There’s a reason international visitors fall in love with Nashville and it’s not just the bright lights of Broadway or the world-famous country music scene. It’s the hidden corners, local flavors, and warm Southern charm that reveal themselves when you step away from the crowds and explore the city like a local.
At Nashville Experience Tours, we love showing guests from all over the world a side of Music City that even some locals overlook. Whether you’re here to dive into the city’s history, taste its flavors, or feel its rhythm up close, these ten destinations will take you off the beaten path and right into the heart of Nashville.
1. Printer’s Alley: Where Nashville’s Secrets Sing
Once home to Nashville’s publishing industry, Printer’s Alley transformed during Prohibition into a hub for speakeasies, jazz bars, and scandalous fun. Today, it’s a moody stretch of neon lights, soulful music, and whispered history. Step inside Skull’s Rainbow Room for a cocktail and live jazz, or wander past the brick walls that once echoed with blues legends. It’s where Nashville’s nightlife still feels raw, real, and a little rebellious – and it’s a favorite stop on our tours for good reason.
2. Marathon Village: Whiskey, Workshops & American History
Housed in a restored early-1900s automobile factory, Marathon Village blends old-world craftsmanship with modern creativity. You’ll find local distilleries like Nelson’s Green Brier serving up small-batch whiskey tastings, artisan shops, and the famous American Pickers Antique Archaeology store. It’s a place where history meets handmade and feels a little like stepping back in time. Perfect for a cool-weather afternoon when you want to explore indoors, sip something strong, and shop local.
3. 12 South: Murals, Coffee & Southern Charm
Colorful murals, trendy boutiques, and cozy coffee shops make 12 South one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods. It’s home to the famous “I Believe in Nashville” mural, perfect for photos, and small-batch coffee spots like Frothy Monkey where you can warm up between shops. In fall, the trees turn golden and frame the neighborhood’s lively streets, while winter brings twinkling lights and holiday markets. It’s local, laid-back, and full of heart — just like Nashville itself.
4. Belmont-Hillsboro Village: Indie Energy Meets Historic Charm
Just south of downtown, this picturesque neighborhood offers a relaxed, creative vibe. Belmont University anchors the area, giving it a youthful energy, while the Belcourt Theatre – Nashville’s beloved independent cinema that screens films from around the world. Between tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and small cafés, this neighborhood is ideal for visitors looking to slow down and see Nashville’s community side. Grab a hot tea, catch a movie, and enjoy the feeling of being part of the local rhythm.
5. The Bluebird Café: The Soul of Songwriting
If you know, you know — and if you don’t, you’re in for a treat. The Bluebird Café is a small, unassuming venue where some of the world’s greatest songwriters got their start. Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, and countless others have graced its tiny stage. The experience is simple: a small room, a few chairs, and raw storytelling through song. Reserve early (seriously, seats fill fast), and prepare for an evening that captures the soul of Music City.
6. Germantown: Old-World Style Meets Modern Flavor
Nashville’s oldest neighborhood, Germantown, is a mix of cobblestone streets and 19th-century architecture paired with some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants. You’ll find cozy European-inspired cafés, craft cocktail lounges, and Michelin-mentioned dining spots like Henrietta Red and Rolf and Daughters. In fall, the neighborhood glows with amber leaves; in winter, the lights strung above its narrow streets make it feel straight out of a storybook.
7. Wedgewood-Houston (WeHo): Nashville’s Creative Core
For art lovers, this is your spot. Known to locals as WeHo, this former industrial district has become a haven for artists, designers, and dreamers. Visit during the First Saturday Art Crawl, when galleries and studios open their doors for free exhibits, local wine, and conversation. Between stops, you can duck into Jackalope Brewing Company or Dozen Bakery for something delicious. It’s edgy, creative, and 100% authentic Nashville.
8. The Nations: Nashville’s Next Big Thing
One of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the city, The Nations offers a fresh take on Nashville living. Industrial buildings have been reborn into vibrant taprooms, street murals stretch across warehouses, and local spots like Frothy Monkey and Nashville Urban Winery keep the neighborhood buzzing year-round. In fall and winter, the area’s breweries host small festivals, bonfires, and live music nights that feel like community gatherings — the perfect place to meet locals.
9. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: Nature, Art & Holiday Magic
A visit to Cheekwood Estate feels like stepping into a postcard. In fall, the botanical gardens explode in color, making it one of the city’s best photo spots. Come winter, Cheekwood transforms into a Holiday LIGHTS Festival, with over a million twinkling bulbs, s’mores stations, and cozy fire pits scattered across the estate. It’s elegant, family-friendly, and breathtaking — a must-see for anyone visiting Nashville between November and January.
10. Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery: Raise a Glass to Nashville’s Past
Just steps from Marathon Village, this family-run distillery dates back to the 1800s and has one of the most inspiring stories in Tennessee whiskey history. The original distillery was lost during Prohibition but was revived generations later by the founders’ great-great-grandsons. Their guided tastings and storytelling make this more than just a whiskey stop — it’s a slice of American resilience and Southern pride.
Experience the Real Nashville
The magic of Nashville isn’t only in the places you visit – it’s in how you experience them. With Nashville Experience Tours, international guests can explore these hidden gems without the hassle of planning. We curate itineraries that fit your pace, your interests, and the season you’re visiting, so you see Nashville through the eyes of locals who know and love it best.
Whether it’s jazz in Printer’s Alley, whiskey in Marathon Village, or art in WeHo, your Nashville story starts here and it’s one you’ll want to tell long after your flight home.
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