Nashville is a great place to see your favorite artist in concert. Whether you’re headed to a concert at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, the iconic Grand Ole Opry, or a major arena show at Bridgestone Arena or Nissan Stadium, Music City offers plenty to do before the lights go down and the music starts.
So, before you head to the show, spend some time experiencing everything Nashville has to offer, including the food, sights, music museums, and live music!
Nashville’s Famous Food
No visit to Nashville is complete without trying the city’s most famous dish: Nashville hot chicken. Crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor, hot chicken has become a Music City tradition. Popular spots like Hattie B's and Prince's draw visitors from around the country. Be careful, though...when we say hot chicken we mean HOT chicken!
Not into spicy food? Nashville’s food scene goes far beyond hot chicken. The city is loaded with Southern comfort food, barbecue, burgers, rooftop brunch spots, and chef-driven restaurants. Grab barbecue at Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint, enjoy Southern classics at The Southern Steak & Oyster, or explore trendy restaurants in neighborhoods like The Gulch and East Nashville.
Explore the City on a Tour
A concert gives you the perfect excuse to turn your trip into a mini vacation. One of the best ways to experience Nashville before the show is by taking a city tour. Guided tours help visitors discover local history, hidden gems, murals, and famous music landmarks without worrying about navigating downtown traffic.
For something unique and interactive, consider taking a Segway tour. Segway tours allow you to glide through downtown Nashville while learning about the city’s music history, famous landmarks, and entertainment districts. They’re fun, surprisingly easy to learn, and a great way to cover more ground than a walking tour. Plus, they make for fantastic photos and memorable stories before the concert even begins.
Walking tours, golf cart tours, and hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tours are also popular choices for first-time visitors who want a quick overview of Music City.
Dive Into Music History
If you’re coming to Nashville for a concert, chances are you love music. That makes Nashville’s music museums a must-see before the show.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the city’s most popular attractions and features exhibits about country artists ranging from legends like Johnny Cash to modern artists like Lainey Wilson.
Take a deeper dive into the music industry with the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. This museum focuses on the people behind the scene who help make the music we love (musicians, songwriters, engineers) and features several interactive exhibits.
Music fans should also consider visiting the National Museum of African American Music, which explores the impact African American artists have had on every genre of American music.
If time allows, tour historic RCA Studio B, where artists like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded legendary hits.
Walk the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge connects visitors to Nissan Stadium and provides beautiful views of the Cumberland River and the neon lights of Lower Broadway. It’s a great place to slow down for a few minutes, snap photos, and enjoy the atmosphere of downtown Nashville before the crowds gather for the evening.
Experience Broadway Before the Show
Finally, no concert day in Nashville is complete without spending some time on Lower Broadway. Think of it as the opening act! Known as Honky Tonk Highway, this famous stretch of downtown from Rep. John Lewis Way to 1st Avenue, is filled with live music venues where bands perform from morning until late at night.
Legendary spots like Tootsies Orchid Lounge and Robert's Western World, as well as newer bars, offer free live music and an authentic Nashville atmosphere. Even if you only stop in for one drink or a quick song before your concert, Broadway captures the energy and spirit that make Nashville one of the greatest music cities in the world.
Once you’re done with your Nashville exploration, it’s time to head to your concert. Enjoy the show and when you get home, remember all the fun you had in Nashville, concert and all!
Click here to book a Segway tour today!