The best neighborhoods in Nashville to really get to know the city

Nashville is Tennessee’s vibrant, melodious capital, famous for its musicians, recording studios, and country atmosphere. For first-timers, deciding which neighborhoods to dedicate time to can be difficult. Should you stick to Downtown and the pulsing Broadway Street, head for the Victorian architecture and farmer’s markets of Germantown, or discover the ever-famous Music Row?

Whether you’re a street art lover, dying to try hot chicken, or want to see a different side of Music City, this is your ultimate guide to Nashville’s best neighborhoods.

1. Downtown

Best for: Live Music, Nightlife, Shopping, Museums, Famous Landmarks
Best way to get to: Over 11 bus routes operate Downtown, Uber is another good option
Top things to do in: Music City Center, Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, Ryman Auditorium

Downtown is Nashville’s vibrant heartbeat, and visitors cannot skip It. This is the core of the city and where you’ll find most of the famous sights, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, and the Ryman Auditorium.

Lined with music venues, honky tonks, cowboy boot shops, and multi-story bars, the infamous Broadway Street cuts straight through Downtown and is one of the most popular places to bar-hop and listen to live music.

Downtown Nashville is easy to get around, whether on foot or using public transportation. One of the best options is hopping on the Old Town Trolley, which circles through Downtown and nearby neighborhoods like Music Row.

Downtown Nashville offers plenty of accommodation options, from posh hotels to more budget-friendly options and oodles of vacation rentals.

2. The Gulch

Best for: Shopping, Bar Hopping, Foodies, (More) Live Music
Best way to get to: Bus Line 8
Top things to do in: Frist Art Museum, Rudy’s Jazz Room, Frist Green

Tucked southwest of Downtown, The Gulch is a modern neighborhood, LEED certified community. Built on the bones of Nashville’s once thriving railyard, which dates all the way back to the Civil War, this industrial area started to be revitalized in the early-2000s. Today, visitors will find endless foodie hot spots, shopping, and bars to sift through.

An almost futuristic and self-sufficient sector of the city, visitors will love discovering street art murals, participating in interactive attractions like pinball, and exploring the Frist Art Museum on the neighborhood's northern edge.

There are several great hotel options in The Gulch, at both reasonable and more lavish price points. This area of town is also great for those who like getting around on foot, as the distance between here and Downtown is just a 20-minute walk.

3. Germantown

Best for: Farmer’s Markets, History, Fine Dining, Architecture, Baseball
Best way to get to: Bus Line 9
Top things to do in: Tennessee State Museum, Cumberland River Greenway, Germantown Farmer’s Market, Sounds Stadium

One of Nashville’s most romantic neighborhoods, Germantown is a leafy corner of the city’s core, hidden away at the northwestern corner of Downtown. Many of the city’s fine-dining restaurants have taken root in Germantown, and gourmands will be spoiled for choice. In true German fashion, you’ll also find a few breweries to partake in.

This beautiful enclave is home to some of the city’s most appealing architecture, the sprawling Cumberland River Greenway, and a weekend farmers market that’s a great peruse in warmer months. Baseball lovers will also find First Horizon Park, where catching a minor-league baseball game is possible.

Accommodation options are a bit slim in Germantown itself, partially due to its designation on the National Register of Historic Places, but several hotels are tucked just outside the neighborhood's technical limits.

Like The Gulch, it’s very easy to travel between Germantown and Downtown Nashville on foot or by public transportation.

4. East Nashville

Best for: Street art, vintage shopping, sports, greenspaces
Best way to get to: Bus Line 56
Top things to do in: Grand Ole Opry, Nissan Stadium, Shelby Bottoms

Nashville is divided into two sides, east and west. While the neighborhoods on the western side of the Cumberland River are more decidedly drawn out, eastern neighborhoods are often lumped together under the title “East Nashville.” These more eclectic city enclaves make it unique — and worth going off the beaten path a bit.

Although some areas of East Nashville are a bit further afield, this large neighborhood is home to a few of the city’s most famous sights, including the Grand Ole Opry. Sports lovers will also like to know that this section of town is where the Tennessee Titans, Nashville’s pro football team, play. Nissan Stadium is located just across the Cumberland River from Downtown.

There are plenty of gorgeous, boho accommodation options in East Nashville, primarily concentrated in the southern section of the neighborhood near Historic Edgefield. Public transportation makes it easy to get back and forth from East Nashville to Downtown and other city areas.

5. Music Row

Best for: History, Recording Studios, Music Lovers
Best way to get to: Bus Line 7
Top things to do in: RCA Studio B, Scarritt Bennett Center, Quonset Hut

Possibly the most famous neighborhood in Nashville, Music Row is where “Music City” got its name. This southern corner of town is home to some of America’s most famous recording studios, including where Elvis Presley recorded “How Great Thou Art.” History buffs and music lovers will get a kick out of strolling through the neighborhood.

Pop in to visit famous nooks and crannies like the Historic RCA Studio B, which recorded music from Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline, and peruse an endless stream of record shops along the way. Country music fanatics will also want to take a little detour off Music Row to see the statue of Owen Bradley Park’s namesake.

Plenty of inexpensive accommodation options are tucked along the northern edge of Music Row. It’s easy to get back and forth between Downtown using the Old Town Trolley and other methods of public transportation, although walking isn’t recommended.

FAQs: Best Neighborhoods in Nashville

Generated with the help of AI

What is the trendiest neighborhood in Nashville?

The Gulch is Nashville’s trendiest neighborhood, offering a chic and sophisticated atmosphere. It features upscale boutiques, modern apartments, and a variety of highly rated restaurants. Perfect for food enthusiasts and those looking for a stylish urban vibe, the Gulch is a must-visit.

What is Germantown known for?

Germantown is known for its charming historic architecture, vibrant culinary scene, and annual Oktoberfest celebration. This neighborhood blends old-world charm with modern amenities, offering visitors a taste of Nashville’s rich history alongside trendy restaurants and boutique shops. Its tree-lined streets and beautifully restored buildings make it a picturesque area to explore.

Which part of Nashville is best to stay in?

Staying in downtown Nashville is ideal, filled with bars, live music venues, and restaurants. This area allows you to walk to many popular attractions. Consider exploring the Broadway strip and the Gulch for a vibrant and convenient experience.

Where do most young professionals live in Nashville?

Many young professionals live in Hillsboro Village, Midtown, and Downtown neighborhoods. These areas offer a lively mix of dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions, making them ideal for a dynamic lifestyle. Each neighborhood has its unique charm, providing a variety of amenities and easy access to the city’s core activities.

Is it better to stay near Music Row or downtown Nashville?

Choosing between Music Row and downtown Nashville depends on your interests. Downtown is ideal for most visitors, offering easy access to major attractions, especially if you’re interested in country music and museums. Music Row is more isolated and suited for those interested in the music industry and recording studios.