Nashville Best Of 2026 · Best Nashville Photo Spot
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
The whole Nashville skyline, the Cumberland River below, and a century-old steel truss framing it all. For the most iconic shot in Music City, the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is our pick for the best photo spot in Nashville.
The Verdict
Best Nashville Photo Spot: Why the Bridge Earns the Title
Every great Nashville trip deserves one great photo, and this is where you take it. Stop midway across the bridge and the entire downtown skyline spreads out before you, from the Batman Building to the riverfront, with the Cumberland River flowing below. The view is so perfect that it has shown up in music videos, engagement shoots, and countless vacation photos.
It’s also completely free and open to everyone. Walkers, runners, and cyclists share the wide deck, and the scene changes throughout the day, glowing gold at sunrise, warm at sunset, and sparkling with city lights after dark. Along the way, the historic steel trusses and concrete arches give every photo a classic frame.
1909
Year the Bridge Opened
3,150 ft
One of the World’s Longest Pedestrian Bridges
2003
Reborn as a Pedestrian Bridge
Free
To Walk and Photograph
Photo Tips
How to Get the Perfect Shot
A little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.
The Midway Skyline Shot
Walk to the middle of the bridge for the classic view with the river below. Frame the Batman Building and downtown towers for a shot that instantly says Nashville.
Golden Hour & City Lights
Sunset bathes the skyline in warm light, and after dark the city glows. Arrive a little before sunset to catch both in a single visit.
Shoot the Bridge Itself
Don’t forget to photograph the bridge. Its steel trusses create striking leading lines, and the historic concrete arches on the west end make a beautiful backdrop.
The Story
Saved from the Wrecking Ball
Opened on July 5, 1909, as the Sparkman Street Bridge, this span once carried streetcars and, later, rush-hour traffic between downtown and East Nashville. Designed by engineer Howard M. Jones, it was the first bridge in North America built with concrete arched trusses, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
By the late 1990s, the aging bridge was closed to vehicles and slated for demolition. Instead, it was transformed into a pedestrian bridge that reopened in 2003. In 2014, it was renamed in honor of John Seigenthaler, the Tennessean editor and civil rights champion, and today it’s one of Nashville’s most beloved landmarks.
“One bridge, one skyline, and the one photo every Nashville visitor needs.”
Nashville Best Of Editors
Plan Your Visit
Find the Bridge
The bridge’s west end starts at Third Avenue South in downtown Nashville, just a block from Broadway. The east end lands at Cumberland Park on the other side of the river.
Location
West entrance: Third Avenue South, downtown
East entrance: Cumberland Park, East Bank
Keep going on the east side to explore East Nashville, our Best Neighborhood pick.
Best Times to Go
Sunrise and sunset offer the best light. Weekday mornings are the least crowded, while evenings and big event days bring heavier foot traffic.
Good to Know
The bridge is free and shared by walkers, runners, and cyclists, so stay aware as you set up your shot. Use a wide-angle lens or your phone’s panorama mode to fit the whole skyline.
Frame the Skyline
Grab your camera, time it for golden hour, and take home the most iconic view in Music City.
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