Things to Do in Nashville Other than Broadway

If you’re visiting Nashville, Tennessee, soon, you may be wondering what there is to do other than Broadway. Sure, the honky tonks are fun, and if you’ve never been before, they’re a must. But, after you wander the street a time or two, it may be time to take in the rest of the city's wonders. Made up of neighborhoods as unique as New York’s Upper East Side, Nashville’s beating heart exists in the communities of people who call this town home. And when it comes to finding things to do in those neighborhoods, you have to know where to go. To help you explore beyond Broadway, we’re giving you a breakdown of Nashville’s most unique areas, each with its own distinct character, so you can fully immerse yourself when you visit. By the end of this blog, you’ll have a whole list of things to do in Nashville other than Broadway, so let’s dive in!

The Gulch

Once an abandoned industrial area, the Gulch is now home to epic high-rise condos, delicious eateries, Insta-worthy murals (be prepared to wait in line for your turn to snap a pic), music venues, and more. It’s an extremely walkable part of town, so take your time and check it all out.

Things to do in the Gulch

• Dinner at 404 Kitchen
• Cocktails at Gertie’s Whiskey Bar
• 21+ mini golf at Puttshack (live DJs on the weekends)
• Coffee at Milk and Honey
• Local drafts at Hi-Wire Brewing

Wedgewood/Houston

Just south of Downtown, WeHo has you covered on craft distilleries and breweries. It’s also the best place to pre-game if you’re planning on attending a Nashville Soccer Club game or concert at Geodis Park. If you’re visiting on the third weekend of the month, you can also catch the Nashville Flea Market in this neighborhood.  

Things to do in Wedgewood/Houston

• First Saturday Art Crawl starting at 6 pm
• Local brews at Diskin Cider and Jackalope Brewing
• Craft cocktail classes at Corsair Distillery Headquarters
• Satisfy your sweet tooth at Pink Door Cookies

SoBro

South Broadway, or SoBro, is within walking distance from all the rowdy bars on Broadway but offers a nice variety of things to do. You’ll know you’re in this area by the giant art display in the traffic circle of 8th Ave. and Korean War Veterans Blvd. Created by German artist Christian Moeller, the Stix art installation is the most expensive public art display to ever exist in Nashville, coming in at 750k. Made entirely of red cedar, the poles are painted in colors designed to pay tribute to the indigenous people of the area and are definitely a sight to see. SoBro is also home to the brand-new Music City Center, where everything from bridal shows to business conventions are held, and numerous live music venues, restaurants, and local hotspots.

Things to do in SoBro

• Plan a romantic evening at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center
• Do a moonshine tasting at Ole Smoky Distillery (6th and Peabody)
• See a show at City Winery
• Hear a writer’s round at The Listening Room Cafe
• Learn about the history of block printing at Hatch Show Print’s Haley Gallery

Green Hills

As one of Nashville’s most affluent neighborhoods, Green Hills is where you go if you’re looking for upscale brands and boutiques. While there are plenty of nice restaurants and even some historic venues, the draw is definitely the shopping. However, if you’ve rented a car or driven to Nashville, this is also a great area to cruise and look at stunning real estate, as the area is home to celebs like Kieth Urban and Nicole Kidman.

Things to do in Green Hills

• Shopping at The Mall at Green Hills and the Hill Center
• See a show at the historic Bluebird Cafe
• Travel to Paris without leaving the States at Little Gourmand French café and market
• Enjoy a beautiful meal at the RH Courtyard Restaurant at Restoration Hardware Nashville
• Paint your own souvenir at Brushfire Pottery Studio

West End/Midtown

Head away from Broadway, and the road will eventually split, turning into West End. Here, you’ll find famous landmarks like Centennial Park and the Parthenon, the esteemed Vanderbilt University, and the beloved bars and restaurants of Midtown. Whether you’re looking for a casual afternoon or a fun-filled night, you’ll find it all in this Nashville neighborhood.

Things to do on West End and in Midtown

• See the mystery that lies beneath the Red Door Saloon (ask about the hole in the floor)
• Party at Winners and Losers  
• Play arcade games and maybe even find a hidden speakeasy at Kung Fu Saloon
• Catch a show at the famed Exit/In
• Enjoy a fancy evening at The Patterson House 

The Nations

This uber-local area will give you a crash course in hidden gems. Taking the abandoned warehouses of former businesses and creating beautiful spaces for local entrepreneurs, The Nations is a breeding ground for new and innovative ideas. From breweries and bars to restaurants and artisan goods, you’ll find it here.

Things to do in The Nations

• Enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch at Frothy Monkey
• Bowl or try your hand at Olympic Curling at TeeLine
• Taste amazing beer concoctions at Southern Grist, Fat Bottom, or Harding House Brewing
• Watch a game in Bringle’s Smoking Oasis’ beer garden
• Eat local at Bare Bones Butcher, 51st Deli, Red Bicycle, or Coco’s Italian Market

Sylvan Park

This pocket neighborhood, a short beat away from West End and The Nations, has seen quite the boom as of late. Known for its bungalow and craftsman homes, wide streets, and walkable neighborhood feel, spending an afternoon or evening exploring will unearth some real delights.

Things to do in Sylvan Park

• Dinner at Answer or Caffé Nonna
• Drinks at Neighbors
• Unique finds at L&L Market or Sylvan Supply
• In the summer, ice cream at Bobbie’s Dairy Dip

12 South

This half-mile stretch along 12th Ave. South is full of vintage clothing boutiques, premium coffee, excellent pizza, and unique bars. Another very walkable area; it’s fun just to park and wander through all the local businesses in this area.

Things to do in 12 South

• BBQ at Edley's
• Shopping at Imogen + Willie and other local stores like Made in TN
• Visit the Tennessee Cobbler Co. food truck
• Markets and free music at Sevier Park

East Nashville

Located across the Cumberland River, East Nashville is where the hipsters, locals, and creatives live, work, and play. It’s also where the Titan’s stadium is, so if you’re in town for a game, be sure to spend some time exploring the East side!

Things to Do in East Nashville

• Murals and records at Grimey’s
• Unique drinks at Pearl Diver, Tiger Bar, and Urban Cowboy
• Local art at Red Arrow and Raven & Whale galleries
• Motown Monday at The 5 Spot
• Best dives in town: Mickey’s, Dino’s, and Lakeside Lounge

Book Your Nashville Vacation with Nautical Properties

While these aren’t the only neighborhoods in Nashville, they’re definitely some of the most popular. As you plan your visit, consider finding things to do in Nashville other than Broadway so you can have a true taste of the local experience. And when you’re looking for the perfect home base for your Nashville vacation, be sure to book directly with Nautical Properties. Our luxury vacation rentals put you in the heart of all the action, close to many of the areas mentioned in this blog. With incredible amenities and stylish décor, you’ll find yourself never wanting to leave. Browse our Nashville vacation rentals and book your getaway today!