Things to do in Central Tennessee

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Central Tennessee
Central Tennessee
Central Tennessee
Central Tennessee
Central Tennessee

Central Tennessee Attractions

If you're ready to hit the streets of Central Tennessee, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a local expert show you the most popular tourist attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {48 fun activities in Central Tennessee fun activities in Central Tennessee} are also worth a look.


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Central Tennessee must see attractions

1. Broadway

There’s never a quiet moment on Nashville’s Broadway, whose famous bars and cultural institutions keep the party going all day and all night. Affectionately referred to as the Honky Tonk Highway, the bars and clubs here are defined by the presence of live music, long hours, and a lack of cover charges. With a musical culture that encourages big stars and unknown acts alike to hit the stage, no matter how small, that means that bar-hopping is the way to go. There’s more than parties though, with the Frist Art Museum and other places offering respite from crowds and noise.
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2. Grand Ole Opry

Beginning in 1925 as a "barn dance," the Grand Ole Opry is the longest running radio show in American history. The two-hour program is broadcast live on Friday and Saturday nights, and on Tuesday nights March through December. Each show features a number of artists, from country music legends to budding artists, performing bluegrass, gospel, folk and country.
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Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee

3. Music City Center

Opened in 2013, the Music City Center aims to be one of the most convenient convention centers in the United States. Created by an Atlanta-based firm, TVS design, in partnership with the Nashville-based Tuck Hinton Architects, the center harkens to the classic Nashville look while being thoroughly modern and definitely eco-friendly. Stop by its central location, in an area that was, until the 1950s, nicknamed Black Bottom for its periodic floods, just to appreciate the sheer size of the building. Spreading out over 2.1 million square feet (195,000 square meters), it is no surprise it has quickly become the city’s biggest spot for conventions and celebrations of all sorts.
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4. Ryman Auditorium

Delve into over 100 years of entertainment history in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium. Browse museum exhibits, peak inside the dressing rooms and cut your own record in the recording studio. Watch performances by both emerging and internationally famous artists, ranging from bluegrass and country to hip-hop and soul genres.
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5. Bridgestone Arena

Bridgestone Arena may just be one of the most convenient urban stadiums in America, sited right near most of Nashville’s biggest attractions. That means it’s easy to slip in a hockey game on a whirlwind tour of the city, or hit the bars of Lower Broad after catching a sold-out stadium concert. Come to see some of the biggest acts in folk and country, like Mumford & Sons or Kasey Musgraves, or get a completely new perspective on the human body with the death-defying feats of Cirque du Soleil.
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What to do in Central Tennessee

Things to Do in Central Tennessee with Kids

Central Tennessee is a great destination for a family break. Take the youngsters along and enjoy these popular family friendly experiences together:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Central Tennessee? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Central Tennessee

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Central Tennessee

Downtown Nashville

Downtown Nashville

4/5(5,861 area reviews)

Sounds of country and honky-tonk resonate around the streets of Music City. Watch a show, attend a hockey match and walk in the footsteps of U.S. presidents.

Downtown Nashville
Music Row

Music Row

4.5/5(666 area reviews)

Historic district southwest of downtown Nashville, Music Row boasts numerous record labels, studios, and music-related businesses. Explore upscale restaurants and bars along Demonbreun Street, and admire the "Musica" statue at the Music Row Roundabout.

Music Row
SoBro

SoBro

While visiting SoBro, you might make a stop by sights like Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Bridgestone Arena.

SoBro
Opryland

Opryland

Opryland is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Grand Ole Opry and Cooter's Nashville, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Nashville.

Opryland
Nashville_EastNashville_553248633938969464_14

East Nashville

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

Creative and artistic flair defines this area, attracting young urban professionals. Enjoy numerous parks, coffee shops, and art galleries, making it perfect for bikers and walkers. Easily navigate via Gallatin Ave and Ellington Parkway.

East Nashville
The District

The District

Wear sturdy cowboy boots because exploring all the shops, restaurants and honky-tonks of Nashville’s most party-heavy area means a lot of walking.

The District

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Central Tennessee

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Central Tennessee on a sunny day?
Make the most of the great weather (and get some fresh air while you're at it) with one or two of these top activities:


What to do in Central Tennessee on a rainy day?
If it's raining cats and dogs during your trip, put your umbrella aside and try some of these indoor activities:


What is Central Tennessee famous for?
Pose for a family happy snap at Grand Ole Opry — it's a well-known local attraction.
What should I not miss in Central Tennessee?
Put these sights toward the top of your to-do list to get the most out of your visit:

  • Vanderbilt University
  • Nissan Stadium
  • Ryman Auditorium
  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Are there cheap things to do in Central Tennessee?
What can you do in Central Tennessee for free?
You could put your wallet in the hotel safe for the day, because these top attractions won't cost you a penny:

  • Vanderbilt University
  • Tennessee State Capitol
  • Opry Mills
  • Belmont University

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