Destination guideTennessee · United States
40 Things to Do in Nashville (2026)
Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is located on the Cumberland River and was established as a permanent settlement in 1779.
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Known as the "Athens of the South," the city features a variety of architectural styles, including the full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park, which houses a 42-foot statue of Athena. Other significant structures include the Greek Revival-style Tennessee State Capitol, completed in 1859, and the Downtown Presbyterian Church, an example of Egyptian Revival architecture. The city’s heritage is closely tied to its role as a transportation and trade hub.
- 40 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Nashville8 dishes
Nashville Hot Chicken Where to order it in Nashville
Goo Goo Clusters Where to order it in Nashville
Fruit Tea Where to order it in Nashville
Biscuits and Gravy Where to order it in Nashville
Dry-Aged Tomahawk Steak Where to order it in Nashville
Kurdish Turkish Breakfast Where to order it in Nashville
Fried Bologna Sandwich Where to order it in Nashville
Chess Pie Where to order it in Nashville
The short answer
- The top things to do in Nashville, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- The Parthenon (Midtown)
- National Museum of African American Music (Downtown)
- Adventure Science Center (South Nashville)
- John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
- Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway
- 8 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
40 places worth your time in Nashville
Things to see and do
The Parthenon
Why it’s on the map
The centerpiece of Centennial Park, this architectural marvel is the world's only full-scale and full-detail replica of the ancient temple in Athens.
2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
National Museum of African American Music
Why it’s on the map
This 56,000-square-foot facility is the only museum in the United States dedicated to preserving and celebrating over 50 music genres created or inspired by African Americans.
510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Adventure Science Center
Why it’s on the map
A hub for scientific exploration, this center recently completed its most immersive experience to date, 'Fossil Frontiers,' which features a full-scale T.
800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
Why it’s on the map
One of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world, this historic truss bridge features 48 spans, including four steel trusses over the Cumberland River.
Nashville, TN 37201, USA
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway
Why it’s on the map
Spanning 960 acres along the Cumberland River, this natural area consists of bottomland hardwood forests, wetlands, and open fields.
1900 Davidson St, Nashville, TN 37206, USA
Place to see · Hillsboro West End
State Park
Park
Botanical Garden
Live Music Venue · South Nashville
Hotel · Downtown
Live Music Venue · Downtown
Tourist Attraction · Downtown
Non Profit Organization · Watkins Park
Place to see · 12 South
Place to see
Art Museum · Downtown
Museum · Downtown
Museum · North Capitol
Where to eat
See the full Nashville food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Market
Steak House · Downtown
Brunch Restaurant · Midtown
Italian Restaurant
Breakfast Restaurant
Restaurant
Cafe
Chicken Restaurant
Chicken Restaurant · Townhomes of Shadow Glen
Candy Store · Downtown
Breakfast Restaurant · Antioch
Soul Food Restaurant · Downtown
American Restaurant · Midtown
Restaurant · Talbot's Corner
Restaurant · Midtown
American Restaurant · East Germantown
Italian Restaurant · Greenwood
Japanese Restaurant · Downtown
Farmers Market
Breakfast Restaurant
Ramen Restaurant · Maxwell
35 more places on the map
21 to eat · 14 to see and do · 8 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Nashville?
- The best time to visit Nashville is from April to May and September to October, when the weather is pleasantly mild and the city's outdoor festivals are in full swing. While summers are popular for tourism, they are often characterized by intense humidity and temperatures exceeding 90°F, whereas winters are chilly but offer the lowest hotel rates. Peak season occurs during late spring and major holidays like New Year’s Eve, so consider visiting mid-week or during the late fall off-peak window to avoid the largest crowds and highest prices.
How do I get around Nashville?
- Air Travel via Nashville International Airport (BNA) Located 8 miles from downtown, BNA is the primary gateway with direct flights from over 70 cities via major carriers like Southwest, Delta, and American Airlines.
- WeGo Public Transit (Bus & Rail) The WeGo Route 18 bus provides affordable $2 transit between the airport and downtown, while local buses and the WeGo Star commuter rail connect surrounding neighborhoods.
- Rideshare and Taxis Uber and Lyft are widely available for local travel; taxis offer a $30 flat rate for trips between the airport, downtown, and the Gaylord Opryland Resort area.
What should I know before visiting Nashville?
- Carry small cash bills to tip live musicians in honky-tonks, as many performers rely primarily on audience contributions rather than a base wage.
- Use rideshare apps or the $2 flat-rate WeGo public buses for transit, as parking in the downtown core is limited and expensive.
- Stay within well-lit, crowded areas like Lower Broadway at night and avoid walking alone into less-trafficked side streets or industrial zones.
- Wear comfortable, broken-in shoes rather than new cowboy boots to navigate the city's hilly terrain and high-density walking districts safely.
What’s new in Nashville in October 2026?
- Cheekwood Harvest: The annual fall festival running through November 1, 2026, featuring the new 'Marigold River' installation and three interactive pumpkin houses.
- Croquet Cafe: Recently opened in Centennial Park's restored 1963 clubhouse, trending for its Southern picnic-inspired menu and park-side dining.
- Lupo Notte: A high-end Italian restaurant that opened September 2026 in Green Hills, currently viral for its house-made pastas and upscale design.
Research receipt
How this Nashville guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Nashville replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Nashville?
Start with The Parthenon, National Museum of African American Music, Adventure Science Center, John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, and Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 40 places are pinned on the Nashville map.