15 Must-See Landmarks In Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee is irrevocably considered the Music City, and for good reason! After all, it’s the capital and origin of good all-American country music, bringing us back to the wholesome goodness of cowboys and their boots! However, there’s a lot more to Nashville than their music – it is Tennessee’s most populous city, and it’s brimming with liveliness and charm! So, what are you waiting for? Nashville is the perfect city to visit, especially in the cooler seasons – so buckle up your cowboy boots and saddles, it’s time to rein in the horses to the Music City!

Here, we’ve compiled 15 must-see landmarks in Nashville, Tennessee!

Photo by DINE Magazine

The Parthenon, located at the must-go Centennial Park, is the absolute centerpiece of the urban landscape. It is quite reminiscent of the historic landmark of the same name in ancient Greece, isn’t it? Indeed, the Parthenon in Nashville is a true, full-scale replica of the Athena originals. As an ode to the ancient city of Athens, this replica of the Parthenon serves as a monument to what is the absolute pinnacle of classical architecture. It stands timeless, be it through the ages and locations – Nashville or Athens alike.

Fun fact: the plaster replicas of the Parthenon Marbles found in the Naos are direct casts of the original sculptures, which was part of the Athenian Parthenon dating way back when! The originals are housed safely in the British Museum.

Prices and Opening Hours

If you want to visit Nashville’s Parthenon, note that this beautiful building is considered the top tourist attraction in Nashville! It costs $6 for adults and $4 for children up to 17 years old. The seniors above 62 years old get a deal at $4 too.

Take note of the operating hours, and remember that Nashville’s Parthenon is closed Monday, so plan your trips on the other days of the week! You can easily get there by car (parking is free!) or hop on the city buses.

Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00 a.m–4:30 p.m.

Sunday, 12:30 p.m–4:30 p.m.

Photo by Conde Nast Traveler

Johnny Cash is considered to be one of Nashville’s pride – evident from the popular museum named after him! It features the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of all things Johnny Cash. If you don’t know who the irrefutable Johnny Cash is, well – he is one of the world’s greatest country musician! This museum does him justice, as it is ranked the number one music museum in the world by publications like Forbes and National Geographic.

Similarly, according to fans, Nashville’s Johnny Cash Museum does a great job in paying homage to a man revered in the country music industry. Johnny Cash fans definitely will not be disappointed. Those who are slightly unfamiliar with his music will become new fans after a mere visit! Furthermore, with the museum’s extremely convenient location between the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Honky-Tonk, there is no excuse not to drop by and get yourself some good Cash.

Prices and Opening Hours

If you want to visit Nashville’s Johnny Cash Museum, general admission tickets at $19.95 plus tax, with youth tickets going at $15.95 plus tax. If you want to avoid the queue, make sure to buy the tickets online.  

Nashville’s Johnny Cash Museum opens daily from 9am-7pm, so you can flexibly plan your trip there and witness Nashville’s greatest country music star in all his glory.

Photo by Travel + Leisure

If you’re unfamiliar with Andrew Jackson, he is an ex-President (in fact, the 7^th President) of the United States. He was known as the People’s President. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, located right here in the humble abodes of Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the most visited presidential homes in the United States! It consists of over 1,000 acres of farmland as well as his iconic grounds and mansions. It was recently named as the number one historic house in Tennessee, so you know you’ve got to pay it a visit!

Prices and Opening Hours

If you want to visit Nashville’s Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, you can choose from a few tours: the VIP tour, the General’s tour, or the President’s tour. The General tour goes for $22 for adults, $17 for youths, and $19 for seniors. You can also choose the VIP tour – a 1.5 hour guided tour around the grounds; or the President’s tour where you get an upgraded device.

Nashville’s Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage opens daily from 8:30am – 6:30pm, and parking at the grounds is free.

Photo by Nashville Design History

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville is one of the largest research and interactive museums in Tennessee. It is exclusively dedicated to the preservation of vernacular music. Basically, what it means Is that Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum deeply values its origin country music, and promotes new music from its shores as well!

Current exhibits at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museuminclude Brooks and Dunn, which tell the story of the best selling country music duo of all time; and also of Kacey Musgraves, who shot to fame early this year and shows no sign of stopping!

Prices and Opening Hours

If you want to visit Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, there are several experiences you can choose from. General admission tickets are priced at $24.95 and $15.95 for adults and youths respectively. There are also various other experiences at the Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum if you want a more immersive experience.

If you want to avoid the queue, make sure to buy the tickets online.  

Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opens daily from 9am to 5pm, and parking at the grounds is paid.

Photo by Travel + Leisure

Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium is a premier live performance theatre that can seat more than 2,000 people! It is the home to the Grand Ole Opry and it’s the go-to place to see amazing performances in Nashville, Tennessee. Tour the Ryman Auditorium and see the iconic galleries from $24.95, and leave feeling utterly inspired. Other shows include Ringo Starr of Beatles fame, and metal band Slash! With such a variety, the Ryman Auditorium is a must-go if you’re in downtown Nashville.

Prices and Opening Hours

If you want to visit Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, there are several experiences you can choose from. Buy tickets for the shows you want directly on the site, especially if you want to avoid the queue.

The tours at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium opens daily from 9am to 4pm, so make sure not to miss out.

Photo by The Hills Ahead

Nashville Zoo is one of the biggest zoos in the United States, and is one of Nashville’s most popular tourist attractions, amassing upwards of a million eager visitors per year. Get ready to be greeted by an array of amazing animals like the Sumatran Tiger and Masai Giraffes at the Nashville Zoo. Remember to take lots of photos – the zoo is a real treat for the entire family!

Prices and Opening Hours

If you want to visit the Nashville Zoo, opening times vary slightly from 9am-4pm during the winter season, and 9am-6pm when the weather warms up.  Admission prices vary as such:

The zoo is free to enter for members and toddlers below the age of 2. Parking costs $7.

Photo by The Tennessean

If you’re a shopaholic who loves to shop til you drop, Opry Mills would be the ideal getaway for you! Nashville’s Opry Mills is a must-go shopping destination in Nashville, Tennessee. It is Nashville’s largest outlet and retail shopping mall, and housed within its quarters are nearly 200 stores! This includes reputable brands like Saks Fifth Avenue, Forever 21, J.Crew Factory Store, and way more! If you’re feeling hungry, Opry Mills also has have full-service dining options including the popular Aquarium Restaurant, Rainforest Cafe, Chuy’s Mexican Food, as well as fast food options such as Johnny Rockets, Subway and Panda Express.

Prices and Opening Hours

Nashville’s Opry Mills opens daily from 10am to 9pm, so make a trip there and have fun!

The Fontanel Mansion is a large log home formerly owned by Country Music Hall of Fame member Barbara Mandrell. It is Nashville’s only country music mansion tour giving visitors a sneak peek into the lives of country music stars. The home is situated on the 200-acre land, nestled in the rolling hills of the Whites Creek Valley!

There are several things to do at the Fontanel Mansion, including visiting The Inn at Fontanel, the Woods Amphitheater, Pritchard’s Distillery, Music City Ziplines, and more. It is no doubt as to why the Fontanel Mansion is one of Nashville’s touristy must-go destinations. It’s an ideal place to travel to with your entire family, including your dog!

The Fontanel Mansion is located at Whites Creek is minutes away from downtown Nashville.

You can stay at the Inn or drive in for a day trip.

Photo by Wikicommons

Cheekwood in Nashville Tennessee is a historic botanic gardens and historic estate. It houses various art galleries and seasonal festivals – and many couples also host their weddings at this beautiful location!

Prices and Opening Hours

If you want to visit the gorgeous lands that is chockful of history, Nashville’s Cheekwood has opening hours at Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm.

Photo by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is Nashville’s producer of wines and other spirits that are highly sought after across the world. If you’re into all things distillery, make sure to book a tour where they would take you through generations of the careful and thoughtful spirit making process, which ends with a sample tasting. Yummy!

Prices and Opening Hours

Buy tickets directly on the site because they very quickly sell out. Prices go for $12+ for adults and $6 for children, but note that underage visitors can’t drink!

Photo by Wikicommons

Nashville’s Percy Warner Park is a public park in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a beautiful wilderness nestled right in the middle of Nashville – go there for a breather away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

It is recommended to go there by day, and the trails take about 2-3 hours to complete.

Photo by Lonely Planet

The Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville, Tennessee is something of a local classic. Delightfully loud and proud, the Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge paints the town a literal purple! It’s your local and historic watering hole, what the locals call ‘honky tonk’! If you want to have an immersive local experience, you should definitely head over and have a couple drinks while enjoying some live music. It’s exactly how people did it in the 60’s.

Photo by Frist Art Museum

Nashville’s Frist Art Museum is a gorgeous art deco building that houses interesting exhibits! One of these is the rotating visual exhibitions you should definition check out. Current exhibitions include that of the unforgettable Frida Kahlo and other amazing Mexican artists! If you’re into art and art history, this is the place for you.

Prices and Opening Hours

Ticket prices go for $15 and $10 for adults and seniors respectively, and is free for visitors under the age of $18. The museum opens from 10am onwards, and closes at 5:30pm.

Photo by Wikicommons

Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center is a concert hall in Downtown Nashville. It hosts concerts, events, and even fun activities like the Beatles and Tom Petty tribute concerts! Make sure to get your tickets online because they sell out fast.

Photo by Tennessee Tourism

The Belmont Mansion in Nashville is Nashville’s historic house museum! It is known around the world as an exceptional example of old Victorian home life. If you’re into how Americans in Nashville lived way back when, you’re in for a real treat!

Prices and Opening Hours

If you’re planning a visit, there are both guided and self-guided tour options. Tours begin at $15 for adults.

Final Thoughts On Nashville, Tennessee

Far from being just a country music haven, it’s clear that Nashville has a lot to offer for every visitor! From museums, art galleries, to gorgeous landscapes and historic grounds, we hope that you’ve found something you’ll enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? It’s high time to book a trip to Nashville, Tennessee!