Nashville activities and landmarks

Things to Do in Nashville

Free–$1,099 per activity

Honky-tonks on Broadway cost nothing to enter and the music is real — that’s Nashville’s best-kept secret. Don’t waste money on celebrity bus tours; they point at lawns. Book one songwriter session instead; it’s the memory you’ll take home. If you can’t handle sweat and crowds, steer clear of July.

June: CMA Music Fest floods downtown with four days of shows · Crowds: Very High

Mubboo Verdict: Nashville’s free live music is its soul — skip overpriced party buses. One songwriter session is worth the ticket; history buffs will love the museum. Avoid summer crowds unless you thrive on chaos.

How M decides what’s worth it

I always start on Broadway — it’s free, walkable, and the music never stops. After a few hours, decide what kind of Nashville you want: music history, songwriter deep-dive, or outdoor escape. If you’ve got two days, spend one downtown and one exploring a neighborhood. Budget $150–$300 for one premium experience; the rest can be nearly free.

Free First

Free things to do in Nashville

Start here. These cost nothing and are genuinely worth your time — no booking required.

Honky-Tonk Highway on Broadway

📍 Where
Lower Broadway, from 2nd Ave to 5th Ave
🕑 Best time
Mid-afternoon for a seat; late evening for the full energy

Mubboo’s tip: Tip each band $5–10 — they play for your enjoyment, not a salary

Tennessee State Museum

📍 Where
1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Germantown
🕑 Best time
Weekday mornings — you’ll have exhibits almost to yourself

Mubboo’s tip: Don’t miss the Civil War and Reconstruction permanent exhibit

Centennial Park & The Parthenon

📍 Where
2500 West End Ave
🕑 Best time
Spring or fall for blooming gardens and comfortable walking

Mubboo’s tip: The park is free; the art museum inside the Parthenon costs $10

Radnor Lake State Park

📍 Where
1160 Otter Creek Rd, Oak Hill
🕑 Best time
Early morning for wildlife — deer, otters, and over 100 bird species

Mubboo’s tip: Parking lot fills by 8am on weekends; arrive early or bike in

Shelby Bottoms Greenway & Nature Center

📍 Where
1900 Shelby Bottoms Greenway, East Nashville
🕑 Best time
Weekday afternoons for quiet trails along the Cumberland River

Mubboo’s tip: Rent a BCycle and ride the greenway all the way to Opryland

Nashville Farmers’ Market

📍 Where
900 Rosa L Parks Blvd, downtown
🕑 Best time
Saturday mornings for the full farm shed and artisan stalls

Mubboo’s tip: Grab a cheap breakfast burrito from one of the international food vendors

What to skip & what to know in Nashville

Skip these

  • Celebrity bus tours — you’ll pay $30+ to see hedges and gates from a dirty window, not actual stars.
  • Broadway cover charges after 6pm — many bars add a $5–10 door fee, but you can walk two blocks and find free entry.
  • The Gulch for shopping — unless you’re after high-end denim or selfie walls, it’s a few blocks of chain stores.

Know before you go

  • Honky-tonks are no-cover, but bands survive on tips — bring cash and tip generously.
  • Downtown parking is a nightmare ($25–40). Use a rideshare or park at Nissan Stadium and walk.
  • Many museums have free entry evenings: Frist Art Museum (Thursdays 5–8pm for college students), Country Music Hall of Fame (first Sunday of the month, free for locals).

Where to spend your time in Nashville

Downtown / Broadway

🚇 0 minutes — this is the city center

Honky-tonks, Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena

Top pick: Bar-hop along Broadway with zero cover charge

East Nashville

🚇 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bus from downtown

Five Points, vintage boutiques, street art, Shelby Park

Top pick: E-bike through hidden alleys and sample local coffee

The Gulch

🚇 5 minutes by car or a 20-minute walk from Broadway

Upscale restaurants, Wings mural, Station Inn bluegrass

Top pick: Catch a bluegrass show at the legendary Station Inn

12 South

🚇 10 minutes by car from downtown

Boutique shopping, Five Daughters Bakery, Sevier Park

Top pick: Snap a photo at the I Believe in Nashville mural

Music Valley

🚇 15–20 minutes by car from downtown

Grand Ole Opry, Opry Mills mall, Gaylord Opryland Resort

Top pick: Tour the backstage of the Grand Ole Opry

Germantown

🚇 5 minutes by car or a 25-minute walk from Broadway

Victorian architecture, art galleries, Bicentennial Capitol Mall

Top pick: Picnic with a view at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall

Browse by category

Food & Drink80+ toursMusic Tours50+ toursOutdoor Adventures30+ toursMuseums & History40+ toursDay Trips25+ toursNightlife60+ tours

When to visit Nashville, month by month

JuneThis monthVery High crowds

CMA Music Fest floods downtown with four days of shows

JanuaryLow crowds

Ryman Auditorium tours — uncrowded and warm indoors

FebruaryLow crowds

Songwriters’ Nights at The Listening Room Cafe

MarchMedium crowds

Nashville Comedy Festival draws laughter downtown

AprilMedium crowds

Cherry blossoms at Centennial Park and mild weather

MayHigh crowds

Iroquois Steeplechase — a classic Southern event

JulyVery High crowds

Let Freedom Sing! fireworks on the Cumberland River

AugustHigh crowds

Full Throttle Saloon rally in Music Valley

SeptemberMedium crowds

Live on the Green free concert series at Public Square Park

OctoberMedium crowds

Fall color at Radnor Lake and Cheekwood Harvest

NovemberLow crowds

Country Christmas begins at Gaylord Opryland

DecemberMedium crowds

Holiday lights at the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Need to get there first? Search flights:

Not sure where to start?

First-timer with 2 days

Walk Broadway on day one, then book the songwriter tour for day two — your Nashville crash course.

Explore tours

Family with teenagers

Rent e-bikes and cruise East Nashville; the kids will love the freedom and the food.

Explore tours

Couples getaway

A private songwriter experience followed by cocktails at a Germantown speakeasy.

Explore tours

Solo traveler on a budget

Join the Music City Legends walking tour — you’ll meet people and learn the real stories.

Explore tours

What travelers are saying

“Awesome walkable downtown with bars and live music everywhere”

r/travelTravelers consistently praise the dense, walkable honky-tonk strip as the top draw

“Perfect place to overnight and experience the music scene”

r/travelRoad trippers see Nashville as the ideal stopover to soak in the music culture without a long stay

“Stop on Broadway for the iconic honky-tonks and music”

r/travelEven quick visitors agree Broadway is the essential Nashville experience

Frequently asked questions

Is Broadway in Nashville free?

Yes — every honky-tonk on Broadway has free live music all day and night, no cover charge. Bands work for tips, so bring cash. Some bars may add a small cover after 6pm on weekends, but you can easily find one that doesn’t.

What’s the best way to save money on Nashville attractions?

Stick to free honky-tonks and parks, and look for museum free days. The Country Music Hall of Fame offers free entry on the first Sunday of the month for locals, and the Frist Art Museum has free hours for college students. A $35 Music City Total Access Pass can bundle discounts.

Are there any free music options besides Broadway?

Absolutely. The free concert series Live on the Green runs in September at Public Square Park. The Bluebird Cafe has a few free seats for early shows if you line up. Many local bars in East Nashville and Midtown host no-cover showcases.

Is Nashville family-friendly?

Yes — families enjoy the Adventure Science Center, the Nashville Zoo, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Broadway is fine during the day with strollers, but after 8pm it turns into a rowdy crowd. The Gaylord Opryland indoor gardens are a hit with kids.

When is the best time to visit Nashville?

April–May and September–October offer mild weather and manageable crowds. Avoid June’s CMA Fest and the sweltering July–August humidity if you don’t love heat. December brings holiday lights but also chilly rains.

Do I need to book honky-tonks or Broadway bars in advance?

No — just walk in. Honky-tonks are first-come, first-served. For ticketed shows at the Ryman or Grand Ole Opry, book weeks ahead. The Bluebird Cafe sells out instantly for most shows.

How do I get around without a car?

Downtown is very walkable. For neighborhoods, use rideshare or rent a BCycle. The Music City Star commuter train runs limited routes; the bus system covers main corridors. Parking is expensive downtown, so avoid a rental unless day-tripping.

Plan the rest of your Nashville trip

FlightsNashville International Airport (BNA) is about 8 miles east of downtown and served by all major US carriers. A rideshare to Broadway takes 15–20 minutes and costs around $25–35.HotelsStay downtown for walkability to Broadway and the Ryman; Midtown and Music Valley offer quieter, often cheaper options within a short drive. Book early for summer months.City guideFor a complete Nashville guide covering hotels, restaurants, and itineraries, visit our dedicated city page.

Things to do in other cities

New YorkA world capital of art, food, and nonstop energyLos AngelesBeaches, hikes, and a sprawling cultural paradiseMiamiLatin beats, art deco, and sun-drenched beachesLas VegasThe Strip dazzles, but Red Rock Canyon steals the showChicagoArchitecture, deep-dish pizza, and a stunning lakefrontSan FranciscoFog, cable cars, and tech innovation with old soul

Before you go

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