Gay Nashville – Your Complete LGBTQ+ Travel Guide to Music City in 2024

Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of country music, might not be the first place that pops into your head for an exciting LGBTQ+ vacation. But hold on to your cowboy hat, and join us as we explore the best hotels, attractions, and gay hotspots that make Music City an unforgettable destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.


Overview – Known as "Music City," Nashville offers a unique blend of historic landmarks, live music venues, and welcoming spaces that celebrate diversity and inclusivity. Don't miss areas to explore include The District in downtown Nashville with its buzzing honky tonk bars and clubs. A few blocks away on Church Street, you'll find a small strip of gay bars and clubs, including Tribe and Play, two of our favorites.

Between downtown and Music Row, The Gulch is a trendy neighborhood with upscale restaurants and shopping. It's also where you'll find the Wings mural as seen in our featured photo for this post.

Located across the Cumberland River from downtown, East Nashville is an eclectic neighborhood known for its vibrant arts scene, quirky boutiques, and diverse community. LGBTQ+ travelers will feel right at home in this inclusive and welcoming area, where you can explore colorful street murals, enjoy live music at local venues, and dine at gay-friendly restaurants serving up delicious cuisine with a side of southern hospitality.


As a fun fact, the 33-story AT&T Tower is known around the world as the “Batman Building” because its façade resembles the shape of the action hero’s mask. It's also the tallest skyscraper in Tennessee.


Where to stay - Our top pick for LGBTQ+ travelers is Virgin Hotels Nashville. This centrally located hotel boasts a rooftop pool perfect for soaking up the sun and city views. After an evening exploring the gay bars and clubs on nearby Church Street, unwind in their stylish rooms or grab a delicious bite at one of their inclusive on-site restaurants.


Chambers, as entry level rooms are called, feature a sleeping lounge and dressing area separated by privacy doors. We love how spacious these rooms are with one king bed or two queens (yes, we said it!), window seating with bistro table, Smeg mini bar, lighted vanity, safe, and huge walk-in rain shower. We recommend Chamber City View rooms, which reside on the top floors of the hotel with sweeping skyline views of Nashville. Pets also stay free at Virgin Hotels Nashville!

Across the street from the Country Music Hall of Fame, don't miss the Walk of Fame Park to see the stars of your favorite artists.


On nearby Music Row, RCA Studio B is another must-see attraction where both Elvis and Dolly recorded albums. If you plan to visit both RCA Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame, book a combo ticket which includes a 1-hour guided tour of the studio and transportation between the venues. Multiple times are offered throughout the day.

Where to eat and drink – From swanky restaurants downtown to jazz clubs in Printer's Alley to comfort food in East Nashville, we have you covered. Experience the culinary delights of Music City with a few of our favorites.


In The District, The Twelve Thirty Club is perhaps the most popular and for good reason. This multi-level venue boasts three distinct vibes: The Supper Club, an elegant space perfect for a pre-show dinner and cocktails; The Rooftop, offering stunning city views and a vibrant atmosphere ideal for mingling; and the Honky Tonk, a lively bar where you can two-step the night away to live music. No matter your preference, The Twelve Thirty Club promises an unforgettable night out in Nashville.


Another popular area full of bars, restaurants, and jazz clubs is Printer’s Alley. Skulls Rainbow Room, a circa 1948, speakeasy-style lounge with upscale American food, craft cocktails, and nightly burlesque is the highlight. Famous musicians from Etta James, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Paul McCartney, and of course, Elvis, have all performed on the checkered stage.


Nashville doesn't disappoint when it comes to casual eats, and Five Points Pizza in East Nashville is a must for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a slice of heaven (literally!). This local favorite, known for its welcoming atmosphere, serves up New York-style slices and specialty pies made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy happy hour deals on weekdays with draft beers and pizzas. Grab a seat at the bar and soak up the East Nashville vibes.


Where to find gay nightlife – For the best gay bars and clubs in Nashville, Tribe stands as a cornerstone of the city's LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. With its eclectic decor, energetic atmosphere, and diverse crowd, Tribe offers a dynamic space for socializing, dancing, and enjoying top-notch entertainment. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Tribe Gay Bar invites you to experience the true spirit of inclusivity and celebration in Music City.


Located on Church Street in the small strip of gay bars and clubs, Tribe welcomes everyone with open arms. Think cozy vibes, creative cocktails, and themed dance nights that cater to a diverse crowd. Whether you're seeking a chill evening with friends or a night of dancing and revelry, Tribe is your place. Don't miss Singo on Thursdays, which is like Bingo but with song clips instead of letters and numbers.


Hit the dance floor and let loose at PLAY Dance Club, Nashville's premiere LGBTQ+ nightclub! Located right next to Tribe on Church Street, these two gay nightlife venues offer the perfect combo for a night out. PLAY hosts Nashville's best drag shows and caters to all preferences. The friendly staff and inclusive crowd ensure everyone will have a good time.

On weekends, head to Drag'n Brunch at Suzy Wong's in the same location as PLAY. Currently, seatings are Fridays at 12p, and Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30am and 1pm. For the latest, schedule, menu, prices, FAQs, and reservations, confirm directly with Suzy.


In the heart of East Nashville's burgeoning gay scene, Canvas Lounge is your neighborhood bar and LGBTQ+ safe space. Menu highlights include an incredible combo of fresh-squeezed juice cocktails (we love the lemon drop martinis!) alongside elevated bar food, perfect for fueling your night out. The friendly atmosphere and diverse crowd make it a go-to spot for happy hour. Even our bartender at Tribe confirmed it's a don't miss stop on the gay nightlife scene. They also offer weekly events, DJ's on the weekend, and late night dancing.


When to go - Nashville's Southern charm unfolds year-round, but for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking the perfect blend of comfort and outdoor adventures, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the sweetest spots. Temperatures are mild, ideal for exploring the city's trendy neighborhoods and enjoying outdoor concerts or sipping cocktails on a rooftop bar with stunning city views. Plus, these shoulder seasons often boast lower travel costs and smaller crowds compared to the peak summer months.

If you're looking to immerse yourself in Nashville's legendary music scene, consider planning your trip around CMA Fest in June, a massive country music celebration, or be part of the electrifying energy of Nashville Pride held annually also in June.


How to get here – Nashville International Airport (airport code: BNA) is your gateway to Music City. Numerous airlines service BNA, making it easy to find a convenient and affordable flight. Whether you're coming from across the country or the globe, BNA offers a smooth arrival experience with efficient baggage claim and ground transportation options. Upon landing, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft whisk you away to your hotel for reasonable prices.