The Seven Things That All Music Lovers Should Do When They Visit Nashville

Planning a round trip down South without any idea what to do? If you have an artist’s soul, Nashville is a city you don’t want to miss. The city is all about preserving and honoring the roots of American music.

Nashville is jam-packed with iconic sites for music lovers. It’s not called Music City for nothing after all. When planning your trip to the South, adding Nashville, Tennessee, to your list is a great idea.

The city has a lot to offer, yet tourists with an artistic side will have more fun than anyone else. Music City is the place to be for students of music, or even simple enthusiasts, to experience the evolution of music in the US.

Check out some of the unique locations you can visit on your next trip there.

1. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame

Of all the things to do in Nashville, this one should be on your list no matter what. It’s a piece of American history after all, not just music history.

The Country Music Hall of Fame is among the largest museums. And it also doubles as a research center. It’s where you can clearly see the dedication to the preservation of American music and the memory of the artists.

The museum has many artifacts on display dating back to the earliest country and folk composers. You don’t even have to be a country music lover to appreciate the value of the collections either.

2. Check Out the RCA Studio B

Talking about historic locations, how about taking a trip to the RCA Studio B? This recording studio is a Nashville landmark, as it’s the city’s oldest surviving studio. It even hosted artists like the Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, and Dolly Parton.

You can even take your place on the same X where famous artists recorded 1,000 hits before your time. And although it’s a tiny building in a large city, it provides a thrilling experience to anyone with musical roots. It’s also easy to arrange a tour here if you stop by the Country Music Hall of Fame first.

3. Try an Instrument at Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars isn’t an old shop. After all, Christie and Walter Carter founded the place back in 2012. Yet the music store quickly became one of the hottest attractions in Nashville – being a guitar store that handles everything, including appraisals.

The store, which isn’t far from the Hall of Fame, has a friendly environment and very knowledgeable staff members. You can find anything here – from mandolins and banjos to guitars and amps. But what really sets the place apart is its collection of vintage instruments.

You can find some of the coolest guitars in Nashville right at Carter Vintage. The building may not be historical, but what’s inside it is rich in history.

4. Enjoy an Event at the Grand Ole Opry House

Visiting the Grand Ole Opry House is one of the funnest things to do in Nashville. While the location has only 4,400 seats, it may just be the biggest broadcasting studio in the world based on its capacity.

The Grand Ole Opry House gives off an intimate vibe even with a packed audience. Some of the most famous singers, contemporary and old-timers alike, have even performed there.

That’s why before touring Nashville, it’s a good idea to check the show listing and available tickets. You can attend bluegrass, country, folk, and even gospel concerts all year round.

5. Visit the Museum of the Man in Black

If you see yourself as a true country fan, then Johnny Cash is a familiar name. Known as the Man in Black, Cash influenced generations with his music. He dedicated his entire life to his craft and his career.

It’s no surprise that right in the middle of downtown Nashville, there is a museum in his name. And visiting the Johnny Cash Museum should be one of the first things to do in Nashville.

Here you’ll find on display the largest collection of Cash memorabilia in the world. It has everything – from stage costumes to artwork, instruments to personal items. What better way to experience his journey through life and the impact of his contributions?

6. Take a Picture with Your Favorite Artist

Okay, this is a bit of a stretch. But visiting Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is one of the unique things to do in Nashville. That’s because the museum is world-famous, and it’s a top American wax museum attraction.

It’s also close to the Grand Ole Opry House so it’s easy to fit it in your itinerary. While there, you can take pictures next to realistic wax sculptures of iconic artists that enriched the musical landscape in the US and around the world.

7. Walk the Music City Walk of Fame

If you’re up for a stroll, the Music City Walk of Fame is another must-do while in Nashville. It’s a star-studded sidewalk that honors American music legends. It’s located downtown and close to the Nashville Music Garden.

You can see and take pictures of inductees like Elvis, Jimi Hendrix, Roy Orbison, Hank Williams, and many more. It’s a genuinely unique pavement and where the city holds some of the most memorable ceremonies.

Don’t Sleep on What Nashville Has to Offer

Maybe Nashville is not the top vacation destination on the mind of most tourists, especially those from outside the border. The city is particularly fascinating for music lovers. Between its many venues, historic locations, and museums, there’s a lot to see and experience.

If you want to visit Music City, spend some extra time and hit all the iconic and unique locations. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a fan, artist, producer, or just passing by.