Nashville is my favourite place on this earth. Except for New York of course. We’ve visited the city three times now and during our time there have experienced a few Nashville tours and museums.
When I’m in Nashville, I want to be surrounded by country music 24/7. Whether that’s in any of the bars on Broadway, learning about it in a museum or taking a tour of an old recording studio.
To save you precious time when it comes to planning your dream trip to Nashville, I’ve put together an 87-page travel guide to the city and surrounding areas. It’s packed with the best areas and hotels to stay at, the best places to eat, the best bars to visit, how to get around, a guide to country music and more!
If you’re heading to Nashville, below is a list of the best Nashville tours and museums you should visit during your time there.
Related blog posts to read:
- Everything You Need to Know About Visiting The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville
- Nashville Itinerary: How to Spend the Perfect 48 hours in Music City
- Fleetwood Mac At The RDS Arena, Dublin: Live Gig Review
You can also check out my travel vlog of Nashville below when we recently visited in January this year. Showing you where we stayed, the best food, the Ryman Auditorium Tour and the best bars on Broadway:
Best Nashville Museums
1. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
This museum is a must for country music fans. Offering extensive exhibits on the history and impact of country music, including costumes, instruments, and memorabilia from legendary artists.
We visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum back in 2022 and found that it covered a lot of country music history, so for the most part, we didn’t really recognise any names. Other than the obvious Willy Nelson, Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash for example.
There is a smaller section around new country music like Kacey Musgraves and Carrie Underwood, but this is definitely a museum to visit if you’re really into your country music.
2. The Johnny Cash Museum
Dedicated to the life and legacy of the Man in Black, this museum features the largest collection of Johnny Cash artefacts and memorabilia. It’s an immersive experience that takes you through Cash’s career and personal life.
This is one of my personal favourite museums in Nashville. I’m a huge Johnny Cash fan and we visited during our second time in the city. It was incredible to see so much memorabilia and to learn about Johnny Cash’s family life and the last moments of his life. A must!
3. Ryman Auditorium
Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium offers a rich history and iconic status in the music world. Visitors can take self-guided or guided tours to learn about its storied past and see behind the scenes.
You can see part of our Ryman Auditorium tour in my Nashville YouTube vlog here, a really special place to come and see.
4. The Parthenon
This full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens is a unique attraction. It houses a 42-foot statue of Athena and an art museum featuring a collection of 19th and 20th-century American paintings.
5. Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
This museum honours musicians from all genres and backgrounds. It features exhibits on the recording process, famous recording studios, and the unsung heroes of the music industry.
6. Frist Art Museum
Housed in a beautiful Art Deco building, the Frist Art Museum offers rotating exhibitions of local, national, and international art. Its diverse programming makes it a cultural hub in Nashville.
7. Tennessee State Museum
This museum provides a comprehensive look at the history of Tennessee, from prehistoric times to the present day. Exhibits cover the Civil War, state history, and natural history, making it both educational and engaging.
8. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
The former home of President Andrew Jackson, The Hermitage offers a glimpse into the life of the seventh President of the United States. The estate includes the mansion, gardens, and Jackson’s tomb.
9. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
This historic estate and botanical garden offers stunning landscapes, art galleries, and a glimpse into the lives of the Cheek family, known for their role in developing Maxwell House Coffee.
10. Lane Motor Museum
For car enthusiasts, this museum features an eclectic collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and unusual vehicles from around the world. It’s one of the most unique automotive museums in the country.
Best Nashville Tours
1. Ryman Auditorium Tour
Explore the historic Ryman Auditorium with a guided tour that includes the auditorium’s history, famous performances, and a backstage look at this iconic venue.
A must-do of the Nashville tours, especially if you’re a fan of the Nashville TV show too.
2. Grand Ole Opry House Backstage Tour
This tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at the famous Grand Ole Opry House, offering insights into the history and operations of the legendary country music venue. You might even catch a glimpse of a live rehearsal.
3. Old Town Trolley Tours
This hop-on, hop-off trolley tour covers all the major attractions in Nashville, making it a convenient way to see the city’s top sights at your own pace. And is one of the most popular Nashville tours!
4. Nashville Food Tours
These tours offer a culinary journey through Nashville, highlighting the city’s best Southern cuisine. From hot chicken to barbecue, you’ll get to taste the local flavours while learning about their origins.
5. Nashville Pedal Tavern
This fun and interactive tour allows you to pedal your way through downtown Nashville while enjoying drinks and music. It’s a great way to see the city and meet new people.
6. NashTrash Tours
Known for their hilarious and irreverent guides, NashTrash Tours offers a comedic tour of Nashville’s landmarks and history. The Jugg Sisters, who lead the tours, make this a unique and entertaining experience.
7. Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour
Located in nearby Lynchburg, this tour takes you through the distillery where Jack Daniel’s whiskey is made. Learn about the distillation process and enjoy samples of this famous Tennessee whiskey.
8. The Nashville Tractor
This unique tour offers a tractor-pulled party wagon that takes you through downtown Nashville. It’s a lively way to see the sights while enjoying music and drinks. Another of the more popular Nashville tours.
9. Music City Rollin’ Jamboree
A comedy country music sing-along tour that combines live music, comedy, and sightseeing. It’s a great way to experience Nashville’s musical heritage in a fun and engaging way.
10. Historic Tennessee Tour
This full-day tour includes visits to The Hermitage, Belle Meade Plantation, and other historic sites, providing a deep dive into Tennessee’s rich history and heritage.
11. Nashville Ghost Tours
Discover the spooky side of Nashville with a guided ghost tour. Learn about the city’s haunted history and eerie tales as you visit some of the most haunted spots in town.
12. Segway Tours of Nashville
Glide through the city on a Segway while a knowledgeable guide points out landmarks and shares interesting facts about Nashville’s history and culture.
