Fun Things To Do in Nashville For Couples
This past March, my husband and I were trying to decide where to go for my birthday. When we realized there were so many fun things for couples to do in Nashville, we booked our hotel and flights and started planning.
Because we live in Florida, the flight was less than two hours, and getting there was a breeze. My last few trips have been to Europe, and there is a lot to be said for easy travel.
As my husband is a musician, I knew he’d have a blast in Music City. As you probably know, food is my jam, and Nashville is also definitely a city for foodies.
What do you look for in a vacation? I’m betting you’ll fall in love with this fabulous city, too. With such a variety of activities, you’ll find plenty of fun things for couples to do in Nashville.
Once you book your flights, make sure to book your hotel, too. We loved The Westin Nashville, and it was an easy walk to Broadway.
Experience the Nashville Music Scene Together
We really did have a blast exploring all things music in Nashville. If you don’t have a lot of time, pick your favorites. We were able to fit everything into three days, but I would have liked to have stayed another day or two.
Visit the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry, a live venue and regular country music broadcast, started all the way back in 1925.
That’s right: this year marks the 100th anniversary, but that wasn’t the only cause for celebration. We saw the Gatlin Brothers perform as part of their 70th Anniversary Tour, and it was fantastic.
If you love country music, the Grand Ole Opry should be at the top of your list. Visit the Opry at 600 Opry Mills Drive. You can find showtimes and more information on the Grand Ole Opry website.
TIP: Don’t assume because you didn’t get tickets in advance that you can’t get good seats. We bought tickets that afternoon and got seats in the front row! I’m thinking it was a birthday miracle, but you never know!
Attend a Show at the Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium is the former home of the Grand Ole Opry, but you’d be mistaken to think it isn’t still grand. This world-famous venue has hosted musicians of all kinds, all the way from Johnny Cash to Harry Styles.
Originally built as the Union Gospel Tabernacle over 130 years ago, the Ryman Auditorium is fittingly described as “hallowed ground” for music fans and performers alike. In fact, Coldplay said it was “the greatest theater in the world!”
But besides the auditorium, you can take a self-guided tour of the exhibits. Here you’ll find hundreds of artifacts, like the outfits worn onstage at the Opry by Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Hank Williams.
You can also see the guitar played at the Opry by Elvis, his one and only visit there, and one of the most famous and controversial Ryman performances.
See the website to choose a tour. The Ryman Auditorium is located at 116 Rep. John Lewis Way North.
Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame
If you’ve seen a live performance and you’re itching for a behind-the-scenes look at America’s musical history, it doesn’t get much better than the Country Music Hall of Fame.
This fascinating museum has the largest collection of country music “artifacts” in the world, and is deeply dedicated to preserving the story and legacy of American vernacular music.
Don’t miss Elvis Presley’s gold-plated Cadillac, complete with a phone, refrigerator, refreshment bar, and gold-plated TV.
Take a look at the Country Music Hall of Fame website to plan your day before you book your visit. You’ll find the museum at 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S.
The Museum is included on the Hop On Hop Off tour along with a lot of other things to do on this list, so if you aren’t driving (or just don’t want to spend your day driving from place to place) this is a great option!
Take a Tour at Historic RCA Studio B
True music buffs will be delighted to hear that “the birthplace of the Nashville Sound”, Historic RCA “Studio B”, is available to be toured in conjunction with the Country Music Hall of Fame.
You can stand right where Dolly Parton and other greats recorded some of their most famous work, and made their mark on the American music scene forever.
Studio B shares a website with the Country Music Hall of Fame, and more information can be found on their website. You can find the historic studio at 1611 Roy Acuff Pl.
See a Show at The Listening Room
If you’re set on seeing a live performance, there’s no reason not to have dinner (or lunch) and a show! The Listening Room Cafe is a unique venue that was founded in the 2000s, with its current location opening in 2017.
Here, you can catch a live performance of up-and-coming country music performers while enjoying American cuisine and crafted beverages. The setting is really intimate, making it one of our favorite fun things to do in Nashville for couples.
There are two live shows a night, and they can vary depending on the time of week, so make sure to check the website and get tickets before you go. The Listening Room is located at 618 4th Avenue South.
Visit the National Museum of African American Music
The National Museum of African American Music was absolutely incredible and one of the highlights of our trip. Also known as NMAAM, this relatively new museum just opened in 2021.
The Museum’s core focus is to celebrate and preserve the legacy of African American musicians and how they shaped so many genres we know and love today.
The museum houses countless pieces of history, such as clothes worn by Whitney Houston and Nat King Cole, and explores more than 50 genres of music with deep roots in African American culture.
If you want to see the bigger picture of how American music was born, you absolutely can’t miss this site. Visit the museum at 510 Broadway.
Explore the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
The name of this site might seem self-explanatory, but the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is a truly unique venue. Started in 2006, this 501 charity organization hoped to honor and represent all great musicians, while breaking down the barriers of style and genre.
What you’ll see here is a display of instruments owned and played by countless well-known artists, allowing visitors to see the physical tools used to create their favorite songs.
My husband really enjoyed this stop. You’ll find the museum at 401 Gay Street.
Robert’s Western World
Sometimes, the old-fashioned way is as good as it gets, and that’s absolutely true at Robert’s Western World. The original building has gone through change after change over the years: starting as a warehouse, being remodeled into a steel guitar shop, and even serving as a liquor store in the 80s.
A decade later, Robert Moore purchased the building to open Robert’s Rhinestone Western Wear, a fittingly themed apparel store. Over the years, live entertainment was added, as well as food and beer, and Robert’s Western World was born.
At this venue, you’ll find live country music performances going from morning ‘till night. I read about Robert’s Western World in 100 Things To Do in Nashville Before You Die, and I’m so glad we stopped in.
Hungry? They are known for the Recession Special: a fried bologna sandwich with Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, a bag of chips, and a moon pie, all for $6! Not only is that one of the most budget-friendly options you’ll find, but it’s also a faithful nod to the history and perseverance of lower Broadway.
Visit Robert’s Western World website for the music schedule. The venue is located at 416 Broadway #B. Interested in more music? Check out this comprehensive list of Nashville Music Venues.
Stroll Along Music City Walk of Fame
No trip to Music City is complete without visiting the Walk of Fame. Established in 2006, this scenic park honors contributors to Nashville’s musical heritage, as well as outstanding achievements in the industry as a whole.
You can learn more on the city’s website. Located at 121 4th Ave S.
Get Fitted for Authentic Cowboy Boots
I have a beautiful pair of handmade cowboy boots from El Paso, Texas, but I had no idea there would be so many places to find gorgeous cowboy boots in Nashville (many of which have been operating for generations). If you’re looking for a souvenir that’s both novel and practical, cowboy boots might be just the thing you’re looking for.
Take a Ride on the Pedal Tavern
This looked like fun and we saw a few different companies with mobile taverns. We weren’t into it but they were definitely having a good time!
Visit the Replica of the Parthenon
This might be a little unexpected in this lineup, but it’s absolutely worth seeing. Built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, Centennial Park’s replica of Parthenon is the world’s only full-scale replica!
Who would have thought that you could feel transported straight to Athen’s, Greece in the middle of Nashville? We didn’t get to stop by the replica during our trip, but we wished we’d seen it, and it’s absolutely on our list for next time. You can visit the replica of Parthenon at 2500 West End Ave.
Explore 12South District
12South is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Nashville, and easily one of the trendiest as well. Throughout the half-a-mile stretch, you’ll find local shops, gourmet restaurants, picture-perfect murals and more.
We found an absolutely fantastic thrift store during our visit, so keep an eye out for the perfect find. One of the cutest locations in 12South is the restaurant “Playdate”, where you’ll find upscale food and drinks in a casual, backyard-inspired atmosphere, complete with faux grass and an iconic outdoor slide.
Looking for date night ideas? Look no further than 12South for fun things for couples to do in Nashville.
My husband doesn’t miss a chance to play!
Couples will want to stop by Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar and get a snack and a photo on the swing. 12South is located along 12th Avenue South.
Walk Through Fort Nashborough
Before the Nashville we know today, there was a relatively small stockade built in 1779 known as Fort Nashborough. In 1784, the settlement was officially incorporated as the town of Nashville, and in 1796, finally became the capital of Tennessee upon the 16th state’s admission.
You can visit the original Fort Nashborough for a free self-guided tour, or visit the Fort Nashborough History Center in Downtown Nashville.
The History Center was renovated in 2017. It includes a properly accurate representation of the past, as well as a plaza dedicated to Native American History. You can find more information about the fort on the Nashborough official webpage.
Visit the Nashville Farmers Market
If you’re like me, you absolutely can’t resist stopping by a good farmer’s market– but the Nashville Farmers Market is truly one-of-a-kind. You can visit the open-air farm sheds to browse fresh vegetables and artisanal products from over 100 farmers and small businesses, stroll through the garden center, and then grab a bite at the market house.
This indoor space houses tons of restaurants and shops, allowing visitors to taste cuisines from all over the world. Vendors are always rotating and hours vary depending on the season, so be sure to check the Nashville Farmers Market Website before you visit! The market is located at 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.
Check out Printer’s Alley
During the day, there’s not a lot happening at Printer’s Alley, but at night it really does come alive with visitors and locals hanging out at the nightclubs and restaurants.
In the late 1800s, Printer’s Alley was home to both of Nashville’s newspapers, as well as other publishers. The last printer moved out years ago, but this National Register Historic District has some of the best restaurants, bars, and shows in Nashville.
You’ll also find some really upscale hotels if you want to be close to the action while staying off Broadway. If you want to learn more about the history, Nashville Downtown has you covered.
Visit One of the Celebrity Restaurants
You will have so many choices of restaurants in Nashville, and we have more to come on that soon. But for country music fans, check out the celeb restaurants. We stopped in several of them and they really should be part of your Nashville experience.
Luke’s 321 Bridge
Luke Bryan’s Luke’s 321 Bridge, located at 321 Bridge St., has live music on three floors. Visit the fun rooftop!
Goodnight Nashville
Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville, located at 209 Broadway, is a rustic, tatoo-themed bar. Check out the rooftop.
AJ’s Goodtime Bar
Alan Jackson’s AJ’s Goodtime Bar, located at 421Broadway, has a tiki bar, a boat bar, and several floors of live music.
Twelve Thirty Club
Justin Timberlake’s Twelve Thirty Club, located at 550 Broadway, is upscale and the food is fabulous. Another one with a rooftop, too. We thought this spot was romantic, too, so it’s one of our top picks for fun things for couples to do in Nashville.
Boogie Bar
Hank Williams, Jr’s Boogie Bar, located in a historic building at 419 Broadway, has 3 levels, a great rooftop bar, and now has the Michael Waltrip Signature Floor, combining racing with country music.
JBJ
John Bon Jovi’s JBJ, located at 405 Broadway, has live music, a fun vibe, a tattoo parlor, a mechanical bull, and a very popular rooftop bar.
Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk & Steakhouse
Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk & Steakhouse, located at 221 Broadway, is a really popular spot. Check the website for all the offerings, including VIP services and a speakeasy named for Kid Rock’s father.
Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar
Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar, located at 307 Broadway, has live music, amazing food, and special events like a live broadcast of the Wayne D. Show on iHeart Radio.
Ole Red
Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, located at 300 Broadway, offers up the “THE full country experience.” Live music, scratch food, and even line dancing classes.
Friends in Low Places
Garth Brook’s Friends in Low Places is at 411 Broadway. The first two floors are the Honky Tonk and on the rooftop is the Oasis Bar.
Check out Nashville Guru for more about celebrity bars and local events.
There’s no shortage of good shows, sights and eats in Nashville, Tennessee. If you’re looking to travel within the United States, see a country music show or just want to soak up the authentic history of the city, consider Nashville for your next adventure.
Did we give you enough fun things for couples to do in Nashville to get you started? Let us know what else you find!
Frequently Asked Questions
The weather is lovely in Spring and Fall. Various festivals are scheduled during that time of year, making it ideal for exploring outside. Summer can get quite warm, and December gets pretty cold, but there are still fun things for couples to do in Nashville all year long.
Personally, when I’m ready to go to bed, I need quiet. We stayed at The Westin Nashville, a 15-minute walk to Broadway. It was lovely.
We thought Nashville was reasonable as far as prices. Our hotel was a decent price and super nice, and the bars and restaurants were pretty typical as far as cost goes.
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