Things to do in

Nashville

Explore the riveting history of one of the most significant developments in 20th-century American music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. After entering through the ornate Hall of Fame rotunda, styled after musical notations and the black keys of a piano, head into the museum’s core exhibition, Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music. Immerse yourself in the history and sounds of country music, its origins and traditions, and the stories and voices of many of its honored architects. Explore an array of photographs, artifacts, text panels, recordings, and archival footage as you move through the museum’s collection. Don’t miss limited-engagement exhibitions, chronicling the thrilling period of country music in the 1970’s, or technologically-enhanced exhibitions focusing on contemporary trends in the genre. Stop by the Taylor Swift Education center to take part in instrument and songwriting programs on the weekends, or catch a panel discussion. The walkthrough of the museum concludes in the esteemed Hall of Fame Rotunda to view the artists' plaques who have earned Country Music's highest honor. Upgrade to the Hatch Experience to go behind the scenes at Hatch Show Print. Learn all about the history of this iconic letterpress poster shop. Listen to the presses run, and see 150 years worth of brilliantly colored posters printed for your favorite entertainers. Handle the tools of the trade to print your own keepsake poster!

Complete your visit to the Music City with a visit to Country Music's most famous stage, the Grand Ole Opry House. This iconic live performance and radio broadcast brings rising stars, superstars, and country legends together on stage every week, along with great bluegrass, family-friendly comedy, and more. Opry shows are never rehearsed, and never the same show twice. Experience all different shades of Country, Western, and Americana music in one night as you go on a musical journey. This is a can’t-miss experience for fans of all ages. Select your seating area at the time of purchase and enjoy an unforgettable evening at the Grand Ole Opry.

Journey through Nashville's top sights with a hop-on hop-off trolley tour. View sights like the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Blue Bird Café. Head through 'The District,' a downtown area featuring opportunities for world-class shopping, dining and entertainment. Hop aboard the Old Town Trolley to view popular attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Parthenon, and the Bicentennial Capitol Mall. More than just a sightseeing tour, it's a fun and educational adventure as your trolley conductor provides an entertaining narration that includes little known facts and behind-the-scenes tips. Avoid city traffic and costly parking with an option that leaves you free to concentrate on taking in the sights. When you're finished, just hop aboard the next Old Town Trolley to continue discovering all that Nashville has to offer. A combination of transportation and entertainment, the Old Town Trolley is the best way to see the city. Offering 14 convenient stops: • Lower Broadway • Ryman Auditorium • Downtown Hilton • Country Music Hall of Fame • War Memorial/TPAC• Musicians Hall of Fame • Farmers’ Market • Capitol View • Marathon Village• Centennial Park • Midtown • Belmont Mansion• The Gulch • Union Station

Visit Nashville's newest musical destination, the National Museum of African American Music. Experience interactive and immersive exhibits and learn the history and cultural impact behind your favorite artists. Explore the 56,000-square-foot facility, which is the only museum dedicated to educating, preserving, and celebrating more than 50 music genres and styles.  Learn about the music that was created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans, including spirituals, blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip hop. Discover artifacts, objects, memorabilia, clothing, and state-of-the-art technology. Each gallery is designed to share a different narrative and a unique perspective on African American music and history. Hear the story of how a distinct group of people used their artistry to impact and change the world.

Travel down the Cumberland River on a 2-hour pontoon cruise designed for you to have fun whilst enjoying the sights of Nashville. Relax on board in the care of your licensed captain as you drink, dance, and listen to music in a fun party atmosphere. Be greeted by your licensed USCG Captain and Deckhand who will help you aboard and ice down your drinks while you settle in the Pontoon Saloon in preparation for the scheduled cruise departure. Once boarded, the famous Nashville river cruise will begin its traditional guided party experience alongside its distinguished crew. The Honky Tonk on the water is amplified by your Deckhand bringing hit tunes, entertainment, and engaging games that bring the crowd together on the dance floor. Enjoy 2 hours in a safe and fun bar-style atmosphere while mingling, dancing, boozing, and taking in views only available aboard the River Cruise pontoon. Choose from a morning, Mimosa, or afternoon tour that best suites your schedule.

Nashville is known as the music center of America and on this tour, you will see the homes of the city’s biggest stars. Drive through some of the most beautiful areas of Tennessee to view the majestic homes of such legends as Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, Kid Rock, Kellie Pickler, Ronnie Dunn, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood. You will pass the homes of Dierks Bentley, Caleb and Jared Followill of Kings of Leon, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum, Julianne Hough of Dancing with the Stars, Lori Ann Crook of Crook and Chase, Janis Ian, Martina McBride, Jack White, Ronnie Milsap and many more. Hope that one of the legends of the Nashville music scene jumps on board, just as they have been known to do before. On this remarkable tour you will quickly see why so many stars call Nashville home and learn why it became the music capital of America.

Make your trip to Nashville truly memorable with a helicopter flight over the city's rapidly-growing skyline. Sit back in comfortable leather seats and take in the views. Choose from 2 different options and admire the skyline of 'Music City' and the beautiful rolling hills of Tennessee. Fly over the Parthenon at Centennial Park, the state capitol building, and look straight down at the 50-yard line of the Nissan Stadium. Take in views of the Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the AT&T building, and more. Make your way downtown along Broadway, hovering lower than the tops of the buildings. See if you can spot the legendary Tootsies Lounge from this unique vantage point. Upgrade your experience and sip on champagne with a luxurious VIP helicopter experience.

Go backstage at the Grand Ole Opry and enjoy exclusive access to the venue that made country music famous. Your expert guide will take you through the venue and introduce you to the famous musicians and stories that have made this such a beloved chapter in Nashville's history. See artifacts and photos from all eras of music history and walk through the artist's entrance. The Grand Ole Opry truly is a family; learn about the bond between the performers, their families, and this incredible piece of living history. Visit 18 different musician dressing rooms, all decorated in different themes to represent pivotal moments in country music. You may even get a chance to visit Studio A, a working television studio which was home to Hee Haw and many more productions.

Step back in time to share the room with your favorite musicians and go behind the scenes of the most famous recording sessions in country music history. Check in at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and be assigned your tour time of RCA Studio B. Hop on a bus there with your guide, then learn about Dolly's "first big break", a fateful Christmas recording session with Elvis, and much more. Stand in the room and feel the magic as famous songs pump through the speakers. After your guided tour of the studio, hop back on the bus to return to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where you can explore the riveting history of one of the most significant developments in 20th-century American music on a self-guided tour. Enter through the ornate Hall of Fame rotunda, styled after musical notations and the black keys of a piano, before heading into the museum’s core exhibition, Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music. Immerse yourself in the history and sounds of country music, its origins and traditions, and the stories and voices of many of its honored architects. Discover an array of photographs, artifacts, text panels, recordings, and archival footage as you move through the museum’s collection. Don’t miss limited-engagement exhibitions chronicling the thrilling period of country music in the 1970’s, or technologically-enhanced exhibitions focusing on contemporary trends in the genre. Stop by the Taylor Swift Education center to take part in instrument and songwriting programs on the weekends, or catch a panel discussion. The walk through the museum concludes in the esteemed Hall of Fame Rotunda to view the artists' plaques who have earned Country Music's highest honor. The whole family will come away with a new-found interest and respect in the artistry of the famous musicians that make Nashville famous.

See the best of Music City on a double-decker tour bus. Ride in a loop around the heart of Nashville as your guide showcases some of the city's best features. Hop aboard a double-decker tour taking you past the city's most visually interesting spots in just 1 hour, making it perfect for busy schedules. Highlighting over 100 points of interest, this excursion is led by fun, informative drivers and guides. Start from the Court of Flags as your tour heads around Nissan Stadium, and up to the Parthenon at Centennial Par. It then progresses back by the State Capitol and down Lower Broadway. See sights along the way including the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the stately and impressive Vanderbilt University. You'll also encounter a colorful and lively farmers market, as well as the Grammy Museum Gallery.