If you were to ask me which part of Nashville I like the most, I would say Germantown. If you were to ask me which part of Nashville I visit the most, it would be Germantown. If you asked me which part of Nashville has the best places to eat, I would say Germantown, 100%!

Germantown has a quiet, quaint, but still happening vibe. Is it a hipster vibe? Maybe a little. What sets it apart from the rest of Nashville neighborhoods though, is that it has an actual “neighborhood” vibe! You can call every part of a neighborhood in any city a “neighborhood,” but does it feel like a neighborhood? When you go to Germantown, you feel like you’re in a neighborhood that you could live in, but it’s also a vibrant part of the city worth touring.

Trust me, as a longtime Nashville local and as someone who isn’t crazy about big cities, this neighborhood gives you a welcome reprieve from all of the chaos, without taking you away from the action!

Here’s why Germantown is my favorite neighborhood in Nashville:

Best Things to See and Do

Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park

Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park is a 19 acre park located just north of the State Capitol. Among its grounds you will find monuments and memorials, and many opportunities to learn about Tennessee’s history and culture. From the park you can easily visit the State Capitol, Tennessee State Museum, and the Tennessee State Library and Archives. For those who aren’t that into history, this is still a beautiful and worthwhile park to visit for strolling or a quick break from your downtown activities.

Nashville Farmers’ Market

Do you enjoy a good farmers’ market? Well Nashville has a pretty good one! This market is open daily from 8:00am until 8:00pm, and features local produce, foods, chef demos, crafts, and classes.

Germantown Art Crawl

Do you appreciate local art? Germantown holds a monthly art crawl on the 3rd Saturday of each month, showcasing art and businesses, beer, and music! What could be better?

Oktoberfest

How could you possibly have a neighborhood called Germantown, and not have the best Oktoberfest in the city? Luckily, Germantown does, and has for the last 46 years! Come enjoy live music, copious amounts of beer and German food, a Pup Parade, vendors, live events, a party tent, and much much more! If you are feeling frisky after a few cold drinks, maybe try your luck at the 2nd largest 5K race in Tennessee!

Enjoy a Good Ole’ Fashioned Baseball Game

Even if you’re not a baseball fan, there is still something about sitting down in the stadium with your friends and a good hot dog and beer. Pay a visit to the First Horizon Stadium to cheer the Nashville Sounds on a sunny day, and enjoy a great All-American tradition!

Find the Polar Bears

There are a few polar bears chilling out in Germantown and other areas of Nashville. Don’t worry, they’re statues! They make great photo ops and the kids love them! Particularly, look for the big polar bear with the Arctic backdrop! I’m not going to tell you where they are because that would take away half of the fun.

Take a Stroll

Half the charm of Germantown is the neighborhood feel and its beautiful mix of Victorian homes, bungalows, and historic brick buildings. Germantown is Nashville’s oldest neighborhood, after all! Park your car in the middle of Germantown, and take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood. You will appreciate the homes, vibe, shops, and restaurants. The great thing about Germantown is that there are little surprises around every corner!

Best Places to Eat

The Optimist

A groovy seafood restaurant within a historic brick-lined restaurant with stained glass windows, serving up seafood dishes, a large oyster selection, and a robust cocktail and wine list.

Butchertown Hall

Literally a big food hall serving up delicious Tex-Mex and American selections, BBQ, and an impressive drinks menu.

Rolf and Daughters

Fine dining set in an industrial building with a chill outdoor seating area, serving up “New American” dishes that seem to me like a good mixture of Southern, Italian, and Asian cuisine. What a happy mixture!

City House

A great Italian restaurant serving up Italian dishes, pizza, and even their own housemade sausage and a little Southern twist within a cool industrial building.

Mother’s Ruin

THE bar to go to in the Germantown neighborhood, with great food to boot! And it’s not your mother’s bar food either! Think falafel, lobster rolls, burritos, and breakfast.

Germantown Cafe

The perfect little cafe serving up Southern comfort food and cafe classics in a clean, modern setting.

Cupcake Collection

This one I’m passionate about. I’m passionate about baked goods in general, but when I tell you these are the best cupcakes I’ve ever had, I’m SERIOUS! I found this place by accident, and I’m so glad that I did, but also regretful because I’m in my mid-thirties post-baby now and the cupcake aftermath isn’t as pretty as it once was for me! That doesn’t stop me though, and I highly recommend picking up a box of these cupcakes if you’re in Germantown, especially the sweet potato cupcake.

Best Places to Stay

Your choices are limited if you choose to stay within Germantown itself. That’s what gives Germantown its quaint, quiet neighborhood vibe, after all!

Germantown Inn

A modern boutique hotel in the heart of Germantown with an old inn vibe. The Germantown Inn is also the only Inn in this neighborhood, so that makes your choice much easier!

Rental Home

There are plenty of cool homes within Germantown available to rent at every price point. Check out VRBO or Airbnb.

For more about Nashville, take a look at my USA archives here!

If you're going to be in Nashville in the Springtime, be sure to check out my guide on the best things to do in the city in the Spring! 

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