There’s a reason millions of people come to Nashville every year.
The music. The energy. The food. The history. And, of course, a few nights on Lower Broadway that may be a little blurry the next morning.
But Nashville is more than honky-tonks and cowboy boots.
Whether it’s your first trip to Music City or you’ve been here before, Downtown Nashville is packed with experiences that go beyond grabbing a drink on Broadway.
So if you’re looking for unique things to do in Nashville, here are a few ways to experience the city—and maybe take home something better than another souvenir T-shirt.
Experience Live Music on Lower Broadway
Okay, we said beyond the honky-tonks.
We didn’t say skip them completely.
Lower Broadway is one of the most recognizable stretches of Nashville, with live music pouring out of bars and venues throughout the day and late into the night.
And the best part?
You never really know who you’re going to hear.
Nashville is filled with incredible musicians, songwriters and artists, and some of the best performances you’ll see during your trip might happen when you walk into a bar without knowing who’s playing.
Spend some time exploring Broadway, catch a few bands and experience the energy that earned Nashville the name Music City.
And if the neon lights, guitars and honky-tonk atmosphere leave you wanting some tattoo inspiration, we’ve got you covered.
Check out our Honky-Tonk Tattoo Inspiration for ideas inspired by Nashville’s most famous street.
Walk Through Nashville Music History
You don’t have to be a country music superfan to appreciate how much music history lives in Nashville.
Downtown is home to some of the most recognizable music landmarks in the world.
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to explore the artists, instruments, clothing and stories that helped shape country music.
Then there’s the Ryman Auditorium—one of Nashville’s most legendary venues and a stage that has hosted generations of iconic performers.
You can also walk through the Music City Walk of Fame, explore museums dedicated to legendary artists and discover pieces of music history throughout downtown.
In Nashville, the past and present of music are constantly crossing paths.
Explore Historic Second Avenue
Just steps from Broadway, Second Avenue gives you another look at Downtown Nashville.
The historic district has been part of the city for generations, with architecture and businesses that tell a different side of Nashville’s story.
It also happens to be where you’ll find us.
Hart & Huntington Tattoo Nashville is located on 2nd Avenue, right off Broadway in the heart of Downtown Nashville.
That means you don’t have to leave downtown—or interrupt your Nashville plans—to add a tattoo to the trip.
More on that in a minute.
Walk Across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
Want one of the best views of the Nashville skyline?
Take a walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
The bridge stretches across the Cumberland River and gives you an incredible view back toward Downtown Nashville.
It’s especially worth checking out around sunset or after dark when Broadway and the downtown skyline light up.
And yes, your camera roll is probably going to get a workout.
Eat Something You’ll Be Thinking About When You Get Home
You can’t really experience Nashville without talking about food.
Hot chicken might get most of the attention, but Nashville’s food scene goes far beyond it.
Southern comfort food, barbecue, meat-and-threes, chef-driven restaurants and late-night food spots are scattered throughout the city.
Try something Nashville is known for.
Then try something you’ve never heard of.
You can always walk it off on Broadway afterward.
Check Out Printer’s Alley
If you want nightlife with a different atmosphere than Lower Broadway, head toward Printer’s Alley.
Tucked between Broadway and Second Avenue, this historic area has been part of Nashville nightlife for generations.
Today you’ll find bars, live music and a setting that feels noticeably different from the giant neon honky-tonks a few blocks away.
It’s another reminder that Downtown Nashville has layers—and sometimes the best parts of a trip happen when you wander a little beyond the obvious stops.
See Nashville From the River
The Cumberland River runs directly alongside Downtown Nashville, giving you another way to experience the city.
Walk along Riverfront Park, take in the skyline or look into one of Nashville’s riverboat experiences.
It’s a completely different perspective from the crowds and neon of Broadway and an easy way to slow things down for a little while.
Because eventually, your liver might need a Nashville attraction too.
Get a Tattoo in Downtown Nashville
Now for a Nashville souvenir you’re definitely not throwing away when you get home.
Getting tattooed while traveling has become a way for people to permanently connect themselves to a place, experience or memory.
And Nashville gives you plenty of inspiration.
Maybe it’s something music-inspired.
A guitar. Lyrics from a song that means something to you. A cowboy hat or boots. A piece inspired by Tennessee. Something that represents the people you came here with.
Or maybe the tattoo has absolutely nothing to do with Nashville—you’ve simply always wanted to get tattooed while you were here.
At Hart & Huntington Tattoo Nashville, our artists work across a wide range of styles and can help turn your idea into something original.
And because we’re located on 2nd Avenue right off Broadway, getting tattooed can easily become part of your Downtown Nashville experience.
Nashville Tattoo Ideas to Remember Your Trip
Not sure what you want yet?
Nashville offers plenty of inspiration:
- Guitars and musical instruments
- Song lyrics
- Music notes
- Cowboy boots and hats
- Tennessee imagery
- Nashville skyline tattoos
- Traditional Western imagery
- Matching tattoos with friends
- Small travel tattoos
- Nashville-inspired flash
- Something completely original inspired by your trip
You can also browse our Nashville-inspired tattoos and artist portfolios before deciding what direction you want to go.
Can You Get a Walk-In Tattoo in Nashville?
Absolutely.
Walk-ins are always welcome at Hart & Huntington Tattoo Nashville.
That makes getting tattooed especially easy if the idea happens while you’re already exploring Downtown Nashville.
For larger or more detailed pieces, we recommend booking ahead so we can make sure you have the time and artist you need.
But if you’re walking Broadway and suddenly decide that tonight is the night?
Come see us.
Want to know what to expect? Check out our guide to Walk-In Tattoos in Nashville.
Make Your Nashville Trip Your Own
There’s no single right way to experience Nashville.
Spend the night bouncing between honky-tonks.
Stand on the stage at the Ryman.
Explore the city’s music history.
Eat hot chicken.
Walk across the river.
Find a tucked-away bar.
Catch a band you’ve never heard of.
Get a tattoo.
The best Nashville trips usually end up being a combination of the things you planned and the things you absolutely didn’t.
So explore beyond the obvious.
And if your trip brings you down Second Avenue, stop into Hart & Huntington Tattoo Nashville and say hello.
You might just leave Music City with something permanent.
Browse our Nashville-inspired tattoos, explore our artists, book an appointment online or stop in while you’re Downtown.
Walk-ins are always welcome.
