The 9 Best Areas To Stay in Nashville

Whether you’re traveling to Nashville for the first time or you’re looking to see a new side of the city, Nashville has tons of areas that have curated styles perfect for a range of visitors.

The Best Areas To Stay in Nashville

12 South

The mile-long strip of bars and restaurants here makes it a perfect central hub for your Nashville trip.

12 South is a popular area in the city and becoming more popular for bachelorette parties and other group trips, but with a more toned-down vibe than downtown.

This compact shopping and eating district are perfect for exploring the local side of Nashville, and there are tons of AirBnB in the area which offer up whole homes for your stay.

Sevier Park isn’t too far away, and there are tons of popular restaurants to indulge in, plus nightlife when you’re ready for a little fun.

12 South is perfect for a day trip or a whole weekend; either way, you’ll have a great time.

Downtown

The heart of Nashville, who wouldn’t want to stay right in the middle of all the hustle, bustle, and live music?

Downtown Nashville is a lively area filled to the brim with bars, music venues, restaurants, and historical landmarks.

You’ll experience all this just west of the Cumberland River, which contains many of the attractions that Music City is best known for.

The Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and the Johnny Cash museum name just a few.

This area includes Broadway, which is most recently gotten the reputation as Nash-vegas for its party-like atmosphere. Downtown Nashville is the perfect place for party-goers or first-time visitors.

East Nashville

While this is a mostly residential area, it’s still a centrally located area for visitors.

East Nashville is much more laid-back than the Downtown area and can be found on the other side of the Cumberland River.

From here, you’ll be able to get to most Nashville neighborhoods quickly, but you’ll definitely need a car if you plan on staying in this area, as it’s not walkable.

There is a fun and quirky atmosphere that includes coffee shops, hip bars, and trendy restaurants.

Five Points is also an artsy area that’s worth checking out. East Nashville will have you forgetting you’re staying in a city, but with all the amenities just a short car ride away.

Germantown

This historic area is a foodie paradise as it boasts some of the best restaurants and bars in the city of Nashville.

Germantown is the result of German immigrants moving to the area in the 1840s, and they quickly built this Nashville suburb just north of the downtown area.

Here you’ll find a neighborhood feel, and it’s an extremely walkable area in Music City.

There’s a historic residential character, including large sidewalks that connect to coffee shops, acclaimed restaurants, boutiques, and salons.

There’s so much to see and do in this historic area, making Germantown a perfect place to stay.

The Gulch

Here you’ll find a smaller trendy area between Downtown Nashville and Midtown that’s the perfect place to stay for those wanting an upscale experience.

The Gulch has a much different feel than the nearby Downtown area, as it’s a high-end neighborhood filled with bars, restaurants, and shops to match.

The area is filled with Art Deco architecture, The Frist Art Museum, and tons of live music that fills the streets.

Easy to navigate without a car, and it’s within walking distance from everything you’d want to see in Music City, making The Gulch a great place to stay.

Hillsboro Village

South of Music Row and near Vanderbilt University, you’ll find this cozy indie area. Hillsboro Village offers a ton of vintage shops and the famous Belcourt Theater.

This area backs up to the 12 South neighborhood meaning there’s access to tons of unique boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and great coffee shops just waiting to be explored.

This is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city, so it’s perfect for visitors who don’t want to bring a vehicle and creates a fun, leisurely way to explore this part of the city.

Hillsboro Village is the perfect home base for any Nashville trip.

Midtown

Among the safest areas to stay in Nashville, this neighborhood is a popular place for visitors and locals alike.

Midtown is not nearly as crowded as Downtown Nashville, but the lively atmosphere is still found here.

You’ll see the city’s rich music history alive and well in this area as it’s filled with bars and live music venues that feature artists and almost every genre nearly every night of the week.

Near Vanderbilt University, the nightlife here is fueled by the local student population.

You’ll also find Music Row in this area, where tons of music studios, radio stations, and record labels call home.

Enjoy all the nightlife and fun of Music City without all the crowds of downtown in the welcoming Midtown neighborhood.

Music Valley

Located north of East Nashville, while this area is far from downtown and has less of a party atmosphere, it still draws a large number of tourists.

Music Valley is popular because it’s home to the Grand Ole Opry House, which is a staple in country music history.

This space still offers live music throughout the week, with well-known names and up-and-coming artists performing back to back.

The largest shopping mall in the area is also near this area, with over 200 stores to explore.

This is the perfect destination for families near the heart of Nashville, but without the worry of party-goers everywhere you turn.

Opryland Resort is also in this area and doesn’t require tickets, making it a go-to destination for everyone in your group.

Music Valley is a terrific place to stay in Nashville and celebrate its musical history.

West End

Sometimes considered part of Midtown, this area is similar to the neighboring vibe and offers an even more peaceful atmosphere.

West End is a great destination for those hoping to travel without too much nightlife.

If you’ve been to Nashville a few times or just want to see something different on your trip, this area will offer a new side of Music City not many tourists see. Less crowded Nashville attractions are found here, like Centennial Park.

This large urban park contains a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon, and this venue hosts many events throughout the year, including free community concerts.

West End is a great way to explore Nashville and has lots of budget-friendly accommodations, perfect for any traveler.

Final Thoughts

When traveling to Nashville, you’ll want to stay in the right area for your needs, and these neighborhoods have plenty of vibes to pick from.