They don’t call it “Music City” for nothing. Chords and bars and riffs waft through the streets of Nashville at any given hour; it’s hard to go anywhere without hearing the faint traces of harmony—everywhere, really. Whether you plan to visit big icons like the Grand Ole Opry or the Ryman Auditorium or kick it at a smaller singer-songwriter venue such as the Listening Room Cafe, music should be a part of your itinerary—that’s why you came to town. It’s not all country music, yes, here’s rock, soul, gospel and jazz, but give country a try: Nashville may surprise you either. We think these are the best spots in Nashville for live music.

Read our complete Nashville travel guide here.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.