Off the top let me make clear that there is much more to Nashville in the United States than country music, although the city is where the genre lives and breathes.
But if you’re heading to Nashville from Australia, it’s highly likely country music has brought you here. So, here’s the top 10 country music experiences in Nashville…
10. Backstage Nashville
Running every Saturday at 12.30pm, Backstage Nashville is a songwriters show that runs for about two hours and features talented writers who have penned some of country music’s biggest songs.
Not only is it a great way to take break from the hustle and bustle of Nashville, but you really get to sit back and take in the extraordinary talent before you.
There will always be a mix of rising stars and long-time hit-makers. On my most recent visit, those on stage had written for the likes of Tim McGraw, Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs.
Troy’s Tip: Even with a booking, get there early – it’s a first come, best dressed scenario for seating.
9. Johnny Cash & Alan Jackson museums
Located just off Broadway, these two museums are a great nod to a couple of icons of country music – and they’re right next door to each other.
The Johnny Cash Museum features some iconic items from one of the all-time country greats, while the Alan Jackson Museum only just opened – and also features a whisky distillery inside.
Troy’s Tip: Pre-book your tickets to avoid any lines and guarantee your experience.
8. Music City Walk of Fame
I love grabbing a coffee just as the sun rises and clearing the head with a walk through the Music City Walk of Fame, which is a free public park downtown across from the Country Music Museum.
It’s always fun spotting the stars honouring some of your favourite country singers, and it gives you a real sense of history.
Spend as little or as long as you like here, but it’s a great way to kick-off a day in music city.
Troy’s Tip: See if you can find the only Australian with a star!
7. Broadway at night
Broadway is wild, but boy is it fun. You’ll read a lot about there being “more to Nashville than Broadway”, but honestly if you’re there for live music and a unique experience felt in only a few places in the world, Broadway is where it’s at.
I suggest going really early in your trip, this will help you discover whether you’re a “one and done” type person with Broadway or if you’re keen for more.
Don’t plan too much – have a starting point but then bar-hop! My favourite night-time bars are Tootsies, This Bar, The Stage and Layla’s.
Troy’s Tip: Try to get to Broadway on a Monday or Tuesday night. It’s a lot quieter, but just as fun.
6. The Listening Room
The Listening Room is walkable from downtown or a short Uber ride, and is well worth the experience. It’s a writer’s round type show, full of extraordinary talent. On the night we were there, the extraordinary Lee Thomas Miller (who wrote ‘In Colour’) was on the bill.
The great thing about these writer’s round experiences is that the tickets are often really affordable, but you’re getting top tier talent and extraordinary stories.
Troy’s Tip: Go to the 6pm show, it’ll be out by 8pm and give you plenty of time to do something else that same night.
5. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
If you’re a country music buff, a visit to the Museum is a must. Over multiple levels, you’ll be taken back to country music’s roots for an extraordinary look back at how the genre evolved and how Nashville became Music City.
You can spend as little or as much time as you like here, but if you’re a true country music fan you’ll want at least half a day.
The great thing is that they’re always changing the displays and exhibits and often have an ‘American Currents’ display, which features some more modern country artists.
Troy’s Tip: Add on the Studio B tour, it’s a great peek into an historic studio and a perfect way to see Music Row.
4. Bluebird Cafe
It’s where the likes of Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks first raised eyebrows, and for newer country fans where the TV show ‘Nashville’ based some of its most special moments.
The Bluebird is a Nashville icon, and if you’re a true country music fan it will already be on your list.
The Bluebird is notoriously difficult to get tickets to, so you’ll need to be well researched and set an early alarm back here in Australia to secure your spot.
There’s also a line outside that forms a few hours before the show, but it doesn’t guarantee a ticket.
Troy’s Tip: Use a Gmail address when booking tickets, the system doesn’t like much else!
3. Ryman Auditorium
Often called the “mother church” of country music, the Ryman Auditorium was built in 1892 and has an extraordinary history in Nashville. Make sure you book a tour and learn about how and why it was built, why music city almost lost it and the extraordinary woman who made it her life’s work.
You can do self-guided tours but I’d highly recommend a VIP tour, it’s not all that expensive and you get speedy access to various elements as well as a tour guide who can explain each part of the experience. You can also use your ticket to come back at any stage and see more.
Troy’s Tip: If it works out, see a show here too – it’s an amazing experience.
2. Broadway during the day
There’s something special about Broadway during the day and bar-hopping through downtown. It’s less messy, less busy and a much calmer experience – but not too calm.
This is a great way to sit and enjoy the music more, versus at night where it’s more about dancing (and the bachelorettes are out and about).
It’s also a great time to explore some of the rooftops, especially Chiefs and Category 10 which have some of the best in town.
Troy’s Tip: Tip the band!
1. Grand Ole Opry
For more than 100 years, the Grand Ole Opry has brought country music to the world.
While you may be lucky enough to see a huge star, the line-up doesn’t really matter – this is an extraordinary show no matter who is on the bill. Originally a radio show (in fact, it still is) the Opry has had an unbroken run of Saturday evening performances for more than a century (including during COVID, where it went ahead without an audience) but now has plenty of mid-week shows too that operate in the same format.
I assure you, you will not be disappointed.
Troy’s Tip: Do a backstage tour – it’s an awesome experience.
Troy has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.