63 Fun Things to Do in Nashville

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

On the other hand, it is home to interesting attractions that preserve the history of the United States. The combination of history and musical heritage makes it a very authentic and special city. Can it get any better? Yes! It's where you'll taste the most delicious Southern food.

Downtown Nashville has a lot to offer. For starters, it's the heart of music, from authentic honky tonk to lively country. The streets of Nashville are characterised by a diversity of music bars and an internationally renowned gastronomic offer.

There are so many interesting corners of the city, places with history and famous legends to discover, how can you cover so much? Explore its colourful streets and boulevards on foot with one of the tours led by an expert guide. After the experience you'll know so much more about the city.

One of the city's most iconic attractions is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which offers a journey through the music of the genre. It traces 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, in Nashville's case more than ever. The Country Music Hall of Fame is a very visual, dynamic and entertaining museum that you will certainly enjoy even if you are not a country music fan. You can learn more about cultural visits in the city in our post about the best museums in Nashville.

You may be familiar with the Jack Daniels brand and its iconic bottle, but did you know that the drink was first produced in 1866? The distillery is located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, a small town near Nashville.

Highly regarded, this historic distillery attracts the curious from all over the world. The unique building and its history make it a very interesting visit, even for non-whisky lovers. It's best to see it on a tour to soak up all the details. There is so much to learn about its history.

The Cumberland River, which runs through the city, is a must-see when visiting Nashville. On its banks is Memphis, which is home to Graceland, the spectacular mansion where Elvis lived.

Did you know that Graceland is the most popular house after the White House? Converted into a house museum, you can see Elvis' iconic costumes, his jewellery, personal objects... A very entertaining and interesting visit, don't miss it! You can only visit by booking in advance.

Did you know that most of Nashville's recording studios are located on Music Row? The area is very lively and you can appreciate the style of the 60's. Along with the Johnny Cash Museum, it is one of Nashville's great music-related attractions.

Located in the southwest, Music Row is a must-see historic district. The best way to visit it is with a guided golf cart tour, a fun and comfortable experience that will give you a detailed tour of the area. A great plan if you're travelling to Nashville with kids.

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

An essential visit to share the space where these great stars were once. Do you 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's a German neighbourhood? It's called Germantown and is named after the German immigrants who arrived around the 1950's. It's now a very cool neighbourhood known for its shops and restaurants.

Another neighbourhood is Marathon Village, a hidden gem full of surprises, where you can find lots of unique and quaint specialty shops. You can find lots of unique and quaint specialty shops. Would you like to get to know the streets of these neighbourhoods and more? One idea is to do it on a guided bike tour.

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

Other monuments to match these are those related to music: the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall, great emblems of the city. The best way to see them all is to spend a day visiting these monuments with a guided tour so you won't miss a thing.

The Cumberland River is a large river that runs for 1,107 km through Kentucky and Tennessee. It's a major player in Nashville with beautiful views of the city. Several bridges cross it and boats and cruise ships pass over it daily.

Cruising it is not only practical but also a fun experience as there are lots of themed and gastronomic tours. If you decide, I suggest a unique tour aboard the General Jackson, a beautiful and elegant period ship.

When you think of famous actors and actresses in America, the name Hollywood probably springs to mind, right?

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

By now you've probably realised how many attractions, neighbourhoods and points of interest Nashville has to offer: Lower Broadway, the honky tonk district, Music Row, the Johnny Cash Museum, the Parthenon... And much more!

A very easy way to see a lot of interesting places in one day is to do it from the tour bus. You will see the best of the city comfortably and you can get on and off as many times as you want. Here's more information about the best bus tours in Nashville.

In Nashville, art enters through the ears with its music, but also through the eyes. Its streets are full of the most photogenic and internationally renowned murals, with psychedelic, realistic, abstract, fun and much more. Psychedelic, realistic, abstract, fun and much more. Get your camera ready!

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

Nashville is all about the senses, it's a super stimulating city: you'll recognise it through the music, its colourful streets and of course through your taste buds. Its gastronomic offerings will surprise you. A chance to get to know 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 be guided by a guide and stop at the best local restaurants while seeing the sights and learning about the city.

We've all seen a lot of movies and it seems like the most impromptu and crazy parties happen in the USA, and you'll see that people in Nashville are super fun and open-minded. You'll see that the people in Nashville are super fun and open-minded, of course! Streets and streets of music bars help with that.

Would you like to do something crazy like in an American sitcom? Sign up for this party with music and drinks being towed around town on a tractor and the laughs are guaranteed!

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

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

To get the full experience of the city, you have to experience the night from Nashville's iconic bars. Do you know Printers Alley? It's a very picturesque alley where there are a lot of these bars. Entering them is like a trip back in time where you'll go back several decades and experience the real American-style party.

Besides Printers Alley there are other less visited areas with their own quirks 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 you'll get to know the anecdotes of each one. Alcohol included, only for over 21s!

Afternoons and evenings in Nashville are lively, not only because of the live music venues but also because of the comedians who perform in the famous Stand Up Comedy bars, which is practically a culture in the USA.

If you want a hilarious night out that brings together both music and humour, I encourage you to hop on this bus for a country music and joke-filled show where you can sing along with them if you feel like it.

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

There is much more to know about the auditorium: stories, people who have passed through it, anecdotes... The best thing to do is to get to know it first-hand from its spectacular interior with an expert guide who will tell you all about it.

What city doesn't have an unsolved mystery, a historic crime or ghost stories? Nashville is no less. In its historic sites there are both real anecdotes and legends that will make you curious, make your hair stand on end and make you laugh.

One of these haunted places is the State Capitol itself. Want to know what it's hiding? You can only find out on one of Nashville' s ghost tours with an expert guide. Plus, you'll learn history and trivia - recommended for families!

Just north of the music city and only a 15-minute drive away is the Whites Creek Valley of Nashville, a beautiful green region with vast forests. It's a great area to visit with children and admire the valley. If you visit 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. Take the well-known Fontanel zip line across the valley. You'll enjoy the views of the forest like never before. If you're going with the family, don't hesitate, both children and adults will have a blast.

Most of us love to see a city from above. Nashville's is really special, even Bob Dylan dedicated a song to it: Nashville Skyline. Its green areas, the Cumberland River and the skyscrapers form an impressive postcard.

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

Belle Meade is a mansion that together with its surroundings is a very interesting historical site. Here, in 1807, there was a plantation where African-Americans worked as slaves.

This place, now converted into a historic site and winery, offers a tour called Journey to Jubilee that tells this bloody story from slavery to liberation. This guided tour is well worth a visit and will not leave you indifferent.

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

To visit the most iconic breweries and distilleries, it's best to take a tour with an experienced guide who will tell you all about it in a golf cart. Along the way you'll also see some of the city's most beautiful murals.

Although the bars are lively almost from early afternoon onwards, it's after dark that Nashville's colours and lights come to life. The monuments and historic sites also come into their own at night.

For this reason, you'll want to take a tour on a traditional-looking trolley bus from which you can take a guided tour of the best sights at night. The guide will explain all the details of the most iconic sights.

Music is inconceivable without the African-American influence: gospel, jazz, blues, soul, R&B, rock, rap... History and music go hand in hand and each genre has an era of reference. The National Museum of African American Music explains the evolution of African-American music from 1800 to the present day.

It's a very interactive museum so you can, if you wish, play and sing along. You'll see and hear the evolution of the many genres of African American music through projections, objects, clothing and more. Whether you're a music lover or not, you'll love this guided tour.

Imagine an orange desert terrain with rolling hills. In the distance you see a cloud of dust approaching accompanied by a powerful engine sound - it's a monster truck! When you think of America, this spectacular vehicle seems to fit right in.

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, he will take you around the must-see areas of the city and explain everything there is to know.

You may not have heard of the Nashville Zoo, but it's pretty special. You'll notice how well kept it is and the animals live in environments recreated as close as possible to their natural habitat. Overall, it's a highly rated zoo.

It also offers attractions such as a zip line, a merry-go-round and educational activities to learn more about the species that live there. Are you travelling with children? Don't miss it and get in without queuing to make the most of the day.

The Cumberland River is one of the longest rivers in the United States at 1106 kilometres and runs through 2 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 mighty waterway.

At its widest point it is over a mile wide, making it navigable and so boats of all sizes and even cruise ships can be seen daily. Would you like to sail it and see Nashville from it? It's as easy as renting a kayak and having a great time.

Glen Campbell is another famous person who was born in a poor neighbourhood in Nashville. He was an entertainer, actor, songwriter and country and pop singer. The author of such hits as Rhinestone Cowboy and composer of the theme song for the film True Grit, he is beloved in the United States.

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

Nashville has a number of interesting shopping spots, and not just for anything: second-hand, antiques, collectibles, speciality and of course, clothing shops where you can get a good country outfit. These streets are all over the city and some are more hidden than others.

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

Country is a lively and catchy music that is not danced alone or in pairs. It is danced in a group with a line of people following the same steps, so there is no risk of stepping on your dance partner's toes! A relaxed and easy way to have fun and socialise. That's what country dancing is all about.

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

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

If you are sporty or simply like physical activity, I recommend an activity not to be missed: paddle surfing on the river. It's best to go with a guide who will also explain everything you see. Great for the whole family!

In the United States in general, they tend to offer bigger and bigger. This applies to its impressive geography, buildings, avenues, vehicles and of course: the 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, stuffed, with toppings, in shapes and flavours you have never tried before. They are very new and there are plenty of specialised shops around the city. Do you want to know the best ones? You can take an irresistible doughnut tour.

Nashville is big on food and there are plenty of restaurants and food stalls serving food from all over the world, but especially the local, southern fare. There are three flavours that stand out: barbecue, beer and bourbon.

The food is all about getting to know the place and its customs and it's worth trying what's recommended. If you're a foodie, I recommend one of the city' s food tours that will take you to the best places to try barbecue, beer and bourbon in a way you've never done before.

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

A highlight of this list is the 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 the history that went with it on a guided tour that will amaze you.

Water is on practically every postcard of Nashville and that's because of the spectacular river that runs through it: the Cumberland. Did you know that you could cross two states if you fly over the entire river? The river is popular for boating and water sports activities.

If you're into adventure, you can try flyboarding, a board that propels you up and sends you flying. There is a quiet section of the river to do this and it will definitely give you thrilling sensations. Do you dare?

Hard Rock Café started in 1971. The first restaurant opened in London. Since then it started to grow and now exists in all major cities of the world. The decor 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 have guessed, the one in Nashville stands out. Want to visit it and eat some good 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 there was a gold rush and people from all over the world went to the rivers of California to pan for gold. Although it is no longer there, it is said that some people still go looking for it.

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

Do you know biscuits & gravy? It's a popular savoury breakfast in Southern cooking. The breakfasts are quite varied and there are both savoury and sweet, to suit all tastes, but 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, recipes and leave with a full stomach.

Close to Nashville, Arrington Vineyards is a vineyard in a beautiful rural setting. Whether you are a wine lover or not you will enjoy this visit as the location and surroundings are something very different from the city.

If you feel like visiting these vineyards accompanied by live music and spending a quiet day surrounded by nature, I recommend this tour that will take you there and explain everything about this place.

Belle Meade is not just any winery. It is a historic complex dating back to 1807 that consists of a spectacular mansion, its gardens and its cellar. In its early days, slaves worked on its plantations. This is documented in different ways in the mansion, which now serves as a museum and wine cellar.

If you would like to know more about this mansion and its history and taste its wines, I recommend this tour. You can have a guided tour inside, explore the grounds at your leisure and have a wine tasting.

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

You can learn a lot about the American Civil War by visiting places like the Lotz House and the Carter House, both of which are historic sites. If you want to learn more, it's best to have an expert guide explain it all to you - you'll be left with your mouth wide open!

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 pieces of 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 Lane Motor Museum for an interesting experience - recommended for the whole family!

Memphis is a city southwest of Nashville, also on the banks of the Cumberland River. It's worth a visit for its proximity and a musical tradition very similar to Nashville's. The streets are lively and colourful.

Its streets are lively and colourful, with many murals. The Four Way is the most famous restaurant in Memphisfor its history and tradition. Another reason to visit this city is Graceland, the mansion where Elvis once lived, which is now a museum.

Nashville's love of antiques is evident in its shops and markets. In addition to clothing and antiques, there are food stalls and live music. This flea market is home to some of the most extravagant items.

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

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

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

TheGrand Ole Opry is America's premier country music show. It is broadcast once a week from a theatre in Opryland. It has become so popular that each broadcast is a renowned ticketed show.

If you wish to attend or visit the theatre, which is impressive, you can book your tickets. Advance booking is recommended. The show is guaranteed!

In the United States you get the impression that everything is bigger. This is also true of the caves in Mammoth Cave National Park. It is the largest cave system ever discovered.

Both the surroundings and the caves are worth a visit. They are located in Kentucky, an hour and a half's drive from Nashville. If this plan appeals to you, perfect to do with 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 of the time as well as his and his wife's tomb.

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

Very close to the centre is a very different museum. This is the science museum for children. It is made for interaction, touching and experimenting. 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. The grown-ups will have fun too. Book your tickets here

The Dukes of Hazzard was an American television series that aired in the 1970s and 1980s, known in Spain as El Sheriff Chiflado. The series was so iconic that there are several museums about it around the United States, one of them in Nashville.

Here you can walk around 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 centre and next to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Bridgestone Arena is a large multi-purpose complex where sporting and musical events are held all the time .

If you're a basketball or hockey fan, you can catch a game at this great stadium. You've probably seen it in the movies, but watching a game in the USA is a very exciting and fun experience. Book your tickets here

This contemporary art museum is housed in the former art deco post office building. Centrally located, the beautiful building alone is worth a visit.

A curious fact about this museum is that it has no permanent collection. Its exhibitions, always of contemporary art, are changing. Before your visit, check the programme here.

Nashville has a lot of points of interest, on the one hand its historical buildings such as the Parthenon, the Capitol, Fort Nashboro and on the other hand a lot of references to music such as its bars and museums. In short, there is a lot to see and experience in the city centre alone.

If you want a super fun way to get to know all that and a lot of surprises, sign up for a gymkhana, there are all kinds of them, you will learn about the city and have fun!

Hatch Show Print is a print shop that has been in operation since 1879 and has produced iconic posters. Record 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's an interesting visit as well as a great opportunity to buy souvenirs for yourself or to give as gifts from your favourite bands. Here you can book a tour for the Hatch Show Print.

Madame Tussaud was a wax sculptor who recreated important scenes of her time. Nashville's wax museum is named in her honour and is now considered one of the most important wax museums in the world - not surprisingly, it contains the world's largest collection of wax figures.

In addition to the characters, there are recreations of scenes in which you can take the most incredible selfies. You may have already guessed it, it is dedicated to the musical artists of all times, so book a visit and don't miss it! Find out more information here

In a city with so many stars, you can't miss a Walk of Fame. It's located in Walk of Fame Park, next to Bridgestone Stadium in the heart of downtown Nashville. Strolling through this beautiful park, you'll find something akin to Hollywood's Walk of Fame, which pays tribute to dozens of celebrities.

Be sure to visit and take pictures with your favourite celebrities. More information here

Nashville is a very genuine city that likes to honour traditions. One such example is the city's Farmer's Market, which has been active since 1837. The citizens of Nashville shop here for quality fruits, vegetables and artisan products.

Nowadays there are also local restaurants 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 events and small exhibitions.

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

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

It is no longer open to visitors but it is worth a visit to see the building and learn a little more about its controversial history.

Fannie Mae Dees Park is known as Dragon Park as 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 historic landmarks. Noted for its Neo-Egyptian style architecture, it was destroyed several times and the one you can see now was built in 1848.

Its interior, with high ceilings, large stained glass windows and a striking red floor, will surprise you. It houses an art gallery and often hosts educational and musical events. You can check its programme of activities here.

Naville has a beautiful aerial view thanks to the huge river running through the centre and its colourful streets and buildings. Did you know that from above you can see a large peace symbol 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 is sure to be a memorable experience. Perfect to celebrate an anniversary, birthday or treat yourself.

Nashville is the birthplace of country music and there are several important museums dedicated to the music. Some of the must-see museums are: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Johnny Cash Museum or the RCA Studio B.

On the other hand, another very entertaining visit is the wax museum, where you can see, among others, replicas of Elvis, Taylor Swift and Johnny Cash.

In between the museums you should of course visit a distillery - there's so much to do! To make the most of your time, I recommend this fun pass, where you can visit all these attractions and museums and not miss anything.

Another of the city's tourist passes that you might be interested in and which includes up to 30 attractions is the Nashville City Pass.

You already know about all the plans that the city of Nashville has to offer for those interested in visiting the city. Although most of them can be enjoyed throughout the year, it is true that depending on the weather, festivals or activities of each date there are some that are more recommendable than others. For this reason, in the following posts we have selected the best things to do and see depending on the time of year:

• 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 maybe you'll decide to visit the American city in winter and discover the many things to do in the off-season or, why not, discover the capital of Tennessee at Christmas time and experience the Christmas spirit like an American.

Finally, for those of you who like to optimise your time and plan everything to perfection, we have prepared these travel guides that will help you to better organise your trip 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