10 Best Tours & Walking Tours in Nashville
Walking tours in Nashville are popular in America's Music City. And for good reason.
Nashville is home to some of the best walking tours in the Deep South, as well as numerous incredible venues and museums that celebrate country music.
These include the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley recorded several iconic songs in 1961.
You can explore Nashville's hidden gems and iconic venues on walking tours, bus tours, self-guided tours of museums, and even via segway tours. Here are 10 recommendations for great Nashville walking tours.
Most Recommended Thing to Do
Grand Ole Opry
Top Choice Hotel
Hilton Nashville Downtown
Our Top Choice Restaurant
Husk.
Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife
Tootsies Orchid Lounge.
Best Time to Visit
Springtime for ideal weather and vibrant music scene.
Average Temperature
Moderate climate with warm summers and mild winters.
Transportation Options
Cars, buses, trains, bikes, scooters, walking, rideshares, taxis
Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)
$$
My Top Recommendation
When visiting Nashville, make sure to explore the vibrant music scene by checking out local live performances, such as country or honky-tonk shows, to truly immerse yourself in the city's rich musical culture.
If you're a food enthusiast, don't miss the opportunity to indulge in Nashville's famous hot chicken, known for its spicy flavor and crispy texture, as well as other Southern delicacies that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
What You'll Need to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- A reusable water bottle
- Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
- Travel adapter and charger for electronic devices
- a Portable phone charger
- A city map or navigation app on your phone
- Snacks for on-the-go
- A good book or entertainment for the journey
What Not to Miss
- The Grand Ole Opry
- The Country Music Hall of Fame
- Broadway Honky Tonk Bars
- The Parthenon
- The Johnny Cash Museum
- Honky Tonk Highway
- The Ryman Auditorium
- Percy Warner Park
- Belle Meade Plantation
- The Frist Art Museum.
What to Avoid
- Crowded tourist traps
- Rush hour traffic
- Overpriced souvenirs
- Unreliable public transportation
- Unsafe neighborhoods
- Tourist scams
Table of Contents
1. Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour
A trip to the famous Music City would not be complete without visiting the Grand Ole Opry. A trip here provides one of the best tours in Nashville.
This iconic venue is home to a weekly country music concert. On these backstage tours, you can visit the artists' dressing rooms, and the green room, and get photos taken on the legendary stage.
On top of this, you will see Studio A, a working television studio, and get great stories and information from an expert guide.
Who is this tour best for?
The Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour is best for any keen music fan. You are sure to appreciate the history and grandeur of the Opry. It is suitable for people of all ages and is wheelchair accessible.
How much does it cost?
Visit one of the most historic and significant venues in the US, with tours costing just $40 per person.
2. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
At the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, you can view some of the instruments that define country music, such as Mother Maybelle's guitar and Earl Scruggs' banjo.
Moreover, you will see archived photos, listen to interesting stories about country music icons, and watch old footage to help you understand the cultural significance of the music created in Nashville, both in the past and in the present.
Who is this tour best for?
Visitors to the museum should have an interest in the history of Nashville's music scene.
The tour is recommended for adults, although it is suitable for all ages. It is wheelchair accessible.
How much does it cost?
You can visit Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for just $25 per person.
3. RCA Studio B tour
This old studio has seen the likes of Dolly Parton, Jim Reeves, Roy Orbison, and the King himself, Elvis Presley record their singles.
Famously, at 4 am on April 4th, 1960, Elvis recorded several hits, including Are You Lonesome Tonight?
He reportedly asked everyone to leave the room and for the lights to be turned out.
When you visit Studio B, they will show you where this recording took place, turn out the lights, and play the song recorded that magical night. This experience is unmissable.
Who is this tour best for?
RCA Studio B is perfect for families and couples.
In addition, anyone with an appreciation for Nashville's music scene will get a kick out of this incredibly historic place. It is wheelchair accessible.
How much does it cost?
You can visit Studio B and the Hall of Fame as a package tour for $40 per person. This package offers free cancellation if you give at least 24 hours notice.
4. Homes of the Stars Narrated Bus Tours
These tours are perfect for seeing landmarks such as the homes of Kid Rock and Garth Brooks while admiring the most beautiful neighborhoods in Tennessee.
Architecture fans can enjoy touring the wealthy mansions, while celebrity spotters can get a kick out of having a close-up look at the stars' real lives.
If you are traveling with kids, they will enjoy driving through the Music City, trying to spot famous artists, while viewing Nashville attractions such as Taylor Swift's house.
Who is this tour best for?
This tour is wheelchair accessible and is great for adults and children who love music and hearing about the lives of America's most colorful characters.
How much does it cost?
These two-hour tours cost $60 per person. They offer free cancellation if you cancel more than 24 hours before.
5. Guided Ghost-Themed Walking Tours in Nashville
For this walking tour, you meet your knowledgeable tour guide at the Tennessee State Capitol. From there, you go to at least seven haunted historical locations in the city.
A great guide will tell stories about the Civil War and how Nashville became known as America's Music City.
The tour starts at 8 pm so you can experience Nashville at night, which is the best way to hear ghost stories.
Who is this tour best for?
These walking tours are suitable for wheelchair users and people of all ages.
How much does it cost?
The ghost-themed walking tours cost $25 per person over the age of 12. Children aged 6-11 can join for less and infants under 5 go for free.
6. General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise
Cruise down the Cumberland River on a 4-hour dinner cruise with live entertainment and learn more about the history of music in Nashville.
This cruise doubles as a food tour, as you can sample some delicious Nashville cuisine, and enjoy your food with the perfect backdrop of the city and its music.
If you love boats, music, and good food, say no more. Check out these night tours and experience America's beautiful deep South.
Who is this tour best for?
This cruise is wheelchair accessible and is recommended for adults, as it involves a sit-down dinner. That being said, children are offered a reduced rate.
How much does it cost?
Children aged 4-11 are welcome for a reduced fare of between $45 and $104 depending on the package booked. The adult fare ranges from $60 to $135. You can experience great food while taking a musical journey through the city, even seeing the skyline lit up at night.
7. Music City Pub Crawl
If you are over 21 and ready to dive into the oldest pub crawl in Nashville, you will love this Nashville walking tour of bars and eateries.
Complete with a great tour guide, exclusive drink offers, some Nashville history, games, prizes, karaoke, bull riding, and, of course, live music, you can explore the best of the city on foot.
This walking tour will take you to Printers Alley in downtown Nashville, which is home to some of the best bars and tastiest food.
Who is this tour best for?
This downtown Nashville walking tour/pub crawl is suitable for people aged 21 and older and is wheelchair accessible.
It is ideal for individuals, couples, birthday parties, family gatherings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and corporate events.
How much does it cost?
At only $20 per person, this great walking tour is super fun and affordable.
8. Downtown Segway Tour Experience
This is a fun way of visiting Nashville attractions and moving around the city's highlights at speed.
If you want to journey through Nashville in a quirky manner and learn the history from a super-knowledgeable tour guide, this is an excellent tour for you.
You will visit landmarks such as Fort Nashborough, Bicentennial Mall, Farmer's Market, and the Tennessee State Capitol.
From the music scene to Civil Rights, this city is ripe with history and culture to explore.
Who is this tour best for?
These tours are not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or children under 12 years.
How much does it cost?
The two-hour segway tours cost $88 and include a 30-minute segway lesson before the tours begin.
9. Visit the Ryman Auditorium for a Self-Guided Walking Tour
For over 125 years, the beautiful Ryman Auditorium in Nashville has been making music history by holding iconic concerts and shaping popular music tastes in the deep South and across the globe.
It has hosted famous artists like Sheryl Crow and Trisha Yearwood. You can tour the auditorium at your own pace, and even take photos on the iconic stage.
Who is this tour best for?
This tour is recommended for adult music lovers traveling in a small group and is wheelchair accessible.
How much does it cost?
Entry to the Ryman Auditorium costs $30 for people aged 5 and older. Kids 4 and under enter for free. If you notify them up to 24 hours in advance they offer free cancellation.
10. Cinderella Private Narrated Carriage Tour of Nashville
These private tours are a unique way to explore Nashville with a well-informed tour guide.
You will see landmarks like The Hermitage Hotel, Johnny Cash Museum, The Wild Horse Saloon, and many more.
All from the luxury of a private carriage ride. There aren't many tours of Nashville town center more magical than this one. What a life!
Who is this tour best for?
Groups of up to six people of all ages.
How much does it cost?
These carriage rides in Nashville can be as much as $100 per person. These tours offer free cancellation if you give more than 24 hours notice.
FAQs About Nashville Walking Tours
Let's look at some frequently asked questions relating to walking tours in Nashville.
Is Nashville walkable for tourists?
Yes, unlike other big cities in the US, Nashville is walkable.
It is highly recommended to wander the streets on one of the many Nashville walking tours so you can sample the music scene and the local cuisine. This includes hot chicken and delicious donuts, freshly made.
Can you walk in downtown Nashville?
Yes, downtown Nashville is home to some fantastic walkable streets, that are ideal for walking tours in Nashville.
One famous part of downtown is Printer's Alley, known for its great food and bars. ****This is where you can find music, drinks, and food that suit everyone's needs and spend an evening you will never forget.
Can you walk Broadway in Nashville?
Broadway is a major thoroughfare in downtown Nashville.
It includes Lower Broadway, an entertainment district renowned for honky tonks and live musical performances and it is accessible, friendly, and walkable for tourists. Broadway is an ideal place to find one of the several available walking tours in Nashville.
Where can I walk in Nashville?
You can walk to most of the great busy streets, museums, and music cafes in Nashville.
You will need public transport to reach only a handful of famous sites, such as Vanderbilt University and the Grand Ole Opry.
Some walking tours in Nashville offer hotel pick-up as part of their package. There are also some amazing food tours available.
Summing Up: Best Tours & Walking Tours in Nashville
So, there you have it. We have covered ten of our favorite tours in Nashville, including some walking tours.
With walking tours or coach tours, you will experience the culture, learn the history, and sample the cuisine of Nashville, so get ready to enjoy authentic Nashville city life.
Whether you are looking for walking tours in Nashville or something more unique, like the segway or carriage tours, you can rest assured that all of these Nashville tours are top-notch and highly recommended.
Visitors to Nashville rate these tours very well. Check out the online reviews, and have a great trip to one of America's most loved cities.
