the ages and experience the evolution of American music, from Chuck Barry to Beyonce. For music fans of all genres, it’s hard to top this fantastic destination.
Read also: Surreal Places You Won’t Believe Are in the US
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the perfect place for history lovers and music fans to meet. You’ll see everything from Elvis Presley’s guitars to Willy Nelson’s ponytail—or so we’ve heard.
The museum houses tons of interactive exhibits that take you through the history of Nashville’s famous genre. You’ll see costumes and stagewear from stars like Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn.
The museum hosts special events such as live performances and lectures by musicians. Buy your tickets early and enjoy the show.
Read also: Unique US Museums
Relax in Centennial Park
Centennial Park is one of Nashville’s top green spaces and community hangouts. The 132-acre park was established in 1897.
Besides the green spaces, the first thing you’ll see is a life-size recreation of the Greek Parthenon. The concrete structure was built in 1931 and is now one of Nashville’s most visited structures.
Besides the architecture, you’ll see tons of wildlife, plants, trees, and a popular art center. Set aside several hours to enjoy this popular green space. Trust me, you’ll need it!
Read also: Greenest Cities in the US
Try the City’s Whiskey
Whiskey is one of Nashville’s hottest exports. Names such as Jack Daniels are globally recognized.
For the ultimate whiskey experience, take the tour from Tennessee Whiskey Tours. You’ll travel to distilleries and learn about the spirit’s history.
Craft distilleries have been popping up all over the state, with Nashville being the center. In the city are popular names such as Leiper’s Fork Distillery and Pennington Distilling Co.
Read also: US Cities Take Luxury to a Whole New Level
See the Johnny Cash Museum
The Johnny Cash Museum is one of the city’s most popular museums. It’s dedicated to one of Country Music’s most famous singers. It’s so beloved that USA Today voted it the best music museum in America in 2023 and 2024.
Save this
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.
Inside, you’ll travel through exhibits showcasing his often turbulent life. His original guitars, rare photos, personal items, and costumes are on display.
You’ll see his hit album collection and learn what his music meant to people, from prisoners to fellow artists. After your visit, you can buy rare memorabilia, shirts, and collector’s items.
Read also: Most Beautiful Neighborhoods in the US
Go Food Hunting at the Nashville Farmers Market
The Nashville Farmers Market is one of the best places to enjoy local produce, such as Tennessee apples and peaches. You’ll see homemade baked goods like pies and other artisanal products.
Several magazines, such as the New York Times, have featured the Nashville Farmers Market. It’s become one of the city’s top destinations for locals and tourists. This is because it keeps its local vibes regardless of the good publicity.
Visit the market in the morning to get the best deals and try the freshest items. Inside the market are restaurants and shops. You can easily spend the entire day here.
Read also: Weekend Getaways on the East Coast
Check out the Nashville Zoo
The Nashville Zoo is a destination where you’ll see endangered wildlife like Andean bears and Sumatran Tigers. It has hundreds of animals and a dedicated staff of expert zoologists, keepers, and conservationists.
Take your time to enjoy the animal enclosures. You’ll learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts along the way.
In winter, the zoo becomes one of the best places in the city to enjoy holiday lights. It also has a thrilling zip line that takes you over the park and animal enclosures.
Read also: Most Expensive Destinations in the US
Stroll Along the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
The historic John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge connects downtown to East Nashville. Now a pedestrian-only bridge, it was built in 1907 as an industrial route.
Today, you can walk the bridge and enjoy some of the best views of the city. It’s popular for locals to walk it during the sunrise and sunset.
Nearby are dozens of top restaurants and food trucks. You’ll also be able to get off the bridge and go shopping along Market Street Mercantile.
Read also: Safest Big Cities in the US
Drive and Party at the Honky Tonk Highway
The Honky Tonk Highway is like the Sunset Strip of Nashville. It has dozens of historical bars and nightclubs where you can check out live music. You’ll experience everything from Country to Hip Hop.
Known for its neon-lit Honky Tonk bars, the street feels like a living museum. This is where performers such as Johnny Cash would perform to get their start.
Visit during the day and see a more tame side, or at night for full-on party central. Don’t miss seeing the historic Second Fiddle, one of Nashville’s most famous Honky Tonks.
Read also: Must-Visit American National Monuments
Enjoy the City’s Cuisine
Food is a Nashville specialty. We’re talking about fine dining and home-style meals. First off, you can’t come to Nashville without trying Nashville Hot Chicken. This dish goes back hundreds of years but was popularized by the legendary Prince’s Hot Chicken.
Besides this classic dish, Nashville is famous for pushing Southern cuisine to new heights. Simply head downtown to try fine dining and modern comfort food. Places like The Finch and Husk Nashville offer a unique dining experience.
When you’re downtown, stop into the popular local cafes and restaurants. Grab a seat and start talking to the friendly locals. During your meal, you’ll learn all about the city and its friendly culture.
Read also: Epic Solo Trips in the US
Spend the Night at the Hermitage Hotel
The Hermitage Hotel is one of the oldest and most celebrated hotels in Nashville. Built in the early 20th century, it has seen famous music stars and presidents through its doors.
Several important historical moments happened at the hotel. Most famously, it’s where legislators voted in 1920 to become the last state to acknowledge women’s rights to vote.
Try staying at this five-star hotel for the ultimate Nashville experience. Book your rooms early because this iconic hotel fills up fast.
Read also: Festive Hotels in the US
Pin It Now, Read It Later
