Nashville has become one of the most exciting beer cities in the South. With more than two dozen craft breweries spread across the city, from East Nashville to The Gulch to Wedgewood-Houston, it’s never been easier (or more delicious) to explore the city through its beer.
But here's the challenge: how do you experience multiple breweries in one day without renting a car, planning a route, or designating a driver?
That’s where brewery tours in Nashville come in, especially one stand-out experience that locals and visitors alike rave about.
Whether you're planning a bachelorette weekend, a casual day out, or you're just a serious hophead, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Nashville beer tours, what makes each one different, and which one we consider the best brewery tour in Nashville for flexibility, fun, and supporting local.
Why Take a Brewery Tour in Nashville?
You could try to map out your own brewery crawl… but Nashville isn’t exactly walkable between neighborhoods. And with beer-heavy menus, someone in your group is going to get stuck as the designated driver.
That’s why brewery tours have exploded in popularity over the past few years, and not just the party pedal taverns. New formats have emerged that are better suited to craft beer lovers who want to experience Nashville’s brewery scene with comfort, variety, and insider access.
A well-designed brewery tour can:
Help you explore more of the city’s neighborhoods
Give you access to breweries that aren’t in walking distance
Save you time on logistics
Keep everyone safe while still enjoying generous pours
Introduce you to small, locally owned brewers that you might otherwise miss
Types of Brewery Tours in Nashville
Not all brewery tours are created equal. Here’s what’s currently offered in town:
1. Guided Group Tours (by bus or van)
These tours typically take 10 to 20 guests to 3 or 4 breweries with pre-arranged tastings and a tour guide. While fun, they often run on a tight schedule and include limited options at each stop.
Good for: People who want structure and don’t mind a set itinerary.
Limitation: You can’t pick your own breweries or stay longer at your favorites.
2. Party Pedal Taverns
A rowdy downtown experience. Great for bachelorette parties looking for a high-energy crawl, but the focus is usually more on the party than the beer.
Good for: Groups who want to dance and drink through Broadway.
Limitation: Often skips real craft breweries in favor of bars and quick shots.
3. Self-Guided Crawls
Great in theory, but hard to execute in Nashville due to distance between breweries and lack of public transportation. Most breweries aren’t near each other, so you’ll end up spending a fortune on rideshares.
4. Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Trolley (Our Top Pick)
Enter: the Music City Brew Hop, Nashville’s only hop-on hop-off brewery tour. It loops between 10+ of the city’s best local breweries, allowing you to create your own crawl with unlimited trolley rides from 12PM to 7PM, Friday through Sunday.
Why we love it:
You can start and end wherever you like
Stay as long as you want at each stop
Explore either the East or West brewery loop
All stops are locally owned breweries or cider houses
No need to drive, Uber, or plan a thing
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Why Music City Brew Hop Is the Best Brewery Tour in Nashville
We've tested all the options. Here's why Music City Brew Hop stands out as the best Nashville brewery tour for most people:
Flexibility
You’re not stuck in a van with strangers or on a strict timeline. You set your own pace — stay for one pint or a whole flight.
Local Breweries Only
The tour highlights only locally owned breweries, including:
Bearded Iris (East) - Known for hazy, hop-forward IPAs
Southern Grist (East) - Inventive sours and small batches
Monday Night Brewing (East) - Tropical beers in a warehouse-chic space
Tennessee Brew Works (West) - Rooftop, music, and Southern beer
Jackalope (West) - Woman-owned brewery with clean, classic styles
Diskin Cider (West) - Nashville’s only craft cider house
Safe & Comfortable
Air-conditioned trolley, friendly conductors, and free water on board. You can even bring cans from one brewery to enjoy en route.
Affordable
Just $45 per person for an all-day pass - far less than most private tours and with much more flexibility.
Which Route Should You Choose: East vs West?
Both routes have their strengths, and you really can’t go wrong. But here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
East Nashville Brewery Loop
Vibe: Trendy, experimental, artsy
Best for: IPA lovers, mead fans, unique brewery settings
Stops may include: Honeytree Meadery, Southern Grist, Bearded Iris, East Nashville Beer Works, Monday Night Brewing
Planning your route? You’ll love our upcoming post: East vs West: Which Nashville Brewery Loop is Right for You?
West Nashville Brewery Loop
Vibe: Balanced, diverse, relaxed
Best for: Groups with mixed drink preferences, first-time visitors, cider fans
Stops may include: Tennessee Brew Works, Jackalope, New Heights Brewing, Fait La Force, Diskin Cider, Marble Fox
Who Is This Tour Perfect For?
Birthday groups looking for a no-stress day out
Nashville Bachelorettes who want something more elevated than a pedal tavern
Couples and solo travelers looking for a relaxed activity
Beer lovers who want to taste a wide range of local styles
Locals who haven’t explored all of Nashville’s beer scene yet
Nashville Bachelor parties that want to sample Nashville’s best craft beer
Want a full itinerary for a bachelorette or birthday brewery tour in Nashville? Stay tuned for our upcoming post: A Local’s Guide to the Best Bachelorette Experiences in Nashville
Tips for Making the Most of Your Day
Start early to make the most of your time (trolley runs 12 to 7PM)
Stay 45–60 minutes per brewery if you want to hit 4 to 6 spots
Some breweries serve food - plan a lunch stop at East Nashville Beer Works or Diskin Cider
Drink water between tastings (free bottles on the trolley!)
Check out the route map on the Music City Brew Hop page
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Music City Brew Hop?
$45 per person for an all-day pass. Some discounted packages are available seasonally.
When does the trolley operate?
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12PM to 7PM. It loops every hour, so you can hop on or off at your own pace.
Do I need to pick a starting point?
No! You can board at any stop on your selected loop, though most people start downtown at the Omni Hotel.
Can I eat at the breweries?
Yes. Several breweries have food menus or food trucks. East Nashville Beer Works and Diskin Cider are great choices for a bite.
What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes, a valid ID, and a water bottle (though they provide some on board). Matching t-shirts encouraged if you’re on a group trip!
Can I do both loops in one weekend?
Absolutely! Many guests do East Loop on Saturday and West Loop on Sunday.
Final Thoughts: Why This Is the Best Way to Explore Nashville Breweries
If you want to experience the best of Nashville’s craft beer scene without the stress of planning, Music City Brew Hop is the answer. It’s affordable, local, flexible, and fun, and you’ll support the small brewers who make this city’s culture so special.