So you're headed to Nashville? Good choice. Forget everything you think you know from the TV shows for a second. The real Nashville is a wild, wonderful mix of history, ear-ringing music, shockingly good food, and Southern charm that feels genuine, not just for tourists. Figuring out your Nashville must see and do list can feel overwhelming with all the options. Do you just park yourself on Broadway? Is there life beyond country music? (Spoiler: yes).
I've lived here for years, and I've made all the mistakes so you don't have to. I've stood in pointless lines, paid too much for mediocre experiences, and also stumbled upon absolute magic in hidden alleyways. This guide is my attempt to save you from the tourist traps and point you straight to the soul of the city. We'll cover the iconic spots you can't miss, the local favorites that fly under the radar, and all the practical stuff nobody tells you about until it's too late.
Let's get straight into it.
The Non-Negotiables: Core Nashville Must See and Do Spots
These are the pillars. You haven't really been to Nashville if you skip these.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Look, even if you only know two country songs, this place is spectacular. It's less a stuffy museum and more a sprawling, beautifully designed journey through the story of American music. You'll see Elvis's solid gold Cadillac, Carrie Underwood's glittering gowns, and handwritten lyrics from legends like Johnny Cash. The scale of it is impressive. I go back every few years, and they always have a new, blockbuster exhibit that blows me away.
Insider move: Book the "Studio B" tour add-on. A shuttle takes you to the actual RCA Studio B where Elvis, Dolly Parton, and the Everly Brothers recorded hundreds of hits. You stand in the room, hear the stories, and it gives you goosebumps. It connects the museum artifacts to the real, hallowed ground. Check their official calendar for special events and rotating exhibits before you go.
Broadway & The Honky Tonks
This is the electric, chaotic heart of the postcard Nashville. Lower Broadway is a neon-lit street where music blasts from every open doorway, 365 days a year, from 10 AM to 3 AM. The energy is undeniable. You have to walk down it, soak in the madness, and pop into at least one honky-tonk. Tootsie's Orchid Lounge is historic (check out the photo-covered walls upstairs). Robert's Western World is a classic for traditional country and famously cheap "Recession Specials" (fried bologna sandwich and a PBR).
The live music is free (tipping the bands is mandatory, though). Just grab a drink, find a spot, and watch the talent. Some of these musicians playing for tips are future stars.
The Parthenon
This one always surprises people. Yes, a full-scale replica of the Athenian Parthenon, sitting right in the middle of Centennial Park. It's bizarre and brilliant. Built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition, it's now a permanent monument and art museum. Inside, you'll find the awe-inspiring 42-foot-tall statue of Athena Parthenos, covered in gold leaf. It's the tallest indoor sculpture in the Western world. The scale is mind-boggling.
It's a perfect change of pace from the music scene. The surrounding park is lovely for a stroll or a picnic. It's one of those unique Nashville must see and do attractions that has nothing to do with guitars, and that's why I love it.
Beyond the Basics: Essential Nashville Must Do Experiences
Now let's talk about doing, not just seeing.
Experience a Live Show at the Ryman Auditorium
Forget the big arena concerts. The mother church of country music is where you go for a religious musical experience. The acoustics in this former gospel tabernacle are legendary. Every seat feels close, and the history seeps out of the wooden pews. Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash all played here. Today, you can see everyone from bluegrass legends to rock bands to comedians.
Even if you can't score tickets to a show, take the daytime tour. You can stand on the famous stage, see the dressing rooms, and feel the ghosts of music past. I saw a folk singer here once, and you could hear a pin drop between notes. It was magical. Check the Ryman's official schedule—you might get lucky.
Eat Your Way Through a Food Scene That's More Than Hot Chicken
Nashville's food identity used to be hot chicken and meat-and-threes. Now? It's a culinary powerhouse. Of course, you need to try the hot chicken. Prince's Hot Chicken (the original) or Hattie B's are the pilgrimage sites. Start with "Medium" unless you have a cast-iron stomach. The pain is real, but so is the flavor.
But there's so much more. The city has incredible fine dining, James Beard Award winners, and amazing ethnic food strips like Nolensville Pike. A Nashville must see and do list is incomplete without a deep dive into the food.
Here’s a quick-hit table to navigate the feast:
| Category | Must-Try Dish/Spot | Local's Note |
|---|---|---|
| The Iconic | Hot Chicken (Prince's, Hattie B's) | Go early, lines get long. Get sides of collard greens and potato salad. |
| Meat & Three | Arnold's Country Kitchen | Cash only, closed weekends. Line out the door by 11:15 AM. Worth it. |
| Upscale Southern | City House, The Catbird Seat | Make reservations weeks, if not months, in advance for places like Catbird. |
| Breakfast/Lunch | Biscuits at Loveless Cafe or Biscuit Love | Loveless is a drive out of town but an institution. Biscuit Love's "East Nasty" biscuit is life-changing. |
| Hidden Gem | International Food on Nolensville Pike | Authentic Mexican, Kurdish, Vietnamese, Thai. Incredible value and flavor. |
Explore a Neighborhood Beyond Downtown
Downtown is great, but it's not the whole city. Nashville's character lives in its neighborhoods. Picking one to explore for an afternoon is a top Nashville must do activity.
- 12 South: Trendy, walkable, perfect for boutique shopping, coffee (Barista Parlor), and photo ops at the "I Believe in Nashville" mural. Gets very crowded.
- East Nashville: The hipster, artist haven. Eclectic boutiques, some of the city's best cocktail bars (Attaboy), and an incredible, innovative food scene. Feels more local.
- The Gulch: Sleek, high-rise, and upscale. High-end shopping, rooftop bars, and the famous "What Lifts You" wings mural. It feels a bit sterile to me, but the people-watching is top-tier.
- Germantown: Historic, charming brick houses turned into stunning restaurants (like City House) and cafes. Quieter, more relaxed vibe.
Visit a Distillery or Brewery
Tennessee means whiskey. The Jack Daniel's Distillery is in Lynchburg, about a 90-minute drive, and it's a fantastic day trip if you have time. But right in town, you've got great options. The Nelson's Green Brier Distillery offers fantastic tours telling the story of Tennessee's oldest distilling family. For something smaller and craft-focused, check out Corsair or Short Mountain Distillery's taproom.
Nashville's brewery scene has exploded too. Southern Grist has wild, inventive beers. Bearded Iris is the king of hazy IPAs. Yazoo is the OG. Most have great taprooms with food trucks.
Practical Nashville Must See and Do Tips (The Stuff You Need to Know)
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. This is the advice I give my friends when they visit.
Getting Around: It's Not a Walking City
This is the biggest shock for visitors. Downtown is walkable, but the neighborhoods are spread out. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are essential. They're plentiful but can get pricey during surge times (Saturday night on Broadway, I'm looking at you).
Consider the Nashville WeGo Public Transit downtown circuit for getting between major tourist spots cheaply. For more detailed routes and schedules, the official WeGo site is your friend. Renting a car gives freedom but adds parking costs and hassle, especially downtown where lots charge a premium.
When to Visit & What to Pack
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) are glorious but also the most crowded and expensive. Summer is hot and humid, but the city is buzzing. Winter is mild with fewer crowds—a great underrated time to visit.
Pack for layers no matter what. And wear comfortable shoes. You will be on your feet more than you think. For the honky-tonks, the dress code is “anything goes,” from sequined dresses and cowboy boots to jeans and a t-shirt.
Budgeting for Your Trip
Nashville ain't cheap anymore. Be prepared. Drinks on Broadway are pricey. Most attractions have admission fees. Here's a rough breakdown to manage expectations:
- Save Money On: Free live music (just tip!), exploring parks (Centennial, Shelby Bottoms), window-shopping in neighborhoods, visiting the Tennessee State Museum (free and fantastic), walking across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for the best skyline view.
- Worth Splurging On: A good seat at a Ryman show, a food tour to sample multiple spots, a unique experience like the National Museum of African American Music, a nice dinner at one of our acclaimed restaurants.
Answering Your Nashville Must See and Do Questions
I get asked these all the time.
How many days do I need?
Three full days is the sweet spot. You can hit the major highlights and dive into a neighborhood or two without feeling completely rushed. With 4-5 days, you can add a day trip or really relax and explore.
Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely, during the day! The Adventure Science Center, Nashville Zoo, and the Parthenon are huge hits with kids. Broadway at night, however, is a very adult environment.
What's the one thing most tourists miss?
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). It's downtown, relatively new, and is one of the most technologically advanced, engaging museums I've ever been to. It tells the essential story of how African American music shaped every genre, including country. It's a masterpiece and should be on every Nashville must see list.
What about a day trip?
If you have an extra day, drive to Franklin, TN (about 30 mins south). Charming historic Main Street, serious Civil War history (the Carter House), and the massive Factory complex with shops and food. Or head to the Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg.
Wrapping It Up: Your Nashville Game Plan
So, your ultimate Nashville must see and do plan comes down to mixing the iconic with the personal. Start with the pillars: the Hall of Fame, a Broadway honky-tonk crawl, the Ryman. Then, pick your adventure based on what you love. Are you a foodie? Build your itinerary around neighborhoods and restaurant reservations. A history buff? Dive into the NMAAM, the Parthenon, and the Tennessee State Capitol. A music purist? Seek out the smaller venues in East Nashville like The Basement East.
The biggest mistake is trying to do it all and rushing. The magic of Nashville often happens in the unplanned moments—the incredible band you discover in a random bar, the conversation with a local at a coffee shop, the perfect biscuit that makes you groan with happiness.
Have an amazing time in Music City. And wear those comfortable shoes.