Best Things to Do in Nashville

Must-Visit Places in Nashville

Tennessee State Museum

Anyone visiting Nashville will want to return without having visited the Tennessee State Museum. It includes artifacts from the First Person of Tennessee, as well as one of Dolly Parton’s iconic stage costumes. 

It is free to enter, and parking is usually not a problem, which is a big plus compared with some nearby museums that are busier. The Children’s Gallery will be popular with families who can have their children play while learning.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Immediately opposite the State Capitol Building is the State Park, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, a special downtown park. It is an 11-acre park with a 0.9-mile paved walking path and educational exhibits on Tennessee history. 

The Tennessee State Museum and Nashville Farmers’ Market are nearby attractions that make this area a great place to spend a full day (morning/afternoon).

Ryman Auditorium

Ryman Auditorium is another musical heritage site in Nashville. The converted church is still the venue for spectacular shows, even though the Grand Ole Opry is no longer there. Guided tours are available; however, attending a live performance at this venue offers an incomparable, intimate experience for both fans and performers.

Centennial Park

Centennial Park is one of Nashville’s green spaces. It is the home of a full-size replica of the Greek Parthenon, both along a serene road circuit around Lake Watauga. This walk gives one some relaxation and at the same time sightseeing.

The Frist Art Museum

The Frist Art Museum, located in a beautiful Art Deco building that was a former Post office, features rotating art exhibits. The Martin ArtQuest on the second floor would be ideal with the family members, as it allows visitors of any age to make their own art based on the ongoing exhibitions.

Country Music Hall of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will not be something that country music lovers will wish to miss. The exhibits are a tribute to the genre’s rich history, and although downtown parking can be a challenge, it is certainly worth the experience at least once.

Johnny Cash Museum

The Johnny Cash Museum is not very large, but it is packed with items and information about the legendary musician. In addition to learning about Cash, visitors gain a better understanding of music culture in general.

Arrington Vineyards

Arrington Vineyards, a calm day out, is just 25 miles outside Nashville. With relaxing view over the picturesque vineyards, tasty frose, and live music on the weekends, it is a great way out of city fratricide.

Main Library

The Nashville Public Library is unique, with the Main Library downtown. The  East Reading Room and Civil Rights Room, as well as the Votes for Women Room and calm courtyard, are used to read, study, or work.

The large children’s area, featuring storytime, puppet theater, climbing wall, and playground, will be a special delight for families. The library is temporarily closed due to a fire in the parking garage.

Must-Visit Restaurants in Nashville

Blue Aster

At the Conrad Hotel, Blue Aster serves seafood, but oddly enough, it does not become overly stale because the hotel is too farfrom the ocean. The seasonal menu is interesting, and fish and chips are particularly noteworthy. It is an ideal place to have a fancy meal.

Turkey and the Wolf

Turkey and the Wolf, the East Nashville branch of the New Orleans staple, does not disappoint the hype. Its signature sandwiches, such as the fried bologna with homemade mustard, are a mandatory requirement, and the frozen margaritas bring out refreshing elements.

Peninsula

Peninsula is an East Nashville fine-dining restaurant inspired by the Iberian Peninsula that offers creative dishes in a friendly environment. The gin and tonic menu is one of the highlights, and the recent James Beard Award speaks to its quality.

Hearts

Headquartered in 12 South and East Nashville, Hearts is an Australian-inspired brunch restaurant. Foods such as twice-baked French toast and zucchini corn fritters are unique. Weekends are hectic, and thus they should be booked.

Pancake Pantry

The Pancake Pantry in Hillsboro is vintage. A popular one is blueberry pancakes, and the wait might take quite a long time, but it is well worth paying for. The other option is Stacked Express in Coolsprings Galleria, Franklin, which is faster.

Five Points Pizza

Five Points Pizza cannot be rivaled for a low-end lunch. Weekday specials are below ten dollars, and weekend slices are affordable.

Little Hats Italian Market

The Little Hats is a casual restaurant, indoors and out, in Germantown that offers soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta. It is also an eclectic place, offering an Italian pantry.

Food Courts

There are various food courts in Nashville where a group of people can eat or a diner who is not sure what to have. The Markethouse and the Assembly Food Hall in downtown Nashville offer most local staples in a single location.

Hot Chicken

One of the Nashville must-haves is hot chicken. The original is Prince Hot Chicken, a local favorite, and Hattie B, which manages long queues while maintaining high-quality meals, such as the famous pimento Mac and cheese.

Best Drinks to Try in Nashville

GreenHouse Bar

Huge drinks and delicious food are served in this one-of-a-kind greenhouse bar with excellent chicken salad. The atmosphere is pleasant and welcoming.

Hidden Bar @ Noelle

This downtown bar is located within the Noelle Hotel and is a quieter and more intimate experience than other downtown bars.

White Limozeen

White Limozeen pink bar and restaurant is the largest in honor of Dolly Parton that can be found on the rooftop of The Graduate Hotel. The drinks are excellent, and the fries are worth a fight. Weekend nights with heavy traffic should be booked in advance.

Geist Bar

Geist is an award-winning steakhouse located in a former blacksmith shop in Germantown, featuring moody, elegant decor, a champagne garden, and delicious drinks and food. Trying is normally necessary because reservations are not always met, though in some cases, a walk-in may succeed.

Redheaded Stranger

Redheaded Stranger Texas-Mexican and taco joint in East Nashville. Frozen beverages are just as appealing as the food, although queues are common due to their popularity.

Fait La Force Brewing

Fait La Force brewery is a warm, friendly bar in Wedgewood-Houston, serving Belgian and European beers. JamBox offers sandwiches and salads that pair well with its beverages, making it an excellent place for a reunion with friends.

Best Coffee Shops in Nashville

Hanna Bee

Hanna Bee relaxed East Nashville coffee shop, the place to have coffee, study, read, or be with friends. The next bookshop is a perfect complement.

Americano Lounge

The theme of Americano Lounge in Wedgewood-Houston is 1930s; the place is quite interesting and diverse in its recently populated population. One of the best places to visit as a first-time visitor.

Poindexter

Poindexter is glamorous, flirtatious, and would be a little too much inside the Graduate Hotel. The environment is suitable for work and rest.

Red Bicycle

Red Bicycle has outlets in the Nations and in Germantown, which sell both quality food and coffee. Crepes are also popular and ideal for meetings with friends.

Must-Try Bakeries in Nashville

Little Gourmand

Little Gourmand is a French cafe and shop in Green Hills that sells a variety of French foods, including baguettes, croissants, and tartlets. It is always something yummy.

East Park Donuts

The local donut shop in East Nashville boasts of special flavours such as brown butter. The menu is dynamic, and it is therefore worth following on Instagram.

Fox’s Donut Den

Fox Donut den a vintage Nashville donut shop, delivers homely flavors and pastries of high quality.

Cupcake Collection

Cupcake Collection, known as sweet potato and red velvet cupcakes, this bakery is a place to visit when one wants to eat dessert.

Brightside Bakeshop

Brightside Bakeshop, a small East Nashville pastry shop that has a cult following and serves brioches, breads, tarts, Danishes, and the famous cinnaroll. Favors are typically secured as previews.

Donut Distillery

Donut Distillery is a place that combines donuts with cocktails and beer, and offers child-friendly versions; it also features seasonal donut specials.

Five Daughters Bakery

Five Daughters Bakery’s 100-layer donut is incomparable to the rest in Nashville.

D’Andrews Bakery & Cafe

D’Andrews Bakery & Cafe little jewel in downtown with award-winning pastries, particularly the macarons.

Shops in Nashville

Draper James

Draper James, Reese Witherspoon’s flagship 12 South store, offers cool clothes and accessories that create a comfortable, delightful ambiance.

The Bookshop

The Bookshop Curated East Nashville is a curated independent bookstore, which is a small store but full of interesting books.

Parnassus Books

Parnassus Books, owned by writer Ann Patchett, is welcoming, with numerous author events and a variety of books.

The Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper wonderful place to get gifts, jewelry, home crafts, and practical workshops such as candle-pouring.

Grimey’s

Grimey’s the record store in East Nashville offers both new and used vinyl, cassettes, and CDs, as well as books. Well-known music events, such as listening parties, are a necessity for young music lovers.

Final Thoughts

Nashville is more than just Music City. It’s a destination full of culture, history, and great food. From iconic music venues and museums to cozy coffee shops, bakeries, and local restaurants, the city offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re enjoying live music, exploring historic spots, or tasting famous hot chicken, Nashville promises a memorable and rewarding experience.

FAQs

What is so special about Nashville?

Nashville is special for its deep roots in country music, earning it the nickname Music City. It’s home to legendary venues like the Grand Ole Opry, a thriving live-music scene on Broadway, rich Southern culture, and a growing food and arts scene.

Is Nashville really worth visiting?

Yes, Nashville is worth visiting. It offers live music almost everywhere, historic landmarks, great Southern food, friendly locals, and a lively atmosphere that appeals to music lovers, foodies, and weekend travelers alike.

Is Nashville, Tennessee, a state?

No, Nashville is not a state. It is the capital city of the U.S. state of Tennessee.

What food is Nashville famous for?

Nashville is most famous for hot chicken, a spicy fried chicken dish. Other popular local foods include meat-and-three meals, biscuits, barbecue, and Southern comfort food.

What is the three-foot rule in Nashville?

The three-foot rule in Nashville refers to a music industry custom where musicians are expected to keep at least three feet away from performers on stage unless invited. It’s a sign of professional respect and stage etiquette in live music venues.