Should I Stay In Franklin Or Nashville?

From the Author: I've lived and worked in Nashville for 12+ years. I'm heavily involved with the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, so when you visit, you might find me giving the odd tour or helping out wherever possible. If you have any questions, I respond quickly to comments. Come in and say hi!

If you’re heading to Nashville and can't decide whether to stay in Franklin or Nashville, let me help you out.

Nashville and Franklin offer different vibes. If you’re after music, bars, nightlife, and major attractions, downtown Nashville is your spot. It’s the beating heart of “Music City,” with live tunes spilling from every venue and endless things to do.

Franklin, however, provides a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere focused on history and local charm. It’s ideal for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle and soak in a peaceful setting.

Franklin is just 21 miles from Nashville, about a 30-minute drive. This means you can easily explore both places, depending on your time and interests.

If you want to stay within walking distance of Broadway and the major Nashville attractions, you should stay in downtown Nashville. Franklin is cheaper and quieter if you don't mind driving back and forth (it's an easy drive). If you want to enjoy Franklin's history, small-town feel, boutique shops, coffee shops, and restaurants, Franklin is for you.

An Uber ride from Franklin to Nashville will cost between $30 – $50, depending on the time of day.

You can enjoy both locations if you are okay with paying for a rental car or an Uber, plus the time it takes to drive back and forth.

It comes down to what you want to see and experience. Staying closer to the action in downtown Nashville makes life easier if you want to hit all the major Nashville attractions. Something else to consider is cost. It's more expensive to stay downtown.

We'll take a closer look at the options below.

Franklin is a charming small town nestled in the Tennessee countryside, ranked among the top ten places to live in America.

It’s a peaceful, prosperous area with the highest per capita income in the state.

You’ll be struck by the beautiful homes and streets. Rich in Civil War history, Franklin was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

Today, its downtown spans 15 walkable blocks. Historic buildings now house boutique shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and movie theaters.

Hotels and parking in Franklin are generally cheaper. Plus, two garages offer free parking.

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Top Franklin Attractions

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1. Arrington Vineyards.
2. A stroll down Main Street
3. Franklin On Foot Tour
4. Lots House Museum. Used as a base during the Civil War.
5. Bowie Nature Park. Over 700 acres of green space for hiking.
6. Dark Horse Recording Studio. Stars like Taylor Swift and Keith Urban have recorded here.
7. Natchez Trace Parkway.
8. Whiskey Time Distillery

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Top Rated Hotels in Franklin

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Quick Overview of Nashville

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Staying in downtown Nashville puts you close to major attractions that draw millions of visitors each year. Check out my complete guide to things to do in downtown Nashville here.

Lower Broadway, known as the Honky-Tonk Highway, is the epicenter of Nashville's hustle and bustle. With 32 bars offering live country music from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily, it's the first place that comes to mind when you think of Nashville.

Downtown also gives you easy access to the Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, the Musicians Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, Nissan Stadium, and fantastic dining spots like Jack’s BBQ on Broadway.

Walking around downtown is generally safe, especially in the tourist areas.

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Top Nashville Attractions

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1. The Musicians Hall of Fame
2. Country Music Hall of Fame
3. Ryman Auditorium
4. Lower Broadway
5. Acme Feed & Seed
6. The Johnny Cash Museum
7. RCA Studio B
8. Music Row
9. Printers Alley
10. The Gulch

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Top Rated Nashville Hotels

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