Why More Travelers Are Staying in East Nashville Instead of Downtown

Why More Travelers Are Staying in East Nashville Instead of Downtown

Sometime between the 2010s and the 2020s, the zeitgeist in downtown Nashville shifted. With legions of tourists streaming through the Broadway streets, bachelor parties commandeering Honky Tonk Highway, and boisterous college students claiming every barstool, the experience went from cultured to cacophonous. Pulsating music now pumps from mega-bars 24/7, neon signs and flashing lights have spread like kudzu, and today’s Lower Broadway is less "Music City," more "party central."

There’s nothing wrong with this vibe, but we know it’s not for everyone! The shift has been noticeable. For many, destination preferences have changed, and a new must-see Nashville is taking center stage.

Just across the Cumberland River is East Nashville. Anchored by the Five Points district and lined with street murals that would be equally at home in a gallery, East Nashville offers what Downtown can’t: eclectic charm, a hip and creative vibe, and a less glitzy, local music scene. Craft cocktail bars welcome customers without focusing on formal dress codes. The neighborhood is walkable and beautiful. The people are friendly, the architecture is breathtaking, and the number of notable restaurants makes the culinary scene here one worth exploring.

And just as every stellar restaurant experience comes down to the perfect pairing, so too does a stellar vacation stay depend on the perfect accommodations. You’ll find that at Noa Nashville.

Noa Nashville is a collection of 16 resort-style residences tucked into the heart of East Nashville. Known for its heated pool (exclusive to guests), rooftop terraces, cold plunge, cedar sauna, fire pit, fitness center, and manicured spaces, it sets a high bar in hospitality. Unlike a standard King room at a cookie-cutter downtown hotel that quickly feels cramped and mundane, the guest-centered accommodations at Noa give you every reason to relax, unwind, and linger in your elegant, spacious townhome quarters. At Noa Nashville, serenity meets Music City in a tempered, polished fashion that’s yours to savor.

Is East Nashville a Good Place to Stay?

For travelers asking about the best area to stay in when visiting Nashville, the answer increasingly points eastward. Today's discerning traveler wants a neighborhood they feel at home in and motivated to explore, not somewhere awash in spectacle they feel motivated to escape. East Nashville has a personality of its own, where coffee shops like Bongo Java East invite you in for delicious espresso and some friendly board game play, while Haraz Coffee House elevates the entire coffee experience with Mediterranean design details and Yemeni-inspired coffee drinks. 

Both are within walking distance of Noa!

And if you’re asking yourself, “Is East Nashville safe?” You can rest assured that it is. East Nashville draws a broad swath of travelers, from couples and families to foodies, creatives, and music festival enthusiasts. But it’s also a neighborhood much loved by locals, not a touristy hub locals want to flee. It's welcoming, safe, and at Noa Nashville, you enjoy an exclusive gated property.

Is East Nashville Close to Downtown?

East Nashville is closer to the center of the city than most would expect. A short rideshare puts you on Broadway within minutes and brings you back to your retreat, where peace and tranquility offer the perfect juxtaposition for a vaycay.

Why Everyone Loves East Nashville

Wondering what to do in East Nashville? We have itineraries and ideas for everyone. But to start, we recommend starting with a relaxing breakfast on your townhome’s patio. Just steps from Noa is the Turnip Truck, where you can stock up on your favorites and enjoy some local fare as well. Or, for the ultimate in ‘no obligations please’ travel, when you book your stay at Noa, mention you’d like your fridge and cupboards filled with your favorites. Then brew your coffee and put together a personalized Continental breakfast, premium traveler style. From there, put aside time to visit Five Points Alley, an area lined with independent boutiques and local artisans. The street murals alone are worth the walk.

Come evening, things get a little more energized. Book a table at Lockeland Table, a highly rated restaurant known for its elevated, seasonal preparations. You can walk there from Noa. Equally within walkable distance are East Nashville restaurants like Treehouse, a two-time Eater Nashville Chef of the Year winner, and Butcher & Bee, another great choice for inventive, chef-driven dining.  

Later, pop by the 5 Spot for a vinyl-spinning dance party or some Sunday Night Soul. If it’s the honky-tonk experience you’re jonesing for, Skinny Dennis has your Rx. Or try Cobra for alternative music and a super unpretentious atmosphere.

One of the Best Times to Experience East Nashville

Is summer a good time to go to Nashville? For East Nashville, the answer is a resounding yes. Beat the afternoon heat with a morning stroll through Shelby Bottoms Greenway, a lush 1,000-acre park with miles of trails adjacent to Shelby Golf Course, designed by legendary architect Donald Ross. Later, plant yourself on a shady patio, duck into a deliciously air-conditioned gallery, or simply return to Noa and relax poolside.

This is a neighborhood that comes fully alive in the warmer months. Outdoor patios teem with great food and conversation, rooftop patios invite late-night cocktail sipping, and there’s no end to the many speakeasies hidden behind secret entrances.  

Your Sophisticated Vacation Retreat

At Noa Nashville, residences are designed with comfort in mind. Chef-inspired kitchens invite a late-night nosh or a relaxing mid-morning brunch, while modern interiors create a space that feels thoughtfully considered and just what you needed.

Traveler expectations have changed; East Nashville is here for it. And when you book your stay at Noa Nashville, every square foot delivers the ultimate in resort-style luxury.

Discover Noa Nashville and book your escape today.

(615) 258-7699

info@noanashville.com

© 2026 noa nashville. All rights reserved.

payment methods

(615) 258-7699

info@noanashville.com

© 2026 noa nashville. All rights reserved.

payment methods

(615) 258-7699

info@noanashville.com

© 2026 Richland Building Partners.
All rights reserved.

payment methods