8 Free Things to Do in Nashville

Between lodgings, concert tickets and handcrafted cocktails, it's easy to spend a pretty penny while exploring the heart of Nashville. This is arguably money well-spent as, from the music lover's perspective, there is nowhere quite like Music City. When your travel budget is limited, however, it can feel like your options are limited as well.

Nashville not only offers plenty of low-cost options for things to do but has many free activities as well. These don't always reflect the expected Nashville vibes, however, so you will need to go beyond the surface level and take the time to get to know this city beyond the bright lights of the Honky Tonk Highway. A whole new side of Nashville awaits if you're willing to check it out.

Vacationing on a budget is possible, but it takes a little extra planning so you can spend your money wisely. When in doubt, make the most of low-cost attractions. You can stretch your vacation dollars a lot further if you add some of these free things to do in Nashville to your travel plans:

1. Centennial Park

• Address: 2500 West End Avenue
• Price: Free, but small fee for art classes
• Time Needed: 1-2 hours

No visit to the 'Athens of the South' is complete without a stroll through Nashville's Centennial Park. This is home to some of the best things to do in Nashville for free, including a spectacular photo opp: an American edition of the Parthenon. This is a replica of an iconic temple in Greece and, as an exact-size version, it is truly a sight to behold.

You'll likely want to linger by the Parthenon, but your visit to Centennial Park should not be limited to this structure alone. Stretch your legs and meander along the lovely trail, which stretches a mile and provides beautiful views of the artificial Lake Watauga. A sunken garden is also tucked away in a hidden corner of the park. Featuring plenty of lush greenery, this is a great place to relax or even meditate.

Another often forgotten but still worthwhile destination at Centennial Park: is the Centennial Art Center Gallery, which offers wonderfully curated exhibits featuring works from local artists. Although not free, affordable classes are often held at the gallery and are worth considering for anyone who wants to take a deeper dive into abstract painting or pottery.

A final option that's free of charge and, for Taylor Swift fans, priceless: sitting on the bench from the song Invisible String. Enjoy a good book as you gaze at the green grass or gold leaves described in Taylor's heartwarming tune.

2. First Saturday Art Crawl & WeHo Art Crawl

• Address: Galleries throughout downtown
• Price: Free
• Time Needed: 1-2 hours

The Centennial Art Center is by no means the only place you can view thought-provoking works of art while keeping your spending to a minimum. Time your visit to Nashville just right and you can make the most of the monthly downtown art crawl, which is completely free of charge. This is when Nashville's finest galleries open their doors, with some even offering free refreshments. Get the scoop on Nashville's up-and-coming artists, with intriguing works covering every genre imaginable. This is one of the most memorable ways to experience Nashville on a budget.

If you want to see even more works of art, you're in luck: the first Saturday of the month also marks the WeHo Art Crawl, when the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood comes alive. Open to the public, this free monthly event also provides an excellent opportunity to move beyond the downtown district and explore one of Nashville's most dynamic areas. You'll discover that, despite its status as Music City, Nashville is also a haven for visual artists.

3. Nashville Public Library

• Address: 615 Church Street
• Price: Free
• Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Local libraries may not be top of mind when searching for top tourist attractions, but Nashville's Main Library is worth a visit. This has all the expected library features (lots of books, magazines and comfy places to sit), but also, unique exhibits that provide valuable insight into Nashville's history.

The Civil Rights Room, for example, has all the details about Nashville's role in the Civil Rights Movement, including information about impactful sit-ins and other demonstrations. Similarly, the Votes for Women Room rivals many conventional history museums or exhibits with its interpretative panels and other interactive elements.

Take your time to explore this remarkable library and gaze at the many beautiful works of art on display: copper panels, bronze doors and mural maps, to name a few. Don't forget to glance at the library calendar to learn whether any interesting events are scheduled during your time in Nashville. There's always something going on: yoga and meditation classes, for example, plus documentary screenings, educational programs and more. Similar events can be enjoyed at libraries throughout Nashville, but the Main Library is by far the most impressive.

4. Fort Negley

• Address: 1100 Fort Negley Boulevard
• Price: Free
• Time Needed: 1-2 hours

If you are a true history buff, you will feel drawn to Fort Negley and its visitor center. Free to access, this fortification is notable because it played such an important role in the Civil War. It languished for years (despite early preservation efforts from the Works Progress Administration) but was restored during the early 2000s in hopes of stabilizing the ruins and also making them more accessible to visitors.

These days, you can enjoy a leisurely walk around the fort as you view the historic markers and expand your Civil War knowledge. While the tour is self-guided, experts will be on site to answer your questions or simply chat about history. You'll also learn a great deal as you watch the visitor center's twenty-minute film. If nothing else, the fort is worth visiting because it provides such an exceptional view of the city.

5. Radnor Lake State Park

• Address: 1160 Otter Creek Road
• Price: Free
• Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Take a break from the urban vibes and enjoy a few hours in the great outdoors. Radnor Lake State Park provides some of the area's most impressive views, not to mention the peace and quiet you'll surely crave after all the excitement of Music City. Explore several miles of unpaved trails, including a paved trail that's perfect for meandering with your four-legged friend.

Set aside some time to explore the visitor center and its intriguing exhibits. You'll also want to visit the aviary complex and the sizable boardwalk. Unfortunately, you won't be able to use this destination as an alternative to eating out — picnics are not allowed. Still, there's plenty to keep you occupied for several hours, especially when you crave an active, yet serene experience.

6. Cooter's Nashville

• Address: 2613 McGavock Pike
• Price: Free, but photos cost $10
• Time Needed: 1 hour

Are you obsessed with The Dukes of Hazzard? You can't afford to miss Cooter's Nashville, which brings the iconic show to life. Operated by actor Ben Jones — who played Cooper Davenport — this museum is jam-packed with props and memorabilia. You'll encounter a recognizable tow truck, Jeep and police car, not to mention, the show's trademark Dodge Charger.

Photo opportunities cost $10 each, but, if you're happy to simply gaze at these iconic vehicles, you can easily pull off a free visit. If anything, the biggest spending hazards will be found in the gift shop, where you'll encounter all kinds of compelling souvenirs.

7. Honky Tonk Highway

• Address: 501 Broadway
• Price: Free, unless you want to buy drinks
• Time Needed: At least 1 hour

Honky Tonk Highway may be where a lot of the big spending happens, but it's possible to check out this iconic collection of bars without blowing your vacation budget. This could be one of the best free things to do in Nashville if you play your cards right.

The key to success? Simply strolling and enjoying the people-watching opportunities. This is where you'll find all the action and, between bar crawls and bachelorette parties, there truly is always something happening in this vibrant part of town.

If you can't resist the enticing drinks and appetizers, drop by on a weekday afternoon and try to score a few happy hour deals. It's often easy to avoid cover charges, so you can roam from one bar to the next while you take in the festive atmosphere and discover what Nashville's all about. Live music is to be expected and for many visitors, this is the best way to hear the amazing country music without shelling out for concert tickets.

8. Music City Walk of Fame

• Address: 121 Fourth Avenue South
• Price: Free
• Time: Half an hour

The Country Music Hall of Fame is worth every penny, but there's a great alternative available if you don't have room in your budget for Nashville's most beloved museum: hit the nearby Walk of Fame instead.

It's not quite as immersive as the main museum, but it should give you a feel for Nashville's musical history. Enjoy a relaxed stroll as you search for the stars and the names of familiar celebrities that adorn them. If you have some extra time to spare as you explore the heart of Nashville, this a stop worth making.

Planning Your Trip to Nashville

When thinking of the best time to visit Nashville it’s important to know that AAA members can access perks and take advances for vacation planning such as getting the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.