Is Nashville "walkable"? Mostly no, but don't worry. We've got you covered with this guide. Most tourists overestimate how walkable Nashville is, but the good news is everything is walkable or a short uber ride. So get yer boots on and let's stomp through this guide.
Broadway & downtown are extremely walkable. Bars, restaurants and live music are everywhere. “Lower Broadway,” or just Broadway, is between 6th Ave and the 1st Ave/Cumberland River. This area is also known as Honky Tonk Row. The fun pedestrian bridge takes folks over the river to parking at Nissan Stadium in East Nashville.
While this area is extremely walkable, watch out for vehicle traffic and be sure to walk at least one block away from Broadway to pickup an Uber/Lyft. The worst traffic jams for cars are on 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th avenues and many uber drivers refuse to go within 1 to 3 blocks of Broadway to pickup passengers. Broadway is mostly closed to cars in the evenings. Please wait your turn to cross intersections.
The Gulch is Southwest downtown between Broadway & I-40, west of the train tracks. This newly revitalized area features a very pleasant city aesthetic. You’ll find tall, new hotels, rooftop lounges like LA Jackson atop the Thompson Hotel, fine dining, Irish pubs, Starbucks, the historic Station Inn bluegrass & folk music venue, hotels, hot chicken, and the funnest place to grab a drink: Pins Mechanical. You may see golf carts tours zooming tourists around. Nashville’s most famous mural, WhatLiftsYou is here.
The Gulch also has a “North Gulch” area between Broadway and Charlotte avenue that is great as well, especially for riding electric scooters around. They’re a blast! In the north Gulch you’ll find Pins Mechanical, Whole foods, and a couple of restaurants. If you want a slightly upscale and pleasant night out without the noise, the Gulch is for you! Our Skyline Nash home is just 4 minutes away by car.
Named for a weird intersection of 5 streets, this East Nashville hangout with saloons, dance clubs, restaurants, etc. The hot spots are Red Door Saloon East, Rosemary & the Beauty Queen (bar), The 5 Spot (live music & dancing), 5 Points Pizza, BarTaco, Bongo Java East (Coffee shop with hundreds of board & card games available), Edley’s BBQ, Cheap Charlie’s Taco shop, Margot’s French & Italian restaurant, among many others. See also Main street which is just west of here.
Main street is quasi walkable as well. Main Street in East Nashville has some great restaurants and bars & lounges, such as Waymore's Casual Club where our guests get 20% off food and non alcoholic drinks. While not as aesthetically pleasing as other walkable areas, you’ll see people walking along main street, especially around Hawker’s Asian Street Food. You can grab a drink at Lakeside Lounge or Attaboy, attend trendy concerts at The Basement East.
If you’re looking for more restaurants, bars & music then walk or grab a 1 minute uber to the 5 Points district.
12 South is a leafy residential neighborhood known for its bungalow-style homes, fine-dining restaurants, stylish designer boutiques and stores specializing in vintage guitars and quirky homewares. It's also home to the iconic “I Believe in Nashville” and “Nashville Looks Good on You” murals, a popular photo op for visitors. Built around an elegant antebellum mansion, Sevier Park has towering trees, picnic shelters and playgrounds.
If you’re looking for a laid-bad area away from most tourists, this is the place. Check out Bar Taco for upscale and delicious tacos. Stay between Linden and Clayton streets to be in the walkable area. Our Skyline Nash and Rustic Retreat homes are super close!
Located in midtown near many hotels, this spot has bars/dance clubs, restaurants, etc. It comes alive at night and the fun keeps going till about 3am. You can walk here and visit many restaurants & 4 bars: Kung Fu Saloon, Winners, Losers, and the Dogwood. Dogwood has music all the time and is your best bet for dancing here.
This North downtown area with chic restaurants in restored Victorian buildings and cafes along the brick sidewalks exudes period charm. Former warehouses contain elegant boutiques selling high-end shoes and clothing, while Nashville Farmers' Market has eclectic global eateries as well as vendors offering seasonal produce. Nearby, the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park features skyline views and monuments to Tennessee history.
Sing Karaoke at Sonny’s or dine at Emmy Squared Pizza or grab some southern fare at Monell’s. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in this quant district.
Looking for lodging near some walkable areas? Visit StayInMusicCity.com and call us at 615-422-7700 to inquire about homes near these areas!
Our most walkable homes are:
Skyline Nash -near 12 South
Rustic Retreat - 12 South is just 6 minutes on foot
Bohemian Boutique - Very short ride to 5 Points
East Nashville Farmhouse - Walkable to 5 Points (coming September 2023)
12 South Luxury Home - Coming Soon!