Nashville, Tennessee, affectionately known as ‘Music City’, resonates with legendary tales and vibrant energy. A pilgrimage site for country music devotees, Nashville offers a dynamic yet laid-back atmosphere, enriched with a deep cultural tapestry extending far beyond music. Discover lush green spaces, compelling museums, and a thriving culinary scene that permeates its coffee shops, bars, microbreweries, performance venues, and trendy Southern restaurants. When considering Where To Stay In Nashville, you’ll find an array of accommodation options spread across diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique Nashville experience. To pinpoint your ideal Nashville adventure, let’s explore a guide to Nashville’s distinctive neighborhoods.
Nashville’s iconic attractions are undeniably the Country Music Hall of Fame, the historic Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry House, the insightful National Museum of African American Music, and the poignant Johnny Cash Museum. A stroll down Music Row, nestled just west of Downtown around 16th and 17th Avenues, immerses you in the heart of music history. Here, you’ll witness studios where luminaries like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and the Everly Brothers crafted their signature ‘Nashville Sound’ hits, alongside music agency offices and production powerhouses.
Beyond its musical heritage, Nashville boasts an impressive collection of museums and galleries catering to varied interests. For those with extended stays or a keen interest in history, delve into Fort Negley, a preserved Civil War-era fort, Fort Nashborough, a reconstruction of Nashville’s original settlement, The Hermitage, the historic home of President Andrew Jackson, the Belle Meade Plantation, and the Travellers Rest Plantation.
Nashville is also a verdant city, adorned with numerous parks, tree-lined streets, and captivating botanical gardens. Its architectural elegance is evident in landmarks like the State Capitol and the Nashville Public Library. Families traveling with children will appreciate the Nashville Zoo. The city’s vibrant live music scene ensures an exciting nightlife, while the presence of numerous universities infuses a youthful spirit. Nashville seamlessly blends lively entertainment with family-friendly attractions, making it a compelling destination for all types of travelers seeking where to stay in Nashville.
Downtown
Downtown Nashville
Downtown Nashville stands as the pulsating core of Music City, the epicenter of honky-tonk music, and home to many of Nashville’s premier music museums and venues. If you are wondering where to stay in Nashville to be in the heart of the action, Downtown is it. A vibrant hub brimming with dining and drinking establishments, live music venues, and opportunities to acquire authentic cowboy boots or even cut a demo track, Downtown offers a diverse range of experiences. Accommodation options are plentiful, catering to every preference. Downtown Nashville seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary dynamism, constantly evolving with new hotels, music venues, restaurants, bars, and microbreweries. Walking tours abound, guiding visitors through highlights such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Tennessee State Museum, the National Museum of African American Music, the Nashville Public Library, and, of course, the legendary Honky Tonk Highway, a stretch of live music venues buzzing day and night, year-round.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Exceptionally central, unparalleled live music scene, extensive dining and drinking choices, lively and entertaining atmosphere, easily walkable, numerous attractions.
- Cons: Continuous live music can be overwhelming for some, consistently busy, a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.
- Ideal for: Music enthusiasts, short city breaks, families seeking central access to attractions, sightseeing, night owls, and party-goers.
Discover exceptional hotels in Downtown Nashville for your perfect stay.
SoBro
SoBro Neighbourhood
SoBro, short for South of Broadway, is an extension of Downtown Nashville, yet possesses its own distinct ambiance. When considering where to stay in Nashville with a blend of attractions and a slightly different vibe from the main Downtown area, SoBro is an excellent choice. Beyond live music venues, bars, and restaurants, SoBro houses Nashville’s expansive convention center, the iconic Country Music Hall of Fame, and the architecturally stunning Schermerhorn Symphony Centre. This neighborhood features a selection of larger hotels, including trendy and upscale options, alongside valuable business-oriented accommodations. SoBro is also home to The Johnny Cash Museum, the Patsy Cline Museum, and the Nashville Children’s Theatre. It’s an ideal location for those who desire to be centrally located amidst the action and prefer a streamlined hotel selection process.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Highly central, abundant attractions within walking distance, numerous live music venues, extensive selection of bars and restaurants.
- Cons: Can feel crowded, attracts a high volume of tourists.
- Ideal for: Music aficionados, city breaks, and couples seeking a vibrant and central location.
Explore our curated selection of hotels in SoBro for your visit.
Music Row
Music Row Neighbourhood
Music Row stands as the very heart of Nashville’s thriving music industry. For travelers wondering where to stay in Nashville to immerse themselves in the music scene, Music Row is unparalleled. Here, you’ll encounter not only live music venues but also recording studios, radio stations, record labels, and agents’ offices. It’s a prime neighborhood for those seeking an authentic taste of the contemporary music scene or simply a lively and entertaining stay. As expected, Music Row exudes a hip and trendy vibe, featuring design-forward hotels and upscale restaurants, alongside the welcoming diners and burger joints that fuel the city’s creative energy.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: The undisputed live music capital of ‘Music City’, trendy hotels, bars, and restaurants, exceptionally central location.
- Cons: Bustling and often crowded, popular with tourists, lively evenings.
- Ideal for: Music enthusiasts, party-goers, and those seeking a cool and contemporary atmosphere.
Discover our recommended hotels in Music Row for your musical journey.
East Nashville
East Nashville presents a slightly more unconventional and bohemian alternative to Downtown Nashville. When considering where to stay in Nashville with a local, less touristy feel, East Nashville offers a unique appeal. Situated across the Cumberland River from Downtown, it provides convenient access to the city’s core while maintaining a less frenetic pace. This neighborhood boasts an impressive array of independent bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. East Nashville’s burgeoning foodie scene is a significant draw, offering a wealth of culinary experiences right at your doorstep. The hotels in East Nashville often possess a boutique character, reflecting the neighborhood’s independent, creative, artistic, and unique spirit. Charming converted townhouses, dating back to the neighborhood’s boom around 1900, complement the sprinkling of vintage stores, adding to East Nashville’s distinctive charm.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Just slightly off-center, exceptional foodie scene, independent hotels, bars, and restaurants, less tourist-centric atmosphere.
- Cons: Not directly in the city center, lacks major local attractions within the immediate vicinity, quieter ambiance compared to Downtown.
- Ideal for: Food enthusiasts, families seeking a relaxed environment, and shorter breaks exploring local culture.
Explore our hotel recommendations in East Nashville for an authentic stay.
Germantown
Germantown neighbourhood
Germantown is an elegant and historically rich neighborhood located just northwest of Downtown Nashville. For travelers seeking where to stay in Nashville with a touch of history and refined dining, Germantown is an excellent choice. This charming area is renowned for its stunning Victorian-era architecture, art galleries, and innovative cuisine – Germantown is arguably among Nashville’s top dining destinations. Named after the European settlers who established this neighborhood in the mid-19th century, Germantown also features iconic American landmarks like the Capitol Mall and the Tennessee State Library and Museum. It hosts Nashville’s vibrant Farmer’s Market and boasts several delightful parks and gardens, including the expansive Bicentennial Park.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Elegant architecture, exceptional food and drink scene, proximity to major sights, lively yet refined atmosphere.
- Cons: Slightly off-center, can be a more expensive neighborhood.
- Ideal for: Foodies, those appreciating historic ambiance, and families seeking a sophisticated environment.
Discover our recommended hotels in Germantown for a refined Nashville experience.
Midtown
Midtown neighbourhood
Midtown is another Nashville neighborhood whose boundaries intertwine with Downtown. For visitors pondering where to stay in Nashville with excellent connectivity and a lively nightlife, Midtown is a prime contender. Nestled between Vanderbilt University, Downtown, Music Row, the West End, and Hillsboro Village, Midtown is a highly walkable neighborhood celebrated for its numerous independent restaurants and bars, and its diverse range of accommodation options. Its central location and accessibility make it particularly appealing for music tourists, hence the abundance of hotels. However, Midtown maintains a less touristy feel compared to Downtown, with bars and restaurants frequented by locals alongside visitors. Midtown truly comes alive in the evening and extends into the night – with many bars staying open until the early hours – making it a fantastic choice for night owls and those seeking a vibrant party atmosphere.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Lively evenings and nightlife, abundant independent restaurants, bars, and live music venues, central location, less tourist-heavy than Downtown.
- Cons: The lively nightlife might not suit all travelers seeking quiet evenings.
- Ideal for: Night owls, sightseeing during the day, and those seeking a party atmosphere.
Explore our selection of the best hotels in Midtown for an energetic stay.
West End & Hillsboro
Hillsboro neighbouhood
Nashville’s West End stretches westward from Downtown towards Belle Meade, encompassing a significant area of the city. When considering where to stay in Nashville with a blend of green spaces and quieter neighborhoods, West End & Hillsboro offer appealing options. This neighborhood is characterized by its greenery, incorporating numerous parks and gardens, including Nashville’s renowned urban oasis, Centennial Park, and the verdant Vanderbilt University Campus. Centennial Park is home to one of Nashville’s most iconic landmarks: the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the original Athenian temple. Adjacent Hillsboro presents another appealing option for those preferring a more tranquil setting. It’s a charming area with trendy boutiques, cafes, galleries, and intimate music venues, alongside hip restaurants and cocktail bars.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Abundant green spaces, central location, good transport links, excellent food and drink options.
- Cons: Slightly off-center from the main downtown core.
- Ideal for: Families seeking a quieter base, and travelers with hipster sensibilities appreciating a relaxed and trendy atmosphere.
Check out our recommended hotels in Hillsboro/West End for a balanced Nashville experience.
