At first glance, Nashville might seem like it’s all cowboy boots and bachelorette blowouts. You might even find yourself thinking that it’s more honky-tonk than heart. But don’t let Broadway’s neon glow fool you. Beneath the rhinestones and rowdy crowds is a city steeped in creativity, where every street corner hums with stories waiting to be told.
A magnet for dreamers and doers alike, Nashville is a canvas painted in sound, flavor, and southern soul. Whether your art is songwriting or sipping whiskey, this city has a way of tuning you into its rhythm. So, grab your boots (or don’t; sneakers work just fine) and follow the beat. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Nashville, from iconic music haunts to hidden local gems that hit all the right notes.
1. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame
You don’t have to be a country music lover to appreciate the sheer weight of the talent on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame. The 350,000 square foot venue gives you an interactive look at the history of the genre, from its rural American roots to its place in the modern spotlight. It’s no wonder this is one of the most iconic things to do in Nashville.
Highlights include a temporary exhibit on Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life and career, a collection of over 900 vintage instruments, including Mother Maybelle Carter’s Gibson L-5 guitar and Bill Monroe’s mandolin, thousands of stage costumes, and even Elvis Presley’s 1960 Cadillac limousine.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the gift shop. The Country Music Hall of Fame sells some of the most affordable cowboy boots in downtown Nashville.
2. See A Show at The Grand Ole Opry
No visit to Nashville is complete without a little live music, and there’s nowhere quite like the Grand Ole Opry for a show. While its current location just outside of town is new, the Opry itself is a living piece of Nashville history. The world’s longest running radio show turned 100 in 2025 and shows no signs of slowing down.
One of the most unforgettable things to do in Nashville, the Opry blends tradition with surpirse: legends like Riders in the Sky share the stage with the likes of Jessica Simpson and rising country stars like I’m With Her, all performing on that hallowed oak circle cut from the original Ryman stage. The energy is electric, the storytelling raw, and when the crowd sings along, you’ll swear the whole city’s in harmony.
Pro tip: Take the backstage tour during intermission and you might catch a glimpse of the night’s talent roaming the halls.
3. Tour Gibson Garage
Music meets art at Gibson Garage, the legendary guitar brand’s flagship Nashville showroom. If you can tear yourself away from the rotating mobile of gorgeous guitars overhead, you’ll find an impressive array of top-of-the-line accessories, a wing dedicated to acoustic models, and even a studio where you can build your own custom guitar from the ground up. Even if you’re not a musician, this spot is worth a visit for the aritstry of these instruments alone.
Pro tip: If Gibson Director of Brand Experience Mark Agnesi happens to be in, be sure to ask him anything and everything you’ve ever wanted to know about guitars. He’s a walking encyclopedia.
4. Explore The Frist Art Musuem
Housed in a stunning Art Deco post office from the 1930s, The Frist Art Museum is one of the most visually striking things to do in Nashville. The marble-clad lobby and its installations alone are worth a visit, but inside you’ll find rotating exhibitions that range from Renaissance masters to cutting-edge local artists. Don’t miss the Martin ArtQuest Gallery, where visitors can create their own works.
Pro tip: The lobby and its rotating art installations are free to visit. You only need to purcahse a ticket to get inside the actual building. Oh, and kids 18 and under get in for free, too.
5. Attend a Songwriter’s Round
For a true insider experience, songwriter’s rounds are among the most authentic things to do in Nashville. At spots like The Listening Room, you’ll sit just feet away from the hitmakers themselves as they swap stories and songs in a casual, round-robin format. It’s raw, intimate, and often goosebump-inducing — especially when you realize that chart-topping lyrics were probably scribbled on a napkin nearby. Many hotels and bars host their own rounds, turning every night into a front-row seat to Nashville’s creative soul.
Pro tip: The Listening Room should be at the top of your list not just for its legendary status, but because it’s one of the only venues in town that pays its songwriters for these performances.
6. Explore National Musuem of African American Music
The National Museum of African American Music is one of the most powerful and dynamic things to do in Nashville. This immersive museum traces more than 400 years of history, connecting spirituals and gospel to jazz, hip-hop, and beyond. Interactive exhibits let you mix your own beats, sing with a virtual gospel choir, or curate a personal playlist that follows you through the galleries.
7. Eat Through Assembly Food Hall
Located in the heart of downtown on Fifth and Broadway, Assembly Food Hall has quickly become one of the tastiest things to do in Nashville. Opened in 2021, this culinary playground brings together more than 30 local vendors under one roof, serving everything from Nashville hot chicken at Prince’s to handmade sushi rolls at Hōru. Locals flock here for the rooftop views, craft cocktails, and live music that keep the energy buzzing. Be sure to save room for the Jack Daniels-infused ice cream at Hattie Jane’s.
Another reason it’s so popular? Assembly Food Hall is one of the only family friendly eateries on Broadway, making it an ideal spot for dinner before a Preditors game or a show at the Ryman.
8. Tour The Ryman Auditorium
Stepping into the Ryman Auditorium is like opening a time capsule of American music history. Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” this landmark is one of the most essential things to do in Nashville. The self-guided tour lets you stand on the original stage where Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and even Elvis once performed. Peek backstage, explore the dressing rooms, and soak in the unmatched acoustics that still make artists and audiences alike fall a little bit in love.
9. Wander Broadway
You can’t visit Nashville without diving into Broadway’s nightlife at least once—one of the most electrifying things to do in Nashville. From the gaudy neon lights to the thrum of live country music spilling out of every dive bar and honky-tonk, this strip pulses with energy day and night. Grab a whiskey, find a spot on a crowded wooden barstool, and let local bands belt out classics and originals alike. Whether you’re line dancing, cheering along to a fiddle solo, or just soaking in the chaos, Broadway is Nashville in its rawest, most unforgettable form.
Where to Stay in Nashville
Looking for a central location near the top attractions, but still tucked away from the hustle and bustle? Check into Noelle, a refurbished 1930s art deco landmark-turned-boutique hotel near Printer’s Alley. Five food and drink venues, a rooftop bar, and preserved original details (not to mention a free coffee bar on every floor) make this a top pick in Nashville.
If you’d prefer to stay in a more local area of town, the W Nashville hits all the high notes. Perched in The Gulch, this stylish high-rise places you just steps from Gibson’s Garage, multiple music venues and recording studios, and top-notch local restaurants. The rooftop pool and cocktail bar make this stay extra enticing, especially during the summer months.