Top 5 Things to Do in Nashville (And Why a Nashville Walking Tour Should Be First)

Nashville has no shortage of incredible experiences. From legendary music venues to mouthwatering hot chicken, there’s something for everyone in Music City. But with so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve rounded up the Top 5 Things to Do in Nashville—with our top recommendation being the one that starts your whole trip off right: a Nashville Walking Tour with Nashville Adventures.

If you want to experience the soul of the city—not just the souvenirs—this is your guide. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a bachelor party, or a family trip, these activities will help you get the most out of your time in Tennessee’s capital.

1. Take the Best Nashville Walking Tour with Nashville Adventures

The #1 thing to do in Nashville isn’t in a bar or behind a velvet rope—it’s out on the streets, walking the same paths that presidents, pioneers, outlaws, and country legends once did.

The History Highlights and Hacks Tour by Nashville Adventures is the top-rated Nashville History Tour, and it’s easy to see why. It’s more than just facts and photo ops. This experience blends storytelling, local history, and modern-day tips from veteran-owned guides who actually care about your visit.

On this Nashville Tour, you’ll:

• Stand in the shadow of the Ryman Auditorium and hear why it’s called “The Mother Church of Country Music”
• Walk through Printer’s Alley, once home to bootleggers, jazz clubs, and scandalous speakeasies
• Explore Fort Nashboro, where Nashville was born
• Learn what to eat, where to go, and what to avoid while you’re here—local tips you won’t find on Yelp

This isn’t a dry lecture. It’s part stand-up, part TED Talk, part history class—with a whole lot of personality. Small groups, passionate guides, and an emphasis on real stories make this the best Nashville Walking Tour for first-timers, locals, and history buffs alike.

🕰️ Pro tip: Book your walking tour on the first day of your trip. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of the city—and a custom list of places to visit based on your guide’s local hacks.

2. Visit the Ryman Auditorium

Even if you don’t catch a show inside, standing outside the Ryman Auditorium is like standing in the heart of Nashville’s musical soul. Built in 1892, the Ryman has hosted everyone from Johnny Cash to Dolly Parton to Elvis.

This sacred stage isn’t just important to Nashville—it helped birth the global phenomenon of country music. Take the tour, walk the aisles, and imagine the legends that stood there before you.

If you took the Nashville History Tour, you already know the story of how a preacher, a riverboat captain, and an unexpected twist of fate created the Ryman’s legacy.

3. Stroll Through Broadway (But Go Early)

It wouldn’t be a trip to Nashville without visiting Lower Broadway, home to honky tonks, live music, rooftop bars, and neon lights. But here’s the truth most travel blogs won’t tell you—Broadway can get intense. Wall-to-wall crowds, high prices, and party buses galore.

Still, it’s worth experiencing. We recommend hitting Broadway early in the day or on a weeknight if you want to soak in the scene without the chaos. Grab a drink at Tootsie’s or Robert’s Western World, hear some authentic live music, and snap a few selfies under the lights.

Your Nashville Walking Tour guide will likely point out some lesser-known bars with better music and cheaper drinks—another reason to start with the tour!

4. Explore the Tennessee State Museum (And Capitol Grounds)

For anyone interested in deep history beyond the honky tonk scene, the Tennessee State Museum is a hidden gem. It’s free, air-conditioned, and full of fascinating exhibits that cover everything from Indigenous history to Civil Rights.

Located right near the Tennessee State Capitol, it’s a great place to walk, reflect, and get a sense of the bigger picture. After learning about Tennessee’s role in American history, you’ll appreciate the city’s culture even more.

Combine this with your Nashville History Tour to connect the dots between the people, places, and politics that shaped the South.

5. Take a Sunset Stroll on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Wrap up your day with a sunset view that stuns. The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge stretches across the Cumberland River and gives you panoramic views of the Nashville skyline, the river, and the glittering lights of Broadway.

This is one of the best spots for photos and reflection. Whether you’re walking off dinner or just want a quiet moment away from the crowds, this bridge is a local favorite.

Best of all—it’s just a short walk from where your Nashville Walking Tour ends. Consider it a perfect capstone to a day spent diving into Music City’s stories.

Final Thoughts: Nashville Starts on Foot

If you want to truly understand this city, you have to walk its streets.

Don’t settle for generic bus tours or overpriced rooftop bars as your introduction to Nashville. Start with a Nashville History Tour that gives you the stories, insights, and hacks to make the rest of your visit unforgettable.

Nashville Adventures was founded by a combat veteran turned historian, and we believe every step through this city can be a step into the past—and toward the best version of your trip.

Ready to walk Nashville the right way? Book your Nashville Tour today at nashvilleadventures.com.