There are plenty of free things to do in Nashville, Tennessee. From parks, museums, and tours to outdoor attractions and activities, there are many top-rated free things available in Nashville.
Below is the list of some of the best free things to do in Nashville. So, read on and embark on a journey to these fine Nashville destinations when the time is right for you.
1. Downtown Nashville
Downtown is a must-to-visit place when you’re in Nashville. There are literally dozens of activities and attractions to do, see and explore in downtown Nashville. And the walkable self-guided tour of the area is perfect to absorb the culture, and vibes of this big city with small town charm.
The attractions are too many. Honky Tonks, world-famous for its world-class live music, is present here. Presenting multiple exploration opportunities like family activities, multiple events and exhibits, there are music attractions, boutique hotels, art galleries, shopping places and many other popular attractions you can enjoy in the downtown without touching your wallet.
2. Tennessee State Museum
Address: 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
Phone: (615) 741-2692
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday 1 to 5 pm; closed on Monday.
Packed with multiple exhibits and programs, Tennessee State Museum celebrates the exact landscape of the past through stories, facts, artifacts, and permanent and supplemental temporary exhibits.
There are six permanent exhibits, including hands-on exhibits, and tours guiding kids, families, teaches, locals and visitors to feel the essence of the past Tennessee.
So, exploring such a great place without spending a single penny is really a good way to enjoy this vibrant Music City with its multiple free offerings to us.
3. Gaylord Opryland Garden Conservatory
Address: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Hours: Open everyday for 24 hours.
Experience the Garden Conservatory located in Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Don’t worry! This alluring attraction is also free. Visitors can wander around the beautiful 9 acres of garden including some charming waterfalls, large green areas, and gazebos for hours without spending the night at the resort and for free.
This family-friendly attraction offers a plethora of entertainment options. So, if you’re planning out to come Nashville with your family, don’t miss this attraction Nashville has to offer. It’s a comprehensive destination for family outings.
So, get ready to wander through the tranquil paths, enjoy the spectacular views under the perfect 72-degree temperature, and have some relaxed time with your family in this peaceful scenic land.
4. Tennessee State Capitol
Address: 600 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 360-4326
Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm; Closed on Saturday and Sunday.
This Greek Revival-style Architecture was built from 1845 to 1859 and was finally open to the public in the year of 1859. Sitting atop Capitol Hill, the highest point in downtown Nashville, Tennessee State Capitol is originally the state government office and also serves as a popular Nashville free attraction for the locals and visitors alike.
The interesting fact is William Strickland, the designer of this architecture, was buried in the north facade of the Capitol. His death was a sudden incident and it happened during the construction in 1854. So, it was a tribute to him.
Inside this graceful structure, guided tours are available from Monday through Friday at 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm. The tour begins at the Information Desk on the first floor.
You Might Also Like: Best Places To Visit in Nashville With Your Kids.
5. John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
Address: Nashville, TN 37201
Hours: Open everyday for 24 hours
Go to John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and enjoy the beautiful skyline of the city. Open 24 hours a day, this is Nashville’s one of the best free attractions and each city visitor must explore it.
Popular with many names like Shelby Street Bridge, or Shelby Avenue Bridge, this is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world that spans 3,150 feet upon the Cumberland River in Nashville.
So, having fresh air, and enjoying the charm of the city from this Nashville landmark is a great way to celebrate your family outing for some hours.
Also Read: Best Lakes To Visit in Nashville, TN.
6. The District
The downtown of Nashville; Broadway, 2nd Avenue/Riverfront and Printers Alley, collectively known as The District, is sure to provide you and your mates impressive excitements and unforgettable memories, and it’s also the perfect place to enjoy with Southern eateries, great shopping and live music.
The District has everything you need! Many long-standing stores are available with selling items like furniture, clothing, flowers, jewelry and much much more in distinct shops. If you’re a day person in The District, admire the beautiful architectures, and if you’re here at night, the vibrant nightlife and amazing dining options are enough for having a great family time together.
Though, spending the entire day would be the nicest way to absorb all the charm of this historic and cultural Nashville attraction.
Also Read: Popular Waterfalls Hikes You Must Explore Near Nashville, TN.
7. Vanderbilt University Art Museum
Address: Hall, Cohen Memorial, 1220 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 322-9999
Hours: Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 4 pm; Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Located in Vanderbilt University, the Art Museum is a major crowd puller where the tour is enough for art lovers to explore the world-famous pieces on display that come with free of charge for each visitor.
With the mission of making art freely available to the community, the Vanderbilt Art Gallery presents multiple exhibitions, and programs to make your visit to this art museum a memorable one.
You Might Also Like: Best Beaches To Explore in Nashville, Tennessee.
8. Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Address: Nashville, TN 37206
Hours: Open 365 days a year.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway is a multi-use and over 5 miles of ADA accessible paved trail running along the Cumberland River in East Hill section of Nashville. Popular with hiking, biking, running and skating, the greenway also offers wildlife watching opportunities.
For some outdoor relaxation, the greenway is offering numerous unpaved loop trails under the forest. So, must plan your trip to get some outdoor inspiration and one of the most beautiful scenic views of this enriching Nashville attraction.
Also Read: Best Museums in Nashville You Must Visit.
9. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Address: 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (888) 867-2757
Hours: Open everyday from 7 am to 10 pm.
The 19-acre Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park offers a unique bond with nature in its beautiful greenspace. Loaded with plenty of exciting opportunities, this historic attraction is a great place to learn about the history of past Tennessee with its numerous attractions.
One of the most visited state parks in Tennessee, Bicentennial receives more than 2.5 million visitors annually. The highlight if the state park includes The Tennessee Map Plaza, a 200-foot-wide granite map of the state highlighting Tennessee’s cities, counties, rivers, railroads and highways.
Moreover, there are 8 smaller granite maps illustrating the inhabitants, musical heritage and recreational opportunities of Tennessee.
You Might Also Like: Most Popular Parks To Take Your Family in Nashville, TN.
10. Printer’s Alley
Nestled between third and fourth avenues, from Union Street to Commerce Street, Printer’s Alley is a popular alley in downtown Nashville, Tennessee and one of the craziest free attractions for the city explorers.
Earlier home to newspaper offices, print shops and publishers, today’s Printer’s Alley is the place of ultimate entertainment opportunities and one of the best places to enjoy nighttime without splurging money.
Multiple popular nightclubs are housed here. Some famous are Daddy’s Dogs, Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar, Alley Taps and Fleet Street Pub.
11. Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge
Address: Nashville, TN 37214
Hours: Open everyday for 24 hours.
Opened in 2008, the 745-foot Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge is a popular bridge in Nashville which is connecting Shelby Bottoms to Two Rivers Park. Popular with running, biking and walking, this pedestrian bridge is something where everyone can find a nice bond with nature.
Visit this scenic and silent bridge on any evening and enjoy stressless mind for few hours. The closest attractions most visitors like to explore from this pedestrian bridge include a high school campus, a skate park, a golf course and a waterpark. If you have much time, you may go to those places too.
12. Cooter’s Nashville
Address: 2613B McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: (615) 872-8358
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 9 am to 6 pm; Friday and Saturday 9 am to 7 pm.
With completely free admission, Cooter’s Museum is Nashville’s one and only Dukes of Hazzard Museum and souvenir shop. This is an ideal destination for fans of the popular seventies TV show Dukes of Hazzard where two good-at-heart cousin brothers used to do funny hazardous activities.
The interesting fact is the museum is operated by Cooter himself, Ben Jones who played the Duke Boy’s stalwart sidekick. Visitors can explore here pictures, costumes and memorabilia from this popular show.
The highlights of the museum include Cooter’s Tow Truck, Daisy’s Jeep, Rosco’s Patrol Car, and a General Lee, the 1969 Dodge Charger.
13. What Lifts You Mural
Address: 302 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Hours: Open everyday for 24 hours.
This tourist attraction in Nashville, Tennessee is a popular place for clicking lots of Instagram-worthy photos. The big white wings over the black wall is the favorite place among many visitors for having famous photo. Don’t overshadow the tiny wings besides this big one.
14. Opry Mills
Address: 433 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: (615) 514-1000
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm; on Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.
Opened on May 12 in 2000 on the former site of Opryland Themepark, Opry Mills is Tennessee’s one of the largest outlet and value retail destinations.
Boasting more than 200 stores including Forever 21, H&M, Sephora, Coach and more, this popular indoor shopping mall also provides a large food court with multiple dining opportunities.
So, going there with your crew and exploring one of your favorite stores is indeed a fun activity in Opry Mills. And if you like something then you can definitely touch your wallet.
15. Music City Walk of Fame Park
Address: 121 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: (800) 657-6910
Hours: Open everyday for 24 hours.
Located in Nashville Music Garden, Music City Walk of Fame is a memorial park honoring significant Nashville musicians with plaques. The beautiful park offers a walkway which is perfect to have an evening stroll with your close one.
Numerous events are also conducted here throughout the year. So, going to Nashville’s one of the popular music history monuments with no admission fee is really a good deal to know more about Music City!
FAQs
1. Is the Nashville Walk of Fame free?
2. What is the most famous thing in Nashville?
Nashville, Tennessee is known for housing many famous attractions including few with free admission. The Most famous Nashville attractions include Tennessee State Museum, John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the downtown of Nashville.
