To truly understand what traditional American culture is all about you will have to head to where the best musicians in the country have had their start. We are talking, of course, about Nashville, Tennessee, also known as music city!

The first thing one would usually want to do when visiting Nashville is to pay homage to the great rock stars of old. Names like Johhny Cash and Elvis Pressley are just a few of the idols who are immortalized in this vibrant city.

While Nashville has a respect for the past, the city is always looking for the next best thing. The bars and clubs of Nashville are where the best up and coming artists have their start before making it to the big time!

Like many places in the United States, you will find a whole lot to do, but finding a place to stay will be a headache. Let us make your trip a little bit easier by showing you the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in Nashville!

Get ready to honky-tonk or headbang, your Nashville adventure starts here!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Nashville

• Where to stay in Nashville for your first time? East Nashville
• Where to stay in Nashville close to everything? The Gulch
• Where to stay in Nashville for nightlife? Downtown
• Best neighborhood in Nashville for families? Franklin
• Where to stay in Nashville on a budget? Midtown
• Where to stay in Nashville for couples? SoBro
• Best historic neighborhood in Nashville? Germantown

Where to Stay in Nashville

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Nashville.

Nashville 7 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Here are your best neighborhoods in Nashville! With each district of the city different from the next, be sure to look for the one that fits how you like to travel!

Neighborhood #1 – East Nashville

Best neighbourhood in Nashville for your first time!

• COOLEST thing to do in East Nashville – Grab a beer and say howdy yall at the Urban Cowboy Public House
• BEST place to visit in East Nashville – Take a break from the city and explore Shelby Park, one of the most beautiful natural refuges located in Nashville!

For your first time in Nashville, you want to strike that perfect balance between immersing yourself in the music scene as well as being one with the locals. East Nashville checks everything down the list, being one of the more offbeat and artistic neighborhoods of Nashville.

With loads of parks, art galleries, authentic American dinners, and bars, you will not find a lack of things to do in East Nashville. It wouldn’t be Nashville if you didn’t have amazing music, East Nashville is also home to some of the more popular music venues in town, away from the tourists downtown.

• Browse through some contemporary art at the Art & Invention Gallery
• Flip through some old vinyl records at Grimey’s Used and Pre-loved Music
• Order a cocktail and sip it in style at the Treehouse!
• Catch a live show and down a cup of coffee at Family Wash/ Garage Coffee
• Go local and watch an outdoor film at one of the Grassy Groll Movie Nights!

Best Budget Hotel in East Nashville

Motel 6

If you are a bit strapped on cash or are just looking to stretch out your dollars, the Motel 6 will provide you with a cheap quality stay. This budget motel has a few tricks up its sleeves in the form of free wi-fi throughout the building and even an outdoor pool. Spend more money drinking and partying your way through Nashville and less on your hotel by staying at the budget Motel 6!

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Best Mid-Range Hotel in East Nashville

Super 8

Another option for those looking to explore the artsy neighborhood of East Nashville is Super 8. With extremely comfortable rooms complete with everything you need to have the best nights sleep of your life, this hotel goes above and beyond to give their guests a quality stay. Top it off with breakfast at the hotel, an outdoor pool, and even a lounge, and you will find that there is more to the Super 8 than what meets the eye!

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Best Luxury Hotel in East Nashville

Clarion Hotel Downtown

Who knows when will be the next time you are in Nashville, might as well live a little! The Clarion Hotel comes with everything you need to ensure that this holiday is going to be one to remember! With its very own gym, ticket counter, tour desk, and indoor pool, you are going to feel like royalty from the time you check-in to the time you pack your bags!

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Hey! Looking for things to do during your stay in Nashville? Our friends at Wild Hearted have written this epic Nashville Bucket List. Check it out!

Neighborhood #2 – The Gulch

Where to stay in Nashville close to everything!

• COOLEST thing to do in The Gulch – Gawk at the instruments and oddities that line the shelves in the boutique shop Two Old Hippies
• BEST place to visit in The Gulch – Catch a concert at one of the oldest bluegrass joints in town, The Station Inn!

The Gulch is the best neighborhood downtown, without having to actually stay downtown. Located smack in between the CBD and music row, The Gulch puts all of the hottest spots in Nashville within your grasp. While this neighborhood connects you to some of the most iconic places around town, you are sure to find just as much to do within The Gulch as well!

Much like the rest of Nashville, you are going to have tons of American dinners serving the best plate of fried chicken you have ever had in your life and music venues which will have you jumping to your feet! Top it all off with bars serving some of the best drinks in town and you have a neighborhood you will be wanting to call home just a little bit longer!

• Grab a beer and listen to some local music at The Pub Nashville
• Satisfy your sweet tooth by devouring some chocolate at Clots Chocolates
• Walk the halls and take in some art at The First Center for Visual Arts
• Wake up and chow down at Biscuit Love, one of the best breakfast restaurants in town!
• Tap your feet to some Johnny Cash and down your beer while hanging out at Hops & Crafts

Best Budget Hotel in The Gulch

Best Western Plus

At the Best Western Plus, the staff will make sure you always have the perfect night’s sleep and start each day on the right foot. With a piping hot breakfast every morning, you will be exploring all of Nashville with a full stomach. Top it all off with an in-house fitness center and an outdoor pool, this hotel goes above and beyond to make sure you have the vacation of a lifetime!

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Best Mid-range hotel in The Gulch

Pool View Flat

Go a bit more local with your stay in Nashville and rent your very own apartment! When booking into one of these luxurious flats you will have access to the complex’s very own outdoor pool and fitness center. The spacious and airy apartments alone are more than enough to consider ditching your vacation and moving to Nashville altogether!

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Best Luxury Hotel in The Gulch

Union Station Hotel Nashville

There is so much luxury and class that goes into this hotel, that the staff might as well hand out monocles and top hats at the reception! Jokes aside, this hotel is meant for those guests who are looking to truly up the ante and have the vacation of their lives. With an onsite bar, restaurant, fitness center, and giftshop barely scratching the surface of what this historic luxury offers, you are sure to be wanting to live the high life just a little bit longer after checking out.

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Neighborhood #3 – Downtown Nashville

Where to stay in Nashville for nightlife!

• COOLEST thing to do in Downtown Nashville – walk the halls of the best names in music at the Country Music Hall of Fame
• BEST place to visit in Downtown Nashville – get a taste of local history and even the history of American music at the Tennessee State Museum!

If you are wanting to be in the center of all of the action look no further than downtown Nashville! It goes without saying that downtown is the place to be if you are looking to see aspiring musicians and some of the best act in the business today! With tons of bars and clubs playing literally any kind of music you can imagine, a good time is never too far away!

When you need a break from all those late nights and smoky bars, downtown  Nashville has its fair share of history as well. With historical buildings and museums spanning from all things to the music and history of the town, you will never have a dull moment in downtown Nashville!

• Learn all about one of the best names in music at the Johnny Cash Museum
• Take in some art inside a 19th century victorian building at the Carl Van Vechten Gallery
• Get your foot tapping to some local music in this intimate venue, the Bluebird Cafe!
• Feel like a local while strolling through Nashville’s antique and farmer’s market
• Walk down the Honky Tonk Highway and find the best bar and music in town!

Best Budget Hotel in Downtown Nashville

The Capitol Hotel

Located right smack in the center of Nashville, The Capitol Hotel lays out all of the city before your feet! After a long day of running around and exploring downtown, this hotel has everything you need to just kick back and relax. With an onsite bistro, bar, and mouth-watering breakfast every morning, The Capitol Hotel is sure to be one of your highlights while staying in Nashville!

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Downtown Nashville

Homewood Suites by Hilton

Sometimes being near all the best sites in town is not enough Homewood Suites has you staying in an actual part of Nashville’s history! This historic hotel pampers its guests with a delicious breakfast, a bar, and even a restaurant. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the hotel is sure to make your mouth drop with its very own convenience store and fitness center!

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Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown Nashville

Holston House Nashville

If you are looking for a truly luxurious stay while on vacation in Nashville, you will find that Holston House Nashville takes your list and checks all the boxes. Boasting its very own outdoor pool, bar, restaurant, fitness center, and so much more, Holston House is the place to go if you are wanting to treat yourself like a king and pamper yourself with the finer things in life!

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Neighborhood #4 – Franklin

Best neighbourhood in Nashville for families!

• COOLEST thing to do in Franklin – Take a trip to the past at the Carnton House!
• BEST place to visit in Franklin – Dance to some local music at one of the hottest venues in town, The Factory!

Nashville is a city teeming with life, but when night falls all of the bars and clubs may be too much for families with small children. Franklin is a small town located just 20 miles from downtown Nashville. This means you will be close enough to enjoy the sights but will be staying in a quiet neighborhood which is both safe and easy to explore!

The quaint suburb of Franklin is brimming with Civil War history, gorgeous parks, boutique shops, and restaurants which will have your mouth watering. Even though you are a bit outside of downtown Nashville, this does not mean the music will stop! You will have more than enough venues in town to truly get that Nashville music vibe but without the stress of the city!

• Explore downtown Franklin with all of its boutique shops and historic houses!
• Spend a day at the Franklin rodeo to get a true feel of what America is all about!
• Visit the Lotz House Museum, and see what it was like to live in the 1800s
• Spend a day in the great outdoors at the Timberland National Park!
• Get even further out of town and explore Leipers Fork, home of many country musicians who want to get away from it all!

Best Budget Hotel in Franklin

Baymont by Wyndham

Located just a little way outside of downtown Franklin, the Baymont by Wyndham offers its guests reasonably priced rooms with top class service. This hotel comes complete with its very own outdoor pool, restaurant, and even a gift shop. For those looking to save some money but not willing to give up any comfort, the Baymont by Wyndham is speaking your language!

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Franklin

Best Western Franklin

Another hotel located just outside of Franklin providing guests with cheap yet quality rooms is the Best Western. With a hotel name you can trust, you know you are getting comfortable rooms when you check into the Best Western! With its very own playground, fitness center, and breakfast, you will have everything you need to make every day a perfect day in Nashville!

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Best Luxury Hotel in Franklin

Franklin Battlefield Inn

If you are wanting to truly go native while traveling through American, the Franklin Battlefield Inn will have you shouting “howdy neighbor!” from your front porch in no time! This quaint suburban cottage is located in the heart of Franklin, just a short minutes walk from all the top destinations. With a homey decor and atmosphere that makes you feel at one with the neighborhood, you will be looking to buy up some property in Franklin before you know it!

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Neighborhood #5 – Midtown

Where to stay in Nashville on a budget!

• COOLEST thing to do in Midtown -walk down Music Row with all of its neon lights, bars, and music venues!
• BEST place to visit in Midtown – tour RCA Studio B, the place where many of the biggest names in music had their start!

Midtown is the place to go for all of those true music buffs out there. Being the closest neighborhood to Music Row, the concert of your life will never be too far away. WIth some of the best bars and music venues within walking distance of your hotel or hostel, the fun is sure to never stop!

Other than the obvious appeal to those looking to party all night long or catch some of the newest names in music before they hit the big time, Midtown also has loads of restaurants to chow down at and less rowdy cafes to just kick back and relax in.

• Grab a burger or a drink at The Row Kitchen and Pub!
• Catch a show at Losers Bar and Grill!
• Lay down a blanket and relax at Centennial Park!
• Take a slice of pizza at the movie-themed Two Boots Pizza
• Sip on a cocktail at one of the best bars in town: Patterson House!

Best Budget Hotel in Midtown

Best Mid-range Hotel in Midtown

Hampton Inn and Suites

With all the perks jam-packed into the Hampton Inn and Suites, you would be thinking you are staying in a resort! This cheap hotel pampers its guests with their very own outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and even a convenience store! Located just minutes away from Centennial Park fun is just minutes away from your doorstep!

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Best Luxury Hotel in Midtown

Hyatt House Nashville

We have two words for you: rooftop pool. If the pool doesn’t already have you sold on Hyatt House, they are sure to woo you over with their own fitness center, restaurant, BBQ, sun terrace, bar, and so much more! The cherry on top is the fact that this luxury hotel has you within walking distance of some of the top sights of Nashville, meaning adventure is never too far away!

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Neighborhood #6 – SoBro

Best neighbourhood in Nashville for couples!

• COOLEST thing to do in SoBro – mix up the music with a concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center
• BEST place to visit in SoBro – grab a beer and catch a show at the Listening Room Cafe

South of Broadway (more commonly known as SoBro) is another great option for tourists who want to keep downtown Nashville within walking distance, but still wanting a taste of something different. On the streets, you will find much of what makes the whole city of Nashville great. Tons of restaurants and bars are sure to have you looking forward to the evening!

What makes SoBro stand apart from the rest of Nashville is the vibrant street art which can be found on nearly every corner and the luxury hotels which can be found throughout this neighborhood.

• Explore some of the street art which can be found throughout SoBro!
• See what is happening this week at the Music City Convention Center!
• Send your tastebuds to heaven at the Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar
• Grab a bite to eat at one of the most famous restaurants in town, The Southern!
• Get ready to boot scoot through Nashville’s Honky Tonk district!

Best Budget Hotel in SoBro

Bode Nashville

Looking for the perfect cross between hotel-level service but an apartment ‘s comfort? Look no further than the Bode Nashville! This reasonably priced hotel provides its guests with tastefully decorated rooms, a sun terrace, lounge, and a location just minutes away from some of the top museums in Nashville!

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Best Mid-range Hotel in SoBro

Nashville Riverfront Lofts

Putting guests literally a few steps away from the Johnny Cash Museum and Nashville’s waterfront, these lofts while have you living like a local in Nashville before you know it! Complete with homey decor and excellent views, these are the kind of rooms you will be wanting to not just stay a few nights in, but move into altogether!

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Best Luxury Hotel in SoBro

Hilton Nashville Downtown

Let’s spruce up your vacation a little more by having you check into the Hilton Downtown! This classy and luxurious hotel will have you waited on hand and foot as you live the life of royalty. With an onsite restaurant, regal decor, fitness center, and the best night’s sleep of your life, there is not a lot more you could ask of your 4-star hotel!

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Neighborhood #7 – Germantown

Best historical neighbourhood in Nashville!

• COOLEST thing to do in Germantown – catch a show at Nashville’s Jazz Workshop!
• BEST place to visit in Germantown – grab a beer at the famous Butchertown Hall, one of the oldest taverns in Germantown!

The neon lights will eventually get old, but the classical architecture and history found in Germantown are sure to last forever. Just outside of downtown, in North Nashville, Germantown is the place to go for those needing a break from all the hustle and bustle of the city and is looking to see the more candid side of Nashville.

This neighborhood is the place to go for travelers looking to feel a bit more like a local. With Victorian houses, fine dining, and loads of places to explore, Germantown is one of Nashville’s best-kept secrets.

• Quench your hunger by grabbing a burger at Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint!
• Check out some leather goods at Peter Nappi’s
• Stroll through the Germantown Market and get a taste of local culture!
• Have a meal at The Band Box, a restaurant which is home to good food and loads of games!

Best Budget Hotel in Germantown

Fairfield Inn and Suites

Just a little north of Germantown you will have the perfect night’s sleep at the Fairfield Inn! The spacious rooms and comfortable beds are not all that this hotel offers! Guests will also be delighted to find a garden, fitness center, lounge, bar, and even an indoor pool within the hotel!

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Germantown

Holiday Inn and Suites

Holiday Inn is another one of those names that you can trust, and their Germantown location is no exception. Wowing their guests with their indoor pool, free breakfast, fitness center, bar, and even a restaurant, this hotel has everything you need to begin each day on the right foot!

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Best Luxury Hotel in Germantown

The Germantown Inn

Truly immerse yourself in Germantown by staying in your very own room inside of a 19th-century house! Built-in 1865, this inn just emits elegance and charm from the second you hit the door! With a delicious breakfast every morning and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city, this is the one hotel which will never stop surprising you!

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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Nashville?

No matter what kind of music you fancy, you are sure to find a concert for you every night in Nashville! With both a rich history and a modern sense of fashion, Nashville is a city which continues to build a reputation on the successes of past music legends.

With the bars, restaurants, clubs, and history, no two days spent in Nashville will ever be the same! Get ready to eat, drink, and dance your way through Music City!

Nashville has loads of neighborhoods, each offering something different to travelers. Our pick for the best place to stay in town has to be The Gulch. This is the one neighborhood putting tourists right smack in the heart of Nashville!

Get ready to boot scoot your way into Music City, your Nashville adventure is just around the corner!

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