Walking Tours in Nashville, Tennessee

Around the world, Nashville, Tennessee, is famous as the hometown of country music, bluegrass, rhythm and blues and rock. All year round, people flock to Nashville to enjoy the live music from the Broadway honky-tonks and see the famous Music Row recording studios.

But apart from the live music scene, the city has a long and fascinating history, and there is a lot to see on the popular walking tours in Nashville, Tennessee.

Here's all you need to know about walking tours, one of the most worthwhile sightseeing tours in Nashville.

What are the best walking tours in Nashville?

Downtown Nashville walking tours

This walking tour will introduce you to all the major Nashville's attractions. You will meet your guide in front of the Sheraton Hotel to start your absorbing tour through Nashville's history and architecture, music, and more.

You will stop at popular local icons like the Broadway Honkey-Tonk and the Ryman Auditorium, and see the War Memorial building and Tennesee Capital. You will also view famous murals of street artists Curiot, Herakut and Beau Stanton.

Discover Printer’s Alley, the Downtown Presbyterian Church and 21c Museum Hotel Nashville, a contemporary art museum and restaurant, before ending the tour at the popular Assembly Food Hall.

The ghosts of Nashville walking tours

Visit famous landmarks and see supposedly haunted churches on this after-dark walking ghost tour of Nashville, as you learn about the city’s history and hear spooky stories.

You will meet your guide at the Alvin York Statue on 6th Avenue at the State Capitol at 8 PM, where you will hear about the Civil War and its haunted history. Most tours stop at music venues and drinking spots to cap the night off.

Legends of Music City walking tours

During the Legends of Music City walking tour, you will discover all about the city’s musical legends and why Nashville – known as “Music City” – is famous as the home of country music.

Your guide will show you where to find the city’s iconic landmarks, and above all, you will learn about the background of the music icons of Nashville.

Food and sightseeing tours

Enjoy a walking food tour while visiting attractions in the downtown area, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to discover more about this Music City.

You can also enjoy an easy walk through the tree-lined streets of historical Germantown, Nashville's oldest neighborhood. As you explore its renovated Victorian houses and fashionable eateries, you will sample food at five stops with the last tasting at a popular local distillery.  

Most tours start at the Farmer's Market with a tasting of locally crafted beer or wine and delicious smoked barbecue. Browse through the historic displays of Bicentennial Mall, hear stories about Nashville’s history and explore the most interesting shops.

Which places are visited?

Downtown Presbyterian Church

This church served as a military hospital during the Civil War and as a refuge for Nashville's citizens during the 1920s floods. Learn about the original church and its haunted history on a ghost walking tour in Nashville.

The Honky Tonk Highway

The Highway is famous as a row of honky-tonks on Lower Broadway that blast live music into the area’s streets from 10 AM to 3 AM. The best part about the honky-tonks is that it’s all free.

The War Memorial Auditorium

The auditorium is situated in front of the Tennessee State Capitol in the heart of downtown Nashville. Dating from 1925, it has been renovated to be used amongst others for theatrical, cabaret and film location purposes.

The Tennessee State Capitol

The building was designed by the celebrated architect William Strickland and opened in 1859. The home of the Tennessee General Assembly, it was listed as a national historic landmark in 1971.

Printer’s Alley Historic District

In the old days, the alley accommodated posts where people mostly bound for the law court tethered their horses. By the start of the 20th century, the area had become the center of the town’s printing industry, hence the name. After the 1940s, it developed into an entertainment district.

Germantown

The area is one of the city’s historic neighborhoods and was named Germantown after the large influx of German immigrants in the mid-19th century. It is an architecturally heterogeneous district with a fine variety of Victorian building styles.

St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows

This Greek Revival parish is the oldest existing catholic church building in Nashville. You will hear about the legend of Bishop Richard Miles, whose body was interred under the altar for 109 years.

Ryman Auditorium

Built in the Gothic Revival style in 1892, the Ryman Auditorium music venue was the home of the American country music concert, Grand Ole Opry,  and can host more than 2,000 people.  

On a walking tour in Nashville, you can learn more about the ghosts of the theater – including that of captain Thomas Ryman, whom the riverboat was named after.

How much does it cost?

• Downtown Nashville walking tours cost around US$30 per person.
• Ghosts of Nashville walking tours star  at US$25 per person.
• Legends of Music walking tour prices start at US$40 per person.
• Food and sightseeing tours cost around US$80 per person and include tastings and drinking stops.

What are included?

• Fees and taxes
• Experienced guide
• Food tasting
• Lunch
• Alcoholic beverages

Where does it start?

The Downtown Nashville walking tours start outside the Sheraton Hotel, while the Germantown food and sightseeing tour begins at the Bicentennial Mall State Park. Ghosts of Nashville and Music Legends walking tours start on 6th Avenue.

How long does it last?

Most walking tours in Downtown Nashville last 1.5 hours, while food and sightseeing tours in Germantown last 3 hours.

When is the best time for a walking tour in Nashville?

The best time for walking tours in Nashville is during the warmer months from April to October, when the city becomes alive. During the months of November to March, you may benefit from lower fares on flights and accommodation.

The city’s weather can be unpredictable, varying from severe humidity to thunderstorms, so prepare for all weather conditions.

Are there any combos available with walking tours in Nashville?

Nashville sightseeing, murals and brewery tours

On this small-group combo tour in Downtown Nashville, you will be transported in a golf cart, therefore viewing more attractions in less time. See famous landmarks, Nashville’s street art and the popular honky-tonk bars.

Enjoy locally brewed moonshine, whiskey and vodka at two of the distilleries along the way. Admission tickets are included. The tour lasts about 3 hours and costs US$110 per person.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable, weather-related clothing and shoes. Nashville temperatures can become very hot.
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible.
• Bring a camera to capture the best sights.