Planning a getaway to Music City, USA? There are so many amazing things to do in downtown Nashville that it makes it hard to narrow down your itinerary. Whether you’re a history buff looking to explore museums, a music lover wanting to dance at honky-tonks, or a foodie searching for the best restaurants, Nashville is an ideal destination! Discover our favorite places to eat in Nashville, Nashville nightlife, and things to do in Nashville with kids. Free things to do in Nashville? We’ve got those too! And the best bars in Nashville also grace this list.
For more information on things to do in downtown Nashville during your stay with Playlist Properties, you can download our free Travel Guide!
5 of the Best Things to Do in Downtown Nashville
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Country lovers will rejoice in Nashville, TN! With so many legendary artists, venues, and museums featuring the famous genre, Nashville is a mecca for country music. And one of the best places to go to discover the history of country music is also right here in Nashville! The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN, is the ultimate attraction for discovering the past and present of your favorite musicians. Discover more about the making of the genre that has inspired so many music lovers around the world!
The Farmer’s Market
Looking for a family friendly place to visit with your kids during a stay in Nashville? The Farmer’s Market is a wonderful place to go, featuring fresh foods, fun gifts, and live music for everyone to enjoy. B&C Market BBQ, El Burrito Mexicano, and Music City Crepes are just a few vendors providing food at the farmers market. The Market House also features a variety of great shops, including the Downtown Candle Company and Lagniappe Spice Co. For just a quick snack or sweet treat for you and the kids, you can try The Fountain of Juice or the Peach Cobbler Factory. We’re getting hungry just writing this!
Pedestrian Bridge
Looking for outdoor things to do in downtown Nashville? You can still find a way to stay active during your trip! The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is a favorite choice for a scenic walk, run, or bike ride. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Pedestrian Bridge crosses from Riverfront Park to Cumberland Park, connecting downtown to East Nashville. Now closed to automobile traffic, the bridge is open exclusively to pedestrians. And, the best part is it’s free!
Merchants
Merchants on Broadway is a fantastic late night romantic dinner hotspot. The seasonal menu features food from local farms, while the restaurant itself is locally owned and operated. Get an authentic Nashville experience when you ask for a table by the window upstairs so you can look down on all the glowing nightlife. This scene also makes for a beautiful option of romantic places in Nashville to propose. Or, if you’re in a more laid-back state of mind, dine downstairs for a casual atmosphere and menu option. Merchants is also a historic gem. The building used to be a pharmacy, and the original bar is still intact, now serving Tennessee mojitos and Amaretto sours.
Skull’s Rainbow Room
Downtown Nashville TN nightlife flourishes at Skull’s Rainbow Room. This Circa-1948 speakeasy-style lounge offers delectable American cuisine along with craft brews. But the real star here is the nightly burlesque. Dazzling dancers, live music, and sequin-studded entertainment await, making this one of the best things to do in downtown Nashville.
Stay at One of Our Downtown Vacation Lofts!
At Playlist Properties we offer a wide variety of luxurious and accommodating downtown Nashville vacation rentals. Our collection of rentals features unique and stylish décor, scenic views, comfortable furnishings and more. We have 15 different downtown Nashville lofts for rent that are within walking distance to many of the most popular hotspots on this list!