There are many Nashville tourist attractions that can give anyone something to enjoy. If you are a country music fan you are definitely in for a treat. More the adventure type? There are lots of good choices as well. In this list, we will cover many of the top Nashville tourist destinations.
- 1. Downtown Nashville Tourist Attractions
- Lower Broadway Nashville Tourist Attractions
- Nashville Tourist Attractions at Upper Broadway
- Nashville Tourist Destinations in the Music Valley Area
- Nashville Tourist Attractions in Germantown
- Other Awesome great Nashville Tourist Attractions
- Summary of Nashville Tourist Attractions
1. Downtown Nashville Tourist Attractions
Downtown Nashville is the heartbeat of the city, and it is home to a variety of awesome attractions, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Music City Walk of Fame. There are also many restaurants, shops, and bars in the lower downtown Nashville district, making it the main destination of Nashville tourist attractions. In this list, I’ll present first the attractions that are located in the inner Downtown Nashville area. To me, this means “The District” otherwise known as Lower Broadway and SoBro (South Broadway)
Lower Broadway Nashville Tourist Attractions
2. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Address: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Hours: Open daily 9 am – 5 pm
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the most visited Nashville Tourist Attractions that is dedicated to the history of country music. How many people visit you ask? Try almost 2 million a year!! Oh .. fun fact .. did you know that CMHF has a nickname? Yep, it’s called the Smithsonian of country music. Inside you will find exhibits on the genre’s history, as well as artifacts from some of the biggest names in country music. Located just a short walk from party central of Lower Broadway so you can take a break from the party bars to learn a bit of history about country music.
The museum was originally located on Nashville’s Music Row and was founded in 1964. About 2001 the SoBro downtown location opened at a much larger 350,000 square feet. The new location houses millions of artifacts related to country music. There are musical instruments, clothing, photographs, and sheet music pertaining to many famous artists. Also, come check out the different events that include concerts and even educational events. The museum also has a library and archives, a research center, and a theater.
OK, a couple more neat facts that should entice you into making this one of the many tourist attractions in Nashville you must see! The CMHF has been ranked as one of the top 10 museums in the United States and it is a member of the American Alliance of Museums.
Want to tour the Country Music Hall of Fame? Click here to get your tickets.
3. Studio B
Address: 1611 Roy Acuff Pl., Hours: Monday – Sunday 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Originally opening in 1957 by RCA Victor Records, Studio B quickly became a hub for recording some of the biggest names in country and popular music. The studio’s beginnings was located in the Music Row area of downtown Nashville. In the Music Row location famous artists such as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, Chet Atkins, Walon Jennings, Charley Pride, and many others recorded some of their most popular hits in this studio.
As time went on the popularity of Studio B declined. The Country Music Hall of Fame stepped in to save the historic location. It is now a National Historic Landmark so it will be preserved for future fans to enjoy as a museum.
If you are interested in taking a tour of the CMHF, you should add Studio B to your lineup of Nashville tourist attractions. You will get to see where the country musical greats recorded their famous hits.
Want to know more about Studio B? Click here to get your tickets.
4. CMA Theater
Address: 222 Rep John Lewis Way S, Hours: Depends on the event. Click the link to see the schedule of the CMA Theater. Click here to check out the website.
The CMA Theater is a 776-seat theater located in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum mentioned above. The theater is designed in such a way that every seat gets a great view of the stage.
Big-name acts such as Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks have entertained here. Big events such as CMA Awards, the CMT Music Awards, and the ACM Awards have been held at this theater as well. When there aren’t live music performances there are education programs such as songwriting, music history, and instrument performance held here as well.
If you really enjoy country music check out their schedule and try to catch a show to add to your Nashville Tourist destination bucket list. I’ll add a link to the CMA Theater event schedule page to help you out.
5. Hatch Show Print
Address: 224 Rep. John Lewis Way S. It is inside the Country Music Hall of Fame. Hours: Click here Hatch Show Print hours
This print shop is known for its letterpress printing and offers free tours. Hatch Show Print is a working letterpress print shop that is located in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. The shop prints posters, greeting cards, and other printed materials using its vintage letterpress printing equipment.
They have printed promo posters for some of the biggest names in the country music industry such as Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and even Elvis!!
Hatch Show Print offers tours of its facilities Monday through Friday. During the tour, visitors learn about the history of the shop, the letterpress printing process, and the shop’s famous posters.
Want to be more interactive with your visit to Hatch Show Print? Then check out some of their workshops and classes where they let you get your hands dirty by making your own t-shirt, tote bag, or towel.
Would you like to have a combo package to save money? Click here for current pricing.
6. Music City Walk of Fame
Address: Demonbreun Street across from the Country Music Hall of Fame, Hours: Open year-round 24/7
Located just across the street from the Country Music Hall of Fame is the Music City Walk of Fame. This isn’t one of the Nashville Tourist Attractions that people travel JUST to see. It is often discovered as they go to the museum mentioned above.
The Music City Walk of Fame honors artists that have made significant achievements and contributions to the music heritage of Nashville which is also known as “The Music City”.
The park is pretty much the backyard of the Hilton hotel with its large grassy area that is surrounded by sidewalks and stars honoring many musical artists. There are often events held that could be live music or any number of reasons depending on what larger events. Or, you could simply see people having a little picnic sitting on a blanket, or someone playing with their fur baby. It is a great little park to sit and chill alone or with friends.
7. Ryman Auditorium
Address: 116 Rep. John Lewis Way North, Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 am – 4 pm
The Ryman Auditorium is a historic venue that was once home to the Grand Ole Opry. This beautiful building has such a rich history, and it is still used for concerts and other events to this day. The Ryman is known for its roots being in Country, Bluegrass, and even Gospel music. There are concerts from many genre’s held there today from the genres just mentioned, to heavy metal concerts, and even comedy shows.
Want to know a few fun facts about the Ryman?
- There is a seating capacity of just over 2,300 people.
- The auditorium roof has a unique “Saw tooth” pattern that was specially designed to create excellent acoustics.
- There have been several movies and TV shows filmed inside. Shows such as “Walk the Line” with Johnny Cash, the “Nashville” TV series, The Voice, and CMT Crossroads.
- The Ryman has a cool moniker!! It is called “Mother Church of Country Music”.
Want to tour The Ryman? Click here to get your tickets.
8. Musicians Hall of Fame Museum
Address: 401 Gay Street. You can see the entrance from James Robertson Pkwy. It is on the left side of the Municipal Auditorium. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am – 5 pm
Above I told you about the Country Music Museum above. Here in this little spot of the article, it is about more than just country. The exhibits honor famous artists such as Elton John, Glen Campbell, Elvis, James Jamerson, Ray Charles, and an awesome chronographic life history of Jimi Hendrix.
There are instruments, clothing, awards, golden albums, and stage setups. Have you ever seen a historic portable recording studio that you can walk through? Yep, there is one there for your viewing pleasure.
If you love music of any genre, this is a must-visit for Nashville tourist attractions.
Want to see the Musicians Hall of Fame? Click here to get your tickets!
9. Lower Broadway is the most popular Nashville Tourist Destination
Address: Lower Broadway, “The District”, and 2nd Ave N, Hours: It kinda varies but the bars are going between 10 am until about 3 am the next day
Lower Broadway is the area of downtown Nashville that is known for its honky-tonks (Nashville’s version of bars) and live music. It is a great place to go for a night out on the town. There are many bars and clubs on Broadway that offer live music, and you can often find free shows on the street.
There is a HUGE variety of genres of music to choose from as you walk up and down the sidewalk. Often the bars have their windows open so it is kinda like changing the radio station on your stereo as you walk up and down the sidewalk. You may go from old-school country to modern rock and roll within a few steps. So, with all the awesome choices of music, there is something for everyone!!
Want to learn more about Lower Broadway? Click here to read the article.
10. Wildhorse Saloon
Address: 120 2nd Ave N, Hours: Hours can depend on events that may be scheduled. Typically 12pm – Midnight
The Wildhorse Saloon is probably the most famous car in Nashville. It is a 3-story, 25,000 square foot venue with a huge dance floor, multiple bars to get your favorite drinks, and a VERY nice stage with huge screens to enjoy the live entertainment. Country music stars such as Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, and Shania Twain have graced this stage in the beginning years of their career.
There is a lot to offer at this awesome place! Of course, I mentioned the dance floor where families of young and old can dance to live music. Plus they offer free line dancing classes taught by experienced instructors. The food served here is of the Southern variety like fried chicken, catfish, mac and cheese, and much more.
The Wildhorse is kid friendly until 9 pm, I have seen families out on the dance floor having a great time, even the children that appeared to be preschool age.
Want to see the Wildhorse Events coming up? Click here to check it out.
11. The Frist Art Museum
Address: 919 Broadway, Hours: Monday, Friday, and Saturday 10 am – 5:30 pm. Thursday 10 am – 8 pm. Sunday 1-5:30 pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Frist building was originally a 124,000-square-foot post office. In 2001 it was turned into the awesome museum that it is now. There are about 40,000 square feet of exhibition space that presents a rotating collection of modern and contemporary art, and it also has special exhibitions and events.
As I mentioned above about Frist rotating the exhibitions, there are approximately 12-15 exhibitions a year. So that gives anyone a reason to come back multiple times a year to see something new.
The permanent collections can include over 6,000 works of art that include paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs. The collections feature art from both American and European artists such as Grant Wood, Thomas Hart Benton, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and many more.
Frist offers a large variety of public programs such as films, concerts, and family workshops. I have personally been to one of their live musicals, it was very good! The museum also has an awesome educational program that offers classes and workshops for everyone!
The Frist has a large parking lot at the rear of the museum and street parking along the left side. There is a small parking fee. Some parts of the museum are free, whereas other areas may have a fee depending on the exhibits.
Frist Art Museum is an ever-changing experience. Click here to see the current exhibits.
12. The Johnny Cash Museum
Address: 119 3rd Ave S, Hours: 9 am to 7 pm 7 days a week. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Located on the south side of Lower Broadway, The Johnny Cash museum is easy access to visit while you are bar hopping all the cool honky-tonks. The museum is dedicated to the life and career of this musical legend. It is divided up into three sections: the first is a timeline of his life and career called “Man in Black”, next is “American Recordings” which is about his albums and other recordings, then there is the Cash Family section which is about June (his wife) and their children.
While you are there you can get in the recording studio and sing along with Cash’s songs, or get a picture with the life-sized bronze statue of Cash. There is also a replica of the prison cell where he performed for the inmates of Folsom Prison.
Im gonna be straight with you. Enjoy the museum and even get some drinks while jamming to the live music. The food … eh .. not so much. The meat may as well be dried jerky. Go somewhere else if you are hungry.
Want to know more about the Johnny Cash Museum? Click here to see the site.
Nashville Tourist Attractions at Upper Broadway
13. The Parthenon
Address: 2500 West End Avenue, Hours of the Parthenon: Monday – Thursday 9 am-7 pm, Friday – Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm, Sunday 12:30-4:30 pm
The Parthenon in Nashville is a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. It is located in Centennial Park, and it is one of the more popular Nashville tourist attractions. The Parthenon is open for tours every day, and there are also exhibits on Greek art and culture.
One of the greatest pieces of art is the true-to-scale-sized statue of Athena standing at 42 feet tall! The gold color on her is real gold leaf. You should stop in and see her as one of your Nashville tourist attractions along with all the other detailed Greek sculptures inside.
The Parthenon is a popular tourist destination in Nashville, and it is open to the public year-round. The park that it resides in is open daily from 6 am-11 pm and it has walking trails, a flower garden, and a beautiful lake with fish and ducks to feed. Oh, you may see some squirrels running around as well.
Want to learn more about The Parthenon? Click here to read the article.
Nashville Tourist Destinations in the Music Valley Area
14. Grand Ole Opry
Address: 600 Opry Mills Drive, Hours: Wanna Tour? Click here for that schedule. Want to see a show? Click here for that schedule.
The Grand Ole Opry was once located in the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. In 1974 it moved to its current location in the Music Valley area across the street from what is now the Oprymills Shopping Mall.
Today’s Grand Ole Opry House is a state-of-the-art performance hall that was designed specifically for the Opry musical performances. The large stage and acoustically designed auditorium are guaranteed to entertain all of the 4,400 seats throughout.
If you plan to make this one of the Nashville tourist attractions that you want to see, you better get your tickets early! The shows sell out quickly!
They do offer tours as well as live shows. If you have the time in your tourist destination schedule of Nashville and plan it right you may be able to combine the two.
Wanna check out the Gran Ole Opry? Click here to get your tickets.
15. Gaylord Opryland Hotel
Address: 2800 Opryland Drive, Hours: Hotel 24/7, Atrium hours vary by events.
The Gaylord Opryland Hotel is the most visited hotel for Nashville tourist attractions. That is because it is so much more than just a hotel!
The hotel has 3 main indoor gardens. One of the gardens has a river going around it that has a boat ride for visitors and guests. There is a waterfall and water garden in another with restaurants nestled within. The third garden has some unique live exotic plants and all of the gardens have walking paths to explore.
Would you like more detail about the Opryland Hotel? Here is the link to the article.
16. Grand Ole Golf
If you have kids with you then this is one of the Nashville tourist attractions that is sure to make sure they have a good time. Grand Ole Golf is one of Nashville’s hidden gems, there are 3 different put-put courses one of them being an 18-hole course. There are lots of interesting obstacles you will be playing through one of them being a life-sized multi-level windmill.
Do your kids like fast adventure? Then take a ride on the go-kart track for a good time of friendly competition.
17. The Palace
Address: 2611 McGavock Pike, Hours: Want to check out the hours and events? Click here for their website.
Are you on an adult Nashville tourist attraction vacation getaway and you want to enjoy live music away from the chaos of downtown? The Palace is where the locals hang out!! It has been open since 1977 and famous big-name acts such as Dolly Parton, George Jones, and Alan Jackson have graced the stage here.
The palace is known for its laid-back rustic atmosphere and its lively line dancing. It is said to have the largest dance floor in Nashville so maybe you should go check it out and see. While you are there you can enjoy the cold beer and great choices of country food that are available.
18. Scoreboard Bar and Grill
Address: 2408 Music Valley Drive, Hours: Want to check out the hours and event? Click here for their website.
Scoreboard is probably one of if not the most popular bar and grills for the locals in Nashville. It is also popular with tourists who know about it and want to enjoy live music, games, and good food without the crowds of downtown Lower Broadway Nashville.
I’ve personally been to Scoreboard several times. There are TVs throughout and even a large dancefloor with a stage for live music entertainment. It is a very casual yet fun place to hang out.
Sundays are called “Funday” where they have of course live music, and games outside and inside. It isn’t uncommon on that Sunday for them to be having some special cook-out to add something special to the menu. It is kinda strange to say that a bar and grill could be a part of someone’s Nashville tourist attractions, if a tourist gets on a mission to get away from the crowds of downtown, they often end up at Scoreboard.
Now, it is kinda hidden. You can see The Palace from McGavock Pike, Scoreboard is right behind it.
Nashville Tourist Attractions in Germantown
19. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Address: 600 James Robertson Parkway, Hours: Open daily from 6 am to 11 pm. (This may vary depending on events)
Located just over the hill from the capitol in the heart of downtown Nashville and features a HUGE granite map of the state of Tennessee, a World War II memorial, an almost 20′ tall statue of Davy Crockett, and a 50′ tall carillion with huge loud bells that chime on the hour. It’s a great place to have a picnic or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Rather be more active? Well, there is over a 1 mile of walking trails, a playground, there is a designated picnic area but honestly you can do that about anywhere in the park. Maybe you can catch a show at the Greek-style amphitheater that seats over 2,200 people.
If you want food but didn’t bring anything. No problem! The park joins right to the backside of the Nashville Farmers Market which I will tell you about next. There are also several GREAT restaurants that are just a short drive away to get a to-go order for a picnic.
20. Nashville Farmers’ Market
Address: 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Hours: It is a lot to type. Just click this link to go to the website.
I love this place!! Been there many times. This Nashville Farmers market is open year-round and depending on the season may offer fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other locally-made products. Even in the produce off-season, there are local artists that showcase their arts and crafts for anyone to purchase. This really isn’t one of the Nashville tourist attractions, it is more of a local thing. It is definitely one of my favorite must-dos in Nashville!!
The artists and produce vendors set up under one of two open-air shelters. Inside there are 20ish or so restaurants that are specific to Nashville to choose from. Food choices range from good ole southern BBQ, to Jamaican, and one of two of the best (in my opinion) ice cream shops in Nashville! You gotta check out Jeni’s Ice Cream while you are there. If you want a good cold beer on a hot summer day, there is an awesome “Tap house” there as well with MANY great choices of local Nashville brews.
21. Nashville Sounds Ball Park
Address: 19 Jr Gilliam Wy, Hours: Do ya want to check out a baseball game or special event? Click here to check the schedule.
First Horizon Park is the home of the Nashville Sounds, a minor league baseball team that is a Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. This park can seat up to 10,000 people and has lots of great upscale food choices to feed ya belly.
The Nashville Sounds ballpark has been praised for its design and has been named the best minor-league baseball park in the country by Ballpark Digest. But, there are more than just baseball games help here! There have been many concerts and other special events held at First Horizon as well.
Need to check the Nashville Sounds game schedule? Click here to check it out.
22. Third and Home Sports bar
Address: 919 3rd Ave N, Hours: Monday Closed. Tues 4 pm – 11 pm. Wed, Thur, Sun 11 am – 11 pm. Fri, Sat 11 am – 12 am.
Why am I adding another sports bar as an item for Nashville tourist attractions? Simple … this one is just so cool! Welp, above I told you about the Nashville Sounds ballpark. The restaurant bar and grill overlooks the field! I’ve been there and watched a game from the balcony overlooking 3rd base. The view is awesome, the food is great, lots of brews on tap, and lots of large TV screens inside if you want to watch some of the other sports events that may be on.
If you are local and have a party of up to 20 people, you can get the balcony for your group with a dedicated server. Just a heads up though. You and your crew need to spend $1000 total on drinks and food. The way some people put down beers during a game, should not be difficult to do.
Check out the Third and Home website by clicking here.
23. Tennessee State Museum
Address: 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Hours: Monday Closed. Tues – Sat 10 am – 5 pm. Sunday 1 am – 5 pm
Having the Tennessee State Museum on your Nashville tourist attractions list may only be because you may be looking to move to this area. Or, just maybe you are into the history of wherever your travels take you. Either one is just fine.
This museum has over 500,000 artifacts starting from the prehistoric era to the civil war and even some Tennessee history about Elvis. The exhibits are displayed chronologically obviously starting with the prehistoric dinosaur displays and progressing to present-day times.
Want more information? Click here for their website.
Other Awesome great Nashville Tourist Attractions
24. Belle Meade Winery
Address: 5025 Harding Pike, Hours: Hours can depend on possible events. Click here to see the hours.
Bell Meade Winery and Plantation is the oldest winery in Nashville and is located on the Belle Meade Plantation. The winery was successful in the beginning back in 1875 even though it did struggle during the Prohibition era. In the 1950’s the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities purchased the winery and continued making the wine in 1970.
They offer a tour of the winery that takes you through the process of making wine. They make red, white, and rose’ wines that are available for taste testing.
While you are there for the wine tasting you should take a tour of the grounds as well. You can enjoy the stroll through the gardens and I’ve heard you can picnic as well although I personally haven’t done that.
Are ya hungry after taking that stroll through the gardens? Check out their meat and three restaurant serving up Southern classics like fried chicken, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes.
Want to tour the Belle Meade Winery? Click here to get your tickets.
25. Nashville Zoo is a popular family tourist destination
Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Hours: Want to check their schedule for special events? Click here to view the website.
The Nashville Zoo is a must-do for the Nashville tourist attractions list, especially if you have kids. Occasionally they have events that are adult-only due to the events serving alcohol.
The Nashville Zoo is a great place to see animals from all over the world. It is located in West Nashville, and it is a popular destination for families. The zoo has well over 3,000 animals, encompassing over 300 species, and there are educational exhibits and shows as well all this spread out over approximately 90 of its 188 acres.
There are exhibits where kids and adults can get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s animals, even the possibility of feeding them.
I mentioned above the Nashville Zoo having special events for adults. Of course, they also have them for kids as well. There is Halloween through the zoo where they create special displays, games, and even shows for the children to enjoy. The very fun and educational Dinosaur display where they have animatronic life-sized dinosaurs set up along a walking path to see. At each dinosaur there is a bit of information about where they lived and in what era. I really enjoyed it as I walked through the event. Just a heads up … one set of dinosaurs spray water like they are spitting on you.
26. Adventure Science Center
Address: 800 Fort Negley Blvd., Hours: Mon, Thur, Fri 9 am – 3pm. Sat, Sun 9 am- 5 pm, Tues, Wed Closed.
The Adventure Science Museum is a great place for kids to learn about science and technology. There are several exhibits that provide hands-on, interactive experiences that provide a fun education for all ages.
Along with all the fun interactive learning exhibits there is an adventure tower that is around 75 feet tall. At the top of the tower is an observation deck with an awesome view of Nashville. Be sure to take a peek through the binoculars for a better view.
These things are just a small sample of learning activities that the Adventure Science Center has to offer. If you have an inquisitive little one, this should be on your Nashville tourist attractions list!
Summary of Nashville Tourist Attractions
We, locals, know that there are so many more Nashville tourist destinations than what is on this list. Later, I can create more articles listing even more attractions but this will get you off to a good start. Hope this list helps. Have fun in Nashville!
