36 Unique Things to Do in Nashville, TN

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Nashville is an exciting city in the US state of Tennessee. The destination is known for its country music culture and fascinating attractions; it's definitely not a place you'll get bored visiting!

Unique things to do in Nashville, TN, include exploring music row, sampling Tennessee whiskey at distilleries, learning to line dance, and so much more. If you're looking for memorable and different things to do in Music City, read on for 36 suggestions.

Are you on your way to Nashville last-minute?

When visiting Nashville, book your accommodations and experiences before you go. Below are some top recommendations to get you started.

🏨 Top accommodations in Nashville

• Placemakr Music Row (rated highly)
• Best Western PLUS Downtown Music Row (relax by the pool)
• Sentral SoBro (4-star rating)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Nashville

• Nashville's Biggest & Wildest Party Tractor Tour Ages 21 (likely to sell out)
• Grand Ole Opry Show Admission Ticket in Nashville (likely to sell out)
• Nashville Hop on Hop Off Trolley Tour (very popular)
• Grand Ole Opry House Guided Backstage Tour (very popular)
• Discover Nashville City Tour With Entry to Ryman & Country Music Hall of Fame (very popular)

36 Cool Things to Do in Nashville, Tennessee

Unique Nashville, TN, Things to Do

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Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame

Nashville has the nickname the "Birthplace of Country Music" for a good reason! It has been known as a center for country music for decades and has been home to some of the genre's most famous stars.

When in the city, country music fans can't miss visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame. The museum is dedicated to all things country music and has exhibits on music icons like Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. If you have time, heading to RCA Studio B on Music Row is also recommended!

🏨 Stay nearby Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

• Grand Hyatt Nashville (well-rated)
• Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville (5-star rating)

Create vintage posters at Hatch Show Print

Hatch Show Print is a printing shop that opened in 1879. It's known for creating iconic music posters and other printed materials. A fun way to learn more about this attraction is by taking a Hatch Show Print tour.

The unique thing about this experience is that you also get the chance to create your own vintage-style poster using the shop's printing presses!

🏨 Accommodations near Hatch Show Print

• Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown (scored highly by guests)
• Locale The Gulch (soak up the sun poolside)

Fly above Nashville on a helicopter tour

One of the most fun and unique ways to see Nashville is from the air! Taking a Nashville helicopter tour allows you to see the city's most famous Tennessee landmarks from above. Places to see as you fly over Music City include Ryman Auditorium, the Cumberland River, and the Tennessee State Capitol.

Eat your way around Nashville on a food tour!

For those interested in finding unique restaurants in the city, going on a Nashville food tour is a must. Your guide will take you to some of the best eateries in and around the East Nashville area, many of which are not well-known to visitors. Things to try include Nashville hot chicken, BBQ dishes, and banana pudding.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Main Street

• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Nashville Downtown Convention Center (lounge by the pool)
• Sentral SoBro (4-star rating)

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Party on the Honky Tonk Highway

If you're looking for the best nightlife, one of the cool places in Nashville, Tennessee, to check out is the Honky Tonk Highway. This area features an array of "Honky Tonks," which are a type of country music bar popular with tourists and locals alike.

You can explore the area alone in the evening, and no matter which bar you visit, you're sure to have a memorable time! Alternatively, join a Honky Tonk pub crawl. Your local guide will take you to the best Honky Tonks, and you'll also learn more about the city and even hear some ghost stories.

🏨 Accommodations near Honky Tonk Highway

• Cambria Hotel Nashville Downtown (4-star rating)
• One Hotel Nashville

Dine at The Hermitage Hotel

Built in 1908, The Hermitage Hotel is an iconic beaux-arts building with a stylish Art Deco-inspired interior. The five-star hotel was named after Andrew Jackson's Hermitage and has hosted many famous guests.

If spending a weekend in Nashville, booking a room at the hotel is highly recommended for those happy to splurge a little. Even if you don't stay at the hotel, you can dine at its high-end restaurant, Drusie & Darr, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to The Hermitage Hotel

• Moxy Nashville Downtown
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Nashville MetroCenter Downtown

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Head backstage at the Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is one of the most well-known country music venues in the United States. When in Nashville, catching a live music show at the venue can't be missed.

However, a more unique activity to enjoy before seeing a show is taking a backstage tour of the Opry House. You can learn more about the history of the attraction and see areas most of the public never get to view.

🏨 Stay nearby Grand Ole Opry

• Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center (4-star)
• Hyatt Place Nashville Opryland (well-rated)

Snap creative photos on a street art tour

If you love art, especially street art, one of the best non-touristy things to do in Nashville is going on a mural art tour. This excursion will take you to the city's most iconic pieces of street art, including the "What Lifts You Mural."

At each stop, you can take some creative photos that will serve as a fun memory of your trip.

🏨 Accommodations close to Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural

• Studio 154 Luxury Hotel
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown

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Catch a show at the Ryman Auditorium

Another iconic music venue in Nashville is Ryman Auditorium. Known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," the venue has sat in the city since 1892.

Along with seeing a show, you can also go on a tour of Ryman Auditorium. You'll learn more about the venue and can even record a song in the recording booth!

🏨 Places to stay near Ryman Auditorium

• Bobby Hotel
• Omni Nashville Hotel

See exotic animals at the Nashville Zoo

Many people don't know that Nashville has a zoo just 30 minutes from downtown. The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is home to 6,230 animals from 339 species.

Creatures to see include red pandas, parrots, and giraffes. If you plan to visit, make entrance easy by buying a Nashville Zoo admission ticket in advance!

Hang out at Centennial Park

One of the cool places in Nashville, TN, is Centennial Park. Located across from Vanderbilt University, the main feature that makes this park unique is the full-sized replica of the Parthenon.

The structure was constructed in 1897 and is a must-see while in the 132-acre park. You can also take a relaxing stroll around the park and hang out on the grassy lawns.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Centennial Park

• Hyatt House Nashville at Vanderbilt (well-rated)
• Homewood Suites Nashville Vanderbilt (relax by the pool)

☂️ Visit Centennial Park with a tour

• Double-Decker City Tour (frequently earns a five-star rating)

Go to the National Museum of African American Music

One of many fascinating museums in central Nashville is the National Museum of African American Music. Exhibits showcase musical genres created and inspired by African Americans and also highlight some iconic African American musicians.

Make sure you purchase a National Museum of African American Music ticket in advance to make admission easy.

🏨 Stay nearby National Museum of African American Music

• Waymore's Guest House & Casual Club
• Embassy Suites Nashville - at Vanderbilt

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Check out the Johnny Cash Museum

Another music-themed attraction in Nashville is the Johnny Cash Museum. This specialty museum is dedicated to all things related to the musician's life and career.

If you want to see some additional unique attractions, consider purchasing a Nashville pass. It includes admission to the Johnny Cash Museum, RCA Studio B, the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to Johnny Cash Museum

• AC Hotel Nashville Downtown
• The Westin Nashville

Spend the day at Radnor Lake State Park

Many people think of Nashville as being a busy North American city, so it's surprising to learn there are lots of natural attractions in the area. Located just 30 minutes from downtown Nashville, Radnor Lake State Park is the ideal place to spend the day outside.

The 1,368-acre park features hiking trails and a beautiful lake on which you can kayak or canoe. There are also many wildlife watching opportunities.

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Watch a show at Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center

A newer music venue in Nashville is Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Opened in 2006, it has a capacity of 1,844 and hosts a variety of performances.

Shows to see include operas and classical music performances, concerts of other genres, and comedy shows.

☂️ Visit Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center with a tour

• Guided Segway Tour of Downtown Nashville (popular and sought-after)

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center

• Best Western PLUS Downtown Music Row
• Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown (rated very highly)

Immerse yourself in science at Adventure Science Center

Adventure Science Center is one of the fun and cool places to go in Nashville, TN, for all types of travelers. This educational attraction houses an array of interactive exhibits that will teach you about a variety of scientific phenomena.

Topics covered include the human body, environmental issues, and natural disasters. There's a planetarium, too. Adventure Science Center is notably one of the best places to visit when in Nashville with kids!

🏨 Stay nearby Adventure Science Center

• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Nashville Downtown Stadium
• Thompson Nashville (loved by guests)

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Admire artworks at the Frist Art Museum

Formerly known as the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, the Frist Art Museum houses a stunning collection of artworks. Pieces to see range from paintings and drawings to sculptures and multi-media works.

Interestingly, the museum is housed in a United States Postal Building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

☂️ Visit Frist Art Museum on a tour

• Best of Nashville City Sightseeing Tour on Double Decker Bus (a sort after tour)

🏨 Places to stay near Frist Art Museum

• Holiday Inn Express Nashville-Downtown
• The Capitol Hotel Downtown, Ascend Hotel Collection

Shop at the Nashville Farmers Market

A great place to mix with locals is at the Nashville Farmers Market. The daily market features a variety of stalls run by local vendors. Items for sale include produce and other food goods, crafts, and antiques.

There are also some small independent shops, restaurants, and cafes to check out. Various events, including live music performances, are held on the market grounds too.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Nashville Farmers Market

• Bobby Hotel Nashville (4-star rating)
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Nashville Downtown

Walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is an iconic landmark in Nashville. However, very few visitors actually walk across the 3,150 feet bridge. Those that do will get to admire stunning views of the Nashville skyline; it's well worth it!

🏨 Stay near the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

• Bode Nashville
• Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Downtown Convention Center

Sip whiskey at Nelson's Green Brier Distillery

Opened in 1885, Nelson's Green Brier Distillery is one of the hidden gems in Nashville, TN, that you can't miss. The distillery is now open to the public and is known for its Tennessee-style whiskeys.

When visiting, you can take a tour and learn more about the distilling process. You can also do a whiskey tasting and purchase some bottles to take home.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Nelsons Green Brier Distillery

• Hutton Hotel (rated very highly)
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Nashville Vanderbilt, TN (chill out by the pool)

Explore the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

A fun attraction for sports fans is the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Founded in 1966, the museum honors sports personalities who have contributed to sports in Tennessee. Individuals honored include athletes, coaches, teams, and even sports writers.

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Make candy at Goo Goo Chocolate Co.

Goo Goo Clusters are a treat unique to Nashville. Goo Goo Chocolate Co. is one of the hidden gems in Nashville, Tennessee, that not only allows you to try the candy but also lets you make them.

While you can visit to simply buy some of these nougat, caramel, peanut, and chocolate sweets, taking a candy-making class is the most fun option!

Cheer for the Nashville Sounds at First Horizon Park

Most people know that Nashville is home to the Nashville Predators NHL team and the Tennessee Titans NFL team. However, they also have a minor league baseball team, the Nashville Sounds.

You can watch the team at First Horizon Park and cheer them on like a local!

🏨 Stay nearby First Horizon Park

• Clarion Hotel Nashville Downtown - Stadium

Find out something new at the Tennessee State Museum

The Tennessee State Museum is a unique Nashville landmark that can't be missed. Exhibits at the museum cover Tennessee history and feature artifacts, paintings, photos, and much more.

If you want to find out about Tennessee's history and significant events, a trip to the Tennessee State Museum is a must.

Have a picnic at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a much-loved park in Nashville. While many take a quick stroll through the park when visiting, relaxing with a picnic is another unique thing to do.

You can find snacks and drinks in local shops and cafes surrounding the park. Hanging out on the grass and enjoying your picnic is a great way to escape the bustle of the city. You also get great views of the Tennessee State Capitol from here!

☂️ Visit Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park with a tour

• Taste of Nashville Food & Sightseeing Tour (popular and sought-after)

Flyboard at Percy Priest Lake

Percy Priest Lake is only 20 minutes from downtown Nashville, but you'll feel miles away from the city. Activities to enjoy here include hiking, relaxing on the shore, and swimming (in designated areas). Another idea is to go flyboarding at Percy Priest Lake.

If you're wondering about the best time to visit Nashville to go to Percy Priest Lake and other outdoor attractions, opt for a summer trip. While the weather is warm in spring, rain is likely. By mid-summer, days are hot and sunny with little to no rain, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors in the best conditions.

Experience a Tractor Party!

Going on a tractor party tour is one of the most unique and memorable things to do in Nashville! During this experience, you'll hop aboard a tractor wagon complete with a dance floor and DJ to party as you drive past famous Nashville sites. Drinks are also available for purchase, and the party lasts around 75 minutes.

Learn how to bake biscuits

Those looking for unusual things to do in Nashville might want to consider taking a biscuit-making class! When partaking in a biscuit baking class, you will get step-by-step instructions on how to make the best Southern-style buttermilk biscuits. This activity is especially entertaining to try if visiting Nashville as a couple.

🏨 Accommodation near 1100 Elm Hill Pike

• Best Western Plus Sunrise Inn (rated very highly)

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Experience a Showboat river cruise on the Cumberland River

One of the best ways to enjoy views of the Nashville skyline is from the water. Going on a lunch or dinner showboat cruise allows you to take in the vistas while enjoying a meal, drinks, and live entertainment. This entertainment can include live music, dance performances, or comedy shows.

🏨 Places to stay close to General Jackson Showboat

• Holiday Inn Express Nashville-Opryland (rated highly)
• Residence Inn by Marriott Nashville at Opryland (unwind poolside)

Line dance at Whiskey Bent Saloon

If you're looking for cool stuff to do in Nashville, TN, at night, why not try line dancing? At Whiskey Bent Saloon, you can partake in a fun one-hour line dancing class.

You'll learn all the basics, and the class is appropriate for everyone, from novices to experienced dancers. After the class, hang out in the bar and practice your moves to live country music!

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Relax with drinks at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge is a Honky Tonk bar that's a local favorite. Stopping for at least a few drinks at this iconic bar has to be on your Nashville bucket list.

The bar is hard to miss due to its eye-catching lilac exterior. Inside, you can mix with locals and watch a variety of musical acts on the venue's three stages.

🏨 Accommodations near Tootsies Orchid Lounge

• Hilton Nashville Downtown (4-star rating)
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Nashville-Downtown

Bar hop on a Nashville pub crawl

There are so many unique bars to visit in Nashville that it can be challenging to decide which ones to check out. To make this decision easier, go on a Nashville pub crawl. You'll get taken to the city's best bars, where you can try local beer, cocktails, and moonshine.

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Spend the day at the waterpark at the Gaylord Opryland Resort

The Gaylord Opryland Resort is a large hotel, entertainment complex, and convention center located 15 minutes from downtown Nashville. A fun activity for kids and adults at the resort is going to SoundWaves, the complex's waterpark.

The park has a variety of indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, and other water attractions. You can also rent poolside cabanas, and there are many bars and restaurants to check out.

🏨 Stay nearby Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Nashville, TN
• Best Western Suites Near Opryland

See classic cars at the Lane Motor Museum

Another specialty attraction in Nashville is the Lane Motor Museum. Opened in 2003, the museum houses an extensive collection of over 500 classic cars, including many European models.

You can see motorcycles, boats, and airplanes, along with the vast collection of cars.

Unique Things to Do Near Nashville, TN

Look around President Andrew Jackson's Hermitage

An interesting Nashville fact is that Andrew Jackson's former home is now a museum that you can visit. America's 7th president lived at the residence between 1804 and 1845 when he passed away.

At the landmark, you can explore the buildings that make up the residence, wander around the 1,120 acres of grounds, and learn more about Jackson's life and career.

☂️ Explore Andrew Jacksons Hermitage with a tour

• Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Grounds Pass (rated five stars)

Taste whiskey on a Jack Daniels distillery tour

Another famous distillery to visit near Nashville is the Jack Daniels distillery. When touring the Jack Daniels distillery, you can learn how this world-renowned whiskey gets made. There are also samples to taste, and you can buy a bottle or two to take with you.

🏨 Nearest accommodation to Jack Daniels Distillery Visitor Center

• Lynchburg Country Inn (good value rooms)

In Conclusion

If you're looking for unique things to do, you'll find no shortage of cool places to go in Nashville, Tennessee! From fun bars to whiskey distilleries and country music-themed attractions, Music City has a one-of-a-kind attraction for everyone.

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