Best Things to Do and See in Nashville, TN
Whether you’re new in town or a longtime native, the names on this list of best places to visit and things to do in Nashville should ring a bell loud and clear because Music City has a whole more to offer than just honky tonks and bars. Sure, it’s a city rich in pop culture and history (most famously of the musical kind), but it’s also a city of Americana, plain and simple. These ten Nashville landmarks offer a glimpse into the city’s rich past, and take you along a timeline of the rise and fall of some its greatest stars. And if music isn’t your scene, there are also several estates with mansions, grounds, and gardens to feast your eyes on as you learn about some of the town’s most elite residents. Want to get your tour started on the right foot? Check out the following guide to several of the best places to visit and things to see in Nashville – you’ll be glad you did!
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
222 5th Ave. S
Stroll through country music’s storied past, and learn about the legends who crafted this most American of musical genres, from Hank Williams to Reba McEntire. The museum has a calendar of programming, too, so check its website for events to make the most of your visit and soak up the essence of the sound of Music City.
2804 Opryland Dr
There’s a few ways you can visit the Opry: Attend a show, book a backstage pass for more access to the venue’s space and history, or sign up for a tour in conjunction with other local attractions, all at a discounted rate. No matter which way you chose, you won’t regret visiting this Nashville landmark: It’s a true American heritage site.
116 5th Ave N
Former home to the Opry, Ryman Auditorium is also a venue where you can catch a show and/or take a tour. In terms of seeing “The Mother Church of Country Music,” a self-guided tour is the way to go to save time while visiting other places in the city. It also allows you to linger if you prefer to enjoy it here.
16th and 17th Aves S
This downton hotspot where you can listen to music, sip a cocktail, and bask in the history of the city really has all you want in the way of entertaiment. Highlights include RCA Studio B (trust us — check it out), the Car Collector’s Hall of Fame and the countless bars and restaurants to meet any (and likely, all) of your drinking and dining needs.
2500 West End Ave
Want to visit Ancient Greece without leaving the South? Come to Centennial Park, which is home to a full-size replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon and a life-size statue of the goddess Athena. The Parthenon serves as Nashville’s art museum, so you can also marvel at the marble outside before stepping inside to discover new wonders within.
5025 Harding Pike
This historic 1807 mansion served as a thoroughbred horse farm for nearly a century. Today, you can stroll the stunning grounds and learn about the Harding family legacy. Also be sure to pay a visit to their winery, and check out the calendar for upcoming events to enjoy tastings and more.
1611 Roy Acuff Pl
This is the highlight of Music Row. The sheer megawattage of talent that has lit up this space includes Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings for starters. Since the site is now part of the Country Music Hall of Fame, you can also get your tour tickets here before heading downtown to the Studio.
119 3rd Ave S
Walk the line, as it were, at the Johnny Cash Museum to discover what made The Man in Black a legendary songman. This world-class collection pays tribute to his life in a one-of-kind experience that will have you humming after a couple minutes inside.
4580 Rachels Ln
The Hermitage isn’t just a house: it’s a bona-fide mansion, garden and grounds, and President Andrew Jackson’s resting place. It’s basically an experience, too. The stunning landmark is about a 30-minute drive from downtown, enough to escape all the bustle but close enough for a daytrip.
1900 Belmont Blvd
Having served as a private getaway for Nashville socialites, Belmont Mansion is full of Southern (and American history). Belmont was a temporary Civil War Union Army headquarters, as well as an all-girls school. Learn the background and major events of this 150-odd-year-old Italianate villa, and the splendour of its 36 rooms and lavish grounds.