Things to Do in Nashville
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Nashville

50 curated spots from Nashville itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Do
morning

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Explore interactive exhibits about country music, see glittering costumes, classic cars, and instruments, and follow kid-friendly displays at your own pace.

2h 30m · $30-35 adults, $20-25 kids
Centennial Park & The Parthenon
Do
morning

Centennial Park & The Parthenon

Wander through one of Nashville’s greenest parks with big trees, a small lake, and plenty of space for kids to run, then step inside the full-scale Parthenon replica to see the towering Athena statue.

2h 30m · $10-15 (Parthenon entry; park is free)
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Do
late_morning

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Explore shaded paths, animal habitats, a historic home, and one of the largest community playgrounds in the country, with optional carousel and train rides.

3h 30m · $28 adults / $20 kids (approx.)
Radnor Lake State Park
Do
afternoon

Radnor Lake State Park

Quiet nature preserve with forested trails around a scenic lake; choose an easy lakeside path suitable for kids and watch for deer, birds, and turtles.

2h · Free (parking donation suggested)
Sevier Park
Do
morning

Sevier Park

Take a calm park walk or sit under the trees for a slower moment between shopping and lunch.

45m · Free
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Do
afternoon

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Right next to the market, this linear park has a massive granite map of Tennessee, fountains, and open lawns with direct views of the State Capitol.

1h 30m · Free
Adventure Science Center
Do
afternoon

Adventure Science Center

Interactive science museum on a hill with hands-on exhibits and a nice view back toward downtown.

2h 30m · $24-30
Cumberland Riverfront Park & John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
Do
evening

Cumberland Riverfront Park & John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Walk the green riverside paths and cross the pedestrian bridge for skyline views, especially pretty near sunset.

1h 30m · Free
Downtown Nashville Sightseeing Walking Tour
Do
morning

Downtown Nashville Sightseeing Walking Tour

Guided 1.5-hour walk covering Ryman Auditorium exteriors, Printers Alley, TN State Capitol views, and local history.

1h 30m · $25-40
Germantown Free Explore
Do
afternoon

Germantown Free Explore

Stroll brick sidewalks, tree-lined streets, and historic houses; pop into independent shops or relax in pocket parks.

2h · Free
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
Do
afternoon

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Walk across for river views and skyline photos, then linger a bit on the pedestrian side for an easy scenic break.

45m · Free
Ryman Auditorium
Do
afternoon

Ryman Auditorium

Tour the historic venue or catch a performance if the schedule lines up. It’s one of the city’s most important music landmarks.

1h 30m · $25-50
Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tour
Do
morning

Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tour

Walk through the ‘Mother Church of Country Music,’ see the historic pews and stage where legends played, and check out the exhibits at your own pace.

1h 15m · $35
12 South Mural Walk
Do
morning

12 South Mural Walk

Walk the neighborhood for its famous murals, boutiques, and easygoing street life. Keep it unstructured and take photos as you go.

1h 30m · Free
12 South Murals and Boutiques
Do
morning

12 South Murals and Boutiques

Stroll the tree-lined blocks, look for the famous murals, browse a few design-forward shops, and keep the pace easy with coffee stops and window shopping.

2h · Free
12 South Neighborhood Free-Explore
Do
afternoon

12 South Neighborhood Free-Explore

Stroll leafy residential streets, check out murals (like I Believe in Nashville), browse a couple of small shops, and let kids play in the small green spaces and under shady trees.

2h · Free (shopping extra)
12 South Neighborhood Free‑Explore
Do
afternoon

12 South Neighborhood Free‑Explore

Wander a very walkable strip of boutiques, coffee shops, murals, and shaded side streets; kids can hunt for murals while adults browse shops and grab drinks or snacks.

2h · Free (plus any shopping/snacks)
12 South Neighborhood Walk
Do
morning

12 South Neighborhood Walk

Stroll the boutique-lined street, look for murals, pop into a few shops, and keep the pace casual and romantic.

2h · Free
12 South Stroll & Murals
Do
morning

12 South Stroll & Murals

Walk the half-mile strip of 12 South, stopping for family photos at murals like "I Believe in Nashville" and browsing small boutiques and bakeries.

1h 30m · Free
12South Neighborhood Free-Explore
Do
afternoon

12South Neighborhood Free-Explore

Head to 12South to walk its tree-lined main street, browse small boutiques, photograph murals, and relax in Sevier Park’s greenery.

2h · Free (plus any shopping)
12South Neighborhood Stroll
Do
morning

12South Neighborhood Stroll

Walk the main 12th Avenue South strip, browse small boutiques, grab coffee, and see famous murals like “I Believe in Nashville.”

1h 30m · Free
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery (Grounds Only)
Do
afternoon

Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery (Grounds Only)

Tour the historic grounds and outbuildings of this former plantation; skip the wine tasting if you prefer, and focus on the history and gardens.

2h · $28-35 (grounds tour options vary)
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery Grounds
Do
morning

Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery Grounds

Tour the historic grounds and enjoy the landscaped setting; focus on the architecture and gardens rather than wine tasting.

2h · $20-30
Belmont Mansion Grounds
Do
morning

Belmont Mansion Grounds

See the mansion exterior and grounds, then continue with a gentle neighborhood walk.

1h 15m · $15-20
Berry Hill Free Explore
Do
afternoon

Berry Hill Free Explore

Small, quirky neighborhood with studios, colorful buildings, and a laid-back feel; a gentle place to stroll after the zoo.

1h · Free
Broadway Honky-Tonk Crawl
Do
evening

Broadway Honky-Tonk Crawl

Walk the iconic Broadway corridor hitting free live music venues like Robert's Western World, Acme Feed & Seed, and Tootsies. Each bar has different acts and vibes; no cover charge, just buy drinks. Peak energy 8pm-midnight.

3h · Free (drinks $2-10 per venue)
Broadway Honky-Tonk Walk
Do
evening

Broadway Honky-Tonk Walk

Walk the strip for live music, neon, and people-watching; keep it to a short, fun loop rather than an all-night marathon.

2h · Free
Broadway Honky-Tonks (Low-Key Walk & Listen)
Do
evening

Broadway Honky-Tonks (Low-Key Walk & Listen)

Stroll Broadway in the early evening, pop into honky-tonks like Robert’s Western World just to listen to live bands and people-watch.

2h · Free (tips for bands appreciated)
Centennial Park & Parthenon Grounds
Do
morning

Centennial Park & Parthenon Grounds

Stroll shaded paths, feed ducks by the pond, and admire the full‑scale Parthenon replica from the outside while kids play on the lawns.

1h 30m · Free (park grounds)
Centennial Park and Parthenon
Do
afternoon

Centennial Park and Parthenon

Spend time in the park, then visit the Parthenon for a mix of open green space and a landmark photo stop.

2h · $10-20 per person

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Avo
Eat
evening

Avo

Plant-based restaurant in a semi-industrial area with lots of greenery and a slightly tropical aesthetic. The entire menu is vegan, so everything is halal-safe from an ingredients standpoint; try the kimchi spring rolls, coconut curry, or avocado margarita mocktail.

1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Epice
Eat
afternoon

Epice

Order the falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, salads, and other Mediterranean dishes; these are reliable halal-friendly choices, and you can avoid meat entirely for a stress-free meal.

1h 15m · $20-35 per person
The Southern V
Eat
morning

The Southern V

Plant-based Southern comfort food in a casual, leafy-feeling setting; order the plant-based hot “chicken” biscuit or waffles (all vegan, no meat or alcohol in the dishes).

1h · $15-25 per person
CAVA West End
Eat
afternoon

CAVA West End

Build-your-own Mediterranean bowls and pitas; choose falafel, roasted veggies, and salads, avoiding non-halal meats, for a fully halal vegetarian meal.

45m · $12-18 per person
Etch
Eat
afternoon

Etch

Choose the vegetarian-forward plates, salads, and seafood options; ask for halal-friendly preparation and avoid any non-halal meat dishes. Good fits usually include vegetable-based small plates and seafood entrées.

1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Frothy Monkey (12South)
Eat
morning

Frothy Monkey (12South)

Cozy café with lots of wood, greenery, and a neighborhood feel—ideal for a slow start. Halal-friendly picks: focus on vegetarian breakfast plates like Avocado Toast, Oatmeal, Pancakes, and Egg-based dishes with no meat; confirm no pork or alcohol in sauces and request separate preparation if needed.

1h · $12-20 per person
Hawkers Asian Street Food
Eat
afternoon

Hawkers Asian Street Food

Choose halal-friendly options like vegetable dishes, tofu, and rice or noodle plates; avoid any items that include pork or alcohol-based sauces. The casual, energetic room works well after the park.

1h · $18-30 per person
House of Kabob
Eat
morning

House of Kabob

Persian restaurant with a cozy, slightly rustic interior; while more of a lunch/dinner spot, you can have a hearty late breakfast or brunch of halal-friendly vegetarian options like eggplant dishes, salads, rice, and grilled fish (bypass meats unless confirmed halal that day).

1h · $15-20 per person
King Tut’s
Eat
afternoon

King Tut’s

Casual Egyptian spot with plenty of greenery inside and out; order the falafel sandwich, koshari, foul medames, and grilled fish which are halal-friendly vegetarian/seafood choices (ask and skip any non-halal meats).

1h · $15-25 per person
Sunflower Café
Eat
afternoon

Sunflower Café

Vegetarian café with a leafy patio; pick from veggie wraps, grain bowls, salads, and daily specials, all meat-free and many vegan.

1h · $12-20 per person
Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
Eat
evening

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant

Cozy Ethiopian restaurant with injera platters; order vegetarian combinations (lentils, greens, veggies) which are halal by ingredients, and confirm halal status if choosing meat dishes.

1h 30m · $18-30 per person
Babo Korean Barbecue
Eat
evening

Babo Korean Barbecue

Order vegetarian banchan, tofu dishes, seafood options, and clearly halal-friendly sides; ask the staff to guide you away from any non-halal meat items and choose plant-based or seafood plates.

1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Bartaco 12South
Eat
afternoon

Bartaco 12South

Beachy-wood, plant-filled taco spot with a big patio. Order the crispy avocado taco, cauliflower taco, sesame ribeye taco (beef), or glazed pork belly only if you’re okay with pork; request no alcohol in sauces and avoid alcohol-based drinks.

1h · $20-30 per person
Bartaco Nashville
Eat
afternoon

Bartaco Nashville

Order clearly halal-friendly options like vegetarian tacos, fish tacos, rice bowls, guacamole, and salads; confirm no pork or alcohol-containing marinades.

1h · $20-35 per person
Bongo Java
Eat
morning

Bongo Java

Choose halal-friendly coffee, pastries, oatmeal, fruit, or vegetarian breakfast items.

45m · $10-20 per person
Bongo Java (Belmont)
Eat
morning

Bongo Java (Belmont)

Quirky neighborhood coffeehouse near Belmont University with lots of wood and plants. Choose vegetarian bagels, pastries, or breakfast burritos minus meat; order regular coffee/tea with no alcohol flavorings.

45m · $10-18 per person
Butcher & Bee
Eat
morning

Butcher & Bee

Choose vegetarian breakfast plates, tahini-forward dishes, salads, or other clearly meat-free options; ask for no alcohol-containing ingredients in sauces if needed. The bright, modern space suits a relaxed morning.

1h · $20-35 per person
Butterlamp Bread & Beverage
Eat
morning

Butterlamp Bread & Beverage

Marinated olives, pork fat fries, amazing bread, and unique wines in cozy space

1h · $20-35 per person
Cafe 29 at Cheekwood
Eat
afternoon

Cafe 29 at Cheekwood

Garden-view cafe on the Cheekwood grounds. Choose vegetarian salads, grilled cheese, vegetable soups, or fish dishes (if available) that don’t include pork or alcohol; double-check ingredients when ordering.

1h · $15-25 per person
Cafe Intermezzo Nashville
Eat
morning

Cafe Intermezzo Nashville

European-style cafe with cozy corners and lots of greenery. Choose vegetarian breakfast items like tomato-basil omelets (no meat), pastries without gelatin, and coffee or tea without alcohol flavorings.

1h · $15-25 per person

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