If you were coming to Nashville and asked me: should I stay in Franklin or Nashville? I'd give you the following advice.
Nashville and Franklin offer unique cultural experiences; choosing the right destination depends on your personal preferences. If you want to experience the music, bars, nightlife, and main attractions of Nashville, staying in downtown Nashville would be more convenient. Franklin is best for a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere focusing on history and local charm.
Franklin is 21 miles from Nashville, which is about a 30-minute drive. There is nothing to stop you from experiencing both areas. Depending, of course, on how long you have and what you want to do.
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.
As a Nashville local, I'm here to give you the highlights of each city and help you decide which is best for your visit. Here's what you need to know about Franklin and Nashville! Learn more about me here.
Quick Overview of Franklin
Franklin is a beautiful small town deep in the Tennessee countryside and has become one of the top ten places to live in America.
It's a quiet and prosperous area boasting the highest per capita income in the state.
You'll be impressed with the beautiful homes and streets. It's also rich in Civil War-era history and buildings. Franklin is the site of one of the bloodiest Civil War battles.
Today, the downtown area covers 15 blocks and is very walkable. Historic buildings have been preserved and now hold many boutique shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and movie theatres.
Hotels and parking in Franklin will generally be cheaper. Two garages in Franklin allow you to park for free.
Top Franklin Attractions
- Arrington Vineyards.
- A stroll down Main Street
- Franklin On Foot Tour
- Lots House Museum. Used as a base during the Civil War.
- Bowie Nature Park. Over 700 acres of green space for hiking.
- Dark Horse Recording Studio. Stars like Taylor Swift and Keith Urban have recorded here.
- Natchez Trace Parkway.
- Whiskey Time Distillery
Top Rated Hotels in Franklin
The Harpeth Franklin Downtown
- #1 of 31 Hotels in Franklin
- Downtown Franklin
- Walking distance to shopping & restaurants
- Close to Cool Springs
Drury Plaza Hotel Franklin
- Breakfast included.
- Free parking.
- Pool.
- Kids stay free.
- Comfortable
- Friendly staff.
Hampton Inn & Suites Franklin Berry Farms
- #2 of 31 hotels in Franklin
- 💲Best Value!
- Great location
- New and modern
- Highly rated
Best Western Franklin
- #14 of 31 hotels in Franklin
- 💲Great value! Prices from $80.
- Clean and comfortable
- Close to downtown Franklin
Quick Overview of Nashville
Staying in the downtown Nashville area gives you access to major attractions that draw millions of visitors annually. I've written a complete guide to the things to do in downtown Nashville that you can find by clicking here.
Lower Broadway, known as the Honky-Tonk highway, is where most of the hustle and bustle is, and for good reason. It features 32 bars that play incredible live country music from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. every day of the year. When you think of Nashville, Broadway is the place that comes to mind.
Staying downtown also gives you walkable access to the Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, the Musicians Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena, Nissan Stadium, and some great places to eat, like Jacks BBQ on Broadway.
Walking downtown with very little crime is generally safe, specifically in the tourist areas.
Top Nashville Attractions
- The Musicians Hall of Fame
- Country Music Hall of Fame
- Ryman Auditorium
- Lower Broadway
- Acme Feed & Seed
- The Johnny Cash Museum
- RCA Studio B
- Music Row
- Printers Alley
- The Gulch
Top Rated Nashville Hotels
Dream Nashville
- Close to Printers Alley & Broadway
- Walk to Country Music Hall of Fame & Musicians Hall of Fame
- Only 9 miles from Nashville Airport
- Great restaurant and bar
Holiday Inn Nashville
- #1 rated hotel in Nashville
- 💲Great value!
- Walk to major attractions.
- Close to Vanderbilt and Centennial Park.
Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown
- Walking distance to downtown
- Highly rated customer service
- Great for business meetings
- Amazing views of the city
Holiday Inn Express Downtown
- 💲Great value!
- Starting at $149/night
- Walk to major attractions
- Close to Hard Rock Cafe, State Capital & Country Music Hall of Fame
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