The Best Things to Do in Nashville – What Are the Top Activities?

Nashville is one of the most vibrant, energetic and active cities in the United States. It’s a hub of creativity, entertainment, and delicious food—all of which combine to make it a first-rate tourist destination. Boasting some of the country’s best live music, a nightlife that rivals any other, incredible Southern hospitality, and one of the most iconic country music scenes in the world, Nashville is a truly unique place full of surprises.

But with a city so jam-packed full of activities, attractions and dining options, it can be difficult to narrow down exactly what to do and see while you’re there. What are some of the best things to do in Nashville? We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the city’s most popular activities; read on to discover what the best things to do in Nashville are!

Visit Music City on a City Sightseeing Tour

One of the best ways to get acquainted with the city and all its attractions is to explore it on a sightseeing tour. City Sightseeing offers daily sightseeing tours, which take visitors on an iconic streetcar ride all around the city, visit some of the best attractions, and experience Nashville from street level. Highlights include Grand Ole Opry & Museum, Centennial Park & Parthenon and many more! Guides on each tour give interesting facts about all Nashville historical monuments, and even throw in some music trivia for good measure. Tours also often include a stop at an iconic local music venue. As soon as you book your tour, you’ll receive an e-ticket queued up in your email which saves you time when joining the tour on site.

Take in Music Venues & Must-See Live Shows

Live music is one of the things that Nashville is most famous for—after all, it is Music City! The live music scene includes virtually every genre of music, including jazz, blues, rock, funk, bluegrass and yes, traditional country. Major music venues like the Grand Ole Opry, Coyote Ugly Saloon and The Country Music Hall of Fame attract big crowds ready to take in their talented performances. Additionally, some of Music City’s most beloved theaters host frequently scheduled performances from local acts. Some must-see venues include The Basement East & West, 3rd & Lindsley and The Basement.

Exploring Nashville’s Country Music History

In addition to its active music scene, Nashville is also renowned for its upstanding country music history. There are a multitude of ways to explore this historic side of the city. Start your exploration at the Country Music Hall of Fame, one of the city’s most popular attractions for observing country music history exhibits and artifacts. This museum includes sections dedicated to country music’s legendary figures like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline. Once you’ve seen the Hall of Fame itself, walk across the street to their neighboring Hatch Show Prints exhibit. Here you’ll get an inside look at how classic letterpress posters were made.

Experience a Live taping of the Grand Ole Opry

For over 90 years now, the Grand Ole Opry has been hosting traditional country performances every week in Nashville and selling out on a regular basis. Visitors can sign up for tickets for live taping night’s performance. It’s a fun atmosphere for guests of all ages—from casual country fans to die-hard aficionados—and there are multiple snack stands so visitors can purchase food during the performance.

Shop ’Til You Drop & Enjoy Downtown Nashville’s Nightlife

Nashville is known for having excellent nightlife and activities available late into the night—it’s afterall known as “the party capital of the South”! Midtown offers an abundance of clubs and bars that turn into many dance floors. There is also a great selection of exclusive restaurants with nightly live music. Additionally, tourists can go shopping for souvenirs and experience amazing southern hospitality in this popular city center. Tourists can take advantage of frequent art shows throughout downtown showcasing amazing local artists and performances from musicians from all genres of music.

Visit Honky Tonk Central—Your One-Stop Shop for Bars & Entertainment

For a one-stop shop for entertainment, Honky Tonk Central is the place to see in Nashville! This 30,000 square-foot entertainment complex includes four stories filled with bars, live music venues showcasing some of Nashville’s hottest rising stars and local classic honky-tonks. This exciting location is vibrant both day and night and is definitely one of the top things visitors can do while they’re in town. Don’t forget to check out their rooftop bar with breathtaking views of downtown Nashville after your visit!

Go Rock Climbing at Climb Nashville

Climb Nashville is another popular city attraction that offers activities for both indoor and outdoor rock climbing. Climb Nashville even offers crack climbing classes to help visitors get acquainted with the ropes and gear needed for these adventures. Depending on your skill level and willingness to take bigger climbs versus shorter ones, there is something on this course that everyone can enjoy!

Enjoy an Incredible Meal at Etch Restaurant

If you’re feeling extra hungry after working up an appetite rock climbing or walking around downtown, definitely head to Etch Restaurant for delicious cuisine made with quality ingredients. Notable dishes include roasted pork shank and roasted rack of lamb. Be sure to save room for their signature dessert: Etch Massage!

Go Bar Golfing at A Bar Golfing Nite Out Event

One of the newest activities in Music City is bar golfing—a mashup between mini golf and bar hopping that is as unique as it sounds! A Bar Golfing Nite Out event will pick up guests in front of the downtown courthouse (or at an accessible hotel) before heading out to a carefully curated selection of bars throughout downtown where participants hit golf shots at more than 12 natural obstacles ranging from mini golf cups to other fun obstacles. Once all checkpoints have been conquered and scores checked—the winning bar golfer claims their prize! Test your aim and your drinking prowess with this fun activity—it’s sure to be a night you won’t soon forget. Experience this fun activity with a Nashville Bar Golf Game.

These are only 10 top things to do in Nashville—there are so many more incredible activities available! Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures like rock climbing or sightseeing tours around Music City or prefer hopping around clubs in midtown or shopping until you drop downtown—there surely is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Although some traditional attractions like bars and theaters may still be closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, it’s still possible to enjoy many great activities while maintaining social distance. Whether it’s taste testing delicious Southern food or visiting historical country music venues, you’ll feel right at home in Nashville in no time!