When you think of Nashville, you may think of it as the top destination for country music lovers and bachelorette parties. And while honky tonks may be the city’s claim to fame, Nashville offers so much more than that.
If you’re planning an upcoming visit but don’t want to deal with the crowds on Broadway, read on to discover the best-hidden gems in Nashville.
Nashville Museums and Historic Sites
1. Check Out the Lane Motor Museum
Price: $15 per person
Car enthusiasts will want to visit the Lane Motor Museum. One of the most unique things to do in Nashville, the museum boasts the most extensive collection of European vehicles and motorcycles. You could easily spend hours here discovering over 100 unique cars.
2. Explore The Hermitage
Price: $27 per person
History buffs won’t want to miss a visit to The Hermitage. The home of former president Andrew Jackson, touring this historic site takes you on a journey back in time to explore the life of this important figure.
3. Explore the Belle Meade Plantation
Price: $28 per person
Originally built in 1853, visitors can explore Belle Meade Plantation and learn about this historic site. After you walk through the mansion, head over to the winery or explore the rest of the grounds.
4. Visit the National Museum of African American Music
Price: $26.95 per person
The National Museum of African American Music celebrates the music genres influenced by African American culture. Exhibits explore the history of music genres such as the blues, religious music, jazz, R&B and hip-hop. The museum is open seven days a week, and adult admission costs $26.96.
5. Explore Printer’s Alley
Price: Free
Before Broadway, Printer’s Alley was the hub of Nashville’s nightlife scene. Today, the historic walkway is still lined with saloons, speakeasies and restaurants, so stop in for a drink.
6. Tour the Belmont Mansion
Price: $18 per person
Discover Tennessee’s largest pre-Civil War residence, the Belmont Mansion. Constructed in 1850, the 36-room home was the estate of the Acklen family. Today, visitors can tour the home and learn the stories of the enslaved and free individuals who resided here.
7. Pick Up a Souvenir at a Local Print Shop
Price: $22 per person
Want to pick up a cool souvenir to take back home? Stop by Hatch Show Print—a fully operational letterpress shop that dates all the way back to 1879. Now a part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, visitors can tour the shop and learn about its vast history. Or, you can just stop by and purchase one of their unique prints.
8. Wander Through Marathon Village
Price: Free
Marathon Village is a unique shopping destination located inside a historic auto factory dating back to 1881. Here, you’ll find unique shops, a local candy store and an award-winning distillery. It’s also the site of the Marathon Motor Works Museum.
9. Views Artwork at the Frist Art Museum
Price: $15 per person
Art lovers will want to add the Frist Art Museum to their list of places to go in Nashville. With ever-changing exhibitions curated from world-renowned collections, visitors can view photographs, sculptures, paintings and prints.
10. Take a Ghost Tour
Price: $34 per person
Looking to explore the spooky side of the Music City? Embark on a ghost tour to learn about Nashville’s history of true crime, serial killers and haunted places that will send shivers down your spine.
Nashville Food and Drink
11. Eat Breakfast at The Pancake Pantry
Price: $20-$30 per person
Locals and visitors alike agree that The Pancake Pantry has the best breakfast in Nashville. As the name suggests, the restaurant is known for its pancakes and offers a variety of flavors, including blueberry, sweet potato, banana bread and chocolate. They don’t accept reservations, so if you visit on a weekend, prepare to wait in line—it’ll be worth it.
12. Get a Drink at Vinyl Tap
Price: $10-$20 per person
A combination of a bar and a record store, Vinyl Tap is a great place to grab a drink and a souvenir from the Music City. The menu features unique cocktails, local craft beer and delicious sandwiches.
13. Feast On Hot Chicken at Prince’s Hot Chicken
Price: $15-$30 per person
A trip to Nashville isn’t complete without trying some of the city’s infamous hot chicken. Head to Prince’s Hot Kitchen on Nolensville Pike for the best hot fried chicken in Nashville. Wash it down with some iced tea or strawberry lemonade.
14. Grab a Beer at TailGate Brewery Headquarters
Price: $10-$20 per person
Grab a beer and a delicious craft pizza with friends at TailGate Brewery. The brewery has an extensive taproom, outdoor area and covered seating that is perfect for any type of weather!
15. Listen to Live Music at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Price: $20-$40 per person
Rudy’s Jazz Room is a great place to listen to live music in the city. This Nashville hidden gem serves traditional New Orleans fare along with prohibition-era cocktails. You can catch live performances every day of the week except Tuesdays.
16. Sip Wine at Arrington Vineyards
Price: $40 per person
Situated less than thirty minutes from Nashville, Arrington Vineyards offers a serene escape from the city. At this 16-acre vineyard, you can sample their renowned wines and admire the stunning views of the rolling hills.
17. Dine at etch
Price: $50-$75 per person
One of the best restaurants in Nashville, etch provides a global culinary experience crafted by renowned chef Deb Paquette. The menu consists of entrees such as scallops, pork chops, grilled filet and lamb meatballs. Most entrees are under $50 making this a relatively affordable dining option in Nashville.
18. Play Boardgames at Bongo East Cafe
Price: $10-$15 per person
Challenge your pals to board games at Bongo East! This cafe serves coffee, craft brewers, breakfast and lunch. The best part is that the cafe boasts over 700 board games to choose from, so there's something for everyone.
19. Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Hermitage Hotel
Price: $75 per person
Afternoon tea might not be the first thing you think of when booking a trip to Nashville, but The Hermitage Hotel offers a southern twist on the traditional tea experience.
Dubbed “Spillin’ Tea with Draper James,” the service offers guests a delectable spread of tea sandwiches, pastries and scones influenced by the flavors in Reese Witherspoon's cookbook, "Whiskey in a Teacup." The service is priced at $75 per person.
20. Savor a Hot Biscuit at the Loveless Cafe
Price: $15-$25 per person
Situated along the outskirts of the city, The Loveless Cafe has been serving up delicious hot biscuits for over 70 years. If you want to experience true Southern hospitality, this Nashville hidden gem is an absolute must-visit.
21. Go Bowling at Pins Mechanical Company
Price: $20-$30 per person
Want to challenge your pals to some friendly competition? Head to Pins Mechanical and enjoy duckpin bowling and other arcade games. The bar also serves colorful candy-themed cocktails and craft beer.
Nashville Outdoor Activities
22. Go Hiking at Radnor Lake State Park
Price: Free
If you’re looking to get outside on your trip to Nashville, head to Radnor Lake State Park. With over 1,000 acres of nature to explore, it offers some of the best hiking in Nashville.
23. Take a Walk in Centennial Park
Price: Free
Centennial Park is a 132-acre greenspace that’s home to the infamous Parthenon replica, Lake Watauga, a walking trail, a dog park and a volleyball court. If you’re looking for free things to do in Nashville, head to the park for a picnic or go for a stroll outside.
24. Go Kayaking on the Cumberland River
Price: $30-$50 per person
Tired of walking? Another way to explore the city via the Cumberland River. Many local businesses offer kayak rentals in the summer so you can paddle your way through Nashville’s scenic waterways.
25. Discover the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens
Price: $20-$29 per person
Explore over 55 acres of nature at the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. Visitors can also tour the estate along with its vast collection of artwork. Tickets for the gardens run between $20 to $26 while touring both the gardens and the mansion is priced at $26 to $29.
26. See Animals at the Nashville Zoo
Price: $16-$28 per person
Venture to the Nashville Zoo for a family-friendly activity in Nashville. Here, you can see over 300 species of animals, including tigers, flamingos, bears, cougars, frogs and snakes. Admission costs between $16 and $28 for adults and teens, while children’s tickets are slightly cheaper.
27. Zipline at The Adventure Park
Price: $52-$57
Unleash your inner daredevil at The Adventure Park in Nashville. Here, you can zipline through the trees and test your skills on the climbing course. Children and adults alike are sure to have a blast!
Discover the Best Spots in Nashville With AAA
Looking for even more hidden gems in Nashville? Use TripCanvas to find additional attractions and sights to add to your itinerary. Plus, remember to take full advantage of your AAA membership benefits with exclusive perks and discounts on hotels, restaurants and more.