The Top 10 Things to Do in Nashville: A Guide for Visitors

Top 10 Things to Do in Nashville

 

Nashville is a vibrant destination that provides something for everyone, from seeing the Grand Ole Opry and experiencing the Country Music Hall of Fame to visiting the Nashville Zoo and shopping at the  Farmers’ Market. Experience Nashville’s rich music heritage, delicious food, and stunning natural surroundings.

Take a walk through the Nashville Arboretum, visit the Frist Art Museum, or go on a ghost tour to learn about Nashville’s haunted history. Don’t pass up the chance to witness a game at Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans. Get ready for a trip full of adventure and fun in the beautiful city of Nashville.

Nashville Travel Guide: Top 10 Things to Do in Nashville

1. Visit The Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is a famous country music theater in Nashville, Tennessee that has been entertaining guests for almost 90 years. Many of the biggest stars in country music have played at the Grand Ole Opry, including Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, and Carrie Underwood.

The Grand Ole Opry hosts live performances by a range of country music singers, and you can buy tickets to a show while in Nashville. The venue is a must-see for every country music lover and an essential stop on any trip to Nashville.

2. Explore The Country Music Hall of Fame

Any country music enthusiast should visit this museum. It includes exhibitions on some of the genre’s biggest stars, as well as artifacts and memorabilia from the genre. The museum is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day in downtown Nashville.

3. Visit The Nashville Zoo

This zoo, located just outside of downtown Nashville, is home to nearly 2,000 species from all over the world. It’s an excellent family attraction, with a range of educational events and interactive displays.

Except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, the zoo is open every day and provides a number of entrance prices to accommodate a wide range of budgets. Red pandas can be seen at the Nashville Zoo and are a must-see for any animal enthusiast.

4. Check Out The Nashville Farmers’ Market

This market is ideal for purchasing fresh, locally grown food and handmade items. It’s open all year and has a wide range of merchants offering everything from fruits and veggies to handcrafted crafts and gifts; A perfect place to grab a gift for someone back home. Except for major holidays, the market is open every day in downtown Nashville.

5. Go On A Tour of The Belle Meade Plantation

This 19th-century estate is a fun way to learn about Nashville’s past. You can explore the grounds and the home and learn more about life on a plantation in the 1800s.

The plantation is located just outside of Nashville and is open daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

6. Visit The Frist Art Museum

This museum, located in downtown Nashville, houses a diverse collection of art, ranging from classic paintings to contemporary installations. It’s a fantastic spot to spend a day visiting the many exhibits.

The museum is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and it offers several of admission options to accommodate a number of budgets.

7. Take A Walk Through The Nashville Arboretum

This lovely garden has a variety of flora, hiking pathways, and even a wildlife center. It’s a wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and appreciate nature’s beauty.

The arboretum is located just outside of Nashville and is open daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

8. Shop and Dine In Nashville’s 12-South Neighborhood

This stylish area is filled with boutique stores and restaurants. The various stores in the neighborhood sell everything from apparel and accessories to home décor and gifts.

The area is located just south of downtown Nashville and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.

9. Go On A Ghost Tour

Nashville has a long history and is reported to have numerous haunted sites. There are various companies that provide ghost tours of Nashville, where you can learn about the paranormal activity that is believed to have occurred in some of the city’s most iconic structures.

These excursions are usually available at night and may include going through some of Nashville’s darker, more atmospheric streets and alleyways.

10. Catch A Game At Nissan Stadium

Nissan stadium, which is home to the Tennessee Titans, is a terrific site to watch a football game. The  Stadium is located just outside of downtown Nashville and has a capacity of over 69,000 people. It’s an excellent spot for watching a football game and experiencing the intensity and thrill of a live sporting event.

You can buy tickets to attend the Tennessee Titans play at the stadium or see if any other events or concerts are happening during your stay; check it out here. The stadium also has a number of restaurants and concession stands where you can get a bite to eat or a drink while you’re there.

The Best of Nashville: A Recap of The Top 10 Attractions

From music fans and history buffs to foodies and nature lovers, Nashville offers something for everyone. Nashville’s several exciting attractions include the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville Zoo, and Nashville Farmers’ Market, to name a few.

To learn about Nashville’s rich history and culture, take a walk around the Nashville Arboretum, visit the Frist Art Museum, or go on a ghost tour. Don’t miss a game at Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans. Nashville is the perfect location to spend a weekend or longer since there is so much to see and do.

Where To Stay

Hotels

There are a lot of great hotels in Nashville, but if you want to stay in the heart of things, it’s best to book one on Broadway or near Music Row. The latter is home to most major record labels and other music industry offices; both areas have lots of bars and restaurants as well as shops selling tour merch. Plus, they’re less than 10 minutes from downtown by car or taxi (and many attractions).

Rentals

If you’re looking for an apartment-like experience with more privacy than a hotel offers, there are plenty of options available through Airbnb. You can find places ranging from small studio apartments with kitchenettes to large houses with pools–the choice is yours!

Public Transportation and How To Get Around

Public Transportation

Nashville’s public transport system is quite good, with buses and trains running frequently. If you’re staying in the city center, it’s easy enough to walk to most places; but if not, or if it’s a rainy day, using Metro Transit will be your best bet for getting around. The fares are fairly cheap–about $2 per ride on buses or trains (or even less if you buy a day pass). There are also several local taxi services with rides costing around $10-$15 within downtown Nashville proper.

If you want to rent a car, that is a popular option as well! You can check out the cheapest rentals from our partners here

How Do I Get From The Airport?

If arriving by plane at Nashville International Airport (BNA), then there will be plenty of taxis waiting outside baggage claim–but given how cheap public transportation is here compared with other major U.S cities like New York City or Chicago where taxis can cost upwards of $50 each way depending on traffic conditions and time spent crossing bridges into Manhattan island itself…why bother? Just take the light rail train instead! It costs only $2 per person each way (and seniors 65+ ride free!)

Tips and Tricks

If you are like me you are a huge Foodie; Nashville has some of the best restaurants in the country, and it’s easy to find something that fits your tastes. If you’re looking for Southern food, try one of these spots:

  • City House – This new spot on Elliston Place serves up delicious dishes in a cozy environment with an excellent wine list. The pork belly is a must-try!
  • Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack – This place has made quite a name for itself as one of Nashville’s most popular hot chicken restaurants, but don’t expect it to be fancy or upscale (it was originally an old gas station!). Just get yourself some spicy fried chicken with sides like macaroni & cheese and collard greens–and don’t forget the sauce!
  • Mas Tacos Por Favor – We love this Latin American restaurant where everything is made from scratch daily using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible; plus there’s usually live music playing in their courtyard patio area too if you want something extra special 🙂

If you’re looking for more traditional American cuisine, try this spot…

  • Husk – This restaurant has been serving up Southern classics with a modern twist since 2010. It’s located in downtown Nashville and has an upscale vibe without being stuffy or overpriced; plus they have an excellent selection of wines by the glass.

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