59 Best Things to Do in Nashville

Nashville is booming with music and food, nature preserves and hikes, museums and family activities, which is why this list of the best things to do in Nashville is so long. There are dozens of cool things to do in Nashville whether you’re planning a trip, staycation or date night!

For foodies, there are cooking classes and mouth-watering Southern fare. For the artsy type, the Hatch Show Print print shop is the place to visit. And families will love a trip to Honeysuckle Hill Farm or the Nashville Adventure Park. Whatever your penchant, peruse this list of the best things to do in Nashville for plenty of ideas for your next day on the town!

 Jump to Section

• Foodie Things to Do in Nashville 
• Fun Things to Do in Nashville for Couples
• Nightlife Things to Do in Nashville
• Free Things to Do in Nashville
• Adventurous Things to Do in Nashville
• Cultural Things to Do in Nashville
• Unique Things to Do in Nashville
• Fun Things to Do in Nashville for Families
• Historic Things to Do in Nashville
• Sports and Shopping Things to Do in Nashville

Foodie Things to Do in Nashville

1. Take a Cooking Class

Nashville is known for its food, from hot chicken to classic Southern fare. Try your hand at cooking these classics and more by taking cooking classes in Nashville on your next visit. You can find cooking classes near you all over the city when you’re ready for a culinary adventure. But if you’d rather stay home, try live, interactive online cooking classes from the comfort of your kitchen.

2. Hire a Private Chef

Take the pressure off your next date night or family gathering and treat your loved ones to a professionally-prepared meal by booking a private chef in Nashville. Once you find a private chef near you, the chef will travel to your location with all of the ingredients and equipment necessary to prepare a delicious and unique meal just for you. They'll even provide clean-up service at the end. That means more time spent with the people you love, making for a totally relaxing date idea in Nashville.

3. Embark on a Food Tour

Do you have a penchant for seeking out the best restaurants in town? Join a guided food tour in Nashville and see what this famous food scene is all about. From small-batch Southern-style beers to the best hot chicken in Nashville, you're bound to discover a few favorites along the way. 

4. Winery Tours and Tastings

Nashville has plenty of local wineries around town, from wineries located in the heart of Downtown to wineries settled in the green fields surrounding the city. A winery tour and tasting is one of the best things to do in Nashville for people who are into wine or want to learn more about it. You can enjoy a tasting session while learning more about Nashville’s unique wines and improving your sommelier skills. 

5. Visit D’Andrews Bakery

If you have a sweet tooth, visiting D’Andrews Bakery should be at the top of your list of things to do in Nashville. This classic bakery gives every decadent creation a Southern flair, so you’ll find a unique twist on almost every item. Every treat is made in-house and is sure to delight, but we’ve heard the orange and almond cake is a popular choice. 

6. Johnny Cash Bar & BBQ

After a trip to the Johnny Cash Museum, pop into Johnny Cash Bar & BBQ for some Southern food, cold drinks and live music. With rustic hewn-timber beams and sparkling stained glass windows, this unique spot is one to remember as you enjoy a meal inspired by the Southern hospitality of the late singer himself.

7. Try a New Coffee Shop

Nashville is home to a bounty of coffee shops for the coffee lover to try. If you’re looking for quick things to do in Nashville, pop in for a to-go coffee on your way to the Nashville farmers market or sit and chat with a friend for hours in one of the many cozy coffee shops around town. The Frothy Monkey is a quirky, beloved favorite in South Nashville, and Bongo Java is one of Nashville’s original specialty coffee shops. 

8. Eat Biscuits at the Loveless Cafe 

The Loveless Cafe is a beloved restaurant in Nashville with home-style Southern fare and nearly world-famous biscuits. After your first round of biscuits, try another Southern classic like fried chicken. Once your meal is through, wander the former motel grounds now converted into shops and markets.

9. Taste Legendary Nashville Hot Chicken

For foodies looking for things to do in Nashville, start with finding a hot chicken spot. Nashville is known for its spicy fried chicken — otherwise known as hot chicken. Prince’s Hot Chicken is the original place to get this special Southern dish, and the spot to try it if it’s your first time. 

9. Try the Southern Food at the Timothy Demonbreun House

Just one mile south of Downtown Nashville, the Timothy Demonbreun House is a world-class bed and breakfast with plenty of amenities and a revered Southern-style breakfast. It's the perfect home base for your Nashville excursions. 

Fun Things to Do in Nashville for Couples

11. Virtual Classes or Tastings

If you’d rather stay in, try a virtual experience to learn something new from the comfort of your home. Learn to shake up new drinks from a professional mixologist at an online mixology class, or learn to pour the perfect latte during an online coffee class. Or, grab a few friends and host a virtual whiskey tasting or virtual wine tasting led by the experts. 

12. Catch a Film at the Historic Belcourt Theater

The historic Belcourt Theater opened in 1925 as a silent film theater, but now plays the latest box office hits as well as vintage favorites. Head to the Hillsboro area of Nashville to catch a movie at this historic theater for a relaxing thing to do in Nashville in a beautiful setting. Invite some friends for a fun double date idea.

13. Spend the Evening at Pinewood Social 

Pinewood Social is one of the most fun things to do in Nashville. Apart from the good food, there are many entertainment options available, including a sleek bowling alley, outdoor bocce ball court and a sparkling pool. Or, cozy up in the coffee shop with a warm beverage if you and your friends (or date) are feeling chatty.

14. Get a Drink at the Americano Lounge

If you’re on the hunt for fun things to do in Nashville for couples, try an evening at the Americano Lounge. This trendy spot offers both craft coffee and craft cocktails, each of the highest caliber. Sample what the Lounge has to offer with a coffee flight, or indulge in the famous espresso martini. 

15. Visit the Parthenon

The Nashville Parthenon, located in Centennial Park in Nashville, is an exact replica of the ancient Parthenon in Athens. This unique thing to do in Nashville features classical Greek architecture and even has a replica of the long-lost Athena statue inside the building. After touring the upper level, head downstairs to the art museum on the lower level. A visit to the Parthenon is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Nashville, and a fun thing for couples to do if you love history and architecture.

16. Practice Your Line Dancing at the Wildhorse Saloon 

The Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville boasts the largest dance floor in the city. Along with drinks and food, the Saloon offers complimentary line dance lessons whenever they are open (currently Wednesday-Saturday). So pull up your boots and learn the boogie on your next night out!

Nightlife Things to Do in Nashville

17. Spin Around Town on Nashville Bar Bike

For girls' weekends, college reunions or just a good time with your friend group, look no further than the Nashville Bar Bike. Take a spin around town with a drink in hand and take in the sights as you sip with your pals during this fun thing to do in Nashville. 

18. Sing Your Heart Out at Santa’s Pub 

Down for karaoke? Get ready for a fantastic evening of grungy bar stools, raucous tunes and solid drinks at Santa’s Pub. This cool thing to do in Nashville is perfect for a unique night out. And keep your eyes peeled — icons like Beyonce and Ed Sheeran have been known to grace the karaoke stage. 

19. Enjoy Live Music at The Station Inn

Americana, country music and bluegrass artists reign in the Station Inn, a classic Tennessee tavern where bands perform seven nights a week. Nestle into a table and get an up-front seat for the performance while you snack on house bites and sip on a cold drink. 

20. Sip Moonshine at Bootleggers Inn

Another Broadway favorite, the Bootlegger’s Inn is the place to get moonshine in Nashville. Bootlegger’s Inn features a moonshine of the day each day and also hosts live music day and night. 

21. Visit Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is an iconic honkey tonk located on Broadway in Downtown Nashville. Tootie’s has hosted up-and-coming artists for more than 60 years, including names like Willie Nelson and Faron Young before their big breaks. 

Free Things to Do in Nashville

22. Scope Out Street Art

Street art studs the Nashville streets in all areas of the city. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, get to know new parts of Nashville and enjoy local art by hunting down street art around town. Not only is this one of the most unique things to do in Downtown Nashville, but it’s free, too! 

23. Wander First-Saturday Art Crawl 

Mark your calendar for Nashville’s Art Crawl on the first Saturday of every month from 5-8 p.m. During this free event, art galleries downtown open their doors to the public to exhibit local and world-renowned artists in an upbeat atmosphere. This is one of the best things to do in Nashville for art lovers of all levels of expertise. 

24. Stroll Down 12South

12South is a great thing to do in Nashville for those in search of great food and shopping in one walkable area. As one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Nashville, 12South is the perfect place to go for coffee, shopping, dinner or just an evening on the town. Hit up favorite spots like Frothy Monkey, Jenni’s Ice Cream and more. 

25. Stroll the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

The towering John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is a foot-traffic-only bridge connecting Downtown Nashville to the residential suburbs of East Nashville. On your trip to the bridge, you can stroll across the Cumberland River and take in the city views from a unique vantage point. 

26. Take a Walk Down Broadway

Once the heart of the country music scene, Broadway is a stretch of road in Downtown Nashville called the “Honkey Tonk Highway.” Home of the Grand Ole Opry and numerous other music venues, Broadway is lined with restaurants, bars and plenty of country music singers. 

Adventurous Things to Do in Nashville

27. Go Indoor Rock Climbing 

Break a sweat and tone up while rock climbing at Climb Nashville. This climbing gym is a great active thing to do in Nashville in the winter months when outdoor options are limited. And there’s no need to have prior experience or gear — there are climbing areas for all abilities, and belay classes for new climbers. 

28. Horseback Ride at Natchez Trace Stables 

Located southwest of Nashville, the Natchez Trace Stables is the spot to go for a gentle afternoon trail ride. Get out of the city and enjoy a leisurely guided horseback ride winding through rolling hills. These rides are suited for all levels of horseman or horsewoman, from beginner to expert.  

29. Take a Hike at Radnor Lake State Park 

Take in the waterfront views of Radnor Lake State Park with a hike around Radnor Lake — yet another thing to do in Nashville that gets you out into nature. Around 7.75 miles of trails wind around the lake at various levels of intensity, so you and your crew can gear up for a longer hike or take a gentle stroll through the trees. 

30. Enjoy Cumberland Park

Cumberland Park is a must-visit for families with kids. Situated on Nashville’s riverfront and near the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge, kids can play on a splash pad, a unique playspace, a miniature climbing wall and even wander a butterfly garden.

31. Visit Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary

Located just outside of Nashville, the Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary is a 300-acre wildlife sanctuary with nature trails, owl habitats and many seasonal events. Get a break from city life with a trip to see the Sanctuary’s natural beauty. 

32. Enjoy Warner Parks

Edwin Warner and Percy Warner Parks are two parks in Nashville collectively known as “Warner Parks.” These undulating city parks offer a perfect thing to do in Nashville for a break from the hustle and bustle with plenty of green space, trees, and space for walking or biking. 

Cultural Things to Do in Nashville

33. Stroll Through the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

Enjoy beautiful botanical gardens, wander an elegant mansion and more at the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. For lovers of flora, this is one of the best things to do in Nashville. After wandering through the different themed gardens, grab a quiet lunch at the elegant Café 29 on-site. 

34. See the Stars at Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory

The Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory is located in the scenic Radnor Lake State Park and offers many programs, tours and exhibits to the public. With an impressive telescope and well-informed staff, a visit to the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory will leave you with a greater understanding of the heavens above.

35. Go Back in Time at the Hermitage 

Get a glimpse of presidential life in the early 19th century during a visit to Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, the former president’s estate where he lived until his death in 1845. Tour the mansion and sprawling grounds, and see special exhibits or attend seasonal events.

36. Enjoy an Evening at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Nashville’s music scene extends beyond country music; go listen to a beautiful classical concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. 

37. Visit the Tennessee State Capitol

The regal Tennessee State Capitol building stands as tall today as it did when it was built in 1859. A beautiful spot for photography, you can also take self-guided or docent-guided tours of the interior from Monday through Friday.

38. See a Show at the Ryman Auditorium

The historic Ryman Auditorium is famous for being the former home of the Grand Ole Opry, but it is still one of the top music venues in the nation. With stunning acoustics in a beautiful setting, seeing a show at the Ryman is one of the best things to do in Nashville for anyone — but especially music lovers. 

39. Have a Laugh at the Third Coast Comedy Club

Spend an evening at the intimate Third Coast Comedy Club and enjoy world-class improv shows, stand-up comedy and more. This would be one of the best things to do in Nashville for comedy lovers. 

40. Visit the National Museum of African American Music

Downtown, you’ll find another one of the best things to do in Nashville for music lovers: visiting the National Museum of African American Music. Learn about the legends who began many music movements in the United States in this expertly-curated space. 

Unique Things to Do in Nashville

41. Try Your Hand at Curling at Tee Line

Tee Line is one of the first of its kind in Nashville, offering three areas for curling and four bowling lanes. Learn to curl for just $25 or book ice time if you already know your way around the game. But if curling’s not your thing, Tee Line also has bowling, food and televisions to keep you up to date with the latest sports news and games. 

42. Hunt for Vintage Clothing 

Hit up a few vintage clothing shops for a unique thing to do in Nashville that will yield one-of-a-kind results. Some shops to hit include spots like The Hip Zipper and Good Buy Girls in the Five Points area, and High Class Hillbilly in North Nashville. 

43. Shop for Vinyl

Restock your record player with tunes modern and classic with a visit to a record store in Nashville. Find guitar gear alongside records at Jack White’s Third Man Records, or hunt for older records at Grimey’s or The Great Escape. At Vinyl Tap, you can also grab a craft beer as you browse. 

44. Tour the Hatch Show Print Print Shop

For more than 140 years, the Hatch Show Print Shop has printed woodblock prints for every event imaginable — including hundreds of country music tours. Learn about the art synonymous with country music in Nashville on a tour of the print show, or try it for yourself during one of the print shop’s public events.

45. Wander the Vanderbilt Campus

The red-bricked campus of Vanderbilt University is worth a wander if you have a hankering for your own college days. For former students, it’s one of the best things to do in Nashville to bring on a serious bout of nostalgia. 

46. Take a Nashville Trolley Tour

Take a tour of Nashville on a quaint, historic trolley. Save those boots from walking another step with a ride through some of Nashville’s iconic streets from the comfort of the green-and-red trolley car. 

Fun Things to Do in Nashville for Families

47. Nashville Adventure Park

If you're looking for things to do in Nashville with kids, look no further than the Nashville Adventure Park. Located just outside of town, there’s ziplining, climbing challenges, axe throwing and even a park for little ones. 

48. Visit the Frist Art Museum

Support the Nashville arts and enjoy an hour or two of fine art by visiting the Frist Art Museum in Nashville. Admire the historic building, which was a post office in a previous life, or enjoy one of the rotating exhibits. This may be a good option for those with kids, too — kids under 18 are free. 

49. Tour the Grand Ole Opry

No visit to Nashville is complete without a tour of the iconic Grand Ole Opry. Before catching a show, take a tour backstage of the dressing rooms, green rooms and more with a friendly guide. The tour even ends with a chance to stand on stage yourself! After the tour, be sure to stick around for a show.  

50. Try to Get Out of an Escape Room 

An escape room is a perfect thing to do in Nashville for people who like puzzles and games. You’ll be locked in a themed room for 60 minutes to uncover tips and solve puzzles that will lead you to the final clue to unlock the door.

51. See the Animals at the Nashville Zoo

If you’re traveling with kids, a trip to the Nashville Zoo may be a fun excursion for your crew. See nearly 3,000 animals in natural-looking habitats at this family-friendly zoo located just outside Nashville. There’s also a popular playground for kids to enjoy.

52. Visit Honeysuckle Hill Farm

The scenic and sprawling Honeysuckle Hill Farm is another family-friendly thing to do in Nashville. The farm has live animal attractions, a seasonal pumpkin patch and a flower patch, a zipline and more. There is plenty to do for all ages at the Honeysuckle Hill Farm. 

Historic Things to Do in Nashville

53. See the Legends at the Country Music Hall of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the best things to do in Nashville for country music fans. This sprawling museum holds hundreds of country music treasures as well as exhibits on the state of country music, legendary musicians and more. 

54. Visit the Johnny Cash Museum

For Johnny Cash fans and admirers, the Johnny Cash Museum is the best place in Nashville to see the famous singer’s memorabilia and artifacts. Located in the heart of downtown, you can add it to your list of spots to hit in the city. And once you’ve worked your way through the museum, pop into the Johnny Cash Bar & BBQ next door for a classic Southern meal.

55. Take a Look Around the Tennessee State Museum

Learn all about the history of the state of Tennessee by taking a visit to the Tennessee State Museum. The Museum hosts a permanent collection as well as rotating exhibits, so you can always expect something fresh on display. Discover the fascinating history of the state of Tennessee, as well as the history of the people who lived in the area before the state was formed. 

Sports and Shopping Things to Do in Nashville

56. Cheer on the Tennessee Titans

Football fan? Then this thing to do in Nashville is for you: catch a Tennessee Titans football game and get a sense of the spirit of Tennessee football fans. 

57. Cheer on Nashville SC

Cheer on Nashville SC, Nashville’s newest sports team. Nashville Soccer Club plays at Nissan Stadium throughout the year, and a trip to see this up-and-coming team is one of the best things to do in Nashville for sports fans. 

58. Shop Marathon Village

A cluster of buildings that were formerly Marathon Motors in the early 1900s, this spot is now a hub for creative shopping and dining opportunities. Shop unique antiques, visit the Grinder’s Switch Winery and more at this unique Nashville spot. 

59. Visit the Nashville Farmers Market

Shop fresh produce and local goods at the Nashville Farmers Market year-round. Visit the farm shed on the weekends for fresh produce or stop into the restaurants on the property throughout the week. 

Whether line dancing is top of your list, you can’t wait to catch a comedy show or you're looking forward to a cooking class, this list of some of the best things to do in Nashville will hopefully help fill out your calendar for the next few weeks. What will be your first stop?

For even more fun things to do in Nashville and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.