The capital of Tennessee is a photo-friendly city where you’ll find plenty of opportunities to capture wonderful shots of landmarks and local culture. Visit these five picturesque places around Nashville that are ideal for taking photos.
Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge
Your first stop as a visitor and photographer in the city should be Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge. The truss bridge spans the Cumberland River and leads into downtown. Walking across it, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the Nashville skyline.
Broadway
After snapping a few photos from the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge; you can head into town toward Broadway for shots of one of Nashville’s most happening neighborhoods or cross over the river to snap some photos of the skyline. If you choose to explore Broadway first, do so in the evening when the bars’ neon signs turn on. Between the colorful lights and the colorful crowds, you’ll quickly discover why the city has been nicknamed “Nashvegas.”
This part of town is very walkable, making it a perfect place for shutterbugs to book a hotel room through IHG and hoof it to some of Nashville’s most camera-friendly landmarks. Frist Center for Visual Arts, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville Music City Center, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum are all within walking distance.
Cumberland River Banks
You can snap some amazing shots of the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge with downtown Nashville in the background from the banks of the Cumberland River. From the bridge, head the opposite direction from downtown and walk down to Cumberland Park. Walk toward Nissan Stadium along the River Lawn and Landing for shots of the city, the iconic bridge, and the stadium where the Tennessee Titans play.
Image via Flickr by TenSafeFrogs
The Parthenon and Centennial Park
Centennial Park is a popular location west of downtown for walking, running, and taking photos. The park has a fountain and gardens, and Lake Watauga and the Woman Suffrage Monument are good spots for pictures. You’ll also want to spend some time admiring the park’s centerpiece: A full-size replica of the Greek Parthenon. Visit in the afternoon when the park is full of guests, or come by at night when lights illuminate the Parthenon’s massive stone columns.
I Believe in Nashville
Nashville has a fantastic collection of street art, including a few massive murals. One of the most iconic is the “I Believe in Nashville” mural on 12th Avenue South between Montrose and Halcyon avenues. Snap a picture in front of the work of art, and then head into nearby Edley’s Bar-B-Que; to try some smoked barbecue for lunch or dinner. The sunflower mural on the Import Flowers building at 3636 Murphy Road is also recommended if you love street art.
Nashville is a lively city that’s fun to explore. You’ll find plenty of good photo ops from Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge, down Broadway, and at the other locations listed, but the city is full of many other landmarks, historic buildings, and other unique spots you’ll want to document. Pack a good camera, and look forward to exploring these and other sights in Nashville.
