Unpopular opinion: Broadway Street in Nashville is overrated

Is Broadway Street in Nashville overrated?

Having recently returned from my second trip to Nashville, I feel compelled to share my thoughts about Broadway Street. Based on the title of this blog post, you may have picked up on my opinion of this famous street in Nashville.

Broadway Street is overrated.

To be clear, I’m referring to Lower Broadway (aka Broadway Historic District). Nashville’s touristy entertainment district. Home of the Nashville honky-tonk.

Now, before I get death threats from the bridesmaid brigade, let me give you some context. I’m a middle-aged man (this is Cameron, not Nicole) who doesn’t care for country music, and I can’t remember the last time I stayed up past midnight.

Clearly, I’m not the target audience.

However, even if I was, I’d probably still find Broadway Street overrated.

Neon signs light up Broadway Street in Nashville at night — Neon signs light up Broadway Street at night

Broadway Street feels like the Las Vegas Strip

Broadway has a similar vibe as the Las Vegas Strip or Bourbon Street in New Orleans. It’s fun to see the neon and watch a live performance or two, but it’s just too crowded and loud for my liking.

At night, it feels like a never-ending stream of tourists and partygoers.

Where is everyone coming from?

I read a stat [here] that on weekend nights in downtown Nashville it can see up to 230,000 people. However, I also found a stat [here] that says 16,000 people is more common (as of 2018 data, so this number is likely much higher).

Regardless, that’s an insane amount of people to visit such a small area!

I suppose it also depends on the number of people attending concerts and sporting events in Nashville that weekend. I visited on a night when the Nashville Predators were hosting a Stanley Cup playoff game against the Vancouver Canucks, so it was a busy night.

However, my friend who lives in Nashville says Broadway is always packed because there’s always a big concert or event happening in downtown Nashville.

Watch my Instagram reel from Bridgestone Arena here.

Lower Broadway, aka the “Honkey Tonk Highway” is one of the most visited locations in the United States.

Broadway Street in Nashville is a tourist trap

Drinks are overpriced. Bars are overhyped and over-crowded. It’s impossible to find a table or seats to watch a performance (unless you get there early and don’t leave your table).

Most bars are standing room only. And this is at the huge mega-bars that have 3 or 4 floors plus an outdoor rooftop bar.

It’s crazy how many people are squeezed into these honky-tonk bars. The bars are so packed. I’m talking shoulder-to-shoulder packed with people shouting and pushing you as they pass by.

I visited a few popular honky-tonks on Broadway during my visit to Nashville, but I just couldn’t get into it. Too many drunk tourists acting stupid.

It’s not you, Broadway, it’s me?

I get it. I sound like a grumpy old man yelling at kids to get off my lawn. But it’s just too chaotic and crowded to actually enjoy the music.

Did I mention I’m also claustrophobic and hate being surrounded by people?

I’m sure there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people who have visited Broadway and had the time of their lives. Especially those screaming and dancing on the party buses that cruise up and down the strip.

Therefore, it’s quite possible that I’m the problem. It’s me.

Most of the bars on Broadway have rooftop bars that are packed with people.

This guy was actually pretty good. He was singing Eminem’s Lose Yourself with a country twist.

These party pedal bikes are a common sight on Broadway. As are the open-aired party buses that blast music up and down the strip.

Without question, Broadway Street is built for partying and nightlife.

A younger version of me would probably love it here. Current version, not so much.

Should you visit Broadway Street on your trip to Nashville?

Okay, here’s where I’m going to contradict myself.

Yes! I do think it’s worth visiting Broadway Street in Nashville. At least for a couple of hours. You need to see it firsthand.

It’s an interesting place and there’s a lot of things to do on Broadway Street.

If you love country music, this place is for you. If you’re looking for cowboy boots and hats, this place is for you. And, if you’re looking for some tasty Nashville Barbeque, this place is for you.

Just temper your expectations. It’s going to be crowded, loud and overpriced.

It’s built for tourism, and everything that comes with that. Good and bad.

To avoid the chaos, visit the strip in the evening before the night crowds and bachelorette parties take over.

Unless, of course, that’s your thing. In which case, fill your cowboy boots!

Steady flow of people walking up and down the strip.

Live music at Miranda Lambert Casa Rosa on Broadway Street. I visited this bar earlier in the evening, so it was much calmer at that time.

Most of the restaurants, bars and honky-tonks on Broadway are owned or affiliated with famous country singers.

Live performance at Friends in Low Places Bar and Honky-Tonk, owned by Garth Brooks.

Have you visited Broadway Street in Nashville, Tennessee?

What are your thoughts? Do you think Broadway Street is overrated?

Comments

Jennifer Cooke says

09/03/2024 at 1:26 pm

I think that the Nashville Broadway Street is a bit overrated; however, I also think it’s a fun place to visit from time to time! Definitely a must see place at some point in your life!

Adriaan says

11/08/2024 at 2:44 am

While Broadway Street is definitely a vibrant place to experience Nashville’s music scene, I found it a bit too touristy for my taste. I prefer the more authentic music venues and local bars off the beaten path. Still, it’s worth a visit to get a taste of the city’s energy.