Enjoying Nashville on a small budget is entirely possible, while still enjoying the birthplace of country music. There are so many ways to enjoy this spectacular city without breaking the bank in the process.
The experiences on our list will give you some unique, affordable, and sometimes even free ways to get the best out of the city. Whether you’re seeking historical landmarks, natural adventures, good eats, or even free transportation in Nashville, we have what you need to know on how to enjoy Nashville with a small budget.
- 1
Ernest Tubb Record Shop
You say record shop, we say free museum
- Budget
- History
- Shoppers
- Unusual
Ernest Tubb Record Shop was the first location to have music in Nashville, and accordingly, the building is full of historical music memorabilia. Sift through the expansive collection of vinyl records in search of a hidden gem or take a selfie at one of the many photo-worthy corners of this shop. The best part is, you are not inclined to make a purchase to enjoy all this museum has to offer.
The friendly staff have a plethora of Nashville history to share with their patrons, and the photos to prove that they have been entertaining the city's legends for a very long time.
Location: 417 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 615-255-7503
Mapphoto by Bazonka (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
- 2
Get around using B-Cycle
Quick and affordable transportation around Nashville
- Budget
B-Cycle is Nashville's environmentally friendly approach to public transportation. You will find several stations throughout the city where bicycles are docked, and you simply use your credit card onsite to register your 24-hour membership. The inexpensive membership allows you to take any bike around the city.
Once you reach your destination, just dock the bike and go about your day. Once you’re ready to ride again, use the code given and choose any bike across the city. The membership fee covers the first hour of every ride, and if you ride any longer, you will be charged an additional fee per 30 minutes over the hour.
Location: 200 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
Mapphoto by Michael Rivera (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
- 3
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
An architectural masterpiece with the best view in Nashville
- Budget
- History
- Photo
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge offers one of the most spectacular views of Music City. You will surround yourself with a new picture-postcard moment with every step you make across the 1-km footpath crossing the Cumberland River. There’s no charge to take the path, and the sunset view is priceless. You’ll see the full panoramic view of the Nashville skyline including the Titan's home stadium.
The bridge itself is an architectural marvel in its own right, displaying the splendid construction style of the early 20th century ornamented with iron, bolts, and rivets. With a cool river breeze brushing your face, you’ll be delighted that you didn't miss this historic stroll.
Location: Nashville, TN 37213, USA
Phone: +1 615-862-8750
Map - 4
Lane Motor Museum
A automobile lover's paradise
- Budget
- Families
- History
- Photo
Lane Motor Museum is the only automobile collection in America that can rival Jay Leno's garage featuring the largest display of European automobiles in the country. The Museum offers a special discounted price to children under the age of 18 and senior citizens, while children under 5 years old are given free admission.
The museum has over 500 automobiles and motorcycles with 150 or more on display at any given time. You will relive your childhood "hot-wheels" days when you tour through the concept section, where you’ll find propeller-driven, early electric, and even amphibious vehicles – all in immaculate condition.
Location: 702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37210, USA
Open: Thursday–Monday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Phone: +1 615-742-7445
Map - 5
The Parthenon
Take a step into ancient Greece
- Budget
- Couples
- Photo
Read moreThe Parthenon is an exact replica of the ancient Greek structure and has been mystifying its patrons since the 1800s. Walk through 2,000 years of history as you ascend the entry steps. You’ll find several unique landmarks in the surrounding area, but none quite as breathtaking as the giant statue of Athena that's placed as the Parthenon's centerpiece.
The entry fee is very affordable, and the museum offers discounts for senior citizens, children and students. This sight is a must-see for any visitor to Nashville.
Location: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Open: Monday–Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm, Friday from 9 am to 10 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 615-862-8431
Map - 6
Float down the Harpeth River
Cool off with friends in the fresh river water
- Adventure
- Budget
The Harpeth river offers hours of fun and relaxation, and always results in time well spent with friends and family. Once you enter the river from the loading zone, it’s common to see kayaks and canoes, but you’ll enjoy the same benefits at a fraction of the cost. Simply bring a pool float or inner tube along with you and float the river for free.
With the money saved on rentals, you can buy a 6-pack of your favorite beverage and float in style. We recommend making plans to return to the loading point by arranging a vehicle at your landing area.
Location: 1007 Cedar Hill Rd, Kingston Springs, TN 37082, USA
Map - 7
Eat at the food trucks
No need to dine in when you can dine anywhere
- Budget
- Food
The rising trend of food trucks in Nashville allows you to get some of the best food on the go, and the prices are noticeably cheaper than brick and mortar restaurants. If you haven't experienced the food trucks in Nashville, then you haven't fulfilled your visit.
There are too many options to name them all, such as mac n' cheese truck, burgers and barbecue, authentic Mexican tacos, and our personal favorite, "DoughBox Pizza". DoughBox a wood-fired pizza oven inside the food truck, bought directly from Naples, Italy. Britany and Wes have perfected the dough, the cheese, and everything in between to make their family business one of the best meals on wheels in Nashville.
photo by Infrogmation (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
- 8
MTA Music City Circuit
Comfortable transportation... and absolutely free
- Budget
MTA public transportation is Nashville's premier method of getting around the city on a budget. It’s easy to spot the big green buses moving about the city on the ‘blue’ and ‘green’ lines, with popular stops including Music City Circuit, the farmers market, and the Gulch.
Bus facilities are well maintained, air-conditioned, and absolutely free. The MTA is not only good on your budget, but also good on the environment as the buses are fully electric.
Location: 400 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
Phone: +1 615-862-5950
Mapphoto by Thomas R Machnitzki (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
- 9
Tennessee State Museum
Immerse yourself in Tennessee’s rich history
- Budget
- Families
- History
- Photo
Read moreThe Tennessee State Museum expresses the state's history like no other, and there is no fee to enjoy the remarkable collection of artifacts on display. The museum consists of a few rotating galleries with photos of the past, a civil war display with battle flags, uniforms, and weaponry of the time.
Children will enjoy the hands-on, interactive gallery as well as the digital learning center. Before you leave, be sure to take a trip through the Tennessee Time Tunnel, depicting the state's early beginnings, and progressing to the present day as you reach the tunnel's end. Overall, this is a great museum for historians, families, and anyone seeking to learn what made Tennessee the great state of today.
Location: 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
Open: Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm, Tuesday–Wednesday from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm, Friday–Saturday 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +1 615-741-2692
Mapphoto by TNStateMuseum (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
- 10
Santa’s Pub
The Christmas spirit never ends at this funky karaoke dive bar
- Budget
- Nightlife
- Unusual
Santa’s Pub feels like something from a movie, but we assure you're not dreaming. This is a Christmas-themed, double-wide trailer house, and has been hosting some of the best local talents on their Karaoke stage for years. Grab a few domestic beers at the bar and work up the courage to get on the mic, free of charge.
The drink prices are unbeatable compared to the inner-city pubs, and the ambience is unmatched. Whether you’re coming for the live music or a cold brew, Santa's Pub is guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face, and plenty of cash left in your pocket.
Location: 2225 Bransford Ave, Nashville, TN 37204, USA
Open: Daily from 4 pm to 2.30 am
Phone: +1 615-593-1872
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