Where to Stay in Nashville (Best Areas, By a Local)

9 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Nashville

Nashville is located on the Cumberland River. The city’s downtown is located to the west of the river, and the city has expanded from there. The city has some sprawl, but there are many neighborhoods that form walkable pockets.

Where to stay in Nashville depends on what you want from your experience while visiting, but let’s start with one of the most popular areas to stay:

Downtown

👉 Best Area for Nightlife and Sightseeing | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: Drury Plaza Hotel • The Hermitage Hotel • Noelle Hotel

Downtown is the heart of Nashville. This area is full of music venues, bars, museums, historic landmarks, and some of the city’s best restaurants. It’s located west of the Cumberland River.

The area features many of the attractions that Nashville is best known for. Country music fans can stop by the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum. Staying in Downtown allows you to walk to the Ryman Auditorium and Bridgestone Arena.

Downtown Nashville includes Broadway, which has contributed to Nashville’s nickname “Nashvegas.” Lower Broadway is home to over 30 bars, most of which have no cover charge and have live music all night.

If you are wondering where to stay for a bachelorette party, being near Broadway is probably the place for you. You can easily spend the entire night bar-hopping!

Not everyone in Downtown is looking to party, though. First-time visitors love staying in Downtown Nashville. It offers easy access to so many of Nashville’s top attractions. One of my favorite hotels in the area is the Noelle Hotel, a beautiful Art Deco hotel that’s right off Printer’s Alley.

Pros of Staying in Downtown

• Walking distance to many attractions
• Home to many of the top music venues
• Free live music all night at most bars

Cons of Staying in Downtown

• Tends to be crowded during the evening
• Restaurants and bars are more pricey

Midtown

👉 Best Area for Music and Nightlife | ✨ Best Midtown Hotels: The Graduate • Hutton Hotel • Kimpton Aertson Hotel

Midtown lies just west of Downtown Nashville. It’s a popular hangout for both locals and tourists. The area is not as crowded as Downtown, but it is every bit as vibrant.

Nashville’s reputation as Music City is obvious in Midtown. Music lovers can enjoy live music venues that host artists from all music genres. The bars and clubs frequently feature local artists.

Vanderbilt University is located in this neighborhood. The student population helps encourage the nightlife in the area. 

Midtown is also home to Nashville’s Music Row. The district is full of music studios, radio stations, and offices for record labels. Nashville’s legendary music scene was born on Music Row. These offices continue to give new artists their starts today.

Midtown is best to experience Nashville’s nightlife and music scene without the crowds of Downtown. It’s also where you’ll find my #1 hotel in town: the iconic Graduate Nashville. Even if you don’t stay here, I recommend checking out White Limozeen, the hotel’s rooftop bar.

Pros of Staying in Midtown

• Great music scene
• Perfect for a more local experience
• Close to Vanderbilt University
• Possible to walk to Downtown Nashville from some areas

Cons of Staying in Midtown

• Not many shopping options
• Hotels sell out when Vanderbilt University has big events

West End

👉 Best Area for Budget-friend Stays | ✨ Best West End Hotels: Hyatt House • Holiday Inn • Staybridge Suites

West End is sometimes lumped together with Midtown because West End is actually a section of Midtown. West End has less of a nightlife scene and an even more peaceful vibe than the rest of Midtown.

Looking for less crowded Nashville attractions? West End is home to Centennial Park, Nashville’s largest urban park. Centennial Park houses the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the famous Greek Parthenon.

Centennial Park also hosts many outdoor events throughout the year. Locals flock to this park, but it’s often overlooked by visitors.

The park is one of my favorite areas to visit in Nashville. I love attending the free concerts that take place here during the summer. Be sure to look for those if you stay in West End.

West End has more budget-friendly accommodations like Staybridge Suites than other areas in the city, and you can still walk to popular Nashville neighborhoods.

Pros of Staying in West End

• Fewer crowds
• More budget-friendly than some other neighborhoods
• Possible to walk to Downtown Nashville from some areas
• Close to Vanderbilt University

Cons of Staying in West End

• Not in the middle of the action
• May need transportation to visit some popular attractions

Hillsboro Village

👉Best Area for A Girls’ Weekend Trip | 🏠Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Hillsboro Village

Hillsboro Village is south of Music Row between Vanderbilt University and Belmont University. Visitors can enjoy indie vintage shops and the Belcourt theater. Built in 1925, the theater shows over 300 classic and arthouse films each year.

My favorite thing about the area is that Hillsboro Village borders 12 South. This is a half-mile stretch of unique boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and some of the most charming coffee shops in Nashville.

Hillsboro Village is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Nashville. It’s easy to get from one place to another without the neighborhood. Unfortunately, you will need a car to get to most other areas in Nashville except for West End. 

You can easily spend an entire weekend in Hillsboro Village though. The area is perfect for visitors who want a relaxing trip to Nashville. Looking to find the perfect area for a girls’ trip to Nashville? Hillsboro Village makes a great home base.

Pros of Staying in Hillsboro Village

• The neighborhood has a welcoming charm
• Easy to walk within the neighborhood
• Lots of independent, locally-owned stores

Cons of Staying in Hillsboro Village

• Not as close to the city center
• Limited accommodations available

The Gulch

👉 Best Area for a High-End Experience | ✨ Best Gulch Hotels: W Nashville • Thompson Nashville • Fairfield Inn and Suites

The Gulch is a small, trendy neighborhood located between Downtown Nashville and Midtown. This area is small, but it’s the perfect location for those who want an upscale experience in Nashville.

You’ll find Nashville’s trendiest boutiques, spas, and dining here. Art lovers can visit The Frist Art Museum, one of the top museums Nashville offers, and enjoy the exhibits as well as the Art Deco architecture.

The Gulch is also home to the Thompson Nashville, an upscale hotel that hosts the popular rooftop bar the L.A. Jackson.

Like any good Nashville neighborhood, the Gulch has live music. Locals and visitors enjoy listening to some of the best bluegrass music in the country at The Station Inn. This tiny club has been open since the 1970s. 

The Gulch is easy to navigate without a car. It’s within walking distance from both the Downtown area and Midtown.

Pros of Staying in the Gulch

• Easily walkable
• Lots of trendy restaurants and shops
• Near the city center
• Not far from attractions like the Johnny Cash Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame

Con of Staying in the Gulch

• One of the most expensive areas in Nashville

East Nashville

👉 Best Area for a Local Experience | ✨ Best East Nashville Hotels: The Russell • The Gallatin • Waymore’s Guest House

East Nashville is a mostly residential area located east of Downtown Nashville on the other side of the Cumberland River. The area is quieter than the city center, but it is still centrally located. You can get to most neighborhoods in Nashville quickly from East Nashville. You will need a car if you plan on staying in East Nashville.

The area has a fun, quirky atmosphere. It’s full of coffee shops, local restaurants, and hip bars. Five Points is a popular hangout area with a cool small-town downtown vibe. Visitors also really enjoy Waymore’s Guest House, a beautiful modern hotel with a cool rooftop bar.

East Nashville is one of my personal favorite areas in Nashville. You forget that you’re staying in a city, but you’re still just minutes away from everything Downtown has to offer.

Football fans have easy access to Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans. When games aren’t being played in the stadium, you can catch top-tier artists in concert there.

East Nashville is a great choice for those who are looking to get away from other travelers. You can spend time in Nashville like a local.

Pros of Staying in the East Nashville

• Fewer crowds
• More budget friendly than areas near Downtown
• Easy to get to the rest of Nashville

Cons of Staying in the East Nashville

• This neighborhood is not as walkable (with the exception of the 5 Points area)
• Parking is limited at some restaurants and bars
• Restaurants and bars close earlier since this is a residential area

Music Valley

👉 Best Area for Families | ✨ Best Music Valley Hotels: Gaylord Opryland Resort • Residence Inn • Holiday Inn

Music Valley is located northeast of East Nashville. While it’s not close to the downtown area, this is a popular tourist area. 

Music fans will love the Grand Ole Opry House, a staple in country music history. The Opry features country music legends as well as up-and-coming artists on a weekly basis. The iconic Grand Ole Opry was founded in 1925.

Nearby is Opry Mills Mall, the largest shopping center in Nashville. Everyone will find something they like in the 200+ stores. 

Regardless of whether or not you choose to stay at Opryland Resort, it’s a must-visit in Music Valley. Everyone can explore the 9-acre atrium for free. Tickets are available for many of the other attractions at the resort.

Music Valley is a perfect place for families. The area allows you to spend most of your time in one area but be located relatively near the heart of Nashville.

Pros of Staying in the Music Valley

• Many tourist attractions
• Cheap hotels mean it’s a good place to stay in Nashville on a budget
• Easy access to the Grand Ole Opry

Cons of Staying in the Music Valley

• Requires a drive to get to Downtown Nashville
• Some of the tourist attractions are a little cheesy

Franklin

👉 Best Area For A Laidback Getaway | ✨ Best Franklin Hotels: The Harpeth Downtown Franklin • Aloft Nashville Franklin • Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Franklin

Franklin is a beautiful city located south of Nashville. The city’s historic downtown has been preserved throughout the years and is worth exploring in its own right. Highlights include the Franklin Theatre, which first opened in 1937, and Merridee’s Breadbasket, a restaurant with a line to the door every Saturday morning.

The city is about a 30-minute drive from Downtown Nashville, which makes it a great choice for visitors who have a car. The Drury Plaza Hotel is a good mid-range option and unlike a lot of hotels in the center of Nashville, parking is free.

If you stay in Franklin, you can drive into Nashville to see the sights while spending the rest of your time enjoying the atmosphere of the historic city. You can also easily drive to Arrington Vineyards, one of my favorite places for a picnic.

The biggest downside to staying in Franklin is that a large number of people live in Franklin and commute to Nashville for work, so you need to avoid rush hour on weekdays.

Pros of Staying in Franklin

• A charming historic downtown
• Hotels typically aren’t as full
• An easy drive to Nashville

Cons of Staying in Franklin:

• Will need a car
• Rush hour can slow things down

Hendersonville

👉 Best Area For Traveling with Young Children | ✨ Best Hendersonville Hotels: Holiday Inn Express Nashville-Hendersonville • Drakes Creek Inn • Hampton Inn & Suites By Hilton Nashville Hendersonville

Hendersonville is a suburb located northeast of Nashville. As a mom of two small children, it’s my top suggestion if you’re traveling with young kids. You can avoid the hustle and bustle of Nashville while still being able to reach the city easily. It’s especially easy to get to both East Nashville and Downtown Nashville from Hendersonville.

Hendersonville is less crowded than Nashville, and you can quickly pop into stores to pick up items you forgot to pack without facing the traffic of the larger city. The suburb has family-friendly restaurants like Pizza Ranch. It’s also home to Mary’s Magical Place, an inclusive playground for children of all ability levels.

You will need a car to get to Nashville if you are staying in Hendersonville. The hotels in the area are mostly typical standard chain hotels like Holiday Inn Express Nashville-Hendersonville. However, prices tend to be cheaper than at comparable hotels within the Nashville city limits.

Pros of Staying in Hendersonville:

• Family-friendly
• Easy access to East Nashville and Downtown Nashville
• Better for budget travelers

Cons of Staying in Hendersonville:

• You’ll need a car to get around
• Traffic may be an issue during rush hour

Tips for Staying in Nashville

Choose the best location for your stay

There are so many great attractions in Nashville that it’s impossible to see them all in one visit. Pick a few of the best things to do in Nashville and choose a location based around that. You can always come back for a second (or third) visit.

Avoid chain restaurants 

Nashville has a growing food scene, so I’d encourage you to try as much local cuisine as possible. Nashville’s restaurants are run by some of the most celebrated regional culinary talents. There are also plenty of hidden gems that have been quietly producing amazing food for years.

Listen to live music

Nashville is the home to many music genres, not just country music. Catch major artists on tour at bigger venues like Nissan Stadium, Bridgestone Arena, Ascend Amphitheater, or the Ryman Auditorium. Don’t miss out on the chance to hear up-and-coming artists and local talent. You can watch them play at smaller music venues throughout the city.

👉 Read Next: Best Time to Visit Nashville

Go watch a game

No matter what season it is, there’s some game happening in Nashville. The city has an NFL team, an NHL team, an MLS team, and a minor league baseball team. Going to see the Sounds at First Horizon Park is one of my favorite afternoon plans.

Pay attention to parking

The city has exploded, and the parking options have not kept up. If you are driving a car, figure out parking before heading to destinations in the city. For some locations, walking or taking an Uber may be easier than parking. You will get a ticket if you park in the wrong place. Read my guide to getting around in Nashville for more transportation tips.

Look for free events happening in Nashville

With hotel rooms, transportation, dining, and shopping, staying in Nashville can become expensive. There’s always some interesting free event happening in the city. Find out what’s going on during your stay, and enjoy some of the free activities in Nashville.

Want More? Listen to My Nashville Podcast Episode!

If you liked this post, you’ll love my Nashville episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Nashville”). 

I talk about where to stay in Nashville at minute mark 04:22. Here are my top picks for hotels in the area I mention in the episode:

• Drury Plaza Hotel
• The Hermitage Hotel
• Noelle Hotel

The host, Betty, and I also discussed the best things to do in Nashville (08:38), day trips from Nashville (15:08), how to get around (07:11), why more people should visit Nashville (03:07) and all the other common questions about travel to Nashville.

Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Nashville.

FAQs

What is the safest area to stay in Nashville?

The safest areas to stay in Nashville are Downtown, Midtown, and Music Valley. There are always lots of visitors around. Most of Nashville is safe, especially during the day. Just like any city, be aware of your surroundings.

Where is the best part of Nashville to stay?

The best part of Nashville to stay for first-time visitors is generally Downtown and Music Valley. Both of those areas are close to major attractions and have lots of hotel options. With that said, most of Nashville is safe, especially during the day. 

What is the nicest part of Nashville?

The Gulch is Nashville’s newest trendy neighborhood and one of the nicest parts of the city. You’ll find some of the best luxury hotels here as well as upscale shopping and dining options.

Where is the hipster part of Nashville?

East Nashville is widely considered to be the hipster part of Nashville. The area is mainly residential and retains a lot of its unique character. The area has lots of coffee shops, vegan restaurants, vintage boutiques, and craft beer bars.

👉 Read Next: 15 Best Nashville Day Trips

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If you liked this article, definitely don’t miss my epic list of the best stuff to do in Nashville with kids. No matter which neighborhood you end up choosing, I hope that you enjoy your trip to the Music City!