Four unmissable Nashville neighbourhoods

Downtown is undoubtedly the busiest neighbourhood in Nashville, and it’s easy to see why. Bustling Broadway isn’t just lined with live music honky tonks – Robert’s, Layla’s, and Tootsies are our favourites, and the most legendary – but amazing food at Jack’s Bar-B-Que. It’s also where you’ll find the home of the ice hockey team the Nashville Predators, who play at the huge Bridgestone Arena, which is also where you’ll see some of the biggest bands and comedians in the world. Seek out open-air gigs at the Ascend Amphitheatre, admire the world-renowned concert hall, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame landmark, and former home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman. Or, find Printer’s Alley, which has been a nightlife hub since the 1940s, and visit great museums and galleries; the Frist Art Museum, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and National Museum of African American Music are all within walking distance of each other. 

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The city’s hippest locale is also its most laid-back. Nothing too rowdy happens in East Nashville, which is a largely residential neighbourhood, but you’ll find pockets of proper action, the most famous being Five Points. Come here for great bars, such as the pleasingly dive-y Duke’s and Dino's, and live music at the longstanding 5 Spot and the Basement East. Vintage shopping doesn’t get any better than at the Hip Zipper and you can find women’s western wear old and new at Goodbuy Girls. Go further afield for old-school band tees at Black Shag, 1970s shirts at Anaconda Vintage and 1950s frocks at Highclass Hillbilly, owned by local musician Nikki Lane. Sing karaoke at the established LGBTQIA+ bar The Lipstick Lounge and venture to Audrey for Southern food from the famous chef Sean Brock. Also seek out The Dive Motel, a retro-styled bolthole with a party-friendly swimming pool. It’s open to everyone, not just hotel guests, but better for posing next to with a cocktail than for doing laps.

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12 South is known for its picture-perfect shopping streets. First, fuel up at Edley's BBQ for perfect pit-fired meats or Locust if you’re looking for a fun and irreverent dining experience. One of the city’s more walkable areas, score some high-end workwear and denim at Imogene + Willie (ask if they’re putting on any evening gigs in the yard), or polished American classics at Buck Mason, elevated casual staples at Emerson Grace and classy Southern attire at Draper James, which was founded by local Reese Witherspoon. If you’re in need of more energy, then grab a coffee pick-me-up at the Frothy Monkey before snapping a picture at the famous ‘I Believe in Nashville’ mural (one of many in this part of town). And don’t miss Ranger Station for smelly souvenirs.

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One of Nashville’s oldest neighbourhoods, the historic Germantown is named after the wave of European immigrants who arrived here in the late 19th century. Now it’s where you’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants, including Tailor, a vibrant South Asian American fusion from acclaimed chef Vivek Surti. Start the day with coffee and a biscuit at Barista Parlor and delve into a fabulously fishy dinner at The Optimist. Germantown is also where you’ll find a bustling bi-weekly Farmers Market and the gorgeous Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park – on New Year’s Eve, a festival takes over the park and the market with massive headline acts that in previous years included Keith Urban, Kings of Leon and Chris Stapleton.

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