Nashville caught us by surprise. It’s a vibrant, diverse, energetic, and artistic city that welcomes musicians, visitors, and everyone in between. One day in Nashville is simply not enough.
Appropriately earning the moniker Music City, it is the birthplace of country music. For us, Nashville was an unscheduled treat.
Nature put a hurricane in our original path, forcing us to change directions. Nashville was the best decision we made.
It’s one of the friendliest USA cities we have visited; the unpretentious atmosphere is a welcome change.
Nashville is attractive on so many levels. On average, 100 people are moving there each day, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in America.
While we had only one day in Nashville, we stayed for two nights as we were road tripping through the USA. We took advantage of every minute, finding endless fun things to do in Nashville at night, as well as during the day.
Downtown Nashville nightlife
We had so much fun in Nashville at night, and this is one city that really comes to life after dark.
Broadway honky tonks
Nashville at night is a banquet for the senses that doesn’t need to break the bank. You don’t need a plan. Just put on your dancing shoes and take a stroll down Broadway.
One honky tonk after the next, nearly all with live music pouring into the streets.
Some are rooftop locations, others at street level. There are bouncers, and the legal drinking age of 21 seemed to be strictly enforced (this was not a problem for us).
Best of all, in almost all the clubs, there is no cover charge nor a minimum drink requirement. The bands collect tips, and the ones we heard were excellent.
(According to Merriam-Webster, a ‘Honky Tonk’ is usually a tawdry nightclub or dance hall, especially one that features country music.)
Enjoy the views from the John Seigenthaler pedestrian bridge
Sometime after dark, be sure to walk about halfway across to the John Seigenthaler pedestrian bridge and then turn back for stunning views of the Nashville skyline. This is one of the best free things to do in Nashville at night.
Country music things to do in Nashville during the day
There seems an unending number of unique things to do in Nashville’s music scene, most related to country music. Here were our selections (all great choices):
Country Music Hall of Fame
As a country music fan from way back, a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame has been on my bucket list for more years than I am willing to admit. It’s nicknamed the “Smithsonian of country music” for good reason.
Starting from the top, we worked our way down, exploring 350,000 square feet of memorabilia. From Elvis to Taylor Swift, every favorite was there, along with many performers we didn’t know. The museum houses over two million musical treasures, including recordings, rare photographs, stage costumes, instruments, and even a few cars. It is a must-see in Nashville. Reserve your tickets in Advance for the Country Music Hall of Fame here.
Grand Ole Opry
You know you have arrived when you sing at the Grand Ole Opry. Founded in 1925, it produces the longest-running radio broadcast in US history.
This live country music stage offers concerts on most days of the week (never on Mondays), with up to eight performers per show. You never know who you will see. Sometimes the most famous recording artists pop in for a set. Reserve your tickets in Advance for the Grand Ole Opry Show here
Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium is referred to as the ‘Mother Church of Country Music‘. It was home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. Today it is a popular country music venue offering self-guided multi-media tours. Get tickets in Advance: Self-guided Tour of Ryman Auditorium here.
Music Row
Dare I admit, I always thought Music Row Nashville was a fictitious place frequently sung about in country songs. In reality, it is home to RCA Victor recording studios and nearly every major recording agent on the country music scene. The row (street) is a historic landmark, and as such, the old home exteriors must remain intact while the interiors have all been redone.
Music star museums
- Johnny Cash Museum
We all know Johnny Cash as the man in black. The museum is filled with memorabilia including a stone wall taken from his lake house in Hendersonville, Tennessee. His 1,5oo recorded songs include charted hits on 78, 45, and 33 1/3 RPM records as well as reel-to-reel audio, 4-track, 8-track, and cassette tapes, and CDs. In addition, his hit “I Guess Things Happen That Way” was the 10-billionth download on iTunes. - The George Jones Museum – Permanently Closed
Often thought of as the greatest counter music singer of all time, the museum takes up only one floor of The George Jones, a four-story building featuring a restaurant and rooftop bar. - Patsy Cline Museum
A museum dedicated to the short life of Patsy Cline (1932-1963). She is regarded as country music’s top female entertainer of all time.
Hatch Show Print
Still doing it the old-fashioned way, Hatch Show Prints uses letterpress printing to create posters for the Grand Ole Opry and other performances. Tours are available, but we just had a look inside from the entranceway. The only rule is no photographing active printing. Book your tour of Hatch Show Print here.
Other fun things to do in Nashville
The Parthenon
There is a full-size reproduction of the Parthenon located in Athens Greece. Inside Nashville’s Parthenon stands a 42-foot tall statue of Athena (also a full-size replica). We saw the exterior from the Hop-on-Hop-off Bus and opted not to go inside, as we have been to the original in Greece.
Madame Tussauds Nashville
What makes Madame Tussauds so much fun is the ability to interact with life-like wax figures of people we recognize. In Nashville, the wax residents are nearly all music performers in genres ranging from country to rock, pop blues, and jazz.
Goo Goo Clusters
The Goo Goo Cluster is the United State’s first combination candy bar, made in Nashville since 1912. According to the clerk behind the counter, they were named Goo Goo “so even a baby can ask for them at birth.”
Stop into the Goo Goo Cluster building for free samples. A warning: they are really good. You will most likely buy a few, eat them, and then overpay for more somewhere else.
Tours help you see the city – especially if you only have one day in Nashville
Tours are often the best way to understand a city, especially when we don’t have time to properly explore on our own.
Old Town Trolley Tours of Nashville (or Gray Line of Tennessee)
We actually started our day with a ride around the city on this Hop-on-Hop-off Nashville bus. A comprehensive tour along with the ride, it allowed us to see much more in one day in Nashville than we imagined possible. Reserve your tickets in Advance: Hop-on-Hop-off bus here
Our guide pointed out the key sites like the Parthenon but also gave us interesting tidbits of information like:
- The Tennessee State Capital building is one of only 12 state capitals without a dome.
- Taylor Swift once owned a penthouse apartment in the Gultch neighborhood.
- Towering over Broadway, the AT&T building is the tallest building in Tennessee and is nicknamed “the Batman building.” Can you see why?
- Musica is the largest group bronze statue in the USA and they are all nymphs.
Where to stay in Nashville
Like all big cities, Nashville offers a variety of options. The best places to stay in Nashville would depend on what comfort level you seek.
We slept well in plush luxury at the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport, which included airport parking plus a free shuttle to and from BNA. With a separate room for relaxing, eating, or working, we had more than enough space to spread out.
Starting both mornings with a homemade omelet from the breakfast buffet, we were energized and ready to go. Hotel parking is free. The drive into town is quick, and the daytime city parking cost us less than most of the downtown hotels would have charged overnight. Reserve your stay at Embassy Suites Nashville Airport Hotel here.
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Practical information and tips on visiting music city
It is easy to understand why Nashville is on a list of the ‘Best Places to Visit in 2018’ by Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveller, Booking.com, Travelocity, HuffPost UK, The Telegraph, and TripAdvisor. Here are a few tips to make your visit even better:
- Parking in the city can be expensive. The two cheaper lots we found are at the Nashville Public Library (enter at 6th Ave N) and under the Music City Center (enter at Demonbreun St or Korean Veterans Blvd).
- If you don’t want to wander aimlessly, stop by one of the three visitor centers for a map (in the Music City Center, at 5th and Broadway, or at Commerce and 4th). Or, download a free map of downtown Nashville.
- Relax, have fun, and check out several of the honky tonks along Broadway. Include one rooftop one; it’s worth the stair climb for the views.
One day in Nashville is not enough. How many days will you spend?
Disclaimer: We worked with Visit Music City, the Nashville tourism board. Also, we were provided with many complimentary entrances, tours, sample items, or media rates to assist in the writing of this review. The opinions expressed here are strictly our own.
Art Collier
It’s a shame you didn’t go inside the Parthenon. Just saying the Athena statue is 42 feet tall doesn’t capture how breath taking it is when you first catch glimpse of it. In fact if you do go to see it I’d recommend you keep your head down until you get to the back center of the interior chamber before looking up. Its impression is astonishing. Just going through the massive doors only hints at the s
spectacle store for you. Don’t miss going through the art museum on the lower level. Maybe do the museum first. It’s hard to match Athena’s glory once you’ve seen her.
Rebecca McKellips
This is such a great article, I love Nashville but I have never been to the Patsy Kline museum that is so cool!
Chrissy
Nashville looks great, it’s somewhere I would like to visit someday! Thanks!
Joyce Lansky
Wow! You really did make your way around Nashville. It’s a shame we couldn’t get together. So close and yet so far.
Paul Pietrangelo
Oh my God. I didn’t want this post to ever end. I just wanted it to go on and on and on. Nashville seems to be the place to go to. The George Jones rocking chair is so large. It’s like the chair Mary Lou was next to on the Celebrity Reflection our last cruise. I think that I’m going to have to go to Nashville. Yea ha.
Cruisin Paul
Elena
Sure, I heard about Nashville, but, since I am not a big fan of country music, I never considered visiting it. I guess, one has to leave the country and travel thousands of miles, to regret missed opportunities that were literally right under the nose. Your article inspired me to alter my next visit back home to include a side trip to this surprisingly versatile city. The night skyline of the city is magnificent. I am a sucker for night photography, so it was the last straw to convince me to go there. Cheers!
Cynthia
I feel like I’ve learned so much from this post! Especially what a honky tonk and a goo goo is! (Wondering now if that’s why the Goo Goo Dolls were named that?)
I’ve never been to Tennessee but definitely coming back to this post for some ideas when the time comes!
Brooke
It’s always great to stumble upon a place that you didn’t expect to be a delight. I’m amused there is a Parthenon replica among all of the country music venues and candy factories. It looks like Nashville is a great place to just wander and explore!
Rob+Ann
Wow! You got a lot into your one day in Nashville! We’ve “had” to go several times for work, and so we’ve had a patchwork of short visits. One day, we hope to have an opportunity to visit Nashville just to enjoy the city! And when we do, we plan on making it much more than just one day. 🙂
Hilary
Wow! With only one day you really managed to pack a lot in! Nashville has been on my list for quite some time, and I really hope to make it there sooner than late. When I finally do I think the Johnny Cash museum will be my first stop as I’m a big fan!
Julie kemp pick
Hi Rhonda, After reading this and seeing your fabulous photos, I’m adding Nashville to my vacation list! What a great stroke of luck that you winded up there and were so pleasantly surprised!
Cristina - Memories of the Pacific
Wonderful Nashville guide! I had never thought about visiting until now, it was an unknown city to me.
Kimberly
I am a native Nashvillian (within 20 min of downtown) and it is always fun to read the perspective of people that come as tourists. It looks like you were able to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time! My favorite shows have been at the Ryman and at the last one I went to, I was able to get a Hatch Show Print. They are such a fun and unique way remember a special event!
Lydia C. Lee
That Pantheon is nuts. Too hilarious!
Clare
I’ve read quite a lot of posts about Nashville recently. It’s a city I’ve heard so many great things about so I’d love to explore. I hear there’s a wonderful atmosphere there and I do like a bit of country music.
Janis
I’d love to visit Nashville it looks so much fun, and with all there is to see and do even two days may not be enough.
Jill
Nashville is my favorite city in the US ! I never pass up a chance to visit and I’ve been over 20 times (my mom and I went every summer for a music festival since the 90’s).I always find new things to do and see and eat when I go though. I’m glad you enjoyed Music City – What a great place to land from a hurricane!
Rhonda Albom
I can see why it’s your favourite. I am already itching to go back.
Katherine
I had no idea that Johnny Cash had recorded so many songs! Very prolific! Nashville has been on my bucket list for a few years now, and I’ve heard about and seen so many pictures of the Grand Old Oprey that I can’t wait to visit myself soon.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, he’s quite impressive. I hope you make it there, it’s always nice to tick another place off the bucket list.
sara
Wow. 100 people are moving there a day?! WHAT DO THEY DO?? (These are always the questions I have, lol.) I’ve only been to Nashville to visit Vanderbilt… so I can’t comment on the nightlife, but I can say that I enjoyed the food very much. My students also that it’s a remarkably progressive place for being in the south… so maybe another visit is warranted. You got some great night shots of the city!
Rhonda Albom
I know, the number shocked me as well. I also enjoyed the food. If you visit again, the nightlife is fun and worth checking out.
Handmade Jewelry Haven
I have heard that this is a wonderful city to visit.
Someday I hope to pass through as it is not too far from Florida.
I am glad to know it has the Old Town Trolley tours.
They are my favorite ‘first thing’ to do in a new city in order to get my bearings.
Thanks for sharing!!
– Lisa
Rhonda Albom
We drove up from Florida. It’s a nice road trip. And yes, I love starting with a small city tour. It makes it so much easier to realise what you want to do with the rest of your time.
Ryan K Biddulph
What a fun time Rhonda. I heard awesome things about this neat town in the South. I see it is well worth a visit. Gotta love it.
Rhonda Albom
The awesome things you’ve heard are all very true. It’s a great place. Hope you make it there one day.
Patrick Weseman
That is so cool. That is a town that I would love to visit. Thanks for sharing these pics.
Rhonda Albom
It’s a great place, I hope you manage to make it one day!
renata - www.byemyself.com
Ah, how I would love to visit Nashville. Since Robert Altman’s movie about like hundred years ago 😉 I wanted to visit and get the feel. Your descriptions and vivid pictures are proving me – and Robert Altman – right 😉
Rhonda Albom
It’s a stunning place. I’m glad you like the photos. It’s a great movie.
Teresa
Awww, you were only a stone’s throw away from me! I live in southern Kentucky and we go to Nashville often. I live about 2 hours away. I went to college there for a short time and I love the city. It is growing unbelievably fast! Wish I’d known you were close I would have met you for lunch. There are tons of great eating places in Nashville!
Rhonda Albom
It was a last-minute change brought on by the hurricane, so even we didn’t know we were going till a few days before. Pity though, I would have loved to see you.
Photo Cache
Nashville is high up in my bucket list. So thank you for this overview post. I love it and the photos too.
Rhonda Albom
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I hope you make it to Nashville one day, it’s a wonderful city.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks, and yes, it was amazing.
Carol
Nashville is a great city. I went to college there and lived in the area for several post-college years before moving to Florida. Great post!
Rhonda Albom
I’ll bet it was a really fun city for university days.
stevebethere
Wow! LQQKS great there nice tour loved the photos I like the museums, thanks for the tour 🙂
Have a Nashvilletastic day Rhonda 🙂
Rhonda Albom
The museums are loaded with memorabilia and obscure facts. They were each so different, but all fun.
Eileen Wise
Hello Nashville looks like a great city to visit. I love country music so I would really enjoy the live music and bars. I would like to see the Grand Ole Opry!
Great post, thanks for sharing your trip! Enjoy your day, have a great new week!
Rhonda Albom
I love country music too, and I don’t hear enough of it where I live. However, hubby’s not a huge fan, yet he really enjoyed it live.
Marcela
I have heard about Nashville. I love that you have included these tours and the duration. When I’m going for a trip this is really useful information. That would be very fun ,dynamic trip and a lot to learn.
Rhonda Albom
The tour we took really helped us to see a lot more in less time.
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – it sounds so interesting … lots of things to do – and you’ve given us such a good resume of life there. Definitely wasn’t on my list – but is now … thanks – cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
It’s wasn’t on my list either, but fate brought us here. It is such a lively and fun city.
Nina Bashaw
I love Nashville! My husband and I were just talking about planning s trip there this winter. I’ll have to show him your blog and all the tips you suggested!
Rhonda Albom
It is such a fun city, you will really enjoy it.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
In all our many trips to the U.S we have never been to Nashville. You make it sound so much fun I think I will try to put it on our itinerary for 2019.
Rhonda Albom
I hadn’t been before either, but we had to change our route, and there it was a wonderful treat. It’s really a great city. So much to do. We barely scratched the surface.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Country music is not my thing, but I have stayed in Nashville and there are plenty of other things to see.
Rhonda Albom
Hubby’s not a big fan either, but just hearing it all live seemed to have turned him a bit. And yes, there are plenty of things to do outside of the country music world.
Patricia G.
Nashville seems better and even brighter and busier than it was years ago when i last visited there. I love that there is a rich history of country and other types of music there… and the candy museum sounds especially enjoyable as well! 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Yes, that is what I heard, that it is quite a bit improved over the past few years.
hal
looks like you packed a whole lot of fun in a short period of time… my coworkers just went there for a bachelorette party weekend & they loved it!
Rhonda Albom
That’s an understatement. We were quite a bit on the go, and enjoying every minute of Nashville. I would imagine it would be a great place for a Bachelorette party.