Visiting Nashville

aerial photo of vanderbilt campus

See Your Student at Their Home Away From Home

As the hub for several booming industries, the home to a global community-including the nation's largest Kurdish population-and "America's friendliest city" according to Travel + Leisure magazine, Nashville combines history and hospitality with diverse culture and growth.

Where to Stay


The Vanderbilt campus is located approximately 1.5 miles southwest of downtown in the West End neighborhood of midtown Nashville. Among the closest neighboring areas are Music Row-often considered the heart and historic center of Nashville's recording industry-and Hillsboro Village, a pedestrian-friendly area filled with shopping, restaurants, and bars.

Several of our local hotels have partnered with us to offer discounts to our parents and families when they come to visit their students.

What to Do

Nashville is known for its music and entertainment, but it's also a hub for a variety of other industries, including healthcare management, technology, printing and publishing, and tourism. Given its rich history and hospitality, and its diverse culture, and rapid growth, it's no surprise that so many people from across the world choose to call Music City home.

Where to Eat

Nashville's dining scene has grown dramatically in the past decade and is now regularly included on "best-of" lists by publications such as Bon AppetitTravel + Leisure, and Southern Living. The city's ever-expanding food options include cuisines from around the world, as well as signature dishes like Nashville hot chicken and other Southern classics.

Want to know where other Vanderbilt parents recommend eating at while in Nashville? We asked families to share their favorite local spots! 

More to Explore

  • Parking

    Parking is at a premium in midtown Nashville. If you need to park on campus, parking is available in a few locations. Campus visitors and Vanderbilt community members may use the hourly paid parking spaces in select parking lots and garages across campus. These spaces are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    LEARN MORE

    PARKING MAP

  • Campus Map

    Vanderbilt's closely connected park-like campus, set in the heart of the rapidly growing city of Nashville, Tennessee, is representative of the enduring bonds that unite us as One Vanderbilt community.

    CAMPUS MAP

Still need help finding what you're looking for? We'll be happy to point you in the right direction! Feel free to send us an email at parents@vanderbilt.edu.