Top 7 Must-See Live Music Venues in Nashville

One of the handful of American cities that evokes an emotion with its very name, it rings with musical history and is as vibrant today as ever. Dubbed "Music City" for good reason, Nashville makes it easy to experience a collection of storied sites for live music. Whether you're looking for a link to the past or searching for America's next country star, start with these seven must-see venues.

1. TOOTSIE’S ORCHID LOUNGE

You can't go wrong finding a hotel in Nashville that puts you close to the original Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, located on Broadway in downtown Nashville. The storied rise and fall and rise again of Tootsie's mirrors that of many of the musical legends whose photos and memorabilia cover the venue's walls. The bar, restaurant and music was a favorite watering hole for legends like Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Patsy Cline. After a brief decline in the 1980s following Tootsie's death, the club was revived in 1992. Modern stars, ranging from guitar legend Keith Urban to rock gods Aerosmith and chart-topper Taylor Swift, now grace the stage regularly.

2. Ryman Auditorium

Boasting the moniker "The Mother Church of Country Music," the Ryman Auditorium is more than a music venue—it's the beating heart and soul of Nashville. Just around the corner from the Orchid Lounge, you can reach the Ryman with a two-minute stroll from Broadway to Fourth Avenue, where you can bathe in the glory of a venue that held its first performance in 1890. The Ryman hosted the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Johnny Cash all helped propel the venue to fame in later years. Today, the Ryman, complete with its appropriately church-like wooden pews, is the favorite spot for music lovers, who can even make their own record in the hall’s recording studio.

3. BLUEBIRD CAFÉ

If you want to hit the Bluebird Cafe—and you should—book early. Popular for its intimate vibe, this haven for singer-songwriters holds only 90 seats, making it nearly impossible to get in on some nights unless you plan ahead. While Nashville has plenty of boisterous honky-tonk bars, the Bluebird is the polar opposite, a listening room run by the nonprofit Nashville Songwriters Association International that showcases acoustic music. Enjoy a drink while songwriters perform, giving you an up-close seat to performers that have penned chart-topping hits. You'll need to drive a car or hop a bus to get to the Bluebird, however, as it's about eight miles from the downtown area.

4. GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE

Synonymous with Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry House may be the most famous music venue in America, which is proudly billed as "country music's greatest stage." Enjoying a show at the Opry is one of the very popular things to do in Nashville. Afterwards, you can walk in the footsteps of country music’s biggest stars during a backstage tour. Home to country greats from Minnie Pearl to Blake Shelton, you’ll tour dressing rooms and see photos that will take you through the venue’s history. Want to experience the limelight for yourself? Step out onto the Opry stage and into the wooden circle where stars have belted out tunes for decades.

5. ROBERT’S WESTERN WORLD

Live music, cold beer, pork chops and fried bologna sandwiches call music lovers to Robert’s Western World for a complete honky-tonk experience in downtown Nashville. Birthed as a steel guitar manufacturer, Robert's enticed famous musicians from the world over to hang out and play custom-built instruments right in the shop. Over time, the concept blossomed and by 1992 Robert's became a full-blown home for country and honky-tonk music. You can catch live music here during the daytime and evening hours, weekdays and weekends. Need a pair of boots to show off your best moves? Robert’s has shelves of boots you can buy if you left yours at home.

6. SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER

Any city worthy of the moniker "Music City" has to cater to more than country fans—and Nashville certainly responds in spades. The glorious Schermerhorn Symphony Center is an architectural masterpiece that rivals the grand theaters and opera houses of Europe. Since 2006, the home of the Nashville Symphony has thrilled patrons filling its 1,844 seats to hear the sounds of the Grammy-winning orchestra. With a schedule of 140 performances a year, the symphony provides you plenty of chances to take a break from the country vibe of downtown to hear award-winning musicians in one of the finest concert halls in America.

7. STATION INN

Tap into the heart of roots and bluegrass music at the Station Inn, opened by six bluegrass pickers and singers in 1974. Although featured performers are a big enough draw in themselves, the inn is famous as a drop-in spot for world-class artists to jam at after a gig at other nearby venues on Friday and Saturday nights. Swinging by on a Sunday night? You're in luck! Sunday night is an open jam night at the Station Inn, where local artists playing everything from fiddles to banjos to mandolins will keep your toes tapping all night long, all with no cover charge. If you are looking for more to explore, check out our Nashville visitor's guide.