Do you love great food and live music? Then put a visit to Nashville on your list of travel destinations. Exploring a new city can be so much fun. There is always something unique to discover and Nashville is no different. From downtown Honky Tonks to great barbecue, the best things to do in Nashville offer a new adventure around every corner.
You don’t have to wait for a milestone like a birthday or anniversary to book your next trip. Although many of us like to associate holidays with these happy moments. In fact, those who travel to celebrate special occasions are happier and more successful than those who don’t, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 US adults looked at their thoughts on important travel and found that while 48 percent save travel for special occasions, another 40 percent think you should travel as much as you can.
Nashville is also one of the best places in the country to see live music, especially country music. Live shows are more than just fun and exciting. A recent study says that going to concerts may be better for your mental health than practicing yoga.
Don’t forget your cowboy boots! (opens in new tab) StudyFinds compiled a list of the top five things to do in Nashville the next time you visit, based on reviews from ten expert websites. As always, we’d love to see your own recommendations in the comments below!
The list: The best things to Do in Nashville, according to Travel Experts
1. The Grand Ole Opry
One of Nashville’s main attractions, the Grand Ole Opry is a musical treasure trove. NOMADasaurus notes, “it’s a musicians’ dream to be invited (yes, invited) to play on the hallowed stage. In Nashville, playing here is the definition of “making it.”
“The Grand Ole Opry is the longest-running radio show, dating back to 1925, attracting some of the most talented singer-songwriters of all time,” according to Upgraded Points.
Visitors come from all over the world to be in the audience of this radio program. “You can get tickets to watch the Grand Ole Opry taping, a country music fan’s dream. If you’re not a country fan, check out the upcoming shows. Artists from all genres of music play at the Opry House,” adds Travel Lemming.
“In addition to seeing a show, you can also sign up for a tour of the Opry. There are backstage tours during the day as well as backstage tours after the show,” states Goats On The Road.
2. Museums
Nashville is also home to some great museums. One notable one is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which includes approximately 2.5 million artifacts.
“Music and history buffs can mingle with the exhibits at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. See plaques dedicated to the best in country music—from Patsy Cline to Reba McEntire to Alan Jackson—and stroll among artifacts like Johnny Cash’s guitar and Elvis Presley’s ‘solid gold’ Cadillac limousine,” according to US News & World Report.
Travel Addicts points out that the museum “makes an effort to pay homage to the province’s musical heritage while focusing on contemporary and even crossover artists. Although there is a permanent collection, some of the exhibits change.”
The Johnny Cash Museum is another fantastic stop for music fans. The Vacationer notes that it is “one of the best music museums in the world and filled with the largest comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia.” Johnny Cash’s handwritten letters, instruments, clothing and other personal effects are on display. “The museum has a small theater that plays clips from the movies and TV shows that Cash starred in, and has an interactive exhibit that presents his music in a variety of formats. Be sure to book your tickets online to avoid the lines as the museum can get busy,” according to Upgraded Points.
3. Visit Broadway
This lively area of downtown Nashville offers bars, clubs and fun drinks. Music fills the air as you walk the streets. The sunshades sparkle with sophisticated neon lettering. Many of today’s top country artists own bars and restaurants in this part of town.
Affectionately called the Honky Tonk Highway, the bars and clubs here are defined by live music, long hours and no cover charge. With a music culture that encourages both big stars and unknown artists to take to the stage, no matter how small, that means bar crawling is the way to go,” suggests Expedia.
Be sure to stop by Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Nashville’s oldest honky tonk. Travelers Worldwide notes that it is “a top-rated destination for tourists. Many famous musicians have passed through the saloon’s doors, including Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline. Due to its popularity, there is always an extremely long wait in the evening to get inside. However, once you’re in, you’ll have a fantastic time with live music and plenty of drinks.’
Day or night, Broadway is an experience like no other. You can also find great shops to buy a souvenir cowboy hat and pair of boots.
4. The Ryman Auditorium
Known as the Mother Church of Country Music, this historic music venue is located in downtown Nashville. “Established in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle Church, this 2,362-seat venue was once the home of the Grand Ole Opry,” according to the Family Destinations Guide.
The Ryman has amazing acoustics, beautiful architecture, stained glass windows and church pew seating. “Guided tours are offered daily that allow you to explore the auditorium and exhibits. You can even take a picture of the scene. For an additional fee, you can take a guided tour that also allows you to go behind the scenes,” notes Travel Lemming.
“If a tour isn’t for you, you can grab a ticket to one of the shows (in and out of the country) that are still happening here almost every night of the week,” adds Travel Addicts.
5. The Parthenon in Centennial Park
No, you’re not in Greece, but you’ll want to check out this awesome replica of the Parthenon located in Nashville’s Centennial Park. The structure “was only meant to be temporary – it was built for the Tennessee Centennial in 1897 – it has since become a beloved attraction, housing models of statues found in the original structure as well as an impressive collection of artwork. Travelers praise the well-kept grounds, peaceful atmosphere and magnificent building, recommending an evening visit to see it lit up,” according to US News & World Report.
“Enter the main hall upstairs to see the huge statue of the goddess Athena. Take a tour and walk through the four fine art galleries. Fun fact: the statue of Athena is the tallest indoor statue in the Western Hemisphere,” adds The Vacationer.
Honorable mention: The food
Nashville is known for its amazing food. Get a piece of hot chicken from Hattie B’s. “There are several Hattie B’s locations in Nashville, including one right near Music Row. Provided you don’t go overboard with the spices, eating hot chicken is definitely one of the tastiest things to do in Nashville,” states Goats On The Road.
If you’re still hungry, one of my favorite places for good old-fashioned barbecue is Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint. Their pulled pork is a mouth-watering delight. As for the ribs? They fall right off the bone.
do you want breakfast The Pancake Pantry offers some of the best pancakes in Tennessee with endless flavor combinations. Another must try is Biscuit Love. You can make breakfast around their specialty biscuits and add some hot chicken to it.
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