The Top Nashville Attractions for the Music Lover
Nashville truly deserves its title of the Music City. Discover the top Nashville music attractions that you don’t want to miss.
Nashville is famous for its country roots. But did you know that the city has a more diverse musical history than that?
For a long time, music has been Nashville’s heart and soul. From venues to museums, there’s so much to know about the city and its connection to music, irrespective of your favorite genres.
So, what happens if you don’t have the time to visit every place possible? You look through this list of the top Nashville music attractions to know which ones to prioritize.
1. Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-see for all who are into country music. It has the largest collection of country music memorabilia in the world, having over 2.5 million artifacts. Stage costumes, photos, recordings, and instruments are among the many found here.
Do check out the museum’s exhibitions that are up for a limited time, as they can be a wonderful way to educate yourself about country music. Plus, they’re very entertaining.
There’s really no better place to find out more about some of the world’s biggest country legends.
2. Honky Tonk Highway
If you’re looking to explore unique bars and enjoy endless music, the Honky Tonk Highway is the place to be. You can wander its colorful streets and listen to music day and night. That’s because the streets come alive as early as 10 am and music continues to fill the air until 3 am.
There’s no cover charge, so you’re free to enjoy yourself for as long as you want. Plus, you’ll never know if you’re listening to the next big name in music. And for the price of a refreshing beer, you can take in Nashville’s rich and diverse music culture at its finest.
This is also the place where a good number of country legends made a name for themselves. If you’re curious to see where it all started for Dierks Bentley, Gretchen Wilson, or Willie Nelson, the Honky Tonk Highway is a must-visit.
3. Grand Ole Opry
For almost 100 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been the go-to event for people to enjoy country music, gospel, folk, and even comedy. This concert takes place in the Ryman Auditorium, undoubtedly one of the best music venues in Nashville.
The Grand Ole Opry offers a mix of old-timers and chart-topping artists in one place. If you’re game for a blend of unique performances, you definitely want to add it to your list.
The seating capacity for its venue is 4,400 and many agree that there isn’t a bad seat in the venue. Still, you’ll want to reserve your spot in advance to avoid getting turned away at the door.
4. Printers Alley
During the day, there’s not much to see in Printers Alley. But don’t get fooled by its daytime mundanity; it’s when night falls that the alley literally shines. Its colorful neon lights create an eclectic vibe that makes you feel like you’re in a completely different place.
But of course, it’s not just about the lights. Printers Alley is full of small restaurants and bars that are well worth a visit. And if you wish to enjoy the genuine Nashville atmosphere or get on stage with a karaoke machine behind you and sing your heart out, this is your spot.
But if you’re unsure where to go, check out Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar. It’s nothing like Nashville’s typical Lower Broadway venues, which makes it perfect for a nice change of scenery.
5. RCA Studio B
Do you want to familiarize yourself with Nashville’s long and rich history? RCA Studio B might be the perfect place to do so.
The city’s oldest surviving studio is where more than 35,000 songs came from. Out of all these, over 1,000 are hit songs. These hits include All I Have to Do Is Dream, Only the Lonely, and Coat of Many Colors.
You’ll also get a chance to stand precisely on the same spot where some of the biggest music legends recorded their hits. But you may want to go on the visitor’s tour first. Because for a few dollars, you’ll get to greatly expand your music knowledge.
6. Fanny’s
Some music lovers are wise enough to avoid mainstream venues and museums. And if you want to visit a unique place where guitar fans meet, Fanny’s should be near the top of your list. It’s best known as a hotspot of unique guitars, vintage clothes, and so much more.
But Fanny’s is much more than just a store where you can browse interesting items. Among others, it offers lessons and repair services. Plus, the friendly staff will gladly chat with you about Nashville’s music culture.
And while at Fanny’s, you’re free to test out any of the instruments that interest you. There’s also the weekly favorite thing that showcases fun clothes, music, and so much more.
Let the Rhythm Guide You
As you can see, there are so many things to do in Nashville for any music lover. Even better, what you see here are only some of the highlights. Be sure to dive deep into Nashville’s music history and scene, and you’re unlikely to leave disappointed.
If you have the time, check out other attractions like Music Row, the Johnny Cash Museum, Wildhorse Saloon, and Hatch Show Print. These unique places may just upgrade your music knowledge while letting you have so much fun at the same time.
In the end, don’t hesitate to play an instrument or visit a karaoke bar or two. After all, when in Music City, it’d be a shame to leave without showcasing your skills.
