What should I do if I have one day in Nashville?

I have many times done “One day in Nashville” trips being that I live so close. But, you gotta ask yourself “Is one day enough?” Honestly, just one day is selling yourself short with everything that Nashville has to offer!

Wow, spend just one day? There is the Ryman, Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, the Parthenon, Opryland Hotel, Grand Ole Opry, Music Row, Nashville’s Murals, barbecue, hot chicken, and you can’t forget Lower Broadway. It is so easy to find a good time in the Music City!

Let cover some more fun options and give a bit of detail on the ones above.

How to spend one day in Nashville

Could I write an itinerary? Yes, I could but it would be rather useless. There is such a variety of things to do that the only way I can write this is to just list choices and allow you to pick for you one day in Nashville. I say this because everyone has different tastes as to what they enjoy doing.

The history buffs will enjoy all the awesome locations pertaining to how Nashville was founded, the Civil war, museums, and even a past president’s house.

You music lovers will have a feast of all the things to do in the “Music City”. Ya know, we have that name for a reason and it has lots more than just country music to thank! Music history is the #1 reason people travel from around the globe to visit Nashville. Let us look at some ideas for your one day in Nashville. Get a pad and pen to take notes 🙂

Places about the Music City history

I’m not going to go into how Nashville got the moniker “Music City” or even “Country Music Capital of the world”. I’ll save that for a different article. Both names and another we will get into later are well earned.

Here is a great deal on combining several tours for one price. It’s called the Nashville Flex Pass.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame is probably more documented music history in this museum than in any other place in Nashville. They have permanent and revolving exhibits, publications, and educational programs.

They have hundreds of stage props, music instruments, clothing, and even cars in their permanent collection of Country Music history.

This place is huge so keep track of your time so you can maximize your one day in Nashville.

Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame

The Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium is awesome! I’ve taken a couple of tours through it and they are fairly short. So, unless you get all caught up looking at the pictures and cool artifacts, this will eat up only a couple of hours of your one day in Nashville.

The backstage tour has so much history and the pictures to prove it. Just a heads up, there are no pictures on the backstage tour. They made me turn off my Canon DSLR and not touch it again until the tour was over.

The Ryman isn’t just another music venue. You will see this as soon as you see the stage that you are on sacred grounds! This is where relationships were born, such as Johnny Cash meeting June Carter who later married Johnny. Unknown people became stars. Deals were signed on scrap paper and napkins. The Ryman IS THE place where Bluegrass was born!

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

Formally known as the Municipal Auditorium, the Musicians Hall of Fame houses memorabilia from many genres of music. Here you will find Classic Country, Bluegrass, Rock, Blues, and even Motown. If it is music that draws you to Nashville, make this part of your one day.

You will find exhibits and even the instruments of famous stars such as Hank Williams Sr. Ringo Starr, Tammy Wynette, Chet Atkins, Bob Segar, Bob Dylan, and even Jimmy Hendrix, and many more.

Johnny Cash Museum & Cafe’

This museum is a small place, but it is PACKED with great displays containing photos, posters, and other great collectibles featuring the life of the great legendary musician. The displays carry you through his beginnings to his rise in stardom. If you are a Johhny Cash fan, you really should check this out.

Walk of Fame Park

This cool place is Nashville’s tribute to music artists of all genres and it is free to visit. The artists that get a star have made a huge impact on music throughout the world and here in Nashville as well. I have personally been to this park many times. Typically you will find tourists and locals alike just taking up the sights. In the grassy area, people and their pets are either just laid back chillin, or throwing a ball or frisbee to enjoy the outdoors. This is located in SoBro just a block away from Lower Broadway where all the music action is.

Nashville Walk of Fame

Grand Ole Opry

There are daily daytime backstage tours and post-show backstage tours. You can schedule to watch shows of whoever the current country music artist is on the bill. There are upgrade packages as well that can get you in special rooms with VIP treatments.

There are other great places as well like Music Row, Honky Tonk Highway, and Historic RCA Studio B just to name a few that can entertain your music history curiosity.

Places to see Nashville’s history

Fort Nashborough, later became known as Nashville was founded between 1779 and 1780. The first permanent settlement was founded on Christmas of 1779. James Robertson led the group of Europeans to settle on the banks of what is now the Cumberland River.

I know .. I know .. you are looking for stuff to do. Not a history lesson :-). Alright, let’s check out some places where you can learn some Nashville history on your day adventure

Tennessee Museum

Located on Rosa L Parks Blvd, this 137,000 sq. ft building houses permanent, temporary exhibitions, and even a children’s gallery. The Tennessee State Museum is free and open to the public to enjoy.

Military Branch of the Tennessee State Museum

Located in the War Memorial Building at 301 6th Ave North downtown. This was originally built in 1925 to pay honor to the Tennesseans who served in the First World War. It was originally meant to house veteran’s souvenirs dating back to the Spanish-American War. It has grown to include military engagements throughout the twentieth century and recent.

Please note that this no private parking for the museum. So visitors must utilize the street side parking meters or parking garages.

More great Nashville attractions

I’ve given you suggestions for Tennessee history and Country Music History. Now, just go a bit more random to introduce you to some of Nashville’s Star attractions!

Centennial Park / Parthenon

Centennial Park is one of Nashville’s premier parks with 132 acres of awesome features! There are beautiful flower gardens and a 1-mile walking/jogging trail. There is Lake Watauga that you can feed the ducks and occasionally see a fish or two pop up. For you fur baby owners there is a dog park and a great big field to play in. If you are lucky enough to arrive when they are doing one of their festivals on the lawn, you will be in for a big treat for your one-day Nashville adventure.

You can’t visit Centennial Park without checking out the Partenon. It is a life-sized replica of the legit Parthenon in Athens Greece. There is a 42-foot statue of Athena that is the focus of attention on the inside. All the “gold” areas on Athena are actually real gold leaf. You should really check her out, it is very cool!

The Parthenon in Nashville

Opryland Hotel

A hotel you ask? Yes, go explore a hotel, but it isn’t just any hotel.

Opryland Hotel has a 9-acre atrium with flower gardens, waterfalls, dancing water fountains, and various artwork along the walking paths. There are many restaurants to satisfy whatever type of food cravings you may be having. You can even take a boat ride on the indoor river called The Delta.

Just a heads up. Park in the Oprymills Parking lot and walk over. The hotel parking fee is a bit pricey!!

Love Circle Park

This was the highest point in old Nashville. Drive to the top during the day or at night to get a breathtaking view of Downtown Nashville. You are just above Vanderbilt Football Stadium, Vanderbilt Hospital, and the surrounding neighborhoods. But just a bit out in the distance you will see the tall buildings of downtown.

The city acquired the property from John W. Love to build a water reservoir. Yea .. you thought Love Circle Park got its name from making some whoopie good time moments didn’t ya. Hmm .. I see where your mind went 🙂 .

Located in the Westend-West End neighborhood area at Love Circle Park Nashville, TN 37212. Oh, btw, John Rich from the big-time country music band Big and Rich .. his house is at the top. Go check it out!

Lane Motor Museum

This Nashville landmark knows as the Lane Motor Museum houses about 150 cars at any given time. There are over 500 cars in the collection so they rotate them out to keep the exhibits fresh to give repeat visitors something new to look forward to.

I have been there a few times so I can honestly say you will see some of the most unique vehicles on earth. There are fast cars, slow cars, little cars, and a VERY HUGE one! There is even a car driven by an airplane propeller.

If you happen to have a bit more time you can check out some more tours here in this article.

Things to do in Nashville with Kids

Adventure Science Center

Come check out all the cool fun stuff to learn and do for both kids and adults at the Adventure Science Center. There are more than 175 hands-on scientific exhibits focusing on topics such as sound, energy, physics, biology, astronomy, earth science, weather, and space. The state-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium is an awesome experience as well. I have visited the science center several times over the years. Every time I go I learn something new and the planetarium never ceases to amaze me.

Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo is located 6 miles south of downtown Nashville. The Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in the state and is the 9th largest zoo in the country by landmass with its 188 acres of which they have just 90 acres of it developed. So, there is still lots of room to grow. Nashville Zoo has been named Best Day trip by The Tennessean and Best Regional Attraction.

So what do they have to offer you ask? A bunch of critters .. duh! Ok, I’ll get serious. Get up close and personal with Camels and goats. Come check out Flamingo Lagoon. Tigers? Yep got that as well. Ooooo snakes and spiders? Well of course. As a matter of fact, there are about 3,000 animals representing more than 350 different species. Oh yea, there is a bear in there 🙂 Sorry .. I had to.

Now there is a lot more to do than looking and touching a bunch of critters. There is a zip line, wilderness train, wild animal carousel, and get this … are ready for it .. a 66,000 square feet jungle gym!! I’m still a kid at heart so I’d be on that jungle gym .. QUICK!!

Here is a special treat for the little ones. Each Halloween they do “Boo in the Zoo”. You will see lit-up Halloween scenes, pumpkin patches, giant hay creatures, and a talking pumpkin. Don’t forget to get your spooky groove on at the Monster Mash dance area then take a ride on the Scary-Go-Round. There will also be animal shows each night. Be sure to stop at each of the 10 Trick-or-Treat stops 🙂

Nashville Library

Oh, here we go. A library? Chuck!! Are you for real thinking that a library is a good place for my child to visit as a fun day out in Nashville or a vacation spot? Well .. yes actually I am. Hear me out.

The downtown Nashville Library is way more than a bunch of books. Although the inside is absolutely phenomenal! They hold cool events that are lots of fun. Lego building contests are one that I have seen for myself. On the Church Street side of the library, they have a little grassy park. They have puppet shows there often. I know this because I have watched a couple of them while eating lunch.

Places to eat for your one day in Nashville

You can tour one sight after another, eventually, you are gonna get hungry. I’m going to list some of the more popular places to eat, that are not chain food places, and can only be found here in Nashville.

Skull’s Rainbow Room

When visiting downtown on Lower Broadway, this is one of the two most sought-after places to eat in Nashville. To add even more reason to try Skull’s, it was voted Yelp’s Top 100 places to eat in the US in 2021.

Located in the legendary Printer’s Alley. Skulls have had some seriously famous people grace its famous stage. Legends such as Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Etta James, and Johnny Cash have entertained people here. So, just think, you will be enjoying a great meal on pretty much-hallowed ground.

Today there are awesome jazz bands playing some energetic tunes while you are being served. Oh … btw .. on Friday and Saturdays after 11 pm sit back and enjoy the burlesque shows that put this place over the top!!

They do require reservations and there is no strict dress code.

House of Cards

If I only had one day in Nashville, this would be a must-do! Here is the other most sought-after place to eat in Nashville. You not only have probably the most delicious meal in Nashville (Rated by “Only in Your State”), you get a magic show, let’s just say you get an experience of a lifetime!

House of Cards has been rated locally as the best eating experience in Nashville. Also rated nationally as one of to top 100 best restaurants in the US for a big night out. I can promise you an experience like no other restaurant in Nashville can even come close to delivering.

House of Cars is underground under the Johnny Cash museum. The shows, displays, and entertainment are centered around magic. You are encouraged to explore the dining room to enjoy all the rare collections from famous magicians such as Houdini himself. Some of America’s top magicians will be set up around the room to entertain you with tricks and mind-boggling illusions all night long. Just DO IT!! 🙂

Keep a few things in mind. There is a strict dress code of men in khakis and collars (dresscoat and tie optional). Or, ladies in dress or skirt and classy shirt. They do require a reservation. Also … take no pictures or video once inside.

Other great places to eat while in Nashville for the day

I gotta be straight with ya. After suggesting Skull’s and House of Cards it really makes all the other places … just … plain and cookie cutter. Don’t get me wrong, there are some GREAT restaurants in Nashville to check out that are simply “enjoy some good food” type places. They will not have the entertainment like the ones mentioned above. But .. there are many that have great live music while you are munching down!

I’m going to keep the food choices kinda around the Lower Broadway, SoBro, and The Gulch part of downtown. Now, over on McGavock Pike near the Opryland Hotel things are a bit slower-paced than the downtown area. You may be able to get seated and served quicker so it helps you maximize your one-day Nashville itinerary. Don’t worry, there are still some cool places to eat over there. Although you will not have the option for the rooftop experiences on McGavock.

Johnny Cash Bar and BBQ

Yep … I mentioned this one above. Right next door to the museum is the Johnny Cash Cafe and BBQ. They serve some good ole American southern home-style cooking from Breakfast, Lunch Dinner. Then there is the late-night menu which is your typical late-night bar-style foods such as smoked wings, bbq nachos, hot chicken tacos, pretzel bites, and more.

Acme Feed and Seed

No this isn’t for feeding livestock downtown. I’ve eaten at Acme several times, it is located on the corner of Lower Broadway downtown. They have the option of great rooftop dining as well. The food is very good, great atmosphere and there is often live entertainment on the lower level.

Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk and Steakhouse

Located on 3rd and Broadway Kid Rock offers live music on every floor. There is a rooftop bar that overlooks Broadway. Being that you are hungry from all that exploring, check out the menu with a great selection of food such as BBQ Chicken Club, Burgers, Nachos, and steaks. Oh, BTW … you better be hungry if you get the 36oz Tomahawk Ribeye.

Fleet Street Pub

If you want to be a bit adventurous and try a great hole-in-the-wall restaurant, check out Fleet Street British Pub in the legendary Printers Alley just 1 block off-Broadway. I have eaten at Fleet Street more than any other place in Nashville. It is pretty much a British sports bar that servers REALLY darn good food! Their lamb burgers are awesome! Order the potato wedges and a side order of potato soup. Dip the wedges in the soup .. yum!! Just a heads up for the non-smokers. They do allow smoking in this establishment. I myself am a non-smoker, the smoke is never thick and heavy so it hasn’t been a big deal to me as long as I’m not sitting right beside them.

Caney Fork River Valley Grille

Are you an adventurous eater? Do you wanna try some wild game foods? If you are spending one day in Nashville and really want to taste something different yet very good. Cany Fork is your place. Come hungry and ready to eat with an open mind. I personally love trying different foods so my favorite menu item to order here is the Wild Game Platter. It comes with Elk patties, Frog legs, Wild game sausage, Outfitter Stew, and Cajun Fried Gator Tail, then add 2 side items for just a little more $.

Don’t worry, they have conventional country items as well such as steak, pork chops, and more. In the back left of the restaurant, they have a wildlife scene set up with mounted Deer, Coyote, and other animals. It is built around a small pond with live catfish swimming around. Maybe you’ll get lucky and be there at catfish feeding time. It is a neat place with a country backwoods vibe. Just don’t order dessert. I’ve tried dessert there twice and it was still partially frozen each time.

Scoreboard Bar and Grill

If you want quick and easy in and out food that is still tasty, check out Scoreboard. This is probably one of the more popular places over in the Opryland Hotel area. You will have choices such as Texas Brisket, smoked quesadillas, hot chicken, ribs, pizza, and more. This place isn’t going to have the “cool factor” as some of the others that I’ve mentioned. But, it is good food that isn’t fast food junk that will get you back on your one-day Nashville adventure ASAP.

Check out the Music Valley Drive area

There are lots of other restaurants over in the McGavock / Music Valley Drive area to choose from. You can take a ride through the area to see if there is something else you may wanna try. There is also the possibility of finding an awesome restaurant inside the Opryland hotel but that is a totally different article. Check that one out here.

Lower Broadway, otherwise known as Honky Tonk Highway

Here is the #1 reason people want to visit Nashville.

Before I start this little tidbit about Honky Tonk Highway, let me give you a very big time-saving visitor tip. On Friday and Saturday night especially, but even during the day on Saturday and Sunday to a lesser extent … the lines are LOOONNNGGG!!

If you are here in Nashville just for one day. I suggest you hit Broadway during a weeknight. It is the same music in the clubs and bars, same drinks, same food all without the long wait to get in. When you have time you should come on back and hit Honky Tonk Highway on a Friday or Saturday night. Having the big crowds creates a totally different vibe, energy, or whatever you wanna call it. It is full of life and FUN! If you get carried away with the alcohol here are some hangover tips that may help you.

This post turned out way longer than I thought it would. So, just click here to check out the fun stuff on Lower Broadway.

Summarize your one day visit in Nashville

In this article, I gave you some of the most popular attractions in Nashville. But, these are not the only ones, not by a long shot! Try to group the location of the places you visit as close as possible if you can. The traffic in Nashville can be a beast during the wrong time of day which will eat up the time you have to spend here in your one-day visit.