The ultimate Nashville neighbourhoods guide
![restaurants and bars bars along Nashville streets](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HERO_Nashville-800x600.jpg)
![restaurants and bars bars along Nashville streets](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HERO_Nashville-315x236.jpg)
From buzzy Broadway to genteel Germantown, get to know Nashville’s neighbourhoods before you take a trip to Tennessee’s capital of country cool.
A city that hangs its (cowboy) hat on its incredible live music scene, Nashville’s enthusiasm for country music is infectious. But there’s also plenty of energy and excitement surrounding Music City’s culinary hotspots, a legion of new hotels and a strong community of independent business owners, too. Before you go, brush up on Nashville’s neighbourhoods to find the perfect match for your stay.
The Gulch
Best for: Luxury lovers, business travellers
What was once an overlooked industrial area is now an upmarket destination home to boutiques, bars and brunch spots. From Pilates studios to organic grocers, everything you need is just a stroll away in this walkable neighbourhood perfect for visitors who like to feel at home while they’re away.
![an aerial view of The Gulch](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/TheGulch.jpg)
Make a beeline for The Gulch, one of Nashville’s trendiest neighbourhoods.
Almost always busy, Milk and Honey is the local go-to for coffee and baked goods. As is Biscuit Love, where people line up to get their fill of warm ‘bonuts’ (fried biscuit dough tossed in sugar).
![pastries in Nashville background, Biscuit Love](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CredBiscuitLove2.jpg)
Get a hold of decadent snacks at Biscuit Love. (Image: Biscuit Love)
If dropping into a morning barre class, enjoying a lavender honey latte, and shopping for artisan leather cowboy boots sounds heavenly, then make a beeline for The Gulch.
![a flower shop at The Gulch, Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/TheGulchKaitlynChow.jpg)
The Gulch is also lined up with flower shops. (Image: Kaitlyn Chow)
The Gulch hotels
Thompson Nashville
This designer hotel’s mid-century modern aesthetic will thrill guests with an appreciation for luxe interiors and soft furnishings.
![Room at Thompson Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CredThompsonNashville.jpg)
Thompson Nashville is a classy designer hotel. (Image: Thompson Nashville)
Cool room touches include a Marshall Bluetooth speaker and a large glass bottle that can be refilled with still or sparkling water at the nifty water stations located on each floor.
![the pastry spread at Killebrew Coffee](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Killebrew-Pastry-Spread.jpg)
Start your day with a latte at Killebrew Coffee. (Image: Thompson Nashville)
In the morning, start your day with a latte at Killebrew Coffee, located right off the hotel lobby. By night, head upstairs to the hotel’s rooftop bar L.A. Jackson to enjoy sweeping city views and killer cocktails (the local beer list is impressive too).
![the rooftop bar of L.A. Jackson](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/LAJackson-Exterior.jpg)
Cosy up to the rooftop bar of L.A. Jackson.
W Nashville
This chic, pet-friendly hotel is everything you’d expect from the W brand. Go all-in and splash some cash on the EWOW Suite – W’s take on a palatial presidential suite complete with an oversized balcony, deep-soaking tub and sublime wraparound views of the city from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Locale Lofts
Dubbed as ‘apartments with hotel perks’, a stay at Locale means you’ll have access to your own fully equipped kitchen and in-unit laundry. There’s also a fitness centre, coworking space and rooftop lounge for afternoon hangs. Whether you’re a digital nomad or just prefer to feel at home while you’re on the road, Locale Lofts is a top choice.
![a look inside Locale Lofts apartments](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Locale-3.jpg)
Settle in for a couple of nights at Locale Lofts.
East Nashville
Best for: Returning visitors, road trippers
If shopping for vintage threads, playing pool in dive bars and other low-key pursuits is your thing, then laidback East Nash is your vibe. This area’s notable neighbourhoods are spread out, so having a car is handy but isn’t essential if you’re happy to rely on ridesharing apps.
In the Five Points area, you’ll find the likes of Bongo Java (a veteran on the local coffee scene) and I Dream of Weenie (an endearing hotdog vendor operating from a cute, yellow VW van).
![people dining outside Bongo Java, Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Bongo-1.jpg)
Drop by Bongo Java for a coffee run.
North of Five Points, you’ll find another pocket of East Nashville goodness. Here you can dig through the crates of new and preloved vinyl at Grimey’s, then wander over to Living Waters Brewing – a brewery and coffee bar serving all the good stuff (beers, espresso, pop tarts, burritos).
If you’re keen to see another side of the capital beyond the city centre, then head to East Nashville.
![a top view of a cup of coffee with latte art at Bongo Java, Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Bongo-2.jpg)
A cup of latte at Bongo Java to power up your day.
East Nashville hotels
The Russell
This concierge-less boutique hotel housed in a century-plus-old historic church is a rare find. The 23-room hotel has retained many of the building’s original features (like stained glass windows) yet it still feels like a fresh, contemporary place to stay thanks to pops of colourful art.
![the artsy lobby at The Russell](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/TheRussell-2.jpg)
You’ll find funky artwork around The Russell.
There may be no elevator, in-house bar, restaurant, or daily room cleaning service, but there is a photo booth! It’s a different type of stay for sure, but one that will have you feeling like a local in no time.
The Russell also gives the majority of the money they make from each stay to local non-profits that support those experiencing homelessness in Nashville. So when guests stay, they are helping multiple people in need. That’s a win-win!
![a pink bedroom at The Russell, Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CredJaredMinnix.jpg)
The Russell gives the majority of the money they make to support those experiencing homelessness in Nashville. (Image: Jared Minnix)
The Gallatin
The Russell’s sister hotel is an equally unique place to bed down. Splashes of tangerine, lime green and cobalt blue provide a memorable backdrop to your stay at The Gallatin, while the lobby art’s message to ‘stay joyful’ is a life motto worth embracing.
Travelling with mates? Book the Quad Bunk Suite to enjoy an adult slumber party with your besties.
Waymore’s Guest House and Casual Club
For travellers who don’t need 24-hour room service, pools with cabanas and luxury day spas, this endearing guest house with a big personality is located near great restaurants, coffee spots and a novelty for anyone not from America: a drive-thru ATM.
Midtown
Best for: Live music lovers, car-free travellers
Conveniently located close to Downtown and Music Row, Midtown strikes a happy medium. With Vanderbilt University close by, expect to share local bars and restaurants with the college crowd in these parts.
![bars along Nashville streets](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Nashville-ChadMorehead.jpg)
Laid-back bars and late-night cafes fill up the buzzing Midtown. (Image: Chad Morehead)
Here, you can watch a drag show (with a side of Asian fusion cuisine) at Suzy Wong’s Drag’n Brunch, scout out the somewhat obscure Patterson House for next-level cocktails, cure your hangover with pickle chips, shakes and burgers at the oh-so retro Elliston Place Soda Shop and sample a sweat-inducing culinary icon at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken.
![a spread of food on the table at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HattieB.jpg)
Snack through the menu at Hattie B’s.
Food and fun times aren’t in short supply in Midtown.
![dining at Patterson House, Midtown, Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pattersonhouse-2.jpg)
Pop by Patterson House for next-level cocktails.
Midtown hotels
Hutton Hotel
This longstanding hotel will delight music lovers. Apart from having a rotating lineup of local musicians playing in the lobby and a special studio room for songwriters to record in, this hotel even has its very own intimate live music venue, Analog.
![the intimate live music venue and studio room in Analog, Hutton Hotel](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Analog©AngelaTreimer.jpg)
Pop by the intimate and dimly lit music venue, Analog in Hutton Hotel. (Image: Angela Treimer)
During your stay, don’t miss treating yourself to an upscale brunch at Evelyn’s, an elevated hotel restaurant and bar that describes itself as a ‘love letter to classic Americana’. Allow yourself plenty of time – the brunch menu is loaded with the greatest hits of daytime dining (hint: the breakfast sandwich is something special).
![the balcony seating area at Hutton Hotel, Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HuttonHotel.jpg)
Chill on the balcony of your room at Hutton Hotel.
Graduate Nashville
From guitar-shaped bedheads to hot-pink neon signage, this unapologetically fun fever dream of a hotel isn’t afraid of clashing colours and bold prints.
![the hotel reception at Graduate Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Graduate-1.jpg)
Check into the fun Graduate Nashville. (Image: Steven Freihon)
But, what else would you expect from a Dolly Parton-inspired hotel? Be sure to visit the hotel’s karaoke joint, Cross Eyed Critters Watering Hole, to belt out “Jolene” with an animatronic backup band in support. Only in Nashville.
![the charming interior of Graduate Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Graduate-2.jpg)
This Dolly Parton-inspired hotel is big, bold and beautiful. (Image: Steven Freihon)
Kimpton Aertson Hotel
The Kimpton brand’s ultramodern Nashville outpost has a lot going for it, including a rooftop pool, day spa and 24-hour fitness centre featuring Peloton equipment.
![the bedroom suite at Kimpton Aertson Hotel, Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Aertson-4.jpg)
Kimpton Aertson Hotel is complete with luxe amenities.
Eclectic contemporary art adorns the walls, including works from local letterpress stalwarts, Hatch Show Prints. Featuring high-efficiency cooling systems and electric vehicle charging stations, this LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) hotel has genuine green credentials.
![a woman inside the working letterpress print shop at Hatch Show Prints, Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HatchShowPrints.jpg)
Head to Hatch Show Prints for a vast collection of woodblock prints.
Downtown
Best for: Party people, car-free travellers, first-time visitors
If you relish staying right in the thick of it, Downtown delivers. By day, tip your hat to the greats at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, walk in the footsteps of entertainment legends at the Ryman Auditorium and grab a casual bite to eat from the 30-plus vendors in the sprawling Assembly Food Hall.
![Third floor gallery at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CMHFM.jpg)
Tip your hat to the greats at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
After dark, slip into the moody Twelve Thirty Club for a negroni, then don a cowboy hat to have a rootin’ tootin’ time on Broadway’s notorious stretch of Honky Tonk bars before stumbling back to your hotel. Yeehaw!
![the dimly lit bar at Twelve Thirty Club, Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CredSethParker-8.jpg)
Slip into the moody Twelve Thirty Club for a negroni. (Image: Seth Parker)
Downtown hotels
Union Station Nashville Yards
Be prepared to be blown away by the heritage grandeur of this atmospheric hotel housed in what was once a busy train station terminal. After admiring the lobby’s vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows and opulent chandeliers, you’ll find tastefully renovated rooms with large bathrooms and super comfy bedding.
![an elegant hotel interior with chandeliers at Union Station Nashville Yards](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/UnionStation-4.jpg)
The opulent Union Station hotel comes with elegant chandeliers.
Don’t miss grabbing a nightcap at the lobby bar where you can raise a glass to the golden age of American rail travel. The bartender may just blow an old-timey train whistle for you!
![a lobby with fireplace at Union Station Nashville Yards](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/UnionStation-6.jpg)
Share a bottle of wine at the cosy lobby fireplace of Union Station.
Bobby Hotel
If you like your hotels to have style and flair, then bookmark the Bobby Hotel. With an enviable Printers Alley location, you’re just a short stroll from Broadway’s heaving bar scene.
![Black Cadillac out the front of the Bobby Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/BobbyLincoln_PhotoCred-EmilyDorio.jpg)
The Bobby has style and flair. (Image: Emily Dorio)
Prefer to stay in? Bobby’s Garage bar is a lowkey spot for a beer or two. Wanna see something cool? Head to the rooftop lounge to check out the hotel’s vintage 1956 Scenicruiser bus.
![the meeting space at Bobby Hotel, Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MeetingSpaceCred-EmilyDorio.jpg)
Stay in the vintage and vibrant Bobby Hotel. (Image: Emily Dorio)
The Hermitage Hotel
Built more than a century ago, a stay at this five-star stunner is worth saving up for. Everyone from American Presidents to Hollywood legends and sporting superstars has stayed at the Hermitage, so it’s as much a historical point of interest as it is a luxury hotel.
![the entrance of The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CopyrightBrandonBarre-CourtesyForrestPerkins.jpg)
Play spot the celebrity at The Hermitage Hotel. (Image: Brandon Barré; Forrest Perkins)
During your stay, visit the Pink Hermit Cafe for wood-fired pizza and blush-pink cocktails or dress up sophisticated fine dining at Druisie and Darr.
![the exterior of The Pink Hermit Cafe, The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ThePinkHermit.jpg)
Drop by The Pink Hermit Cafe for wood-fired pizza and blush-pink cocktails.
Germantown
Best for: History and architecture fans, returning visitors
Historic Germantown may be Nashville’s oldest neighbourhood, but it’s far from stale. In comparison to the bar-crawls and hedonistic hijinks of Broadway, upscale Germantown has a refined feel.
You’ll find plenty of heritage buildings to appreciate here as well as some standout eateries. Dinner at Rolf and Daughters is one of the hottest tickets in town and with good reason: every single dish is a knockout. Pelato brings Brooklyn-style Italian fare to Germantown, while the vendors at Nashville Farmers’ Market (open year-round) offer casual eats like crepes, cookies and vegan tacos.
![a table-top view of food at Pelato, Germantown](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Pelato.jpg)
Dine on Brooklyn-style Italian food at Pelato.
Germantown hotels
Germantown Inn
With just ten suites (all named after notable Americans), this locally owned boutique hotel is a cosy spot to retreat to after a day exploring Nashville. Likely built in the mid-1800s, a careful restoration has ensured the building’s original charm endures.
In the afternoon, head to the leafy patio to grab a drink and shoot the breeze with staff and other guests – this is one friendly inn.
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