10 Things to Do in Nashville, TN
It's genuinely difficult to get bored in Nashville. Here are our top picks for things to do in Music City.
Nashville is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and local attractions keep visitors on their toes. With so much going on around Music City, it’s hard to figure out where to start when visiting. To help you out, here’s a list of the top 10 best things to do in Nashville, from a local’s perspective:
In This Article
1. Listen to Live Music
Nashville isn’t called Music City for nothing! You can’t be in Nashville and not see a show. No matter what music you like, there’s somewhere in the city to listen to it. Between jazz clubs, a symphony center, rock and country bars, dueling piano bars, blues clubs and, of course, country music there is quite literally something for everyone.
Popular music venues in Nashville include the Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, Grimey’s New and Pre-Loved Music, Exit/In and Ascend Amphitheater.
2. Watch the Tennessee Titans
Football fans can’t miss the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, who play at Nissan Stadium in downtown Nashville. The stadium seats more than 68,000 fans who cheer the team and shop for merchandise. The Titans are responsible for the Music City Miracle, one of the most historic plays in NFL playoff history.
3. Visit the Nashville Farmers’ Market
Eat fresh at the Nashville Farmers’ Market in the hip Germantown neighborhood, which features two covered sheds, a market house with 16 restaurants and shops, and a craft and flea shed with up to 50 merchants. Remember to bring bags, maybe a cooler and some cash.
4. Grab a Brew at Yazoo
Once you’ve bought your fresh fruits and veggies, stop by Yazoo Brewery on Division Street for a beer. The taproom is located in the popular Gulch neighborhood, and brewery tours are available during regular hours. For large groups, make sure to book a reservation.
5. Try Hot Chicken
Hot chicken, a Nashville food staple, is breaded, coated in seasoning (especially cayenne pepper) and fried to deliciousness. Several restaurants serve it, Hattie B’s is the quintessential spot to grab this Nashville delicacy but make sure to stop by Prince’s, too. If you like spicy foods, start with a medium. The hot can be so hot you may not be able to finish it.
6. Go Honky Tonk’n
To complete a day downtown, keep the party going at one of Nashville’s many honky tonks. Honky Tonk District, located on lower Broadway, is full of honky tonks small and large, and families are welcome before 8 or 9 p.m. Some nightlife hot spots include Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Robert’s Western World and Honky Tonk Central.
Visitors can also get a taste of the country superstar life at any one of the many bars owned by famous musicians, including Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, Florida Georgia Line’s FGL House and Blake Shelton’s Old Red.
Put a Fork in It: 5 Must-Visit Restaurants to Eat Your Way Through Nashville
7. Tour Cheekwood Botanical Gardens
Nashville also has places to unwind, such as Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art, a 55-acre estate in West Nashville. Stroll through several gardens that include Japanese, herb, two perennials, an award-winning wildflower garden and more. Housed in a 30,000-square-foot Georgian-style mansion is the museum of art, which features American and English collections. Additionally, Cheekwood has a variety of family-friendly seasonal exhibits, including the year-round Trains! collection.
8. Explore the Frist Center for the Visual Arts
The Frist Center for the Visual Arts features permanent and traveling exhibits in 24,000 square feet of gallery space. The family-friendly center has a large area for kids and parents to create their own pieces and get hands-on art experience, including the newly-renovated Martin ArtQuest Gallery. Visitors under 18 are always free.
9. Visit the Nashville Zoo
See the city’s wildest side at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, home to more than 2,500 individual animals. Little ones will love the bounce house, while older kids can play on a massive jungle gym, measuring 66,000 square feet for fun and exercise.
10. Hike Around Radnor Lake
Radnor Lake State Park is one of the most visited spots in the area for outdoor recreation. The 1,368-acre park is a Class II Natural area that is unique because of its abundance of wildlife, environmental education programs and location in an urban area. The area offers beautiful views of Radnor Lake and visitors can enjoy six miles of hiking and walking trails. First-time visitors are encouraged to check out the visitor’s center to learn about the park’s history and upcoming events and activities.
Nashville Area Economic Development
This digital edition of the Nashville Area Economic Development is sponsored by Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.
