Learn the history of Music City and explore the impact the industry has made on Nashville. The city earns its name with historical sites like a studio where legends like Elvis recorded hit songs, streets of music-related businesses and a western wear store-turned honky tonk. So if you’re a country music buff, or just in town, we’ve got 10 sites that will pique your interest.

1. Ryman Auditorium: The Mother Church of Country Music housed the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-74 and was named the “Birthplace of Bluegrass” by Tennessee in 2006. Tours of the national historic landmark and working theater are available daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2. Grand Ole Opry: Catch a show at the world’s longest-running radio show in its permanent home at the Opry House. See a calendar of events to catch country classics and current hits. Ticket prices will vary by event and seat location.
3. RCA Studio B: See the historic studio where more than 1,000 top 10 American hits and 150 songs by Elvis were recorded. Artists like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Roy Orbison also recorded there and it played an important part in establishing the Nashville Sound in the ’60s. Tours depart from the Country Music Hall of Fame and cost about 11-13.
4. Country Music Hall of Fame Museum: The bass clef-shaped museum houses historic video clips, recorded music and constantly changing exhibits of country music historic memorabilia that ranges from a pair of boots Reba McEntire wore when she played the Grand Ole Opry to the guitar Garth Brooks played when he recorded “The Dance.” Admission differs depending upon packages and inclusion of the RCA Studio B tour, but general museum admission ranges from about 12-20 per person.
5. Music Row: Stroll by offices of numerous record labels, publishing houses and recording studios in this part of downtown, concentrated around 16th and 17th Avenues South (Music Square East and Music Square West). Sites include RCA Studio B, Owen Bradley Park, the adjacent Belmont University and Vanderbilt University campuses, and the “Music Row Roundabout” with the statue “Musica.”
6. Ernest Tubb Record Shop: The Texas Troubadour was a regular at the Grand Ole Opry and hosted a radio show after it on Saturday nights called “Midnite Jamboree.” The shop, which was the first all-country record store, sells hard-to-find country and bluegrass recordings, and showcases relics from Tubb and other “Jamboree” regulars like sequined cowboy suits and a steel guitar, among other things.
7. Bluebird Caf: Hear the future stars before anyone else at this small caf where hopeful writers test the waters with their tunes before trying to break into the industry. Performers who have penned big country hits for other artists also go to the Caf to perform their own songs. The 100-person capacity is marked by a neon-lit store front in strip mall outside of downtown, and features a full menu and bar.
8. Willie Nelson and Friends General Store and Museum: Drop in to buy Willie Nelson merchandise and other wares at the store, and stay a while to see displays of memorabilia from other artists including Faron Young, Patsy Cline and Webb Pierce.
9. Robert’s Western World: Located among other bars and honky tonks on lower Broadway Street, Robert’s was first opened by a honky tonker in the early ’90s as a western wear store that soon added beer and cigarettes to its wares, along with a jukebox. It later morphed into a full-blown honky tonk with live music and food, but kept its shelves filled with boots.
10. Music City Walk of Fame: Walk among music stars like Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill and Jimi Hendrix, or rather stars that represent them at the end of “The Music Mile” in the Walk of Fame Park on Demonbreun Street between 4th and 5th Avenues. The project works to honor artists of all genres whom have made significant contributions to the overall industry in relation to Music City.

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