The Best Things To Do In Nashville That Go Beyond Music, According To Reviews

Nashville's nickname is Music City, and for good reason. Locals and visitors can enjoy tunes at more than 250 venues throughout the area. Music-related experiences are also on every corner, such as at the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Music City Walk of Fame, the historic RCA Studio B, and more. But even if you listen to old hits on an iPod Nano, you should still add Nashville to your bucket list. The Tennessee destination has a lively spirit that goes beyond the music realm, ranging from parks, museums, and historic sites. You'll also find great outdoor dining and people-watching spots in Nashville.

There's plenty to enjoy in Tennessee's capital, even if you're not musically savvy or just ready for peace and quiet after checking out way too many shows on your trip. So, we rounded up the top activities in the city that have nothing to do with music by drawing on accounts from those who have enjoyed these experiences. We only included Nashville attractions that have at least 4 stars on Tripadvisor and hundreds of reviews. So don't feel bad if you're ready to unpack your earplugs; there are lots of things to love about Nashville that have nothing to do with a microphone.

With so many country music bars, Nashville can seem like it's solely a destination for adults looking to party. However, parents with children can enjoy the city too, especially at the massive, 44,000-square-foot Adventure Science Center. The non-profit center houses nearly 200 attractions, ranging from a flight simulator to a dinosaur fossil exhibit. Here are more fun, family-friendly things to do in Nashville.

More than 200,000 people visit Adventure Science Center yearly to experience its cutting-edge features. It includes a beehive where visitors can watch bees feed their babies and make honey. There's also a giant interactive human body, a rain garden, and more. One of the highlights is the Sudekum Planetarium, named for Nashville local and founding museum board member Tony Sudekum. Stretching 63 feet in the air, it offers regular star, constellation, and planet shows. Tickets are $22 per adult and $18 per child, although some elements, like the planetarium, cost extra.

The Adventure Science Center dates back to 1945 when it was known as the Children's Museum of Nashville. It underwent several expansions over the years, eventually culminating in its name change in 2003. Since then, it's earned more than 670 reviews on Tripadvisor, resulting in 4.2 stars. One past visitor wrote on Tripadvisor, "Almost all exhibitions are interactive which makes them super fun for kids. The Live Science demonstration is a must-do. When we travel we always try to hit children's [museums] and this is one of the best."

Besides being a center for country music, Nashville is a hub of American history. Nowhere is that more evident than at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage. The property served as the former president's 1,000-acre farm and estate, later becoming a political epicenter visited by fellow politicians and other notable individuals. Visitors can follow in their footsteps, as tours of Jackson's home are available for $28. You can also book $21 grounds passes to explore the property on your own.

With more than 5,800 reviews and 4.6 stars on Tripadvisor, Andrew Jackson's Hermitage is a favorite Nashville destination. It's been visited by 17.5 million people from all over the planet. One past visitor wrote on Tripadvisor, "We went to see the #1 historic house in TN (Andrew Jackson's Hermitage) and it was a highlight of our trip ... What a homestead! It was interesting to hear all of the narration and stories from the days of Andrew Jackson, our 7th president. Great place to see ... Put this on your list of places to visit while in Nashville."

Andrew Jackson's Hermitage has been called the best-preserved house formerly owned by an early American president. Eighty percent of the items on display are from when Jackson was in residence, although they have been expertly restored. Jackson died in 1845 and was laid to rest on the site. He joined his wife, Rachel, who was buried there after her death in 1828. The estate opened to visitors in 1889.

You don't have to go to a country bar for a buzz in Nashville. Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery is the oldest winery in the city, offering more than 16 types of wine. Food and wine pairings, as well as bourbon tastings, are also offered there. But this winery is more than a sip of something delicious — it's a taste of the past.

In 1807, the property began as a plantation and well-known thoroughbred horse farm, even boarding horses for former U.S. President Andrew Jackson. It later became a Civil War site during the Battle at Belle Meade. Bullet holes are still evident on the circa-1853 Greek Revival Antebellum mansion's porch. After the war, the property continued as a thoroughbred horse farm and was named Belle Mead, which translates to "beautiful meadow" in French.

Today, for $28, people can see the beauty of the farm on the grounds and in the mansion. The tour also includes a wine tasting. History buffs can also learn more about the Battle at Belle Mead on a 1-hour $32 tour. With more than 8,200 reviews, Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery has earned 4.6 stars on Tripadvisor. "Absolutely stunning, and our tour guide was top notch," described one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "This is definitely a must stop in the Nashville area. The muscadine wine [is] to die for!"

Nashville is a bustling city where music constantly blares, but visitors can find peace, fresh air, and unique history at the 132-acre Centennial Park. Before it was a park, Centennial Park was a farm, fairgrounds, and racetrack. Just a few elements of its natural beauty include trails, a lake, a sunken garden, and a Japanese garden. Offering a mix of Mother Nature and modernity, Centennial Park also has an "If Trees Could Sing" program where 18 trees have QR codes. People can scan the codes to watch music videos about trees made by Nashville musicians. However, these are just a few reasons tens of thousands of people head to Centennial Park annually.

Named as such after becoming a park following the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, the site contains several distinctive structures built to amaze exposition attendees. One of the most prominent ones is the life-size replica of the Parthenon, which has an Athena statue and an art museum. People can also check out Centennial Park's pool, croquet court, dog park, playground, volleyball courts, and arts center. The park has earned 4.4 stars on Tripadvisor thanks to more than 2,000 reviews. "If you need an escape from the Honky-Tonks this is the place to go," wrote one Tripadvisor user. "Plenty of free parking! There [are] plenty of pathways to walk ... through flower gardens, waterways, statues, and, of course, the Parthenon! Very beautiful area."

For seven seasons and six years, "The Dukes of Hazzard" was a classic American television show that captured the heart and soul of the South through Bo and Daisy Duke's antics. It hasn't graced screens since 1985 when it concluded on CBS, but fans can take a step back into TV history at Cooter's Place. Owned by Ben Jones, who played the character Cooter, the free-admission museum and store features props, costumes, and memorabilia from the show. These include Daisy's Jeep and the famed General Lee, a 1969 Dodge Charger that people can sit in for photos.

Tourists can take a bit of Cooter's Place home with them thanks to the wide array of "The Dukes of Hazzard" merchandise it sells. These range from a miniature version of Cooter's tow truck to rubber ducks themed as the show's characters. If you time your visit right, you can even meet actors from the show at the meet-and-greets held at Cooter's Place. As the only "The Dukes of Hazzard" museum in Nashville, Cooter's Place has earned 4.2 stars on Tripadvisor from more than 1,000 reviews. "The Dukes of Hazard was one of my most favorite shows growing up!" one past visitor on Tripadvisor wrote. "I felt like a kid in a candy store! Lots of cool souvenirs, displays, and very nice people!"

Music isn't the only art form thriving in Nashville. At the Frist Art Museum, more than a dozen rotating exhibits are displayed throughout its 45,000 square feet. Tickets are $20 for adults and free for kids. Past exhibits have included food in 19^th-century France, Japanese culture throughout history, and the evolution of Mexican-American graphic art. The art deco-style building is on the National Register of Historic Places and was the city's former post office. 

The non-profit art center has been a staple of Nashville since 2001. It's a family-friendly destination perfect for those who want to experience art from fresh perspectives. It's also home to the acclaimed Martin ArtQuest Gallery, which always features 30 ever-changing and interactive art-related activities. But a visit here isn't complete without checking out the gift shop, which has been called the best in the city. Art of all types and at varied price points is for sale, ranging from jewelry to blown glass.

From more than 1,000 reviews on Tripadvisor, the Frist Art Museum has 4.4 stars. "This art deco post office building was converted into a museum and is surprisingly beautiful," one past visitor on Tripadvisor wrote. "Such a unique break from the rest of Nashville! Not only is the [architecture] of the spacious building interesting, but the exhibitions are refreshingly diverse and thought-provoking. The exhibitions change frequently and the large museum shop is gorgeous."

Nashville is an unlikely place for the biggest collection of European vehicles in the United States, but that's just what visitors will find at the Lane Motor Museum. It's also one of the few American museums to house this type of collection. Home to 150 restored vehicles ranging from prototypes to military vehicles, it's a ride through European history from 1909 through 2020 on four wheels. Tickets are $15 per adult and $3 per child. 

With ever-changing exhibits, there's always something new to see here, such as those on repurposed car parts and cars from famous racing competitions. However, you can bet on seeing a few of the Lane Motor Museum's most popular features, like a Swiss rocket-powered car and a Volkswagen lookalike signed by members of the band "The Wallflowers." (Guess you can't completely escape music in Nashville). The non-profit museum is the passion project of Jeff Lane, who established it in 2002 after a lifetime obsession with cars.

The Lane Motor Museum has earned 4.7 stars on Tripadvisor from over 980 reviews. "Amazing little museum with tons of unique cars," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "While I am not normally a fan of automobile museums, this one was a pleasant surprise. The one-of-a-kind cars found in here were a break from looking at the usual cars found in these kinds of museums. The LARC out back was my favorite!"

You won't hear music at Marathon Village, but you will be able to see where it's made — as well as shop, eat, sip, see, and more. The massive structure was formerly the 1884 Marathon Motors Factory, which was later refurbished into a cultural epicenter. Today, it's home to music recording studios, stores, art studios, a distillery, a winery, a radio station, and more. It's also a must-visit spot for the perfect Nashville bachelorette party due to one of its iconic murals.

A few of the complex's standout spots include Antique Archaeology, owned by the host of "American Pickers," and Grinder's Switch Winery, which makes wine in Tennessee. Several original Marathon cars are on display at the complex in a homage to its past. It also has a museum, which is free for self-guided tours and $15 for guided tours. From over 750 reviews, Marathon Village has earned 4.1 stars on Tripadvisor. "Perfect afternoon," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "Husband enjoyed looking at the machinery and I enjoyed the boutiques. We both enjoyed the tasting. Fun afternoon!"

Farmers Market is the top-ranked city farmers market and is worth a visit for any foodie. The food epicenter is right near Bicentennial Mall State Park. It's open year-round, nearly every day of the year, at various hours depending on the month and vendor. Parking is also free for two hours. Nashville Farmers Market was founded in the 1800s as a 40-foot market. It now hosts two covered open-air sheds with 100 vendors, including Argueta's Coffee, Galena Garlic, T. Geary Art Jewelry, Radical Shoots Microgreens, and Hext Quality Meat. Those looking for awesome fare should also check out this food lover's guide to Nashville's best eats.

Those looking for a hot meal can find one at its food hall with more than two dozen restaurants and shops. Choose from international eats such as Chicago-style gyros, Mexican-style vegan tacos, Jamaican jerk chicken, and chicken biryani. The market also has a 27,000-square-foot garden center called the Gardens of Babylon that sells everything from Christmas trees to fountains. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the market, although you won't want to be on your phone once you hear it hosts live music regularly. The Nashville Farmers Market has 4.1 stars on Tripadvisor, garnered from about 540 reviews. One shopper on Tripadvisor wrote, "I was walking to historical sites and found this gem. This is a great farmer's market, indoor and outdoor, open daily. Lots of variety."

With tons of colleges and universities within its city limits, Nashville — besides being known as Music City — has also been called "The Athens of the South." So, when it came time to host The Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897 in what's now known as Centennial Park, city officials made it even more Athens-esque by building a full-scale replica of the Parthenon. But once the exposition was over, it didn't make financial sense to knock the regaled building down. So they kept it — later solidifying it with concrete and 7-ton bronze doors — which resulted in the Parthenon that Nashville visitors and residents continue to adore today. As the only lasting piece from the exposition, it's on the National Register of Historic Places.

It's so beloved that it has received 4.3 stars on Tripadvisor from more than 4,900 reviews. One past visitor wrote on Tripadvisor, "We really didn't know what to expect but I was very satisfied with the experience. Such an impressive building and it's fortunate that the decision was made to make this structure permanent after the exposition. The statue of Athena is amazing. Highly recommend." The Parthenon replica includes a life-sized replica of the Athena statue that, at 42 feet tall, is the tallest indoor statue in the Americas. Designed by Alan LeQuire in 1990, it's the centerpiece of the art epicenter that also showcases 63 American works from the 1800s and 1900s. Other sculptures and rotating exhibits are also displayed here.

All over the world, Nashville is synonymous with Nashville hot chicken, which is deep-fried chicken coated with a spicy hot sauce before being placed upon white bread and topped with pickles. It can all be traced back to Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, where the Nashville hot chicken was born more than a century ago. As a story fit for Hollywood, it started with Thornton Prince's girlfriend, who was sick of her boyfriend's unfaithful ways. To punish him for yet another tryst, she made fried chicken with excessive spice, unbeknownst to him. But unfortunately for her, Prince actually loved the hot chicken — so much so that he made a business out of it. He founded Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, which today is run by his great-niece, Andre Prince Jeffries.

It's still just as good as it was 100 years ago, according to Google users. The restaurant has 4.3 stars on Google, garnered from more than 4,000 Google reviews. "Visited for the first time and everything we got was delicious," wrote one Google user. "We all devoured our food so quickly that my husband was the only one who thought to snap a photo of their meal. I had the sweet heat sandwich, everyone else got chicken platters. The perfect amount of heat and flavor and the service was great."

People looking for a postcard-worthy trip to the Southern U.S. love to book tickets to Nashville, where country tunes and cowboy boots are aplenty. In 2024, nearly 17 million people visited the city, and that number goes up every year. A trip here can also be affordable if you stay in this budget-friendly Nashville area. With so many visitors, it's unsurprising that Nashville has a long list of tourist attractions — but they're not all music-related. Explore rounded up the best things to do that aren't musical, and they range from a former factory that has been transformed into a cultural complex to former U.S. President Andrew Jackson's former home.

To create our list, we first determined which spots had more than a 4-star rating on Tripadvisor; although some have earned much more, such as the Lane Motor Museum, with 4.7 stars. We included destinations with at least hundreds of reviews. Still, some places on this list have thousands, such as the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, with more than 8,200 reviews. What resulted was an itinerary that will keep you busy enjoying Nashville's cultural prowess without ever having to unpack your earplugs. Or, if you want to take part in Nashville's music fun, check out this music lover's travel guide to Nashville.