Nashville isn’t just about live music and honky-tonks; it’s a city packed with history, culture, and stories that span from the roots of country music to its ghostly legends. We love how many of these experiences let you dive into Nashville’s soul—whether it’s exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame, soaking up music history on guided walks, or joining a lively pub crawl. These tours give you a way to see Nashville through local eyes, learn stories that aren’t in the guidebooks, and maybe even discover a side of Music City you didn’t expect.
Some of our favorites include the Country Music Hall of Fame for its comprehensive exhibits, and the Music City Pub Crawl for its fun mix of drinks, stories, and live tunes. If history is your thing, the Belle Meade Mansion Tour offers a glimpse into 19th-century Tennessee, complete with wine tastings. For those interested in the spooky side, the Ghost-Themed Tours reveal Nashville’s haunted past in an engaging way. Whatever your style, this list has something to help you connect with Nashville’s unique character.
Quick Overview
Our list covers eight top tours and experiences that showcase Nashville’s musical roots, historic sites, haunted legends, and lively nightlife. From self-guided museums and walking tours to pub crawls and ghost hunts, each offers a different way to experience Music City. Interested in learning about country legends? Check out the Legends of Country Music Museum. Want to soak up Nashville’s musical history? The Music History Guided Walking Tour is a fantastic choice. For nightlife and fun, the Music City Pub Crawl delivers a lively evening. Now, let’s explore each experience in detail.
1. Nashville: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
At number 1 on our list, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand the roots of Nashville’s musical identity. For around $32, you can spend a day exploring a wide array of exhibits []. The museum features rare recordings, films, and instruments that tell the stories of legendary country artists, from Hank Williams to Dolly Parton.
What makes this museum stand out is the mix of interactive displays—such as listening stations and photo archives—that make the experience engaging. You can wander through exhibits showcasing lyrics, fashion, and instruments that shaped the genre. A self-guided tour allows flexibility, so you can linger on your favorite artifacts or speed through what interests you most. The museum also hosts special exhibits and events throughout the year.
Bottom line: This is a comprehensive, well-curated museum perfect for music lovers who want a deep dive into country music’s evolution. It’s a good value, especially if you’re planning a full day of exploring Nashville’s musical heritage.
2. Nashville: Music City Pub Crawl
Next, the Music City Pub Crawl offers a lively two-hour experience that captures Nashville’s vibrant nightlife scene []. For just $25, you join a guided tour that visits 5 to 6 iconic bars, each with exclusive drink specials and a bustling atmosphere. Led by engaging guides, you’ll hear stories about Nashville’s history and its legendary music venues.
What makes this tour special is the mix of activities—there’s karaoke, games, prizes, and even bull riding—all while enjoying live music in some of Nashville’s oldest and most famous pubs. The tour’s energetic vibe makes it ideal for travelers looking to combine social fun with local history. Reviews highlight the tour guides’ humor and knowledge, with one guest noting, “Danile is the most wonderful and charming guide…made our evening memorable.”
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting an upbeat, social night out with a taste of Nashville’s bar scene. It’s an excellent value for a fun, activity-filled evening.
3. Nashville: Belle Meade Historic Mansion Tour
At number 3, the Belle Meade Historic Mansion Tour offers a glimpse into Tennessee’s antebellum history []. For approximately $32, this guided tour of the Greek Revival house built in the 1840s takes you back to a time when this estate was a thoroughbred plantation. The tour covers the mansion’s architecture, the stories of the families who lived there, and the role it played in Tennessee’s past.
After the house tour, visitors can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the Belle Meade Winery, Nashville’s oldest. The winery’s rustic charm and the scenic gardens make for a relaxing experience. The site also features an outbuilding collection, a game court, and gift shops, making it a well-rounded history and leisure stop.
Guests love the detailed guided storytelling and the chance to explore the estate’s grounds. As one reviewer noted, “The beauty of the mansion and the wine tasting made this a perfect half-day trip.”
Bottom line: Ideal for history buffs or anyone interested in the area’s plantation history paired with wine tasting. A relaxing, cultural experience that’s worth the price.
4. Nashville: Music History Guided Walking Tour
Number 4 on our list is the Music History Guided Walking Tour, a budget-friendly option at just $10 []. This two-hour tour takes you through Nashville’s core music sites, including the Legendary Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry.
The guided tour emphasizes storytelling, offering a personal listening device so you won’t miss a word. It’s a great way to see the city’s most iconic spots while hearing interesting anecdotes about Nashville’s musical past. The tour is flexible enough to accommodate different walking paces and interests.
Many reviewers appreciate the affordability and depth of information, with one noting, “Dylan made the tour very fun, and the hour flew by.” It’s perfect for travelers who want to learn quickly about Nashville’s music scene without spending a lot.
Bottom line: An affordable, engaging introduction to Nashville’s musical landmarks, ideal for budget travelers or those pressed for time.
5. Nashville: Guided Ghost-Themed Walking Tour
For those intrigued by Nashville’s spooky side, the Ghost-Themed Walking Tour is a 1.5-hour journey into the city’s haunted past []. Priced at $25, it visits haunted locations like the Ryman Auditorium and the Tennessee State Capitol, revealing ghost stories and spectral legends.
Led by enthusiastic guides, this tour offers a mix of history and eerie tales. Visitors often enjoy the storytelling, which is full of vivid descriptions and lore. One review highlights, “Shelby was a brilliant guide—very bubbly and made the long walk not feel as long.” The tour’s short duration makes it an easy add-on after a day of sightseeing.
It’s particularly good for travelers interested in paranormal stories or looking for a different perspective on Nashville’s history. Keep in mind, this tour can be spooky, especially for children or sensitive travelers.
Bottom line: A fun way to explore Nashville’s darker stories while walking through the city’s historic streets. An ideal choice for ghost enthusiasts.
6. Nashville: Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
Next, the Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl offers a darker, more mysterious experience. For $35, you’ll visit historic haunted bars, starting at the Hard Rock Cafe and wandering through Printer’s Alley []. The tour explores Nashville’s haunted nightlife with stories of ghostly encounters linked to the city’s bars and alleys.
This tour is geared toward those fascinated by Nashville’s supernatural reputation. The mix of bars, history, and ghost stories creates an atmospheric experience, especially for those who enjoy a darker twist on city exploration. The guide’s storytelling adds a layer of intrigue.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers curious about Nashville’s haunted reputation and seeking a spirited, spooky night out.
7. Nashville: Music City Ghosts & Hauntings Guided Walking Tour
The Music City Ghosts & Hauntings Guided Walking Tour is a shorter, 1-hour experience priced at $27, offering a quick dive into Nashville’s paranormal tales []. It focuses on downtown Nashville, with stops at Broadway and the Ryman Auditorium.
This tour is ideal for those short on time but still eager to hear ghost stories about Nashville’s most famous landmarks. Guides share legends like the ghost of Hank Williams Sr. and the eerie tunnels beneath the city. Reviewers find it especially engaging; one said, “The guide was very knowledgeable, and the stories kept us captivated.”
Not recommended if you prefer longer, more detailed ghost hunts, but perfect for a quick thrill on a night walk.
Bottom line: A brisk, spooky stroll through Nashville’s haunted hotspots, great for travelers with limited time.
8. Nashville: Legends of Country Music Museum Entry Ticket
Finally, the Legends of Country Music Museum Entry Ticket offers a low-cost entry at just $11 []. It’s a single-day pass that allows you to explore the museum’s collection of memorabilia from Willie Nelson and other country icons.
Though the review score is modest, the museum’s large souvenir shop and personal displays make it appealing for those eager to see country music artifacts up close. It’s a straightforward, budget-friendly way to connect with Nashville’s musical legends without a long commitment.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers on a budget or those with limited time who still want a taste of Nashville’s country music scene.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your interests and time constraints. Want an in-depth look at country music history? The Country Music Hall of Fame is your top pick. Looking for lively nightlife with drinks and music? The Music City Pub Crawl hits the mark. If haunted stories are your thing, choose the Ghost Tours, but be mindful of the spooky content if you’re traveling with kids.
Budget travelers will appreciate the Music History Guided Walking Tour or the Legends of Country Music Museum. For those with a few hours and a curious spirit, the short ghost or haunted tours provide quick thrills. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular experiences like pub crawls or guided walks, which can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Nashville offers a broad range of tours and experiences that reveal its musical roots, historic charm, and even its haunted legends. Whether you’re a country music fan, history lover, or ghost hunter, there’s something here for you. The Country Music Hall of Fame and the Music City Pub Crawl stand out as top choices, each delivering memorable stories and lively atmospheres. For a more relaxed experience, the Belle Meade Mansion combines history with wine tasting. And if spooky stories are your jam, Nashville’s haunted walks won’t disappoint.
No matter which experience you pick, booking early and planning your day around these tours will ensure you get the most out of Nashville’s many stories. These tours allow you to see Nashville from a local’s perspective and uncover its many layers—music, history, and ghostly tales alike.