So you made it to Nashville but the weather didn’t hold up. Or maybe you got discount tickets in winter and the temperature is just a little too chilly for your liking — or in summer when the weather is unbearably hot.
For whatever reason, you’re on the hunt for some fun indoor activities to keep you and your travel companions occupied and we’re here to help you with your dilemma.
We appreciate your interest in all of the exciting activities, and incredible places that Nashville has to offer the world. Here are some of the best things to do indoors in Nashville — organized by activity type.
Table Of Contents
Nashville Museums
Visit the Parthenon and Athena Statue
Ever want to visit The Parthenon but couldn’t make it to Greece? Well, you can visit the next best thing — a full-scale replica of the building and Athena statue awaits you in Nashville’s Centennial Park. After you tour the grounds, check out the art museum inside.
See some art at the Frist Art Museum
Take a walk around amongst Nashville’s finest art exhibits in a historic gallery located in the heart of downtown.
Visit the Johnny Cash Museum
A must-see for country music fans. The Johnny Cash Museum is easily a favorite among music tourists. Come see why Forbes and National Geographic Traveller called it the #1 Music Museum in the world.
Tour the Ryman Auditorium
Country fans will know this special place as the former home of the Grand Ole Opry. Check the calendar to see if there are any upcoming events, or take a tour of this historic venue.
See an exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum
Consider yourself a history buff? Work your way down to the Tennessee State Museum and learn about Tennessee’s most intriguing state history.
Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame
If country music didn’t draw you to Nashville, the unique architecture will! Tour the world's most extensive archives of country music artifacts and memorabilia.
Step back in history at Belmont Mansion
Belmont Mansion stands as a historic house museum, showcasing antebellum architecture, art, and history, offering guided tours that delve into the life of Adelicia Acklen and her era.
Transport back to the 80s at Cooter’s Museum
Cooter's Place is a museum and store dedicated to the "Dukes of Hazzard," featuring memorabilia, props, and costumes from the show, alongside actor appearances and a replica of the General Lee car.
Food And Drinks In Nashville
Get a bite and a beer at Bavarian Bierhaus
Feeling thirsty? Grab a stein and a brat at Nashville’s only authentic Bavarian bierhaus!
Mix it up at Assembly Food Hall
If you’re hungry and unsure of what type of cuisine in your in the mood for, Assembly Food Hall is the perfect place to check out (Especially with large groups of picky eaters 🙂). This food hall offer over 30 unique eateries and bars to choose from.
Get a plate of soul food at Swett’s
Swett’s is the ultimate soul food experience offering delicious, cafeteria style, southern cuisine, and a rich history of over 62 years.
Chow down at Martin’s BBQ
Acclaimed in National Geographic Traveller and Southern Living, this iconic BBQ spot is the perfect place to start your night before hitting the honkytonks downtown. Martin’s offers a classic BBQ menu, including, but not limited to mac and cheese, pulled pork, and catfish fillets.
Grab a bite at Aquarium Restaurant
Nashville is inland, so the chances of finding a good aquarium should be slim — but that’s where you’re wrong!
Nashville’s Aquarium Restaurant is not only a fantastic place to see tropical fish and other marine life (maybe even a mermaid if you’re lucky) but it’s also a great place to sit down and eat a delicious dinner.
Get a pint at Blackstone Brewing Co.
Looking for the craft beer scene? Grab a beer at Nashville’s oldest brewery, and stick around for a tour after your beer!
Grab a sandwich at Noshville Deli
So maybe you’re homesick for an authentic New York deli experience but you’re far from home in the Music City. There’s a solution — take yourself to Noshville Deli, Nashville’s go-to deli for delicious sandwiches and sides.
Get a bite at Varallo’s
Varallo’s is Tennessee’s oldest operating restaurant, and for a good reason — their chili is phenomenal. If you’re caught in Nashville on a rainy day, this is the perfect place to warm up and get cozy.
Grab drinks in a lush garden at Greenhouse Bar
This lush garden-inspired bar is perfect for any rainy or cloud day. The Greenhouse Bar offers a unique botanical setting, serving creative cocktails and bites amidst lush greenery, providing a tranquil escape!
Sports In Nashville
Feel the burn at Climb Nashville
Climb Nashville is the only climbing gym you’ll ever need in Music City. Whether you’re here for a few days or planning on moving to the Music City, Climb Nashville has entry options that can meet your needs. Dust up your hands and feel the burn!
Blow off some steam at Bad Axe Throwing
Axe-throwing bars have really taken off in the last couple of years, and it's easy to see why — Bad Axe Throwing has a full bar and restaurant as well as two fully streamlined axe-throwing lanes. Call to make a reservation and see what the hype is all about!
Break a sweat at Cenntenial Sportsplex
Ever feel the need to ice skate, swim a few laps, and go for a jog in the same place? Look no further! Centennial Sportsplex offers all of these things and more at an affordable price!
Hit a hole-in-one at Topgolf Nashville
What the heck is Topgolf? We’re glad you asked. Topgolf is an electronic, indoor driving range with special, high-tech balls equipped with microchips that keep track of your progress. Topgolf Nashville is the perfect place to practice your driving skills, and maybe get a pint or a bite to eat.
Go out for a few rounds of bowling at Donelson Bowling Center
Downtown Nashville is admittedly lacking in bowling alleys — but if you can make it to the Donelson area, there’s an amazing bowling alley to try and catch a few strikes at. The other added appeal to this bowling alley is the dated charm that is increasingly rare at newer bowling alleys.
Nashville Shows
See some stand-up at Zanies Comedy Club
Need a good laugh? Stop by Zanies to grab a drink, see a show, and enjoy some merriment.
Go to the opera
The Noah Liff Opera Center proves that this city really is a Mecca for all types of music lovers. See your most beloved operas in person at this beautiful opera hall.
Sing your heart out at the Lipstick Lounge
The Lipstick Lounge is one of Nashville’s most beloved places to sing or see some karaoke, but they also offer so much more including trivia nights, a food menu, and a cozy outdoor patio.
See a show at Dee’s Cocktail Lounge
You came to Nashville, so there’s a good chance you might be looking to see a country show. Dee’s Cocktail Lounge is your go-to place for Nashville’s finest country acts, as well as a fantastic drink menu, and good food. Check the website for upcoming acts.
See a movie or event at The Belcourt
There’s always something happening at The Belcourt, Nashville’s nonprofit theater and event center, including film festivals, workshops, and galleries. Check out their website and see what’s scheduled.
Have an evening at the Nashville Ballet
For fans of dance and ballet, consider one of the many events at the Nashville Ballet. If you feel like getting involved, there are many classes and workshop opportunities available for all ages. Sign up on their website!
See a play or symphony at the James K Polk Theater
The James K Polk Theater is a leading performing arts center in Nashville, offering plays, concerts, symphonies, opera, ballet, live podcasts, and so much more. Check out their website and see if anything sparks your interest during your visit!
Enjoy some of Nashville’s finest blues at Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
Located in the historic Printers Alley, Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar offers an authentic New Orleans vibe complete with live blues music and Southern cuisine. Check out the venue’s website for upcoming acts.
Nashville Games
Dare to escape at Ruins: Forbidden Treasure
Escape rooms seem to be sweeping the nation, and understandably so — this escape room features a jungle ruins-themed adventure and a treasure hunt.
Get your game on at Game Terminal
This one’s for the young at heart. Come relive your childhood through your favorite arcade games and a huge assortment of classic pinball games at this local’s favorite barcade.
Play a game at the Nashville Chess Center
Chess is making a serious resurgence in our culture due to TV shows like Netflix’s Queen’s Gambit. Come play some of Nashville’s most skilled chess masters, or take a chess lesson.
Shoot some pool at Melrose Billiard Parlor
Feeling inspired to show off your pool skills? Or maybe shuffleboard, darts, or ping pong is more your style? Maybe you just want to wet your whistle. You can find all of these things and more at Melrose Billiard Parlor, a favorite amongst locals.
Grab a slice and play some trivia at Boombozz Pizza
Where else can you find delicious pizza, friendly people, and challenging trivia? If you’re disappointed in your trivia ranking, at least you won’t enter the next round on an empty stomach. As an added bonus, there’s a beautiful patio and playground in case you have to drag the kids with you.
Miscellaneous Indoor Activities In Nashville
Take a walk in the Garden Conservatory
The Garden Conservatory at Gaylord Opryland Resort is an impressive indoor botanical garden available to both overnight and daytime guests. If you happen to be visiting Nashville during the holidays, the Garden Conservatory has an amazing Christmas display.
Visit some shops at The Arcade
Not your typical shopping mall. The Arcade has a wide array of sophisticated shops and restaurants to meet your most diverse wants and needs.
Shop, eat, and drink on the Broadway Strip
There are some amazing times waiting to be had on the historic Broadway Strip. Check out some amazing shops, restaurants, bars, venues and so much more.
Explore the unusual at Cool Stuff Weird Things
If you like quirky boutiques and thrift shops, then this is the place for you! Cool Stuff Weird Things is a unique shop offering an eclectic mix of vintage items, oddities, and collectibles, perfect for those seeking unusual and hard-to-find treasures.
Browse the racks at Any Old Iron
Need to spice up your wardrobe? Try checking out Any Old Iron. This Nashville-boutique offers a dazzling array of sequin jackets, unique designs, and bespoke pieces that blend British punk influences with modern glam rock flair.
Sift through new and used vinyl at Grimey's New & Preloved Music
Grimey's is a beloved independent music store offering a vast selection of new and preloved vinyl records, CDs, and cassettes, alongside live performances and signings by artists.
