Hearing those country music ballads and strings? You may be in Tennessee. It may not be as grand as New York or Nevada, but it has its own personality that sets it apart from other states. The Volunteer State is landlocked in the southern United States. Great cities here include Memphis, the home of Elvis Presley’s Graceland. Then, of course, you’ve got its capital, the glorious city of Nashville, the heart of the country music scene. There are a lot of things to do in Nashville, and we’re going to explore these in this guide. 

This amazing city in Tennessee is dubbed as the ultimate musical pilgrimage. It may be the setting for the country music scene of America and the world, but Nashville is not only for country music fans and aspiring songwriters. It is also for those who love to have a good time, love to take on a food adventure, love nature, and more. Let’s get to know the best things to do in Nashville. Listen to what this city has to offer.

Best Things To Do In Nashville, Tennessee

What are the best things to do in Nashville?

1. Head Over To The Grand Ole Opry, Where Country Music The Star

The Grand Ole Opry is a notable landmark in Nashville, so visiting this place is one of the things to do in Nashville that should be on your itinerary. The Grand Ole Opry started as a radio show in the 1920s, but during that time, it had been successful in giving Nashville the title, “Country Music Capital of the World.”

Throughout history though, this live music venue has called many different places its home, such as the Ryman Auditorium. But, it has always hosted country performers such as Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban, among others. 

When you’re here, don’t forget to drop by the Grand Ole Opry House and take its tour. You can either get a daytime backstage tour or a post-show tour. 

If you choose the daytime tour, your tour guide will share stories of music icons who have walked its halls, show you photos from the Opry’s history, and perhaps take you to the famous stage. Meanwhile, you’ll get to see some of the venue’s unique dressing rooms, and get the chance to visit Studio A, where “Hee Haw,” the variety show that features country music and comedy, was filmed. That is, if you choose the post-show tour.

2. Continue Falling In Love With Country Music At The Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum

When you are in Nashville, expect that many of the things to do in Nashville will be about music, particularly country music. After all, many music lovers from around the world head over here to really feel the vibe in person. 

Another place where country music shines the brightest is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Here, you can go through the plaques dedicated to the finest icons of country music, such as Patsy Cline and Reba McEntire. You can also see artifacts like Johnny Cash’s guitar and Elvis Presley’s gold Cadillac limo (which is just as famous as he is, by the way).  

If you want to dig deeper into country music, as well as learn its roots and evolution, go on a self-guided walk through the exhibit titled, “Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music.”

When you’re here, don’t forget to peruse the two-story wall plastered gold and platinum country records, and visit the nearby Studio B. One of the most influential recording studios in the world, Studio B produced more than 35,000 songs by legends like Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings, and Dolly Parton.

Welcome to our “things to do in Nashville” guide. We have more guides about the USA on our website. 

3. Hear Country Music Tunes In Person At Broadway

No, it’s not the same as Broadway in New York. Here at Broadway in Nashville, you can soak into enjoying the country music tunes in person. Nashville’s Broadway is the main thoroughfare in the city’s downtown. You can head over to Lower Broadway, also called the “Honky Tonk Highway” because of the numerous spots here that host live acts everyday. Feel free to bar hop.

4. Absorb Nashville’s Musical Heritage At The Ryman Auditorium, The Mother Church Of Country Music

If you are looking for more things to do in Nashville wherein you can further and really soak yourself into the musical heritage of the city, there’s no better place to experience this than at the Ryman Auditorium. 

Ryman Auditorium is the former home of the Grand Ole Opry. But even if it does not carry the famous venue anymore, the auditorium continues to host contemporary acts such as Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and Trace Adkins. If you think Nashville sounds monotonous with all those country music acts, here at the Ryman, it also hosts musicians from other genres, as well as comedians.

Go on the tour it offers to catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse of this legendary music venue. Then, attend the “Soul of Nashville” screening that utilizes archival photos and clips of performers from the auditorium’s past to showcase its role in music history. And if you want to learn about Ryman’s backstory, visit the “Workin’ on a Building” exhibit, displaying artifacts from the venue’s construction. 

Plus, you can even feel like you are a music star by experiencing its recording studio first-hand.

Loving this “things to do in Nashville” piece? Also check out these Best Photography Spots In Nashville, Tennessee article.

5. Discover Nashville’s Rock And Roll Scene At Basement East

Nashville may be loud as a place that champions country music, but it is also a rock and roll scene, truly deserving of its nickname as the Music City. If you fancy electric guitars more than the banjos, head over to Basement East. 

Basement East continues to produce high-energy shows that feature national touring acts and local cover bands. Hope that, during your visit, one of Nashville’s rock elite makes an appearance, because they really do here, sometimes.

6. Visit Bluebird Café To Watch A Live Music Performance For Free 

If you think that all those tours in Nashville’s music venues and where those acts are performed are too much for your pocket, there is a place in the city where you can watch a live music performance for free. Yes, you read that right, and this is in Bluebird Café. 

Bluebird Café is one of the very few places in Nashville that offers free admission to the general public. It is a great place to drink some great-tasting beverages as you listen to live music. If a popular artist visits and performs here, the café gets very crowded, but the experience will be wonderful. 

7. Experience Nashville’s Natural Scene At Cheekwood Botanical Garden And Museum Of Art

If you think that the things to do in Nashville are just all about music and art, you couldn’t be more wrong. Nashville is also the perfect place for nature lovers, with tourist attractions such as the Cheekwood Botanical Garden And Museum Of Art.

This is a botanical garden located just southwest of Nashville’s downtown. But of course, it can’t help to also showcase art. Its various gardens combine themes – such as Japanese, wildflower, and water – with art, and surround a house that looks like it jumped out of a Jane Austen novel. Here, exhibits are held regularly.

When you are here, you may also view the furnishings of the Cheeks, the family that built the house in the 1930s. 

And if you are traveling to Nashville with kids, they will love it here as the place hosts an exhibit dubbed “TRAINS!”, featuring hundreds of feet of miniature rails and cabooses chugging along. 

Nature lovers will also love Cheekwood because of the trail that meanders through the woods that surround the estate, complete with installations that mingle with the environment. 

Can’t get enough of this “things to do in Nashville” guide? Buckle up as we have more. 

8. Hike At Radnor Lake State Natural Area

If you want to include hiking on your travel itinerary, you will often choose to go to Montana for the Glacier National Park, or to California for the Yosemite National Park. Nonetheless, Tennessee also has something to offer for your hunger for hiking. 

One of the best places to hike and enjoy the things to do in Nashville is at Radnor Lake State Natural Area. It is recommended to take a day trip to enjoy its lake, hills, and hiking trails. And because it is surrounded by rolling hills, even the elderly hikers can enjoy its trails. Its lake is home to many water birds you can watch drifting around, and surrounded by lush vegetation where birds fly by. However, camping here at night is not permitted.

9. Go On A Party Tractor Tour, The Most Unique And Wildest Party Tour You’ll Ever Find Yourself In!

In many places around the United States, party tours are common – on buses, in limousines, name it. But nothing is perhaps as unique and as wild as this party tractor tour in Nashville. Take it away here. 

This tour has its own dance floor and DJ onboard. Party while touring the Music City and its landmarks. Enjoy music, dance, drink, and see Nashville from a whole new different perspective. 

So that wraps up our “things to do in Nashville” list. Be prepared for more about Nashville from our website.

Things To Do In Nashville: Airlines That Fly To The Music City

When it comes to making the most of the many things to do in Nashville, you deserve to know the best information. In this section of this guide, we are going to present with the list of some of the airlines that fly to Nashville, Tennessee. 

• United Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Air Canada
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• American Airlines

Listen To Nashville

Nashville may be the heart of the country music scene, but it offers more than just country music. Traveling to this city, you can make the most delightful memories. There are several things to do in Nashville. 

It is an enchanting city in Tennessee that captivates the hearts and ears of visitors with its energy, history, and unparalleled musical spirit. From its iconic musical venues to the serene beauty of its natural landscapes, Nashville offers a variety of experiences that leave a lasting impression to every traveler who visits here. 

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