Where to Stay in Nashville: A Neighborhood Guide
From the neon lights of Broadway to the charm of East Nashville, here's how to pick the right base for your trip.
The Nashville Stay Decision
Nashville draws millions of visitors each year, and where you stay shapes your entire experience. The city’s neighborhoods each have a distinct personality – from the tourist-friendly energy of Downtown to the creative buzz of East Nashville. Choosing the right base means less time in rideshares and more time enjoying the city.
We spent a lot of time digging into Nashville’s hotel scene – 33 properties, to be specific. Here’s what you need to know about each neighborhood before you book.
Downtown and SoBro
Best for: First-time visitors, music fans, nightlife seekers
The epicenter of Nashville’s tourism scene. Broadway’s honky-tonks are walking distance, along with the Country Music Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena, and dozens of restaurants. SoBro (South of Broadway) offers a slightly more refined version of the same access – newer hotels, rooftop bars, and a more modern feel.
The good news is that walkability is a strength here. A solid majority of Nashville properties we looked at are within walking distance of restaurants and nightlife, and Downtown is where that’s most concentrated.
The trade-off: Noise. If you’re a light sleeper, Downtown may not be your best bet on weekends. Parking is expensive and not as common as you’d think – only about 91% of properties offer it.
Who should book here: Anyone who wants to be in the thick of it. If live music, walkability, and energy are your priorities, this is home base.
The Gulch
Best for: Couples, food lovers, design-forward travelers
A former rail yard turned trendy mixed-use neighborhood, The Gulch is Nashville’s most photogenic district. You’ll find upscale dining, boutique shopping, and the famous “What Lifts You” mural. It’s walkable to Downtown but feels distinctly more curated.
The trade-off: Premium pricing. Hotels and restaurants here skew higher, and the neighborhood is compact – you’ll exhaust it in a day or two of exploring on foot.
Who should book here: Couples looking for a polished, walkable experience. If your trip is about great restaurants and a stylish atmosphere, The Gulch delivers.
East Nashville
Best for: Creatives, foodies, repeat visitors, remote workers
Across the river from Downtown, East Nashville is where locals actually hang out. The neighborhood has an artsy, independent spirit – think craft cocktail bars, vintage shops, and some of the city’s best brunch spots. It’s less polished than The Gulch but more authentic.
The trade-off: You’ll need a car or rideshare to get to Broadway and most tourist attractions. Public transit options are limited.
Who should book here: Anyone who’s been to Nashville before and wants to experience the city like a local. Great for longer stays.
Germantown
Best for: Families, history buffs, weekend brunch crowds
One of Nashville’s oldest neighborhoods, Germantown has been beautifully revitalized. Tree-lined streets, a growing restaurant scene, and proximity to the Nashville Farmers’ Market make it a solid pick. It’s quieter than Downtown but still walkable to many attractions.
The trade-off: The neighborhood is small, with fewer hotel options. You may need to book earlier to secure your preferred property.
Music Row and Midtown
Best for: Extended stays, business travelers, Vanderbilt visitors
Music Row is Nashville’s music industry hub – recording studios, label offices, and a quieter residential feel. Midtown, adjacent to Vanderbilt University, offers a mix of bars, restaurants, and a younger energy. Both neighborhoods provide good value relative to Downtown.
The trade-off: Midtown’s bar scene can get loud on weekends, particularly along Division Street. Music Row itself is quiet but has fewer dining options within walking distance.
How to Choose
If you’re visiting Nashville for the first time and want maximum convenience, Downtown or SoBro is the safe bet. For a more refined experience, The Gulch balances walkability with style. If you want to see the real Nashville, East Nashville is worth the short drive.
One more thing worth knowing: about one in five of Nashville’s quality stays have a pool, and a similar share have a gym. If that matters to you, take our travel style quiz – it’ll match you with properties that have what you’re looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about staying in Nashville, answered with data from our research.
What is the best area to stay in Nashville?
Downtown is the best area for first-time visitors – you’re walking distance to Broadway, the Ryman Auditorium, and Bridgestone Arena. The Gulch is the top pick for couples and food lovers who want a more polished, walkable experience. East Nashville suits repeat visitors and creatives who want to experience the city like a local. A solid majority of Nashville properties we reviewed are walkable to restaurants and nightlife.
Is it better to stay in downtown Nashville or The Gulch?
It depends on what you’re after. Downtown puts you in the thick of live music, honky-tonks, and nightlife – it’s louder and more energetic. The Gulch is quieter, more upscale, and walkable to Downtown in about 10 minutes. Couples tend to prefer The Gulch for its curated restaurant scene; first-timers and music fans are better served by Downtown. Both neighborhoods are strong choices – it’s really an energy-level decision.
How many days in Nashville is enough?
Three to four days is the sweet spot for most visitors. That gives you time to explore Downtown and Broadway, spend a day in East Nashville or The Gulch, catch live music at the Ryman or Bluebird Cafe, and still have time for the Country Music Hall of Fame. Weekend trips work too, but you’ll need to prioritize. If you’re a food lover, add an extra day – Nashville’s restaurant scene has grown significantly.
What is the safest area to stay in Nashville?
The main tourist neighborhoods – Downtown, The Gulch, Germantown, Midtown, and Music Row – are all well-traveled and generally safe for visitors. The Gulch and Germantown tend to be the quietest at night. Downtown and SoBro can get rowdy on weekend evenings around Bourbon Street, but that’s crowd energy, not a safety concern. Standard city precautions apply: stay in well-lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings.
Things to Do in Nashville
Once you've picked the right place to stay, the next step is filling your itinerary. Tours, day trips, museum passes, and local experiences -- all bookable in advance.
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Our Top Picks in Nashville
These are the highest-rated verified stays in Nashville right now.
Noelle
Noelle, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury in the heart of downtown Nashville. This boutique hotel features curated art installations, a vibrant rooftop bar with stunning city views, and easy access to Nashville's best dining and entertainment.
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Ironwood Grove
Ironwood Grove, located on Riverside Drive, offers a stylish and comfortable stay in Nashville. With a modern aesthetic and vibrant atmosphere, this hotel is ideally situated for exploring the city's attractions while providing a relaxing retreat with convenient amenities.
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The Gilmore, an AvantStay Hotel
The Gilmore, an AvantStay Hotel, offers stylish, modern accommodations in a prime Nashville location. With rooftop access and proximity to downtown attractions, restaurants, and coffee shops, it's ideal for groups and travelers seeking a vibrant city experience. This luxury property provides a perfect base for exploring Nashville's bustling scene.
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