Nashville, Tennessee Travel Guide: A Local’s Secrets to the Best Things to Do

Are you planing a trip to Nashville soon? If so, you’re in luck, this Nashville, Tennessee travel guide provides the 20 best things to do in Nashville from a local!

• Pinterest

If you like country music, BBQ, and a vibrant nightlife, you’ll love spending a week or weekend in Nashville, Tennessee! From a Bachelorette Party, girl’s trip, family vacation, couples trip, and more, this travel guide will help you plan out your next getaway. And as a current Nashville local, I’m going to give you all the secret local spots you need to know before your trip!

In this blog post, I’m going to provide the best Nashville attractions, restaurants, shopping, murals, and so much more. From worldwide known attractions to local spots, you’ll be sure to find something from this list to add to your itinerary!

This post is a Nashville, Tennessee travel guide – all curated from a local! 🙂

20 Best Things to Do in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is a perfect getaway for a fun bachelorette party, girl’s trip, or a couples romantic getaway. Although Nashville is known for its vibrant nightlife, there are so many other things to do all year-round, and there’s something for everyone! I love Nashville so much, I actually moved here! Currently, I’ve been living in Nashville for over 2 years and I’m so excited to share some of the best things to do! Below are my 20 fun things to do in Nashville, Tennessee, whether you’re a first timer or a frequent visitor! 

1. Go Bar Hopping on Broadway Street

The infamous Broadway Street is well-known around the world by tourists. The four-block street consists of all the honky tonks and country bars in Nashville. It is a highly popular street with tourists all year-around. From bachelorette parties, college formals, girls night outs, corporate parties, couples, and so many more! This is a MUST to add to the top of your Nashville, Tennessee travel guide – it is SO fun to see all the country bars and live music!

One of the best ways to spend your night out on Broadway is by popping in and out of bars all night long. You can experience multiple bars and there’s no cover charges! The bars are open late every night of the week (with live music all day and night), and you can conveniently walk from bar to bar (the street is completely blocked off from traffic!). 

As a current local, my top bar recommendation is The Stage. It is a 3-story bar with live music on each floor and an open rooftop with city views. I also highly recommend Tootsies World Famous Orchid Lounge. It is a must-visit historical venue previously hosting famous musical artists such as Willie Nelson. However, maybe you’re a fan of some of today’s country musical artists, if so, I highly recommend visiting Luke’s 32 Bridge. If you’re lucky, you might also see Luke Bryan (he’s shown up to hangout with his fans a time or two)! There are so many bars to see on Broadway, it can feel a little overwhelming. I recommend taking a stroll along the street and hop into the bar where the live music catches your attention. Sometimes, those are the best nights because you never know where the night will take you!

2. See the Parthenon at Centennial Park

Centennial Park has been around in Nashville for centuries. The park is known for the real-size replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The beautiful Parethenon’s architecture attracts visitors and makes for a very picturesque location. Although the outside is beautiful, visitors are actually able to experience the inside! When you walk inside, you’ll find the 42-foot-tall sculpture of Athena, the Greek goddess. Also, the largest sculpture in the western hemisphere! 

The park is a family-and-dog-friendly 142 acre grassland with the beautiful Lake Watauga surrounded by a one-mile walking trail. There are many outdoor recreational activities such as sand volleyball courts, a sunken garden, and multiple exercise trails. Although the park offers many recreational activities, it’s also a beautiful location for a picnic.

• Centennial Park: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

3. Listen to emerging artist at Bluebird Cafe

Bluebird Cafe has been around for over 40 years in Nashville, Tennessee and is one of the world’s leading listening rooms. The cafe has gained worldwide recognition where artists such as Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, and Garth Brooks performed prior to rising to fame. As a matter of fact, Bluebird Cafe made its primetime national television debut with the hit drama Nashville and the documentary Bluebird: An Accidental Landmark that Changed Music History. 

Bluebird Cafe has continued their discovery of emerging artists with live performances every week with new singer songwriters. The Cafe requires pre-registration ticket purchases starting every Monday at 9am. Although the tickets sell out fast, walk-ins are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Whether you come here for a show, dinner or a drive-by, make sure to stop and soak in all the greatness that comes from the infamous Bluebird Cafe!

• Bluebird Cafe: 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215

4. Experience Nashville’s Local Dive Bars 

Although Nashville is well-known for a vibrant nightlife on Broadway, the local dive bars are a great way to fully emerge yourself with the locals. From line dancing, live music, cheap drinks, local food, and small concerts, you’re guaranteed to have a unique night out away from the city. 

Located near the Grand Ole Opry, are three local dive bars: Nashville Palace, Scoreboard, and Music City Bar & Grill. Nashville Palace is a fun and unique bar offering line dancing lessons every Friday, so grab your boots and learn a dance or two! Actually, fun fact, the Nashville Palace is featured in country music artist Kane Brown’s recent music video Like I Love Country Music!

Scoreboards, located right next door to Nashville Palace, is another unique indoor-outdoor bar and a great place to grab some dinner and listen to live music – while also watching your favorite sports team! Lastly, Music City Bar & Grill is an old-style drinking establishment with the classic pool tables, darts, live music and best of all, more cheap drinks. Each bar provides such a fun and unique experience where you can find many local emerging artists and learn how to line dance to a song or two!

• Nashville Palace: 2611 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
• Scoreboards: 2408 Music Valley Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
• Music City Bar & Grill: 2416 Music Valley Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

5. Go to a Nashville Predators game at Bridgestone Arena 

Bridgestone Arena is home to the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League. The arena has hosted more than twelve million visitors and has become Nashville’s number one arena for NHL Hockey, concerts, music awards, NCAA basketball, and so much more! If you’re visiting Nashville during the months of October through April, grab your Nashville Predator tickets and experience a thrilling and exciting game of hockey!

If you happen to visit Nashville during the NHL off-season, don’t worry, there are so many events hosted at Bridgestone Arena throughout the year! For a full list of events, visit the Bridgestone Arena Ticketmaster for the entire schedule, including concerts, sports events, and music awards! 

• Bridgestone Arena: 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

6. Try Nashville’s Hot Chicken at Hattie B’s

Nashville is well-known for good ole’ fashion southern cooking, and one of the staple meals is Nashville’s Hot Chicken at Hattie B’s. As you might suspect, Nashville’s hot chicken is deep fried chicken with a major kick. The chicken is coated in a hefty mix of hot sauce and cayenne seasoning drizzled with spicy sauce on top. Although Nashville’s hot chicken is famously well-known, you can also enjoy milder versions of Hattie B’s fried chicken. Try some delicious local favorite chicken wings, chicken tenders or chicken sandwiches at Hattie B’s!

• Hattie B’s on Broadway: 5069 Broadway Pl, Unit 103, Nashville, TN 37203
• Hattie B’s on Music Row: 112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
• Hattie B’s in Midtown: 5209 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
• Hattie B’s near 12 South: 2222 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

7. Grab a Drink at Dolly Parton’s Bar at the Graduate Hotel

The Graduate Hotel is one of the coolest places to stay in Nashville, and even if you don’t stay here, it’s one of the best places to visit and something to put at the top of your Nashville, Tennessee travel guide. The hotel’s interior is a vibrant floral theme with a coffee shop, chic rooftop pool, and a Dolly Parton themed bar called White Limozeen. 

White Limozeen is a vibrant, pretty pink rooftop bar with Nashville’s skyline city views. The bar consists of delicious drinks, elegant food, and a fun place to snap some photos! White Limozeen is usually booked months in advance, but if you have time to visit on a weeknight, you have a good chance to snatch a seat without a reservation at Dolly Parton’s unique bar! 

• White Limozeen: 101 20th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203

8. Explore the 12 South Neighborhood

Nashville’s 12 South Neighborhood is a 1-mile street with local cafes, gourmet restaurants, local boutiques, vintage clothing shops, farmers markets, yoga and pilates studios, and outdoor parks. The neighborhood wasn’t always a hot-spot for visitors, but the cool-kid shops and award-winning restaurants are not well-kept secrets. You’ll find so many things to do in 12 South, but a few places I recommend adding to the top of your Nashville, Tennessee travel guide is grabbing brunch at The Buttermilk Ranch, dinner at Josephine’s, shopping at Draper James, and enjoying some delicious ice cream and fries at Fryce Cream (Fries & Ice Cream).

While you’re exploring the neighborhood, snap some photos at some of Nashville’s infamous murals such as the “I Believe in Nashville,” “Looking Pretty, Music City,” and the wings mural at Amelia’s Flower Shop.

• 12 South Neighborhood: Starts at 2301 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 and ends around 2908 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 

9. Take a stroll at Radnor Lake State Park

If you’re looking to get outside in nature during your visit to Nashville, head to Radnor Lake State Park. This popular state park is located right outside the city and consist of easy to moderate to difficult hiking and walking trails. The park is well-known due to the abundance of wildlife opportunities such as owls, otters, minks, herons and so much more. The park is mainly used for hiking, photography, and wildlife observation. However, it is a dog-friendly park, so feel free to bring your furry friend with you!

• Radnor Lake State Park: 1130 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220

10. Snap a photo at the murals throughout the city 

Nashville is well-known for the unique mural and street art located throughout the city – over 100 murals to be exact! Checking out some of the murals around town is a MUST for your Nashville, Tennessee travel guide. After all, one of the most fun things to do in Nashville is going on a mural scavenger hunt to capture a photo in front of all the murals in the city! Some of the most popular are the “What Lifts You” butterfly wings in the Gulch, “I Believe in Nashville” in 12 South, “Drippy Lips” in Hillsboro Village, “Nashville Looks Good on You” in 12 South, or “Make Music Not War” in 12 South. There are so many unique murals in Nashville, you’ll be sure to easily grab a photo in front of one while exploring the city! Below are the most popular:

• “What Lifts You” Butterfly Wings: 302 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
• “I Believe in Nashville”: 2700 12th Ave South, Nashville, TN 37204
• “Drippy Lips”: 1814 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
• “Nashville Looks Good on You”: 2509 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
• “Make Music Not War”: 2902 12 Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

11. Shop and Dine in Hillsboro Village

Located adjacent to Belmont University, is Hillsboro Village with a half-mile of shops, boutiques, unique restaurants and more MURALS. While there’s so much to do and see, some of the must-try restaurants in Hillsboro Village is The Co-Op Frose and Eatery for some delicious frose (frozen rose) and grilled cheese, mouthwatering biscuits and gravy at Biscuit Love, or homemade pancakes at The Pancake Pantry. Actually, the Pancake Pantry is well-known due to the 23-scratch made variety of pancakes – and the quick service! I highly recommend grabbing a bite to eat and browsing the local shops. 

• Hillsboro Village: Start on 1820 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37212 and continue walking north to explore the shops and restaurants.

12. Grab dinner at Assembly Food Hall

Assembly Food Hall, located on the second and third floor of 5th and Broadway, recently opened in June 2021. The food hall is consist of 30+ bars and eateries, and 3 rooftop stages. Assembley Food Hall is called a food hall, but you can be sure to find a multitude of entertainment. From live bands, sports watch parties, dancing and so much more. The Assembly Food Hall has something to do, eat, and drink for everyone with open seating throughout the food hall. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or just unsure of where to eat one of the nights you’re in town, then I definitely recommend adding Assembly Food Hall to the top of your Nashville, Tennessee travel guide!

• Assembly Food Hall: 5505 Broadway Pl, Nashville, TN 37203

13. Walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Nashville’s skyline is beautiful from all angles around the city; however, if you’re looking to capture a photo of the entire skyline, you’ll want to cross the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. The bridge oversees the entire back-street of Broadway crossing over the Cumberland River. You can cross the bridge from lower Broadway, and in just a short walk over the bridge, you’ll reach the Nissan stadium – home of the Tennessee Titans! 

• John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge: Cumberland River, Nashville, TN 37213

14. Try a New York style bagel at Proper Bagel

If you’re a bagel fan like me, Proper Bagel has some of the most unique New York style bagels. Proper Bagel kettle-boils their own bagels and bialys from scratch and baked in a stone-lined oven daily. From custom cream cheeses, seasonal spreads, bagel sandwiches, fish sandwiches, salad sandwiches – you can be sure to try a bagel you’ll absolutely love!

• Proper Bagel: 2011 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212

15. Catch a Titans game at the Nissan Stadium 

The Nissan Stadium is home to the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. The stadium is a multi-purpose stadium hosting sports games, supercross, concerts, and country music festivals. If you’re visiting Nashville during the months of September through January, grab your Tennessee Titans tickets and experience an exciting game of football!

If you happen to visit Nashville during the NFL off-season, there are so many other events hosted at the Nissan Stadium throughout the year! For a full list of events, visit the Nissan Stadium Ticketmaster for the entire schedule, including sports events, country music festivals and so much more. 

• Nissan Stadium: 1 Titans Way, Nashville, TN 37213

16. See a comedy show at Zanies Comedy Club

Music City might be known for country music and honky tonks, but Zanies Comedy Club is a premier comedy club hosted in Nashville, Tennessee featuring some of the best comedic talent in the country! Zanies hosts a variety of comedians throughout the year, so no two nights will be the same! It is a perfect experience for your Nashville, Tennessee travel guide to enjoy a romantic date night or a girls night out. Grab a drink, a bite to eat, and enjoy the funniest night out!

• Zanies Comedy Club: 2025 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

17. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum 

Nashville is known all around the world as the home of country music! While you’re visiting, you can’t miss the opportunity to learn about the past, present and future country artists at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. 

One must-see experience is the Hall of Fame Rotunda, featuring plaques of country music legends who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, such as Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks. There is so much to do and see at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, I recommend grabbing your tickets in advance!

• Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum: 222 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

18. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

One of the most unique experiences to do in Nashville, Tennessee is visiting the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. The Opryland Resort welcomes visitors for a luxurious stay. However, if you decide not to stay at the resort, the convention center consists of many activities for Nashville visitors. From local cafes, sports bars, and luxurious dining, you’ll be sure to find a bite to eat around Opryland. However, you’ll also find an 18-hole golf course layout, a waterpark, and one of Nashville’s largest indoor shopping malls at Opry Mills Mall.

If you’re in Nashville, Tennessee during the holidays, I highly recommend visiting Opryland to see the twinkling lights and beautiful theme-decor throughout the resort. 

• Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

19. Catch a show at Music City’s Grand Ole Opry

If you’re a country music fan, I highly recommend seeing one of the captivating two hour shows at the Grand Ole Opry – where country was made! Throughout multiple nights a week, the Grand Ole Opry hosts country music legends, rising stars, and the who’s who of country music to deliver a magical experience for country music fans. Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Carly Pearce, Priscilla Block, and so many more – come together to celebrate the past, present, and future of country music.

• Grand Ole Opry: 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

20. Tour the Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium is an iconic music stage and a must-see Nashville landmark. Grab tickets to see the hallowed halls of the Roman Auditorium, including backstage tours where some of your favorite artists prepare before a show! It is truly an amazing experience, and if you’re in town during a scheduled concert, grab tickets to see the magic of the Ryman Auditorium live in action!

• Ryman Auditorium: 116 Rep John Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN 37219

This post is a Nashville, Tennessee Travel Guide.

• Pinterest

And there you have it! My Nashville, Tennessee travel guide providing YOU the best 20 things to do from a current local. What places or hidden gems would you add to this list? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!

Other Posts You Might Like:

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Nashville Bachelorette Party Ideas

Valentine’s Day Nashville: A Complete Guide to the Ultimate Romantic Date Night

17 Unique Things to Do for Christmas in Nashville

If you’d like to be the first in the know when a new blog post drops, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter below!