Best Neighborhoods In Nashville

If you’re planning to visit Nashville you have probably discovered that there are so many neighborhoods around town that it can be overwhelming!  I’ve been in and around Nashville for years and I still have so much to discover!  If your time is limited, you’ll need to decide what you absolutely must see on your trip (and save the rest for your next visit!).  Below are seven Nashville neighborhoods that I recommend putting on your list! 

1. Downtown Nashville/SoBro

Most people think of Downtown and South of Broadway (also called SoBro Nashville) when you say Nashville. It’s a vibrant, busy scene full of live music, rowdy bars, and cool restaurants. Downtown you’ll find Lower Broadway, full of honky-tonks with amazing live music. Lots of bars are named after popular country artists so you’ll recognize them as you make your way down the hill. Bachelorette parties love Downtown so you’ll find a party atmosphere every night of the week. It’s pretty touristy but if you’re here to party, you want to check it out!

Just south of Broadway you’ll find SoBro (hence the name!) and some people don’t even distinguish between the two.  SoBro attractions are within walking distance of Lower Broadway and include: the Country Music Hall of Fame (definitely worth a visit!), The Johnny Cash Museum, and the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge (walk it at night to get the BEST view of the Nashville skyline). You’ll also find fantastic music venues like The Listening Room (great place to check out a songwriter show) and 3rd And Lindsley. Put Downtown Nashville and SoBro on your list but don’t limit your visit to this neighborhood! 

2. The Gulch

If you’re looking for trendy, you want The Gulch! Just south of downtown, it was previously an industrial area but not anymore! Now it’s a walkable, bustling neighborhood with high-end hotels, boutiques, and restaurants. Hotels tend to be on the expensive side in this popular and very Instagram-worthy neighborhood. In my opinion it’s one of the nicest neighborhoods in Nashville (which means it’s usually pretty crowded, as well).  This is where you’ll find the famous What Lifts You wing mural (Tip: go early to avoid the line for photos). The Frist Art Museum with rotating exhibits worth checking out and The Station Inn (a tiny venue that’s famous for it’s bluegrass music) are also close by. Have brunch there one day and then spending a few hours strolling around to check out the area. 

3. Germantown

One of my favorite Nashville neighborhoods is Germantown! If you needed one word to describe Germantown it would be charming!  Spanning only 18 city blocks, it is one of Nashville’s smaller neighborhoods. It’s full of restored Victorian buildings that have been turned into some of Nashville’s best restaurants and high end boutiques.  Take a stroll through the quaint and tree-lined streets. Make sure you take time to grab a drink at a bar or distillery in the neighborhood. Germantown is also near First Horizon Park, so it’s a great choice for food and drinks if you’re going to a Nashville Sounds game!  One of my favorite Nashville restaurants, 5th & Taylor is in Germantown (make reservations early) and the Nashville Farmers Market is worth an afternoon visit. 

4. Green Hills

Travel just south of downtown and find one of the most affluent Nashville neighborhoods: Green Hills.  Traffic is always heavy here, but the homes are beautiful and you’ll find upscale restaurants and shopping.  The very posh Mall at Green Hills is at the center point of the neighborhood and nearby is the famous Bluebird Cafe (one of the most iconic venues in Nashville that sits in an unassuming strip mall). Whole Foods in Green Hills is a popular place for celebrity sightings. Keep in mind, though that in Nashville they are left to live in peace so generally it’s frowned upon to disrupt their shopping trip. If you want upscale shopping and star-sightings, put Green Hills on your list! 

5. East Nashville

Across the Cumberland River from downtown you’ll find East Nashville. It’s actually a collection of fun, quirky neighborhoods that attract an eclectic, artsy crowd. If you want to get away from the most touristy parts of town head over to East Nashville! Check out the fun dive bars, coffee shops, and vintage stores scattered among historic homes that date back to the early 1900’s. East Nashville also has festivals throughout the year, including the Nashville Film Festival and the Music City Hot Chicken Festival. One of the most popular areas in East Nashville is Five Points.

Within East Nashville, the neighborhood of Five Points is easily walkable and has some of the best restaurants around. Most of the shops are locally owned, so this is a great way to support local business owners! Grab some pizza at Five Points Pizza and stroll around Five Points Alley Shops to find your perfect souvenirs.  Put it on your list! If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, you’ll also find them here. Urban Cowboy and The Dive Motel are both fun places with a unique twist. 

6. Midtown

West of downtown and right next to Vanderbilt University, Midtown is a known for it’s nightlife away from downtown. You’ll find all sorts of people including students, industry people, and business executives in the restaurants and bars here.  The charm of Midtown is that you can find it all: drag shows, gay bars, dive bars, and speakeasies.  While Nashville is known for it’s country music, here you’ll find the historical Exit/In that’s known for it’s rock shows. You’ll also find the original Hattie B’s chicken and if you’re looking for a luxurious dinner, check out The Catbird Seat.  Featured in Conde Naste, this upscale restaurant seats only 22 people and has only two sittings per night.  If you manage to snag a reservation, sit at the u-shaped table and watch the chef prepare your 10-12 course tasting menu!

7. Music Valley

Music Valley is ten miles from downtown and is the home of the famous Grand Ole Opry.  Here you’ll also find the Opry Mills mall and the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center (most know it as the Opryland Hotel).  All of these are worth visiting (the hotel itself is gorgeous and has enough to entertain you for an afternoon even if you’re not staying there).  Music Valley is known for being more family friendly than many other areas of Nashville. It also has more affordable lodging options since it’s further from downtown. If you’re on a budget this is a safe area and a short Uber ride from the rest of Nashville.  While you’re there, check out the Nashville Palace, a classic country bar and restaurant that was once the home of the Grand Ole Opry!

So there you go! Use this guide to decide which neighborhoods you most want to see and head to Music City! No matter which ones are on your list, you can’t go wrong!