We looked through all the neighborhoods and found the best areas to stay in Nashville without a car so you don’t have to worry about renting a car.

Nashville is full of vibrant neighborhoods that offer great places to stay, all within walking distance to top attractions, restaurants, and live music venues.

Each area was chosen based on its Walk Score, proximity to downtown, and the variety of things to do. Whether you’re looking for trendy restaurants, historic sites, or live music, these neighborhoods have it all.

Methodology: How We Chose Each Area

To compile this list, we used two main criteria:

1. Walk Score: This score measures how easy it is to get around on foot. The higher the score (out of 100), the better the area is for walking. We chose WalkScore.com for this data.
2. Things to Do: We looked at the variety of activities available in each area, such as restaurants, bars, shopping, live music venues, and attractions.

Our goal was to find neighborhoods that offered the best combination of walkability and things to do, so you can fully experience Nashville without needing a car. Now, let’s dive into the best places to stay in Nashville without a car!

8. 12 South

Minutes from Downtown Nashville: 10 minutes
Walk Score: 67 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

12 South is a lively, trendy neighborhood known for its walkable streets and cool vibes. Here, you’ll find charming boutiques, popular coffee shops, and a wide range of restaurants. With spots like the famous Five Daughters Bakery and Sevier Park, this area has a great mix of outdoor activities and urban exploration.

What gives 12 South its charm is the neighborhood’s perfect balance between laid-back and stylish. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike. While it’s a little further from downtown compared to other areas on this list, the 10-minute drive is quick (and you can easily grab an Uber), and you’ll enjoy the neighborhood’s cool, eclectic feel.

7. Germantown

Minutes from Downtown Nashville: 5 minutes
Walk Score: 72 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

Germantown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Nashville, known for its beautiful historic buildings and modern development located right on the river. With brick sidewalks and tree-lined streets, this area has an old-world charm that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city. It’s packed with amazing restaurants like Rolf and Daughters and City House, which are known for their creative takes on Southern cuisine.

Germantown also offers plenty to do within walking distance, like visiting the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park or catching a game at First Horizon Park. With its strong sense of community, Germantown is one of the best places to stay in Nashville without a car if you’re looking for history, food, and a local vibe.

6. West End

Minutes from Downtown Nashville: 7 minutes
Walk Score: 76 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

Located right next to Vanderbilt University, West End is a bustling area with a lot to offer. The neighborhood is centered around Centennial Park, home to the famous Parthenon replica, which is a must-see for any visitor. West End has a great variety of bars, restaurants, and shops, and it’s all easily walkable.

What makes West End special is its mix of university life and urban excitement. You’ll find college students, families, and tourists all enjoying the area’s many attractions. Plus, being so close to both Midtown and Music Row, it’s easy to explore even more of Nashville without needing a car.

5. East Nashville

Minutes from Downtown Nashville: 7 minutes
Walk Score: 73 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

East Nashville is known for being one of the city’s coolest and most creative neighborhoods. This area is full of quirky cafes, record shops, vintage stores, and art galleries. The neighborhood’s laid-back vibe makes it a great place to stay if you want to experience a different side of Nashville. East Nashville also has some of the city’s best food and drink spots, including Mas Tacos and The Pharmacy.

This area is perfect for travelers who want to stay somewhere a little off the beaten path but still close to everything. With its unique local businesses and creative culture, East Nashville offers a charming and authentic experience. It’s one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Nashville without a car if you want to be surrounded by artsy, laid-back vibes.

4. The Gulch

Minutes from Downtown Nashville: 5 minutes
Walk Score: 85 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

The Gulch is a vibrant and trendy area located just a few minutes from downtown. Known for its modern high-rises and upscale amenities, this neighborhood is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. The area is packed with stylish restaurants, boutique shopping, and rooftop bars, like L.A. Jackson which offers stunning views of the Nashville skyline.

One of the biggest perks of staying in The Gulch is how close you are to everything. You can easily walk to nearby attractions like Music Row or the Frist Art Museum. If you’re looking for a mix of luxury and convenience, The Gulch is one of the best places to stay and walk everywhere.

3. Midtown

Minutes from Downtown Nashville: 6 minutes
Walk Score: 87 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

Midtown is a lively neighborhood known for its nightlife and entertainment options. It’s home to some of the city’s most famous bars and live music venues, like Winners Bar & Grill and Losers Bar & Grill. Midtown is also within walking distance (20-30 minutes) to Music Row, making it the perfect spot for music lovers.

The neighborhood is filled with things to do, from grabbing a coffee at Fido to exploring the local art scene. With its close proximity to both Vanderbilt University and downtown, Midtown offers the best of both worlds—college-town energy mixed with urban convenience. If you’re looking for a lively, walkable neighborhood with plenty of action, Midtown is one of the best areas to stay in Nashville without a car.

2. SoBro

Minutes from Downtown Nashville: 2 minutes
Walk Score: 89 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

SoBro, short for “South of Broadway,” is one of Nashville’s hottest neighborhoods. This area is located just steps away from downtown’s famous Broadway Street, where you’ll find a ton of honky-tonks, live music, and entertainment. Staying in SoBro means you’re within walking distance to all the main attractions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena, and the Johnny Cash Museum.

SoBro is the place to stay if you want to be in the middle of the action. With its high walkability and tons of things to do, you can easily explore all that Nashville has to offer without needing a car. It’s no surprise that SoBro ranks high on the list of the best places to stay in Nashville without a car.

1. Downtown Nashville

Minutes from Downtown Nashville: 0 minutes
Walk Score: 93 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

Coming in at #1 on our list is Downtown Nashville. With a Walk Score of 93, it’s the most walkable area in the city. Staying downtown means you’re right in the heart of Nashville, with everything just a short stroll away. From the iconic Honky Tonk Highway to the historic Ryman Auditorium, Downtown Nashville is packed with music, culture, and entertainment.

What makes Downtown Nashville the best area to stay without a car is the sheer variety of things to do. You can spend your days exploring museums like the Frist Art Museum or shopping at the Nashville Farmers’ Market, and your nights enjoying live music on Broadway. Plus, with plenty of hotels and accommodations in the area, it’s easy to find a place that fits your style and budget.

If you’re looking for the ultimate Nashville experience without the hassle of driving, Downtown Nashville is by far the best area to stay in Nashville without a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it easy to get around Nashville without a car?
A: Yes! Many of Nashville’s most popular neighborhoods are very walkable, and there are also ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Additionally, you can rent scooters or bikes to explore the city.

Q: Which Nashville neighborhood is the best for first-time visitors?
A: For first-time visitors, Downtown Nashville or SoBro are great choices. These areas are close to major attractions like Broadway Street, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Bridgestone Arena, making it easy to experience Nashville’s highlights.

Q: What is the best area to stay in Nashville without a car if I want to enjoy live music?
A: Downtown Nashville, SoBro, and Midtown are all fantastic choices if you want to be close to live music venues. Broadway in Downtown Nashville is known for its live music bars, while Midtown has a mix of bars and music spots that are popular with both locals and tourists.

Q: Are there good restaurants in these walkable neighborhoods?
A: Absolutely! Each of the neighborhoods on this list offers a wide range of dining options, from upscale restaurants in The Gulch to trendy food spots in East Nashville and Germantown. You’ll find everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine.

Q: What should I do if I want to explore beyond the neighborhood I’m staying in?
A: If you want to explore areas outside of your neighborhood, Nashville offers plenty of transportation options. You can use rideshare services, rent a bike or scooter, or use the city’s public bus system to get around. Many neighborhoods are just a short drive from each other, making it easy to see more of the city.

Nashville is an exciting and walkable city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re staying in the heart of Downtown or venturing into neighborhoods like 12 South or East Nashville, you’ll find that these are the best neighborhoods to stay in Nashville without a car. Enjoy your trip to Music City!