Rain in Nashville doesn’t have to spoil your plans. In fact, it often leads visitors to discover the city’s best-kept secrets. While locals love the sunshine for patio dining and outdoor concerts, rainy days invite you indoors, into the music halls, distilleries, museums, and creative spaces that give Music City its soul.
Picture this: rain is falling on Broadway, neon lights glistening on wet pavement, and tourists scatter for cover. But instead of ducking into a random bar, you’re stepping onto the stage of the Ryman, inhaling the scent of melted wax as you craft your own candle, or savoring a Goo Goo Cluster you just made from scratch. Nashville comes alive indoors just as much as it does out in the open air.
Whether you’re traveling with teens, a partner, friends, or coworkers, there’s no shortage of indoor things to do in Nashville that will make your trip memorable. As the owner of one of Nashville’s top-rated food tours, with more than 2,400 five-star reviews and recognition in the top 1% of things to do worldwide on TripAdvisor, I’ve guided guests through every kind of weather. The truth? Some of the most memorable experiences happen when the rain forces you inside.
This guide highlights the very best Nashville indoor attractions, from iconic music landmarks to hands-on creative workshops, indulgent food tours, and whiskey tastings perfect for adults.
Nashville Indoor Attractions for Music Lovers
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Step into the Country Music Hall of Fame, where polished wood floors echo with history and glass cases shimmer with rhinestone suits, vintage guitars, and handwritten lyrics. Rain patters outside while you wander through decades of exhibits, from Elvis Presley’s gold Cadillac to Taylor Swift’s stage outfits. The Hall of Fame rotunda, lined with bronze plaques, feels reverent and awe-inspiring, a space where legends live forever.
Why It’s Perfect for Rainy Days
You can spend hours here without ever noticing the weather. With interactive exhibits, music videos, and immersive galleries, this is one of the most engaging indoor attractions in Nashville for all ages.
RCA Studio B Tour
Board the shuttle from the Hall of Fame and head to RCA Studio B, Nashville’s most famous recording studio. The air feels different the moment you step inside, with padded walls, vintage soundboards, and the piano Elvis used on over 200 songs. Guides share stories of Dolly Parton recording “Jolene,” Waylon Jennings laying down outlaw country hits, and the unforgettable energy of the Nashville Sound.
Sensory Detail
Imagine the faint echo of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” bouncing off the walls, or running your fingers over the same keys Elvis once touched. Rainy days make it even more atmospheric, as if the past is speaking only to you.
Hatch Show Print Tour
Next door, the Hatch Show Print Tour invites visitors behind the scenes of America’s oldest letterpress shop, which first opened the year that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. The air smells of fresh ink and sawdust, while giant wooden blocks are pressed into paper just as they’ve been for more than a century.
Fun Fact: Hatch Show Prints are still made for every show at the Ryman Auditorium. They only print a limited number and they tend to be collector’s items.
Why It’s Great Indoors
It’s creative, historic, and uniquely Nashville. Teens and adults alike love leaving with a poster they’ve pulled themselves, a personal souvenir you can frame at home.
Ryman Auditorium Tour
Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium is one of Nashville’s most powerful tours. Wooden pews shine under stained-glass windows, and every creak of the floorboards carries the weight of history. Stand center stage, gaze into the spotlight, and imagine Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, or Bruce Springsteen standing in that very spot. The self guided tour is fantastic and features storytelling and history by Garth Brooks, Keb Mo, Robin Roberts, Nicole Kidman, and many more celebrities and artists. Its a fantastic way to learn the history of America’s oldest music venue.
Insider Note: This is my second favorite tour in Nashville (after ours, of course). It’s not just a building, it’s a living story of American music that still gives me chills every time I step inside.
Grand Ole Opry & Backstage Tour
The Grand Ole Opry is the beating heart of Nashville. On a rainy day, the backstage tour is especially magical. You’ll step into themed dressing rooms, walk the same halls where legends gather, and stand on the famous circle of wood that connects the Opry House to the Ryman’s stage.
Why It’s Unforgettable
The mix of anticipation, history, and behind-the-scenes access makes this more than a tour, it’s a pilgrimage for music fans. Pair it with an evening show and you’ve got a full rainy-day itinerary built around live music.
Sweet & Creative Rainy Day Activities in Nashville
Goo Goo Chocolate Tasting & Candy Making Experience
Inside the Goo Goo Chocolate Co., the smell of cocoa wraps around you like a blanket. Guests taste their way through different chocolate styles before rolling up their sleeves to create custom candy bars. You’ll choose fillings, drizzle chocolate, and decorate until it’s uniquely yours.
Why It’s Perfect Indoors
It’s hands-on, delicious, and uniquely Nashville. Teens love the creativity, adults love the tasting, and everyone leaves with something sweet (if it makes it out of the building uneaten).
Pro Tip: Pair this with the Underground Donut Tour earlier in the day for a dessert-lover’s rainy itinerary.
Candle Making at The Golden Slipper
Escape the storm and step into the Golden Slipper, a cozy boutique tucked away in Germantown. The moment you walk in, the air is filled with soft music and the soothing aroma of essential oils. Long tables are set with jars, fragrance bottles, and warm wax ready to be poured.
Guests are guided through the process of blending custom scents — lavender with citrus, vanilla with sandalwood, or something completely original. As you pour the melted wax into glass jars, you’ll watch your creation come to life. The rain outside only makes the atmosphere more inviting, like you’ve found a hidden sanctuary where time slows down.
Why It’s Great on a Rainy Day
It’s a sensory escape. While the streets outside glisten with rain, inside you’re crafting a candle that will carry the memory of Nashville long after your trip ends. Couples find it romantic, groups find it fun, and solo travelers love the creativity.
Food Tours by Van
When walking isn’t practical, Nashville’s van food tours let you ride in comfort while still experiencing the city’s bold flavors. Rain streaks the windows as you’re chauffeured from one delicious stop to the next, no umbrellas required.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Tour: Imagine the scent of hickory smoke as you sink your teeth into juicy brisket or tender ribs, paired with craft beers and small-batch bourbon. Each stop introduces you to pitmasters and brewers who keep Nashville’s food traditions alive.
Hot Chicken & Whiskey Tour: Feel the fiery crunch of Nashville’s most famous dish balanced with the smooth burn of Tennessee whiskey. The rain outside only adds to the coziness of digging into comfort food that locals line up for.
Murals & Mimosas: Even in wet weather, Nashville’s murals pop with color, and this tour keeps you dry while sipping bubbly. Between stops, you’ll hop out just long enough for quick photos before diving back into the van for your next toast.
Why They Work
These tours turn a rainy day into an adventure. You’ll taste the city’s signature dishes, hear local stories, and see vibrant neighborhoods, all while staying dry and comfortable.
Indoor Activities in Nashville for Adults
Tennessee Whiskey Workshop
The Tennessee Whiskey Workshop is more than a tasting, it’s a crash course in one of the South’s most beloved spirits. You’ll swirl glasses, breathe in caramel and oak aromas, and learn how different grains and barrels create distinctive flavors. Instructors often add humor and behind-the-scenes stories, making it equal parts education and entertainment.
Guests finish by mixing their own cocktails, shaking and pouring under expert guidance. The workshop feels social and interactive, a perfect rainy-day bonding activity for couples or groups of friends.
Why Adults Love It
It’s hands-on and lively. Instead of simply sipping whiskey, you leave with new knowledge, new cocktails to recreate, and a deeper appreciation for Tennessee’s liquid gold.
Distillery Tours
Rainy days are tailor-made for sipping whiskey, and Nashville’s distilleries deliver cozy, flavorful escapes:
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery: Founded by descendants who revived their family’s 19th-century whiskey brand, this distillery combines history and craftsmanship. Walking the barrel room, you’ll catch the sweet, oaky scent of aging bourbon.
Big Machine Distillery: With a more modern vibe, Big Machine pairs live energy with tasting flights of vodka, gin, and whiskey cocktails. It’s upbeat, fun, and great for groups who want a lively atmosphere while staying indoors.
Book Now: Reserve your Nashville distillery tour
Music City Brew Hop (Trolley Tour)
If beer is more your style, the Music City Brew Hop Trolley offers a relaxed way to explore Nashville’s brewery scene while staying dry. Covered trolleys shuttle guests between top breweries where you can sip IPAs, stouts, and seasonal specials. The ride itself feels festive, with groups chatting between stops and swapping tasting notes.
Why It’s Perfect Indoors
It’s exploration without exposure. You’ll enjoy the variety of Nashville’s craft beer scene while staying cozy, covered, and worry-free about the weather.
Nashville’s Museums & Cultural Indoor Attractions
Not all rainy-day fun revolves around food and drink, Nashville’s museums are some of the most rewarding indoor attractions in the city:
Frist Art Museum: Housed in a stunning Art Deco post office, the soaring marble lobby sets the stage for rotating exhibits that range from classic paintings to contemporary photography. Kids love the interactive Martin ArtQuest gallery.
National Museum of African American Music: A fully interactive journey through gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. Touchscreens, listening stations, and immersive galleries make this one of Nashville’s most dynamic cultural experiences.
Musicians Hall of Fame: Celebrates the unsung heroes of music, like the session players and touring musicians who brought iconic songs to life. Standing among their instruments feels like stepping into the soundtrack of American music. You can book your Musican’s Hall of Fame ticket HERE.
Live Music & Nashville Indoor Entertainment
Broadway Honky-Tonks (Daytime)
Rain doesn’t dampen Broadway’s energy. Neon lights reflect on slick sidewalks as live bands crank up the volume inside. Step into Robert’s Western World for traditional country, or try Legends Corner for a mix of classics and modern hits. During the day, most honky-tonks welcome families, making it a fun way to soak in Nashville’s spirit without the late-night rowdiness.
Why It Works
It’s authentic Nashville, loud, colorful, and full of life, no matter what the weather looks like outside.
The Listening Room Café
For a quieter experience, the Listening Room Café delivers pure intimacy. Candlelight glows on the tables while acoustic guitars fill the room. Songwriters share not just their music but the personal stories behind each lyric, creating a connection you won’t find anywhere else.
Why It’s Perfect Indoors
It’s cozy, soulful, and rain outside only makes the atmosphere richer. Guests leave feeling like they’ve discovered a secret side of Nashville, one where the music is stripped back and personal.
Final Thoughts: Rainy Days Can Be the Best Days in Nashville
When the skies turn gray, Nashville’s indoor activities shine brighter than ever. From standing on legendary stages to sipping Tennessee whiskey, crafting candles, or exploring world-class museums, you’ll find that rainy days often lead to the most memorable stories. Embrace the slower pace, savor the flavors, and enjoy Music City from the inside out, because sometimes, the best things to do in Nashville on a rainy day are the ones you didn’t plan for.