These Music City Airbnbs Exude All of Nashville’s Southern Charm

Find stays for country music lovers, bachelorette parties, and southern foodies.AirbnbIn the two decades I’ve lived in Nashville, I’ve seen a lot of changes. When I first moved, my friends and family would ask why I lived here; now, they’re asking when they can come visit. And as the Music City grows, so does the number of gorgeous places to stay. Travelers can choose from vacation rentals in any neighborhood for any group size, whether that be large bachelorette parties looking to hang out near the honky-tonks, or solo music lovers who want to catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Houses with vast yards are good options for folks with kids, dogs, and songwriter friends who want to pull out the guitar, and some even boast private pools that let you keep the summer heat at bay. Nashville, of course, is known for its street of honky-tonks, and securing a modern condo downtown with a bird’s-eye view of all the action offers a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t soon forget. No matter what type of stay you’re after, there’s an excellent Nashville vacation rental worth holing up in. Read on for some of my favorite vacation rentals in the city I call home.We've selected these listings based on Superhost and Guest Favorite status, editor stays, ratings, amenities, location, decor, and previous guest reviews.Top picksMore editor-recommended Airbnbs in NashvilleFrequently asked questionsOur top picks:Best for groups: Four-bedroom with room to roamBest for an outdoor adventure: Tree house in the woodsBest for pets: Pet-friendly home in East NashvilleFour-bedroom with room to roamNumber of guests: 12Bed and bath: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathsWhy we love it: Cozy fireplace, roomy layout, spacious yard, large dining tableComfortable and quiet, this family-ready home in South Nashville will make you feel like a true local. With four bedrooms—three kings and a room with bunk beds for kids—all dressed in modern, neutral tones; two baths; and a dog-friendly policy, the whole family will enjoy a stay here. There’s even a dedicated workspace if you have to check in with the office while on the road. It’s an oasis slightly away from all the noise and activity that downtown brings, but just a short drive from any late-night action you desire.Location: South NashvilleThings to do nearby: Geodis Park (the MLS stadium); the Nashville Fairgrounds; Adventure Science Center; Zanies’ comedy club; bars, restaurants, and shopping in Wedgewood-HoustonCozy tree house in the woodsNumber of guests: 2Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathWhy we love it: Shou Sugi Ban traditional Japanese design, peaceful location, firepitJust 16 miles away from downtown Nashville, this bed-and-breakfast tree house on 22 wooded acres can feel worlds away from Lower Broadway and the neon honky-tonk nightlife. But in half an hour, you could be back in the center of the action, should you want to be. It’s the perfect spot for those who like to balance their big-city trips with a bit of solitude and relaxation after a long day. At home, expect great views, a delicious breakfast, and the chance to truly disconnect—there’s no Wi-Fi or TV.Location: Ashland CityThings to do nearby: Hiking trails on property, Beaman Park, Cumberland River kayakingEast Nashville cottage in blush pinkNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathWhy we love it: Photogenic pink backdrop, free parking, wood-fired pizza oven, outdoor projector, guitar, local landlordsEast Nashville’s self-named “Nashville Pinky” is bedecked in a paler pink than some other properties in the city, but it doesn’t scale back when it comes to making Music City fun. Spend the day at home watching movies on the outdoor projector and eating pizza from the wood-fired oven. There’s also a guitar if you want to pick your way through some songs, and vinyl records from the nearby record shop, The Groove. When you’re ready to head out, the neighborhood is full of bars, boutiques, and restaurants, and you’re a quick bus ride, bike ride, or Uber from Lower Broadway.Location: East NashvilleThings to do nearby: Five Points bars and restaurants, Shoppes on Fatherland, the Basement East music venue, Shelby ParkPet-friendly home in East NashvilleNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathWhy we love it: Pet-friendly, private parking, stock tank tub, electric fireplace, cozy loft spaceFinding a pet-friendly Airbnb isn't as easy as it seems, as many homes come with extensive rules regarding what Fido can and can't do, and high nightly fees in addition to the booking price. This two-bedroom guesthouse sits in a middle ground: There's a $75 fee per small or medium dog, who will have to hang out in a crate if you leave them home alone. There's a small backyard for your pup to explore (with a firepit for humans), and the neighborhood has wide sidewalks for safe, on-leash adventures. The tchotchke-filled home itself is best for families, since the primary bedroom lacks a true door, and the secondary bedroom has twin beds. Inside, there's also a kitchenette with an oven, mini-fridge, and coffee maker, and an indoor fireplace to curl up in front of.Location: East NashvilleThings to do nearby: Salt Ranch pool club, Cleveland Park shopping, bars and restaurants, Drkmttr music venueDreamy girls trip outpostNumber of guests: 10Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathsWhy we love it: Relaxing atmosphere, private connected apartment for more space, big deck, private parkingThe unofficial bachelorette capital of the world, Nashville is a hot spot for group trips—especially for women. And while the rowdier set may be found on Broadway driving past the honky-tonks in “party barges,” there's a more, well, sophisticated way to celebrate upcoming nuptials. To start, book this 1930s East Nashville cottage that's away from the crowds and has an explicit “no parties” rule. With two bedrooms in the main house plus a third in the connected apartment, and two queen-size sofa beds, there's plenty of room to spread out. Outside, the home has a backyard, two-level deck, grill, and firepit. Plus, you're only 10 minutes from downtown if you want to get in on the honky-tonk action.Location: East NashvilleThings to do nearby: Cumberland River kayaking; Shelby Park; Five Points restaurants, bars, and shopping; The Basement East music venueChocolate-themed abodeNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathWhy we love it: Chocolate-themed decor, location in a multi-use complex with a coffee shop and a chocolatier, blackout shadesYou’ll definitely have sweet dreams when you stay in this chocolatier-owned apartment next door to her high-end chocolate shop. The rooms at Cocoa Casa are bright, colorful, and decorated with chocolate-themed decor, without being over-the-top or hokey. You can head next door to sample the goods from Poppy and Peep Chocolate (or take them home as souvenirs). The South Nashville location is within walking distance of coffee shops and more, but offers a little less hustle-and-bustle than the downtown scene.Location: South NashvilleThings to do nearby: International food along Nolensville Pike; Wedgewood-Houston’s restaurants, bars, and luxury shops; Geodis Park (the MLS stadium); the Nashville FairgroundsLuxe home that sleeps up to eightNumber of guests: 8Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathsWhy we love it: Wraparound porch, seasonal in-ground pool, piano, view of Shelby Park, bunk bedsThis beautifully designed East Nashville farmhouse may come with a large price tag for a two-bedroom, two-bath home, but its location and heated pool (open April to October) are well worth it. Facing Shelby Park—and close to the greenway, which is packed with walking and jogging trails—the home is just 10 minutes from downtown Nashville. There's a wraparound porch to enjoy your morning coffee, plus hammocks and bikes to take in the fresh air. Inside, the bright white design gives the home a fresh, clean look. (If you have a big group, there are a few air mattresses available, and the hosts allow up to eight guests.)Location: East NashvilleThings to do nearby: Kayaking; golfing; Shelby Park; Shelby Bottoms Nature Center; Five Points bars, restaurants, and shoppingPeaceful farm stay with a king bedNumber of guests: 2Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathWhy we love it: Location on a working organic farm, views of Tennessee hills, gourmet kitchen, farm animalsIf you're a Nashville regular, it may be time to look outside of the city for your next vacation. About 30 minutes south of Nashville International Airport, this rental on Bloomsbury Farm is just far enough away to feel like a retreat, but not too far that you can't head into the city every day. It's also perfectly located for a visit to Franklin (a 20-minute drive), one of my favorite day trips from the city, and Arrington Vineyards for wine tasting. Set on over 400 acres of working farmland, the loft is kitted out with a full kitchen, living area, bathroom with a walk-in shower, and king-size bedroom, all overlooking the Tennessee hills. Bonus: The farm has turkeys, horses, and chickens—so if you're lucky, your host will pass on a few fresh eggs for your morning breakfast.Location: SmyrnaThings to do nearby: Bloomsbury Farm tour, wooded paths, Smyrna Depot District, boat rentals at Fate Sanders MarinaDowntown condo with corner viewsNumber of guests: 6Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathsWhy we love it: Floor-to-ceiling windows; private balcony; access to laundry, pool, and gym in building; central locationA sleek, modern pied-à-terre, this apartment offers floor-to-ceiling windows with city views, complemented by leather and metal furnishings and a few scene-stealing art pieces, like the LED angel wings. It all adds up to a great photo op for the whole crew on a memorable Nashville vacation. Make use of the year-round heated pool and fitness center, and then walk a few blocks to Lower Broadway for the honky-tonk action. The home can sleep up to six across a king bedroom, queen bedroom, and pull-out sofa bed in the living room.Location: Downtown NashvilleThings to do nearby: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Lower Broadway honky-tonks, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony CenterBudget-friendly cottageNumber of guests: 5Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathsWhy we love it: Firepit, laundry room, welcoming decor, large backyard, budget-friendly pricesThe real perks of this serene East Nashville cottage are outside: The backyard offers space for kids to wear themselves out running around while you sit on the back patio, taking a breather. Inside, the two-bedroom home has a washer/dryer, room-darkening shades, and a bathtub. It's only about a 10-minute drive to downtown Nashville and 15 minutes from the Grand Ole Opry. And best of all, you can score it for under $200 a night.Location: East NashvilleThings to do nearby: TopGolf; Salt Ranch pool club; Cleveland Park shopping, bars, and restaurants; Drkmttr music venue; Nissan StadiumBusiness traveler havenNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathWhy we love it: Access to laundry, early luggage drop-off, elevator access, high ceilingsThis industrial loft is among a variety of rentals in one of downtown Nashville's century-old buildings—and is run by local company Anchor Rentals, which also manages The Russell, a boutique hotel in a renovated East Nashville church. What that means for business travelers headed here is that they won't have to worry about the hosts canceling or not being in the area. This particular apartment, with its high ceilings, multiple workspaces, and well-equipped kitchen (which includes a microwave, coffee machine, and toaster oven for quick breakfasts), is a great spot for weekday visitors.Location: Downtown NashvilleThings to do nearby: Ryman Auditorium, Lower Broadway, Frist Art Museum, Dolly Museum NashvilleModern Music Row loftNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathWhy we love it: Pack-and-play, toys for kids, minimalist design, groovy bar cart, French press coffeePerfectly located 15 minutes away from both Vanderbilt and Belmont University on foot, this apartment in Music Row is an easy home base for parents visiting collegians or touring with high schoolers. With two bedrooms and one bathroom, it has enough space to comfortably fit four people. (If you're traveling with toddlers or infants, the home also offers a pack-and-play and children's books and toys.) There's also a full kitchen complete with a gorgeous Smeg fridge.Location: Music RowThings to do nearby: Studio B; Vanderbilt University; Belmont University; restaurants, bars and shops in Hillsboro Village and Edgehill Village; Belcourt TheatreFAQ:What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Nashville?East Nashville and Wedgewood-Houston are two busy and buzzy neighborhoods with great dining scenes, music venues, and fun shopping. They’re also a quick Uber or bike ride to downtown, making it easy to experience it all. If you’re looking for something a bit quieter, check out the leafy Sylvan Park neighborhood. For something fit for families, head to Donelson, with easy access to parks and the Opryland attractions.When is the best season to visit Nashville?There’s no bad time to visit Nashville, but spring and fall offer more temperate weather, when it is easier to hike, bike, and paddle, or just stroll down Broadway without the steaminess of a southern summer collecting under your hat. Most people want to be in Music City during the warmer months to take advantage of outdoor concerts and street festivals, but if you come in winter, you’ll get to cheer on the NHL’s Nashville Predators and see the holiday magic of the five million lights at Gaylord Opryland.How long should you visit Nashville for?In my opinion, a trip to Nashville should be about five days long, which offers you enough time to expand your vacation beyond Broadway and the honky-tonks. You’ll have enough time for a day or two in town—you can boot-scoot under the neon lights of Lower Broadway—and still have a few days for exploring the surrounding parks, greenways, museums, shops, and music venues away from the crowds.This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meredith Carey.Margaret tells the stories of the people and places of the South. She loves a “small” story, a story about a person changing their community, even if the rest of the world doesn’t know about it. She loves to show people getaways and activities in their own backyards. She is ... Read MoreHardly a secret anymore, it still feels like a gem of a discovery