Nashville, the vibrant capital city of Tennessee, is a must-visit destination for music lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Known as the “Music City,” Nashville is famous for its thriving country music scene, historic landmarks, and vibrant arts and culture. To help you make the most of your visit, we have compiled a list of the 15 best Nashville sightseeing tours. These tours showcase the city’s most iconic attractions and offer unique experiences that will leave you with lasting memories of your trip to Nashville.
The Grand Ole Opry House Tour – Nashville
No visit to Nashville is complete without a tour of the legendary Grand Ole Opry House, the home of the world’s longest-running live radio show. This guided tour takes you behind the scenes of this iconic venue, where you’ll learn about its history, hear stories of legendary performances, and even stand on the famous stage where countless country music stars have performed.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Tour – Nashville
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of country music with a guided tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. This world-class museum features exhibits on the genre’s origins, its most influential artists, and the evolution of country music over the years. Highlights include the Hall of Fame Rotunda, which honors the most significant contributors to the genre, and the museum’s vast collection of memorabilia and artifacts.
The Historic RCA Studio B Tour – Nashville
Step back in time and explore the birthplace of the “Nashville Sound” with a tour of the historic RCA Studio B. This legendary recording studio, where artists like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and the Everly Brothers recorded some of their biggest hits, has been meticulously preserved to showcase its rich history. A guided tour of Studio B offers a unique insight into the music industry and the creative process behind some of the most iconic songs in history.
The Ryman Auditorium Tour – Nashville
Discover the “Mother Church of Country Music” with a guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium, a historic venue that has played host to some of the most influential musicians of all time. The Ryman’s rich history includes performances by artists like Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and Hank Williams, and it continues to be an important venue for live music today. During the tour, you’ll explore the auditorium’s beautiful architecture, hear stories of legendary performances, and even have the chance to stand on its famous stage.
The Nashville Trolley Tour – Nashville
Experience the best of Nashville with a hop-on-hop-off trolley tour that takes you to the city’s most popular attractions. The trolley tour offers a flexible and convenient way to see Nashville at your own pace, with stops at landmarks like the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Parthenon, and the Tennessee State Capitol. Enjoy entertaining narration from your knowledgeable guide as you explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
The Music City Pub Crawl – Nashville
Sample Nashville’s vibrant nightlife with a guided pub crawl through the city’s bustling entertainment district. This walking tour will take you to some of the best bars and honky-tonks in town, where you’ll enjoy live music, delicious food, and cold drinks. Along the way, your guide will share stories about Nashville’s colorful history and its legendary music scene.
The Belle Meade Plantation Tour – Nashville
Explore the beautiful and historic Belle Meade Plantation, a 19th-century estate that was once one of the largest thoroughbred horse farms in the South. A guided tour of the plantation includes a visit to the meticulously restored mansion, a look at the original slave cabins, and a walk through the lush gardens and grounds. The tour offers a fascinating insight into the history of the South and the lives of the people who lived and worked on the plantation. After the tour, enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the on-site winery.
The Johnny Cash Museum Tour – Nashville
Celebrate the life and legacy of the “Man in Black” with a visit to the Johnny Cash Museum. This intimate museum features a comprehensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia related to the iconic musician, including rare photographs, personal items, and interactive exhibits. A guided tour of the museum offers an in-depth look at Johnny Cash’s incredible career and his lasting impact on the world of music.
The Nashville Murals Tour – Nashville
Discover the vibrant street art scene of Nashville with a guided tour of the city’s most famous murals. These colorful and creative works of art, painted by local and international artists, can be found throughout the city and have become a popular attraction for both visitors and residents. The murals tour will take you to some of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Nashville, offering a unique way to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and artistic community.
The Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour – Lynchburg
Venture outside of Nashville for a tour of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in nearby Lynchburg, Tennessee. The distillery, founded in 1866, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is still producing the world-famous Jack Daniel’s whiskey today. A guided tour of the distillery includes a behind-the-scenes look at the whiskey-making process, a visit to the barrel house, and a tasting of Jack Daniel’s products.
The Nashville Zoo Tour – Nashville
Experience the wild side of Nashville with a visit to the Nashville Zoo. This popular attraction, located just minutes from downtown, is home to more than 2,700 animals representing over 300 species. A guided tour of the zoo offers an up-close look at the animals and their habitats, as well as an opportunity to learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts and educational programs.
The Music Row Tour – Nashville
Get an insider’s look at Nashville’s famous Music Row with a guided walking tour of this historic neighborhood. Music Row is the heart of the city’s music industry, with countless recording studios, record labels, and publishing companies lining its streets. During the tour, you’ll visit iconic landmarks like RCA Studio B, the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, and the BMI building, and learn about the role Music Row has played in shaping the sound of American music.
The Nashville Ghost Tour – Nashville
Uncover the haunted history of Nashville with a spine-tingling ghost tour through the city’s historic downtown district. Led by an expert guide, this walking tour will take you to some of Nashville’s most haunted locations, including the Tennessee State Capitol, Printer’s Alley, and the Ryman Auditorium. Hear chilling tales of ghostly encounters and unexplained events as you delve into the darker side of Music City’s past.
The Bluebird Café Tour – Nashville
Experience the intimate atmosphere of the Bluebird Cafe, a legendary music venue that has been showcasing Nashville’s most talented songwriters and performers for over 30 years. This guided tour will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the cafe’s history and its role in launching the careers of countless music stars. After the tour, enjoy a live performance in the cafe’s famous listening room, where you’ll hear some of the best music in town.
The Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Tour – Nashville
Explore the life and legacy of the seventh President of the United States with a guided tour of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. This historic plantation, located just outside of Nashville, was once the home of President Andrew Jackson and his family. The guided tour takes you through the beautifully restored mansion, the original slave quarters, and the stunning gardens and grounds of the 1,120-acre estate. Learn about Jackson’s personal life, political career, and the historical context of his time while gaining a deeper understanding of early American history.
Conclusion
Nashville is a city rich in history, culture, and, of course, music. These 15 sightseeing tours offer a diverse range of experiences, from exploring the city’s legendary music venues and vibrant nightlife to delving into its fascinating history and natural beauty. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Music City aficionado, these tours will provide you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for all that Nashville has to offer.
