Written by Traivor Morrison
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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!
At Commons Club on the ground floor, grab a drink at the bar or treat your tastebuds to Chef Adam’s take on American classics with a dash of Southern charm. The hotel's signature restaurant serves up all-day delights, from breakfast to dinner, and all the moments in-between.
On the rooftop, the gorgeous Pool Club is a popular spot for gay locals and travelers. An indoor/outdoor bar provides fabulous food and drinks during the day. After sunset, keep the vibes going with chill beats and live music.
Overall, Virgin Hotels Nashville welcomes you with open arms, no matter who you love. With its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the hotel provides a memorable and comfortable experience for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Steeped in historic charm and embracing modern comfort, Union Station Hotel Nashville Yards is another fantastic choice for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a unique stay. Located in a revitalized train depot, the hotel offers a central location close to the action. Relax in their elegant rooms or savor delicious meals at their on-site restaurants, all while experiencing the welcoming spirit that Nashville is known for.
For pure luxury, the 5-star Conrad Nashville is our top pick. Located just steps from the gay bars and clubs on Church Street (it's the closest hotel we found!), this sleek downtown hotel prides itself on inclusivity. Enjoy stunning city views from the rooftop bar while mingling with a diverse crowd, or unwind in your serene room with contemporary decor, fine Frette linens, and bath products from Byredo. Conrad Nashville offers the perfect blend of sophistication and Southern hospitality for the discerning LGBTQ+ traveler.
Things to do - No trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. From Elvis Presley's gold Cadillac to Dolly Parton's iconic costumes, this museum offers a comprehensive look at the genre's storied past. For faster entry and to skip the main ticket window, book your ticket in advance.
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 co*cktails; 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 co*cktails, 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 co*cktails, 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 co*cktails (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 co*cktails 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.
Pro tip - If you don't have a complimentary Priority Pass Membership through a travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, we highly recommend obtaining before traveling to Nashville. You can kickoff and end your trip like we did with delicious Nashville staple hot fried chicken and local brews at 400 Degrees. Located in Concourse C near gate C-21, anyone can visit no matter which airline you are flying. BNA is super easy to use with a central security access point for all concourses (A-D) and airlines.
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For additional footage of our adventures in Nashville, check out our LGBTQ+ Travel Guide to Nashville video on YouTube. Be sure to smash that like button and subscribe! And, of course, follow us on Instagram @twogayexpats for more gay travel inspiration!
Travel Resources
Travel Insurance – Don’t forget to add global travel medical insurance that covers you while traveling outside of your home country. We recommend and use Safety Wing. They offer plans for travelers, digital nomads and expats. If you're already abroad, no worries. Safety Wing makes it easy to purchase insurance even if you are already abroad.
Most health coverage in the U.S. for example does not cover you in Mexico, thus it’s extremely important to protect yourself from out-of-pocket costs due to a medical emergency. We learned this the hard way which you can watch on YouTube: Our First Trip to the Emergency Room in Mexico. To learn more about Safety Wing, check rates and availability.
Hotel Discounts – Book with Hotels.com to save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels with Member Prices. We regularly find better prices as a member and love the free room upgrades when available.
Travel Experiences – Discover authentic, unforgettable experiences and explore the world with Viator, a TripAdvisor company. We consistently use Viator in our travels, and they offer excellent customer service when needed.
Pro tip – When we visit a new destination, we like to see what tours are available from local providers. We suggest you sort or filter the results by rating versus recommended for you to find the best tours in the area.
Car Rental – Should your travel plans call for hiring a car, we use rentalcars.com to search the best prices among the major car rental companies. With flexible rentals, no hidden fees, and price match guarantee, we feel confident booking with them. Just make sure to book with your Chase Sapphire Reserve for extra protection like primary car rental insurance.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) – Enjoy unrestricted access worldwide, enhanced privacy, and complete security while on the go. More specifically, ExpressVPN hides your IP address and encrypts your network data so no one can see what you’re doing. One click, and you’re protected. In addition, ExpressVPN defeats content restrictions and censorship to deliver unlimited access to video, music, social media, and more, from anywhere in the world. For CNET's Best Overall VPN and our favorite for travel, we strongly recommend you add ExpressVPN to all of your devices.
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Hi! We're Two Gay Expats
Hi gorgeous, and welcome to our LGBTQ+ travel blog! We're Andy and Trai, a gay couple traveling the world with PRIDE 🌈…and our rescue dog, Pattie!
After meeting in San Francisco in 2018 and later moving to Chicago, we decided to quit our jobs in 2021, sell everything, and become Two Gay Expats. For over two years, we explored the best of gay Mexico while waiting for our house, Casa Cangrejo, to be completed in Tulum. We got married at The Beach Tulum in 2020 and became Mexican permanent residents in 2022.
Today, we continue to travel around Mexico and the world to show you our favorite places. If you'd like to follow our adventures, subscribe on YouTube and join us on Instagram.
🖤Andy + Trai
