Nashville's Best Hotels, Restaurants and Attractions

Also known as 'Music City', Nashville is frequently celebrated as the heart of country music, and is a great place to head to if you're interested in America's rich musical heritage. But this diverse and exciting city has so much more to offer than just the outstanding music scene.

With a range of unique and gorgeous hotels, an exciting range of restaurants, and a great attractions and activities to explore, Nashville is a great destination for groups of friends or loved ones.

Nashville's Best Hotels

Known for its rich musical heritage and classic Southern charm, visitors will be impressed to find how well this is reflected in some of the city's best hotels, from being able to experience the vibrant nightlife of Music City without the need to even leave the hotel thanks to on-site live music performances at Bode Nashville, to culinary delights available to sample at the outstanding Thompson Nashville by Hyatt.

Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, as part of a group, or with your family, Nashville's diverse hotel scene ensures everyone can find the perfect place to relax. Let's take a look at some of the city's best hotel options.

The Westin Nashville, Downtown, Nashville

Situated just one mile from Nissan Stadium, The Westin Nashville is one of the most luxurious breathtaking properties in the city. If you're looking for a stay where you can relax and unwind in the lap of luxury, enjoy some unparalleled wellness amenities, or indulge in a romantic weekend away with a loved one, then this is the place for you.

This grand hotel boasts a variety of excellent health and wellness facilities, including the on-site Rhapsody Spa, a sauna, and an indoor pool. There's also an excellent, casual restaurant, a steak house, and a rooftop lounge, where you can indulge in some delicious, local cuisine and beverages.

Much like the rest of the hotel's stunning and elegant décor, the guest rooms also promise luxury, not only in their design but in their excellent amenities, with in-room iPod docking stations, safety deposit boxes, 49-inch flat-screen TVs, and keyless entry.

Thompson Nashville by Hyatt, Downtown, Nashville

Thompson Nashville by Hyatt is a stunning hotel that beautifully fuses an elegant, modern décor style with classic country touches, allowing guests to enjoy all of Nashville's southern charm, without foregoing the luxurious getaway they were hoping for.

Of course, the beauty of this hotel doesn't stop at its appearance, boasting a stunning rooftop bar with sweeping views of Downtown Nashville, a seafood-focused Southern restaurant run by award-winning chefs, and a quaint grab-and-go coffee bar, there's much more than meets the eye at this boutique hotel

Guest rooms also offer free Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speakers, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a rainfall walk-in shower.

Graduate Nashville, Midtown, Nashville

Another great contender on our list that also boasts an outstanding rooftop bar is the amazing Graduate Nashville. Located in Midtown, this pretty pink hotel is the perfect place for a girl's trip! With a stunning, pink, cocktail bar terrace, and elegant rooms fit for a princess, Graduate is a truly unique hotel.

This hotel also boasts an excellent restaurant, an on-site coffee shop, and even an adults-only karaoke bar! It is also located within walking distance of Centennial Park.

There is a huge range of room types available, all of which boast free Wi-Fi, safety deposit boxes, and stunning bathrooms.

Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, Midtown, Nashville

Loews Vanderbilt Hotel is an excellent choice if you value gourmet dining and luxurious, spacious rooms. With free Wi-Fi available across the whole property, access to the on-site fitness center, a delicious restaurant featuring fresh, local ingredients, and an outstanding steak and cocktail house, it's easy to see how this hotel is one of the best in the city.

The property boasts a modern, seamless appearance, from the outside and throughout its facilities, however, once you step inside your comfortable room, you're treated to a sense of classical elegance that sets it apart from most other minimalistic hotels.

Situated only a 10-minute drive from Nashville's bustling city center, and located only a short way from Centennial Park, guests can enjoy an excellent location to retreat to at the end of the day and relax on a cloud-like pillow-top mattress.

Bode Nashville, Downtown, Nashville

This modern, quirky hotel caters to guests with a modern, laid-back taste. Bode Nashville features a selection of great amenities including complimentary internet access, on-site parking, a cafe, and a bar, where guests can enjoy live music on an evening.

All rooms boast a modern, clean, minimal vibe, with gorgeous southern touches of decor sprinkled throughout.

Bode is an excellent place to stay if you're a music lover, as not only can you enjoy live performances at their bar, but it is also within walking distance of a selection of music venues, including the Listening Room Cafe Nashville, Music City Center convention center, Bridgestone Arena, and Ascend Amphitheater. There is also a great assortment of music-related attractions right on the doorstep, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, the National Museum of African American Music, and the Johnny Cash Museum.

Nashville's Best Restaurants

As you may have discovered with the hotels, everything in Nashville is diverse and vibrant, and the dining scene is no different. Featuring a wide range of establishments catering to every palette, there's something perfect for everyone when it comes to dining in Nashville.

From timeless, classic southern diners steeped in history, to charming new open-kitchen establishments with creative and innovative menus, the restaurants across Nashville have as much to offer as the city itself, so let's take a look at five of the most well-loved dining experiences in this amazing southern city.

Wendell Smith's Restaurant, West Nashville

Located in West Nashville, this delectable southern diner has been serving up some of the country's best comfort food since 1952.

While the exterior, décor, and presentation of the food aren't anything special, the outstanding taste and excellent standard of everyone's favorite classics are what keep customers coming back decades later.

At this diner, you can enjoy meat-and-three-style dishes which rotate daily, with BBQ spare ribs every other Monday, Tuesdays bringing mouth-watering meatloaf, and Thursdays introducing insanely delicious fried pork chops. Guests can pair the daily main with their choice of three sides, ranging from a creamy mashed potato to greens, and even fried corn and baked apples.

Iggy's, Wedgewood Houston, Nashville

Situated in Wedgewood Houston, just south of Downtown Nashville, sits the incredible 70-seat dining room of Iggy's. This outstanding establishment focuses on inventive Italian cuisine, serving fresh and imaginative dishes that are sure to delight the senses.

A hotspot for couples and trendsetters alike, head down to Iggy's to sample some of their house-made brioche garlic bread topped with whipped cheese, or confit chicken thigh ravioli. 

Not only is the dining experience here extraordinary, but the establishment also boasts an open kitchen, where guests can watch as the skilled chefs prepare their dishes. If the food is so good you wish you could take it home with you, you're in luck, as Iggy's recently launched an in-house market, where you can buy their pasta and sauces to make at home.

Lou Nashville, East Nashville

This Riverside Village restaurant sits pride of place in East Nashville, and it's definitely a treat if you're looking for somewhere cozy, unique, and with an excellent wine list!

Lou is a pioneer amongst restaurants when it comes to social causes and has hosted many bake sales in favor of the various legislations and movements they support. So, if you're looking for a great way to support causes close to your heart while enjoying an outstanding dining experience, this is the place for you.

Lou boasts an exceptional brunch menu, and mouth-watering specials, such as the roast chicken Sunday dinners!

Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, Downtown, Nashville

Sitting 34 stories high, with floor-to-ceiling windows boasting stunning, sweeping views across downtown Nashville, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, is located inside the JW Marriott Nashville Hotel.

That said, it isn't just the gorgeous views and luxurious interior design flaunted by this excellent steakhouse. The quality of both the service and dishes are also some of the best in the whole city, as is the unique dining experience itself. Instead of the typical bread basket, guests begin their meal by indulging in a trio of fries and delectable high-end sauces, followed by platters of butter-poached steaks, crispy Brussels sprouts, and shellfish. 

Guests can indulge in some other outstanding items too, such as the deserts (the bourbon pecan pie is a frequent favorite) and delicious whiskey cocktails.

Black Dynasty Secret Ramen House, West Nashville

If you're craving some hearty Asian food during your stay in Nashville, then Black Dynasty Secret Ramen House, located in West Nashville is certainly the top choice.

Hidden away inside Bearded Iris Brewing, it's the perfect casual dining spot for foodies and beer lovers. After indulging in a hearty noodle broth, be sure to head to the brewery for any beer-lovers dream night out!

Black Dynasty Secret Ramen House also prides itself on making everything from scratch, including its mouth-watering chewy noodles. Choose from a variety of rich and hearty broths, and enjoy the ramen with a variety of fresh veggies, pork, and gooey soft-boiled eggs. 

Nashville's Best Attractions

If you're staying in Music City, then it's likely you'll want to visit some music-related attractions. Whether it's a live music venue, museum, or historical recording spot, Nashville definitely has you covered.

Don't worry if that's not your thing though, as the city has plenty more to offer than its many music-related attractions. No matter if you're looking for an exciting day out with the family, or want to head off on a whiskey tasting tour at one of the country's best distilleries, there's plenty to see and do here. Let's look at some of the top attractions Nashville has to offer.

Ryman Auditorium, Downtown, Nashville

Aptly known as 'Music City', what better way to experience what Nashville is all about than to enjoy a live music performance at the most famous music venue in town!

The Ryman Auditorium, also known as the "mother church of country music" was originally built as the Union Gospel Tabernacle church in 1892. Today it stands as the most famous venue for live music in Nashville thanks to its unparalleled acoustics and great acts.

The Ryman also offers a backstage tour you can take before it opens for evening shows, making it a great spot for music and history lovers.

Distillery Tour, multiple locations Nashville

Aside from country music, Nashville is known for being the heart of Tennessee's whiskey country.

For this reason, if ever there was a place to go on a whiskey tour, it would be here! Take a drive out into the nearby countryside to visit Jack Daniel's Distillery, or visit the Nelson Green Brier or Corsair Distilleries in the city.

At these locations, you can enjoy a tour of the distillery site, and sample a variety of whiskeys.

National Museum of African American Music, Downtown

Situated in the downtown area of Nashville, the National Museum of African American Music takes visitors through a series of engaging exhibitions that explore the evolution of African American culture through music and time. 

If you're looking for a way to simply celebrate black heritage, or learn more about the history and culture of African American individuals, then this museum should definitely be on your Nashville bucket list!

Beginning with the indigenous African music which survived during slavery, all the way through to modern-day hip-hop, this museum takes you on a musical journey through time with engaging and interactive exhibits.

Nashville Zoo, Grassmere, Nashville

Located a short way out of the city center is the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. This amazing zoo is the perfect day out for families, couples, and animal lovers alike, with plenty of engaging and educational exhibits.

Boasting more than 3,000 animals of over 325 different species (including both local wildlife and exotic animals), there's plenty to see at this zoo. Whether you're hoping to see clouded leopards on the prowl, various species of monkeys swinging from the trees, white rhinoceroses grazing in their field, alligators swimming, red pandas chilling, anacondas wrapping around branches, or meerkats on the look-out, there's something exciting for everyone here.

Guests frequently praise the standard of this zoo, with many impressed with the well-kept and well-designed facilities.

Historic RCA Studio B, Music Row, Nashville

Music lovers may wish to visit the nearby Country Music Hall of Fame in Downtown Nashville, however, did you know that you could also take a one-hour tour of the famous RCA Studio B?

Located near Music Row, this recording studio once welcomed the likes of Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, and the Everly Brothers. Having been restored and renovated in order to reflect its historical roots, this studio prides itself on having shot to fame, not only for its many notable guests but also for promoting the 'Nashville Sound' that put the city on the map as an international recording center.

Visit during your stay in Music City to see the exact spots where many of the world's most famous artists through history once recorded their music.