Location: Downtown Nashville
Top Things to do in Downtown Nashville
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Things to do in Nashville, Tennessee (TN): The Best Sights & Landmarks
With live music to be heard all across town, 24/7, 365 days a year, Music City lives up to its name. From honky-tonk bands jamming at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge to songwriters in the round at the Bluebird Cafe and country music legends rocking the Grand Ole Opry, you never know who you might see. The creative spirit from Nashville's music landscape flows into the area's myriad art galleries, up-and-coming fashion scene, historic landmarks and chef-driven restaurants.
Restaurants in Nashville
1. Ryman Auditorium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,265 reviews
When you walk through the doors of historic Ryman Auditorium, one thing becomes clear right away: this isn’t just another nightly music venue, and it’s so much more than a daytime tourist stop. This place is hallowed ground. This is the exact spot where bluegrass was born—where Johnny Cash met June Carter, where souls were saved and a slice of history was nearly lost. It was right here that country music found an audience beyond its own back porch, and countless careers took off as deals were signed on napkins and paper scraps backstage. Open daily for tours and shows, right in the heart of Music City.
Reviewed By Champ756 - Portage, United States
While attending the show, “Opry Country Classics” I was greatly helped by two wonderful ushers, Inez and Amy T. As many know, the historic Ryman Auditorium has wooden pews for seats. The thin pad I brought didn’t help pad the seating enough due to multiple hip surgeries. After getting up to stand in the back, Inez came over and immediately asked if I needed a softer seat.... then Amy was there in a flash with a padded chair. This was SO appreciated! It allowed me to be comfortable and I felt very welcomed. Inez also checked to see if I wanted my husband in handicapped seating with me as well. Not only was the seat far more comfortable, the bonus was a great view of the stage without having to shift around for better visibility on the pews with tight seating. The show was very entertaining and it was nice to be able to fully enjoy it. For those with any seating limitations or mobility issues, I would recommend asking for handicapped seating at Ryman. Amy also shared that there are several balcony rows with padded chairs if that alone would help with comfort. Thank you again, Inez and Amy T! And....Inez, to me, you are a Ryman icon with your many years of welcoming guests there with your beautiful hospitality!
2. The District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 610 reviews
This downtown area is the heart of Nashville's nightlife and is the home to countless bars and clubs.
Reviewed By joannesI3491IZ - Whitesboro, United States
Due to Covid-19 most everyone was masked and practiced social distancing as much as one can in a huge draw tourist place. I loved this as compared to Beale Street in Memphis. More country music, less soul. All interactions with locals were friendly. Lots of young wannabes around.If we were young again and back in our drinking days this would have been even better.
3. AT&T Building
4. Downtown Nashville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,871 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Downtown Nashville, encircled by I-65, I-24 and I-40, features a diverse assortment of entertainment, dining, drinking, cultural and architectural attractions. Many of Nashville's famous nightspots are found on Broadway between 1st and 5th Avenues, better known as Honky Tonk Row. Most famous of all is Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, which dates to the emergence of Music City as the home of country music. Book a room at one of the many upscale hotels...the Westin Nashville, Omni Nashville, Sheraton Grand, Union Station, Hermitage, Renaissance Nashville, JW Marriott or Holiday Inn Express. Then visit the many attractions, including the historic 1892 Ryman Auditorium that still offers big-name concerts and backstage tours, the Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and George Jones Museums, the Country Music Hall of Fame, Tennessee State Capitol, Tennessee State Museum, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena, Music City Center, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Nissan Stadium and Riverfront Park on the bank of the Cumberland River. Then take a break for lunch and dinner at one of the many restaurants, including Kayne Prime, Wildhorse Saloon, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, Biscuit Love, Arnold's Country Kitchen, Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant, Hard Rock Cafe, Peg Leg Porker BBQ or Ole Red. Everything is within walking distance and you'll never run out of something to see.
5. Christ Church Cathedral
6. St Mary's of the Seven Sorrow Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By jerb2014 - Bristol, United States
St. Mary's is the oldest Catholic church in Nashville and was built around 1845. The exterior is beautiful: the style being antebellum Greek Revival with a very handsome facade. The front of the church has the greek temple look with a large ionic columns supporting a classic triangular pediment.The tower steeple has a cupola like top. Inside the church is plain compared to the Cathedral of the Incarnation, but the ceiling is very beautiful - ornate and coffered. The church was full and the service very nice. Very inspirational. Sunday was is usually 9 am and 12 noon.
7. Downtown Presbyterian Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Located at 154 5th Avenue North in Nashville, Tennessee, at the corner of 5th Avenue and Church Street, the Downtown Presbyterian Church probably can't match the history of its two predecessors but it has built an international reputation for its unique architecture. In fact, because of its distinctive Egyptian Revival architecture, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993. The first church on this site burned down in 1832. President Andrew Jackson was a member and was presented with a ceremonial sword on the steps of the church after the Battle of New Orleans. The second church burned down in 1848, after future U.S. President James K. Polk was inaugurated as Governor of Tennessee. The current sanctuary, built in 1848, was designed in the unique Egyptian Revival style by William Strickland, who also designed the Tennessee State Capitol. Exterior design elements include Egyptian style lotus columns and a winged sun disk. Interior Egyptian style elements include stained glass windows, woodwork and renderings of Egyptian scenes on the sanctuary walls. The twin towers are reminiscent of the twin towers of St. Stephen's Church in Philadelphia, where Strickland lived before moving to Nashville. Downtown Presbyterian Church is one of few examples of Egyptian Revival architecture in the United States and may be the best surviving ecclesiastical example. Historically, it was seized by Federal forces and served as a military hospital during the Civil War, temporarily becoming Nashville's Union Hospital No. 8 with 206 beds. It also was used as a refuge for Nashville citizens from floods in the 1920s. Today, the church sponsors a Saturday meal program for the homeless and helps to train the homeless in restaurant skills. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
8. Franklin American Music City Bowl
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl and the events around it deliver an exceptional entertainment experience for visitors, local fans, student-athletes, conference partners, sponsors, volunteers and the Nashville community. This post-season collegiate football game was created in 1998 to stimulate a positive impact on the Nashville economy, national image, and community pride while showcasing the city as a premier destination with audiences throughout the country. Kickoff time for 2017 will be December 29th at 3:00 PM/CT.
9. Tennessee State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 511 reviews
The grounds around this majestic neo-classical building offer statues of many historic figures, plus the graves of President Polk and his wife.
Reviewed By vancouvergirl
We took the free guided tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and answered most questions. The tour of the chamber, senate, library and former supreme court areas were very interesting. Our guide also described many of the painting and busts in the building. His knowledge of state history was exceptional, and we found the architecture of the building unique and interesting. This is FREE and offers something for everyone. Security personnel were cordial and while there is a metal detector. they were relaxed and easygoing.
10. President James K Polk Tomb
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