When most people think of Nashville, they picture cowboy boots, honky-tonks, and music playing on every corner. While Nashville certainly embraces its nickname of Music City, the city has evolved into something much bigger. Today, Nashville offers world-class food, art, history, and outdoor spaces. Even if you’re not a big music fan, Nashville has plenty to offer.
One of the best surprises for first-time visitors is Nashville’s thriving arts and museum scene. The Frist Art Museum is one of the city’s top cultural attractions, featuring rotating exhibits from both international and local artists inside a beautifully restored Art Deco building. Because exhibits constantly change, every visit feels different.
Another unexpected attraction is The Parthenon in Centennial Park. This full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon includes an art museum and a massive 32 foot tall, gold statue of Athena that leaves many visitors stunned. It’s one of the most unique landmarks in the South and ties into the city’s original nickname, The Athens of the South.
Warren LeMay from Chicago, IL, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Centennial Park also provides walking trails, open green spaces, and picnic areas right in the middle of the city.
You can also visit Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, the preserved home of the seventh U.S. president. The estate includes gardens, walking paths, exhibits, and a detailed look into early American history.
For history lovers, you can visit the Tennessee Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park where you will find the largest map of Tennessee in the world, a timeline of Tennessee history, the World War II Memorial, and the Tennessee Sate Museum. You will also find the Nashville Farmers Market and Farmers Market Food Hall at Bicentennial.
Downtown, visit Fort Nashborough, a replica of the original settlement in the area. In 1784 the city’s name was changed from Nashborough to Nashville.
Nashville’s food scene has also exploded in recent years. Yes, you should try Nashville hot chicken at least once, especially if you like hot, spicy food. Prince's Hot Chicken and Hattie B's Hot Chicken remain two of the city’s most famous spots for this delicious local specialty.
But Nashville’s culinary scene extends far beyond hot chicken. BBQ, pizza, burgers, gyros, and more can be found in abundance.
For more exotic choices you can also find Lebanese cuisine at Epice, handmade tacos at Mas Tacos Por Favor, and international food stalls at the Nashville Farmers' Market. The city has quietly become one of the South’s best food destinations.
Outdoor lovers can enjoy Radnor Lake State Park, the Nashville Zoo, or water parks like SoundWaves and Nashville Shores.
Visitors looking for quirky attractions can explore the Lane Motor Museum, home to one of America’s largest collections of unusual cars from around the world, or visit the Adventure Science Center for interactive exhibits and planetarium shows.
Neighborhoods like East Nashville, Germantown, and The Gulch provide a completely different atmosphere from Broadway. These areas are filled with murals, coffee shops, vintage stores, rooftop bars, breweries, and local boutiques. East Nashville especially has become known for its artsy, laid-back vibe, and strong indie culture.
Nashville may be called Music City, but it has grown into much more than a music destination. From art museums and international cuisine to outdoor adventures, Nashville offers experiences for every type of traveler.