There’s a reason Nashville is known around the world as “Music City.” Music isn’t just entertainment here. Music is part of the city’s identity.
From legendary concert halls to intimate songwriter venues to honky-tonks filled with live bands seven days a week, Nashville offers music lovers an experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re a fan of country, rock, blues, Americana, bluegrass, jazz, or pop, Nashville delivers unforgettable music experiences at every turn.
No music-focused trip to Nashville would be complete without visiting two of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry. Often called the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium has hosted legendary performers ranging from Johnny Cash to Bob Dylan. Visitors can take daytime tours to learn about the venue’s rich history or attend an evening concert in one of America’s most celebrated music venues.
The Grand Ole Opry is the longest running radio show in America and remains one of Nashville’s most famous attractions. You can catch Opry performances several nights a week, but the official Grand Ole Opry performance and broadcast happens on Saturday nights.
The Opry blends country legends with rising stars, giving visitors the chance to experience the tradition and future of country music in one evening. Backstage tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at dressing rooms, artist entrances, and the history of this beloved show.
Songwriters are the heart of Nashville’s music scene, and one of the best ways to experience that side of Music City is by visiting intimate listening venues. Songwriter rounds allow audiences to hear talented songwriters perform their original music while sharing stories behind the songs.
The Bluebird Cafe is the most well-known songwriter haunt, but it can be very difficult to see a show there. It only holds 70 people!
If you’re looking for a songwriter round, you will find them all around town. Two popular venues that often host rounds are The Listening Room and 3rd and Lindsley.
For visitors who simply want to wander and hear live music everywhere they go, Lower Broadway is the place to be. From Rep John Lewis Way to 1st Avenue you have Honky Tonk Highway. This stretch of Broadway is lined with bars and clubs featuring free live music from morning until late at night.
All of the bars on Broadway showcase incredibly talented musicians every day of the year. Many of the bars are multi-level and feature rooftop stages with views overlooking downtown.
Nashville’s music scene extends far beyond country music. Music fans can hear bluegrass at the famous Station Inn in The Gulch, rock performances at The Basement East, jazz and blues in Printer's Alley, and classical performances by the Nashville Symphony at the stunning Schermerhorn Symphony Center. With more than 250 live music venues around the city, there is always something happening no matter your musical taste.
Music history lovers should make time for visiting one or more of our music museums. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to country music. The museum features exhibits and memorabilia from artists like Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, and many more. Visitors can also tour historic RCA Studio B, where countless classic hits were recorded and the famous “Nashville Sound” was born.
Another must-visit museum is the National Museum of African American Music, which explores the impact African American artists have had on every genre of American music. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to listen, sing, dance, and fully immerse themselves in music history.
For travelers wanting to take home a piece of Music City, Nashville offers unique music-themed shopping opportunities. Browse vinyl records at Grimey's Records and Swaggie Records, visit the historic Hatch Show Print Shop for concert posters, or explore famous guitar shops like Gruhn Guitars.
Whether you’re attending a major concert, listening to songwriters in a tiny venue, or simply walking down Broadway hearing live music spill out into the streets, Nashville offers music fans a truly immersive experience. Music City doesn’t just celebrate music — it lives and breathes it every single day.