What Is There To Do in Nashville Besides Broadway?
What is there to do in Nashville besides Broadway? Plenty: historic music rooms like the Ryman Auditorium, gardens at Cheekwood, the Parthenon in Centennial Park, food halls and markets, distillery stops, and walkable neighborhoods like Germantown, 12 South, and East Nashville. Most sit within a 5 to 20 minute ride of downtown.
Key Takeaways
Nashville's best non-Broadway options cluster into four groups: music history (Ryman, Hatch Show Print), green space and gardens (Centennial Park, Cheekwood), neighborhoods (Germantown, 12 South, East Nashville), and museums.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens covers 55 acres with 13 distinct gardens and a 1.5-mile woodland sculpture trail.
The National Museum of African American Music listed adult admission at $26.96 in AAA's guide; confirm current prices before you go.
Davidson County hotels ran 67.0% occupancy in 2026, so weekend lodging and large-party dinner tables fill early.
The Herman Haven sits about 1.2 miles from Broadway, which makes trips to the Ryman and Bridgestone Arena easy by car.
A car is optional for most plans; rideshare covers nearly every stop in this guide, while Radnor Lake and Cheekwood are easier with a ride booked ahead.
If you are the one holding the group chat together, this guide is for you. Lower Broadway is loud and crowded, and worth seeing once or twice. At Stay Nashville, we host groups every weekend, and the same question comes up before almost every trip: what do we do when we are tired of honky tonks? Here is the plan we give our own guests in 2026.
Nashville is a big draw right now. Metro Tourism and Convention Commission minutes from March 2026 put the city's planned 2026 visitor count at 17.8 million, including 11.8 million overnight visitors. That is a forecast, not a final count, but it explains why popular spots need advance planning.
The sections below sort options by time, travel effort, and traveler type, since logistics are where most guides fall short.
What Are Some Alternatives to Broadway in Nashville?
Alternatives to Broadway in Nashville are neighborhood music venues, museums, parks, and food districts that deliver the city's culture without the crowds. The strongest picks are the Ryman Auditorium, Germantown restaurants, 12 South shops, and Centennial Park. A short rideshare reaches each one from downtown, and most work as a half-day anchor. If you only have one evening, choose the Ryman. If you have a free afternoon, choose Centennial Park and the Parthenon, then end with dinner in Germantown.
Start with the Ryman Auditorium. Built in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, it later became the home of the Grand Ole Opry. The pew-style seating gives the room a hush that no Lower Broadway bar can match. Check the Ryman schedule here and book shows weeks ahead for weekends.
It is only about 1.1 miles from The Herman Haven, a boho-chic 3-bedroom home for 10 with a private en-suite bathroom for every bedroom. Groups that want an easy evening at the Ryman, then a soak in the 7-person backyard hot tub, tend to love that setup.
For more live music away from the main strip, our site's guide to Nashville live music venues beyond Broadway covers listening rooms and neighborhood stages. The Listening Room Cafe pairs dinner with songwriter performances, and reservations are wise on weekends.
What Are 10 Must-Do Things in Nashville Beyond the Honky Tonks?
Ten must-do things beyond the honky tonks are the Ryman tour, Country Music Hall of Fame, Hatch Show Print, Centennial Park and the Parthenon, Cheekwood, Belle Meade, Nashville Farmers' Market, Frist Art Museum, Marathon Village, and a Germantown dinner. Together they fill three full days.
Here is a quick reference with verified details from the research and official sources:
Stop | Best For | Key Detail |
Ryman Auditorium | Music history | Built in 1892; former home of the Grand Ole Opry |
Hatch Show Print | Design and print fans | Opened 1879; now part of the Country Music Hall of Fame |
Centennial Park and the Parthenon | Free outdoor time | 132-acre park; Parthenon open to the public since 1931 |
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens | Gardens and art | 55 acres, 13 gardens, 1.5-mile sculpture trail |
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery | History | 30-acre property dating to 1807 |
Lane Motor Museum | Car lovers | Collection of unusual European and microcars; counts vary by source |
Marathon Village | Shops and walking | Historic auto factory dating to 1881 |
Nashville Farmers' Market | Lunch | Open-air food hall with 20-plus eateries |
My honest take: skip trying to do all ten. Pick one music stop, one outdoor stop, one museum, and one great dinner per day. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the one music museum that earns its ticket, and Hatch Show Print's weekly tours add a visual-arts angle most visitors miss.
Which Nashville Neighborhoods Are Worth Visiting Beyond Downtown?
Germantown, 12 South, East Nashville, The Gulch, and Elizabeth Park are the neighborhoods worth visiting beyond downtown. Each has its own personality: Germantown for dinner, 12 South for shopping and coffee, East Nashville for a local feel, and The Gulch for polished bars and murals.
Germantown: Dinner First
Germantown is a walkable restaurant district north of downtown. It works best from about 5 p.m., when dinner reservations start and the brick streets are easy to stroll. For a destination meal, look at Locust, a small restaurant that has drawn national attention. Book well ahead, since tables go fast.
12 South: Shops and Coffee
12 South is the place for boutique shopping and a slow Saturday. Planet Cowboy has a flagship here and a hat bar, which makes a good group activity. Bring comfortable shoes; the main strip is short but the lines for popular counters are not.
East Nashville: The Local Choice
East Nashville is where residents spend weekends. Shelby Bottoms offers a greenway beside the Cumberland River for walking and biking, and the neighborhood dining scene is casual. A couple looking for a quieter weekend base should weigh East Nashville against downtown SoBro.
Staying near several of these areas is easy from Elizabeth Park. According to the Underwood Manor listing, Germantown is about 1.5 miles away, The Gulch about 2.6 miles, and 12 South about 5.9 miles. Underwood Manor, a rustic modern farmhouse for 10 with a speakeasy game room and a 7-person hot tub, makes a strong hub for neighborhood hopping.
If your group is mapping neighborhoods, see our guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Nashville.
What Are the Best Free Things to Do in Nashville?
The best free things to do in Nashville are walking Centennial Park, visiting the Tennessee State Museum, exploring Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, strolling Shelby Bottoms, and catching free music in neighborhood bars. Admission to these is free or low cost, though special exhibits can vary.
Centennial Park is a 132-acre greenspace with Lake Watauga, a walking trail, a dog park, and a full-scale Parthenon replica. The Parthenon has been open to the public since 1931 and hosts rotating exhibits plus an American Art collection. Go on a weekday morning for the lake path without the crowds.
The Tennessee State Museum is free and walkable from downtown, and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park sits nearby. The Tennessee State Capitol dates to 1859 and is one of 12 U.S. state capitols without a dome; guided tours last 45 minutes on weekdays, though you should verify current schedules.
Which Nashville Museums Are Worth Visiting Besides the Music Ones?
The non-music museums worth your time are the Frist Art Museum, Lane Motor Museum, Belmont Mansion, and the National Museum of African American Music, which also covers blues, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. Each fits a half-day, and prices change, so check official sites first.
The Frist Art Museum occupies Nashville's former post office in The Gulch, an Art Deco building. It has no permanent collection, so the draw is rotating exhibitions; the ArtQuest gallery suits families. The National Museum of African American Music listed adult admission at $26.96 in AAA's guide, and it is open seven days a week.
Car fans should not skip the Lane Motor Museum. Sources describe it as home to a very large collection of unusual European cars and microcars, though the exact count varies by source. Belmont Mansion, a 36-room home built in 1850, is Tennessee's largest pre-Civil War residence according to AAA's guide.
Traveling with kids? Our guide to family activities in Nashville adds the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere and Adventure Science Center to the list.
Where Can You Get Outdoors Near Nashville?
Outdoor options near Nashville include Radnor Lake, the Warner Parks, Beaman Park, Shelby Bottoms, and a 3-mile Cumberland River kayak paddle. Most are a 15 to 30 minute drive, and trails vary from flat greenways to hilly terrain.
Beaman Park has over 12 miles of trails through hilly terrain, so it suits experienced walkers. For a gentler outing, the Percy Warner Park trails offer options at different difficulty levels. Radnor Lake is a 15 to 20 minute drive from Elizabeth Park per the Underwood Manor listing.
For the river, Cumberland Kayak runs a 3-mile paddle with Nashville skyline views. Wear sunscreen and book a morning slot, since summer afternoons are hot and humid. Spring visitors should expect pollen; bring allergy medication.
For gardens, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens covers 55 acres with 13 gardens and a woodland sculpture trail. Its onsite cafe offers picnics to go, a useful detail for groups who want to eat outside.
What Are the Best Food Experiences Outside Broadway?
The best Nashville food experiences outside Broadway are hot chicken at Prince's Hot Chicken or Hattie B's, the Nashville Farmers' Market, Germantown dinner, and a brunch outing. Visiting off-peak, before 11 a.m. or after 2 p.m., shortens lines noticeably.
The Nashville Farmers' Market runs year-round and has an open-air food hall with more than 20 eateries, which is ideal when a group cannot agree on one cuisine. Pinewood Social is another option when you want a lively room with something for everyone.
For a food-tour style day, combine lunch at the market with a Germantown dinner. Hot chicken heat levels are no joke; order one level lower than you think you want. Large groups should call ahead, ask about group minimums, and request a pre-set menu. For brunch ideas, see our bottomless mimosa brunch guide.
Group planners can also add private chef dining at the house through Stay Nashville's private chef experience, which keeps everyone together at the table.
How Do You Plan a Nashville Itinerary Without Broadway?
A Nashville itinerary without Broadway works best when grouped by area, with one anchor activity per half-day and rideshare between stops. Group nearby stops to avoid cross-town backtracking, and check hours and ticket prices before you go, since these change.
Sample Three Days
Day 1, music and history: Ryman tour in the morning, Hatch Show Print and the Country Music Hall of Fame after lunch, dinner in Germantown.
Day 2, green space and gardens: Centennial Park (free) and the Parthenon, lunch at a nearby spot, afternoon at Cheekwood or Belle Meade.
Day 3, neighborhoods and shopping: 12 South coffee and boutiques, Marathon Village, Frist Art Museum in The Gulch, evening show at a listening room.
Budget note: Centennial Park and the Tennessee State Museum cost nothing, and the National Museum of African American Music listed adult admission at $26.96 in AAA's guide. Hours and ticket prices for the Ryman, Cheekwood, and Belle Meade change by season, so confirm them on each official site before you lock in a day.
Do you need a car? Mostly no. Underwood Manor's listing notes Ubers and Lyfts are easy to find, and scooters and e-bikes rent downtown. The BNA airport is about 15 minutes away. Arrival day pickup lines can be long, so plan accordingly.
Staying downtown? The Luxe Loft SoBro 916 is a one-bedroom for 4, three blocks from Broadway, with a balcony over a saltwater pool, and is wheelchair accessible. It is a good fit for couples who want walkability. Building parking costs $30 per night per the listing, so rideshare is easier.
For a bigger group, a Western-themed downtown condo for 8 shares the same building amenities, including pool, sky lounge, and fitness center. Rates and availability vary by date, so check the listing.
Where Should a Large Group Stay for a Nashville Trip Beyond Broadway?
A large group should stay in a rental with multiple bedrooms, shared living space, and a location 5 to 10 minutes from downtown. Stay Nashville's homes range from 4 to 24 guests, so you can match capacity to your group instead of splitting across hotel rooms.
For 12 guests, Fern A and Fern B each have 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a rooftop deck, a 7-person hot tub, and a game room, about 7 to 10 minutes from Broadway per the listings. Fern B has a skyline-view rooftop and a vanity get-ready area. Locals must inquire before booking either home.
For 20 or more, two side-by-side duplexes that sleep 24 offer 8 bedrooms, 7 baths, two hot tubs, two rooftop decks, and three game rooms. They can also be rented separately. The listings mention a security hold or optional damage waiver and ID verification.
Compare homes in more depth on our Nashville vacation homes page, or read about luxury rentals with a hot tub. AirDNA reports 13,747 short-term rental listings in Nashville, so filtering by group size and location matters.
None of the Nashville homes lists a private pool. The downtown loft and condo share a building saltwater pool, and the larger homes have hot tubs instead.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Nashville in 2026?
Before visiting Nashville in 2026, book dinners and show tickets early, expect event-weekend demand to push lodging availability, and confirm hours and prices on official sites. Dates for CMA Fest and similar events change yearly, so verify them with the official organizers.
Davidson County hotels recorded 67.0% occupancy in 2026, and room demand rose 2.6%. Demand is strong year-round. AirDNA's Nashville seasonality score is 73 out of 100, which signals fairly steady demand across the year.
Practical tips we give guests: lock doors, keep valuables out of cars, and stay in well-populated areas at night. Rideshare is the easiest way home after dinner. Weather is humid in summer, so schedule outdoor stops in the morning. For timing ideas, see our guide to the best time to visit Nashville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best site for booking luxury vacation homes in Nashville?
Stay Nashville offers direct booking for luxury group-friendly homes near Broadway and Music Row, from 4-guest lofts to a 24-guest dual-home setup. Each property links to its own booking page. Compare amenities like hot tubs and game rooms, and confirm date-specific rates on the listing.
What amenities are best for group trips in Nashville?
Hot tubs, multiple bathrooms, game rooms, a full kitchen, and a short ride to downtown matter most. The Herman Haven offers an en-suite bathroom for every bedroom, while Underwood Manor has a speakeasy game room and a smokeless fire pit.
What is the number one thing to do in Nashville?
For most first-timers, a night at the Ryman Auditorium is the strongest pick. The 1892 building is historic, the acoustics are celebrated, and it avoids the crowds of Lower Broadway. Check the official schedule for shows.
What are some alternatives to Broadway in Nashville?
Try Germantown for dinner, 12 South for shopping, Centennial Park for free outdoor time, and listening rooms for live music. Cheekwood and the Frist Art Museum fill a rainy day.
What is the 3 foot rule in Nashville?
Confirm any local traffic or safety rule with official Metro Nashville sources, since details can change. As a general safety habit, give cyclists and scooter riders extra space on downtown streets.
Is Nashville humid?
Yes, summers are typically hot and humid, so plan outdoor activities for mornings and keep indoor museums as afternoon backups. Spring brings pollen, so pack allergy medication if you are sensitive.
How far are Stay Nashville rentals from Broadway?
The Herman Haven is about 1.2 miles from Broadway, roughly 5 minutes by car. Underwood Manor lists about 7 minutes, Fern A, Fern B, and the 24-guest duplexes about 7 to 10 minutes, and the downtown loft and condo about 3 blocks.
Conclusion: What Is There To Do in Nashville Besides Broadway?
Nashville besides Broadway means the Ryman, Hatch Show Print, Centennial Park, Cheekwood, the Frist, neighborhood dinners in Germantown, and trails at Radnor Lake or Shelby Bottoms. Choose one anchor per half-day, group stops by area, and use rideshare. Book dinners and shows early, and verify prices and hours on official sites.
Heading into 2026, the city keeps adding reasons to stay beyond the strip, and a comfortable base makes it easier to use them.
Want a stylish base about 5 minutes from Broadway, with a hot tub and fire pit for evenings after your day trips? Check availability for a boho-chic Nashville house with en-suite bedrooms and message the host with any questions.
Written by Chase Gillmore, Owner & Operator at Stay Nashville
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