Things to do nearRyman Auditorium
Ryman Auditorium is Nashville, Tennessee's most storied concert hall, drawing visitors with its breathtaking acoustics, rich musical history, and stunning Gothic Revival architecture.
Ryman Auditorium was built in 1892 by riverboat captain Thomas Ryman, originally conceived as a tabernacle for religious revivals led by preacher Sam Jones. After Ryman's death in 1904, the building was nearly demolished but was saved by community effort and eventually repurposed as a premier performance hall. Its most transformative chapter began in 1943, when the Grand Ole Opry made Ryman Auditorium its home, a residency that lasted until 1974 and cemented the building's place at the center of American musical culture. Artists from Hank Williams and Patsy Cline to Johnny Cash and Minnie Pearl graced its stage during those decades, and the performances recorded within those brick walls helped define the sound of country music for generations.
Today, Ryman Auditorium hosts a diverse calendar of concerts spanning country, rock, folk, bluegrass, and comedy, drawing performers who regard it as one of the most prestigious stages in the world. The building's original long-leaf pine floors, curved wooden pews, and exceptional natural acoustics remain largely intact, giving every performance an warmth and resonance that modern arenas rarely replicate.
During daytime hours, self-guided and guided tours allow visitors to walk the historic stage, view rotating exhibits on the venue's musical legacy, and take in the architecture up close. The surrounding downtown Nashville neighborhood offers easy access to honky-tonks on Broadway, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and a wide range of restaurants. Ryman Auditorium endures as a living landmark, a place where history is not merely preserved but actively performed every week.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Ryman Auditorium
Visit during a morning self-guided tour to walk the stage and explore exhibits before evening crowds arrive.
Try to catch a show from the balcony, where the sight lines and acoustics offer a particularly intimate listening experience.
Bring a light jacket, as the interior can be cool even in summer months.
Walk a few blocks to the nearby Printer's Alley historic district for a pre-show dinner in one of the surrounding neighborhood restaurants.
Check the venue calendar well in advance, as shows at Ryman Auditorium sell out quickly, especially during the Country Music Association festival period.
Top tours & experiences near Ryman Auditorium
Nashville Food Tour: Downtown & Historic Eats
Savor Nashville’s iconic flavors and local drinks while exploring historic downtown on foot.
Nashville Distillery Tour & Craft Spirits Tasting
Discover craft spirits and exclusive behind-the-scenes access at a downtown Nashville distillery.
Explore Downtown Nashville Food & History Walking Tour
Taste local favorites while walking Nashville’s downtown sights
Guided Germantown Walking Food Tour in Nashville
Taste barbecue, sweets, and local pours as you walk Nashville’s historic Germantown
Taste Nashville Food & Sightseeing Guided Van Tour
Taste Nashville classics and see top sights from a climate-controlled van
Nashville Hot Chicken & Whiskey Tasting Tour
Experience Nashville’s fiery hot chicken and curated whiskey tastings on a flavorful city adventure.
Sunset Cider Picnic At Morning Glory Orchard
Enjoy a private sunset picnic with charcuterie and cider in the orchard
Taste & Tour Guided Orchard Walk in Tennessee
Walk a working orchard and sample food and drinks on a guided tour
Ride an East Nashville E-Bike Bike & Brew Tour
Ride a 14-mile e-bike loop with East Nashville stops for murals, parks, and patios
Nashville Street Art Tour by E-Bike with Photos
Capture Nashville's vibrant murals on an effortless guided e-bike ride with plenty of photo stops
Nashville Van Tour: Private Customizable Trip
Experience Nashville in comfort and style with a customizable private van tour for your group.
Nashville Mural Tour with Expert Guide & Luxury Van
Discover Nashville’s vibrant murals in comfort with a private luxury van and expert local guide.
Make a Cowboy Hat & Line Dance with Drinks
Craft a custom cowboy hat and learn line dancing with drinks to kick off your Nashville morning
4-Hour Striped Bass Fishing Charter On Percy Priest Lake
Fish for striped and hybrid bass on Percy Priest Lake with a local captain
Cruise Percy Priest Lake on a Captained Pontoon
Relax on Percy Priest Lake with a captain and gear included
Cruise Percy Priest Lake on a 25' Slide Pontoon
Ride a slide pontoon on Percy Priest Lake with a captain, cooler, and ice
Cruise Percy Priest Lake on a 31' Tritoon Charter
Charter a 31 ft tritoon on Percy Priest Lake with a professional captain
Custom Australian Wool Hat Making in Nashville
Design and craft your own premium Australian wool hat with expert guidance in Nashville.
Explore Ryman Auditorium in Downtown Nashville
Tour the Ryman Auditorium, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry
Guided Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour in Nashville
Step backstage at the Grand Ole Opry and hear the stories behind the stage
Nashville Party Bus Bar Crawl with BYOB & VIP Bar
Ride a BYOB bus with VIP bartender, sound system, and LED lights for up to 25
Ride a 2-Hour Comedy Bus Tour in Nashville
Laugh your way through Music City on a 2-hour bus ride
Franklin Food Tour with 5 Tastings & History
Taste five sweet and savory bites while exploring The Factory's history and shops
Explore East Nashville on a Guided Food Tour
Taste your way through East Nashville with five rotating stops
Ride a 2-Hour Pigeon Forge Redneck Tour
Laugh your way through a 2-hour Pigeon Forge ride in the Smoky Mountains
Guided Nashville City Landmarks Tour With Ryman
See Nashville landmarks plus admission to the Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame
Explore Nashville History & Broadway Walking Tour
Walk Nashville’s history and Broadway highlights with local musician veteran guides
2-Hour Nashville Guided E-Bike Tour
Ride Nashville by e-bike with murals, city sights, and local food stops
Explore Downtown Nashville Coffee & History Walking Tour
Sip coffee, then walk downtown Nashville stories near the Ryman Auditorium