Nashville, monikered as the “Country Music Capital of the United States,” is well-known for its booming music scene. The Music City is renowned for its global reputation as the home of the Tennessee Titans, the famous Hot Chicken, and the birthplace of folk music.
As the central district and most populous city in Tennessee, Nashville is well-known for its Broadway Street, the cradle to some of the best bars and lounges for enthusiasts. Fortunately, this town has a lot more potential. People of all ages, including individuals under 21, can have a wonderful time in Music City.
We’ve consolidated a list of the top 11 best things to do in Nashville to get you started. Your top go-to destination includes local favorites like cinema complexes, cultural hotspots, cafes, and convention facilities and should be on the roster of your preference list.
List of Contents
1. Belcourt Theatre
Belcourt Theatre, which opened in 1925, reopened in September 2016 following a restoration work to preserve this nine-decade-old building on Belcourt Avenue. The non-profit film center showcases the best picture classifications in the industry for people of all ages to experience the strength of motion pictures.
The Belcourt is a cultural jewel in Nashville, and it is nationally known as one of the most incredible art houses to date. The venue generally receives 190,000 guests a year and expects 16,500 attendees for their occasional in-theater activities. The platform also hosts an assortment of events throughout the year.
You can see roughly 300 films and over 4,500 screening acts in the movie theater. You can get some snack foods to go with your movie viewing at the auditorium’s food counter. Furthermore, by buying anything from this non-profit film center, you are donating to charity and other projects that help the community in Nashville.
2. Country Music Hall of Fame
Country Music Hall of Fame is a renowned museum located on John Lewis Way near Broadway Street and is among the most iconic structures in the neighborhood. It’s among the most prominent museums and research institutions globally for the preservation and perception of American colloquial music. Since its inception in 1964, the exhibition has accumulated one of the most extensive global musical collections.
The property helps keep the tradition of country music alive for people of all ages. This gigantic 350,000 square-foot exhibit includes dynamic exhibitions, record management storage, stores, and an entertainment venue.
The fundamental exposition “Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music,” a one-of-a-kind experience for all guests to the zone, is at the heart of the museum’s narrative quest.
You’ll find seasonal products at Circa, where Nashville residents produce locally made items. You can buy foods from their concession stand while seated on the Curb Courtyard Terrace, appreciating the downtown Nashville at Red Onion.
3. Nashville Underground
Among the best entertainment venues near downtown’s historic Broadway Street, Nashville Underground offers everyone a different dining and fun space. This six-level and fifty-five thousand square foot location features many Southern favorites and big Television sets, musical performances, an arcade, and beers.
Because it is all ages until 10 p.m., this location is appropriate for people under 21 to savor a great night. It also has the most incredible ride-a-bull and a few arcade games in the neighborhood, all in one giant hotspot.
Nashville Underground is the city’s most prominent and tallest double-decker rooftop for a night entertainment venue.
Nashville Hot Chicken is their trademark meal, and Mimi’s BBQ is smoked in-house and available every day and local favorites like gourmet flatbreads. While enjoying a tasty dinner, you’ll enjoy the live music performed by local and national performers, who serenade everybody there having a lovely time at the Underground.
4. Adventure Science Center
Adventure Science Center, which launched in 1945 and has been serving the town of Nashville for over 70 years, brings science to people’s lives in a fun way for individuals of all ages. Over 175 hands-on science displays and activities in a 44,000-square-foot domain.
Adventure Science Center intends to be a prestigious engagement and learning hub for attendees throughout Middle Tennessee, accommodating over 380,000 folks each year. Its ongoing programming includes daily science presentations, training, camps, and other special events open to the public.
The Sudekum Planetarium, a distinctive 63-foot dome auditorium with an incredible projection system, is one of the center’s most popular destinations. This award-winning facility is a must-see for anyone interested in having a good time while learning. There are also notable exhibits such as the Galactic Gardens, the Innovation Incubator, Max Flight: Full Motion Simulator, Body Quests, and the Adventure Tower.
5. Listening Room Cafe
The Listening Room, which opened in 2006, has become known as Nashville’s best-sounding chamber, with nightly music by the best local performers and occasional national acts. This event space provides a one-of-a-kind blend of music, food, and a bar.
When you visit The Listening Room Cafe, get ready for the best night in the town. The diner serves lunch and dinner, and domestically beers are only available to those over 21. Underage patrons can still enjoy their delectable meals while listening to live entertainment from the bar’s performer of the day.
One of the most well-known must-haves in TLR is their cuisine, where they smoke all their meats. Smoked Pork Steaks and local produce Sweet and Spicy Pickles are among the site’s top sellers. In addition, because this venue occasionally hosts the Grammy’s after-party and other special events, you might see some famous people on the premises.
6. Ryman Auditorium
One of the most iconic buildings and what Nashville is globally known for is the Ryman Auditorium. This live performance event center is also known as Grand Ole Opry House and Union Gospel Tabernacle. Encompassing a 2,362-seat live-performance venue, it is one of the city’s greatest treasures and has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
The popularization of country music in the metro area is why it was also considered a National Historic Landmark. The Grand Ole Opry is now a Nashville institution and perfect for everyone that has the heart to appreciate different kinds of musical genres.
Through their building tour, Ryman Auditorium has a lot of tales to share. Explore the location where Johnny Cash met June Carter and how this over 100-year-old venue produces some of the best musicians. Also, pick some souvenirs at their enclosed shop to round out your visit to the historic site.
7. Tennessee Brew Works
Tennessee Brew Works is a very well gastropub and taproom in Nashville’s downtown area. This establishment has an excellent reputation for its one-of-a-kind domestically crafted beers and delightful foods, serving as a beautiful event space and musical performance platform in the city center.
Outside patios are available at the event space, ideal for enjoying the beautiful Tennessee weather while enjoying a delicious meal and drinks. However, the meticulously crafted beers are only available to those over 21. Young teenagers can still enjoy great musical acts from local and national artists bringing the best music in town.
Snacks, shareable Chicken Wings, and Baja Fish Tacos are among the house’s top picks. They also serve the best-known Nashville Hot Chicken and the restaurant’s specialty, the Five Beer Burger. Furthermore, they crafted their sauces with the finest ingredients, which is why you should enjoy a meal here.
8. Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Nashville Zoo At Grassmere is an essential learning attraction and Nashville’s environmental zoo. This vital structure encloses 6,230 individual animals from 339 different species. The zoo grounds are nearly 188 acres in size.
It earned its reputation as a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums by caring for domesticated and critically endangered animals.
The Nashville Zoo backed approximately 50 preservation programs. These endeavors include coral rescue, wildlife trafficking prevention, and the preservation of endangered species. Other fun attractions are available in the area to keep people of all ages entertained.
Aside from having an up-close animal encounter, the zoo also has fun accommodations such as the Jungle Gym, Night Vision, and the life-sized animatronic Dinosaurs at the Dino Trek area. The Adventure 4D theater caters to your good film interaction here, and some beautiful rides will round out your big adventure in this big hub in Nashville.
9. Nissan Stadium
Nissan Stadium, the residence of the famous Tennessee Titans of the National Football League, is an iconic multi-purpose stadium on the eastern end of the Cumberland River across downtown Nashville. This significant event space hosts the well-known CMA Music Festivals and public gatherings, conferences, and parties.
Nissan Stadium has three lounge levels and can seat up to 69,143 people. Most of its deluxe premium seats are in the field’s towers and press boxes on the lower level.
Regularly, the venue invites everyone to witness a variety of notable events, whether they are sports-related or large-scale events such as music events, amusement acts, and soccer matches.
There are plenty of decent food choices available in the stadium, such as local joints that are a must-try before, during, or after a wild game. It’s undoubtedly the best idea to go to Slim and Husky’s or choose Party Fowl for good pizza or the famous hot chicken.
10. Tootsie Orchid Lounge
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is a bar located behind Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. This downtown landmark has a wall of fame where photos and memorabilia of past and present people who have impacted country music adorn its interiors, including pictures of Hank Williams Sr. and Willie Nelson. The Grand Ole Opry, a stage and radio show, is based here.
Even though Tootsie is a well-known bar, people under 21 are permitted to enter if they stay until 7 p.m. and with an adult. On this honky tonk club, there are two floors and a rooftop with musical performances. In addition, the location has served as the stage set for several music videos, including Brad Paisley’s “Bucked Off.”
Tootsie’s featured menu includes their famed BBQ sandwich, The Southern Salad, and Nathan’s Famous Foot Long. Listen to good music while wolfing down at this vibrant space that features live music every day.
11. The Blue Bird Cafe
The Blue Bird Cafe, located in a small strip mall just outside of downtown Nashville, is a 90-seat place and is one of the world’s best listening rooms. It features daily live performances by local and national artists, resulting in great music for everyone.
This tiny listening chamber, showcased in ABC’s hit show Nashville, organizers affectionate acoustic melodic appearances starring the “Heroes Behind the Hits,” songwriters performing the songs that have topped the charts. People of all ages will appreciate the cozy ambiance of this famous café.
Young people under 21 who cannot consume hard liquor can order non-alcoholic beverages from the menu board, which can go best with Chips and Dips, Brie and Jam, and the Blue Bird Basket. Desserts on the house include Sea Salt Snickerdoodles and Honey Pie.
Furthermore, if you can’t get enough of this place, Blue Bird Café merchandise is widely available at their mini store.
Young individuals under 21 can enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene with great musical artists in this spot because of the option to visit some of Nashville’s age-friendly lounges and pubs.
Nashville’s love of country music will always pin itself on the global map of the best musical places. Furthermore, having other great options for good hotspots is a great deal if you plan on spending a few times in the Middle Tennessee region.
We value you taking a moment to read our carefully crafted guide. We’d love to hear your thoughts as well!
If you have any suggestions for inclusions that you believe we have overlooked, please leave them in the comments section below. It would be valuable to hear from you about your encounter with our rosters.