Nashville Music Neighborhoods
Every Nashville neighborhood has its own music personality. Here's where to go for the sound you're looking for.
Lower Broadway
aka "Honky-Tonk Highway"Tourist-friendly, party atmosphere, country music heritage
The most famous strip of live music in the world. Three blocks packed with honky-tonks offering free live country music from 10am until 3am. Neon lights, bachelorette parties, and boot stores define this iconic stretch.
Best For:
Key Venues:
- Tootsies Orchid Lounge — Legendary honky-tonk
- Roberts Western World — Traditional country
- The Stage on Broadway — Multi-floor honky-tonk
- AJ's Good Time Bar — Alan Jackson's bar
- Nudie's Honky Tonk — Historic memorabilia
Walkability: Very walkable—everything is within a few blocks
Local Tip: Start early (before 6pm) to beat the crowds and actually hear the music. Tip the bands generously—they're working musicians.
East Nashville
aka "East Nasty"Hip, local, eclectic mix of genres
Nashville's coolest neighborhood for locals. Across the river from downtown, East Nashville has a thriving indie music scene, great restaurants, vintage shops, and a diverse community of artists and musicians.
Best For:
Key Venues:
- The 5 Spot — Soul, R&B, dance parties
- Basement East — Indie rock, Americana
- Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge — Dive bar, local acts
- The Cobra — Craft cocktails, live music
- Drkmttr — DIY venue, experimental
Walkability: Spread out—rideshare or bike recommended
Local Tip: Monday night at The 5 Spot is legendary "Motown Monday"—arrive early because it gets packed.
The Gulch
Upscale, modern, diverse genres
A former industrial area transformed into Nashville's trendiest neighborhood. High-rise condos, boutique hotels, and excellent restaurants share space with legendary music venues. More polished than Broadway.
Best For:
Key Venues:
- Station Inn — World-famous bluegrass
- Blue Room at Third Man — Jack White's venue
- Cannery Hall — Multi-room complex
- Mercy Lounge — Rock and indie
- The High Watt — Intimate shows
Walkability: Very walkable within the neighborhood
Local Tip: Station Inn is cash only and fills up fast—get there 30 minutes early for good seats.
Midtown / Elliston Place
aka "Rock Block"College-adjacent, rock and indie focus
Nashville's original rock and roll corridor. Near Vanderbilt University, this area has been home to rock clubs since the 1970s. Less polished than other areas, but that's the appeal.
Best For:
Key Venues:
- Exit/In — Legendary rock club
- The End — Rock, punk, metal
- The Basement — New artist showcases
Walkability: Walkable strip with multiple venues close together
Local Tip: Exit/In has hosted everyone from Jimmy Buffett to The Black Keys. Check the walls for music history.
SoBro (South of Broadway)
Convention district, blues and jazz
The area south of Broadway includes the convention center, sports arenas, and some excellent music venues. More spread out than Broadway, but worth exploring for blues and jazz.
Best For:
Key Venues:
- Rudy's Jazz Room — Intimate jazz club
- 3rd and Lindsley — Blues, soul, Americana
- The Listening Room Cafe — Songwriter rounds
Walkability: Somewhat spread out—10-15 min walks between venues
Local Tip: 3rd and Lindsley's Tuesday night blues jam is a Nashville institution—free entry, amazing musicians.
Germantown
Historic, foodie destination, growing music scene
Nashville's oldest neighborhood, now known for excellent restaurants and the Farmers' Market. Brooklyn Bowl brought major concerts to the area, and smaller venues are following.
Best For:
Key Venues:
- Brooklyn Bowl Nashville — Major touring acts
- Von Elrod's Beer Hall — Live music + German beer
Walkability: Walkable neighborhood, but Brooklyn Bowl is on the edge
Local Tip: Grab dinner at one of the excellent Germantown restaurants before a Brooklyn Bowl show.
Marathon Village
Industrial-chic, mid-size venues
A repurposed auto factory from the early 1900s, now home to shops, restaurants, and Marathon Music Works. Unique atmosphere with lots of character.
Best For:
Key Venues:
- Marathon Music Works — Major touring acts
Walkability: Self-contained complex—everything is together
Local Tip: Arrive early to explore the shops and grab food at the various restaurants in the complex.
Green Hills
Suburban, legendary listening room
An upscale suburban area south of downtown, Green Hills is home to the Bluebird Cafe—perhaps Nashville's most famous small venue. Worth the trip for the songwriter experience.
Best For:
Key Venues:
- Bluebird Cafe — Legendary songwriter venue
Walkability: Drive required—suburban location
Local Tip: Reserve Bluebird tickets well in advance. Silence during performances is strictly enforced—this is a listening room.
Printers Alley
Historic, intimate, nightclub vibes
A narrow alley in downtown Nashville with a storied history as a nightlife destination since the 1940s. Smaller and more intimate than Broadway, with several bars featuring live music.
Best For:
Key Venues:
- Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar — Blues, boogie piano
- Skull's Rainbow Room — Burlesque, jazz
Walkability: Downtown location—easy walk from Broadway
Local Tip: Duck into Printers Alley when Broadway gets overwhelming—it's just a block away but feels like a different world.
Neighborhood FAQ
What's the best neighborhood for live music?
It depends on your vibe. Broadway for free country music all day, East Nashville for indie/local, The Gulch for bluegrass at Station Inn, or Midtown for rock clubs.
Where do Nashville locals go?
Locals typically avoid Broadway and prefer East Nashville, Midtown, or The Gulch. These areas have more diverse music and fewer tourists.
Can I walk between neighborhoods?
Broadway, Printers Alley, SoBro, and The Gulch are all walkable from each other (10-20 minutes). East Nashville, Midtown, and other areas need transportation.
Ready to explore?
See what's happening tonight at venues across all Nashville neighborhoods.