7 Downtown Nashville Tours You Should Know

TL;DR: Top Nashville Tours & Where to Stay

• Best Overall Tour: Nashville Experience Tours offers personalized van and walking tours perfect for small groups.

• Most Unique Tour: Puppet City Tours provides a hilarious and family-friendly puppet-led history walk.

• Best Budget Tour: Free Tours by Foot offers self-guided itineraries you can follow at your own pace for free.

• Best Group Accommodation: If you're looking for a place that checks every box for a group trip, Underwood Manor is a top choice, with a hot tub, fire pit, and room for 10, just 5 minutes from downtown.

Welcome to Nashville, a city that buzzes with the energy of live music, rich history, and unforgettable nightlife. Navigating the heart of Music City can feel overwhelming, but the right tour transforms a good trip into an amazing one. This guide is built to help you find the perfect downtown Nashville tours for your specific group and vibe, whether you're planning a wild bachelorette party, a fun family outing, or a romantic getaway. We cut through the noise to show you exactly what to expect from Nashville's best tour operators.

Instead of generic descriptions, we provide a detailed breakdown of each recommended tour company. You'll find specific highlights, pricing insights, tour durations, and direct booking links to simplify your planning process. This curated list is your one-stop resource for comparing the top-rated walking tours, party buses, golf cart adventures, and unique puppet shows that make downtown Nashville a world-class destination.

To complete your trip, securing the right place to stay is just as crucial. For groups looking for a stylish home base with top-tier amenities just minutes from the action, [Underwood Manor](https://www.underwoodmanor.com) is a standout choice. This one's made for groups that want comfort and character, making it an ideal launchpad for your Nashville adventures.

1. Underwood Manor – Your Glam-Ready Group Stay

Before diving into the tours, let's talk about where you'll drop your bags. Perfect for bachelorette parties, birthdays, or girls’ weekends, Underwood Manor is the ultimate home base. This Nashville Airbnb for groups sleeps 10 and is packed with amenities designed for fun and relaxation. It’s located just 5 minutes from the downtown buzz, meaning you’re close to all the tour starting points but have a quiet, stylish retreat to return to.

If you're looking for a place that checks every box, this is it. The private 7-person hot tub is perfect for unwinding after a long walking tour, and the string-lit backyard with a smokeless fire pit sets the scene for perfect evenings. Inside, you'll find a glam mirror area for getting ready, a vintage Pac-Man machine, and unlimited Nespresso to kickstart your mornings. It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s a core part of the Nashville experience.

Key Features & Booking Tips

Booking is handled directly through their website, and it’s a popular spot for groups, so reserving your dates in advance is highly recommended.

• Tour Types: While not a tour, it's the perfect launchpad for any downtown Nashville tours.

• Pricing: Varies by season, but offers incredible value for a 10-person group with luxury amenities.

• Best For: Bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and any group wanting a stylish vacation rental with fire pit Nashville close to the action.

• Pro Tip: Use the Insta-worthy photo spots around the house to capture memories before you even head out for the day!

[Explore Underwood Manor and Book Your Stay](https://www.underwoodmanor.com)

2. Nashville Experience Tours

For groups wanting an authentic and intimate look at Music City, Nashville Experience Tours offers some of the best-curated downtown Nashville tours available. Their philosophy revolves around small group sizes, ensuring you get a personalized journey instead of feeling like just another face in a crowd. This approach allows their expert local guides to share fascinating stories, hidden histories, and personal recommendations that you simply won't find on a larger, more generic tour.

What makes this company stand out is its dual offering of both walking and climate-controlled van tours. This flexibility is perfect for any group, whether you're an energetic bachelorette party ready to hit the pavement or a family seeking a comfortable way to see the sights. The guides are consistently praised for their deep knowledge, covering everything from the city's role in the Civil Rights Movement to the legendary tales behind the honky-tonks on Broadway.

Key Features & Booking Tips

Booking is handled directly through their straightforward website, where you can view schedules and availability. Because these are small group experiences, they book up quickly, especially during peak season. We recommend reserving your spot at least a few weeks in advance to avoid disappointment.

• Tour Types: Comprehensive walking tours and comfortable 15-passenger van tours.

• Pricing: Tours generally range from $50 to $75 per person, offering excellent value for the personalized attention.

• Best For: History buffs, music lovers, and small groups (like bachelorette parties or families) who value in-depth storytelling over party-bus antics.

• Pro Tip: Check the tour descriptions carefully to pick the one that best fits your group's interests. The "Nashville's #1 All-Access City Tour" is a fantastic overview for first-time visitors.

You can learn more about how these tours complement the city's key landmarks by exploring this 2025 Map of Nashville Attractions.

Visit Nashville Experience Tours

3. Wander Nashville

For those who want to cover a lot of ground without missing the historical details, Wander Nashville offers some of the most comprehensive downtown Nashville tours on foot or via electric bike. Their approach is tech-savvy yet personal, equipping each guest with a personal listening device to ensure you hear every bit of the live narration from their award-winning guides. This means you can absorb the rich history of over 200 points of interest across six distinct neighborhoods without straining to hear over city noise.

What truly sets Wander Nashville apart is the sheer breadth of its coverage combined with affordability. Whether you choose a walking tour to intimately explore the alleys and architecture or opt for an e-bike to zip between landmarks, you're guaranteed an in-depth experience. The guides are celebrated for weaving together stories of Nashville's musical legends, pivotal Civil War moments, and modern-day culture into a cohesive and engaging narrative, making it a fantastic option for curious travelers.

Key Features & Booking Tips

You can easily book tours directly on the Wander Nashville website, which clearly displays schedules and tour types. Because of their popular reputation and affordable price point, tours can fill up, so booking ahead is a smart move, especially for weekend slots. The e-bike tours are a unique way to see the city but do require a basic level of fitness and comfort on a bicycle.

• Tour Types: Immersive walking tours and fun, fast-paced electric bike tours.

• Pricing: Generally among the most affordable options, providing incredible value for the extensive information shared.

• Best For: First-time visitors, history enthusiasts, and active groups who want to see as much as possible without renting a car.

• Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for either tour type! The e-bike tours cover more ground, but you'll still be active. Check the tour times carefully, as they are more limited than some other operators.

You can learn more about the locations covered on these tours by checking out these 9 best downtown Nashville things to do in 2025.

[Visit Wander Nashville](https://www.wandernashville.com/?utm_source=openai)

4. Puppet City Tours

If you're searching for one of the most unique and family-friendly downtown Nashville tours, look no further than Puppet City Tours. This isn't your average history lesson; it's an imaginative journey led by a charismatic puppet guide named Cornbread. This innovative approach brilliantly transforms historical facts and city landmarks into an engaging and hilarious narrative, making it a perfect choice for families with children or adults who are young at heart.

What makes Puppet City Tours stand out is its ability to captivate a diverse audience. While the puppet concept is a clear winner for kids, the historical storytelling is clever and well-researched, ensuring adults are just as entertained. The walking tour winds through key downtown spots, with Cornbread sharing funny anecdotes and fascinating tidbits about Nashville's past. It’s a refreshing alternative to traditional tours, blending education with pure, lighthearted fun.

Key Features & Booking Tips

Booking your spot is simple through the Puppet City Tours website, where you can see the tour schedule and reserve tickets. Given its unique appeal and limited tour times, spots can fill up, particularly on weekends and holidays. We recommend booking a week or two in advance, especially if you're coordinating for a family group. The tour is entirely on foot, so wear comfortable shoes.

• Tour Types: Puppet-led walking tour of historic downtown.

• Pricing: Tickets are typically around $30 per person, making it an affordable and memorable family activity.

• Best For: Families with children, school groups, and anyone seeking a fun, non-traditional tour experience that brings history to life.

• Pro Tip: Arrive a few minutes early to meet Cornbread and get the kids excited before the tour officially kicks off. The guide is fantastic at interacting with the audience from the very beginning.

[Visit Puppet City Tours](https://www.puppetcitytours.com/?utm_source=openai)

5. Nashville Tours

For those whose tastes run a bit darker and more spirited, Nashville Tours offers a fantastic alternative to the typical music-centric outings. This company has carved out a unique niche by focusing on the city's spookier and more intriguing side, making it a go-to for anyone seeking a truly memorable and offbeat downtown Nashville tour. Their themed walking tours dive deep into true crime, ghost stories, and local legends, led by guides who are as much performers as they are historians.

What truly sets Nashville Tours apart is its diverse and engaging lineup. You can hunt for specters on a ghost tour, unravel the city's most infamous crimes, or raise a glass on a spirited pub crawl that blends booze with history. The guides are consistently praised for their energetic storytelling and deep knowledge, ensuring that even skeptics will be entertained. This specialization makes their tours a perfect fit for bachelorette parties, friend groups, or couples looking for a unique night out.

Key Features & Booking Tips

Booking is easily completed through their website, which clearly outlines each tour's theme, meeting point, and duration. Since these are popular walking tours, comfortable shoes are a must. Many of their experiences, like the ghost and crime tours, are held in the evening, so be sure to check that the times align with your group's itinerary.

• Tour Types: Themed walking tours including true crime, ghost stories, pub crawls, and whiskey history.

• Pricing: Tours typically cost between $25 and $40 per person, making them a very affordable and unique entertainment option.

• Best For: Adults, bachelorette parties, and anyone interested in true crime, hauntings, or a fun pub crawl with a historical twist.

• Pro Tip: The "Nashville Murder & Mayhem" tour is a fan favorite for its chilling tales and historical depth. Book in advance, especially for weekend slots, as they fill up quickly.

While these tours cover the city's haunted history, you can discover more about its celebrated musical past by reading about the 7 best Nashville music tours for your 2025 itinerary.

[Visit Nashville Tours](https://gonashvilletours.com/?utm_source=openai)

🏡 Why Stay at Underwood Manor? ✔ Sleeps 10 ✔ Hot tub + fire pit ✔ 5 minutes to Broadway ✔ Glam space, games, Insta-ready backyard ✔ Unlimited Nespresso, record player & more 👉 [View the full property](https://www.underwoodmanor.com)

6. Free Tours by Foot

For the independent traveler or groups on a budget, Free Tours by Foot offers a uniquely flexible approach to exploring Music City. This platform specializes in self-guided downtown Nashville tours, providing detailed itineraries, maps, and rich historical context that you can follow at your own pace. This "do-it-yourself" model is perfect for those who want to avoid rigid schedules and explore the city's nooks and crannies on their own terms, making it an excellent option for spontaneous adventures.

What makes this company a standout choice is its cost-effectiveness and comprehensive coverage. The free walking tour guides cover all the essential downtown landmarks, from the legendary Ryman Auditorium to the State Capitol. For a more immersive experience, you can purchase an affordable audio guide, which adds a layer of expert narration to your walk without the need for a live guide. This hybrid approach gives you the freedom of solo exploration with the benefit of curated storytelling.

Key Features & Booking Tips

Accessing the tours is as simple as visiting their website; there's no formal booking required for the self-guided options. Simply pull up the itinerary on your phone and start walking. If you opt for the paid audio tour, it's an instant digital download. This is a fantastic resource for last-minute plans or for visitors who prefer a more relaxed and personal discovery process.

• Tour Types: Free self-guided walking tours with detailed itineraries and optional paid audio guides.

• Pricing: The core self-guided tour is completely free. Audio tours are available for a small fee, typically under $5.

• Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, independent explorers, and families who need the flexibility to start, stop, and detour as they please.

• Pro Tip: Download the map and tour information beforehand to save on mobile data. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking to cover all the historical sites.

For more ideas on how to structure your trip, see this helpful guide for planning a trip to Nashville.

[Visit Free Tours by Foot](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/self-guided-tour-of-nashville?utm_source=openai)

7. Joyride Nashville

For those who want to experience the vibrant energy of Broadway and its surroundings on foot, Joyride Nashville offers some of the most engaging and affordable downtown Nashville tours available. Their walking tours are designed to be fun, accessible, and packed with information, making them a fantastic choice for first-time visitors, families, and groups of all ages. The focus is squarely on the heart of Music City, bringing its iconic landmarks and hidden stories to life through the eyes of passionate local guides.

What sets Joyride apart is its straightforward, no-frills approach to sightseeing. Instead of complex itineraries or vehicle-based travel, they deliver a purely authentic walking experience that allows you to soak in the atmosphere of downtown Nashville. The guides are consistently praised for being not just knowledgeable but also incredibly entertaining, ensuring that every tour is as fun as it is informative. This makes it a great option for bachelorette parties or friend groups who want a structured activity before hitting the honky-tonks.

Key Features & Booking Tips

Booking is easily managed through the Joyride Nashville website, where you can find tour times and secure your spots. Given their popularity and affordable price point, these walking tours can fill up, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season, so booking ahead is highly recommended. The tours are designed to be a great value, providing a high-quality guided experience without a hefty price tag.

• Tour Types: Guided walking tours focusing on downtown and Broadway.

• Pricing: Generally one of the most affordable guided tour options in the city, providing excellent value.

• Best For: All ages, families, bachelorette groups, and anyone looking for a fun, budget-friendly introduction to Music City's core.

• Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes! While the pace is manageable, you'll be on your feet exploring the sights, so be prepared for a bit of walking to get the most out of the experience.

You can get an even better sense of the area you'll explore by checking out the top 10 things to do in Nashville while planning your trip.

[Visit Joyride Nashville](https://joyrideus.com/nashville/walking-tours/?utm_source=openai)

Viator

For planners who love having a wealth of options at their fingertips, Viator serves as a massive online marketplace for booking a huge variety of downtown Nashville tours. Instead of being a single tour operator, it’s a one-stop-shop where you can compare dozens of different experiences from various local companies. This makes it an invaluable tool for groups trying to find the perfect activity, whether it's a family-friendly bus tour, a foodie walking adventure, or even a thrilling helicopter ride over the city skyline.

What makes Viator stand out is its powerful filtering system and transparent user reviews. You can easily sort tours by price, duration, and guest rating, which helps you quickly narrow down the choices to fit your group's budget and schedule. The platform's real user reviews and photos provide honest, unfiltered feedback, so you know exactly what to expect. This is particularly useful for bachelorette parties or family reunions that need to ensure the chosen activity will please everyone.

Key Features & Booking Tips

Booking is streamlined directly on the Viator website or app, often with "reserve now, pay later" options and generous cancellation policies that add a layer of flexibility to your planning. Because it aggregates so many different tour providers, you can often find last-minute availability here when other operators are fully booked. However, the quality can vary from one tour company to the next, so always read the recent reviews carefully.

• Tour Types: An extensive selection including walking tours, bus tours, food and drink tours, ghost tours, and unique options like helicopter flights.

• Pricing: Varies widely, from budget-friendly walking tours around $30 to premium private experiences costing several hundred dollars.

• Best For: Groups who want to compare multiple options side-by-side, last-minute planners, and anyone looking for niche or specialty tours.

• Pro Tip: Use the "Things to Do in Nashville" section to discover unique activities you might not have known about, and always double-check the meeting point and what’s included in the tour price.

Visit Viator

Final Thoughts

Navigating the vibrant streets of Music City is an adventure in itself, and choosing from the best downtown Nashville tours can feel like picking a single star from a brilliant sky. From the immersive storytelling of Wander Nashville to the laugh-out-loud antics of Puppet City Tours and the flexible, budget-friendly routes offered by Free Tours by Foot, there is truly a tour for every type of traveler. We've explored everything from comprehensive bus journeys to intimate, specialized walking excursions, giving you a complete toolkit to plan your perfect city exploration.

Your ideal tour hinges entirely on your group's unique personality and goals. Are you a bachelorette party ready to see the sights before a night on Broadway? A golf cart tour from Joyride Nashville offers a fun, breezy overview. Are you a family of history buffs eager to dive deep into Nashville’s past? A dedicated guide from Nashville Experience Tours will provide the rich context you crave. The key takeaway is to match the tour’s format, pace, and content to your own travel style.

Whether you're planning a Nashville bachelorette, a birthday trip, or a relaxing weekend with friends, Underwood Manor delivers comfort, style, and location in one unforgettable stay. With room for 10 and amenities designed for group fun, it’s one of the best vacation rentals in Nashville with a hot tub — hands down.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best way to tour downtown Nashville? The best way depends on your group. For in-depth history, a walking tour with Nashville Experience Tours is excellent. For a fun, fast overview, an e-bike tour with Wander Nashville is great. For a totally unique experience, try Puppet City Tours.

How much do Nashville tours cost? Costs vary widely. Self-guided tours can be free, while guided walking tours typically range from $30-$50 per person. More comprehensive van or specialty tours can cost $50-$75 or more. Always check the specific tour provider for current pricing.

How long are most downtown Nashville tours? Most walking tours last between 90 minutes and 2.5 hours. Van or bus tours can be longer, often around 3 to 4 hours, to cover more ground.

Where is the best place to stay for a group doing downtown Nashville tours? For groups, a centrally located vacation rental is often the best choice. Underwood Manor is an ideal option, sleeping 10 guests just 5 minutes from downtown. Its hot tub, fire pit, and ample space make it perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. It's the perfect bachelorette party house Nashville or group getaway spot.

Do I need to book Nashville tours in advance? Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tours in advance, especially for popular tours and during peak seasons (spring, summer, and fall weekends). Many small-group tours sell out weeks ahead of time.

After a day spent exploring the best downtown Nashville tours, you’ll need the perfect place to relax, recap, and get ready for a night out. With a 7-person hot tub, a photo-ready backyard, and space for 10 guests just 5 minutes from the action, Underwood Manor is the ideal home base for your group’s entire Nashville adventure. Book your unforgettable stay at Underwood Manor today!