10 Sights That Make Nashville Your Next Bucket List Destination

This 33-story skyscraper is the tallest building in Tennessee and a striking feature in the Nashville skyline. It was given its superhero-inspired nickname because of the two opposing towers that resemble Batman’s mask. Head to the riverside Cumberland park to take in this stunning skyline view.

This 130-year-old building is a staple in music history. The Ryman Auditorium was the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 until the ‘70s, and currently operates as a venue that hosts some of the world’s top musical acts. Originally a place of worship where evangelists could sing and pray, the building, with its curved original pews, was built with acoustics in mind. It later became a staple in music history and the birthplace of bluegrass music and was also named the most iconic structure in Tennessee by Architectural Digest.

Speaking of which, a trip to Nashville wouldn’t be complete with taking in some tunes. The city’s most iconic venue, the Grand Ole Opry is a famed country music staple where the longest running radio broadcast in US history takes place. If you’re not one for a barn dance, there are plenty of other entertaining acts to take in on the iconic stage.

There’s no need to travel to the Mediterranean because Nashville’s Parthenon, located in Centennial Park, is a full-scale replica of the original landmark in Athens, Greece. Built in 1897 to commemorate Nashville being known as the “Athens of the South”, it’s a true celebration of classical architecture amidst the oasis of an urban park.

Spirit lovers will know that Nashville (and Tennessee in general) is known for its top-shelf whiskey. Immerse yourself in the world of whiskey and Bourbans and visit one of the many local distilleries (may we suggest the iconic Ole Smokey?) that are aging this distilled alcoholic beverage and serving it straight.

Visiting these charming grounds makes for the perfect romantic day or family activity when in Nashville. This historical site is just outside the city core and has 55 sprawling acres of gardens. Walk the paths or take in some art. Cheekwood offers outdoor sculpture gardens, as well as rotating exhibits in addition to their on-site collection.

For history buffs visiting Nashville, this beautiful building is like stepping into the past. This former railroad terminal built in 1900 is a striking late Victorian castle-like structure in Nashville with high turrets and a clock tower. Today, it operates as a hotel where guests can admire the huge stained-glass windows in the lobby, marble floors and copious rich wood décor.

This museum pays tribute to country music with two sprawling floors packed with one of the world’s largest collections of artifacts related to American musical history. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is also the site of the Historic RCA Studio B. Built in 1956, this studio was the birthplace of 60 per cent of the country top chart hits when it was in operation.

Visiting the grounds and gardens of this hotel is like walking into a plant lover’s wonderland. Under the soaring atriums that put other greenhouses to shame, the resort houses over 50,000 plants, including international and rare species. Walk one of the many paths, visit the on-site restaurants and even stay at the sprawling 3,000 room hotel when you’re in town.

Take a stroll down Broadway, Nashville’s main strip for country music and nightlife fans, and get ready for a lively night. Take in the sights of the bright neon lights at the bustling bars and listen to some of the talent musical acts from near or far. There’s also plenty of great shopping and some of Nashville’s best eateries on the strip, so you can enjoy it from day to evening.