63 Fun Things to Do in Nashville

Nashville is world-renowned for its streets enlivened by live music. This city proudly represents its musical evolution through many genres and influences. Its festive and authentic atmosphere is its hallmark.

It also boasts interesting attractions that preserve American history. The combination of history and musical heritage makes it a very authentic and special city. Could it get any better? Yes! Here you can sample the most delicious Southern cuisine.

Downtown Nashville has a lot to offer. For starters, it is the heart of music, from the most authentic honky-tonk to lively country. The streets of Nashville are characterised by a diversity of music bars and renowned international cuisine.

There are many interesting corners of the city, places with history and famous legends to discover. How can you take it all in? Explore its colourful streets and boulevards on foot with one of the guided tours led by an expert guide. After the experience, you will know much more about the city.

One of the attractions that best represents the city is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which offers a journey through the music of this genre. It covers the beginnings of Honky Tonk in the 1960s, through Hillbilly to Country, a genre steeped in tradition and identity.

To know the music is to know the history, and in the case of Nashville, this is truer than ever. The Country Music Hall of Fame is a highly visual, dynamic and entertaining museum that you will undoubtedly enjoy even if you are not a fan of country music. You can find out about cultural visits in the city in our post on the best museums in Nashville.

You're probably familiar with the Jack Daniels brand and its iconic bottle. Did you know that this drink was first produced in 1866? The distillery is located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, a small town near Nashville.

This renowned historic distillery attracts visitors from all over the world. The unique building and its history make it a very interesting visit, even for those who are not whisky lovers. The best way to see it is on a tour so you can soak up all the details. There is a lot to learn about its history.

Something that leaves no one indifferent when visiting Nashville is the Cumberland River, which runs through the city. On its banks lies Memphis, home to Graceland, the spectacular mansion where Elvis lived.

Did you know that Graceland is the most popular house after the White House? Now a museum, you can see Elvis's iconic costumes, jewellery, personal items... A very entertaining and interesting visit, don't miss it! Visits are by appointment only.

Did you know that Music Row is home to most of Nashville's recording studios? The area is very lively and you can appreciate the style of the 1960s. Together with the Johnny Cash Museum, it is one of Nashville's great music-related attractions.

Located in the southwest, Music Row is a historic district that is a must-see. The best way to visit is with a guided tour aboard a golf cart, a fun and comfortable experience where you'll get to know the area in great detail. A great plan if you're travelling to Nashville with children.

RCA Studio B is a historic music recording studio. Active since the 1950s, it has been used by greats such as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Jerry Lee Lewis and more. It is a modest but very special studio where you can feel the energy of these great figures of music.

This is an essential visit to share the space where these great stars once stood. Want more? Combine it with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame with this tour and have a full day of music.

Nashville has several neighbourhoods with unique personalities. Did you know there is a German neighbourhood? It is called Germantown and is named after the German immigrants who arrived in the 1950s. Now it is a very cool neighbourhood known for its shops and restaurants.

Another neighbourhood is Marathon Village, a hidden gem full of surprises. You can find lots of unique and quaint specialty shops. Would you like to explore the streets of these neighbourhoods and more? One idea is to take a guided bicycle tour.

Nashville has important historical buildings and monuments, all of impressive size. You can see the Parthenon, which is an impressive recreation of the Greek Parthenon. Of course, there is the Capitol, a large building steeped in legend, also in the Greek style. Also not to be missed is Fort Nashboro, the city's former settlement.

Other monuments on a par with these are those related to music: the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall, great emblems of the city. The best way to find out everything is to spend a day visiting these monuments with a guided tour so you don't miss a thing.

The Cumberland River is a large river measuring 1,107 km and flowing through Kentucky and Tennessee. It plays a major role in Nashville, offering beautiful views of the city. Several bridges cross it, and boats and cruise ships pass through it daily.

Sailing on it is not only practical but also a fun experience, as there are lots of themed and gastronomic tours. If you decide to go, I recommend a unique tour aboard the General Jackson, a beautiful and very elegant vintage boat.

When we think of famous actors and actresses in the United States, Hollywood probably comes to mind, right?

Well... surprise! Nashville is home not only to singers, but also to well-known actors. A unique opportunity to gossip, visit and admire the homes of celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift and more. How can you find out where these houses are and learn their secrets? The best thing to do is book a guided tour, so you don't miss a thing.

By now, you'll have realised how many attractions, neighbourhoods and points of interest the city of Nashville has to offer: Lower Broadway, famous for its honky-tonk bars, Music Row, the Johnny Cash Museum, the Parthenon... And much more!

A very easy way to see many interesting places in one day is to do it from the tourist bus. You'll see the best of the city in comfort and you can hop on and off as many times as you like. Here's more information about the best bus tours in Nashville.

In Nashville, art will enter your ears with its music, but also your eyes. Its streets are full of internationally recognised murals that are perfect for photographing. Psychedelic, realistic, abstract, fun and much more. Have your camera ready!

You can see these murals in Downtown, 12th South, Charlotte Corridor... But if you want to see the best ones and learn the story behind each one, I recommend taking a guided tour to find out everything.

Nashville is all about the senses; it's a super stimulating city: you'll recognise it by its music, its colourful streets and, of course, its flavours. Its gastronomic offerings will surprise you. It's an opportunity to discover Southern food and much more. Country ham, mac 'n' cheese, fried chicken, barbecue, pickles, sweet potato garnish... These are just some of its specialities.

The best places to go are undoubtedly where the locals go. To do this, it's best to let yourself be guided and stop at the best local restaurants while seeing interesting sights in the city and learning about it.

We've all seen lots of films and it seems that the most improvised and crazy parties happen in the United States. You'll see that the people in Nashville are super fun and open. Of course! Streets and streets of music bars help with that.

Would you like to do something crazy like in an American comedy? Sign up for this party with music and drinks, pulled by a tractor through the city. Laughter is guaranteed!

Nashville, also known as the Music City, is famous for its bars with live music all year round. That's why it also hosts major music events and concerts by international artists who play at the Ascend Amphitheatre, Bridgestone Arena and other impressive venues that are well worth a visit.

Getting to know every corner of Nashville is an ambitious task, I won't lie to you... There's so much to see! To save your energy, a great idea is to get around on a Segway. Have you tried it? It's very easy and fun. I suggest taking a guided tour that will explain and show you the city's must-see places.

To get the full experience of the city, you have to experience the nightlife in Nashville's iconic bars. Have you heard of Printers Alley? It's a very picturesque alleyway lined with lots of these bars. Stepping inside is like travelling back in time several decades to experience a true American-style party.

In addition to Printers Alley, there are other less-visited areas with their own unique characteristics and stories. If you don't know where to start, you can sign up for this pub crawl. It will take you to the best spots and tell you the stories behind each one. Alcohol included, for ages 21 and over only!

Afternoons and evenings in Nashville are very lively, not only because of the venues offering live music, but also because of the comedians performing in the famous stand-up comedy bars, which are practically a culture in the United States.

If you want to spend a hilarious night combining music and humour, I encourage you to hop on this bus, which offers a country music show peppered with jokes, where you can even sing along if you feel like it.

Did you know that the Ryman Auditorium was originally a church where gospel music was sung? Shortly after it was built, a major radio station began broadcasting a country music channel from there, and its fame began to grow.

There is much more to learn about the auditorium: stories, people who have passed through there, anecdotes... The best way to learn about it is first-hand from its spectacular interior with an expert guide who will tell you everything.

What city doesn't have some unsolved mystery, historical crime or ghost stories? Nashville is no exception. Its historic sites are home to both real anecdotes and legends that will fill you with curiosity, make your hair stand on end and make you laugh.

One of these haunted places is the state capitol itself. Want to know what secrets it hides? You can only find out on one of Nashville's ghost tours led by an expert guide. You'll also learn about history and interesting facts. Recommended for families!

North of the city of music and only a 15-minute drive away is Whites Creek Valley of Nashville, a beautiful green region with immense forests. It is an ideal area to visit with children and admire this valley. If you go in autumn, you'll see it in shades of orange and yellow.

To have a good time in this area, I suggest an alternative way to experience it, with a touch of adrenaline. Hop on the famous Fontanel zip line and cross the valley. You'll enjoy the views of the forest like never before. If you're going with your family, don't hesitate, both children and adults will have a blast.

Most of us love to see a city from above. Nashville's skyline is truly special, so much so that Bob Dylan even dedicated a song to it: Nashville Skyline. Its green spaces, the Cumberland River and the skyscrapers create a stunning picture postcard view.

Can you imagine seeing it from a helicopter? You'll be able to see the city's landmarks with that extra touch of adrenaline that flying brings. Book a helicopter tour, a highly recommended experience.

Belle Meade is a mansion that, together with its surroundings, forms a very interesting historical complex. In 1807, this place was a plantation where African Americans worked as slaves.

Now a historic site and winery, it offers a tour called Journey to Jubilee that tells this bloody story from slavery to liberation. It is well worth taking this guided tour, which will leave a lasting impression.

As you can imagine, a city with as many bars as Nashville also has a large number of breweries and distilleries. When you learn about the history and production of the drink you consume, it seems to taste even better.

To visit the most iconic breweries and distilleries, it's best to do so with an experienced guide who will tell you everything on board a golf cart. Along the way, you'll also see some of the city's most beautiful murals.

Although the bars are lively from the afternoon onwards, it is when night falls that the colours and lights of Nashville really come into their own. The monuments and historical sites also look particularly impressive at night.

For this reason, you will enjoy taking a tour in a traditional-looking tram-bus, from which you can take a guided tour of the best places at night. The guide will explain all the details of the most iconic places.

Music cannot be conceived without African American influence: gospel, jazz, blues, soul, R&B, rock, rap... History and music go hand in hand, and each genre has a reference period. The National Museum of African American Music explains the evolution of African American music from 1800 to the present day.

It is a very interactive museum, so you can play and sing along if you wish. Through projections, objects, clothing and more, you will see and hear the evolution of the many African American musical genres. Whether you are a music lover or not, you will love this guided tour.

Imagine an orange desert landscape with hills. In the distance, you can see a cloud of dust approaching, accompanied by the powerful sound of an engine. It's a monster truck! When we think of the United States, this spectacular vehicle seems to fit in very well.

Can you think of a more American experience than visiting Nashville in one? It certainly sounds like a unique experience. Driven by an expert guide, it will take you through the city's must-see areas and explain everything you need to know.

You may not have heard of the Nashville Zoo, but I can tell you that it's quite special. It's striking how well maintained it is, and the animals live in environments that are recreated to be as similar as possible to their natural habitat. Overall, it's a highly rated zoo.

It also offers attractions such as a zip line, carousel and educational activities to learn more about the species that live there. Travelling with children? Don't miss it, and skip the queue to make the most of your day.

The Cumberland River is one of the longest rivers in the United States, stretching 1,106 kilometres and crossing two states: Kentucky and Tennessee. Settlers and hunters navigated this river to reach the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Nashville was founded and grew up on the banks of this impressive river.

At its widest point, it is over 1.6 kilometres wide, making it navigable, and every day you can see boats of all sizes, even cruise ships, sailing along it. Would you like to sail on it and see Nashville from the water? It's as easy as renting a kayak and having a great time.

Glen Campbell is another famous figure who was born in a humble neighbourhood of Nashville. He was a presenter, actor, composer and country and pop singer. Author of great hits such as Rhinestone Cowboy and composer of the theme song for the film True Grit, he is much loved in the United States.

For these reasons, there is a museum dedicated to him, compiling a collection of personal items, instruments, costumes and more. Don't miss it!

Nashville has several interesting shopping spots, and not just for anything: second-hand items, antiques, collectibles, specialities and, of course, clothing stores where you can find a good country outfit.

These streets are all over the city, some more hidden than others. Would you like to visit the most beautiful and interesting ones? Do so on a specialised tour that will take you by cart to the best spots and, along the way, you'll see some of the iconic murals.

Country music is cheerful and catchy and is not danced alone or with a partner. It is danced in a group, forming a line of people who follow the same steps. That way, there's no risk of stepping on your dance partner's feet! It's a relaxed and simple way to have fun and socialise. That's what country dancing is all about.

Would you like to learn how to dance it? It's one of the most recommended dances for beginners as it's easy to learn. Have fun and experience it from the inside with a class to learn how to dance it. You'll love it!

The Cumberland River is the great river that runs through Nashville and, with the skyscrapers in the background, creates such a beautiful picture. Every day, hundreds of boats of all kinds pass through this river, which is very calm and also offers beautiful views of the city.

If you are athletic or simply enjoy physical activity, I recommend an activity that you cannot miss: paddle surfing on the river. It's best to go with a guide who will also explain everything you see. Great for families!

In the United States in general, they tend to offer more and bigger. This applies to their impressive geography as well as buildings, avenues, vehicles and, of course, food. In the United States, they are specialists in size and quality.

In this particular case, I am referring to doughnuts. You will see them like never before, filled, with toppings, in shapes and flavours you have never tried before. They are very innovative and there are lots of specialised shops around the city. Want to know the best ones? You can take an irresistible doughnut tour.

In Nashville, they are passionate about food and there are many restaurants and food stalls from all over the world, but above all, local Southern cuisine. There are three flavours that stand out: barbecue, beer and bourbon.

Gastronomy is about getting to know the place and its customs, and it is worth trying what is recommended. If you are someone who enjoys food, I recommend one of the city's food tours, which will take you to the best places to try barbecue, beer and bourbon in a way you have never done before.

The city of music has a strong historical heritage that they have fought to preserve and that can be seen in places around the city such as the Ryman Auditorium, Belle Meade, the State Capitol and many more.

One place that stands out on this list is Belmont Mansion. This spectacular mansion was built before the Civil War and is steeped in history and interesting facts. You can visit it and learn about its history on a guided tour that will surprise you.

Water is featured on practically every postcard of Nashville, and this is due to the spectacular river that runs through it: the Cumberland. Did you know that you could cross two states if you travelled its entire length? This river is widely used for boat trips and water sports.

If you're looking for adventure, you can try Flyboarding, which is a board that propels you and makes you fly. There is a quiet section of the river where you can do this, and it will undoubtedly give you a thrill. Are you up for it?

Hard Rock Café began in 1971. The first restaurant opened in London. Since then, it has grown and now exists in all the major cities of the world. Its décor appeals to music lovers and photographers. And they say the food isn't bad either!

Each one has its own collection of instruments and details, and as you might imagine, the one in Nashville stands out. Would you like to visit and eat some delicious ribs among the most famous album covers and guitars? Book your table!

Did you know that there was gold in the mountains of California? In 1849, it was the gold rush, and people from all over the world went to the rivers of California to look for it. Although there is no gold left, it is said that some people still go looking for it.

Are you good at solving mysteries and looking for clues? There is an Escape Room that will give you the opportunity to play at finding gold in the Golden Hills as well as solving other puzzles. Have fun with your family or friends and solve the mystery.

Have you heard of biscuits & gravy? It's a popular savoury breakfast dish in Southern cuisine. Breakfasts are quite varied and there are savoury and sweet options to suit all tastes. One thing's for sure, they're always very hearty. It's the most important meal of the day!

If you'd like to not only try a good Southern breakfast but also learn how to cook it, take this experience home with you so you can make it whenever you want. Take a cooking class where you'll learn anecdotes and recipes, and you'll leave with a full stomach.

Near Nashville is Arrington Vineyards, located in a beautiful rural setting. Whether you're a wine lover or not, you'll enjoy this visit as the location and surroundings are very different from the city.

If you fancy visiting these vineyards accompanied by live music and spending a quiet day surrounded by nature, I recommend this tour, which will take you there and tell you all about the place.

Belle Meade is not just any winery. It is a historic complex dating back to 1807, consisting of a spectacular mansion, gardens and winery. Slaves initially worked on its plantations. This is documented in various ways in the mansion, which now functions as a museum and winery.

If you would like to learn more about this mansion and its history, as well as taste its wines, I recommend this tour. You can take a guided tour inside, explore the surroundings at your leisure, and enjoy a tasting.

Many places in Nashville were destroyed during the Civil War and faithfully rebuilt afterwards. Years later, the city prospered, and today it has done much to preserve moments from that era.

You can learn a lot about the American Civil War by visiting places such as Lotz House and Carter House, both historic sites. If you want to know more details, it is best to have an expert guide explain everything to you. You will be amazed!

Nashville is a great city with many attractions to offer besides music. The Lane Motor Museum has a huge collection of cars. Here, you can see models from all over the world throughout history, as well as books and art related to the world of motoring. But this collection also stands out for having the most extravagant, rare and unique cars.

It is located in Woodycrest, a neighbourhood south of Nashville. Visit the Lane Motor Museum for an interesting experience. Recommended for families!

Memphis is a city southwest of Nashville, also on the banks of the Cumberland River. It is worth visiting because of its proximity and a musical tradition very similar to that of Nashville.

Its streets are very lively and colourful, with many murals. In terms of cuisine, The Four Way restaurant stands out as the most famous in Memphis forits history and tradition. Another reason to visit this city is Graceland, the mansion where Elvis lived, which is now a museum.

In Nashville, there is a great taste for antiques, and this is evident in its shops and markets. In addition to clothing and antiques, there are food stalls and live music. You can find the most extravagant items at this market.

Stop by to enjoy the local atmosphere. Sometimes there are special activities, such as at Christmas or night-time events. If you go, check the schedule here

The Nashville Parthenon was originally built for an exhibition as a temporary structure. It is a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon. It turned out so spectacular that its structure was reinforced, and today its impressive size and realism attract many visitors.

It is located very close to the city centre, so you can easily include it in one of your walks. Don't miss its night-time illumination!

Grand Ole Opry is the first country music programme in the United States. It is broadcast once a week from a theatre in Opryland. It has become so important that each broadcast is a renowned show that you can attend with a ticket.

If you want to attend or visit the theatre, which is impressive, by the way, you can book your tickets. It is recommended to do so in advance. The show is guaranteed!

In the United States, everything seems to be bigger. This is also true of the caves in Mammoth Cave National Park. It is the largest cave system discovered to date.

Both the surroundings and the caves are well worth a visit. They are located in Kentucky, an hour and a half's drive from Nashville. If this plan appeals to you, perfect for children, you can book your tickets here

This mansion belonged to the 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, nicknamed "the people's president". In this historic complex, you can see not only the magnificent mansion but also more than 20 buildings from the period, as well as the tomb of Jackson and his wife.

He was a very charismatic president with an interesting history. If you want to know more, you can book different tours. There are historical tours, ghost tours, wine tasting tours and more.

Very close to the centre is a very different museum. It is a science museum for children. It is designed for interaction, touching and experimentation. With simulators, projections and experiments, the aim is to learn about the body, space and science.

Are you going with children? Take the opportunity to do this activity together. Adults will also have fun. Book your tickets here

The Dukes of Hazzard was an American television series that aired in the 70s and 80s, known in Spain as El Sheriff Chiflado. The series was so iconic that there are several museums about it throughout the United States, one of them in Nashville.

There you can walk through the sets of the series, buy souvenirs and, above all, see the exhibition of the cars that were used in the filming. Book your visit here

Located in the heart of the city and next to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Stadium is a large multi-purpose complex that continuously hosts sporting and musical events.

If you are a basketball or hockey fan, you can attend a match at this great stadium. You have probably seen it in films, but experiencing a match in the United States is a very exciting and fun experience. Book your tickets here

This contemporary art museum is located in what was once the old Art Deco-style post office building. Located in the city centre, the beautiful building alone is worth a visit.

An interesting fact about this museum is that it does not have a permanent collection. Its exhibitions, always featuring contemporary art, are constantly changing. Before your visit, check the programme here.

Nashville has many points of interest, including historic buildings such as the Parthenon, the Capitol, Fort Nashboro, and many music-related attractions such as bars and museums. In short, there is plenty to see and experience in the city centre alone.

If you want a super fun way to discover all this and many surprises, sign up for a treasure hunt. There are all kinds to choose from. You'll learn about the city and have fun!

Hatch Show Print is a printing company that has been in operation since 1879 and has produced iconic posters. Album covers and posters have always accompanied the evolution of music. You can see printed material from Elvis to The Black Keys and many others in their characteristic retro style.

It is an interesting visit as well as a great opportunity to buy souvenirs for yourself or gifts for your favourite bands. You can book a tour of Hatch Show Print here.

Madame Tussaud was a wax sculptor who recreated important scenes from her era. The wax museum in Nashville is named in her honour and is now considered one of the most important in the world. No wonder! It contains the largest collection of figures.

In addition to the characters, there are recreations of scenes where you can take the most incredible selfies. As you may have guessed, it is dedicated to musical artists of all time. Book a visit and don't miss out! Find out more here

In a city with so many stars, a walk of fame is a must. It is located in Walk of Fame Park, next to Bridgestone Stadium, right in the city centre. Strolling through this beautiful park, you will find something similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which pays tribute to dozens of celebrities.

Be sure to visit and take photos with your favourite characters. More information here

Nashville is a very authentic city that likes to honour its traditions. One example of this is the city's market, Farmer's Market, which has been operating since 1837. The citizens of Nashville buy quality fruit, vegetables and artisan products here.

Nowadays, there are also restaurants serving local food where, among other specialities, you can try Johnnycakes, cornmeal pancakes. If you visit the market, you will see that in addition to selling products, there are also events and small exhibitions.

If you want to know more, you can find more information here

This prison, now closed, has a spectacular façade that has been used as a backdrop for several films, such as The Green Mile. It was a maximum security prison that was closed in 1992.

Today, it is not possible to visit the interior, but it is worth taking a look at the building and learning a little more about its controversial history.

Fannie Mae Dees Park is known as Dragon Park because it has colourful dragon sculptures throughout the park. It is located at 2400 Blakemore Avenue and is a great place to visit with children, as it has swings. You can also sit on the grass and have a picnic at one of the picnic tables.

This church is considered one of the city's historical landmarks. Notable for its neo-Egyptian architecture, it was destroyed several times and the one you can see today was built in 1848.

Its interior, with high ceilings, large stained-glass windows and striking red flooring, will take your breath away. It houses an art gallery and often hosts educational and musical events. You can check out its programme of activities here.

Naville has a beautiful aerial view thanks to the huge river that runs through the centre and its colourful streets and buildings. Did you know that from above you can see a large symbol of peace in a green area? It is located southeast of the airport.

One way to fly over Nashville and enjoy its skyline in a different way is with a hot air balloon ride. It will undoubtedly be a memorable experience. Perfect for celebrating an anniversary, birthday or just treating yourself.

Nashville is the birthplace of country music, which is why there are several important museums dedicated to music. Some of the ones you shouldn't miss are: the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum and RCA Studio B.

Another entertaining visit is the wax museum, where you can see replicas of Elvis, Taylor Swift and Johnny Cash, among others.

Between museums, you should definitely visit a distillery. There is so much to do! To make the most of your time, I recommend this Fun Pass, which allows you to visit all these attractions and museums so you don't miss a thing.

Another tourist pass for the city that may interest you and includes up to 30 attractions is the Nashville City Pass.

Now you know all the things Nashville has to offer those interested in visiting the city. Although most of them can be enjoyed throughout the year, it's true that depending on the weather, festivals or activities specific to each date, some are more recommendable than others. That's why we've selected the best things to do according to the time of year in the following posts:

• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in January
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in February
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in April
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in June
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in July
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in August
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in September
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in October
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in November
• 10 things to see and do in Nashville in December

Or perhaps you decide to visit the American city in winter and discover the many things you can do in the off-season, or why not discover the capital of Tennessee during the Christmas season and experience the excitement of Christmas like a local.

Finally, for those of you who like to optimise your time and plan everything perfectly, we have prepared these travel guides to help you better organise your getaway to Nashville.

• What to see and do in Nashville in 1 day
• What to see and do in Nashville in 2 days
• What to see and do in Nashville in 3 days