Whether you’re a lifelong Nashvillian longing to embrace your inner tourist, or you have a limited amount of time in the the 615, here are 22 tours guaranteed to show you the sights you want to see.
Note: Price estimates are based on individual adult rates available at the time of publishing. Check each company’s website to see current pricing.
Animals and nature
Nashville Zoo’s Backstage Pass | $40-$170/person
Travel with a personal guide to visit behind-the-scenes areas, and depending on the tour, learn more about rhinos, giraffes, sloths, red pandas, and other animals that call the zoo home. Pro tip: Some tours have age requirements and/or operate seasonally.
Nashville is Nature | $20-$40/person
All experience levels are welcome to join guided hikes at Radnor Lake, Warners Parks, Richland Creek, and other scenic spots. Individual hikes range from 1 to 2.5 hours and are open to participants 18 years and older.
Tennessee Agricultural Museum | Free
The museum — open for self-guided tours on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — features two levels of exhibitions, an heirloom garden, and historic cabins. We recommend leaving time to explore the surrounding 207-acre Ellington Agricultural Center.
Morning Glory Orchard | $5/person
This family-owned peach and apple orchard in Nolensville offers self-guided walking tours on select days from June through October. Guests are welcome to pack a picnic lunch and should check in at the white barn before entering.
Music on the mind
Ryman Auditorium | $35.80-$62.50/person
Experience one of Music City’s most iconic stages up close by opting for a self-guided tour, guided backstage tour, or VIP tour. If you’ve ever been curious about what lies beneath the stage, watch for announcements about the venue’s periodic haunted history tours.
Jefferson Street Sound Museum | $10-$15/person
Hear stories and see artifacts chronicling the musical history of Jefferson Street, with tours touching on Jimi Hendrix, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington’s time in Music City. Public tours are offered on the hour on Saturdays (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) and by appointment Tuesday through Thursday.
RCA Studio B | $51.95/person
Known as the birthplace of the “Nashville Sound,” this recording studio is where Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Charley Pride, and many more cut some of their most iconic hits. Although the studio stopped commercial operations in 1977, it has been maintained as a historic site by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
See the city from the sky.
Photo by @gabe_rhoden
On the go
Helistar | $106-$199.50/person
Take in the Music City skyline from a birds-eye view on this helicopter tour.
Old Town Trolley Tours | $44.57-$102.59/person
This Nashville tour staple includes hop-on-hop-off stops at 13 of the city’s biggest attractions, like the Nashville Farmers Market and Centennial Park.
Tours By Foot | $2.99-$30
If you’re searching for a budget-friendly way to learn more about the 615, try the self-guided walking tours or the pay-what-you-like tours led by a local, which explore landmarks like The Arcade, L&C Tower, and more.
iRide Nashville | $54-$75/person
If you’re on a time crunch or already got your steps in for the day, consider booking a Segway experience through downtown or Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
Eat and drink
Music City Brew Hop | $40-$59/person
This hop-off trolley’s brewery loop covers 15 miles and includes unlimited rides the day of your ticket.
Walk Eat Nashville | $109/person + taxes and ticketing fee
This locally-owned-and-operated tour grants you a behind-the-scenes experience at top-rated restaurants in downtown, 12 South, East Nashville, Midtown, and The Factory at Franklin.
Mint Julep Nashville | $89-$159/person
Choose the Jack Daniel’s Tour and tasting or the Barbecue, Beer & Bourbon Foodie Adventure, which includes a distillery tour and tasting, plus a beer flight with local barbecue.
All in on history
Nashville Sites | Free
Take a walking or driving tour at your own pace with these recommended stops, which explore themes across specific neighborhoods, women’s history, civil rights, and more. Pro tip: The tours include audio narration and GPS mapping.
Nashville History On Tour | Prices vary
Tour guide and historian David Ewing is a ninth-generation Nashvillian showcasing the city’s past through specialized tours including famous hotels, fashion history, inventions, architecture, and more.
United Street Tours | $42.45-$258.97/person
This historical walking tour is led and curated by locals with a specialized focus on slavery, freedom, civil rights, culture, and social justice.
Nashville Downtown Partnership History and Architecture Tour | Free
If you like to march to the beat of your own drum, build your own downtown tour with these suggestions from Nashville Downtown Partnership, which include footnotes about each stop.
Art is all around
Photowalk Nashville | $69-$350/person
Photowalk Nashville blends a photoshoot experience with taking in the sights of some of Nashville’s most iconic murals. Packages are catered to bachelorette parties, couples, friend groups, and even branding and content creation sessions.
Nashville Mural Tours | $49-$595/person
Ride along in a climate-controlled Ford Transit van and view artwork in Nashville neighborhoods from the Gulch and North Nashville to East and downtown — tours last ~2.5 hours and you will walk 1-3 blocks at several locations for photos.
Cruise the Cumberland on the General Jackson Showboat.
Photo by @musiccityproverb
Cruise the Cumberland
General Jackson Showboat | $41.19-$105.26/person
Choose from a selection of daytime and nighttime cruises with different shows paired with a Southern-inspired dinner.
River Queen Voyages | $42.64-$117.56/person
For a more intimate, casual Cumberland experience, ride a captained pedal pontoon or opt to choose between multiple kayak trip options.
