Things to Do in East Nashville

East Nashville has a personality all its own. Just across the Cumberland River from downtown Nashville, this collection of historic neighborhoods is known for independent restaurants, neighborhood bars, live music, creative shops, and outdoor spaces. From the busy streets around Five Points to the quieter trails at Shelby Bottoms, there is plenty to explore beyond the honky-tonks of Lower Broadway.

This guide covers some of the best things to do in East Nashville, including where to eat, hear live music, shop, and spend an afternoon. We’ll also share a few practical tips for getting around and making the most of your East Nashville visit.

Explore Five Points: The Heart of East Nashville

Five Points is a great place to begin exploring East Nashville. Centered around Woodland Street and North 11th Street, this walkable neighborhood brings together independent restaurants, vintage shops, neighborhood bars, and live music venues. It feels quite different from downtown Nashville, with smaller storefronts and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Start with a slice at Five Points Pizza, browse the nearby shops, or stop for a drink before an evening of live music. The historic streets surrounding Five Points are also worth exploring, with older homes and locally owned businesses that give this part of Nashville its character.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, allow extra time for parking and popular restaurants. Once you’re in the Five Points area, walking between nearby destinations is often easier than moving your car every few blocks.

Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in East Nashville

East Nashville has become one of the city’s most interesting dining neighborhoods. You’ll find everything from casual pizza joints and neighborhood burger spots to chef-driven restaurants worth planning an evening around. The best part is that many of these places still feel connected to the surrounding community rather than Nashville’s larger tourist scene.

Five Points Pizza is a natural stop when exploring the neighborhood around Woodland Street. For a relaxed sit-down dinner, Lockeland Table on Woodland Street serves Southern-inspired dishes in a historic neighborhood setting. Its popular Community Hour also supports local schools.

For something different, try Noko on Porter Road for wood-fired, Asian-inspired cooking, or Kisser on Douglas Avenue for Japanese comfort food. If you’re looking for an easy lunch, East Side Banh Mi on Gallatin Avenue is known for its Vietnamese sandwiches. Butcher & Bee on Main Street is another East Nashville favorite, known for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes, locally sourced seasonal ingredients, and shareable plates, including its popular whipped feta with fermented honey

East Nashville restaurants can get busy, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. Check current hours and reservation policies before heading out, especially if you’re planning dinner around a concert or another Nashville attraction.

Live Music and Nightlife in East Nashville

You don’t have to spend the evening on Lower Broadway to hear great live music in Nashville. East Nashville has its own music scene, with intimate clubs, independent venues, and neighborhood bars where local musicians share the stage with touring acts.

For rooftop cocktails and impressive views of the downtown Nashville skyline, visit Tall Tales Rooftop Bar at Waymore’s Hotel on Main Street. This fifth-floor lounge features craft cocktails, comfortable outdoor seating, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it a great place to enjoy an East Nashville evening

For a more intimate cocktail experience, visit Attaboy on McFerrin Avenue near Five Points. This speakeasy-style bar, which also has a New York City location, has no cocktail menu. Instead, bartenders create personalized drinks based on your favorite spirits and flavors.

The 5 Spot, located near Five Points on North 11th Street, is a favorite for live music in a casual neighborhood setting. Its calendar features everything from rock and Americana to dance nights and local performers. It’s a good choice for visitors who want to experience Nashville music without the larger downtown crowds.

The Basement East on Woodland Street offers a different experience, with a larger performance space and a steady lineup of touring bands, emerging artists, and special events. Just up Gallatin Avenue, The East Room hosts independent musicians, comedy performances, and alternative entertainment.

Before heading out, check each venue’s calendar for showtimes, tickets, and age restrictions. Some performances sell out, and parking around popular venues can be limited. If you’re planning dinner and a show, it’s worth deciding how you’ll get back to your hotel before the evening begins.

Explore Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Center

East Nashville isn’t just restaurants and live music. A short distance from the neighborhood’s busy commercial streets, Shelby Bottoms Greenway offers a peaceful escape along the Cumberland River. It’s one of the best places in Nashville to enjoy a morning walk, bike ride, or afternoon outdoors without leaving the city.

The 960-acre Shelby Bottoms natural area features more than five miles of paved, accessible greenway trails, along with wooded paths, wetlands, and open fields. Visitors can explore the riverfront landscape, watch for birds and other wildlife, or simply enjoy a break from sightseeing. The relatively flat paved trails also make this a comfortable choice for casual cyclists and families.

Start at the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center at 1900 Davidson Street. The center offers educational exhibits, trail information, and nature programs. Nearby Shelby Park provides additional green space and recreational opportunities.

Admission is free, and the greenway is open daily from dawn to dusk. The Nature Center has separate operating hours, so check its schedule before visiting. Bring comfortable shoes, water, and a little extra time if you plan to explore beyond the main trail.

Shopping, Vintage Stores, and Local Boutiques in East Nashville

If you enjoy discovering independently owned shops, East Nashville is a good place to spend an afternoon. Rather than large shopping malls or national retailers, you’ll find vintage clothing stores, record shops, handmade gifts, and small boutiques scattered throughout the neighborhood.

Start at the Shoppes on Fatherland, near Five Points. This collection of small businesses along Fatherland Street includes gift shops, clothing boutiques, and locally made products. Gift Horse is a popular stop for stationery, art prints, and unusual gifts. The surrounding streets also offer plenty of opportunities to browse and grab a coffee between shops.

Vintage shopping is another East Nashville specialty. Hip Zipper near Five Points carries clothing and accessories from past decades, while Black Shag Vintage on Gallatin Pike is known for vintage concert shirts, denim, and rock-inspired fashion. For music lovers, Grimey’s New & Preloved Music on East Trinity Lane is worth a separate stop to browse vinyl records and music merchandise.

Another shopping destination is the Shops at Porter East on Porter Road, where independent boutiques share space with restaurants and other neighborhood businesses. Since East Nashville’s shopping areas are spread across several streets, plan to visit one or two districts rather than expecting to walk between every store.

Explore East Nashville's Historic Neighborhoods

One of the more interesting things about East Nashville is how much the scenery changes from one neighborhood to another. A few blocks can take you from a busy restaurant district to quiet residential streets lined with historic homes, mature trees, and front porches.

Lockeland Springs is especially appealing for visitors who enjoy architecture and neighborhood walks. Located east of Five Points, the area features early 20th-century Craftsman bungalows, Victorian homes, and streets that reflect Nashville’s residential history. Woodland Street and the surrounding blocks provide a good starting point for exploring.

Farther north, Eastwood offers another look at residential East Nashville. The neighborhood includes older cottages, renovated bungalows, and newer homes near Eastland Avenue. This is a good area to explore if you enjoy discovering local coffee shops and smaller commercial districts away from downtown.

Continue north toward Inglewood to discover Riverside Village, a compact neighborhood shopping and dining area near Riverside Drive and McGavock Pike. It’s a convenient place to stop for coffee or a casual meal while exploring the northern side of East Nashville.

These neighborhoods are spread across a fairly large area, so don’t expect to explore all of them comfortably on foot. A car or arranged transportation makes it easier to visit several districts, with time to walk around once you arrive.

Getting Around East Nashville: Transportation and Visitor Tips

Getting around East Nashville takes a little planning, especially if you’re visiting from downtown. Although Five Points and several nearby shopping areas are easy to explore on foot, the neighborhood’s restaurants, music venues, parks, and residential districts are spread across several miles.

If you’re driving, street parking is available in many areas, but finding a convenient space can be more difficult around popular restaurants and music venues on weekend evenings. Pay attention to posted parking restrictions and avoid blocking residential driveways.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are practical for individual trips between downtown Nashville and East Nashville. WeGo Public Transit also operates bus routes serving parts of the area, including Gallatin Pike and Shelby Avenue. Check current routes and schedules before traveling.

For visitors planning several stops, East Nashville private chauffeured transportation offers another option. LuxNashRide matches travelers trip needs with the best suited transportation partners for customized Nashville outings. A prearranged chauffeur can be particularly useful for groups visiting Five Points, Shelby Bottoms, and other Nashville neighborhoods on the same day.

If you’re planning an evening of restaurants and live music, decide on your return transportation in advance. An East Nashville Limo Service is a simple step that can make the end of your visit much easier, especially when several people are traveling together.