Printer's Alley Nashville
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Printer's Alley Nashville

4.5
·231 reviews·Nashville, United States

Historic Nashville alley buzzing with speakeasies, blues clubs, and jazz lounges, offering a unique nightlife vibe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Vibrant nightlife & live music

CrowdHigh
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Printer's Alley Nashville

Printer's Alley Nashville

Best Time

Evenings

Vibrant nightlife & live music

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Nashville alley buzzing with speakeasies, blues clubs, and jazz lounges, offering a unique nightlife vibe.

4.5
(231 reviews)

"A cool little spot downtown with live music and fun bars. Great place to hang out and soak up Nashville’s nightlife."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Find the Hidden Bars

Look for unmarked doors and ask locals for directions to speakeasies like Dirty Little Secret.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets, so comfy shoes are a must!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Skull's Rainbow Room

Skull's Rainbow Room

222 Printers Alley

Historic jazz club and restaurant, a true Nashville institution since 1948. Perfect for craft cocktails and live music.

Instagram
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar

Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar

229 Printers Alley

Experience New Orleans vibes with live blues music in a cozy, authentic setting. A local favorite.

InstagramReddit
Dirty Little Secret

Dirty Little Secret

112 2nd Ave N (entrance)

A hidden speakeasy bar offering a unique, intimate club experience. Find the entrance for a surprise!

TikTok+1
Historic Architecture & Murals

Historic Architecture & Murals

Throughout Printers Alley

Wander through the narrow alley, admire the vintage buildings, and discover urban art. Great for photos!

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Nightlife vs. Daytime Charm

Printers Alley transforms after dark with lively bars and live music, but it offers a different, quieter charm during the day, showcasing its historic architecture. Consider visiting both times to experience its full character. TikTok

Safety & Atmosphere

While generally safe, some visitors note Printers Alley can feel a bit grittier than Broadway. Stick to well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Vibrant nightlife & live music
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter, great for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late nights (Fri/Sat)
Why
Peak energy & live music
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Don’t forget about Printers Alley!! #nashville #printersalley #thingstodoinnashville
@thenashlocals
156.8K likes • 3.4M views

🎯 Find the Hidden Bars

Look for unmarked doors and ask locals for directions to speakeasies like Dirty Little Secret. TikTokInstagram+1

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets, so comfy shoes are a must! Reddit

In the daytime ☀️ 📍Printers Alley be different at night! 🎶🪩🎤 #hannaheatsnashville #thingstodootherthanbroadway #thingstodoinnashville #printersalley #printersalleynashville #nashvilletn #musiccity #nashvillemusic #nashvilleguide #nashvilleactivities #nashvillefoodblogger #nashvillefoodies #nashvillecreator #nashvilletennessee
@hannaheatsnashville
4.7K likes • 138.9K views
Send this to someone you want to experience Skull’s Rainbow Room with! • 222 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37219
nikkinashvillerealtor
24 likes • 1.9K views

🎶 Catch Live Music

Printers Alley is known for its blues, jazz, and live bands. Check schedules for an authentic Nashville sound. Instagram+1

📸 Great for Photos

The alley's historic buildings and urban vibe make it a fantastic spot for unique photography. InstagramReddit

Printers Alley Tonight! We'll All Right! #printersally #bluesandboogiebar #nashville
billymartinez_nekopress
13 likes • 154 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Find the Hidden Bars

Look for unmarked doors and ask locals for directions to speakeasies like Dirty Little Secret. TikTokInstagram+1

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets, so comfy shoes are a must! Reddit

🎶 Catch Live Music

Printers Alley is known for its blues, jazz, and live bands. Check schedules for an authentic Nashville sound. Instagram+1

📸 Great for Photos

The alley's historic buildings and urban vibe make it a fantastic spot for unique photography. InstagramReddit

🍻 Drinks Can Be Strong

Be aware that drinks in Printers Alley can pack a punch and might be pricier than expected. TikTok

🍽️ Lunch Specials

Fleet Street Pub offers a great $7.50 lunch special on weekends. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(231 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Printers Alley offers a more intimate and historic nightlife experience than Broadway, with a focus on live blues and jazz music, craft cocktails, and a unique urban atmosphere. While some find it less crowded and more authentic, others note it can feel a bit grittier and drinks can be strong. TikTokReddit

"I would not necessarily recommend spending a huge amount of time in this area, but it sure was fun to end our night, singing karaoke, here with friends!"

Ramona Carter

"Printer’s Alley is a cool little spot downtown with live music and fun bars. Great place to hang out and soak up Nashville’s nightlife. A lot smaller and less busy than Broadway."

Cassie Ish

"Couple of nice bar with live band. Blues bar is very New Orleans. Touristy but less as compared to broadway"

Thomson Varghese

What People Like

Historic charm
Live music venues
Intimate bars

What People Dislike

Can be gritty
Strong drinks
Less busy than Broadway (for some)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Printers Alley is located in downtown Nashville, a short walk from Broadway. You can easily reach it by foot, ride-sharing services, or taxi. Parking garages are available nearby if you're driving. TikTok+1

Yes, several parking garages are located within walking distance of Printers Alley, including the Fifth + Broadway garage and the Nashville Public Library garage. TikTok

Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to get to and from Printers Alley, especially if you plan on enjoying the nightlife. TikTok

Yes, Printers Alley is very walkable from Broadway, typically just a few minutes' stroll. It's a great alternative or addition to your Broadway experience. TikTok+1

Yes, you might see bike taxis operating in the downtown area, including near Printers Alley, offering a unique way to get around. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Printers Alley itself is a public street and does not require tickets for entry. However, individual bars and venues within the alley may have cover charges or require tickets for specific events. TikTokInstagram

Printers Alley is accessible at all hours as it's a public street. However, the bars and venues within it typically operate from late afternoon into the early morning hours, with live music often starting in the evenings. TikTok

Some bars and venues in Printers Alley may have cover charges, especially for live music performances or on weekend nights. It's best to check with individual establishments beforehand. Instagram

For popular spots like Skull's Rainbow Room, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings. Other bars might operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Instagram

Most venues in Printers Alley have a smart casual dress code. While some might be more relaxed, it's generally advisable to avoid overly casual attire like beachwear. TikTok

🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience

Printers Alley is renowned for its live music, particularly blues, jazz, and country. You'll find a variety of genres depending on the venue. Instagram+2

Popular choices include Skull's Rainbow Room for jazz and cocktails, Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar for blues, and Dirty Little Secret for a speakeasy vibe. TikTokInstagram+2

Yes, Printers Alley is a popular spot for bachelorette parties, offering a lively atmosphere, great bars, and live music. TikTokInstagram+1

While generally safe, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. Stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups. Reddit

Originally a hub for printers and publishers in the early 20th century, it later became known for its nightlife and even a red-light district. TikTokInstagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Skull's Rainbow Room offers a dining experience with craft cocktails. Fleet Street Pub is known for its British pub fare and lunch specials. TikTokInstagram

You can find a range of options from upscale dining at Skull's Rainbow Room to pub grub at Fleet Street Pub. TikTokInstagram

Options may vary by venue. It's best to check the menus of specific restaurants like Skull's Rainbow Room or Fleet Street Pub for current offerings. TikTok

While known more for its drinks and music, the lunch specials at Fleet Street Pub are a good value. Skull's Rainbow Room offers a classic dining experience. TikTok

While Nashville is known for BBQ, Printers Alley itself is more focused on bars and live music venues. You might find some places with appetizers, but dedicated BBQ joints are more common elsewhere in the city. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The narrow alley itself, with its historic brick buildings and unique signage, offers a great urban backdrop. Look for interesting doorways and street art. InstagramReddit

Yes, Printers Alley is particularly atmospheric at night with its neon signs and vibrant nightlife, making it excellent for capturing unique shots. Instagram+1

While not as heavily adorned with murals as some other areas, the alley's architecture and the general gritty, urban aesthetic provide a visually interesting canvas. Instagram

Drone usage in downtown Nashville areas like Printers Alley may be restricted due to airspace regulations. Always check local drone laws before flying. Instagram

For a less crowded experience and softer light, consider visiting during weekday afternoons. For a more vibrant, neon-lit atmosphere, evenings are ideal. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Printers Alley is primarily an adult-oriented nightlife district, so it might not be the most suitable destination for families with young children, especially in the evenings. The bars and live music venues are geared towards an adult crowd. TikTok

However, during the daytime, the alley offers a glimpse into Nashville's history and can be interesting for older children who appreciate architecture and unique urban environments. You could take a stroll, point out the historic buildings, and perhaps grab a casual lunch at a spot like Fleet Street Pub before it gets too crowded. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

Printers Alley can be enjoyed on a budget, especially if you focus on its historical charm and live music. While some bars can be pricey, look for venues with no cover charges or happy hour specials. Instagram Fleet Street Pub's lunch special is a great budget-friendly option. TikTok

Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays when drinks might be less expensive. Exploring the alley itself and enjoying the atmosphere doesn't cost anything, making it an accessible part of your Nashville experience. TikTok

🥂 Couples & Date Nights

Printers Alley is an excellent choice for a date night, offering a more intimate and historic atmosphere than Broadway. Enjoy live jazz and craft cocktails at Skull's Rainbow Room, a classic choice for a romantic evening. InstagramReddit

Alternatively, catch some soulful blues at Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar or seek out a hidden speakeasy for a unique shared experience. The narrow, atmospheric alleyway itself provides a charming backdrop for a romantic stroll. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Colorful History of Printers Alley

Printers Alley, nestled in downtown Nashville, boasts a rich and varied past. Originally known as "Printing House Row," it was the heart of Nashville's publishing industry in the early 20th century, housing numerous printing presses and publishers. This era gave the alley its distinctive name and architectural character. TikTok

However, the alley's history also has a more notorious side. By the mid-20th century, it had transformed into a bustling hub of nightlife, speakeasies, and even a red-light district. This duality of its past – from respectable print shops to clandestine entertainment – adds a layer of intrigue to its narrow, cobblestone streets. Today, it retains echoes of both eras, blending historic charm with a vibrant contemporary scene. TikTokInstagram+1

Navigating Printers Alley's Nightlife

When the sun sets, Printers Alley truly comes alive, offering a distinct nightlife experience compared to the more mainstream Broadway. It's known for its intimate bars, live music venues, and speakeasies, attracting a crowd looking for a more laid-back yet energetic atmosphere. TikTokInstagram+1

Key spots include Skull's Rainbow Room, a legendary jazz club and restaurant that has been a fixture since 1948, offering craft cocktails and live performances. Instagram For those seeking a bluesy vibe, the Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar is a must-visit, channeling New Orleans charm. Instagram+1 Don't miss the thrill of finding hidden gems like Dirty Little Secret, a speakeasy that requires a bit of searching for its entrance, adding to the adventure. TikTokInstagram+1 Be prepared for potentially strong drinks and a lively crowd, especially on weekends. TikTok

Printers Alley for Photographers

For photographers, Printers Alley offers a compelling urban canvas. The narrow, winding alleyways, lined with historic brick buildings and vintage signage, provide a gritty, authentic backdrop that stands in contrast to the polished facades of other tourist spots. InstagramReddit The interplay of light and shadow, especially during the golden hour or at night when the neon signs flicker to life, creates dramatic and atmospheric shots. Instagram+1

Look for unique architectural details, interesting doorways, and the occasional piece of street art that adds character to the scene. While it may not have the overt murals of some districts, the overall texture and mood of Printers Alley are incredibly photogenic. Visiting during the day offers a chance to capture the details without the dense crowds, while evenings provide a more dynamic, neon-lit ambiance. TikTokInstagram

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