The 20 Best Attractions and Sights in Nashville | Nashville Guru (2024)

The 20 Best Attractions and Sights in Nashville | Nashville Guru (1)

April 27, 2023 | Advertising Disclosure | Our Partners may be mentioned in this article.

Whether you’ve lived here for years, just moved to town, or are visiting for the weekend, there’s no excuse for being bored in Music City. From must-see museums to iconic music venues, consider this your Nashville bucket list.

Nashville Zoo

Kids of all ages can enjoy a field trip to the Nashville Zoo, which has grown leaps and bounds since taking over the Grassmere property in 1996. Interactive exhibits like Critter Encounters and Lorikeet Landing as well as exhibits dedicated to flamingos, and meerkats keep local animal lovers intrigued.

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Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Perhaps the most gorgeous 55 acres in the greater Nashville area, Cheekwood is a hit with locals and visitors year-round. From the Cheekwood Mansion art gallery to the estate’s 12 sprawling gardens to special exhibits from world-renowned artists, you could spend hours taking in all kinds of stunning visuals. Cheekwood also has a variety of seasonal installations including Cheekwood in Bloom, Cheekwood Harvest, and Holiday Lights at Cheekwood.

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Frist Art Museum

With exhibits that rotate every six to eight weeks, no visit to the Frist Art Museum is ever the same—but you’re always guaranteed to leave inspired. Housed in an art deco building, Nashville’s hub for visual art displays works from local, state, and regional artists as well as national and international exhibitions.

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The Hermitage

The home of Andrew Jackson, located on the outskirts of town, is one of the most popular attractions in the state. Open as a museum since 1889, The Hermitage sits on more than 1,000 acres and comprises the seventh U.S. president’s stately mansion, its surrounding gardens and grounds, and the Jackson family tomb. The million-dollar exhibit, Andrew Jackson: Born for a Storm, features interactive displays and a deep dive into his multifaceted life.

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GEODIS Park

GEODIS Park, situated in the heart of Wedgewood-Houston, is home to the Nashville Soccer Club. This 30,000-seat stadium is the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States and Canada. Looking to catch a match? See the Nashville SC’s home game schedule here.

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Fifth + Broadway

Fifth + Broadway is a mixed-use development conveniently located on Broadway in Downtown Nashville. The building combines restaurants, shops, office space, a museum, and residential units. Restaurants include local favorites like Slim + Husky’s and Hattie B’s as well as nationally-known eateries like Shake Shack and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. On the retail side, visitors can purchase Nashville-centric apparel at The Nash Collection or shop at one of the only brick-and-mortar Ariat stores in the world. Explore the 55,000-square-foot National Museum of African American Music or stay indefinitely at The Place.

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Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

It’s known as “the Smithsonian of country music” for good reason, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum spans 350,000 square feet of prime Downtown Nashville real estate, which it packs with thousands of artifacts, two performance theaters, and countless rotating special exhibitions. The museum’s permanent installation, Sing Me Back Home, takes visitors through the evolution of country music from its roots in the nineteenth century to today’s biggest hitmakers.

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Bluebird Cafe

The world-famous and incredibly intimate Bluebird Cafe is where you go to hear your favorite songs—and their backstories—straight from the people who wrote them. (Yes, just like on TV.) Nearly every night, this tiny cafe hosts a group of songwriters who play and banter their way through acoustic rounds, captivating those who got lucky enough to score a seat.

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Grand Ole Opry

An essential Nashville music experience is a trip to the historic Grand Ole Opry—it’s the only place where country music stars of past, present, and future have shared the same stage. Spring for the backstage tour, where you can see the Opry’s 18-themed dressing rooms, learn behind-the-scenes secrets, and, if you’re lucky, step foot in “The Circle” yourself.

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John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, completed in 1909, is a steel-trussed bridge that connects East Nashville with the hustle and bustle of Downtown Nashville. Runners, commuters, and sightseers alike can be found crisscrossing this skyline landmark at all hours of the day, often pausing to admire the picturesque Cumberland views.

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Ryman Auditorium

Your first show at the prestigious Mother Church—famed for its acoustics and pew seating—will be a turning point in your concert-going experience. Formerly the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman now shines on its own as a hallowed performance hall for all genres of musicians as well as comedians and authors. Self-guided tours are available daily, tickets are $27+ for adults and $18+ for children (4-11).

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Broadway Honky-Tonks

Though they might complain about it, even locals have a hard time staying away from Nashville’s glittering main strip—it’s that much of a good time. Lined with perennial honky-tonks like Robert’s Western World and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Lower Broadway has seen a revitalization with trendier establishments like Acme Feed and Seed and Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa.

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Radnor Lake State Park

Offering 1,300 acres of serene forests, trails, and wildlife, the Radnor Lake area is a literal breath of fresh air for cooped-up Nashvillians. And this natural treasure offers even more than just exercise and a break from daily stressors—The Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center can turn your visit into a full-on learning experience.

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Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Stop at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery for a part history lesson and part good old-fashioned whiskey tasting. Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson revived their great-great-great-grandfather’s family business in 2009. The tour guides here will take you back to the start over a century ago and its subsequent shutting down during Prohibition—cheers to the Nelsons’ happy ending!

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The Parthenon

The Parthenon, originally constructed as a temporary exhibit for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition, is a full-scale replica of the iconic Athens structure that became so popular it is now a permanent Nashville fixture. Updates over the years have included the creation of the surrounding Centennial Park, a complete overhaul of the structure’s exterior, and the installation of a 42-foot-tall Athena statue. When you visit, don’t miss the fine art museum on the lower level.

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Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar

The Goo Goo Cluster isn’t just your ordinary sweet treat—it’s the world’s first-ever “combination candy,” a swirl of caramel, marshmallow nougat, peanuts, and chocolate. Fittingly, the Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar’s headquarters isn’t just a shop—it’s a decadent destination, featuring Goo Goo’s rich history, a dessert and coffee bar, and a clear view of the confectionary kitchen’s skilled candy makers.

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“I Believe in Nashville” Murals

You won’t find a more “Nashville” photo-op than the “I Believe in Nashville” murals. Music City native Adrien Saporiti has created two of them across town, one each in 12 South and Marathon Village—both neighborhoods are a must-visit!

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Johnny Cash Museum

Whether you’re a casual listener or a die-hard fan of the Man in Black, it’s hard not to be emotionally moved as you walk through the Johnny Cash Museum. From his humble beginnings in Arkansas to his groundbreaking Folsom Prison performance to his love affair with June Carter, this is a fully-encompassing journey of Cash and his legacy.

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First Horizon Park

First Horizon Park, is home to The Nashville Sounds, a Minor League Baseball team of the International League. This massive ballpark situated in Germantown, boasts an unrivaled view of the field, a guitar-shaped scoreboard, and limitless concessions. The stadium also hosts occasional concerts, events, and festivals.

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Soundwaves + Gaylord Opryland

SoundWaves, the upscale indoor-outdoor water attraction atGaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, offers over four acres of entertainment, including 11 slides, a wave pool, FlowRider wave simulator, rapid and lazy rivers, an activity pool, a restaurant, adults-only pool and bar, private cabanas, and kids areas. This attraction is open year-round.

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The 20 Best Attractions and Sights in Nashville | Nashville Guru (2024)

FAQs

The 20 Best Attractions and Sights in Nashville | Nashville Guru? ›

Kick-off your Nashville experience with a day at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. The world's largest popular music museum offers ever-changing exhibits featuring the legends of country music past and today's hottest stars.

What is the number one thing to do in Nashville? ›

Kick-off your Nashville experience with a day at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. The world's largest popular music museum offers ever-changing exhibits featuring the legends of country music past and today's hottest stars.

Where to take your grandma in Nashville? ›

Self-guided Nashville tours for seniors
  • Walking tours. ...
  • General Jackson Showboat river tour.
  • Winery tours. ...
  • Bike the Greenway tour.
  • Explore Centennial Park. ...
  • Restaurants and bars. ...
  • Germantown. ...
  • East Nashville.

What is not to be missed in Nashville? ›

12 sites not to be missed in Nashville
  • Patsy Cline Museum.
  • Johnny Cash Museum.
  • Glen Campbell Museum.
  • Country Music Hall of Fame.
  • National Museum of African American Music.
  • Musician's Hall of Fame.
  • Tennessee State Capitol.
  • Tennessee State Museum.
Feb 15, 2023

What is the safest part of Nashville to live in? ›

Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods in Nashville in 2024
  • Germantown.
  • Green Hills.
  • Hillsboro West End.
  • Historic Edgefield.
  • Inglewood.
Jun 21, 2024

Where not to go in downtown Nashville? ›

What parts of Nashville should I avoid? Before you move to this music-focused, family-friendly city, you probably want to know the bad areas of Nashville. These include Salemtown, West Meade, Heron Walk, Talbot's Corner, Glencliff, and Bordeaux.

What is the main attraction street in Nashville? ›

Running through the heart of downtown Nashville, Broadway Street is home to some of Nashville's best music, restaurants, and bars. To explore this area fully, you'll want to spend a few days in this increidlbe city.

Is Nashville a good place for seniors to visit? ›

For older adults, the array of historical sites, arts & culture, natural beauty, lively culinary scene, and yes, the music, make Nashville a wonderful city to call home. Let's take a deep dive into some of the best cultural attractions in the area.

Where did Elvis stay in Nashville? ›

We are located on the sixth floor of the historic Spence Manor building, which was originally built as a five-star hotel for Elvis to stay when he recorded at RCA Studio B. Other notables who stayed at Spence Manor include The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and many more.

Does Dolly Parton have a store in Nashville? ›

Dolly Parton's Trinkets and Treasures is a charming boutique in Nashville, TN that offers a unique selection of eclectic items. With a focus on whimsical and one-of-a-kind pieces, this shop provides a delightful shopping experience for visitors looking for special keepsakes.

What to skip in Nashville? ›

WHAT NOT TO DO IN NASHVILLE
  • DON'T JUST STAY ON BROADWAY. Hi, did you know that there are quite literally bars all over the city of Nashville? ...
  • DON'T GET PICS WITH THE WINGS. ...
  • DON'T WAIT IN LINE FOR GRUB. ...
  • DON'T DRESS LIKE A COWGIRL. ...
  • DON'T EXPECT TO SEE FAMOUS PEOPLE IF YOU'RE GOING TO TOURIST TRAPS.

Is it safe to walk in downtown Nashville at night? ›

Is it safe to walk in Nashville at night? It's perfectly safe to walk around downtown Nashville at night, but don't dottle. Know where you're going and don't make unnecessary stops along the way. Don't go down any dark streets and don't walk outside of the downtown area unless absolutely necessary.

How to spend an afternoon in Nashville? ›

How to spend a day in Nashville, America's soulful southern city
  1. National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) History comes to life at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), located across the road from the Ryman. ...
  2. Robert's Western World. ...
  3. Johnny Cash Museum.
Feb 18, 2024

What should I be careful of in Nashville? ›

Tourist Self-Awareness Safety Tips
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • If being followed, drive to hospital, fire-hall, 24-hr. ...
  • Travel in well lit areas.
  • Travel with someone.
  • Always lock doors immediately when entering vehicle.
  • Be familiar with changing a flat tire...at a minimum have all the tools you'll need.

Is Nashville safer than Memphis? ›

The total crime rate of Memphis is about 147% higher than Tennessee's average and about 224% higher than the national average. While both Memphis and Nashville have crime rates above the state and national average, Nashville is safer than Memphis if you're just going by the crime rate.

What is the nice side of Nashville? ›

East Nashville | Safe Streets and Nurturing Schools

East Nashville is one of the safest neighborhoods in Nashville TN and boasts an extremely walkable neighborhood. Many residents enjoy the area around Fatherland Street, as many homes decorate for the holidays. You can also stop into several locally-owned businesses.

Is it better to stay downtown or music row in Nashville? ›

Is it better to stay in Music Row or Downtown Nashville? Both areas are fun, but Downtown is generally where to stay in Nashville if you want uninterrupted access to the city's best nightlife. On the other hand, Music Row offers an inside look at the music industry along with a ton of venues.

What is the most popular thing in Tennessee? ›

Graceland might take the top spot among Tennessee tourist attractions. Elvis Presley's estate welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year, making it one of the most-visited private homes in the country. Another popular tourist destination in Tennessee is Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.

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