Nashville is home for me and I love telling people how amazing it is, but it’s no secret that it can be a little bit pricey to live in and to visit. Hotel prices are surprisingly high, it’s not an easily walkable city and there isn’t much public transportation available, but it is an incredible city and luckily there are plenty of free things to do in Nashville to bring down that daily budget average.
There’s a little bit of something for everyone in the Music City no matter what your taste is and, yes, there’s even plenty of live music. There are free things to do in Nashville for the art seekers, the animal lovers, the outdoors and nature inclined, the history buffs, the music aficionados, and more. You will not get bored if you know where to look no matter what your budget is while in Nashville.
I don’t know about you but I love finding free things to do. Not only does it save me money, but these tend to be some of the best things and more in touch with the local scene such as farmers’ markets, state and city parks, libraries, small bookstores and more. I only wish food was free but there are a lot of restaurants in Nashville worth checking out. With all these free things, and some great restaurants, will be planning an entire weekend in Nashville soon!
So, what makes me an expert on Nashville, and especially free things to do in Nashville? I’m a Nashville unicorn – that’s what they call those who were both born and raised here and live here as an adult. I’m Ashley Hubbard, of Wild Hearted, where I give in-depth guides and personal accounts on vegan and responsible travel and lifestyle with a lot of focus on Nashville.
You will save so much on these free things to do, you should reserve your Nashville hotel now!
Free Things to Do in Nashville
1. Hunt Down all the Murals
A couple of years ago, I attempted to put all the murals on a map and my tally went well over one hundred. A couple years later and I’m fairly positive that the number has doubled. Nashville is definitely a street art mecca and it would take days, at least, to find them all. I live here and I still haven’t come close to visiting them all. One of the reasons I love murals so much is that they bring art to the masses – everyone can enjoy street art and I think that’s beautiful.
2. Cross the Pedestrian Bridge to Soak Up the Skyline
The John Seigenthaler pedestrian bridge, previously known as the Shelby Street pedestrian bridge, is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world connecting the SoBro (south of Broadway) neighborhood with Nissan Stadium (where the Tennessee Titans play). It is a gorgeous view that is one of the best places to take photographs in the city.
Local tip: Park in Lot R at Nissan Stadium for free (except on game days or other big events). Easily walkable to Lower Broad, SoBro and more from here.
3. Visit the Tennessee State Museum
Are you a history buff? This is where you’ll find the most comprehensive exhibit of Tennessee state history. There are several permanent exhibits including The Civil War and Reconstruction, First Nations, and Change and Challenge.
4. Take a Stroll Through Time at the Bicentennial Capitol State Park
While in the neighborhood, make sure to stop by this unique state park. When I think state parks, I think trails and woods and lakes. Bicentennial is a state park dropped right in the middle of Nashville focusing on the state’s history. Walk along the path looking at the human-size slabs with history presented on a timeline or pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it on the grass with views of the Capitol Building.
5. See the Only Full Scale Replica of the Parthenon
Interested in fun facts about Nashville? This one’s for you then. The Parthenon is the only full size replica of the Parthenon in Greece. Why, you might ask? Nashville was long known as the ‘Athens of the South’ and so a temporary Parthenon was built in 1897 as the centerpiece of the Centennial Exposition. Over time, it was rebuilt in concrete – a project that took more than a decade. You can visit the area around it – Centennial Park – but there is a fee to go inside the museum which may be worth it since there is a 42-foot-tall gold-coated sculpture of Athena – the tallest indoor statue in the U.S.
6. Visit a Letterpress Workshop
Take time to step inside one of the oldest working letterpress shops in America that still prints for many entertainers, businesses, venues, and events. While the visit is free, I can’t guarantee you won’t be tempted to buy a souvenir, or two.
7. Nashville Flea Market
One of my favorite hidden gems in Nashville – the monthly flea market. This massive flea market is considered to be in the top ten flea markets in the country. You’ll find just about anything you could possibly want and just about anything you never knew you needed here including jewelry, antiques, furniture, fresh fruit, socks (they’re new!), and handmade crafts by local artisans. Even I used to have a booth there for a while selling my photographs and handmade jewelry. The flea market takes place every fourth weekend of the month.
How about planning a Nashville weekend getaway on the fourth weekend, to catch the flea market..
8. Visit a Civil War Fort
Fort Negley is the largest inland stone fort built during the Civil War. You can give do a self-guided tour of the area while enjoying views of downtown.
9. Take a Break at the Nashville Public Library
Are all capital city libraries beautiful? Is that a rule or something? The building and courtyards are beautiful and will make you forget about the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit. Also, if you’re utilizing the library, they validate parking. If you’re not, the parking garage is a great deal for parking downtown – only $10! Seriously, that’s a steal.
10. Get some Fresh Air at the Warner Parks
Located near downtown Nashville, the neighboring Warner Parks are beautiful and perfect for the outdoor lovers, the picnic goers, and hikers. There’s also a pretty large dog park here.
11. See a Symphony Concert
The symphony not in your budget? Mine either. Visit Nashville in the summer though and you can head to one of the Nashville Symphony’s outdoor concerts. They play at various locations in Middle Tennessee during the month of June.
12. Dance the Night Away at the Honky Tonks on Lower Broadway
I tell everyone to visit Lower Broadway at night once. It’s not entirely my scene but it is something you definitely need to experience. Most of the honky-tonks don’t have a cover charge and there is live music all night and day. It’s one of the free things to do in Nashville that might bring you face to face with a future star!
13. See Guaranteed Wildlife at Radnor Lake State Park
Radnor Lake is one of my favorite places and beloved by locals. Not far from downtown, you’ll find a gorgeous lake, great hiking trails and guaranteed wildlife. I suggest a sunrise or sunset walk on the Lake Trail (it’s a mostly flat, well marked trail) to see a plethora of deer, turkey, owls, turtles, otters, eagles and more.
14. Check out a Small Bookstore
Parnassus Books, owned by author Ann Patchett, offers constant free readings, signings (with purchase of the book), and storytime events. Parnassus also has a branch in the Nashville airport now.
15. Visit Opryland
Wondering why you would visit a hotel? I promise it’s pretty spectacular. Opryland Hotel houses nine acres of gardens to walk through and canals to walk over in their atriums. This is even more magnificent at Christmas time with the lights.
Local tip: Park at Opry Mills mall and walk five minutes over to the hotel.
16. See Live Music at the Bluebird Cafe
If it wasn’t famous before the show Nashville, it definitely is now. Almost every night, the Bluebird Cafe features local country artists and there is no cover charge. But, there is a long line so get there early!
17. Take a Stroll Along the Cumberland River
Riverfront Park is located right downtown where Lower Broadway ends. You can take a walk along the riverfront, bring your lunch to enjoy the view, or attend one of the many events here.
18. Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory
Every first Tuesday morning of the month, Vanderbilt allows anyone to come try out their solar telescope at Dyer Observatory. Although it’s a limited time frame, it’s still one of the coolest free things to do in Nashville, especially for the astronomy lovers.
19. Take a Self-Guided Tour of Fort Nashborough
Where else can you drink the night away at the bars on Lower Broadway and the next day visit a historic fort in almost the exact same spot? Located on the riverfront, is Nashborough – the place where James Robertson founded Nashville in 1780 and the first families of Nashville lived.
20. Visit Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area
Located in East Nashville, this 960-acre area includes three miles of Cumberland River frontage, hardwood forests, open fields, wetlands, and streams. There are five miles of paved trail for hiking, biking, running, skating, and wildlife watching and five miles of trails for walking, running, and exploring nature. There’s also the elusive Golden Pheasant of Shelby Bottoms. He’s made an appearance many times and is quite striking. No one knows the actual story of how he got there but he’s managed to make it home for quite some time now.
21. Enjoy a Romantic View from Love Circle
Want to take a trip to Nashville’s lovers’ lane? Love Circle Park is located at what was once the highest point in the city, situated in a residential neighborhood just off of West End. Unless you know to look for it, you’d never know it was there. This is the perfect spot to bring your other half for a romantic picnic, and be sure to take some photos, as this is one of the best scenic spots in the city.
22. Visit the Men’s Restroom at Hermitage Hotel
Want one of the really odd free things to do in Nashville? Check out the men’s restroom at the Hermitage Hotel. This restroom features a truly spectacular and memorable design, with lime green and black glass tiles, lime green fixtures, and a shoeshine station right in the middle of the room. The men’s room has been the setting of many business deals in the past as well as movies and music videos in current times. It’s fine for women to walk in and have a look, but maybe knock first.
Free Things to Do in Nashville Overview
Nashville is a great city with plenty to do but if you’ve spent all of your budget on transportation and accommodation, then I truly think you could have an amazing trip purely with all the free things to do in Nashville. (P.S. If you are looking for other cities in the central states with a lot of free things to do, you may love our Free Things to do in St. Louis!)
Don’t you think it’s time to head to the Music City? Reserve your hotel in Nashville now!
Don’t leave us broken hearted in a honkytonk song. Pin this Please!
About the Author;
Ashley is a vegan travel writer and photographer. A native Nashvillian, she also travels the world showcasing the best responsible methods of travel on her blog, Wild Hearted. When she is not traveling or writing, Ashley can be found hiking, exploring the corners of Nashville, spending time with her dog, or buying yet another houseplant.
You can also find Ashley, and Wild Hearted, on Facebook, and on Twitter.
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So many things I missed out on! Especially the men’s restroom! Haha!