With over 200 recording studios, many independent recording labels and countless music venues and ‘honky tonks’… music is a way of life in Nashville. Here are some unmissable things to do in Nashville Tennessee.
‘Music City’ has given us Johnny Cash, country music, the ‘Nashville Sound’ and rock and roll… Today we are tuning in to Nashville’s greatest hits and must-see places:
HISTORIC STUDIO B
Take a guided tour of the historic Studio B, considered the birthplace of rock and roll music and absolute must for music lovers. Some of the greatest musicians have recorded their music here including ‘The King’ Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton and Roy Orbison.
GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE
What started as a ‘radio barn dance’ in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry show has become the longest running radio show in the USA and a reference for country music. This unique stage concert takes place once a week and country music fans travel from all over the world to see it.
Make sure you visit the Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry show and ‘Mother Church of Country Music’.
COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM
Founded in 1961, Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the home of American music. It showcases over 2.5 million artefacts related to the greatest artists of country music of all time, including costumes, letters, instruments, videos, pictures and recordings. It is one of the world’s largest music collections, an absolute must-see for music fans and one of the top things to do in Nashville. Spot Elvis’ 1960 Cadillac and Janis Joplin’s handwritten lyrics.
JOHNNY CASH MUSEUM
This is a relatively new museum, opened in 2013, but it has become a modern classic for fans of Johnny Cash, The Man in Black. The Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the country music superstar and it is home to the largest collection of Johnny Cash memorabilia and artifacts.
Visitors can admire original handwritten letters and lyrics to some of the magnificent songs penned by Cash; a display of his Gold and Platinum records; his iconic ‘Main in Black’ outfit; Grammy Awards as well as many of his musical instruments and many other interesting mementos and items.
SHOW BOAT
A fantastic and memorable way to experience Nashville is ‘rolling down the river’ enjoying dinner and a musical show onboard the General Jackson showboat on the Cumberland River.
HONKY TONKS ON BROADWAY
Wander Nashville’s lively entertainment district where you will find many live shows to choose from and the famous ‘honky tonks’ bars with live country music, where many artists started their career. Who knows? You might even spot the new Willie Nelson!
FOOD
Don’t forget to refuel with comforting Southern food while you are exploring Nashville. There are many great restaurants and foods to please your appetite, from Southern classics to fusion, but if there is one thing you must try in Nashville that is its signature ‘hot chicken’.
We hope you enjoyed our top things to do in Nashville, Music City.
You can visit Nashville, Memphis and other musical destinations in the USA joining our next USA Escorted Tour with Brian Cunningham departing from Dublin in November 2023.
Talk to our travel experts for advice and to book your place.
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