Discover Nashville's unique neighbourhoods

Beyond the rhythms of the Music City, there’s a world of art, food, fashion and entertainment. Here’s how to curate your own Nashville itinerary as expertly as your playlist...

Nashville has rightfully gained its reputation as the Music City. Beyond its buzzing Broadway, dotted with honky-tonks, it has nurtured the careers of many aspiring songwriters and artists across multiple genres from country to bluegrass to rock and beyond.

Steeped in history and brimming with culture, the city is also home to some of the country’s best museums as well as a dynamic art scene. In fact, Nashville is home to more music museums (of all genres) than anywhere in the world. It's also where the famous hot chicken originated which is a must-try, plus meat & three, fine dining and farm-to-table experiences.

Designers have also made the Music City their home, with boutiques like Emerson Grace offering the opportunity to appreciate local designs from fashion to homeware. For those who love the great outdoors and getting active, there are several extensive green spaces with hiking trails. Nashville's sporting prowess is also growing, with everything from NFL American football to NHL hockey games and the chance to paddle board and canoe.

Downtown Nashville

Start your trip by exploring Nashville’s Downtown neighbourhood. The walkable city centre features world-class museums, a dynamic culinary scene, professional sports, eclectic art galleries, and of course, live music.

Stay downtown along 4th Avenue North, where boutique hotels, such as the Bobby Hotel, Noelle, and Fairlane Hotel capture the city’s creative energy and classic beauty. Nearby is the symbol of Nashville’s historic luxury; the Hermitage Hotel offers an experience of Southern hospitality along with timeless elegance.

Nashville is steeped in music history. Dive deep into Music City’s roots at the Ryman Auditorium. For more than 130 years, entertainers of all kinds have graced the stage, from Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, and Jack White to Charlie Chaplin, Harry Styles and Lizzo just to name a few - making it one of the most legendary music venues in the world. Steps away from the Ryman is the immersive and inspirational National Museum of African American Music – dedicated to celebrating and preserving the many music genres created and inspired by African Americans.

Feel the rhythm of the city on Lower Broadway with free live music at the honky tonks 365 days a year. Enjoy Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar in Printer’s Alley or a singer/songwriter at Puckett’s Restaurant.

Feeling hungry? Nashville’s food scene is as diverse as its music. Visit Assembly Food Hall at Fifth + Broadway with more than 30 eateries and bars including local favourites such as Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, Desano Pizzeria, Thai Esane and Hattie Jane’s Creamery. Prefer a chef-driven culinary experience? Black Rabbit, Church & Union, and Drusie & Darr should be on the list. Looking for more of a cocktail bar vibe? Pushing Daisies, Hidden Bar and One More Cocktail Club have you covered.

The creative culture of Nashville extends far beyond music and can be admired at various art galleries, unique exhibitions, and events such as the First Saturday Art Crawl, a monthly showcase of the works of both local and globally renowned artists.

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The Gulch

Not far from Nashville’s famous Music Row is The Gulch. Once an abandoned railroad site after World War II, The Gulch has now been rejuvenated into a chic, walkable neighbourhood full of fine dining options and plush boutiques.

Start with breakfast at Biscuit Love and if you’re feeling ravenous, try their ‘East Nasty’ dish of buttermilk biscuits topped with fried chicken and gravy. Before lunch, check out an exhibition or an interactive event at the Frist Art Museum and then experience Nashville's modern, fusion cuisine at The 404 Kitchen.

Unsure of where to stay? Pick from one of the elegant hotels such as The W or The Thompson to rest after an evening exploring the area’s dazzling nightlife thanks to its suave bars and saloons like Saint Añejo and the Thompson’s very own rooftop bar, L.A. Jackson.

Don't leave without walking into guitar paradise at The Gibson Garage where over 200 guitars hang from a conveyor belt and feel free to try some out for yourself in their Acoustic Room. You can also snap some colourful photos at the Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural as a momento.

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12 South

For a true sense of community in Nashville, look no further than 12 South, a quaint neighbourhood dotted with historic bungalow-style homes and vintage boutiques.

You can easily stroll around the many restaurants, bakeries, cafes and shops in the area during a laid-back afternoon visit. Imogene + Willie, an ethical brand that takes pride in its local denim is worth visiting, as is Emerson Grace, which showcases unique clothing by independent designers. You can also browse bright, floral dresses at Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James or admire elegant jewellery pieces by Nashville designer Judith Bright at her boutique.

To treat your taste buds, neighbourhood favourite and speciality coffee house Frothy Monkey is a good place to start. There's also the colourful Five Daughters Bakery where you can treat yourself to a croissant-style hundred layered donut.

For lunch or dinner from Friday to Sunday, book in advance to enjoy the flavours of Scandi-inspired Locust where you can try chef Trevor Moran’s playful take on dumplings. Alternatively, head to tasty Burger Up, which frequently collaborates with local farms and butchers for its produce.

East Nashville

East Nashville is an eclectic area and the city’s creative hub, which becomes obvious in its independent music clubs like Basement East and The Five Spot.

If you're looking to dine al fresco, grab your seats on the patio at FOLK, an elegant spot prioritising natural wines and produce from local purveyors where you are promised some of Nashville’s best pizza. Fancy something more casual? Step into Edley’s BBQ where succulent pork is marinated for 24 hours, smoked for another 12 hours and then served with a fiery jalapeño slaw.

You're likely to spot many locals at the neighbourhood taproom, Mickey’s Tavern where you can play foosball or a game of darts while sipping on seasonal beer. Another institution is Dino’s where you can indulge in some no-frills, seriously juicy burgers till 3am.

For finer dining, opt for Audrey where chef James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock takes inspiration from his grandmother by serving Appalachian-inspired dishes, all with an elegant and contemporary twist. If you're into your mixology, sip on a signature cocktail or two at the hedonistic Fox Bar & Cocktail Club.

SoBro

Nashville’s musical heart beats further in the trendy SoBro district.

You can easily spend the day exploring many musical classics like the neoclassical Symphony Hall and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The latter takes you through the origins of country music through impressive exhibits and has a skylit rotunda celebrating the music world’s elite. Book a bus tour to visit Nashville’s famed RCA Studio B where many musical classics were recorded by legends like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers.

There’s more for music lovers beyond the museums at SoBro. Grab a front-row seat at The Listening Room Cafe where you’ll be inspired by local talent, particularly during a unique "writers-in-the-round" experience where songwriters take turns to play songs they've written. Each songwriter introduces their song before playing and explains the backstory behind it, making for a very moving and uniquely Nashville musical experience.

For more renowned music, browse through an impressive collection of vinyl, merchandise and knick-knacks at Jack White's Third Man Records. Stopping by the Music City Walk of Fame Park will reveal famous names honoured like Dolly Parton, Kings of Leon, Little Richard, Loretta Lynn and Jack White, amongst many others.

In the culinary sphere, there’s chef Deb Paquette’s sleek restaurant Etch whose global menu includes vegan options too. For something more low-key, head to Martin’s BBQ where you can indulge in whole hog barbecue.

Wedgewood-Houston

Formerly industrial Wedgewood-Houston is now an arty quarter, retaining its charisma and eccentricity thanks to its independent galleries like the Julia Martin Gallery and the David Lusk Gallery.

Of course, there are options for a tipple paired with exquisite food here with places like half-bar, half-restaurant, Bastion that proudly serves quirky cocktails and painstakingly prepared food on a rotation of creations. For Italian fare with flare, try iggy's restaurant that focuses on fresh pasta and refined wines.

The WeHo Art Crawl is great fun and an integral part of the neighbourhood’s art legacy. Hosted on the first Saturday of each month, art lovers can discover several ateliers that open their doors on this day.

There are also insightful, modern art displays at galleries such as Zeitgeist. WeHo has stylish shops too like leather and suede jacket specialists, Savas. Soho House's bar May's is open to the public and worth a pit stop after browsing the art galleries.

Take a visit to Diskin Cider on their trivia night or their outdoor cinema screening night whilst enjoying first-class cider. If beer is more your drink of choice, head to Jackelope Brewery to sample their creative craft beers and welcoming sense of community.

There's also plenty of whiskey to be sipped at Nashville Craft Distillery. For the more adventurous, their menu also includes unconventional craft spirits like one made from sorghum.

Germantown

Just a few blocks from Nashville’s Downtown is Germantown, a historic community which now boasts a mishmash of art galleries, boutique shops and a wonderful Farmer’s Market.

This rich, cultural area is a hit with foodies, so after you take a stroll to admire its Victorian-era buildings, try some oysters and elevated small plates at Henrietta Red. You may also want to try the seaweed butter that is glossed over sourdough and notably the handmade pasta that is the specialty at Rolf and Daughters; it's become a sensation amidst many Nashvillians. For some classic, comforting southern fare like a meat and three, grab a table at Monell’s beautiful flagship spot.

If you happen to find yourself in Nashville around New Year’s Eve, then Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is the place to be. Aptly named the Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, this grand celebration that welcomes the new year sees a string of famous acts on a large stage along with a glittering display of fireworks. Beyond its annual celebrations, there's plenty to see and do in this vast verdant space, from picnics by its amphitheatre to ample walking trails.

Right next to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park lies the Tennessee State Museum which takes you through the state’s history, showcasing relics from the Civil War, pioneer houses and diverse artefacts from the Indigenous tribes that once lived here.