Top things to do in Nashville
Broadway honky-tonks, hot chicken and music history
Top picks for a Nashville day out
Standout bookings right now
This mix leans on music history, sightseeing, and a few high-energy indoor options. Start with the classics, then add one active outing or a hands-on stop.

Old Town Trolley Tours Nashville
Visitors can tour Nashville aboard a narrated trolley that stops at popular attractions such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Ryman Auditorium
$$Known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," this venue hosts diverse concerts & daily tours.
"If you want a tour, leave extra time rather than arriving at the last minute."

National Museum of African American Music
An interactive museum covering gospel, hip hop, jazz and more.
"Good for a slower-paced visit if you want an indoor stop between live shows."

Joyride Nashville
Guided outings by golf cart, Monster Truck, E-bike or on foot.
"Pick the format that fits your energy level; the walking option is the simplest if you want less noise."

Honky Tonk Highway
Broadway’s live-music strip, with no cover charge and music running late.

Wasioto Park
Innovative play space along the river with a climbing wall, splash areas, amphitheater & a trail.
"Handy when you want open space between downtown stops."

Grand Ole Opry
A landmark venue for tours and weekly radio shows with classic and newer country acts.
"Best paired with a full evening rather than a rushed visit."

L & L Market
An indoor market with independent shops, food options and a brewery.
"A practical choice when you want somewhere cool and easy to navigate."

Belmont Mansion
A historic house museum in a stately 1853 mansion.
"Allow time to look around at your own pace."

Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center
A neoclassical concert hall for classical, pop and jazz performances.

Gaylord Springs Golf Links
$$A Scottish links-style golf course with a clubhouse for events.
"More practical if you are already planning a golf-focused day."

Puttshack Nashville
A technology-led mini-golf venue with food, cocktails and late hours.
"Book ahead if you want an evening slot."

Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural
In the city, this is a photo mural with white lace-style wings on a black wall. It suits a quick stop for pictures, with smaller wings for children or pets; go off-peak if you want to avoid waiting.

Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
A visitor centre with information about Nashville and its music scene.
"A simple first stop if you want to get oriented quickly."

Nashville Visitor Center
A central information stop with gifts, maps and free Wi-Fi.
"Easy to combine with a Broadway walk."

Fort Negley Visitors Center
A historic park and visitor centre with skyline views and Civil War-era ruins.
"Good to visit when you want a quieter, more reflective stop."

Marathon Village
A former factory complex now filled with shops and historic displays.
"Leave time to wander rather than treating it as a quick stop."
Top places to visit in Nashville
Spots that define the city for first-time visitors
A mix of live music, museums, gardens and easy city viewpoints. Start with the central picks, then branch out to the nearby historic sites and green spaces.

Ryman Auditorium
In the city centre, the Ryman Auditorium is a historic live music venue with daily tours and concerts. It suits music fans and first-time visitors; book ahead if you want to combine a show with a tour.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Attraction tells the story of popular American music through artifacts & interactive exhibits.

Frist Art Museum
In the city centre, the Frist Art Museum has rotating exhibitions in an art deco building. It suits art visitors and rainy-day plans; check the current show before you go.

Cheekwood
Sprawling 1930s estate with an art museum & picturesque botanical gardens, plus a cafe & gift shop.

Johnny Cash Museum
This red-brick museum displays pictures & memorabilia from the life of music icon Johnny Cash.

Tennessee State Capitol
Greek Revival 1845-1859 legislative building & grounds housing the tomb of President James K. Polk.
Gazebo
In the city, Gazebo is listed as a picnic ground. It suits a simple outdoor break; bring your own food and keep it as an easy stop.

The Parthenon
In the city, the Parthenon is a full-scale replica with American art galleries. It suits visitors who want a landmark museum stop; combine it with time in the surrounding park.
Spray Pad
In the city, Spray Pad is a water park and family-friendly outdoor stop. It suits children and anyone wanting a break from the heat; expect a casual park setting.

Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Visitor center offering information about Nashville, a city known for its music scene.

Fort Negley Visitors Center
Overlooking the city, this celebrated park boasts the ruins of a Civil War fort & a visitor center.

Saint Cloud Hill
In the city, Saint Cloud Hill is another mountain peak stop. It suits visitors who want a short scenic detour; pair it with nearby outdoor sights.

Blevins Japanese Garden
A short trip from the centre, Blevins Japanese Garden is a quiet garden within Cheekwood. It suits visitors who want a calmer outdoor stop; combine it with the wider estate visit.

Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
Greek Revival-style plantation house & grounds dating to the 1840s, with a winery & event spaces.

Sunken Garden
In the city, Sunken Garden is an outdoor garden stop. It suits visitors looking for a quiet break between central sights; keep it on a short walking route.

Commodore Yacht Club INC
Marina
Meridian Hill
Mountain peak

Lock One Marina
In the city, Lock One Marina is a marina on the river side of Nashville. It suits visitors interested in the waterfront; keep it as a brief stop rather than a full outing.
The Great Lawn
Botanical garden

Grand Ole Opry
Visitors come for daily tours & weekly live radio shows featuring classic & new country acts.
Where to stay
Reliable bases for exploring the city
Reliable bases for exploring the city

Sevier Park
Tranquil spot with trees, lawns & a creek, plus a walking path, community center & historic house.
"Best for an unhurried visit with time to use the paths."

The Pinnacle
People say this concert venue offers excellent sound quality and great views from all seating areas, including the balcony and general admission sections. Visitors also highlight the ample, clean restrooms and numerous bars, which minimize wait times. Guests mention the friendly and helpful staff, contributing to a positive and intimate atmosphere.

Marathon Music Works
People say this concert venue offers great sound and lighting, with an open floor plan that provides good views of the stage from most spots. They also highlight the friendly and efficient staff, multiple bars, and convenient self-serve water stations. Guests mention the clean restrooms, available ADA seating, and the presence of a hot dog stand.
"The open layout makes it easier to move between bars and the floor."

Eastside Bowl
Retro bowling alley with a diner and a bar.

Planet Fitness
Gym featuring tanning booths, massage chairs and a 30-minute circuit workout area, along with helpful staff.

Clementine Hall
Restored 1889 structure featuring original brick walls and high ceilings, hosting weddings, live music events, and conventions.
Outdoor places to stretch out in Nashville
Outdoor-friendly picks for clear days
A mixed set of parks, trails, overlooks, and dog-friendly stops around the city and just beyond it. Pick one for a quick walk, a longer hike, or an easy family stop.

Shelby Dog Park
In the city, this dog park has a pond, benches and walking trails. It suits dog owners looking for an easy outdoor break; there is a separate playground area too.

Capitol Hill
Mountain peak

Riverfront Park
In the city, this river park has walking paths, views and an amphitheater. It suits an easy stroll close to downtown; expect it to be busy at times.
Fosters Hill
Mountain peak

Percy Warner Park Allée
Iconic hilltop destination with hiking paths, scenic views, paved trails and outdoor stairs.
Taylor Knob
Mountain peak
Princeton Hills
Garden

Centennial Park
In the city, this urban park combines lawns, gardens, a lake, a band shell and a Parthenon replica. It suits families and relaxed walks; free parking is a practical plus.

Radnor Lake State Park
In the city, this state park has hiking trails, wildlife and a visitor centre. It suits a quieter half-day in nature; trails vary from easy paved sections to hillier routes.

Luke Lea Heights Scenic Overlook
In the city, this scenic spot has trails and views over Nashville. It suits a short stop for a lookout, with a biking trail among the routes.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
This 11-acre park tells the story of the state's history through plaques, plants & fountains.

Stones River Greenway Trailhead
Short trip from centre, this paved greenway is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists. It suits an easy multi-use outing with bridges and open views; it stays open late.

Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural
In the city, this is a photo mural with white lace-style wings on a black wall. It suits a quick stop for pictures, with smaller wings for children or pets; go off-peak if you want to avoid waiting.

Centennial Dog Park
In the city, this dog park has shade, benches, paths and grassy slopes. It suits dogs that like space to run; the hill setting gives it a bit more variety than a flat park.

Luke Lea Heights Scenic Overlook
In the city, this scenic spot has trails and views over Nashville. It suits a short stop for a lookout, with a biking trail among the routes.

Richland Creek Greenway - McCabe Trailhead
Peaceful paved trail system through trees & scenic areas, with pet-friendly access & an outdoor gym.
Spray Pad
In the city, Spray Pad is a water park and family-friendly outdoor stop. It suits children and anyone wanting a break from the heat; expect a casual park setting.

Slick City Action Park
Near the city, this action park has slides for different ages and a dedicated younger-children area. It suits active family outings or an adult session; reviews note it can get crowded.

Stones River Dog Park
Park featuring trails and a dam, plus a public restroom, picnic tables, and a water fountain.

West Meade Waterfall
Nature preserve

Beech Grove Picnic Area
Picnic ground

Centennial Park Pavilion
Picnic ground

Lakeview 1 Picnic Shelter at Shelby Park
Picnic ground