Nashville is one of the most culture-filled and exciting places to visit, whether you’re staying for a weekend or an extended trip. Most popular city-type destinations can really empty out your wallet with overpriced tourist attractions, ticket costs, etc. If you’re looking to explore Nashville on a budget, we’ve got you covered! There are so many fun and free things to do in Nashville we put together a list of our top favorites.
The Parthenon is located in the famous Centennial Park in downtown Nashville. It’s a life-size replica of the original in Greece and it’s columns and outdoor sculptures are free for the public to explore. There is an art museum within the Parthenon and it’s permanent collections really add to the rich culture of Nashville. The Parthenon museum is open to the public for an admission of $10 –still budget-friendly!
For all the history buffs visiting Nashville, add the Tennessee State Museum to your bucket list. Admission into the museum is absolutely free and features exhibits that take you through Tennessee’s evolving history. They have many fascinating temporary exhibitions to explore as well. The Tennesee State Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday from 1-5 PM.
Music lovers will adore Nashville’s Music Mile as it marks famous and legendary artists throughout time with stars on its path. Check out musicians like Keith Urban, Jack White, Dolly Parton, and more. The Music City Walk of Fame is located across from the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in downtown Nashville.
There is nothing like getting outside to enjoy the fresh crisp air, especially when you’re visiting Nashville. Nashville is home to many beautiful parks, some adorned with art, and others perfect for hiking.
Fannie Mae Dees Park is a beautiful park with plenty of shade and decked out in local installation art. One of it’s most popular artworks and probably one of the best spots for a photo op is the mosaic dragon weaving in and out of the ground. Fannie Mae Dees Park is open from sunrise until 11 PM and features playgrounds, picnicking areas, and tennis courts.
Another beautiful and free park to visit in Nashville is the Bicentennial Capitol Mall park. It’s open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM and offers history through its many walkways and memorials throughout the Mall.
Previously mentioned above as the location of The Parthenon, Centennial Park is 132-acres of lush green and foliage open to the public. Centennial Park is the perfect place for a variety of park activities like picnicking, dog walking, hiking, volleyball, and more. There’s also a stunning sunken garden that can be explored at no cost!
If you love bargain shopping you’ll love the outdoor Nashville Flea Market experience. Open on the fourth weekend of every month, you can explore hundreds of vendors selling everything from antiques and hand-crafted goods to artisan foods! It’s free to peruse and a favorite among visiting tourists.
Explore downtown Nashville without having to pay a dime for a guide using a self-guided tour! The city offers a great walking tour with “footnotes” to follow that give you historical and relevant information about landmarks like the Cohen Building, the Arcade, Printers Alley, and more. Another fun way to explore the city is by downloading the GPSMyCity app and creating your own walking tour. You can pick and choose what historic sites and attractions you’d like to see and learn about.
Need help getting around the city now that we’ve given you so many great FREE things to do? Check out Nashville’s Public Transportation, it’s affordable and easy to navigate the downtown area!