Nashville: what's actually worth it
Nashville’s soul is forged in the echoes of the Grand Ole Opry, where country music’s humble roots grew into a global phenomenon that still defines its identity here. Walking downtown feels like stepping into a living room where strangers become friends over cold beers and heartfelt ballads, radiating an unpretentious warmth that welcomes you instantly. Today, it remains a vibrant hub for songwriters and musicians alike, blending historic charm with creative energy in every honky-tonk and studio.
Top things to do in Nashville
Grand Ole Opry
Live Music Venue · ★ 4.8 (32,911 reviews)
Visitors come for daily tours & weekly live radio shows featuring classic & new country acts.
Check tours & tickets →Ryman Auditorium
Live Music Venue · ★ 4.8 (21,118 reviews)
Known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," this venue hosts diverse concerts & daily tours.
Check tours & tickets →Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Museum · ★ 4.6 (20,231 reviews)
Attraction tells the story of popular American music through artifacts & interactive exhibits.
Check tours & tickets →Centennial Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (15,518 reviews)
Urban recreation area with a Parthenon replica & museum, plus a band shell, dog park & gardens.
Check tours & tickets →Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Zoo · ★ 4.5 (21,548 reviews)
Multiple habitats housing a global array of animals, plus a popular playground for kids.
Check tours & tickets →The Parthenon
Art museum · ★ 4.6 (15,205 reviews)
Built in 1897, this full-scale replica of the Athenian Parthenon also houses American art galleries.
Check tours & tickets →Johnny Cash Museum
Museum · ★ 4.6 (11,325 reviews)
This red-brick museum displays pictures & memorabilia from the life of music icon Johnny Cash.
Check tours & tickets →Honky Tonk Highway
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (7,739 reviews)
Iconic strip of rollicking honky tonks open until 3 am with live music every day & no cover charge.
Check tours & tickets →Cheekwood
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.7 (6,107 reviews)
Sprawling 1930s estate with an art museum & picturesque botanical gardens, plus a cafe & gift shop.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
The Hampton Social - Nashville
American Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (20,910 reviews)
Breezy hangout serving seafood & beach-themed cocktails in stylish, nautical surroundings.
Website →Hawkers Asian Street Food
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (10,196 reviews)
Website →Hattie B's Hot Chicken - Nashville - Midtown
Chicken Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (13,411 reviews)
Mild to very spicy fried chicken, Southern sides and local brews in a casual, counter-service eatery.
Website →The Loveless Cafe
American Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (13,132 reviews)
Southern cafe with down-home dishes & a country vibe, plus eclectic on-site shops.
Website →Monell's
American Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (7,943 reviews)
All-you-can-eat Southern fare, including fried chicken, served family-style in historic surrounds.
Website →Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
Barbecue Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (11,670 reviews)
Big roadhouse-style eatery known for its whole-hog pit-fired BBQ with chicken, tacos, and burgers.
Website →The Finch
American Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (6,378 reviews)
Website →Assembly Food Hall
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (7,029 reviews)
Buzzing hub featuring a variety of eateries doling out local and global fare, plus live entertainment.
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Get outside
Radnor Lake State Park
State Park · ★ 4.7 (4,087 reviews)
1,368-acre park featuring a visitor center & 6 hiking trails that showcase native wildlife & plants.
Website →Montgomery Bell State Park
State Park · ★ 4.7 (3,345 reviews)
Besides lakes, an inn & golf course, this sprawling mainstay features a church & log cabin replica.
Website →Warner Parks
Park · ★ 4.8 (2,445 reviews)
Public forest & green space with hiking & equestrian trails, bicycle routes & athletic fields.
Website →Long Hunter State Park
State Park · ★ 4.7 (1,651 reviews)
Park with hiking & biking trails, fishing plus Native-American archaeology site with mound.
Website →Bledsoe Creek State Park
State Park · ★ 4.7 (1,585 reviews)
Former Native American hunting ground now features a lake, campsites & 6+ miles of hiking trails.
Website →After dark
Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk
Bar · ★ 4.7 (6,305 reviews)
Website →Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
Bar · ★ 4.7 (4,950 reviews)
Music club with Cajun cuisine & blues presented 7 nights per week in Mardi Gras–themed surroundings.
Website →Tootsies Orchid Lounge
Bar · ★ 4.4 (7,200 reviews)
This historic watering hole and prototypical honky-tonk is across the alley from the Ryman.
Website →Category 10
Bar · ★ 4.8 (3,127 reviews)
Website →More guides
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