Thanks to Nashville`s significant role in the music industry and its designation as Tennessee`s capitol city, there are many noteworthy Nashville landmarks and historic sites to explore.
Music fans will find a lot of talent on those stages. Comedy lovers can catch headliners with sold-out tour dates in small rooms in The Comedy Shop and Laugh Factory. These are two of my favorite locations to explore in West Hollywood.
As someone living in Nashville, I don’t want you to miss out on learning about Nashville’s rich history and culture through seeing its landmarks. I’ve gathered a guide to some of the most famous sites in Nashville to help you start exploring.
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17 Famous Sites & Landmarks in Nashville
Ryman Auditorium
The historic location that helped launch country music to a widespread audience.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Explore Guided Experiences of the Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium located downtown is both a museum and an active music venue. The Ryman has hosted some of the most iconic moments in country music history.
The tabernacle-turned-auditorium served as the home of the Grand Ole Opry for several years. It`s where Johnny Cash first met June Carter and where many country music careers were launched. The Ryman helped establish Nashville as Music City.
You can either explore the grounds of the Ryman during the day to see behind the scenes and get a chance to stand on the iconic stage area. Or, you can see a performance in the evening hours. Today, artists from all genres play at the Ryman Auditorium. It’s one of my favorite musical places in Nashville.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
One of the largest museums globally, entirely focused on country music.
📍 Google Maps | Country Music Hall of Fame Website | 👉 Peruse Tours to the Country Music Hall of Fame
Centrally located in Downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame offers a uniquely musical experience. The Hall honors influential figures in country music`s development. As one of Nashville`s most visited museums, its collection comprises over two million artifacts chronicling the genre.
The museum is a dream for devoted country music fans who will love memorabilia like Maybelle Carter’s guitar, plenty of rhinestone stage costumes, and iconic handwritten song manuscripts. Even if you aren’t a huge country enthusiast, there’s such an extensive collection that you’ll find plenty to interest you.
Grand Ole Opry House
A live music venue that is home to broadcasts with the longest-running histories worldwide.
📍 Maps of Location | Grand Ole Opry House Website | 👉 Explore Conducted Tours to the Grand Ole Opry House
The Grand Ole Opry Show first originated in 1925. The world’s longest-running radio broadcast featured renowned performers like Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, and Loretta Lynn taking the stage at the Ryman location. In 1974, the show relocated to a new venue in Music Valley.
The renowned Grand Ole Opry House continues hosting rising country artists and legends each week. Country fans can acquire tickets to watch the Grand Ole Opry.
Presently, when recordings of the Grand Ole Opry are not taking place, the Opry House stages performances by more than just country musicians. Verify upcoming events to see if favorite artists will be performing there.
If you lack the time to see a show, take one of the backstage tours to learn more regarding the history of the iconic broadcast that introduced country music into homes around the USA.
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
An iconic landmark with amazing views of Nashville.
Originally built in 1909 to connect Downtown Nashville to East Nashville, the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge spans the Cumberland River. Today, the bridge is a pedestrian-only walkway (with a bike lane through the middle).
The bridge stands out prominently in Nashville`s skyline and has featured in numerous music videos. It`s also the perfect spot for a stroll to appreciate views of the river and downtown skyline.
The pathway connecting downtown Nashville to a bridge located within the Metro Nashville Greenway system makes it easy for visitors to enjoy a stroll.
📚 Related Reading: Looking for a downtown lodge? Here’s a guide to where to stay in Nashville.
Nashville Public Library
One of the most beautiful structures in Nashville with several fascinating special exhibitions and a stunning reading room.
📍 Google Maps | Website
The main facility of the Nashville Public Library located in downtown is a relatively new construction that opened in 2001. The three-floor building is completely beautiful with wide staircases and elegant columns. There`s a courtyard in the center where you can sit and read or enjoy one of the programs that take place outside. Make sure to check out the lovely reading room, too!
The Nashville Public Library also houses the Votes for Women Room which commemorates the 19th Amendment, as well as the Civil Rights Room chronicling the city’s history related to civil rights. Visiting the main library ranks among my top free activities in Nashville.
If you park in the Library Garage, make sure to validate your ticket on the library’s first floor to get 90 minutes of free parking.
Belmont Mansion
Explore the most extensive house museum in Tennessee built before the Civil War.
📍 Google Maps | Belmont Mansion Website
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Many collectibles and works of art are on display in the mansion. If you have an interest in history or art, taking a tour of the Belmont Mansion and its grounds is worth your time.
🚗 A Convenient Way to See Nashville:
One of the simplest methods to explore Nashville`s landmarks is with Old Town Trolley Tours. The hop-on bus tour takes visitors to 13 unique areas in Nashville, and you don’t need to worry about parking
Tennessee State Museum
Walk through Tennessee history at this complimentary museum.
📍 The Google Maps contains the location coordinates of the Tennessee State Museum, while its website provides additional details.
The Tennessee State Museum in downtown Nashville proves ideal for history enthusiasts of all varieties. The exhibits commence with the earliest inhabitants of Tennessee and continue throughout the state`s past to modern times.
Visitors can explore topics ranging from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War to Tennessee`s musical heritage. Entrance to the museum is complimentary. It is also conveniently positioned near both the Tennessee State Capitol and Nashville Farmers` Market. The entire locale makes for a worthwhile morning or afternoon activity.
I frequently go to the Tennessee State Museum because the special exhibits are consistently being updated, guaranteeing something novel to see.
Tennessee State Capitol
Visit one of the oldest state capitols still actively serving and see the final resting places of former President James K. Polk and his wife.
📍 Google Maps | Website
The capitol building of Tennessee located in Downtown Nashville was built between 1845 and 1859. The beautiful structure is among the oldest working capitols in the United States.
Like most major cities, each neighborhood in Mexico City has a distinct appearance and feel, from the leafy streets of Roma Norte, to the lush parks of La Condesa, and the charming cobblestone streets of Coyoacán.
If possible take one of the guided excursions because the tour guides are highly skilled at explaining a mix of historical information about Tennessee and its state capitol.
Fort Negley
The only Civil War-era fortress in Nashville that still remains today.
📍 Google location tool | Site details
Fort Negley was built during the Civil War by Union troops after Nashville was captured. Only the ruins of the fort remain now. You can go to the visitor center to learn more about the fort and see a video of how the site was constructed.
Fort Negley presents an enlightening landmark for history enthusiasts, but it`s also pleasant for all when the weather is fair. There`s a 3⁄4 mile route encircling the area, and leashed canines are welcomed.
Belle Meade Plantation
Learn about the way of life in the 18th and 19th centuries.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Just outside of Nashville in Belle Meade, this estate was once a plantation and thoroughbred breeding farm. Today, the Greek Revival style home is accessible to visitors.
During the tour of the estate, you`ll gain knowledge about both the wealthy family who owned the property as well as the enslaved individuals who labored in the house and on the grounds.
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
The residence of the seventh US president, situated just outside Nashville.
📍 Online map | Website
A few miles south of Nashville, you’ll find The Hermitage, the former residence of President Andrew Jackson. The Hermitage is one of the most visited presidential homes in the United States.
The antebellum mansion has been converted into a museum. It contains a surprising amount of original furnishings. While the mansion is impressive, the grounds steal the show.
In addition to being beautiful, the grounds contain walking routes that take visitors on an informative tour highlighting the lives of the enslaved men and women who lived on the estate. It`s a topic that is often glossed over at similar properties.
The Hermitage is certainly worth visiting for anyone interested in American history.
📚 Related Reading: Best Day Trips from Nashville
Music City Walk of Fame
A public park honoring music legends from all genres across from the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Right in downtown, the Music City Walk of Fame honors figures in Nashville’s music industry. You’ll find stars commemorating everyone from Elvis Presley to Reba McEntire to the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
The park allows public access at no cost and provides a pleasant way to spend half an hour outside locating stars representing notable people in the music industry.
👉 Pro Tip: The recreational area is adjacent to the Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s simple to consecutively tour the two locations.
Nashville Parthenon
An accurate replica of the iconic Parthenon in Athens constructed for Tennessee’s Centennial Exhibition.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Wondering how the Parthenon ended up in Nashville? Before Nashville became Music City, it was known as “The Athens of the South” thanks to the numerous colleges here. The Parthenon Republica was built in 1897 for Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition.
The replica of the Parthenon located within Centennial Park accurately mimics the structure and includes an exact copy of the statue of Athena that originally stood there. It also doubles as an art museum showcasing works by American artists.
👉 Pro Tip: Leave time to explore Centennial Park after visiting the Parthenon. It’s a great location for an easy stroll or a picnic.
Music Row
Where some legendary music artists recorded albums.
With a nickname like Music City, it’s no surprise that the music industry plays a big role in Nashville. The area known as Music Row is filled with businesses and other sites relating to this musical heritage.
Traveling down the row, visitors will see historic locations such as RCA Studio B, the recording facility where artists like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, the Everly Brothers, and many others recorded albums. Buildings in the area still house active record label offices, radio stations, and studios for making recordings.
👉 Interested in Music History? Explore RCA Studio B, the birthplace of the Nashville Sound, as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame through a combined ticket to the two sites.
General Jackson Showboat
Enjoy an evening meal and performance while cruising the Cumberland River.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Reserve a lunch or dinner cruise excursion on the General Jackson Showboat
If you want to view Nashville from a unique vantage point, take part in a cruise aboard the General Jackson Showboat. The voyage includes a meal and entertainment show. It`s the ideal way to appreciate the scenery surrounding the Cumberland River while relaxing. You`ll have the chance to capture beautiful photos of downtown from the deck.
The cruise starts at Opry Mills near the Gaylord Opryland Resort. The resort is one of our favorite places to lodge in Nashville.
Belcourt Theatre
A theater from the 1920s that is a must-see for film aficionados.
📍 Google Maps directory | Website page
This historic building was constructed in 1925. The first movies displayed here were silent films. Today, the Belcourt Theatre is a non-profit film center. It shows everything including independent releases, documentaries, foreign films, and classic films. You can even catch films screened in 35mm film format.
Experiencing a movie at the Belcourt Theatre is a unique experience, especially for film enthusiasts. Check out their showings and don’t miss the chance to see a movie at this distinct theater.
👉 Next Topic: Best Places to Go in Tennessee
Cheekwood Estate
An elegantly maintained residential property with beautiful botanical areas and an on-site museum.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Just outside of Nashville, Cheekwood is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The mansion on the grounds was constructed in 1929 and now houses an art gallery.
The mansion is lovely, but the real attraction is the botanical gardens. During spring, hundreds of thousands of buds are planted. While crowds are expected in spring, the gardens are just as busy during fall thanks to the pumpkin patch. Even in winter, tickets for the Christmas light show tend to go fast.
Visiting these elaborately designed gardens is the ideal activity for people of all types from families to couples.
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You could easily dedicate days exploring all the iconic locations in Nashville! When planning your trip, be sure to reference our guides on lodging options in Nashville and the highest rated eateries in Nashville.
