Nashville, Tennessee is known for a lot of things: being the Music City, being the No. 1 city in the world for bachelorette parties, and for creating lasting late-night memories on Broadway. Nashville is also known for having some of the best places to take glamorous, Instagram-worthy pictures!
As you travel around Nashville, here are some of the best murals, neon signs, and views to fill your Instagram feed with:
Iconic murals in Nashville
There are over 100 murals painted across the city, which means you’re guaranteed to stumble across many during your time in Nashville. Some are sentimental, while others are simply beautiful. But either way, you’ll be pulling out your camera left and right to capture these stunning pieces of art!
“What Lifts You” Wings
You simply cannot live in Nashville without taking a photo at the Nashville ‘What Lifts You’ Wings mural in the Gulch. It’s like a rite of passage.
These wings are more than just a pretty photo op, though. Kelsey Montague has painted wing murals all over major cities, from Orlando to Los Angeles. Each mural is composed of items that embody that city to encourage you to reflect on what lifts your spirits. For Nashville, the wings are made up of guitars and music notes, a nod to the city’s strong music roots.
When visiting the mural, keep in mind that it’s a large tourist attraction, so there’s typically a very long line on weekends. You’ll have much better luck going during a weekday! Also, most visitors are more than happy to take a photo of you (especially if you take one of them in return!).
I Believe in Nashville
The original “I Believe in Nashville” mural was painted in 2012, just two years after the tragic flooding of Tennessee. The city was able to recover from the damage and become one of the “it” cities of the United States.
Located in 12 South, this mural is just down the street from the famous Edley’s BBQ and the bustling coffee shop, Frothy Monkey. Rumor has it that you can walk the streets with an open container here, too!
This mural’s simple design and great location make it the perfect place for a photo.
“Harmony” and “Kindness Is”
The “Harmony” mural and the “Kindness is” mural are both located on the same street in Germantown: 1120 4th Avenue, North Nashville. Without having to say more than two words, both murals speak volumes in today’s world.
“Harmony” was painted by artist Ty Christian, who is a human equality activist who spreads peace and love through The Art of Harmony. According to Ty, this mural is dedicated to the betterment of our relationships with neighboring communities and foreign lands.
“Kindness is” was painted by The Kind Way artists Rebekah Rinehart and Sarah Nelson. According to them, “We believe the power of kindness is truly remarkable. and we have the choice to countlessly seek it in all things every single day. It’s not always easy, but it is always possible. We hope you choose The Kind Way of life.”
Drippy Lips
The “Drippy Lips” mural is located at 1814 21st Avenue S, Nashville, surrounded by cozy coffee shops and bustling brunch restaurants.
This mural may give you some Madonna or “Rocky Horror Picture Show” vibes. Regardless of what it makes you feel, a photo with this mural will surely have your Instagram dripping with likes!
Snap some pics with friends, and then head down the street to enjoy shopping at Molly Green, Posh, and Dress Up, or grab famous cookies from Crumbl Cookies.
Memorable neon signs in Nashville
Wherever you go in Nashville, neon signs will call to you with their electric glow. You simply cannot miss them. Light up your Instagram feed by striking a pose with these fun neon signs!
You’re Like, Really Pretty
So, you agree—you think you’re really pretty?
If you’re in the Gulch and looking for a photo op, definitely head to Kittenish! The beautiful boutique is owned by Nashville singer-songwriter Jessie James Decker and offers unique styles for any occasion, from work to a casual outing to a night out.
Kittenish is more than just a look—it’s a vibe! Located right next to the “What Lifts You” Wings mural, it’s decorated with vibrant signs and artwork that inspire you to feel your best. Snap some glamorous shots, or just goof off with your friends. There’s no wrong way to shop here!
I Love Nashville
If you’re looking for a sign to enjoy a donut, this is it.
This sign hangs above the rows and rows of decadent donuts at Five Daughters Bakery, located inside L&L Market. You can take a great picture here, then spend hours exploring the market!
You’ll find a variety of gourmet food shops with everything from tacos to milkshakes to a craft brewery. You can get some shopping done at luxury boutiques like The Barefoot Cottage and Happily Grey, spend time relaxing at the Alchemist salon, or do hot yoga at Bend and Zen. And, if you’re looking to get some work done, head to Collective615, a modern workspace with high ceilings and an outdoor patio.
My Friends Are All Getting Married. I’m Getting Drunk.
Once you get closer to your 30s, it seems like everyone is getting married and having kids, right?
But not all of us are at that point, or ever want to be. And that’s okay! Celebrate you. Head to the rooftop of the Hard Rock Cafe on 2nd Avenue, just off Broadway, and snap a pic with this fabulous neon sign!
You’ll also have great views of the Cumberland River and bridges from this rooftop. Grab a drink, strike a pose, and have a fun night out with your friends!
Don’t Grow Up, It’s a Trap
Just down the street from the Hard Rock Cafe (on the other side of Broadway) is HQ Beercade. As the name suggests, it’s full of beer and arcade games!
Feel like a kid again as you play Pac-Man, Skee-Ball, and other vintage arcade games—all for free! Dine on their fun twists on American food, and enjoy craft beer or innovative cocktails that are a must-try.
This bar is unlike any other you’ll find downtown!
Best views in Nashville
To experience the best views in Nashville, you don’t have to try too hard. There are rooftop bars all over the city that will show you stunning sights, but there are a few that really stand out. Here are some of the best rooftop bars and other breathtaking views of Nashville!
Sunset at the Virgin Hotel
Grab your camera and watch the clock, because you won’t want to miss this sunset!
With the endless rooftop bars and restaurants in Nashville, there’s one spot in particular you’ll want to watch the sunset: The Pool Club Rooftop Bar at the Virgin Hotel in downtown.
You don’t have to be staying at the hotel to visit the rooftop—just head on up and grab a drink! There’s plenty of outdoor seating, firepits, and a pool for you to relax and look out on historic Music Row. They often have live music, too, but the classy cocktails alone are enough to draw you in.
Camp Bobby
Have you ever been on a vintage bus? How about a vintage bus on the roof of a hotel?
I’m not really sure how it got there, but on the 10th floor of the Bobby Hotel sits a retrofitted 1956 Scenicruiser. You’re allowed to cozy up and hang out in the bus all night long while looking down on the city.
During the winter, they’re doing a ’70s-inspired camp theme, complete with campfires, igloos, and ice skating on the rooftop. Definitely stop by here on your way to Broadway.
Up! rooftop bar
Nashville locals just can’t get enough of their rooftop bars. And I can’t blame them!
Situated in the Gulch is Up!, a rooftop lounge at the top of the Fairfield Inn. It’s easy to find, as the bright string lights will draw you in from afar. Sit in this cozy lounge as you drink in the views—and the cocktails.
Their drink menu is unique and inviting, while their food menu is small but mighty. You can sip on one of their signature cocktails while munching on a charcuterie board. But be careful—you may end up staying here all night! As Up! says, “Clink glasses, try something new, and enjoy the view!
Hiking at Radnor Lake State Park
Believe it or not, Nashville isn’t only full of bars and restaurants. There’s also great places to explore nature, like Radnor Lake State Park!
This state park is a short drive from the center of Nashville, and it has five miles of trails that wander through the woods surrounding the lake. It’s perfect for a long walk, a run, or adventurous trip with your pup!
If you love birds or want to take the kiddos on a fun educational trip, then check out the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center within the park. The Center offers “up-close” observation of non-releasable birds-of-prey, and offers a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding hillside and wildlife.
Land a great apartment in Nashville
Wherever you explore in Nashville, be sure to capture stunning photos along the way. And if you need a place to stay, then rent with Landing! Their flexible, furnished apartments make it easy to hop from city to city without committing to long-term leases. Learn more about their modern approach to living life with Landing today!