Where To Stay In Nashville ( BEST AREA & Hotels )

Where to Stay in Nashville: Best Areas & Neighbourhoods

By Carles Barcelo. Updated January 2026

It’s time to visit the birthplace of country music, so don’t forget to pack your cowboy boots. Nashville, also known as Music City, is a lively destination that moves to the rhythm of country, rock, blues, and Americana. You can enjoy live music any night of the week on Lower Broadway, visit legendary venues such as the Ryman Auditorium, or explore museums like the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum.

Beyond music, Nashville also offers historical and cultural attractions such as the Belle Meade Plantation, a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park, and beautiful green spaces like the Opryland Hotel Gardens. The Parthenon replica was originally built for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition and remains a unique landmark today. With its mix of culture, nightlife, shopping, and southern hospitality, Nashville appeals to a wide range of travellers.

The best area to stay in Nashville is the downtown area, near all of the lively shops, honky-tonks and restaurants at the centre of the city’s nightlife. In this area, you’ll also be within walking distance of major attractions like the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Frist Centre for the Visual Arts. It’s also a great choice for shopping, with plenty of shops and malls along Broadway and 5th Avenue. The area has excellent transport links, with the Riverfront train station nearby and regular buses running to and from the airport.

On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Nashville, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

Practical Information for Visiting Nashville

• Country: United States
• State: Tennessee
• Currency: US Dollar ($)
• Language: English
• Safety: Use common sense, especially at night outside central areas
• Best time to visit:
  • April-June and September-October for pleasant weather
• Getting there: Nashville International Airport (BNA), about 15-20 minutes from downtown depending on traffic

Where to stay in Nashville: Quick Overview

• Downtown → Best for first-time visitors and nightlife
• Opryland Area → Entertainment, shopping, family-friendly
• Music Row → Country music industry and central location
• East Nashville → Trendy, creative, great food scene
• West End → Nightlife, Centennial Park, music venues
• Green Hills → Shopping and upscale neighbourhood
• The Gulch → Trendy, walkable, dining and nightlife

Related destinations: Memphis, New Orleans, Atlanta, Pittsburgh

Downtown area, the best area to stay in Nashville

Downtown Nashville is by far the most convenient and exciting area to stay in, especially for first-time visitors. It is the heart of the city’s nightlife, packed with honky-tonks, bars, live music venues, shops, and restaurants. Major attractions such as the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Frist Art Museum are all within walking distance.

Downtown is also one of the closest areas to Nashville International Airport, with regular buses and hotel shuttle services available. While Nashville has areas that require caution, downtown is well-policed and generally safe for visitors who use common sense, particularly at night.

Shopping options are concentrated along Broadway and 5th Avenue, offering everything from souvenirs to major brands. Transport links are excellent, allowing easy access to other parts of the city.

Hotels in Downtown Nashville

Other neighbourhoods to stay in Nashville

Opryland Area

The Opryland Area, which includes Music Valley, is known for entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly attractions. It is easily accessible by public transport and offers a safe, relaxed environment while still being close to downtown.

Highlights include the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, featuring indoor gardens, shows, restaurants, and an indoor river. The legendary Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills Mall are also located here, offering shopping and dining options for all tastes.

Hotels in Opryland Area

Music Row

Music Row is the heart of Nashville’s recording industry and one of the most iconic districts in the city. Located southwest of downtown, it is home to recording studios, music-related businesses, and tree-lined boulevards.

The area is safe, central, and well connected, making it a good base for visitors who want a quieter stay while remaining close to downtown. Most restaurants, bars, and music venues are located along Demonbreun Street.

Hotels in Music Row

East Nashville

Located across the Cumberland River, East Nashville is a creative and trendy neighbourhood known for its independent restaurants, cafés, and vibrant nightlife. It is popular with locals and visitors looking for a more alternative vibe.

The Five Points area is especially lively, with street art, live music, and excellent dining options. East Nashville also offers green spaces like Shelby Bottoms Park, ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling.

Hotels in East Nashville

West End

West End is a lively district known for nightlife, music venues, and dining. It is home to Centennial Park, one of the city’s largest green spaces, featuring a full-scale replica of the Parthenon.

The area offers a wide range of hotels and restaurants, from traditional steakhouses to upscale international cuisine. Rock music fans should visit the Elliston Place Rock Block, home to some of Nashville’s most iconic rock clubs.

Hotels in West End

Green Hills

Green Hills is an affluent neighbourhood located about 10 minutes south of downtown. It is best known for upscale shopping, particularly at The Mall at Green Hills, which features brands such as Apple, Sephora, and Nordstrom.

The area also offers excellent dining options and the famous Bluebird Café, a must-visit venue known for showcasing both emerging and well-known songwriters.

Hotels in Green Hills

The Gulch

The Gulch is one of Nashville’s most modern and walkable neighbourhoods, located just south of downtown. Following major urban redevelopment, it has become a trendy area filled with restaurants, bars, and music venues.

It is home to the historic Station Inn, famous for live bluegrass music. The Gulch is ideal for travellers looking for nightlife, great food, and a stylish atmosphere close to downtown.

Hotels in The Gulch

Related Destinations

If you are planning a longer trip in the southern United States, you may also enjoy Memphis for blues and rock history, New Orleans for jazz and Creole culture, Atlanta for a major urban experience, or Pittsburgh for culture and architecture.

Our recommended hotels in Where to Stay in Nashville: Best Areas & Top Hotels (2026 Guide)

Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Where to Stay in Nashville: Best Areas & Top Hotels (2026 Guide) Note: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.