Planning a trip to Nashville? Then you already know: this city doesn’t play around when it comes to music, food, or things to see. But what most visitors don’t realize is that Nashville sightseeing goes way beyond the usual honky tonks and museum pit stops.
From iconic landmarks to hidden alleyways filled with local flavor, Music City has layers. And if you want to do it right—not just snap a photo at the Broadway boot store and call it a day—you need a plan.
That’s where we come in.
We’re A Little Local Flavor, and we’ve spent years guiding thousands of visitors through Nashville—not from a bus, but on foot, with fork in hand. Our award-winning Downtown Nashville food tour blends the best of Nashville sightseeing with local eats, hidden gems, and the kinds of stories you won’t find on plaques or Google.
So if you’re tired of vague “top 10” lists and tourist trap reviews, buckle up. This is the real guide to sightseeing in Nashville TN—and how to actually experience it.
➡️ Book Your Downtown Food Tour Now →
(Spots fill up fast—With over 2,300 five star reviews, we’re the highest-rated walking food tour in town for a reason.)
Why Sightseeing in Nashville Hits Different
Ask anyone what to do in Nashville, and they’ll throw Broadway at you like it’s the gospel. But while neon lights and live music are iconic, sightseeing in Nashville goes deeper—into neighborhoods, stories, and food that truly reflect the soul of the city.
Here’s what makes Nashville more than just a “music town” on the surface.
The Music Scene Is Built Into the Streets
Live shows are everywhere here—but the roots of that sound? They’re in places like RCA Studio B, the Ryman Auditorium, and tucked-away venues where songwriters still test out their newest heartbreak ballads. If you’re standing on Music Row, you’re walking on decades of recorded history.
And if you’re downtown, that history is layered between buildings, murals, and alleyways. Our food tour walks you through some of these spaces—with stories that go way beyond Wikipedia.
Food Is the Unsung Hero of Nashville Tourism
Hot chicken? Sure. But Nashville’s culinary scene is a full-on flavor journey—think Southern roots blended with international flair, from biscuit counters to upscale hidden bars. You could eat your way through the city and never hit the same vibe twice.
That’s exactly why we built our Downtown food tour: because we knew visitors needed more than lists and guesses. You need local insight, curated bites, and someone to walk you between the good stuff.
Architecture That Tells Stories—If You Know Where to Look
This city isn’t all new construction and cookie-cutter storefronts. It’s speakeasy doors, brick warehouses, former newspaper buildings turned jazz bars. Printer’s Alley, for example, looks like a cool shortcut—but it’s got a past full of scandal, resistance, and music.
The Outdoors Is Surprisingly Underrated
Want green space? Take a stroll along the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, or chill in Bicentennial Capitol Mall. Sightseeing in Nashville TN doesn’t mean you have to stay on the concrete. This is a city that can feed you, entertain you, and give you a quiet skyline view—all within a walkable mile.
Pro Tips: The John Seignthaler Pedestrian Bridge offers the best sunset views behind the city skyline during the spring, summer, and fall. If you’re looking for a hike look no further than Percy Warner Parks and Radnor Lake for amazing hiking trails less than 30 minutes from downtown Nashville.
Locals Will Show You the Real Stuff—If You Let Them
We say this with love: Nashville isn’t something you “do” in two days. But when you experience it with someone who lives here, you see more in less time. That’s why guided, locally owned tours matter. You’re not just getting recommendations—you’re getting orientation, connection, and an actually memorable experience.
Must-See Attractions in Downtown Nashville (That Aren’t Total Tourist Traps)
Most Nashville sightseeing starts downtown—and for good reason. The area is packed with history, live music, and some of the best bites in town. But it’s also where most visitors get trapped in a neon maze of corporate run celebrity restaurants and $20 frozen drinks.
We’re not doing that here.
These are the attractions in Nashville you actually want to see—and the ones we walk past on our Downtown Food Tour (with better snacks along the way).
Broadway: The Famous Tourist Street in Nashville
Let’s knock this out early because you’re going to ask.
What is the famous tourist street in Nashville?
What is the main attraction street in Nashville?
What is the best street to hang out in Nashville?
It’s Broadway. Always has been.
This strip is the Times Square of the South—lined with bars, rooftop decks, boot shops, neon signs, and bachelorette chaos. Honky tonks blast live music 365 days a year. It’s high energy, sensory overload, and undeniably iconic. With over 25 live music venues and live music that runs 16 hours a day, Broadway is one of the largest displays of live music in the world!
Should you go? Yes—for one night. We recommend visiting locally owned favorites and staples like Robert’s Western World, Acme Feed and Seed, Layla’s, Legend’s, and Tootsies for live music, and Broadway Brewhouse for a bushwacker.
Should you eat there? There are only 2 places we truly recommend. That’s what our walking food tour is for. We’ll show you where the locals actually hang—just steps off Broadway.
Ryman Auditorium
Nicknamed “The Mother Church of Country Music,” this landmark is pure legend. It started as a church in 1892 and became the birthplace of the Grand Ole Opry. Everyone from Johnny Cash to Adele has played here—and the acoustics are still unmatched.
Fun Fact: There’s not a bad seat in the house. Seriously. Even the back row sounds like you’re sitting in the front.
Nearby Tip: Café Lula (next door) has solid coffee and breakfast—but save room. Our tour includes food stops nearby that are way better.
Country Music Hall of Fame & RCA Studio B
This massive museum walks you through the history of country music—and even if you’re not a superfan, it’s full of jaw-dropping costumes, instruments, and interactive exhibits.
The real secret? The RCA Studio B tour add-on.
Is there anything to see on Music Row in Nashville?
Yes—but it’s mostly locked behind doors. RCA Studio B is one of the only spots you can enter with a guided tour. Elvis recorded over 200 songs here. It’s small, but sacred.
Tip: Book the combo ticket through the Hall of Fame site. It’s worth it.
Johnny Cash Museum
This one’s compact but punchy—just like Johnny himself. You’ll see personal items, handwritten lyrics, and tons of memorabilia chronicling his rebellious rise to icon status.
Nearby pairing: The Patsy Cline Museum (same building) for a double hit of country legends.
Walk of Fame Park & Bridgestone Arena
You’ll likely pass this on your way to lunch or a show—but don’t skip it. It’s full of star plaques honoring musical icons from all genres. And Bridgestone Arena is home to concerts, hockey, and very loud energy.
Tip: Even if you’re not attending an event, the area around Bridgestone is buzzing at night and steps from our food tour meeting point.
Goo Goo Cluster Experience
Nashville’s oldest candy brand has a flagship store right off Broadway—and yes, it’s worth a pop-in. You can design your own chocolate cluster, shop nostalgic sweets, or even take a class pairing candy with whiskey (our kind of education).
Fun Fact: The Goo Goo Cluster was the first “combination candy bar” in America.
Tip: If you want savory to balance that sweet? Book the Downtown Food Tour. We’ve got you covered on all fronts.
Where Locals Actually Go: Nashville Neighborhood Sightseeing
Want to know the real secret to seeing Nashville? It’s not just hitting landmarks. It’s walking through neighborhoods. Where people live, eat, play music, and build weird little bars in houses from 1890.
And while sightseeing in Nashville TN might start downtown, the best stories—and the best bites—live in places like Germantown, East Nashville, Wedgewood-Houston, and yes, even Printer’s Alley.
Here’s how to explore the neighborhoods like a local.
Printer’s Alley: A Shortcut With a Wild Past
Tucked between 3rd and 4th Avenues, Printer’s Alley is easy to miss—and that’s part of the magic. Once the city’s printing district, then its bootlegging hub, then its blues and burlesque playground, this narrow alley packs a century of rebellion into a single block.
Today:
You’ll find moody bars, neon signs, and live music echoing out of brick archways. It’s also a key stop on our Downtown Food Tour, where we dish out a few scandalous stories along with a snack.
Local Spots We Love:
Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar – Live music with a soul.
Fleet Street Pub – An English-style pub with killer bangers and mash.
Daddy’s Dogs – Late-night hot dog perfection with local flavor (literally).
East Nashville: Artistic, Eclectic, & Delicious
You’ll hear it called “the Brooklyn of the South,” but East Nashville doesn’t care about comparisons. It’s doing its own thing—loudly, colorfully, and always a little weird (in a good way).
Here’s what you’ll find:
Indie shops
Street murals
Dive bars next to award-winning restaurants
Food trucks, tattoo shops, dog parks, and hidden patios with string lights
Where to Eat/Drink:
Chopper Tiki – A robot-themed tiki bar (yes, really - and it’s awesome!).
Rosemary & Beauty Queen – Cocktails in a converted historic house.
The Treehouse – Elevated dining in—you guessed it—a literal treehouse.
Coming Soon: Our East Nashville City Guide
Want to explore this neighborhood on your own terms?
We’re creating a downloadable guide packed with:
Self-guided walking routes
Restaurant & bar highlights
Mural maps
Local legends
➡️ Join the waitlist to get it first
Germantown: Quiet Charm Meets Culinary Firepower
Just north of downtown, Germantown is Nashville’s oldest neighborhood—full of 19th-century homes, shaded sidewalks, and some of the best food in the entire city.
It’s where locals go for a slower, tastier day out. And it’s walkable enough to hit four restaurants before you realize you never needed that Uber. Our owner Christine also lives in and LOVES this charming neighborhood. Here is a list of her favorites:
Where to Go:
Henrietta Red – Oysters and brunch with clean, modern vibes - Christine loves the Turkish Eggs at brunch
5th & Taylor – Short ribs that could fix your entire life - Seriously one of the best dishes in Nashville!
Tailor – Intimate, narrative-driven dining from one of Nashville’s best chefs. This is also our owner Christine’s favorite dining experience in Nashville
Want a curated route through this area?
Our upcoming Germantown City Guide is your ticket.
It’s a self-guided experience filled with local recommendations, walking paths, and off-menu tips.
➡️ Sign up to get notified when it drops →
Wedgewood-Houston: Nashville’s Rising Star
Wedgewood-Houston (locals just call it “WeHo”) is Nashville’s next big thing—and it’s already buzzing with art galleries, breweries, and edgy design studios.
Here’s the vibe:
Creative energy
Low crowds (for now)
Cocktail bars in warehouses
A food scene quietly blowing up
Why you’ll want our guide:
We’re putting together a Wedgewood-Houston City Guide so you can skip the scavenger hunt and head straight to the good stuff.
Expect:
Under-the-radar restaurants
Local artist showcases
Coffee + cocktail pairings
And that one taco truck you’ll dream about for weeks
➡️ Be first in line for the WeHo Guide →
Why Neighborhood Sightseeing Works (Better Than Passes)
Look, we’re not anti-Nashville Sightseeing Pass. If you want to cram 4 attractions into 6 hours and call it a day, it might work.
But here’s the thing: neighborhood sightseeing actually shows you Nashville.
It slows you down. Makes you walk. Eat. Talk. Listen. Take in the city instead of just checking it off.
It’s why our tours are built around local neighborhoods, not just big-ticket stops.
And it’s why your next best experience probably isn’t behind a ticket window—it’s down a side street, in a coffee shop, or next to a mural with no line.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nashville Sightseeing
Looking for quick answers to the top questions about sightseeing in Nashville TN? We’ve got you covered with bite-sized local insight—and yes, Google, we’re talking to you too.
What is the famous tourist street in Nashville?
Broadway. The neon-lit chaos downtown where live music pours from every bar and boot shops battle for your credit card. It’s iconic—but also overwhelming. Go see it, take a photo, grab a beer… and then get off the strip.
Pro Tip: The real flavor of Nashville is a block away. Join our Downtown Nashville Food Tour to discover hidden gems, local cocktails, and history beyond the honky tonks.
What is the main attraction street in Nashville?
Broadway again. But let’s not pretend it’s the only street worth your time. Printer’s Alley, 5th Avenue of the Arts, and 2nd Ave are packed with culture, food, and fewer tourists.
What is the best street to hang out in Nashville?
It depends on your vibe:
Broadway for loud live music and bar-hopping
Printer’s Alley for late-night local energy
Five Points in East Nashville for food, murals, music and cool without trying too hard
Wedgewood-Houston for creative spaces and craft cocktails
Don’t choose—walk them with a guide who knows where the good stuff is at!
Is there anything to see on Music Row in Nashville?
Yes—but don’t expect a flashy tourist experience. Music Row is an active music industry hub. Most studios are private, but walking past places like RCA Studio B and Columbia Studio A is still meaningful if you know the history.
Want to go inside? Book the Studio B tour through the Country Music Hall of Fame.
What is the most famous thing in Nashville?
Music. Always music.
But Nashville’s soul lives in its neighborhoods, food, and people. Live shows and line dancing are fun—but a plate of famous deviled eggs, live bluegrass, and the best brussel sprouts around at a hidden East Nashville spot? That’s just as Nashville as a Ryman ticket stub.
Want to Do More Than Just See Nashville? Taste It.
There are two kinds of Nashville visitors:
Those who go down the list and check off landmarks
And those who let the city show them something real
We’re A Little Local Flavor—and our award-winning Downtown Nashville walking food tour is for the second group.
You’ll eat. You’ll learn. You’ll laugh. You’ll leave with actual memories, not just phone photos.
➡️ Book Your Downtown Nashville Food Tour Now →
(Spots go quick. Plan ahead.)
Coming Soon: Self-Guided City & Neighborhood Itineraries
Want to explore East Nashville, Germantown, or Wedgewood-Houston on your own time—with insider tips and local recommendations in your pocket?
We’re creating detailed Nashville city guides just for you. These are:
Self-guided itineraries
Curated by locals
Packed with food stops, hidden gems, and walkable routes
Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and anyone who hates wasting time in tourist traps.
➡️ Join the Waitlist → and be first in line when they drop.
TL;DR: The Best Nashville Sightseeing Happens on Foot (With Food)
You could rush from museum to monument with your sightseeing pass and miss the real city entirely.
Or… you could take it slow.
Taste your way through downtown.
Hear the stories that shaped this city.
Connect with the people who call it home.
That’s what we do.
And we’d love to show you around.
➡️ Sign up for local city guide drops