10 Best Things to Do in Nashville

Main Curiosities and Facts

• Nashville is known as the Music City and is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
• The city has a thriving food scene, with hot chicken being a local specialty.
• Nashville is home to many universities, including Vanderbilt University and Belmont University.
• The Grand Ole Opry is a must-visit attraction for music lovers, as it is the longest-running radio broadcast in the United States.
• Nashville was the birthplace of the civil rights movement and played a significant role in desegregation efforts in the 1960s.

1. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

If you’re a fan of country music, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-visit attraction. The museum features exhibits on the history of country music, including artifacts from legendary musicians like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton.

I personally enjoyed the interactive exhibits, where you can try your hand at playing a guitar or writing a song. The museum also has a great gift shop where you can pick up souvenirs to take home.

2. Enjoy Hot Chicken

Nashville is known for its hot chicken, a spicy fried chicken dish. There are many restaurants in the city that serve hot chicken, but my personal favorite is Hattie B’s.

Be warned, though, hot chicken can be very spicy! Make sure to order a mild or medium version if you’re not used to spicy food.

3. Take a Walk in Centennial Park

Centennial Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of Nashville. The park features a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, as well as walking trails, a lake, and a playground.

I love taking a walk around the park and enjoying the scenery. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a live performance at the bandshell.

4. Visit the Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is a legendary country music venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in country music. The venue offers tours, as well as live performances.

I highly recommend taking a tour of the Grand Ole Opry, as it gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the venue and its history. If you’re lucky enough to catch a live performance, you’re in for a real treat.

5. Explore the Gulch

The Gulch is a trendy neighborhood in Nashville that is known for its art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. There are many Instagram-worthy spots in the Gulch, including the What Lifts You wings mural.

I love exploring the Gulch and trying out new restaurants. Some of my favorites include Adele’s and Biscuit Love.

6. Visit the Belle Meade Plantation

The Belle Meade Plantation is a historic plantation located just outside of Nashville. The plantation offers tours of the grounds and the mansion, as well as wine tastings.

I enjoyed learning about the history of the plantation and seeing the beautiful grounds. The wine tasting was also a fun experience, and the wines were delicious.

7. Go Honky Tonking on Lower Broadway

Lower Broadway is known for its honky tonks, which are bars that feature live country music. There are many honky tonks to choose from, and they all offer a fun and lively atmosphere.

I love going honky tonking on Lower Broadway and listening to live music. Some of my favorite honky tonks include Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and Robert’s Western World.

8. Visit the Johnny Cash Museum

The Johnny Cash Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and music of the legendary musician. The museum features artifacts from Cash’s life, including his guitars and stage costumes.

I enjoyed learning about Cash’s life and seeing the artifacts from his career. The museum also has a great gift shop where you can pick up souvenirs.

9. Take a Tour of the Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium is a historic music venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. The venue offers tours, as well as live performances.

I highly recommend taking a tour of the Ryman, as it gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the venue and its history. If you’re lucky enough to catch a live performance, you’re in for a real treat.

10. Visit the Frist Art Museum

The Frist Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located in downtown Nashville. The museum features rotating exhibits, as well as a permanent collection.

I enjoyed seeing the different exhibits at the Frist and learning about contemporary art. The museum also has a great gift shop where you can pick up unique souvenirs.

FAQs

What is Nashville known for?

Nashville is known as the Music City and is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The city also has a thriving food scene, with hot chicken being a local specialty.

What are some must-visit attractions in Nashville?

Some must-visit attractions in Nashville include the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Ryman Auditorium. The city also has many great restaurants and bars, as well as beautiful parks like Centennial Park.

What is hot chicken?

Hot chicken is a spicy fried chicken dish that is a local specialty in Nashville. It is typically served with white bread and pickles.