The Best Places to Stay in Nashville for an Unforgettable Experience

Explore the 5 best places to stay in Nashville and what makes these areas unique. Find out what to do when in Nashville for an immersive experience.

Lovingly known as Music City, Nashville has a robust history in radio, country music, and rock and roll. This makes it a must-visit for audiophiles. But beyond the music scene, this friendly, funky town also offers some worthy stops for foodies and creatives of all sorts.

Whether you’re seeing a show at the famed Grand Ole Opry or checking out the trendiest spots in each unique Nashville neighborhood, all your senses are in for a treat. To plan a top-notch trip, here are some of the coolest attractions to add to your itinerary and the best places to stay in Nashville. 

Top Attractions in Nashville

Nashville offers something for everyone to enjoy, like unique eateries, museums, and music venues that will fill your soul. No matter your interests, you’re bound to find something to enjoy in the city. Here’s what to see while you’re in town. 

Music 

Don’t stop in Music City without exploring the famed country scene. Check out the Grand Ole Opry, which is a legendary radio broadcast center that offers weekly live performances. Afterward, make your way to the Ryman Auditorium, which is the former home of the Opry Broadcast and one of the top venues for live music acts in Nashville.

For a more intimate experience, branch out to smaller locales like the Bluebird Cafe, The Listening Room, or The 5 Spot — each of which has made its mark for showcasing well-known and up-and-coming songwriters and artists.

Food

Nashville is well known for its specialty “hot” chicken, and Hattie B’s lays claim to serving up some of the best in the city. Barbecue and “meat and three” (a dining style that allows you to pick a cut of meat and three sides) are also quintessential Nashville offerings, and you can have your fill at top spots like Martin’s Bar-B-Que and Arnold’s Country Kitchen.

Not the carnivorous type? There are also vegan and vegetarian spots, like Vegelicious, that offer plant-based takes on the city’s favorite dishes.

If you’re after more upscale dining, check out spots like Pinewood Social or Butcher & Bee for exquisite menus and ambiance. 

Arts

If you’re a fine arts fan, add the Frist Art Museum and the Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery to your list. Both offer prestigious and unique exhibits that rotate throughout the year. 

For those seeking a more underground or contemporary scene, the best places to go in Nashville are Oz Arts, Chauvet Arts, or the Nashville Artist Collective.

Sports 

If you’re a football or hockey fan, you’ll know Nashville is home to the NFL Tennessee Titans and the NHL Predators. The city also has a AAA baseball team called the Nashville Sounds that plays at the Sounds Stadium. Whichever sport piques your interest, be sure to catch a game. 

Shopping

Luxury shoppers are in for a treat at The Mall at Greenhills, a chic outpost featuring boutiques like Gucci and Saint Laurent. If you aren’t feeling the luxury vibe, check out the GasLamp Antiques & Decorating Mall or one of the city’s many boutiques and vintage shops. 

Where to Stay in Nashville: The 5 Best Neighborhoods 

Choose the best area for your Nashville stay with this guide to the city’s top neighborhoods. In Nashville, places to stay are never in short supply, and there’s an accommodation option for every type of traveler — from high-rise luxury hotels to more homey offerings and more. 

Downtown Nashville 

There are plenty of places to stay in downtown Nashville that put you in the middle of the action — especially if you land on Broadway Street, which is home to some of the best music venues, restaurants, and bars. Since the downtown area serves as the tourism and business center of the city, it’s also a great home base if you like a walkable location. 

With luxury boutique hotels and more price-conscious inns, you have many options to choose from. But if you’re looking for where to stay in downtown Nashville for a more extended visit, check out Landing’s flexible lease apartments at the Carillon.

The Gulch

The Gulch is one of the most unique places to stay in Nashville, TN. It’s a LEED-certified community, meaning it meets sustainability standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council and focuses on enhancing quality of life for residents while minimizing environmental impact.

As one of the top places to stay in Nashville for anyone seeking a walkable adventure, the neighborhood offers trendy bars, fashionable eateries, and several music venues. There’s even a greenway with murals for those seeking prime Instagram content and a biking path for those looking for some fresh air.

While the Gulch has plenty of hip hotels and cozy accommodations, if you’re looking to book an extended stay in the area, check out the charming Landing rentals at Haven at the Gulch. 

Midtown

Midtown is home to a mix of business people and students and offers a vibrant nightlife. If you’re looking for a laid-back yet fun location, this is arguably the best area to stay in Nashville. With Vanderbilt University nearby, the college-town vibe lends to zero-fuss bars and cafes. It also boasts many well-loved spots, like The Row, that will surely keep you entertained with music and give you a fun reason to dress up for date night. 

Midtown is also home to the massive Centennial Park, where you can escape the city rhythm, enjoy the beautiful replica of the Athens Parthenon, and get your nature fix.

If you’re looking for lodging in this Nashville borough, you’ll find wallet-conscious chain hotels, a luxurious Conrad property, and high-rise apartments for rent with Landing at 2010 West End.

Music Row

For anyone headed to Nashville for the live music scene, base yourself in the heart of Music Row, which is home to some of the biggest record companies and studios in the city. 

While it doesn’t have the same nightlife as Downtown, this area offers plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy and isn’t far from The Gulch or the Vanderbilt University area if you need a change of pace. Music Row also has a wealth of accommodation options, from affordable chains to unique rental spaces, like the Landing apartments at Artisan on 18th. 

East Nashville

East Nashville is one of the best places to live in Nashville if you’re the creative or bohemian type. The neighborhood, located across the Cumberland River from Downtown, is one of the hippest areas of the city — home to underground music, trendy eateries, on-site breweries, and social rooftop spots.

This area is also brimming with quaint shops and boutiques, making it an excellent place to find one-of-a-kind treasures. For an especially unique shopping experience, head to Kreate Hub, which is a studio space where visitors can peruse hand-crafted jewelry or fashion.

In line with its hip reputation, East Nashville offers almost exclusively boutique hotels. Landing also has several living spaces for rent in nearby neighborhoods, like Downtown, for those who want to be close to the East Nashville action on a longer stay. 

Nashville Visitor FAQs

Get the most out of your Nashville trip with tips from those who’ve gone before you. Here are a few responses to Music City FAQs you should know when you go. 

Q: Is It Better to Stay in Music Row or Downtown Nashville?

A: Downtown Nashville is best for visitors who want to be closer to attractions and a central jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the city. But Music Row may be a better option for longer-term stays if you want to have some peace and stay on the outskirts of the real hustle and bustle of the city.  

Q: Is Nashville Fun for Families? 

A: Nashville’s reputation for music venues and bars may make it sound quite adult-friendly, but there’s plenty for younger members of families to do, too. Explore family-forward fare at Nashville’s famed southern restaurants (What kid doesn’t love French fries and crispy chicken?) and shows appropriate for all ages, like many at the Grand Ole Opry.

Q: What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Nashville? 

A: Nashville’s weather is temperate, so it’s a pleasant city to visit all year round. Plus, the town constantly has events, meaning there’s always a great show to attend, no matter the season. 

Live Like a Music City Local With Landing 

Digital nomads, music fans, and culinary explorers considering an extended stay in Nashville have an adventure in store. Make your stay more comfortable by renting a fully furnished Landing apartment with a flexible lease that fits your schedule. Pack your cowboy boots (and maybe some antacids for all that hot chicken) and prepare to get your honky-tonk on.