Explore Nashville, Tennessee, for free whether it rains or shines outside.
Last updated: May 29, 2025
Nashville on a Shoestring
We all love free stuff, don’t we? It’s especially relevant when airline companies, hotels, motels, and food chains already get their fair share of our travel budget. What’s next? Get creative and try to make your money last without skipping any fun activities.
Nashville, Tennessee, has got you covered here. For the Country Musical of the World, Nashville offers a plethora of free or almost free activities that will stretch your buck for the entire trip or even longer.
7 FUN THINGS TO DO IN NASHVILLE FOR FREE
1. Enjoy Free Music on the Honky Tonk Highway
Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway is a nickname for Lower Broadway, one of the best places to experience the city for free. The main thing that attracts millions of visitors to the capital of Tennessee is music.
On the Honky Tonk Highway, you can enjoy live music pumping into the streets for free of charge. You heard me. You can shop or bar hop while listening to the country music as much as you please, without spending an extra buck.
2. Learn the History of the State at the Tennessee State Museum
In many other cities, you would normally have to pay for a chance to go back in time and learn about their histories and art. But not in Nashville where you can discover the past of the state free of charge.
The Tennessee State Museum is open most days of the week and offers free admission for residents and visitors. Step inside and check out some permanent exhibits that unveil natural history of Nashville and the entire state, military and Civil War history, and Native American history, all absolutely free.
3. Take a Walk in Radnor Lake State Park
Explore Nashville’s natural scene like a local and free of charge. To do it, drive roughly nine miles south of downtown to Radnor Lake State Park. The 1,368-acre park is one of the most beautiful areas in Nashville for hiking, jogging, biking, and simply enjoying nature. Locals often bring their dates here and use Radnor Lake State Park as a place to socialize on weekends and late afternoons.
4. Enjoy Free Views of Nashville from the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
When the madness of downtown Nashville becomes unbearable, take a little break on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Located between downtown and the suburb of East Nashville, the bridge offers a free way to experience Nashville from above. You may want to bring your camera along and capture such landmarks as the Cumberland River and Nashville skyline.
5. Visit Centennial Park
If you’re a Greek history enthusiast, then Centennial Park is your place to visit while experiencing Nashville for free. The city park became popular thanks to a full-scale model of the Parthenon.
Nashville’s replica of the Greek monument, however, is not free to enter. Yet you can walk around the park, sit on the massive stairs of the Parthenon, and stroll along the shore of Centennial Lake completely free of charge.
6. Drive down “The Boulevard”
The Boulevard, formally known as Belle Meade Boulevard, is one of the most extravagant places in Nashville. It’s probably not the best place to take a leisurely walk or engage in other activities rather than driving around.
Nevertheless, The Boulevard is one of the most interesting places to experience glamorous Nashville’s life for free. Drive down Belle Meade Boulevard and admire the opulent homes of some of the richest residents in the city.
7. Enjoy Free Music in the Vines at Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards welcome all music lovers every weekend from April to October for free Music in the Vines events. Technically, the place is not a part of Nashville. It’s located roughly 29 miles south of the city and can be used as a half or full day trip from Nashville.
