The Gulch is a trendy downtown Nashville neighborhood that is walkable to almost any area downtown. It's become one of Nashville's most popular destinations. It includes excellent shopping, dining, bars, and entertainment options.
If you are considering visiting Nashville and want to enjoy the downtown attractions without the noise and bustle of Lower Broadway, you should consider the Gulch. I wrote a complete guide that can be found here that answers the question of whether you should stay in the Gulch or downtown Nashville.
In this post, I'll answer the question: Is the Gulch in Nashville walkable?
Yes, in the Gulch, you walk to anything that you want. You can walk to the neighborhood's restaurants, bars, and entertainment as they are all at most only within a few blocks of each other.
You are also within walking distance of the honky-tonks of Lower Broadway, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Bridgestone Arena or Nissan Stadium to see a concert or a game. You're also close to Vanderbilt, Centennial Park, and the new development, Fifth & Broad.
From the Gulch to Lower Broadway, where the major Nashville attractions are located, it's about a 20-minute (1-mile) walk. Walking from any hotel in the Gulch to any of the neighborhood's interests would take 5 – 10 minutes.
The Gulch is only a 20-25-minute drive from the Nashville Airport.
The footpaths and walkways around the Gulch are wide and accustomed to traffic and are well maintained. You won't need to take any form of transportation to explore the area Cars move slowly through the area and are used by pedestrians. The neighborhood has been built with people in mind. The Gulch is a relatively small area but packed with things to do.
Suggested Walk Around the Gulch
Starting at the famous “What Lifts You” wings mural on 11th Avenue, you could walk down to the shopping and dining area of 12th Avenue South. After that, it's just a short walk to the Station Inn, a historic listening room and bar where you can hear world-class artists. It's been around for over 40 years. If you continue on down 12th Avenue, you'll eventually reach the iconic “I Believe in Nashville Mural“. All of these places are within walking distance of each other in the Gulch. Needless to say, it's a great neighborhood to explore on foot.
Is the Gulch Considered Downtown Nashville?
Yes, the Gulch is considered downtown Nashville. The Gulch is only a 20-minute (1-mile) walk from major Nashville attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Honky-Tonk Highway, Bridgestone Arena, and more. If you prefer to stay within walking distance of these attractions, you should stay near Lower Broadway. If not, you’ll find the Gulch a fun and quieter neighborhood.
Places to Eat & Drink in the Gulch
The food available in the Gulch is probably the most diverse in the whole city of Nashville. Here are our top picks:
- Milk & Honey (Breakfast). They have a great selection of coffee, bagels, and breakfast items.
- Brunch: Burger Republic, Milk & Honey, Party Fowl (hot chicken).
- Lunch: Del Frisco's Grille, Peg Leg Porker (Southern BBQ), 404 Kitchen.
- Coffee: Kona, Killebrew Coffee, Golden Sounds Barista Parlor.
- Dinner: Kayne Prime Steakhouse, Saint Anejo, Whiskey Kitchen, Virago, Adele's, STK Steakhouse.
- Late Night Options: Bar Louie, The Pub, Thompson Hotel.
Where to Stay in the Gulch
Union Station
Built in 1900, used to be the train station in Nashville until the 1980's, now converted into a luxury hotel used by the Marriott. It's an ideal location near Vanderbilt University and the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills Mall are just 12 miles away.
Thompson Nashville
An upscale experience for around $322. This boutique hotel in the Gulch neighborhood has southern cuisine prepared by acclaimed chefs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don't miss the stunning city vistas from the hotel's rooftop bar, where you can try local beers, handcrafted cocktails, and fine wines.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
Starting at around $179 you get floor to ceiling window views of the Nashville skyline. Within walking distance of downtown Nashville and close to all the entertainment, bars, and shopping within the Gulch.
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