Top 20 Things to See & Do in Nashville

No trip to Nashville is complete without these 20 amazing experiences! If you are heading to Music City, you have plenty of activities to choose from to keep you entertained. From lovely state parks to photogenic wall murals, Nashville has it all. We absolutely loved our summer trip to the capitol of Tennessee! In not particular order, here are the top 20 things to see & do in Nashville…

1. Walk Along Broadway

For the ultimate country experience, take a walk down Broadway, also known as Honky Tonk Highway. This famous street is where many legends have sung and where new artists continue to be discovered. Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Gretchen Wilson, Dierks Bentley and other stars began their careers on this amazing street. So, the person you see singing on the stage in Music City might be the next big thing!

Along with enjoying the live country music, we recommend stopping into iconic places like Ole Red, Hard Rock Cafe, Honky Tonk Central, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, & at least one boot store 🙂

Address: click here
Admission: Free to walk the streets

2. Relax in Bicentennial Mall

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, also known as the Bicentennial Mall, is a 19-acre park downtown that features a number of design elements and unique memorials. It also offers a wonderful view of the Tennessee State Capitol.

There is actually a lot to see inside this park. It is basically one huge area dedicated to Tennessee history! Features to not miss out on include the Tennessee Amphitheater, World War II Memorial, Tennessee Map Plaza, and the Court of 3 Stars Plaza. By simply walking all around the park, you will stumble upon each of these interesting landmarks. We loved learning all about Tennessee’s history. Best of all, the park is free!

Address: 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
Admission: Free

3. Photograph the Tennessee State Capitol

The Tennessee State Capitol is the seat of government for the U.S. state of Tennessee. We think this building is absolutely beautiful among the other architecture in Nashville! It sits on the highest hill (Capitol Hill) in the central city. Our favorite view of the Capitol building came from Bicentennial Mall, pictured above.

If you’re looking for an up-close and personal experience, the Tennessee State Capitol offers free general guided tours of the interior. Check their website for updated information on opening times!

Address: 600 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Nashville, TN 37243
Admission: Free guided tours

4. Catch Views at John Seigenthaler Bridge

If you are in search of the best postcard view of downtown Nashville, head to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Spanning across the Cumberland River, this bridge offers spectacular views of Nashville’s beautiful buildings. The fact that it is a pedestrian bridge makes it a safe spot to enjoy the scenery.

The bridge is conveniently located near the end of Broadway street, so we highly recommend combining these two activities!

While the views are amazing from the bridge, be sure to admire the bridge itself. The long pedestrian walkway makes for a unique photo op. I personally love the open, white design of this bridge. Many people choose the John Seigenthaler Bridge as their location for photoshoots…and it’s easy to see why!

Address: click here
Admission: Free

5. Explore 12 South (Nashville’s Most Instagrammable Neighborhood)

You read that right – 12 South is commonly known as being Nashville’s most “Instagrammable” neighborhood. Well, it’s more of an Instagrammable road rather than a neighborhood…but what the exciting street lacks in size, it makes up for with amazing photo ops. I’ve never seen so many beautiful murals in one place before!

In addition to the picturesque street art, you can also find yummy eats and fantastic shopping in 12 South. For photo purposes, below are the most Instagrammable places in Nashville’s 12 South…

6. “I Believe in Nashville” Mural

You’ve likely seen this mural all over social media! The “I Believe in Nashville” murals is definitely my favorite in not just 12 South, but ALL of Nashville.

Photography Tip: if you want even-lighting in your photos (as in, no harsh shadows), I suggest arriving in the early morning or during sunset. Or, wait for the sun to dip behind the clouds. The best lighting is actually on an overcast day. or when the mural is in complete shade!

Address: 2702 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
Admission: Free

7. Five Daughter’s Bakery

Five Daughter’s Bakery is home to some of the BEST donuts I have every tasted in my life! Not only is the food delicious, but the adorable cafe is super photogenic. The “I love donuts” wall is the perfect spot to document your yummy treat.

Our favorite donuts were the Boston Creme and the Chocolate Eclair. You cannot go wrong at this delicious bakery.

Address: 1110 Caruthers Ave, Nashville, TN 37204
Menu: click here

8. “Nashville Looks Good on You” Mural

I hope you’re not tired of street art, because Nashville is full of it. Be sure to stop by the “Nashville looks good on you” mural for a memorable photo. It’s just off the main street, behind Frothy Monkey (another yummy cafe).

Address: 2511 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 (behind Frothy Monkey cafe)
Admission: Free

9. Amelia’s Flower Truck

For fresh cut flowers and bouquets, head to Amelia’s Flower Truck – the original vintage mobile flower shop! With three various trucks scattered throughout Nashville, you’ll have to be on the lookout to spot one of these adorable hidden gems. However, you can frequently find Amelia’s Flower Truck parked in the 12 South neighborhood.

Website: www.ameliasflowertruck.com
Admission: Free, but you should buy some flowers 🙂

10. Draper James

Did you know that Reese Witherspoon, the amazing & hilarious actress in Legally Blonde, has a gorgeous boutique? That’s right! Nashville features Draper James – a classy, southern store with clothing and home decor. When you visit, it’s hard to miss the blue and white striped wall. This bold, colorful wall art is perfect for photos.

Draper James is conveniently located right next to the “I Believe in Nashville” mural. Two amazing photo ops in one.

Fun fact: The Draper James brand is meant to honor Witherspoon’s grandparents Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon.

Address: 2608 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
Website: www.draperjames.com

11. “Make Music Not War” Mural

For any music lover (like my brother who is a worship leader), this mural is absolutely perfect! It is located in a little alley way along with a colorful flower wall mural.

Address: 1113 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 (in this alley)
Admission: Free

12. “Looking Pretty Music City” Mural

Another unmissable spot in 12 South! Nashville is also known as Music City, so this street mural is an iconic spot to snap a photo for your Instagram feed.

Address: 2709 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 (on the side of Madwell store)
Admission: Free

13. Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is one of most well-known music stages in the country. The historic Opry showcases a mix of famous singers and performers, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. You can view the outside and browse the gift shop for free, but in order to see the famous interior, you must book a tour.

While an interior/backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry is highly recommended, the exterior of the building is awesome for pictures as well. We love the oversized guitars!

If you find yourself in the mood to shop, you’re in luck. The Grand Ole Opry is located next to Opry Mills – a large mall featuring tons of stores, diverse restaurants, & unique museums like Madame Tussauds. We took a few hours to shop the mall, photograph the Opry, and dine at the Aquarium Restaurant. It was a super fun morning!

Address: 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Admission: book a tour

More Things to See & Do…

Unfortunately, due to places being closed for COVID-19, we did not get to see/photograph the places below. But, they still deserve to be on the list. Most of these places, however, are opening back up!

14. The Parthenon (& Centennial Park) – a park that houses a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece
15. Union Hotel – the interior is an old train station
16. White Limozeen – Dolly Parton-inspired rooftop bar at the Graduate Hotel
17. The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum – one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to country music
18. Johnny Cash Museum – displays pictures & memorabilia from the life of Johnny Cash
19. Belmont Mansion – a beautiful, historic mansion that cannot be missed
20. Take a day trip! Our favorite day trip is renting a car to explore Fall Creek Falls State Park – one of Tennessee’s best places to spot waterfalls and mountain views

We hope you enjoyed our guide for the top things to do in Nashville, Tennessee!

Top 20 Things to See & Do in Nashville

1. Walk Along Broadway

2. Relax in Bicentennial Mall

3. Photograph the Tennessee State Capitol

4. Catch Views at John Seigenthaler Bridge