Nashville’s Broadway strip has the lights, the music, and the crowds — but it’s far from the full picture. Step away from the honky-tonks and neon signs, and you’ll find a city with historic neighborhoods, local food gems, and real Southern character. Plenty is happening outside the spotlight.
Here’s a list of 15 things to do in Nashville that show a different side of the city.
Walk the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
This bridge offers one of the best skyline views in Nashville, stretching across the Cumberland River. It’s open only to foot traffic, so there’s no car noise — just joggers, musicians, and photographers soaking in the scene.
Locals walk it at sunset when the city lights start to flicker on. It’s peaceful but still very Nashville.
Visit the Tennessee State Museum
Just a few blocks from the Capitol, this free museum dives deep into the state’s history — from Native American life to Civil War artifacts and modern culture. It’s quiet, well-organized, and surprisingly modern inside.
It doesn’t try to entertain with gimmicks, just solid storytelling. A great spot to cool down and learn something.
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Explore 12South
This neighborhood mixes vintage shops, bakeries, murals, and relaxed energy. You’ll find local boutiques and coffee stops, not chains. It’s the kind of place where you grab a donut and end up browsing vintage shops for an hour.
Locals stroll here on weekends to avoid the Broadway scene without leaving the city vibe behind.
Tour the Belle Meade Historic Site
A short drive from downtown, this former plantation offers tours that cover both the home’s opulence and the stories of enslaved people who lived there. It’s heavy but thoughtfully done. The grounds are wide open, the buildings are well-preserved, and there’s even a small winery on-site.
It’s history that doesn’t gloss over the past.
Catch a Show at the Basement East
While Broadway’s full of cover bands, The Basement East — known as “The Beast” — is where you’ll find original acts, rising stars, and real energy. It’s gritty, local, and packed with sound. Even the crowd feels more tuned in.
Locals know this is where the good stuff happens after the tourists head to bed.
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Walk Through Radnor Lake State Park
This nature preserve feels worlds away from downtown but only takes 20 minutes to reach. Quiet trails wind through wooded hills and around the lake. You’ll likely see deer, turtles, and maybe even a wild turkey.
It’s perfect for when you’ve had your fill of city noise and just want fresh air.
Visit the Frist Art Museum
Housed in a 1930s post office, the Frist doesn’t keep a permanent collection — it rotates exhibitions, often showcasing regional artists and international works. The building itself is worth the visit, with Art Deco touches and big open spaces.
It’s one of the city’s most underrated indoor experiences.
Try a Local Biscuit Spot
Yes, you can get hot chicken anywhere — but locals know to hunt down the best biscuits instead. Places like Biscuit Love or Big Bad Breakfast serve up buttery stacks that put chain diners to shame.
Top them with gravy, fried green tomatoes, or jam — and you’ll understand why locals are obsessed.
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Browse the Nashville Farmers’ Market
Located near Germantown, this market has fresh produce, artisan foods, and global eats. It’s open daily and includes indoor stalls so that the weather won’t ruin your visit. Locals shop here for ingredients, lunch, or just to stroll.
It’s casual, affordable, and less chaotic than the tourist hotspots.
Check Out the Lane Motor Museum
This place flies under the radar but has one of the most unusual car collections in the country. Think tiny European vehicles, amphibious cars, and experimental prototypes. It’s surprisingly fun, even if you’re not into engines.
Locals bring out-of-towners here just for the weird factor alone.
Visit Fort Negley
This Civil War fort sits on a hill just south of downtown. It’s free to visit, with trails and signs explaining the site’s significance. There’s a small visitor center with exhibits about the fort’s construction by enslaved laborers.
It’s quiet, heavy, and a meaningful part of Nashville’s past that rarely makes tourist lists.
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Get Coffee in East Nashville
East Nashville is the laid-back, creative side of the city. Cafés like Barista Parlor or Retrograde serve excellent brews in cool, artsy spaces. The vibe here is less polished and more lived-in, with murals, mismatched furniture, and locals tapping away on laptops.
It’s a great neighborhood to wander with no real agenda.
Visit Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Cheekwood combines a historic mansion, seasonal art displays, and beautifully landscaped gardens. It’s especially nice in spring when the tulips bloom or during the fall light shows. Locals bring picnic blankets and stroll through the exhibits.
It’s calm, colorful, and photogenic without the Broadway flash.
Spend Time in Germantown
This historic neighborhood blends brick townhouses with modern restaurants and quiet streets. The dining scene here punches well above its weight, and there’s a good mix of boutiques and galleries.
It’s the kind of place where locals go on date nights or slow Sundays. You’ll feel the city’s rhythm here — just at a lower volume.
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See the Parthenon (and Go Inside)
Most people take a quick photo of this full-scale Greek replica in Centennial Park — but the real gem is inside. There’s an art museum downstairs and a massive statue of Athena upstairs. It’s a mix of odd, grand, and fascinating.
Locals treat it like a joke at first — but they also keep coming back.
Where Music City Gets Quieter
Nashville has its tourist-friendly side, but its real charm lives in the quiet streets, neighborhood parks, and low-key music venues. The city’s culture runs deeper than Broadway, and it doesn’t have to be loud to be great.
Step off the main drag, and you’ll find a Nashville that feels less like a show — and more like home.
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