ROAM / Destinations / Nashville, United States

Nashville
United States

Beyond country music, Nashville has deep Black history — Fisk University, the Jubilee Singers, and a booming Black food scene. Black travelers are discovering Nashville's Hot Chicken culture and vibrant north Nashville community.

ROAM 3.4 ★ HBCUHistoryMusicFoodCulture
Best time
April-June, September-November (avoid summer heat and packed bachelorette crowds)
Currency
USD
Language
English
Mid-range / day
USD 200

Is Nashville safe for Black travelers?

Nashville scores 3.4/5 (Mixed) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. Nashville is generally safe in tourist areas. Broadway, Germantown, East Nashville, and North Nashville are all accessible. The rapid gentrification is changing some neighborhoods.

Community welcome
4/5
Police climate
3/5
Discrimination risk
3/5
Black-owned presence
4/5

Why this score: Growing Black community; Fisk HBCU; gentrification changing city

Rated by the ROAM BLK team from traveler reports, community reviews and Black-owned business density — no tourism boards, no sponsors. Last updated 2026-09-05. See all 283 destinations ranked →

Neighborhoods to Know

North Nashville / Jefferson Street

Historic, HBCU

Historic Black Nashville — Fisk University, Tennessee State University, civil rights movement hub

East Nashville

Hip, diverse

Trendy neighborhood with Black-owned restaurants and creative community

Germantown

Upscale, historic

Walkable neighborhood near downtown with great restaurant scene

Downtown / Broadway

Touristy, music

Honky tonk row — but also historic with deep Black music connections

Must-Visit Places

Fisk University and Jubilee Hall

Historic Site · $

HBCU that sent the Jubilee Singers around the world — stunning Gothic building built with proceeds

Nashville, Tennessee

National Museum of African American Music

Museum · $

Opened 2021 — celebrates the African American roots of all American music genres

Nashville, Tennessee

Prince's Hot Chicken Shack Black-Owned

Restaurant · $

The original hot chicken — invented by Thornton Prince, now a Nashville institution

Nashville, Tennessee

Tennessee State Museum

Museum · $

Excellent exhibits on Tennessee African American history

Nashville, Tennessee

Jefferson Street

Museum · $

Historic Black Nashville strip — see murals, eat at local restaurants, visit TSU

Nashville, Tennessee

Biscuit Love

Restaurant · $

Southern biscuit restaurant — great brunch stop

Nashville, Tennessee

Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery Black-Owned

Attraction · $

Black-owned attraction / winery in Nashville.

Nashville, Tennessee

Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream Black-Owned

Restaurant · $

Black-owned dessert / ice cream in Nashville.

Nashville, Tennessee

Rudy's Jazz Room Black-Owned

Entertainment · $

Black-owned music venue in Nashville.

Nashville, Tennessee

Slim + Husky's Pizza Black-Owned

Restaurant · $

Black-owned pizza restaurant in Nashville.

Nashville, Tennessee

The Cupcake Collection Black-Owned

Restaurant · $

Black-owned bakery / dessert in Nashville.

Nashville, Tennessee

The Bankers Alley Hotel Black-Owned

Hotel · $$$

Black-owned boutique hotel in Nashville by Hilton's Tapestry Collection. Upscale stay in the heart of downtown Music City.

Nashville, Tennessee

Urban Cowboy Nashville Black-Owned

Hotel · $$$

Black-owned boutique hotel in a historic 1800s Victorian mansion in East Nashville. 8 uniquely designed suites, two bars, the Parlor Wine Bar with nightly live music, and Roberta's wood-fired pizza in the backyard. urbancowboy.com/nashville.

East Nashville, Tennessee

Visa

No visa required for US citizens

Frequently asked questions

Is Nashville safe for Black travelers?

Nashville scores 3.4 out of 5 (Mixed) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. Nashville is generally safe in tourist areas. Broadway, Germantown, East Nashville, and North Nashville are all accessible. The rapid gentrification is changing some neighborhoods.

Which neighborhoods in Nashville are good for Black travelers?

North Nashville / Jefferson Street, East Nashville, Germantown, Downtown / Broadway. Historic Black Nashville — Fisk University, Tennessee State University, civil rights movement hub

Are there Black-owned businesses in Nashville?

Black-owned presence in Nashville is strong. Black-owned spots ROAM BLK recommends include Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream, Rudy's Jazz Room, Slim + Husky's Pizza.

When is the best time to visit Nashville?

April-June, September-November (avoid summer heat and packed bachelorette crowds)

How much does a day in Nashville cost?

Budget: USD 100 · Mid-range: USD 200 · Luxury: USD 400 per day, per ROAM BLK estimates.

Plan your Nashville trip in ROAM

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