When you’ve spent more than a decade as a tour guide in Nashville, you start to notice certain things: which tours make people light up, which ones leave them feeling like they wasted an afternoon, and which are worth every penny.
I’ve personally led thousands of guests through Nashville’s streets, shared stories that don’t make it into the guidebooks, and tested more local experiences than I can count. I know what it’s like to plan a trip here, there are too many options, not enough time, and no way to tell the great tours from the generic ones.
This list is my answer to that problem. These are the Nashville sightseeing tours I recommend without hesitation - experiences that deliver real value, local insight, and a side of the city you might otherwise miss. They range from food tours to music history, from mural crawls to whiskey tastings, and yes, a little bar-hopping along the way. Here are my favorite sightseeing destinations in Nashville.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, here on a bachelorette trip, or a local looking to play tourist for a day, these are the tours worth your time.
Downtown Nashville Food Tour (My #1 Pick)
Why This Nashville Walking food Tour Stands Out
If you only have time for one sightseeing tour, make it this one, not just because it’s mine, but because it truly gives you the most complete downtown Nashville experience in a single afternoon.
Our Downtown Nashville Food Tour is part history, part food crawl, and part behind-the-scenes local storytelling. We weave through historic alleys and tucked-away streets, stopping at locally owned restaurants that have deep roots in the city. You won’t just eat, you’ll hear the stories of the chefs, owners, and communities that make each place special along with a full walking history tour of Downtown Nashville.
Unlike other food tours in town, we include three full-sized drinks in the ticket price, and the dishes you’ll try aren’t just “tour samples,” they’re exclusive items you can’t order off the menu anymore, or the very best thing a restaurant makes. See why this tour is rated one of the best experiences in the country.
H3: Local Tips for the Downtown Nashville Food Tour
Take it on your first day in Nashville! Our guides give personal recommendations you can use for the rest of your trip.
Wear comfortable shoes; we walk about 1.5 miles at a leisurely pace.
Come hungry because you’ll leave full.
Music City Brew Hop - East & West Loops
Nashville Brewery Tours Made Easy
Nashville’s brewery scene is booming, but getting between taprooms can be a headache without a car. The Music City Brew Hop solves that problem with a hop-on, hop-off trolley that connects breweries, murals, and local attractions on two separate loops.
The East Loop takes you through East Nashville, which is one of the most creative neighborhoods, where you’ll find fruit-forward sours, small-batch lagers, and some of the city’s most colorful murals. The West Loop offers bigger beer gardens, classic IPAs, and plenty of outdoor seating for sunny days.
H3: How to Make the Most of the Music City Brew Hop
Start early so you can hop off at multiple stops without feeling rushed.
Use it as a neighborhood sightseeing tour, even if you’re not a beer drinker.
Bring a camera because many stops are near mural walls.
Hot Chicken & Whiskey Tour
A Nashville Food & Drink Experience
Nashville is known for two culinary icons - hot chicken and Tennessee whiskey. This van-based tour combines both into one fiery, flavorful experience.
You’ll visit a hot chicken spot beloved by locals (and yes, you can choose your spice level “mild” still packs a punch) and a distillery for guided tastings of Tennessee’s signature spirit. Along the way, your guide will share the origins of hot chicken, the history of the Lincoln County Process that makes Tennessee whiskey unique, and insider stories from both food and drink scenes.
Insider Tips for the Hot Chicken & Whiskey Tour
Eat breakfast, but keep it light - you’ll be full by the end.
If you’re sensitive to spice, ask for extra pickles to cool the heat.
Plan to take home a bottle from the distillery; many offer tour-only exclusives.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Tour
A Triple-Threat Nashville Food Tour
This is the kind of tour you plan your whole day around, and maybe your whole trip. The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Tour is a deep dive into three of the South’s favorite indulgences.
You’ll start with a behind-the-scenes look at a Nashville brewery, where you’ll sample fresh pours right from the tanks. Then it’s off to a distillery for premium bourbon tastings, before ending with a true Southern BBQ feast with ribs, pulled pork, or brisket smoked low and slow.
Why This Tour Is Worth It
Your guide will break down the differences between brewing and distilling, explain the art of Southern BBQ smoking, and share the stories behind the businesses you visit. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for each, and likely a few bottles or crowlers to take home.
Murals & Mimosas Tour
Nashville Sightseeing for Bachelorettes & Birthdays
If you’re visiting Nashville for a girls’ trip, a Nashville bachelorette party, or birthday celebration, the Murals & Mimosas Tour is practically made for you.
It’s a guided adventure to the city’s most Instagram-worthy murals, with tips on posing, lighting, and capturing the perfect group shot. Between mural stops, you’ll relax with mimosas (or margaritas) and small bites at one of Nashville’s trendiest brunch spots.
Local Tips for the Murals & Mimosas Tour
Coordinate outfits if you want a cohesive look in your photos.
Bring your phone fully charged - you’ll take a lot of pictures.
Great for mixing sightseeing with social time.
Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tour
Step Inside the Mother Church of Country Music
The Ryman Auditorium isn’t just a music venue, it’s a sacred space in Nashville’s history. Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” it has hosted everyone from Johnny Cash to Kacey Musgraves.
The self-guided tour lets you explore at your own pace, soaking in the historic pews, backstage dressing rooms, and exhibits that tell the Ryman’s story from its 19th-century church origins to its place in modern music culture.
Tips for Visiting the Ryman
Go in the morning for fewer crowds.
Take time to watch the intro video, it’s a moving look at the venue’s legacy.
Combine with lunch nearby for a half-day downtown outing.
Country Music Hall of Fame & RCA Studio B
A Deep Dive into Nashville’s Music Legacy
If the Ryman is Nashville’s heart, the Country Music Hall of Fame is its memory. The museum’s exhibits are immersive and interactive, with costumes, instruments, and memorabilia from the genre’s biggest stars.
The ticket combo with RCA Studio B adds even more magic — this is the studio where Elvis Presley recorded more than 200 songs, and where Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Roy Orbison made history.
H3: Planning Your Visit
Studio B is a short shuttle ride from the museum so time your tickets so you do both back-to-back.
Wear comfortable shoes; the museum covers multiple floors.
Allow 3 to 4 hours for both experiences combined.
Related: Why Is Nashville Called Music City?
Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour
Go Behind the Scenes at Nashville’s Most Famous Stage
The Grand Ole Opry is more than a concert, it’s an institution. Since 1925, it’s been showcasing the best in country, bluegrass, Americana, and gospel music. Stepping inside the Opry House is an experience in itself, but the Backstage Tour takes it to another level.
You’ll walk through the artist entrance, peek inside themed dressing rooms, and stand on the same stage where legends like Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Loretta Lynn have performed. Your guide will share stories about the Opry’s history, from its early days at the Ryman Auditorium to its current home, and what it means for an artist to “become a member.”
H3: Tips for Visiting the Grand Ole Opry
Book a post-show backstage tour if possible, it’s thrilling to see the stage just after a live performance, and tickets include your show ticket as well.
Arrive early to explore the lobby’s memorabilia displays.
Pair your tour with tickets to an evening Opry show for the full experience.
Sprocket Rocket Party Bike
Nashville Sightseeing Meets Bar-Hopping
The Sprocket Rocket Party Bike is as much about the atmosphere as the route. You and your group will pedal (lightly, the assist motor does most of the work) through downtown Nashville, stopping at bars along the way. Pedal taverns are a Nashville institution, and you’ll have a blast!
It’s a mix of sightseeing, bar-hopping, and people-watching from one of the most fun seats in the city. The music’s loud, the drinks are flowing, and the energy is pure Nashville.
Tips for a Great Party Bike Ride
Book early evening to see the city light up.
Wear closed-toe shoes for comfort while pedaling.
Perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties.
East Nashville Food Tour (Coming Soon)
Explore Nashville’s Most Creative Neighborhood
Across the river from downtown, East Nashville has a personality all its own — creative, eclectic, and full of fantastic food.
Our upcoming East Nashville Food Tour will explore some of the neighborhood’s most beloved restaurants, colorful murals, and locally owned shops. Until then, I recommend the East Nashville Food Tour by Walk Eat Nashville, which offers a delicious introduction to this vibrant community.
Pair It with More East Nashville Fun
Visit a few breweries after the tour.
Take a stroll in Shelby Park.
Pop into vintage shops for unique finds.
Book the East Nashville Food Tour
Plan Your Nashville Sightseeing
Nashville is best experienced through its flavors, music, and stories, and these tours are the fastest way to connect with all three. Whether you’re sipping whiskey, tasting hot chicken, snapping mural photos, or walking the same streets as music legends, you’ll leave with memories that last.
Local Tip: Nashville gets busy, especially on weekends and during festivals. Book your top picks early to secure your spot.
Nashville Sightseeing Tours – FAQs
H3: What is the most popular sightseeing tour in Nashville?
A Little Local Flavor’s Downtown Nashville Food Tour is one of the most highly rated tours in the country, combining history, local restaurants, and drink pairings in a guided Nashville walking tour experience.
Are walking tours in Nashville worth it?
Yes, walking tours in Nashville are a great way to see Nashville’s historic districts, learn local stories you won’t hear elsewhere, and get personalized recommendations from your guide.
What are the best tours in Nashville for first-time visitors?
For a first trip, pair a history-rich walking tour like the Downtown Nashville Food Tour with an iconic music attraction such as the Ryman Auditorium or the Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour.
What is the best way to see Nashville without a car?
Hop-on, hop-off experiences like the Music City Brew Hop or guided walking tours let you explore multiple neighborhoods without needing to drive.
How much do sightseeing tours in Nashville cost?
Prices range from around $25 for self-guided museum tours to $150+ for multi-stop food, drink, or music experiences that include transportation and tastings.
Which Nashville tours are good for groups?
Popular group options include the Sprocket Rocket Party Bike, Downtown Nashville Food Tour, Beer Bourbon & BBQ Tour, and Murals & Mimosas Tour. Private group bookings are available for many walking and food tours and other experiences.
What tours are best for music lovers in Nashville?
The Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour, Country Music Hall of Fame & RCA Studio B combo, and the Ryman Auditorium self-guided tour are top picks for music history fans.