The Grand Ole Opry, one of the most iconic venues in Nashville, is home to country music legends. This long-running show has hosted everyone from Patsy Cline to Carrie Underwood. The Opry takes the stage every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night, with performances at the Ryman Auditorium from November to January and at the Grand Ole Opry House from February to October. Visitors can also take a backstage tour and record their own song in the Ryman’s recording studio. With over 90 years of history, the Opry remains the world’s longest-running live radio broadcast.
Pro Tip: Explore more of Nashville’s history with Gray Line Tennessee tours, which offer a variety of sightseeing options, including celebrity home tours and a nighttime trolley ride through Music City.
Kick off your Nashville experience with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. This world-class museum features ever-changing exhibits about country music’s legends and today’s rising stars. Don’t miss the iconic Hall of Fame Rotunda and the collection of artist memorabilia. After touring the exhibits, grab a bite at Red Onion or Bajo Sexto, both located within the museum. You can also shop for locally made gifts and music-related merchandise in the museum’s two retail stores.
Take a trip down Nashville’s famous Music Row and explore historic spots like RCA Studio B, where artists like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Roy Orbison recorded iconic tracks. This recording studio played a pivotal role in shaping country and rock music. Tours of RCA Studio B depart daily from the Country Music Hall of Fame and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the birthplace of many timeless hits.
Nestled in Centennial Park, you'll find the world's only full-scale replica of the ancient Parthenon in Athens. Initially built for the 1897 Centennial Exposition to celebrate Tennessee's 100th anniversary, it was designed to reflect Nashville's intellectual and cultural growth, earning the city the nickname "Athens of the South." The replica, constructed with limestone and concrete, mirrors the proportions of the Athenian Parthenon and houses the impressive Athena Parthenos—a 42-foot-tall statue by local artist Alan LeQuire, the tallest indoor sculpture in the Western world. Inside, the museum houses an art gallery and offers insights into the history of the Parthenon.
Experience Nashville’s unique songwriting culture with a Songwriters in the Round performance. These intimate shows, where songwriters perform in a circle, allow audiences to hear the stories behind some of the biggest hits in music. Venues like The Bluebird Cafe and The Listening Room Cafe offer an up-close look at Nashville’s songwriting talent, with established and up-and-coming artists sharing the spotlight.
Nashville’s art scene is undeniably one of the top things to experience in the city, offering a wide variety of galleries, festivals, and events that cater to all tastes. From the world-class exhibitions at the Frist Art Museum to the creative hubs of OZ Arts Nashville and the Wedgewood-Houston district, Nashville immerses visitors in contemporary and classic art forms. Whether strolling through the grounds of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, where sculptures meet nature or attending the Tennessee Craft Fair to discover local artisans, the city offers something for everyone. Don’t miss a monthly Nashville Art Crawl that lets you explore multiple galleries in one evening. With its ever-evolving art scene, Nashville provides an enriching cultural experience that is a must for anyone visiting the city.
The Adventure Science Center is a family-friendly destination where visitors of all ages can explore the wonders of science. From interactive exhibits and live demonstrations to the Sudekum Planetarium, the center provides endless opportunities for hands-on learning. The Way Late Play Dates are especially popular, offering a chance for adults to experience the exhibits after hours.
The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates the legendary musicians who have shaped the sound of popular music across all genres. Located in the iconic Nashville Municipal Auditorium, the museum offers fascinating exhibits on stars ranging from Hank Williams, Sr. to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, showcasing their contributions to the world of music. A short walk away, the Johnny Cash Museum immerses visitors in the life and legacy of the "Man in Black," with an extensive collection of memorabilia that spans his early years to his lasting influence on both country and rock music. Just around the corner, the Patsy Cline Museum honors one of country music’s most beloved voices, offering an intimate look at Cline’s life, career, and the personal story behind her enduring music. For a truly unique experience, be sure to visit Madame Tussauds Nashville, the world-famous wax museum where you can interact with lifelike figures of iconic stars and step into immersive musical scenes that bring Nashville’s rich history to life in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
Step back in time at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, just outside Nashville, where you can explore the former estate of the seventh President of the United States. The plantation offers guided tours of Jackson’s mansion, gardens, and grounds, providing an in-depth look at his life, political career, and legacy. Tennessee is also the birthplace of two other U.S. presidents: James K. Polk, whose early life and political contributions are showcased at the Polk Home and Museum in Columbia, and Andrew Johnson, whose National Historic Site in Greeneville highlights his years during Reconstruction. These historic landmarks offer a unique glimpse into the lives and legacies of three influential presidents, making Tennessee a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
No trip to Nashville is complete without a stop on Honky Tonk Highway, the heart of the city's live music scene. Robert's Western World, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, and Nudie's Honky Tonk are just a few of the iconic venues where you can enjoy cold drinks and hot country music. It's here that stars like Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson got their start, and you never know who might be performing next.