Visiting Nashville? Here’s 11 Things To Do

You’ll want to catch a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry and tour the historic Ryman Auditorium during the day. Spend hours exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame, then bar-hop down Lower Broadway’s honky-tonks for live music and authentic Nashville vibes. Don’t miss the full-scale Parthenon replica in Centennial Park, the Johnny Cash Museum, and the bustling Nashville Farmers’ Market. For unique experiences, tour Hatch Show Print’s working letterpress shop and stroll through Gaylord Opryland’s tropical gardens to discover Nashville’s unexpected treasures.

Catch a Show at the Grand Ole Opry

When you’re planning your Nashville itinerary, catching a show at the Grand Ole Opry should top your list. This legendary venue has been broadcasting country music’s finest since 1925, making it the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.

You’ll experience a unique multi-artist format featuring several short sets from legends, Opry members, and emerging acts all in one show. The lineup typically covers country, bluegrass, gospel, and comedy rather than showcasing a single headliner.

Shows run two to five nights weekly at the Grand Ole Opry House, with seasonal performances returning to the historic Ryman Auditorium during winter months. The Opry House opened in 1974, surpassing the Ryman as the primary venue after serving as the show’s most famous home for 31 years.

Book tickets in advance, especially for weekend shows. The venue’s about nine miles east of downtown Nashville, offering on-site parking and amenities.

Tour the Ryman Auditorium During the Day

Why visit the Ryman Auditorium only for evening shows when you can explore this iconic venue’s rich history during the day? The “Mother Church of Country Music” offers self-guided tours lasting 1-2 hours, starting with the immersive “Soul of Nashville” film that chronicles the venue’s transformation from 1892 revival hall to Grand Ole Opry home.

You’ll access the main auditorium, balcony views, and lobby exhibits at your own pace. Stand on the historic stage where country legends performed and snap a professional souvenir photo.

Upgrade to backstage tours for themed dressing rooms filled with memorabilia and artist artifacts.

Interactive displays, vintage instruments, and photo archives trace Nashville’s music evolution. The new “Unexpected Company” exhibit features fascinating historical guests like Houdini and Eastwood. Book advance tickets during peak seasons for guaranteed entry.

Spend an Afternoon at the Country Music Hall of Fame

As the “Smithsonian of country music,” the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum deserves a full afternoon of your time to explore its massive 350,000 square foot complex properly.

You’ll discover over 2.5 million artifacts including iconic stage costumes, guitars, and personal items from legendary performers. Don’t miss the Hall of Fame Rotunda, where plaques honor the genre’s most influential contributors.

Plan for 2-3 hours minimum, though you could easily spend 4-6 hours diving deep into exhibits.

General admission costs around $31.95, and the $5 audio guide upgrade provides valuable context.

Check the schedule for live Songwriter Sessions on Saturday mornings and instrument demonstrations on Sundays.

The multimedia exhibits brilliantly trace country music’s evolution from early roots to contemporary stars. The museum’s distinctive bass clef architecture makes it an instantly recognizable landmark on Nashville’s skyline.

Bar-Hop Down Lower Broadway’s Honky-Tonks

After soaking up country music history at the museum, you’ll want to experience the living, breathing heart of Nashville’s music scene on Lower Broadway’s famous Honky Tonk Highway. This strip delivers live music daily from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m., with most venues offering no cover charge.

Start with classic spots like Tootsies Orchid Lounge or Robert’s Western World for traditional country vibes and budget-friendly drinks.

Then explore massive celebrity-owned venues like Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge or Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk, which span multiple floors with various stages and rooftop decks. The five-block area creates a walkable entertainment district where you can easily hop between venues.

Expect crowded sidewalks, neon signs, and amplified music spilling onto the streets. These bars rely on tips for bands, so bring cash and prepare for an authentic Nashville party atmosphere.

See the Full-Scale Parthenon in Centennial Park

Where else can you find a full-scale replica of ancient Greece’s most famous temple in the middle of Tennessee? Nashville’s Parthenon sits in Centennial Park, just west of downtown, offering you an architecturally accurate recreation of the 5th-century BCE original.

Built for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition and reconstructed in concrete by 1931, it’s the world’s only full-scale Parthenon replica.

Inside, you’ll discover Alan LeQuire’s stunning 42-foot-tall statue of Athena Parthenos, complete with gold gilding and vibrant colors added in 2002.

The building functions as an art museum with rotating exhibitions and educational programs. The structure showcases 46 Doric columns in its peristyle, with architectural features including subtle inward inclination and entasis for visual refinement.

Visit during evening hours to see the programmable LED lighting illuminate the Doric columns and sculptural details against the park’s landscaped setting.

Explore Music Row and Historic RCA Studio B

Music Row beckons you just a few miles southwest of downtown Nashville, where the city’s legendary music industry comes alive along 16th and 17th Avenues South. You’ll discover the heart of country music‘s business district, featuring converted homes and commercial buildings housing major labels, publishers, and producers.

Don’t miss Historic RCA Studio B at 1611 Roy Acuff Place, nicknamed Nashville’s “Home of 1,000 Hits.” This legendary studio helped create the sophisticated “Nashville Sound” and hosted recording sessions by Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson. Now preserved as a museum, you can take guided tours exploring the original equipment and studio history.

Stop by the Musica statue at the Music Row Roundabout for photos, then explore offices of BMI, ASCAP, and other industry giants that make this district country music’s epicenter. The area also houses Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, a major program in Nashville’s commercial music scene.

Discover the National Museum of African American Music

How can you fully understand Nashville’s music legacy without exploring the stories behind its most influential creators? The National Museum of African American Music downtown at 510 Broadway offers that essential perspective as the only museum dedicated solely to music genres created by African Americans.

You’ll discover over 50 genres through interactive exhibits spanning spirituals, jazz, blues, R&B, and hip-hop. The “One Nation Under a Groove” gallery explores post-WWII influences that shaped modern music.

Interactive technology lets you create custom playlists using RFID wristbands while exploring artifacts and video content. The museum is conveniently located in Nashville’s Historic Core neighborhood, making it easily accessible to other downtown attractions.

Plan 2-3 hours for your visit. Tickets cost around $25-35, and the museum operates Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM, Sunday-Monday 12 PM-5 PM. Validated parking’s available in the Fifth + Broadway garage.

Wander Through the Johnny Cash Museum

Though Nashville overflows with musical tributes, the Johnny Cash Museum at 119 3rd Avenue South stands apart as the world’s most extensive shrine to the “Man in Black.” You’ll find yourself immersed in one of the globe’s premier music museums—officially endorsed by Cash’s estate and recognized with a coveted AAA Gem rating that only six Nashville attractions have earned.

Inside, you’ll discover performance costumes, handwritten lyrics, and gold records spanning Cash’s entire career. Interactive sound stations let you hear rare interviews while videos chronicle his journey from Sun Records to his late-career resurgence.

Plan 1-1.5 hours for your visit, with tickets at $27.95 plus tax. Visit weekday mornings for smaller crowds, and don’t miss the emotional finale featuring his haunting “Hurt” cover. Before heading out, verify hours with the museum as schedules may change on holidays or special days.

Browse the Nashville Farmers’ Market

Where else can you sample Jamaican jerk chicken, authentic Indian curry, and Nashville hot chicken all under one roof while picking up fresh Tennessee tomatoes and locally made soap? The Nashville Farmers’ Market at 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd delivers this unique experience daily from 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

You’ll find dozens of eateries in the enclosed Market House, from Bella Nashville Pizzeria to Succulent Vegan Tacos. Don’t miss Jeni’s Ice Cream for dessert or The Picnic Tap for craft beer.

The outdoor farm sheds operate seasonally—peak hours are Friday through Sunday—offering fresh produce, meats, and artisan foods from regional producers.

Located downtown near Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, you’ll enjoy free parking and easy access to explore this foodie paradise year-round. The market is conveniently accessible via the WeGo bus system, which stops directly in front of the market on Rosa L. Parks Boulevard.

Take a Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Hatch Show Print

Step into one of America’s oldest working letterpress shops and discover why Hatch Show Print has been creating iconic concert posters since 1879. You’ll explore the Country Music Hall of Fame’s working print shop during hour-long guided tours that showcase movable type, operating presses, and walls covered in colorful posters.

The experience goes beyond observation—you’ll handle wood type and ink rollers while learning traditional letterpress techniques.

Best of all, you’ll hand-ink and pull your own commemorative poster to take home as a unique souvenir.

Tours run multiple times daily for around $75, with combo tickets available that include Hall of Fame admission. The shop operates daily from 10 am to 4 pm, though it’s closed on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Arrive before 11 a.m. at the museum’s ticket desk for the best time selection, and prepare to witness analog craftsmanship in action.

Stroll the Gardens at Gaylord Opryland Resort

While most hotel lobbies feature a few potted plants, Gaylord Opryland Resort houses 9 acres of lush tropical gardens under massive glass atriums—creating one of America’s largest indoor garden complexes. You’ll discover multiple themed areas like the Cascades and Garden Conservatory, each featuring cascading waterfalls, meandering streams, and dense tropical plantings of palms and ferns.

Climate-controlled environments maintain perfect growing conditions year-round, while professional horticulturists keep seasonal displays photo-ready. You can wander elevated walkways and bridges connecting restaurants, shops, and lobbies—though expect to get delightfully lost in the maze-like layout. The resort also features heated pools and a state-of-the-art spa for guests seeking relaxation beyond the gardens.

The gardens transform during Christmas with elaborate decorations and lighting.

Located at 2800 Opryland Drive, the resort welcomes non-hotel visitors with designated public access and parking options.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Nashville’s got something for all, whether you’re a die-hard country fan or just looking for good entertainment. Don’t try to cram everything into one trip—you’ll burn yourself out. Instead, pick three or four activities that genuinely interest you and savor them. Remember to wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be doing plenty of walking, especially on Lower Broadway. Nashville’s energy is infectious, so let yourself get swept up in it.