From the Author: I've lived and worked in Nashville for 12+ years. I'm heavily involved with the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, so when you visit, you might find me giving the odd tour or helping out wherever possible. If you have any questions, I respond quickly to comments. Come in and say hi!
Visiting Nashville but not sure how to make the most of your time in the Music City? Then, you're at the right place!
In this post, I'll share with you the top 21 fun things to do in Nashville that will not only fill your time with enjoyment but will also go easy on your wallet. So, without any further delay, let's dive right in!
Vintage And Antique Shopping
Nashville offers several antique shops. Walk through neighborhoods to locate charming small stores with unique items. Vintage fans can also buy retro clothes and old furniture from these stores.
And the cool thing? It's a budget-friendly location for having your hands on some of the most antique and unique items.
Popular vintage shops in Nashville are Goodbye Girls, Black Shag, and Anaconda Vintage.
Exploring The Musicians Hall Of Fame And Museum
The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum downtown is one of the must-see for any Nashville visitor. This hidden gem highlights performers from numerous genres, providing an instructive musical history lesson.
Discover renowned artists and their remarkable instrument tales in interesting displays. For a nominal charge of $28 per adult, the museum offers a unique look into Nashville's music history.
Attending Free Concerts & Live Music
Nashville is known for its live music scene. Public shows are sometimes free. Centennial Park and Lower Broadway sometimes hold free entertainment. Local musicians perform onstage. Soak up the excitement, tap your feet to the music, and experience Nashville's spirit on a budget.
Exploring East Nashville’s Vibrant Environment
This neighborhood now features several restaurants, coffee shops, and unique boutiques. Here, you may experience local culture and enjoy affordable touring options.
Enjoying Parks And Trails
Nashville offers several beautiful parks and trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the lush vegetation and admire nature. Free outdoor activities include Shelby Park picnics, Percy Warner Park hikes, and Cumberland River Greenway bike rides.
Nashville's History and Scenery
Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, Belle Meade Plantation, and Belmont Mansion showcase Nashville's history and beauty. Each site makes a great morning or afternoon visit without spending a lot.
Taking A Walk At Pedestrian Bridge
Nashville's pedestrian bridge offers great city views and acts as a nice place to take a walk around and see the city from a slightly different angle. The historic Cumberland River bridge links downtown Nashville to East Nashville.
As you make your way onto the bridge, get ready to be astounded by the spectacular scenery that will come into view.
Visiting Farmer's Market
Nashville's Farmers Market is the best spot to start your day. Locals and tourists love this lively market for its fresh veggies, local food, and unique crafts.
When you enter the market, you'll smell fresh cuisine and hear merchants and consumers talking. Farm-fresh food, local delicacies, and exotic cuisines are abundant at the Farmer's Market.
Checking Out The Bicentennial Mall
After enjoying the Farmer's Market's delicacies, next you can visit Bicentennial Mall, which combines history, stunning views, and peaceful exploration. This large open space celebrates Tennessee's bicentennial and lets you explore Nashville's history.
The Bicentennial Mall's grandeur is instantly apparent. The calm setting of groomed lawns, trees, and gardens welcomes you to relax and explore at your own speed. This is the perfect place to escape the city and enjoy Nashville's natural and architectural splendor.
The Tennessee State Capitol Building centers the mall. At the mall's end, this enormous building radiates history and majesty. Appreciate this landmark's beautiful neoclassical style and meticulous workmanship. It commemorates Nashville's political and cultural influence.
Lane Motor Museum: Automotive History
The Nashville Lane Motor Museum is a must-see for car lovers. This museum explores automotive history with a wide collection of old automobiles, motorbikes, and aircraft. Let these historic automobiles take you back in time.
Remember that the museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan accordingly. It opens at 10 am, providing you time to discover automotive marvels. The best thing, it only costs $12 for adults and $8 for seniors to visit the museum.
Exploring the Parthenon And Greek Culture
The Centennial Park Parthenon is a cultural gem. It is a full-scale copy of the Athens temple with magnificent architectural elements. The Parthenon's centerpiece, a 42-foot figure of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, will amaze you.
The Parthenon has an art museum with American artworks. A variety of paintings will enhance your stay. Adult entry is $10, an affordable price for a unique cultural experience.
Nashville Zoo At Grassmere: Animal Adventure
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere offers fun and learning. This large zoo has over 3000 animals, including kangaroos, giraffes, flamingos, and red pandas.
Interactive exhibits enhance your zoo experience. Pet and engage with friendly farm animals at Critter Encounters. The Soaring Eagle zip line offers a breathtaking view of the zoo's exhibits from above.
The ticket cost for adults, including teenagers, ranges from $16 to $26, which is reasonable considering the incredible value you'll get from your trip to the zoo, especially if you're visiting with your kids.
Have a Fun Time At The Adventure Science Center
The Adventure Science Center in Nashville offers all ages a fun and economical experience. This interactive STEM museum is exciting and educational. The Adventure Science Center's many exhibits draw residents and tourists.
Visitors can explore space and practice space travel. The exhibitions are fascinating and engaging, teaching about celestial bodies and space missions.
You can learn about human anatomy through interactive exhibits and models. Each display makes anatomy fun and accessible with hands-on activities, from the circulatory system to the nervous system. Natural catastrophe exhibitions are another Adventure Science Center attraction.
Affordability distinguishes the Adventure Science Center. Its $10–$20 entry rates make it affordable for families and individuals.