HONEST GUIDE – Where to Stay in Nashville, TN (6 Best Areas)

Known as the country music capital, Nashville is a mix of American culture, music, food, and art. The music city is also the most populated city in the state of Tennessee. In this article, I am going to recommend you where to stay in Nashville based on your interests and your budget. From luxury hotels to vacation rentals and unusual Airbnbs, I got you covered!

The legendary music scene, cheerful bars, relaxed restaurants, and exciting history – there is something for everyone! No wonder why Nashville has become a top vacation destination for many tourists within the country as well as the world!

Now, let’s see my hand-picked recommendations on the best hotels/Airbnbs for each of the areas:

If You Are In A Hurry:

In case you don’t have the time to skim through the whole article, I have the best of the best for you here – all these properties are in the city center and all of them have fab reviews (be sure to book in advance!):

UPDATE: if you are looking for an Airbnb in Nashville – be it something special and unique or just a shared budget room, I have a special dedicated post for you on that, check it out here!

1. Downtown – Where to Stay in Nashville for the First Time

Downtown Nashville is a neighborhood located in the geographic city center. As the heart of the music city beat, Downtown is a hub for entertainment – overflowing with music venues, cultural amenities, and historic attractions. 

Furthermore, most people choose Downtown to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience on Lower Broadway. The bars offer live music – welcoming guests to party until the early morning hours. 

But Downtown is not just for partiers! Apart from restaurants, bars, hotels, and great views of the Cumberland River, Downtown Nashville or SoBro (South of Broadway) includes Bridgestone Arena, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, Nissan Stadium, the Johnny Cash Museum, and many more. 

More Accommodation Options In Downtown:

2. East Nashville

East Nashville is home to stylish vintage boutiques, talented artists and musicians, and vendors of handcrafted goods. Not to forget the delicious restaurants where you can taste traditional cuisine and the vibrant bars where you can hear locals performing some live music!

Moreover, if you are up for a little shopping, this will become your favorite spot. This is definitely one of the places to stay when in Nashville, especially for those wanting a calmer stay. Beer lovers will enjoy this neighborhood for its beer gardens and some of the best burgers in town. 

More Accommodation Options In East Nashville:

3. The West End/ Hillsboro Village

Situated next to Vanderbilt University, the West End (or Hillsboro Village, as people like to call it) is a lively and upscale central location within the city. Centennial Park – Nashville’s largest urban park is located here and represents the heart of daytime activities. A popular attraction is the Partenón – a copy of the Athenian statue in Greece. 

The West End is famous for its nightlife and entertainment, so it’s no wonder you will spot many students here. 

All in all, the West End is a popular area to stay in Nashville, so let’s see some of the most affordable hotels and rentals: 

More Accommodation Options In West End:

4. Music Row/Midtown – Where to Stay for NIghtlife

Take a stroll along 16th and 17th Avenue, and you will reach the most creative neighborhood of country music moguls and recording studios, mecca of country music if you will. The old brick houses have been transformed into cool recording studios and offices of record labels and music publishers. 

So if you are keen on concerts or passionate about music, this place should definitely be on your list! To get the most out of this area, I suggest finding a tour with a knowledgeable guide that can walk you through the history and roots of Nashville music production. It’s interesting that the streets are named after famous country singers of the old days. 

As this section is dedicated to the music industry, you will find the Music Hall of Fame. So, if you have enough time include a visit to this building as well. 

More Accommodation Options In Music Row:

5. The Gulch – the Trendiest Area

Long ago, the Gulch neighborhood was home to abandoned warehouses, factory buildings, and empty lots. Today, it has become the most modern neighborhood in Nashville, surrounded by luxury apartments, fancy hotels, trendy restaurants, and bars. 

This little corner is in between Midtown, SoBro and the Music Row has something to fit everybody’s taste. Bluegrass enthusiasts can have a fun-filled experience of banjos and mandolins performance at the Station Inn. But if you are a visual artist, I would recommend The Frist Center for Visual Arts – an art deco style building full of complex design and details. 

So, if you want to feel like a local, then you should consider booking a hotel/ apartment here. 

More Accommodation Options In The Gulch:

6. Germantown – Where to stay for Families

Established in the mid 19th century, Germantown is one of the most developed suburbs that boasts jam-packed boutiques, friendly restaurants, and upbeat bars. This neighborhood is great for families as there are plenty of fun things to do, it is located just a bit North from Downtown. 

When you walk around Germantown, I suggest stopping at Steadfast Coffee for some really good coffee or a quick bite for breakfast.

For an authentic experience, you can book a little apartment or an adorable hotel with a broad view of the city’s skyline. Another thing you can do here is shopping – the area is dotted with superb boutiques!

More Accommodation Options In Germantown:

BONUS: Best Hotels Near Nashville International Airport

Sometimes the last thing you want to do after a long flight is to travel to a hotel room for another hour. Or maybe, you need to wake up at 3 a.m in the morning for an early flight back home. It can be really dreadful to travel to the airport while it’s still night time. Or in the worst-case scenario – to finally arrive at the airport only to find out that your flight has been canceled. 

So, you might want to consider booking a hotel room near the airport for your first and last night. You can wake up later in the morning and have a proper breakfast. What’s more, the rates at many hotel rooms near the airport can be considerably cheaper.

Other Accommodation Options Near The Airport:

Conclusion

I hope that my guide of Nashville’s best neighborhoods with the best hotels and rentals will help you make up your mind and save you time and money when booking your stay.

As you have probably noticed, each neighborhood has its own unique vibe, culture and attractions but all of them are just a quick ride away. 

Whether you are exploring the city with family or are heading on a business trip, I covered all the major areas. You’ll find luxury boutique hotels, budget accommodations, spacious family rooms, and even romantic nests. I hope you will have a memorable experience and don’t forget to book your place in advance if you have a chance to!

Have I missed anything? Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below. Also, if you are still unsure about where to stay, drop me a line!

Happy travels!

Yulia