5 Free Things Nashville

Why it made the list: The essential Nashville experience, and it's free: walk Lower Broadway, where live music spills out of every honky-tonk from late morning to the small hours. Duck into Robert's Western World or Tootsie's, catch a set, and tip the band a few bucks. No cover, all energy.

Why it made the list: Nashville's great green space, anchored by the surreal full-scale Parthenon replica, the grounds, the lake, the walking paths and the building's exterior are all free. Locals picnic, run and lounge here, and the columns at golden hour are one of the city's best free photos.

Why it made the list: The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge crosses the Cumberland with the best free skyline view in the city, downtown and the Batman Building on one side, the stadium and East Nashville on the other. It's the classic sunset walk, and connects downtown to the East side.

Why it made the list: One of the largest municipal parks in the country, 3,000+ wooded acres of hiking and horse trails, scenic drives, and a grand stone-and-tree allée and steps that are a Nashville landmark. It's the city's free outdoor escape, minutes from downtown but a world away.

Why it made the list: The Nashville Farmers' Market, open-air stalls, food vendors and local makers, sits beside the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, a long green promenade with a Tennessee-history walk, fountains and a straight-shot view up to the Capitol. Browsing both is free and very local.