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
afternoon

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Large museum of country music history with interactive exhibits and iconic costumes and instruments.

2h 30m · $30-35
Centennial Park & The Parthenon
Do
morning

Centennial Park & The Parthenon

Large park with a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, lake, and shady walking paths.

2h · Park free; Parthenon museum ~$10
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
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Do
morning

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Spend a few hours walking shaded paths past immersive habitats and the lush greenery of this surprisingly wild-feeling zoo.

2h 30m · $27
Radnor Lake State Park
Do
evening

Radnor Lake State Park

Shaded lakeside trails with thick woods and wildlife viewing; choose an easy loop and enjoy the forested feel.

2h · Free (parking may be a few dollars)
Sevier Park
Do
late_afternoon

Sevier Park

Green neighborhood park with big trees, open lawns, and a playground where kids can run around while adults relax on benches or the grass.

1h · Free
Adventure Science Center
Do
afternoon

Adventure Science Center

Hands‑on science museum with climbing structures, space exhibits, and interactive experiments; optional planetarium shows are a fun add‑on if your kids like space.

2h 30m · $26 adults / $22 kids (approx.)
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
afternoon

Downtown Nashville Sightseeing Walking Tour

Join a 1.5-hour guided walking tour that hits landmarks like Ryman Auditorium, Printers Alley, the Tennessee State Capitol, and Bicentennial Park, with stories about music history and city lore.

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

Germantown Free Explore

Walk shaded streets lined with historic homes, trees, and small parks, snapping photos and stopping at green courtyards.

1h · Free
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
Do
morning

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Stroll this wide pedestrian bridge for panoramic views of the Cumberland River and Nashville skyline; it’s perfect for photos and a breeze-filled break.

45m · Free
Ryman Auditorium
Do
afternoon

Ryman Auditorium

Tour the legendary venue and soak up the stained-glass, old-theater atmosphere; if a guided tour timing works, take it, otherwise just visit the exterior area and nearby streets.

1h 30m · $25-35 per person
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
morning

Avo

Order the avocado toast, breakfast bowls, smoothie options, or vegetarian plates; these are easy halal-safe choices when you want a clean, bright start to the day.

1h · $18-30 per person
Epice
Eat
afternoon

Epice

Chic Lebanese bistro with a leafy patio and lots of herbaceous, garden-fresh dishes. Stick to clearly halal-friendly options like the vegetarian mezze (hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel), fattoush, tabbouleh, and seafood dishes like grilled fish or shrimp; avoid any meat that is not confirmed halal and ask staff to steer you to vegetarian/seafood plates only.

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

The Southern V

Plant-based Southern comfort food (100% vegan), so everything is free of meat and gelatin; try the Nashville hot "chicken" (soy-based), biscuits, mac and cheese, and waffles.

1h 15m · $15-22 per person
CAVA West End
Eat
afternoon

CAVA West End

Fast-casual Mediterranean bowl spot with bright, clean design. Build your own bowl with greens/grains, hummus, falafel, and veggies; stick to vegetarian or clearly labeled harissa honey chicken only if you confirm sourcing and avoid pork and alcohol-based toppings.

45m · $12-20 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
Frothy Monkey (Downtown)
Eat
morning

Frothy Monkey (Downtown)

Another branch of the plant-filled local favorite, this time near downtown. Choose vegetarian dishes like avocado toast, pancakes, and egg plates without meat.

1h · $15-25 per person
Hawkers Asian Street Food
Eat
morning

Hawkers Asian Street Food

Opens late morning—treat this as a first-day “brunch” stop in a lively, semi-industrial space with hanging plants and colorful lights. Halal-friendly picks: go for fully vegetarian items like the Edamame, Wok-Fried Green Beans, Vegetarian Spring Rolls, and Garlic Ramen or Veggie Lo Mein (request no alcohol in sauces and confirm no pork/gelatin in broths); avoid meat and alcohol-based dishes.

1h · $18-28 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
Mas Tacos Por Favor
Eat
morning

Mas Tacos Por Favor

Go for vegetarian breakfast tacos, beans, eggs, or other non-meat options that keep the meal halal-friendly. The small, local atmosphere works well for a slow start.

45m · $12-20 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
Assembly Food Hall (Fifth + Broadway)
Eat
afternoon

Assembly Food Hall (Fifth + Broadway)

Indoor food hall with dozens of stalls; grab budget-friendly tacos, burgers, or a shared hot chicken plate and eat on the terrace overlooking Broadway.

1h · $10-15 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
Biscuit Love (Gulch)
Eat
morning

Biscuit Love (Gulch)

Casual counter-service spot known for biscuits and coffee; split a big biscuit plate or go for a simple biscuit and jam to stay on budget.

1h · $9-15 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

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