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Historic places in Nashville

10 historic buildings, sites and memorials in Nashville.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Historic places in Nashville

  1. See

    Belle Meade Plantation

    Featuring the mansion built in 1853 and restored, as well as the carriage house from 1890 and one of the oldest log cabins in Tennessee, built in 1790. There is a great deal of history associated with the plantation starting from before the American Civil War. Excellent, highly interesting guided tours of the plantation mansion are offered by the local heritage society.

    9AM–5PM. Closed Easter Sun, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.$24, Seniors $20, children 6–12 $13, children under 6 free

  2. See

    Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

    A fascinating state park stretched out in front of the state capital building. Features a giant map of the state, monuments recounting the history of the state since prehistoric times, a carillon, and more. In the summer, the fountains are often filled with splashing kids. The park is next to the farmers market, which includes a food court, fish market, nursery, as well as the expected vendors hawking fruits and vegetables. The Nashville Business Journal's Book of Lists ranks Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park as Nashville's #1 Tourist Attraction.

    Free

  3. See

    Fort Negley

    A Civil War-era fort partially reconstructed by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s. Taken by Union forces early in the war, Nashville quickly became the second most fortified city in the U.S. during the Civil War because it was seen as crucial to supplying troops engaged on the war's western front. The 1864 Battle of Nashville — a failed attempt by the Confederate army to retake the city — raged throughout what are now the residential and commercial districts on the fringes of the city. Much of the work on the fort was done by slaves and freed blacks who were rounded up and forced to work on the structure. The fort was closed for years (allegedly because it reminded many Nashvillians of the Union occupation), but reopened in 2004 with new boardwalks and interpretive signs.

    Sep-May: Tue-Fri noon-4PM, Sat 9AM-4PM; Jun-Aug: Tue-Thu noon-4PM, Fri-Sat 9AM-4PMFree

  4. Eat

    Monell's

    Located in historic Germantown, Monell's is a Nashville tradition. They serve different meals every day and the good ol' home cookin' is sure not to disappoint! Seating and serving are done family style, 13-14 per table. More than likely you will sit with people you don't know. First come, first serve. No reservations and no cell phones allowed.

    Mon-Fri 10:30AM-2PM, Tue-Sat 5PM-8:30PM; Country Breakfast Sat 8:30AM-1PM, Sun 8:30AM-11AM; Sun Meal 11AM-4PM

  5. Do

    Ryman Auditorium

    Completed in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle as commissioned by riverboat Captain Thomas Green Ryman, a newly converted southern evangelist. The Ryman has earned its mark in history by hosting the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974 and is now a fantastically intimate setting for concerts of all genres. It was named Pollstar's "America's Theatre of the Year" for two years in a row, and one of CitySearch's top ten "Best Places to Hear Live Music.".

    9AM-4PM daily for tours. Closed 1 Jan, Thanksgiving, 24-25 Dec$8.50 for the standard tour or $11.75 to add the backstage tour, Children (4-11) $4.25 or $7.50 respectively

  6. See

    Tennessee State Capitol

    Union Fort Johnson

    Guided tours of the Capitol are provided free of charge by staff of the Tennessee State Museum. Enter the Capitol using the West entrance. Visitors are required to pass through metal detectors and show photo identification.

    Mon–Fri 8AM–4PM. Closed all holidaysFree

  7. Eat

    The Arcade

    An open-air 2-level arcade that runs between 4th Avenue North and 5th Avenue North. The Arcade primarily caters to the local downtown workers during the work week, but many great lunch restaurants can be found here. There are also several hairstylists, jewelers, florists, and other businesses. Be sure to visit the historic Peanut Shop.

  8. See

    The Hermitage

    The former home of U.S. President Andrew Jackson is full of his family's personal possessions, and is adorned with much of the furniture that they personally purchased. It was one of the first historic preservation projects in the state of Tennessee. This was accomplished by the Ladies' Hermitage Association which was modeled after the Mount Vernon Ladies Association that had restored George Washington's home. Plan for a two-hour tour with a moderate amount of walking. No cameras, video cameras, food, or drink are allowed within the Hermitage or the exhibit gallery. Security precautions are taken and the Hermitage asks that all backpacks or large bags be left in your vehicle.

    Nov–Feb: 9AM–5PM; Mar–Oct: 8:30AM–6PM. Closed Thanksgiving and 25 Dec.$27 adult, $24 seniors, $17 youth (13–18), $12 children (6–12), free children 5 and under. Family pass for 2 adults and 2 children, $62

  9. Drink

    Ugly Mugs Coffee & Tea

    A locally-owned coffee house residing in historic East Nashville, Ugly Mugs brews the local roast Drew's Brews and displays artwork by local artists as well as live music on Saturday nights. Known for serving coffee in a vast collection of quirky and non-cosmetic coffee mugs. Toys available for children. Wifi friendly.

  10. Do Not mapped

    Tennessee State Tigers

    Those interested in African-American culture may also be drawn to the Tigers (and Lady Tigers), representing Tennessee State University, the city's largest historically black school. Unlike most historically black schools, which compete in conferences that consist mostly or entirely of such schools, TSU is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference (and has been since 1986). Most venues are on campus; the football team has an on-campus stadium, but plays at Nissan Stadium for almost all of its home games.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Nashville (CC BY-SA 4.0).