30 Essential Things to Do in Nashville, Tennessee

Listen to live music at Robert’s Western World.

If you can only fit in one stop along Nashville’s famed Honky Tonk Highway, make sure it’s Robert’s Western World. Open since the 1950s, first as a guitar company and then a western wear store, it’s a Music City institution. “You can’t beat the traditional country music every night there,” says Stephen Rose, founder of The Peach Truck. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, get the famed Recession Special combo, which has been on the menu since 2008: a fried bologna sandwich, chips, a MoonPie, and a Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Dine on delicious Southern fare at a meat-and-three.

This Southern food concept is straightforward: Pick a meat, three sides, and dig in. “[Meat-and-threes] used to be pretty much the only food in Nashville, before it became the food mecca it is today. There are so many good places that offer this, [but] I’m partial to Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint,” says Meredith DiMenna, director of programming for Hutton Hotel. “Puckett’s always impresses with their meat-and-three,” recommends local chef Maneet Chauhan, owner of Chauhan Ale & Masala House. Another popular spot is Arnold’s Country Kitchen.

As for what to choose? Dishes can vary by day and eatery, but you’ll find mouthwatering proteins like spare ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken, and classic Southern sides like green beans, mac and cheese, and baked beans.

Snap a photo with one of the city’s famous murals.

In Nashville, murals are nearly as ubiquitous as music bars. Created by hometown talent and artists from across the country, these dazzling displays dot walls and shops throughout the city, with tons of options to seek out for an Instagram selfie. Get a picture with artist Kim Radford’s Dolly Parton in East Nashville, or line up in front of the black-and-white “Nashville Looks Good on You” mural in 12 South. No matter which neighborhoods you visit, you’ll probably run into one of the city’s many large-scale creations, and you can even turn it into a self-guided tour.

Tour the Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library.

Gain an understanding of crucial moments from the Civil Rights Movement in the Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library. The exhibit chronicles the local fight to end segregation throughout the 1950s and ’60s, with powerful photos, videos, and written accounts. At the symbolic lunch counter, sit down to read the Ten Rules of Conduct used by protestors during the sit-ins.

Visit music museums like the Country Music Hall of Fame.

In addition to visiting honky tonk bars and listening rooms, dive into Nashville’s significant role in music history. First and foremost, pay a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which celebrates many of the genre’s biggest names from Willie Nelson to Patsy Cline. “In a stroll through the galleries, [you will] experience everything from Thomas Hart Benton’s ‘The Sources of Country Music’ painting [to] Elvis Presley’s 1960 Gold Cadillac,” says Lisa Purcell, executive vice president of external affairs for the museum. From there, branch out to other museums dedicated to musical greats like the Johnny Cash Museum.

Explore Centennial Park and other green spaces.

From parks and other vantage points along the Cumberland River to sprawling green spaces outside the city center, Nashville is a great city for getting outdoors. “When visiting, you must walk across the [John Seigenthaler] Pedestrian Bridge, and check out Nashville’s selection of public parks,” says DiMenna.

Centennial Park and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park are two of the more well-known spots, especially the former with its replica of the Parthenon, but there’s also Shelby Park, the Warner Parks, and Wasioto Park. “It’s easy to forget that there is a lot of nature in Nashville, and if the weather is right—don’t try this when it’s super hot—you can get the feeling of being on a true nature walk while you’re still within city limits,” she adds.

Catch a show at The Bluebird Cafe.

You never know who will stop by The Bluebird Cafe to play a few songs. Maren Morris, LeAnn Rimes, and Taylor Swift have been a few notable guests in the past. The listening room has only 90 seats, so it’s an intimate and special experience for both the performers and the audience. “It’s such a great spot for a date night, girls night, etc., and you could be watching the next biggest country music superstar,” says Chauhan. Reservations are highly recommended, as shows often sell out, but there are first-come, first-served nights.

Roam the historic Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.

Set on 55 acres of gardens and greenery on the outskirts of the city, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a lovely spot for an afternoon out of town. A former family home designed in the Country Place Era style to resemble an English estate, it’s now a botanical garden, art museum, and cultural center. Stroll the immaculately manicured grounds, view indoor art collections and outdoor sculpture trails, and catch live music performances throughout the year.

Try some sizzling hot chicken.

Have a cold glass of sweet tea on standby when chowing on hot chicken, especially if you’re sensitive to spicy food. Served as sandwiches, tenders, or leg and breast quarters, this now-classic Nashville dish started out as a staple in Black communities before becoming a citywide phenomenon. “Hot chicken is obviously a must in Nashville, and my go-to is Bolton’s in East Nashville. You can’t ever have a bad experience there,” says Rose. Alternatively, head to chef Chauhan’s pick, Prince’s, a chain that claims to have invented the dish.

Shop and sightsee around 12 South.

Filled with coffee shops, bakeries, and boutiques, the walkable 12 South neighborhood is one of the best areas to explore on foot. Shop for stylish denim and cute tees made from regeneratively farmed cotton at Imogene + Willie, and check out White’s Mercantile, a “general store for the modern tastemaker” selling a curated selection of chic clothing, kitchenware, home decor, and much more.

Pop into Five Daughters Bakery for this popular local chain’s famous donuts—and to take a photo with its “I Heart Donuts” mural—and visit other street art landmarks like the “I Believe in Nashville” and “Looking Pretty, Music City” murals.

Pick up local produce at a Nashville farmers market.

If you want to experience Nashville as the locals do, head to one of its many farmers markets. “I recommend 12 South Farmers Market in beautiful Sevier Park on Tuesday nights and Richland Park Farmers Market on Saturday mornings,” says chef Tony Mantuano, a veteran of the Nashville culinary scene. Along with his wife, Cathy, he developed the food and beverage program at The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel and turned its flagship restaurant, Yolan, into a national name in Italian dining.

See a show at the Grand Ole Opry.

You can’t come to Nashville and not pay a visit to the legendary Grand Ole Opry. Self-described as the “home of country music,” the weekly live country music radio broadcast has been around since 1925. From 1974 on, it’s been housed in the Opry House, where acts ranging from up-and-comers to big names play multiple nights a week. If you want backstage access before the show, be sure to book a tour in advance.

Book a stay at one of Nashville’s best hotels.

From design-forward digs to upscale escapes, Nashville offers a variety of highly rated accommodation options for all sorts of tastes and budgets. Check into swanky properties like the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville and Conrad Nashville, or opt for one of the city’s many eclectic boutique hotels—Graduate Nashville (which has a whimsical, pretty-in-pink rooftop bar), Hutton Hotel, Bobby Hotel, and Urban Cowboy are all great choices. The latter, according to Rose, is also ideal for pizza and cocktails. “The vibe is always super on point, with the location housed in a gorgeous mansion in East Nashville,” he adds.

Bowl a few games at Pinewood Social.

A night out in Nashville doesn’t have to include fighting the crowds along Broadway. Instead, head southeast of the famed strip to the riverside Pinewood Social. Open seven days a week, the bowling alley is a blast from the past with its six retro lanes made of reclaimed wood from a 1950s Bowl-O-Rama. Balls and shoe rentals are included with each game. Afterward, go for a dip in the outdoor pool or grab drinks and a bite to eat in the dining area.

Buy a pair of cowboy boots.

When in Nashville, right? There are several places to purchase your own pair of boots, including Boot Country, Nashville Boot Co., and Betty Boots. If you want an extra-luxe experience, head to Lucchese for a custom fitting. “Guided by their experts, [you] choose [the] style, materials, shape—everything from toe to heel,” says Mantuano. Then, you can show off your new kicks by line dancing at spots like The Stage on Broadway. Never line danced before? Take a class with Stompin’ Grounds.

Pose in front of the Parthenon in Centennial Park.

First constructed in 1897 for Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition, and rebuilt in the 20th century, the Parthenon is one of Nashville’s most impressive landmarks. “The Parthenon in Centennial Park is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, and it’s so unique and stunning to see,” says Chauhan. Along with its majestic facade, the interior holds art galleries and exhibits, and you can take audio tours dedicated to the building’s architecture.

Get your biscuit fix at the Loveless Cafe.

Biscuits are a Southern comfort-food staple, so you can’t leave Nashville without having one or two for breakfast. The Loveless Cafe has been serving its famous biscuits to Nashvillians and visitors since 1951; try them any number of ways, like build-your-own-biscuit sliders with country ham or fried chicken, slathered in gravy, or smeared with house-made fruit preserves.

Explore the National Museum of African American Music.

From jazz and blues to hip-hop and gospel, discover the many genres and eras of Black music at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). Opened in 2021, this museum celebrates the innumerable contributions of African American musicians to the country’s musical heritage with interactive exhibits, artifacts, memorabilia, clothing displays, and more. “It is absolutely incredible. You can spend hours in here if you’re a music fan,” says DiMenna.

Create your own souvenir at Hatch Show Print.

Part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Hatch Show Print is a working letterpress shop that’s been printing cool designs and show posters since 1879. You can stop by to watch staff create pieces using hand-carved images and vintage type or even sign up to make something yourself. “Advance-book your slot in hands-on workshops, called Block Parties, which invite participants to use some of Nashville’s most recognized imagery to make Hatch Show Prints of their own,” says Purcell. Of course, the shop has plenty of classic posters and prints to choose from if you prefer a ready-made souvenir.

Swing by the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.

Home to more than 3,000 animals, the Nashville Zoo allows you to get up close with Andean bears, clouded leopards, and hundreds of other species from across the world. “The Nashville Zoo is a great place to visit for the day, [and it’s] enjoyed by both adults and children,” says Chauhan. The sprawling zoo also offers programming such as overnight stays and Backstage Pass Tours, which give you an inside look at how specific residents are cared for and the chance to feed or touch them.

Sing karaoke at Santa’s Pub.

If you’re looking for a fun night out in Nashville, head to this Christmas-themed dive bar for cold beer and karaoke. Why Christmas? The bar gets its name from its late big-bearded owner, who bore a strong resemblance to St. Nick himself. Colorful lights, Christmas trees, and other seasonal decor add to the Yuletide atmosphere. Like many things in Nashville, it’s something you have to see to believe. “Sunday night at Santa’s Pub. Just trust me,” says Rose.

Stroll around Broadway’s Lower Broad district.

With its honky tonk bars, dance clubs, and dazzling neon, Lower Broad in the Broadway Historic District is one of Nashville’s most happening neighborhoods. Along with Robert’s Western World, you’ll find Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Legends Corner, and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. “It captures the pulse of the city, and you get to see and hear so many amazingly talented musicians,” says Chauhan.

Go for a hike at Radnor Lake.

Even though Nashville has plenty of great city parks, one of Tennessee’s lovely state parks is just a short drive out of town. “Radnor Lake is a thing of beauty—our family loves to enjoy great hikes, beautiful scenery, wildlife, and more here, and it’s only minutes away from downtown Nashville,” says Rose.

The state park encompasses more than 1,300 acres of nature preserve, with chances to spot local fauna like otters and minks from trails and observation decks. It’s an especially popular spot for bird-watching, with year-round and transient species. Wheelchair users can also get in on the outdoor fun, as the Lake Trail is suited for all-terrain wheelchairs.

See a performance at Ryman Auditorium.

Mantuano says that seeing a show at the Ryman is a “truly religious experience,” which makes sense as this renowned venue started off as a tabernacle church. The former home of the Grand Ole Opry, this “Mother Church of Country Music” has hosted some of the industry’s biggest stars, from Elvis and Johnny Cash to Harry Styles and Foo Fighters. In addition to attending a show, immerse yourself in the landmark’s history on a guided or self-guided tour through the venue.

Sniff and sip Tennessee whiskey at local distilleries.

There’s far more to the world of Tennessee whiskey than Jack Daniel’s, and you can explore it without having to leave Nashville. There are several in-town distilleries you can visit for tours and tastings, including Nelson’s Green Brier, Corsair Distillery, and Big Machine Brewery & Distillery. Some distilleries offer fun add-on experiences like filling a souvenir bottle to take home or the chance to make your own bourbon blend. You can also find bars with excellent selections of local and international whiskey, like Gertie’s Whiskey Bar, which has an impressive collection of more than 600 bottles.

Attend CMA Fest.

The longest-running country music festival in the world, CMA Fest draws fans to stages and venues across Nashville each summer for a citywide extravaganza. Past lineups have included the likes of Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, and Blake Shelton, giving attendees the chance to see superstars as well as up-and-coming talent. The festival usually takes place in early June, and a portion of the proceeds goes to support music education programs.

Catch one of the rotating exhibits at the Frist Art Museum.

Housed in a historic art deco post office, the Frist Art Museum has no permanent collection. Instead, in its mission to “inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways,” the museum hosts between 12 to 15 temporary exhibitions each year, so there’s nearly always something new to check out. “This is a really approachable yet super high-quality museum. They do a great job of mixing internationally known selections with local artists,” says DiMenna.

Learn about Nashville’s recording history at RCA Studio B.

See the studio where the “Nashville Sound” was born and some of the biggest stars of country and pop laid down tracks at RCA Studio B. Described by Purcell as a “time capsule and working studio,” this historic facility is a Music City icon, known for its role in making Nashville the recording center it is today. On a guided tour, you’re able to step into the same room where Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Elvis, and other famous artists once recorded iconic songs like “I Will Always Love You,” earning it the nickname “Home of 1,000 Hits.”

Browse the Fisk University Galleries.

Travelers interested in American art and history should make a point to visit Fisk University, Nashville’s historically Black university. The Fisk University Galleries—including the Carl Van Vechten Gallery and the Aaron Douglas Gallery—showcase work by African American artists as well as others like Diego Rivera.

Hear the Nashville Symphony.

Nashville may be the home of country music, but in Music City, all styles and genres are welcome. If your tastes lean more classical, listening to the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center may be more up your alley. “The building is an architectural gem with incredible acoustics, and the musicians are among the world’s best,” says Mantuano.