9 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Nashville

As you explore The Gulch, it is hard not to be inspired by the dynamic mix of boutique hotels, inventive restaurants, ultra-cool live music venues, and high-rise condos. Even the Instagram-worthy murals dotted around the neighborhood, including the famous ‘What Lifts You’ angel wings, give off an intoxicating energy.

Catch renowned bluegrass musicians at the tiny but mighty Station Inn, absorb some art and culture at the Frist Art Museum, or try a typical Nashville steak and whiskey dish at one of the many contemporary cafes. Sandwiched between Music Row and Sobro, The Gulch’s central position makes it an ideal base to explore all of Nashville.

East Nashville has a quirky, vibrant, and progressive vibe and boasts an energetic nightlife and exciting culinary scene. Located across the Cumberland River opposite downtown Nashville, it is an artsy and creative melting pot full of dive bars, vintage stores, award-winning dining, and craft beer.

If you’re looking for street art and trendy bars, head toward the Five Points area. Or follow the Greenway through Shelby Park for a tree-lined walk along the river. And don’t forget to try an on-the-spot cocktail at one of the many sensational cocktail bars – whether you prefer a trendy lounge or a low-key speakeasy.

Let the period charm of Germantown put you under its spell as you walk through tree-lined streets past restored Victorian townhouses, repurposed warehouses, and brick sidewalks filled with cafes. Immerse yourself in history at the Tennessee State Museum or spend an afternoon browsing the wares of the various high-quality artisanal boutiques.

Your sense of smell will be delighted by the eclectic eateries and produce sellers within the Nashville Farmers' Market. You can eat out at an award-winning contemporary restaurant or try a Nashville-style barbeque at a local diner. After your busy day, we’d recommend you head over to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park to enjoy some fresh air and soak up stunning skyline views.

As soon as dusk falls, Midtown shifts up a gear and this major nightlife hub begins to show its true colors. Bars and late-night cafes quickly fill up and you can take your pick of live music and variety acts, drag shows, and rock gigs – the buzz is palpable. The morning after the night before you can relax beside the soothing lake in Centennial Park, discover the beauty of the sunken garden, or gaze in wonder at the full-scale replica of the Athenian Parthenon.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll find Midtown a gourmet haven. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, French, South American, or Asian food, high-end or low-budget, this bustling neighborhood offers it all. There are even zingy Cajun restaurants for spice lovers.

The best things come in small packages and 12 South is no exception with its appealing bungalow-style homes, trendy stores, hip designer boutiques, and fine-dining restaurants. We’d recommend a visit to the quirky vintage guitar shop (even if you don’t like guitars!) and of course, you’ll need to take a quick selfie in front of the iconic “I Believe in Nashville” mural.

Coffee lovers will be in their element as 12 South is teeming with artisan coffee shops serving a myriad of characteristics and flavors whose distinctive aromas waft out into the street. Savor the dark and luscious qualities of a French Roast coffee at the original Frothy Monkey coffee house before feasting on a box of renowned 100-layer donuts at Five Daughters Bakery.

As its name suggests, Music Valley is bursting with live-music restaurants, bars, and cafes, all of which give the local dishes extra flavor. Make sure you don’t miss out on a performance showcase at the legendary Grand Ole Opry, where new acts and superstars share a stage and give you an unforgettable night of country music. For the true music buffs, tours are also available.

If you ever tire of the music, you can browse the shops at the atrium-covered Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center (complete with river, gardens, and waterfalls) or step back in time and view Dukes of Hazzard relics and memorabilia (including the General Lee) at Cooter’s Place.

With 2 universities nearby, Belmont/Hillsboro is a cool and stylish magnet for the younger generation, teeming with one-off shops, trendy cafes, and gourmet cocktail bars. The choice of top-notch places to eat is phenomenal and, as expected in a hip area, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu items are readily available.

You can get your cultural fix by catching an arthouse movie at the not-for-profit Belcourt Theater or brush up on your history by visiting the stylish 1850s Belmont Mansion museum. But if you’re simply wanting to shop then head over to Hillsboro Village and delight in the unique collection of indie clothes shops and quirky, individual stores.

If you want to get your creative juices flowing then head to Wedgewood-Houston (lovingly shortened to WeHo), a vibrant art hub filled with musicians, artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. Disused factories and warehouses have been transformed into stylish art spaces and studios, and talent oozes from every wall. Find your own inspiration by joining the monthly Art Crawl where you’ll visit twelve galleries bursting with local masterpieces.

WeHo’s dining and cocktail scene offers some mouth-watering options and ensures that the evenings and weekends are buzzing with energy. And the flea market at Nashville Fairgrounds, crammed with antiques and bric-a-brac, is always worth a visit.

West End offers amazing music, eclectic food, art exhibitions, and stately homes within its thriving community. Catch a free summertime concert at Musician’s Corner or mosey on down to Elliston Place to discover some of the best concert venues, showcasing everything from rock and roll, rap, heavy metal, and punk.

Excite your tastebuds by sampling some of the best-rated steak in Nashville or immerse yourself in history by heading to the wealthy residential area of Belle Meade and taking a tour of the Belle Meade Plantation stately home.