Things to Do in Nashville TN: A Local's Guide

What are the best things to do in Nashville, TN?
Top picks include a show at the Ryman Auditorium or Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, live music on Lower Broadway, Centennial Park and the Parthenon, and hiking at Radnor Lake.

Nashville is so much more than Broadway. Locals spend weekends exploring neighborhood restaurants, hiking state natural areas, catching songwriter rounds, and cheering on the city's pro teams.

This guide covers the best things to do in Nashville year-round, whether you're visiting, newly relocated, or deciding which neighborhood to call home. For festivals and seasonal events, see our Nashville festivals guide.

Live Music in Nashville

• Ryman Auditorium: the "Mother Church of Country Music," with concerts and daytime tours.
• Grand Ole Opry: the legendary country music radio show, performed live at the Opry House.
• Lower Broadway: honky-tonks with live music from late morning until late night.
• Songwriter rounds: intimate shows where writers play the hits they wrote, at venues like the Bluebird Cafe.

Go deeper with our guides to Nashville's musical roots and Nashville's music scene beyond Broadway.

Museums and Attractions

• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: the essential stop for music history.
• The Parthenon in Centennial Park: a full-scale replica of the Athens original, with an art museum inside.
• Frist Art Museum: rotating exhibitions in a historic downtown building.
• Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: botanical gardens and art on a historic estate.
• Nashville Zoo: a large zoo on historic Grassmere farm.

Parks and the Outdoors

Radnor Lake State Natural Area, Percy and Edwin Warner Parks, and Shelby Bottoms Greenway are local favorites for hiking and biking. See our East Nashville parks and greenways guide for more.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Spend an afternoon in 12 South, The Gulch, Germantown, or East Nashville for local shops, coffee, and some of the city's best restaurants. Each neighborhood has its own personality, which is also why choosing where to live matters. Compare them in our guide to the best places to live in Nashville.

Sports in Nashville

Catch the Nashville Predators downtown, Nashville SC soccer at GEODIS Park, the Nashville Sounds at First Horizon Park, or the Tennessee Titans on game day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nashville best known for?
Nashville is best known as Music City, home to the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and live music on Lower Broadway and across the city.

What are free things to do in Nashville?
Free options include walking Centennial Park and the Parthenon grounds, hiking Radnor Lake and Percy Warner Park, exploring Shelby Bottoms Greenway, and catching free live music in many venues.

What Nashville neighborhoods are best to explore?
The Gulch, 12 South, East Nashville, Germantown, and Midtown each have their own mix of restaurants, shops, and nightlife worth exploring.

Thinking About Moving to Nashville?

Living here means all of this is part of your weekend. Nik Shewmaker, Nashville's Nik with Real Broker, helps buyers find the right Nashville neighborhood. Browse Nashville TN homes for sale or call (615) 585-0022.