Nashville’s charm as a top tourist destination is growing every year. Most recently, it was included in the New York Times ”52 Places to Go.” The place is loved for its thriving music scene, food, culture, and history. The top attractions in Nashville, like the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry, and Ryman Auditorium attract millions of tourists each year. There’s a lot to learn, eat, explore, and see in this Music City. A trip here won’t be complete if you miss a few of the places mentioned below.
Top Attractions in Nashville
1. Meet Famous Musicians at the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is the longest-running radio show in the world. It was opened in 1925, airing the first live radio show. The current home of the show, Grand Ole Opry House, opened in 1974.
It features current and rising stars and serves as a place for country music lovers to connect with their favorite musicians. You can find both old and new artists here and can even see artists debuting! The Grand Ole Opry’s backstage tours run daily from morning until 3 pm. They give insights into the history of the show, a tour of the backstage, the dressing rooms of the artists, and the main stage.
Time needed – 3 hours
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2. Explore History at the Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the top attractions in Nashville. It is among the largest museums in the world, a research center, and a historic place. It features exhibits and plaques dedicated to the finest talent in America’s music history.
A great way to enjoy the museum is through a self-guided walk through the “Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music” exhibit. The amount of history you will discover here will leave you amazed.
Time needed – 2 hours
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3. Taste Amazing Food at Germantown
North of Downtown Nashville is the quaint Germantown neighborhood. It’s named so because of the European immigrants who were its first settlers in the mid-19th century. Germantown is best known for its local boutiques, markets, and critically acclaimed restaurants.
Some of the trendiest restaurants here include Germantown Café, Butchertown Hall, City House, and Henrietta Red. Additionally, the neighborhood is known for its historic places, like the Tennessee State Museum, Fisk University, and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
Time needed – 3 to 4 hours
4. Tour the Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium is the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, where famous music stars first debuted. It is also the birthplace of Blue Grass Boys, who introduced a new musical genre. This landmark has hosted some of the iconic artists, like Elvis Presley, June Carter, Minnie Pearl, Patsy Cline, and more. A self-guided Ryman Auditorium tour is the best way to understand the history and significance of this cultural building.
Time needed – 45 minutes
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5. Check out The Parthenon
Many top attractions in Nashville give a glimpse of the past. But there’s nothing as magnificent as The Parthenon. It is the sole exact replica of the original Parthenon temple that honors the Greek god Athena in Athens.
The building in Centennial Park is known for its fine architectural details and impressive art collection. Its galleries house an enormous collection of paintings and sculptures. The place holds many tors, activities, and events to promote the artistic and educational values of Nashville.
Time needed – 1 hour
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read also: Things to Do in Nashville Indiana
6. Explore the Music Venues in Lower Broadway
Lower Broadway, or the Broadway Historic District, is one of the top attractions in Nashville because there are many options to chill out and relax. It is home to iconic “honky tonk” music venues where you can let yourself loose. These include Robert’s Western World and Tootsies and The Stage. They feature live music for over 16+ a day, all 365 days a year.
Some well-known bars here are Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, and Hattie B’s Chicken. If you dream of finding the best cowboy boots and hats, head to Boot Country, Big Time Boots, and Boot Barn.
Time needed – 2 to 3 hours
7. Find the Significance of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, or Bicentennial Mall, was built to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Volunteer State’s admission into the Union in 1996. This 19-acre park next to Nashville Farmers’ Market promotes the historical and geographical landmarks of Nashville with a huge map of Tennessee and eight small maps. The giant map includes all the natural attractions and counties, while the smaller maps show unique facts about the state. There are many attractions to explore here, like the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains, representative of the 31 major waterways of Nashville, and the 2000-seat amphitheater.
Time needed – 3 hours
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8. Have an Adventure at Nashville Zoo
If you are with your family, a trip to the Nashville Zoo is worth it. It was set up in 1990 and has over 2,200 animals from over 350 varied species. You can find exhibits that replicate the native environments of animals. To make your trip adventurous, ride on the Soaring Eagle Zip Line, which will lift you 110 ft high. The Wild Animal Carousal and Wilderness Express Train are other ways for your kids to enjoy the zoo.
Time needed – 2 hours
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9. Capture Stunning Views at the Arrington Vineyards
Twenty-five miles south of Nashville is the Arrington Vineyards. It is known for its production of 22 award-winning wines on-site. Besides sampling wines, you take in the spectacular scenery of the 16 acres of vineyards. It has five tasting rooms and shaded picnic areas and organizes live music on weekends from April to November. You can also visit the famous Hatcher Family Dairy Store and buy milk, family, and eggs.
Time needed – 1.5 hours
10. Have a Drink at the Patterson House
Patterson House is one of the top attractions in Nashville because it’s the site of the first craft cocktail. This 1920’s Prohibition-themed sophisticated bar has a range of inventive and classic or Old World-style cocktails. The extensive variety of drinks includes ingredients like fresh herbs, house-made bitters, clear ice, and top-shelf booze. Moreover, the staff is highly informed and helps you make the best decisions.
Time needed – 1 hour
11. Tour The Hermitage
Do you want to explore the home of President Andrew Jackson? The Hermitage, located just 15 minutes from downtown Nashville, should be on your list. This national historic landmark preserves early presidential homes, allowing visitors to wander through the rooms where the big personalities lived. Besides, you can stroll in the gorgeous gardens of The Hermitage, head to the winery tasting rooms, or take a light hike.
Time needed – 2 hours
12. Shop Vintage Goods at Old Made Good
Old Made Good, or OMG, is a paradise for a selection of beautiful vintage decor and accessories. From furniture to clothing and jewelry, you’ll find lots of locally-made vintage goods here. The items are 100% vintage, meaning there is some amount of wear, but the imperfection makes them so appealing. The shop behind Wallpaper and Designer Consignment, OMG, is well supported by the community. It is a must-visit place on every vintage shopper’s list.
Time needed – 1 hour
13. Experience Southern History at Belle Meade Plantation
The Belle Meade Plantation preserves Tennessee’s history, architecture, and hospitality. It was set up as a log cabin and witnessed steady growth into a beautiful Greek Revival Mansion, which was also one of the largest thoroughbred horse farms in the South. It’s a great place to learn about Tennessee’s history in the 1800s, particularly the owners of the plantation, Harding and Jackson families. You can learn the significance of the plantation through the different tours, explore food and wine pairings, or dine at the two restaurants.
Time needed – 3 to 4 hours
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14. Entertain Yourself at 6th & Peabody
There’s no better way to chill and entertain yourself in Nashville than 6th & Peabody. It’s a versatile entertainment area featuring whisky tastings, distillery tours, beer flights, and live music. There’s also a giant TV and beer garden where you can participate in ping pong and cornhole. People love the excellent food and the relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere of this place.
Time needed – 1 hour
read also: Romantic Hotels in Nashville
15. Step into the Picturesque Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art
Cheekwood is one of the top American Country Place Era estates. Its roots go back to the 1930s when the owners, Mabel and Leslie Cheek, went on a trip to England with their architect. Today, it has 55 acres of well-cultivated gardens and serves as an arboretum, botanical garden, and museum. The property has a 1.5-mile woodland trail that consists of monumental outdoor sculptures.
Time needed – 1.5 hours
16. Learn the History of Cars at Lane Motor Museum
If you are a car or an automobile enthusiast, you’d love to visit the Lane Motor Museum. It features a huge collection of European cars. Some are in the showroom condition, and others show signs of aging. Its exhaustive collection includes over 450 unique cars and bikes, covering competitive, three-wheeled cars, military, and microcars. You can also participate in family events and special rides, which are regularly hosted by the museum’s staff.
Time needed – 45 minutes
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17. Get a Three Storey Experience at Twelve Thirty Club
The mammoth Twelve Thirty Club, co-founded by Justin Timberlake, is a progressive three-story experience known for excellent food, drinks, and an elevated Honky Tonk setting. The Honkey Tonk on the main floor has a bustling bar and live music scene. The upstairs has a Supper Club, which is upscale dining with luxurious food and whiskey. Finally, the airy rooftop bar is ideal for getting a glimpse of the bustling city.
Time needed – 1 hour
Conclusion
Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, a history buff, or a shopper, Nashville will enthrall you. It is jam-packed with entertainment, and probably no other state describes the history of music, especially country music, so beautifully as Nashville. The attractions mentioned above will certainly help you taste the best that Nashville has to offer.
