View more places in Tennessee
Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, sits along the Cumberland River and is world-famous as the birthplace of country music. This vibrant city draws millions of visitors each year who come to experience its legendary music scene, historic neighborhoods, and Southern hospitality. Beyond the honky-tonks of Broadway, Nashville offers a rich tapestry of cultural attractions, acclaimed restaurants, and family-friendly activities that make it one of the South’s most compelling destinations.
Music City lives up to its nickname at every turn. The legendary Grand Ole Opry has showcased the biggest names in country music since 1925, and its weekly performances remain a cornerstone of the Nashville experience. Music Row, the historic district packed with recording studios and record labels, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into the industry. Even the airport features live performances, setting the tone the moment travelers arrive.
Nashville’s story begins with the Cherokee and Shawnee peoples who called this region home long before European settlers arrived. The city was founded in 1779 and named after Francis Nash, a Revolutionary War general. By the early 1800s, Nashville had become a thriving river port, facilitating commerce that would shape the region’s growth.
The arrival of the railroad in the 1840s transformed Nashville into a major transportation hub. The city was also a critical center during the Civil War, serving as headquarters for the Confederacy’s Army of Tennessee. After the war, Nashville rebuilt and eventually emerged as a education hub, earning the nickname “Athens of the South” due to its numerous universities and colleges.
The Fisk Jubilee Singers, who began touring from Fisk University in 1871, helped preserve African American spirituals and gained international acclaim. Their success laid groundwork for Nashville’s deep musical traditions. In the 1960s, the civil rights movement saw significant events unfold in Nashville, including sit-ins at lunch counters that became a model for activism across the country.
Broadway honky-tonks form the heart of Nashville’s entertainment scene. These legendary bars line the famous strip, offering live music every night of the week. Whether you’re looking for traditional country, modern pop, or Southern rock, the variety is staggering. The energy is contagious, and many venues feature multiple bands per evening rotating through different floors.
The Johnny Cash Museum celebrates the life and legacy of the Man in Black. The collection includes rare photographs, personal artifacts, and interactive exhibits that trace Cash’s journey from Arkansas humble beginnings to international stardom. Nearby, Casa Rosa pays tribute to Line Dancing Queen and other country music legends.
For a different pace, explore the Bicycle Tours through Nashville’s neighborhoods. These guided excursions wind through historic districts, past vibrant street art, and into local cafes. You will discover hidden gems that most tourists miss, from vintage record shops to family-owned barbecue joints.
Centennial Park is home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, built for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition. The structure stands as a testament to Nashville’s “Athens of the South” nickname. Inside, a 41-foot statue of Athena dominates the gallery, and the art museum features rotating exhibitions alongside permanent collections of American and European works.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum houses an extraordinary collection of memorabilia, costumes, and instruments. Interactive exhibits let you step inside a recording booth or listen to rare recordings from country music’s earliest days. The museum’s Historic RCA Studio B offers tours that reveal how legendary tracks were cut in the very rooms where artists like Elvis Presley recorded.
Belle Meade Historic Site tells the story of Tennessee’s thoroughbred horse industry through a preserved plantation mansion and grounds. Guided tours explore the Greek Revival home while explaining the site’s complicated history, including the enslaved people who lived and worked there. The attached Winston’s restaurant serves upscale Southern cuisine in an elegant setting.
Spring brings the Tennessee Cherry Blossom Festival and mild temperatures perfect for exploring the city on foot. Average highs in April and May hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal weather for strolling through neighborhoods or picnicking by the Cumberland River. This is also when the city’s outdoor concert series kicks into gear.
Fall offers comfortable temperatures and the exciting arrival of football season. Tailgating at Nissan Stadium becomes a weekly ritual, and the city pulses with University of Tennessee Volunteers energy. The Tennessee State Fair in September showcases local agriculture, live music, and traditional fair food. October brings cooler nights and the start of harvest season at nearby farms.
Summer can be hot and humid, but indoor attractions like the Adventure Science Center and numerous music venues keep visitors cool and entertained. The CMA Fest in June draws massive crowds for four days of country music performances. Winter sees fewer tourists, meaning lower hotel rates and shorter lines at major attractions. December transforms downtown with festive lights and holiday events at the Bridgestone Arena.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Nashville. Pick your favorite!
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum stands as the world’s largest repository of country music history and one of the most visited museums in Nashville. Located on Music Row at the intersection of Demonbreun Street and Division Street, this bel…
Ryman Auditorium , known far and wide as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” stands as one of Nashville’s most treasured landmarks and a living monument to the city’s musical soul. Located in the heart of downtown just off Broadway , this historic…