10 Best Free Things to Do in Nashville

Hatch Show Print is an iconic letterpress print shop on Nashville’s Rep. John Lewis Way South. Founded in 1879, it’s known for producing letterpress posters of music icons such as Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen. Here, you get to see the 19th-century printers in action through an 80-foot (24-meter) glass wall or visit the onsite Haley Gallery which displays modern artwork and restrikes of the shop’s original posters.

Hatch Show Print also offers hands-on workshops, where you get to create your own own prints, t-shirt, tote bag, or tea towel using Hatch Show Print imagery.

Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway is a street of bars where you can enjoy live music all day long. While these venues don’t have cover charges, be sure to bring some cash to tip the musicians if you enjoy their performances.

Some of the most popular honky-tonks in this area include Robert's Western World, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, and Legends Corner. Gigs start as early as 10 am, so don’t be surprised if you see children enjoying live music on the Honky Tonk Highway.

Nashville Public Library’s main branch on Church Street has an extensive collection of DVDs, books, and digital magazines that are suitable for visitors of all ages. Reading materials here range from comics, Japanese manga, and romance fiction, to biographies, cookbooks, and fitness guides.

At Nashville Public Library, families also get to enjoy story times at the Children’s Theater by the library’s award-winning puppet troupe, Wishing Chair Productions. The 30-minute showcase features singing and juggling performances by colorful puppets.

The Gulch is an increasingly cool and popular area on the outskirts of downtown Nashville. Named for the fact that it’s in a slight dip in the land between Edgehill and Rutledge Hill, The Gulch used to be a mostly industrial place. The abandoned warehouses have now been replaced or redeveloped and now house excellent restaurants and trendy stores.

The Frist Art Museum is a cultural gem in The Gulch, featuring rotating exhibits that showcase both local and international artists. 

Centennial Park spans 132 acres (53.4 hectares) of natural gardens, and features tree-shaded paths, sand volleyball courts, picnic tables, a playground, and an activity center. It’s where you can visit a full-scale replica of The Parthenon. The recreation is even accurate inside, where you’ll find replicas of the statues in the original, as well as a substantial art collection.

The Centennial Park playground is a popular spot for families as it has a jungle gym with many slides and swings for the little ones

Fort Negley is the largest inland fortification built during the Civil War. Located on St. Cloud Hill, the 4-acre (1.6-hectare) complex grounds are fitted with description panels along the paved paths leading to the 19th-century landmark.

The onsite Fort Negley Visitors Center features many interactive exhibits and videos showcasing the building’s history and the surrender of Nashville back in 1862. In addition, there are breathtaking views to the city from St. Cloud Hill, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls.

The Forest Hills neighborhood is a popular starting point for hikers looking to explore Nashville’s expansive parks. The Ragnor Lake State Park features more than 10 hiking trails of various difficulty levels, many of which lead you to the 1,200-acre (485-hectare) Radnor Lake. Along the way, you may encounter wildlife such as muskrats, river otters, beavers, and white-tailed deer.

Grab a free map at the Walter Criley Visitor Center to find a trail that suits your fitness level. Hiking at Radnor Lake State Park provides a perfect escape into nature.

The Tennessee State Museum is where you can find interactive exhibits with fascinating archeological finds from different time periods. Visit the Civil War Hall to see real uniforms, battle flags, and weapons dating back to 1864. Another highlight is the "Tennessee Time Tunnel," which features interactive media, personal stories, and artifacts detailing the state’s history.

Located on the northwest end of Rosa Parks Boulevard, the Tennessee State Museum is within a 5-minute walk of Nashville Farmers' Market and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

Shelby Bottoms Greenway is a 960-acre (388-hectare) natural park in East Nashville. A popular spot for running, skating, and cycling, it features a pathway that spans about 4 miles (6.4 km) in length and offers beautiful views of Cumberland River and the surrounding woods.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to marvel at as they explore the park's rich ecosystem. It’s home to red foxes, raccoons, flying squirrels, and various species of birds such as eagles, eastern bluebirds, golden pheasants, and tree sparrows.