walking tour of nashville map

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Free Self-Guided Tour of Downtown Nashville

Our tour guides spend a lot of time exploring the city of Nashville and learning about its history, and they've come up with a pretty impressive self-guided tour of the downtown area.

Join us for a walk through downtown Nashville as we cover the history of this town from its beginnings as Fort Nashborough through the Civil War, Civil Rights, and Country Music to today.

The whole tour takes about 2 hours - that is if you don't step inside any of the museums or restaurants.

We also offer this self-guided tour in an audio format.

Here is how it works:

• Purchase an  audio tour from our Booking Page .
• You’ll receive a confirmation email with a .pdf, Google Map link, and audio tour.
• Enjoy the tour(s).

Listen to a sample of our Downtown Nashville Tour:

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Nashville:

Nashville Visitor Center (START)

Legends corner, ryman auditorium, downtown presbyterian church, nashville civil rights, maxwell house hotel.

• L&C Tower

Men's Quarter

Printer's alley, fort nashborough, shelby street pedestrian bridge, goo goo shop, honky tonk highway, music city walk of fame (end).

• Hatch Show Print (Optional Stop

Nashville Celebrity Homes Tour

501 Broadway

We begin our tour of Nashville here at the Visitor Center.

You can go inside to grab a bottle of water or use the restrooms before we get started, but we're about to venture on a 2-mile walk together so maybe hold off on the souvenir shopping.

We end the tour not far from here so you can always come back.

We will talk about the history of Nashville at a later stop and how it got started, but let's use this stop to talk about what Nashville is today.

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and of country music. These are two facts that most people know about the city already.

But did you know that there is a huge printing industry here? Or that Maxwell Coffee is from Nashville? We'll talk about this and more on our tour.

Nashville's nickname is Music City. Depending on what time of day you are standing at this corner, you may be able to see why the name has stuck.

Live music is played most of the day and night somewhere in the city. But this isn't how the nickname got started. It all began with ... the Queen of England. No, seriously.

Fisk University, a historically black university, was founded in 1866 just after the end of the American Civil War, as a school for freedmen.

As part of a way to raise funds, the Fisk Jubilee Singers a capella group toured around the country and Europe.

After singing for the Queen of England she remarked: "You must be from Music City." This nickname was cemented in the 1950s by a radio announcer at WSM (home of the Grand Ole Opry).

Music is a part of the city's soul but it isn't only country music. You can find any genre being performed, recorded, and played here.

But let's be honest, country music is what Nashville is known for and our next stop is going to introduce you to some of our city's favorites.

From here you can see the start of Honky Tonk Highway, including one of its famous bars. You really can't miss it. Look for the bright purple building. That is Tootsie's Orchid Lounge.

It was originally a bar called "Moms" when Hattie Louise Bess bought it in the 1960s. She named it after herself, Tootsies.

When the painter accidentally painted the building this color of purple - orchid - it became the bar's signature and stuck.

Tootsie was where many people got their start - including Willie Nelson who got his first songwriting gig after singing there.

One story that embodies the southern hospitality and family of country music. Tootsie was known to slip cash into the pockets of struggling artists or accept IOUs at the bar.

At the end of the year, musicians who had made it would pay the IOUs so Tootsie would not lose the money.

Tootsie's acted as the Ryman's unofficial green room where musical acts would sneak in the back door of the bar to play something new or grab a beer, something you couldn't do at the Ryman.

As much as music has a unique history here in Nashville, so does liquor. Particularly the kind that came from bootlegging - moonshine and whiskey.

Tennessee passed laws in 1908 that effectively created Prohibition in the state years before the federal government and it wasn't until the 1960s that you could get a cocktail with dinner.

A lot of Nashville establishments were popularized because of backdoors that let patrons and musicians get a drink.

From here cross the street diagonally (in Nashville many of the intersections have diagonal crosswalks!) to the mural on the side of Legends Corner)

Legends Corner is one of the most popular country bars in Nashville. From here on down Broadway, we call this Honky Tonk Row so there are a lot of country bars.

On the side wall along 5th Street is a new mural depicting famous faces of country music: Tim McGraw, Loretta Lynn, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Willie Nelson, Taylor Swift, Johnny Cash, Keith Urban, Merle Haggard, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Dolly Parton, and Garth Brooks.

You'll notice some shadowy figures in the background. These are placeholders for additions of future country legends.

Continue up 5th Avenue North to the red brick building. While it looks like a church, today it is the Ryman Auditorium and is called the Mother Church of Country Music.

This sidewalk is narrow and crowded so we'll have you go around the corner but as you walk along the 5th Avenue side of the building, look up above the door and you'll see an engraving that says Union Gospel Tabernacle.

Stop around the corner for a good view of the stained glass windows and quiet place, but you can also continue around the building to the front entrance on 4th Avenue if you want some more photo ops or to pause this and take the self-guided tour inside the Ryman.

To start you off, there is more to say and see about Ryman Auditorium that can we share with you and stay on time.  

We highly recommend touring inside. Read our post about how to do that.

This is the mother church of country music and it was built as a church.

The story goes that Thomas Ryman, a rich man who had his hands in many money-making schemes in Nashville, went to confront a traveling preacher named Sam Jones who had set up a tent revival outside of town.

However, after hearing him preach, Ryman didn't want to tell Sam Jones to leave - he asked him to stay and decided to help build a church, the Union Gospel Tabernacle.

The first concert was held on May 4, 1892.

The May Music Festival with the Theodore Thomas Orchestra was a fundraising concert to help the Ladies Hermitage Association purchase items for Andrew Jackson's home (which we also recommend visiting).

It is a performance venue today hosting acts from all over the world and of all genres, but what it is most known for is the Grand Ole Opry.

There is a lot of confusion about the Ryman vs. the Grand Ole Opry House and you will understand it better if you tour inside one or both of these buildings.

The Grand Ole Opry is a show. The Ryman was the home to this radio show from its beginning in 1943 until it moved to a new purpose-built building, what is called the Grand Ole Opry House, in 1974.

It was an emotional farewell when the Opry (show) left the Ryman and as a symbolic way to bring a piece of the Ryman to the new location, they did just that.

A portion of the stage floor was cut out in a circle and inlaid on the new Opry House floor.

Continue up 5th Avenue crossing Commerce Street. You'll walk past a parking garage with a giant mural. Once you get past the entrance to the parking garage, stop and turn around. You'll see another street art mural on the side of the building.

Nashville has a surprising amount of street art. So much in fact that we have more self-guided tours dedicated to it!

Graffiti? Street Art? One is wanted, and one is not.

Street art and murals have been commissioned around the city to beautify shop walls, garages, and more.

The Nashville Walls Project brings internationally acclaimed and local artists to contribute to these artworks.

This building has a few pieces:

• The mural on the street side is done by Beau Stanton as part of a project with Rivive, a nonprofit dedicated to cleaning up the Cumberland River.
• The lyrics on the corner are from a Johnny Cash song, As Long As the Grass Shall Grow, done by Niels Shoe Meulman.

Keep an eye out as we walk around, around corners and the backs of buildings for more art.

Continue up 5th Avenue walking along a church on your right. The Downtown Presbyterian Church is our next stop but its best to stop on 4th Street at the entrance.

This current church building is the third on this site, the first two having burnt down. What is unique about this building is the architectural style.

The architect, William Strickland, who also designed the Tennessee State Capitol, was inspired by the images from Egypt during the height of archeological discovery in the mid-1800s. 

The Downtown Presbyterian Church is one of the best examples of Egyptian Revivalism in the U.S.

Look for the lotus columns and a winged sun disk and if you have a chance go inside.

The painting inside the church feels like an Egyptian temple.

Like most churches during the Civil War, this served as a Union hospital.

You may not have expected this to be a Union hospital as Tennessee seceded and joined the Confederacy during the American Civil War.

Tennessee was very much a divided territory - it was the last state to secede and the first state to rejoin the Union.

Nashville was the first Confederate state capital to fall to Union control as a strategic point on the river.

Cross Church Street to continue up to 5th Avenue, looking for Woolworths on 5th, which will be across the street. 

This stretch of 5th Ave became a central shopping district after the Civil War. As a commercial district, this was the location of many of the sit-ins during the American Civil Rights Movement.

This street had many "five and dimes", including an F.W. Woolworths. After the Greensboro sit-ins, this nonviolent campaign to end racial segregation spread across the South.

The idea of sit-ins at lunch counters was already discussed in Nashville before this historic event in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Many of these commercial establishments allowed anyone to shop, but not eat at their restaurants.

On Saturday, February 13, 1960, more than 100 students would sit at lunch counters at various establishments on this street - Woolworths, Kress, McLellan, Walgreens, and Harveys.

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They were refused service but sat at the counter for two hours before leaving.

T his would happen many more times over the next few weeks. The demonstrators never reacted to any verbal or physical taunts and the sit-ins would often end with their arrest.

After the sit-ins and protests of downtown segregated merchants, meetings were held in secret between the student activists and the stores.

A controlled integration began and Nashville was the first major city in the South to desegregate.

Go back to the corner of Church and 5th and turn left onto Church Street.  As you cross Arcade Alley, look for the historic marker on the wall on your left.

The building you see before you stands on the site of the old Maxwell House Hotel, which burned down in a fire on Christmas in 1961, the cause still unknown.

The hotel construction began in 1859, which means the original construction was completed by enslaved men. Though the building was not completed, this became a Union hospital and prison during the Civil War.

When the Civil War ended and the Union forces left, the first meeting of the Ku Klux Klan was held here in 1867.

The hotel was opened to the public in 1869, advertising steam heat, gaslighting, and a bath on every floor. Rooms cost $4 a day, including meals and coffee.

The hotel enjoyed a fine reputation during its height and hosted a veritable who's who of visitors, including 8 presidents.

When President Teddy Roosevelt was staying here he is reported as commenting that the coffee served was "Good to the Last Drop" - a slogan Maxwell House coffee continues to use to this day.

Whether this story is true is debated, though Roosevelt did have Maxwell House coffee during a stay, he said " This is the kind of stuff I like to drink, by George, when I hunt bears" - which just doesn't have the same ring to it.

There is a small alley that you crossed over to see the plaque, turn right down Arcade Alley until you get to the Arcade-covered shopping area.

This used to be Overton Alley until a local business was inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele in Milan, Italy, and convinced the shops and restaurants to create an enclosed walkway.

It was such a draw for local residents that when it opened in 1903 more than a quarter of the city population showed up.

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Can you imagine being in here with 40,000 people?

When you exit the covered area be sure to turn around and look at the columned entryway.

If you haven't already walked through, get to the end of the Arcade on 4th Street. Turn right for just a few steps.

We will eventually cross 4th Street at this crosswalk but for now, look at the historic Victorian building across the street. At the time of writing, it still has the Southern Turf sign but the building has been sold to a new owner to become a Frank Sinatra-themed bar.

If you were a woman of any decency, you would not be caught even walking down this street at the turn of the 20th century.

This block down to the corner where the Maxwell House Hotel stood was known as the Men's Quarter.

It was full of saloons, barbershops, suit sellers, and gambling and its reputation was so known that the Maxwell House Hotel had a separate Ladies' Entrance on the other side of the building.

The building across the street, the Southern Turf, was one of the finer establishments, feeding off the high-class clientele of the hotel across the street.

It had mahogany furniture and bronze statues, and even electric fans.

A few doors down, the Utopia was a 6 story building with an elevator that ran all night.

The Climax Saloon had an upper floor for prostitution that had false walls where working girls could hide if there were a police raid -which there were not too many of. Lax enforcement allowed this area to thrive.

In its heyday, the local whiskey distilleries supplied the saloons - including Jack Daniels who could be seen walking around from bar to bar buying rounds of his whiskey for the patrons.

Despite its reputation, don't picture it as a rough and tumble, seedy area. The businesses maintained opulent appearances, and clean streets with no obvious acts of impropriety.

But even nice-looking and well-behaved drunks are still drunks and as the temperance movement swept the nation, Tennessee enacted Prohibition in 1914 closing all the saloons.

Cross 4th Avenue and head down alongside the Southern Turf building. This is called Bank Alley. Stop when you get to the next intersection and look to your right.

Printer's Alley today is a hub of lights and sounds for Nashville's nightlife and owes its beginnings as such to the closing of the saloons after the state Prohibition.

But its name, Printer's Alley, comes from before that. Here were the offices of the newspapers and publishing houses. In 1915 there were 13 publishers and 10 printers.

The last printer did not leave the ally until 1977.

During Prohibition, this was the home to speakeasies and restaurants who claimed their patrons had brought in their own liquor, or "brown bagged" it. It was not until 1968 that venues could sell alcohol.

You would find a variety of musicians playing here at the nightclubs, including country musicians who wanted to jam to a little jazz after their studio sets.

Chet Atkins, Waylon Jennings, Dottie West, The Supremes, and Hank Williams all played here.

If you want to come back here at night, Bourbon Street Blues is the best blues bar in town.

Skull's Rainbow Room is a unique Nashville experience with a storied past. This is the basement of the Southern Turf building, the opulently decorated saloon in the Men's Quarter.

It was opened in 1948 by David "Skull" Schulman. It had comedy - Andy Griffith and Jerry Lee Lewis. It had exotic dancers. It had live music.

Skull was voted the Mayor of Printer's Alley and would walk his pet poodles (one of them a gift from Elvis) down the street on rhinestone-studded leashes.

The checkered stage you would see if you went inside today is the original. Willie Nelson played as part of the house band and Elvis, Johnny Cash, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan played here.

Tim McGraw started out here after Skull loaned him some money and brought some people from the industry to see him play.

Both back then and today, you'll find a burlesque show in the evenings. It feels like a speakeasy even today.

After he was murdered in 1998, the Rainbow Room closed not to be reopened again until 2015.

The new management did as much as it could to restore the original character and you'll find a lot of items from the original Rainbow Row. If you can visit, you should.

If you haven't already, walk down Printer's Alley. There is a great photo op of the Printer's Alley sign when you get to Church Street. Turn left on Church Street. It will be a few blocks until our next stop, which you'll see when Church Street ends at the Riverfront.

The first people in this area were Native Americans, the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Shawnee, and later French fur traders.

In 1779,  James Robertson came from what is now western North Carolina to establish a settlement on the Cumberland River.

Robertson and the settlers who arrived in 1780 called it the Bluff Station but records refer to it as Fort Nashborough, after Francis Nash. He was a North Carolina politician and Revolutionary War general who died in battle.

It was officially designated as the town of Nashville in 1784 and was part of the state of North Carolina. It became the state capital of the newly admitted state of Tennessee in 1796.

As was common back then, the capital of a state moved occasionally - Knoxville and Murfreesboro had been capitals as well. Nashville became the official permanent state capital in 1843.

What you see here is a recreation of the original wooden stockade. Feel free to walk around and have a look at the buildings and historical markers.

With the river to your left, walk along 1st Ave North. You'll at some point want to cross 1st Ave North to be on the far side of the road. Stop when you get to Broadway.

The building on the corner will say Hard Rock Cafe but peek around the corner for a look at what it used to be. There is a great mural on the side of the building.

Turn on Broadway and stop at the corner of 2nd Street. This red brick building is still technically part of the Hard Rock Cafe today.

This Victorian building used to be the Silver Dollar Saloon.

If you were to keep walking up 2nd Street you'd be making your way towards the infamous Men's Quarter, but the Silver Dollar Saloon catered to a different clientele ... the boatsmen from the river.

Like many of the drinking establishments, this one was run by a whiskey distillery, George A. Dickel Whisky Company, as a way to serve their product to the masses.

Dickel also owned the Climax Saloon back in the Men's Quarter.

The Honky Tonks along Broadway today often have people outside, encouraging you to come on in. This would have been the case back then as well.

Look up Broadway and you'll see two spires in the distance. If you had an eyeglass you would be able to see the clock on top of Union Station (now a hotel) all the way from the waterfront.

The saloons here would send runners up to the train station to see what the timetables were like and then come back as the boats were unloading.

"Hey, anyone on the 3 pm? It's delayed until 4 pm, come on in for a drink!"

Cross Broadway. You're crossing the end of Honky Tonk Highway but we'll come back to it!

Continue along 2nd Avenue until you see the steps and elevator to take you up to the Pedestrian Bridge (just next to Joe's Crab Shack)

You can choose how far to walk along but we suggest going about halfway to find an overlook on the left for that great view of the Nashville skyline.

Looking across the river to your right, that is the Nissan Stadium, where the Tennessee Titans play.

Looking to the left is the skyline of Nashville. Notice the tallest building - we call this the Batman Building. For obvious reasons.

The AT&T building was even named one of the most unique office buildings in the world and referred to by a French magazine as "Le Bat Tower"

In the cluster of highrises, you can also see the L&C Tower. For years this was the only skyscraper in Nashville. It stands just across the street from the site of the Maxwell House Hotel.

When it was completed in the late 1950s at 409 feet and 31 stories tall it was the tallest building in the Southeast.

Insurance was a big part of the industry here in Nashville and has a connection to a local institution that you probably wouldn't expect.

After the L&C Tower building was completed, another insurance agency headquartered in Nashville decided to build a taller building to rival the L&C.

The National Life and Accident Insurance building is now unremarkable in the Nashville skyline so much so that you cannot really see it from here.

When this company began in 1900, it was headquartered in a much smaller building downtown.

On November 28, 1925, on the fifth floor of the old building, a radio show called the WSM Barn Dance began.

WSM was a clear coast-to-coast channel owned by the insurance company as part of their marketing efforts. WSM stands for their motto, We Shield Millions.

The Barn Dance musical hour came on the radio right after a Music Appreciation Hour, which often played Opera Music. And one night in 1927, the radio announcer said:

"For the past hour, we have been listening to music taken largely from Grand Opera. From now on, we will present the "Grand Ole Opry."

The Grand Ole Opry Show was owned by an insurance company. This was a time of the door-to-door salesmen. The only way they could sell their policies was to get you to open your front door.

And what better way to get someone to open the door than to announce "I'm with the Grand Ole Opry" when you knock?

Turn back and walk down the Pedestrian Bridge, you don't need to take the elevator or stairs - head down the ramp and turn right onto 3rd Ave S. Stop outside the Goo Goo Shop.

Before you stop in for a treat, let me tell you about this classic Nashville candy.

Most of our beloved candy bars started out as mom-and-pop operations like this one, but Goo Goo never sold out to a larger corporation and you can still only get them from certain sellers.

The Standard Candy Company created this combination of caramel, peanuts, and marshmallow in 1912. It is considered the world's first combination candy.

If this trio isn't to your taste, you can make your own Goo Goo Cluster inside the store by picking a few fillings and they'll put it in a chocolate mold right in front of you.

The origin of the name Goo Goo is still up for debate, but the story goes that the candy was sold without a formal name while the matter was decided.

After the birth of the inventor's son, he was chatting with folks on the streetcar and mentioned his son's first words: Goo Goo.

A teacher remarked that should be the name! It is so good, people will ask for it from birth.

Now, go inside and get one to try for yourself.

Did you go inside to get a cluster? Do that first! And then keep walking along 3rd Ave S to get to Broadway.

We've talked about the history of drinking, music, and some of the original bars at either end of this stretch of Broadway. As we walk up one block of it, let's go over what a Honky Tonk is.

The term Honky Tonk is both a type of music and a bar that plays it. It's associated with country music and many of your favorite country musicians got their start in one.

You will still find up-and-coming artists performing on Honky Tonk Highway today.

It's a strange term and no one quite knows where it came from, though most likely it originated in the 1800s American South and West along cattle routes.

It originally referred to a type of theatre and show.

The theatre always had a bar - a loud one. These establishments had live music, dancing, gambling, drinking, and sometimes prostitution.

And it was for the working man, not a high-class establishment like the Southern Turf.

After a while, the rough and tumble-scene at a honky-tonk became associated with a certain style of music.

This music focused heavily on rhythm - especially considering the pianos in these bars often were out of tune and missing keys.

The music has evolved but you still get a sense of old West working cowboys in these Honky Tonks.

Walk along Broadway for one block, cross, and turn left onto 4th Ave. Our next stop is around the corner so you won't be far if you want to come back to Broadway.

You'll pass a few buildings and after the Hilton Hotel come to a large open park on your right. Head through the park to the far side, you should see the stars on the sidewalk. Pick your favorite Country star!

Much like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, these stars are in honor of the men and women who have contributed to Music City.

Many people think of it as the Country Music Walk of Fame, but in reality, it honors anyone in the music industry of all genres who have an association with Nashville.

But look at the building across the street, the Country Music Hall of Fame. When we finish the tour, this is a highlight of a trip to Nashville.

Read our post about how to get discounts on tickets .

What most people don't notice about the building is the architecture. Look closely and you'll see a drum, piano keys, and a radio tower on top of a stack that looks like the evolution of record sizes.

To the right, the corner of the building looks like the tailfin of Elvis' Cadillac, which you can see inside.

The stone bars are the music notes for "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" - sung as the finale at the last Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman.

We end the tour here so you can easily head back to Broadway or back to the Visitor Center (just walk through the park to 5th Street and turn right) but if you want to continue, there are a few nearby attractions you may want to visit:

• Hatch Show Print
• Country Music Hall of Fame

Delight in Music City's allure straight from your vehicle with the enthralling Nashville Celebrity Homes Tour.

This self-guided, driving tour of Nashville offers an individualized journey, blending flexibility and privacy.

A detailed do-it-yourself driving map helps you explore Nashville's renowned neighborhoods leisurely, showcasing the stunning residences of esteemed music stars and celebrities.

This complete guide reveals the locations of several high-profile celebrity homes in Nashville, from Taylor Swift to Keith Urban and Dolly Parton.

Each turn introduces another facet of Nashville's glamorous living.

The charm of this tour is your control over the route and time spent at each site.

Perhaps you'd like to linger at a specific star's magnificent residence or take a short side trip to a celebrated Nashville eatery.

Should you favor a more guided experience with insider stories about the stars and their homes, there are also organized celebrity home tours available in Nashville.

These tours offer expert guides with rich insights and fascinating tales that the self-guided tour can't provide.

Whichever option you choose, you're guaranteed a unique, star-filled escapade.

Discover the Nashville Celebrity Homes Tour and download your Nashville driving tour map today.

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The Best Walking Routes in Downtown Nashville

Music City, USA! Long known as the country music capital of the world, Nashville today is a boomtown. With its neighborly vibe, natural beauty and a food scene thick with celebrity chefs , it's not hard to see why Nashville is such an attractive travel destination.

What might surprise you — and might even surprise some longtime Nashvillians — is just how walkable and health-conscious this city has become. With bike shares, sidewalks and plenty of sights, sounds and tastes to indulge in along the way, Nashville walks the line between down-home charm and big city living. Take a look, get to know Nashville, and then book your trip!

Chances are that if you're in Nashville, you want to hear some country music. So let's dive right in and spend the day in the heart of the city. With a walk score of 91/100, downtown is a lively carnival of bachelorettes in matching boots, sports fans in their team's jerseys and buskers looking for their big break. It's also home to historic landmarks, museums and an influx of boutique hotels and restaurants. So spend the day on your feet, taking in art, culture and, of course, country music.

We'll start out across the river at Cumberland Park , an innovative play space celebrating the riverfront that includes a splash park, a playground and access to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge . Parking is free, and the view of the Nashville skyline from the bridge can't be beat.

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Once you cross into downtown, turn left on 3rd Avenue and head to The Southern Steak and Oyster for a sustainably sourced breakfast and some Southern hospitality. Located in Nashville's first LEED-certified high-rise, The Southern is committed to making planet-friendly choices whenever possible. So you can feel great about your breakfast — even if you choose fried chicken and waffles over house-made granola.

From there, you're just a quick walk up Demonbreun (looks like demon brewin', sounds like da-MUN-bree-un) to The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum . Housing an unparalleled collection of artifacts and exhibits, the museum shares the cultural importance of country music with more than a million visitors each year.

Not a country music fan? At the very least, you'll have a whole new appreciation for the truly American art form after this. While there, be sure to check out Hatch Show Print , one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in America.

Next it's time to see Music City in action. Take 5th Avenue to Broadway and you've arrived at Lower Broad, the legendary strip of honky-tonks where Nashville dreams come to life. (Honky-tonk is just the Nashville way to say "bar with live country music.")

Each establishment has its own style (and no cover charge!), so duck in and out until you find the one that sets your heart on fire. We love the traditional country music and laid-back vibe at Robert's Western World , where, if you're lucky, you just might learn the two-step from a regular. Be sure to bring some cash to tip the bands.

While you could easily spend the rest of the day honky-tonkin', walk on and see what else downtown has to offer. Take a left on 4th Avenue and you'll be face to face with the Ryman Auditorium . The "Mother Church" of country music is the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, the birthplace of bluegrass and the very place where Johnny Cash met June Carter. Hallowed ground, indeed.

Make your way around the Ryman and back to 5th Avenue where a quick stroll away from Broadway will have you at the newly reimagined Woolworth on 5th . The Woolworth building was one of Nashville's original "five-and-dimes" and the site of some of the first lunch-counter sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

You can take your dining experience to the next level with the Hot Harissa Chicken Sandwich (a local specialty) or opt for a lighter option like the Organic Green Salad and Deviled Eggs with Smoked Trout.

While on 5th, take advantage of the dozens of art galleries and studios that make up Fifth Avenue of the Arts . Stop in at The Rymer Gallery to delight in contemporary art pieces, including the wonderfully unique crayon creations by Nashville artist Herb Williams. Once a month, the art galleries throughout downtown host receptions and art openings at the The First Saturday Art Crawl Downtown . It's a fun night out and a fantastic (free!) way to support the arts in Nashville.

Next, why not take a break from the sun and walk through The Arcade ? Built in 1902 and modeled after an arcade in Italy, this unexpected space is two stories high, with a gabled glass roof and an eclectic collection of shops, restaurants and art galleries. Pop in to The Bubblery Nashville and treat yourself to a Stress Less Bath Bomb with chamomile and bergamot or a handmade organic lavender and coconut milk soap. You'll thank yourself later.

Once out of The Arcade, make your way back to Lower Broadway along 2nd Avenue, where wide brick sidewalks and shady trees provide a nice contrast to tourist traps and gift shops. On Broadway, take a left toward the river and you'll see Acme Feed and Seed , 22,000 square feet of food, drinks, shopping and entertainment. Head up to the rooftop bar for a delicious cocktail and an incredible view of all the ground you covered. The only question now is: Where will your boots take you next?

East Nashville

Just across the Cumberland River from downtown is East Nashville, a hip, hilly, historic community of creative types and families. An old bumper sticker wasn't wrong when it called the zip code "Nashville's Right Brain." As more and more people move into the city, East Nashville has become one of the most desirable areas to live and play. Its progressive vibe and eclectic personality make it easy to see why this front-porch community is so magnetic.

Today's tour will be a little less honky-tonkin' and a lot more walking, so get started with a healthy breakfast. Located at the corner of Fatherland and 17th in historic Lockeland Springs, The Post East specializes in gluten-free, vegan and organic dishes sourced responsibly. Favorites include the Ordway Omelet with caramelized onions and garlicky kale and the Breakfast Quinoa.

From the Post, it's just a couple of blocks to one of the best nature areas in town, Shelby Park . With more than three miles of land bordering the Cumberland River and more than five miles of tree-lined trails for walking, biking, hiking and running, this beloved park seems a million miles away from the city.

Check out the Shelby Park Nature Center for natural history exhibits and free public education programs or rent a B-Cycle and bike to the loop at the Shelby Bottoms Greenway . (Keep an eye out for deer and the elusive golden pheasant !)

Now that you've cleared your head and gotten back in touch with nature, head up Riverside Drive to Eastland and The Shops at Porter East (you can return your bike at the top of the hill). Treat yourself to a scoop of dairy-free ice cream at KOKOS . The seasonally available Peach Creamsicle is well worth the walk. Once you cool down, check out the local shops, including Lucaya Clothing Company , a women's boutique with a boho vibe, and Pony Show Nashville , a gift shop for "gals and pals" featuring quirky goods from female makers.

When you're ready for lunch, take Eastland Avenue to The Wild Cow Vegetarian Restaurant for favorites like the Buffalo Beans and Greens or Chipotle Seitan Tacos. The entire menu is vegan (and delicious), and we love the laid-back vibe and sustainable practices.

After lunch, head around the corner to Climb Nashville . With more than 4,000 square feet of dedicated bouldering terrain, multiple auto belays and a variety of fitness classes (including High Intensity Interval Training, Core 30 and Vinyasa Flow Yoga), you can take your fitness and fun to the next level.

If you're looking to upgrade your beauty routine, we highly recommend reserving time at the Lemon Laine oil bar — a sensory experience that will leave you with a custom oil designed to meet your skin's unique beauty goals. While there, shop from the beautifully curated products hand-selected for their quality and natural ingredients.

Just north of downtown is Germantown, a vibrant mixed-use community established in the 1850s by European immigrants. Architecturally beautiful, this neighborhood has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979 and is designated a city arboretum for the more than 100 species of trees that grow here. As Nashville's first suburb, this 18-square-block neighborhood feels refreshingly current today, with dozens of walkable restaurants, boutiques and coffee shops. With its history and character in tact, this leafy neighborhood is a fantastic place to spend a day.

Nestled amongst new apartment buildings and construction is Steadfast and True Yoga , a charming brick bungalow that's home to a more than 40 yoga classes each week. Their welcoming atmosphere and inspiring teachers create a sacred space for yogis in all stages of their practice.

All stretched out and feeling blissed? Great! Head to Barista Parlor for coffee and a bite to eat. This is coffee for true coffee lovers and has been rated one of the top coffee shops in America. Find out why with a fancy pour-over and a melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk biscuit topped with a Willow Farm egg and Kenny's Farmhouse white cheddar.

Next up, a little pampering at Poppy and Monroe , an all-natural nail salon and beauty boutique located in a restored 1870s row house on the corner of 6th and Monroe. Indulge in a eco-friendly waterless pedicure free of toxic chemicals and guaranteed to put a spring in your step. After walking all over Nashville, your feet deserve a treat!

Take Monroe back to 4th and you'll find lots of great local boutiques, including Alexis + Bolt , a laid-back "shoppable home" for home goods and gifts, and Rich Hippies , a thoughtfully curated boutique for all the supercool kids in your life.

Next up, lunch. Vui's Kitchen has a fresh take on authentic Vietnamese. Favorites include Pho Noodle Soup and its signature Banh Mi Sandwich (with a veggie option too). Vui's uses only whole-food ingredients, and nothing on the menu is fried or contains MSG. Vui's is also certified by Eat Real Tennessee for its commitment to holistic nutrition and environmental stewardship.

Up for a little stroll? Just across Jefferson Street is the Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park . Located in the shadow of the Capitol, this 19-acre park gives visitors a taste of Tennessee's history and natural wonders. Take in the World War II Memorial, cool off in the Rivers of Tennessee Fountain and be sure to check out the native plant species along the Walkway of Counties.

Adjacent to the park is the Nashville Farmers' Market , where you will find farm stands, restaurants, artisan shops and so much more. Open year-round, the Farmers' Market is home to more than 150 farmers and merchants, including Jamaicaway , Nashville's best spot for authentic Jamaican food. Grab a cold-pressed juice at Fountain of Juice and be sure to check out the incredible plant selection at Gardens of Babylon .

A block away is First Tennessee Park , the beautiful new state-of-the-art stadium for the Nashville Sounds minor-league baseball team. Not a baseball fan? Duck into Geist for a craft cocktail in its lovely Champagne Garden courtyard. This charming neighborhood bar and restaurant may have just opened its doors, but it has the timeworn, familiar feeling of an old friend's home. The building itself is one of Nashville's oldest family-owned businesses — John Geist and Sons Blacksmith Shop — and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

For dinner, head back across Jefferson Street to one of our favorites, Butchertown Hall . This gorgeous space, with 40-foot-tall cathedral ceilings and gleaming white subway tile, is a stunning take on a classic beer hall.

The concept pays homage to the neighborhood's historic German roots, while the wood-fired menu is inspired by owner Terry Raley's Texas Hill Country upbringing ("Texo-German," as he calls it). What does that mean for you? Smoked brisket by the pound, the best margarita in town and an impressive beer menu featuring custom brews and exclusive European imports.

We can't end a tour of Music City without a live music recommendation. Check out The Back Corner at 5th and Taylor for near-nightly entertainment that will make you see Nashville in a whole new light. Country music may be what put Nashville on the map, but it's just part of the story.

About the Author

Maggie Conran is a stay-at-home mother of two and housewife. She blogs about carefully navigating motherhood and trying to avoid such common pitfalls as sweatpants and mommy brain.

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28 self-guided walking tours to explore in Nashville, TN

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Nashville Sites offers 29 free, self-guided walking tours across Nashville. | Photo by UnSplash

Unless history is your day job , you might not know Nashville is home to 150+ historical markers + over 50 state and nationally designated sites, buildings, and districts .

That’s where Nashville Sites comes in. The mobile-friendly program — funded by the Metro Historical Commission Foundation — features extensive research for over 20 free, self-guided walking tours ( with more in the works ).

Historical context is provided for each tour stop + is accompanied by images and narration by local historians. Just visit Nashville Sites on your phone, select a tour, and begin your journey. We’ve compiled 7 tours below to pique your interest.

ProTip: Most tours can be driven and accessed virtually at home.

Civil Rights Sit-Ins | 1.2 hours | 1 mile | 10 sites | The tour — written and narrated by Fisk University professor Linda Wynn — features stops at the Woolworth building, the Arcade, and more.

Early Black Life and Culture | 1.5 hours | 1.2 miles | 11 sites | Learn about the history of early Black life and culture in Nashville by exploring the lives of free and enslaved African Americans. Stops include Fort Nashborough, Sarah Estell’s Ice Cream Shop, and more.

East Nashville | 1.5 hours | 2 miles | 13 sites | Learn about the Great East Nashville Fire of 1916 + tour schools, churches, and a recording studio on this new tour.

Fisk University and Meharry Medical College | 2 hours | 2 miles | 21 sites | Tour historical sites + learn about notable alumni at 2 of the oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the US.

Food for Thought | 1.5 hours | 1.2 miles | 13 sites | Southern food, history, and architecture intersect on this tour that begins at Hermitage Hotel and ends at Merchants Restaurant.

Hidden History and Haunts | 1.5 hours | 1.4 miles | 18 sites | Learn about hidden murals, early tenants at the Arcade, and hotel fun facts.

Seedy Side and Printers Alley | 1 hour | 1.1 miles | 10 sites | Travel back to the city’s “darker side” with stories of bootleggers, murder, and prostitution. The tour is not recommended for children.

Ready to keep exploring? Check out 20 additional walking tours + stay tuned for 2 new driving tours — Athens of the South and Jefferson Street — expected to launch this fall .

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The Perfect Walking Guide to Nashville

Nashville has been called a “small town trapped in a big city,” due to its combination of traditional Southern charm and pockets of metropolitan areas. With so much to offer tourists and residents, the city is one that even the most experienced Nashvillian is always exploring. And what’s more fun than exploring a city? Exploring it by foot, of course! Downtown Nashville has a great block of attractions worth checking out that you can do without having to navigate the downtown traffic. Here’s how to soak up Music City on your feet.

A. riverfront station.

Just behind the Hard Rock Cafe is a lovely riverfront train station that is the perfect starting point for a walking tour. Located along the Cumberland River next to Riverfront Park, you’ll start your day with a scenic view of the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and the many red brick buildings that line the streets downtown.

B. Goo Goo Shop

C. nashville schermerhorn symphony.

After you’ve gotten your fix of sweetness, head over to the Nashville Schermerhorn Symphony , and admire the architectural details of the building. You can also enjoy a free, 60-minute tour of the center. Tours take place on Mondays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. But even if you don’t go inside, the building is worth admiring and exploring from the outside.

D. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

One of the most popular museums in Nashville is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum . The outside of the building is designed to look like giant piano keys, which light up at night. Inside, the museum features exhibits full of country music history and artifacts. From contemporary country artists to those who are legendary, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum gives you an in-depth look at the country music scene from its beginnings to the present day.

E. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

This Nashville honky-tonk is one of the most famous. Since Tootsie Bess purchased the venue in 1960, it’s been a place where many country artists big and small have played. If you want to get a genuine feel for the Nashville singer-songwriter scene, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge offers three stages that host live music every day. Grab a bite while you sit and listen to local talent arouse your senses with the sounds of country tunes.

F. Ryman Auditorium

Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” you can’t visit downtown Nashville without stopping by the Ryman Auditorium. Take a self-guided tour or one with a guide that leads you backstage to learn about how this home of the Grand Ole Opry got its start. If you don’t have time in your schedule for a tour, at least snap a photo of yourself in front of the well-known music venue.

All that walking is sure to work up an appetite. Downtown restaurant Demos’ is a great place to stop and enjoy a meal. With affordable menu items that are well portioned and delicious, recharge at this Southern eatery. From soups and salads to burgers and seafood, Demos’ has something that you’re sure to love. Expect to wait for a table, however, because the restaurant does get busy around mealtimes.

H. Wildhorse Saloon

End your walking tour by getting back on your feet at the Wildhorse Saloon. With free line dancing lessons and live music , the venue is a fun place to go. Inside there are horse statues, a full bar and restaurant, and plenty of people to watch. Dance the night away to classic country songs and a few high-energy pop/rock favorites.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Old Town Trolley Tours Nashville 4.5

Marathon Motor Works

1300 Clinton St, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

Stop #1 is located on Clinton St. It is beside the Antique Archaeology.

Centennial Park

27th Ave North

Stop #2 is located on 27th Avenue North. It is at the concrete bus pad across from The Parthenon.

Hot Chicken

1901 Broadway

Stop #3 is at Broadway at the intersection of 19th S. in front of Chuy's located at 1901 Broadway.

Belmont Mansion

1900 Belmont Boulevard

Stop #4 is located at the intersection of Belmont Blvd. and Acklen Avenue. It is down the hill from the Belmont Mansion and the trolley will stop at the benches.

404 12th Ave S

Stop #5 is located in front of the Station Inn and Emmy Squared restaurant near the intersection of 12th Ave S and Pine Street.

Union Station Hotel / FRIST Art Museum

1001 Broadway

Stop #6 is on Broadway. The trolley will stop in front of Union Station Hotel at the bus stop.

Country Music Hall of Fame

501 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

Stop #7 is located on the Demonbreun Street outside the Main Entrance to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

201 Broadway

Tickets Sold at this Stop

Stop #8 is located at the intersection of 2nd Avenue South and Broadway. The stop is beside Rock Bottom Brewery, underneath their marquee.

Ryman Auditorium

116 Rep. John Lewis Way

Stop #9 is located on the back side of the Ryman Auditorium on the Historic Side of the building.

TPAC / Legislative Plaza

6th and Deadrick

Stop #10 is located at the intersection of Deadrick and 6th Ave. N.

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

401 Gay Street

Stop #11 is located outside the front doors of the Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum.

Farmers' Market

900 Rosa L Parks Blvd.

Stop #12 is located on Rosa Parks Blvd., right next to the bus stop, just outside of the parking lot for the Farmers' Market.

Capitol View

1018 Nelson Merry Street

Stop #13 is located at the intersection of Nelson Merry and 11th Ave N.

Ticket Booth

Ryman Auditorium / Puckett’s Grocery Area

Schermerhorn Symphony / Johnny Cash Museum / Country Music Hall of Fame Area

Walk of Fame Park / Schermerhorn Symphony Area

TailGate Brewery Music Row

Jack's bar-b-que, rock bottom restaurant & brewery, dick's last resort, hard rock cafe, tootsie’s orchid lounge, hattie b's hot chicken, aj's good time bar, joe's crab shack, mellow mushroom, urban cookhouse, nobaked cookie dough, natchez hills winery at the market, margaritaville, nudies honky tonk, house of cards, skulls rainbow room, nashville underground, spirit of nashville, goo goo shop, sweet magnolia tours, earthwise pet supply, the bang candy company, ernest tubb record shop, puckett’s grocery, nashville farmers' market, antique archaeology nashville, grinder's switch winery at marathon village, two old hippies, nashville zoo at grassmere, tennessee state museum, cheekwood: estate and gardens, the george jones museum, wildhorse saloon, nissan stadium, country music hall of fame and museum, nashville music city center, nashville symphony | schermerhorn symphony center, the arcade nashville, legislative plaza, tennessee performing arts center, war memorial auditorium, first tennessee park, bicentennial capitol mall state park, ray stevens caba ray showroom, madame tussauds nashville, lotz house museum, iride nashville, hatch show print, johnny cash museum, patsy cline museum, nelson's green brier distillery, the parthenon, the gallery of iconic guitars (the gig) at belmont, frist art museum, germantown inn, omni nashville hotel, the hermitage hotel, thompson nashville, union station hotel nashville, autograph collection, the westin nashville, hutton hotel, loews vanderbilt, jw marriott, holston house, hilton nashville downtown, hotel indigo, woolworth theatre, nashville’s best boutique, nashvox studios.

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Antique Archaeology

With their popular History Channel television show “American Pickers,” Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz have introduced new generations to the art of discovering a hidden treasure in someone else’s trash. They travel across the United States in search of just the right pieces. Wolf opened a store in Nashville called Antique Archaeology where he exhibits and sells the duo’s unique finds. There are also pieces from Mike’s personal collection like a vintage 1919 Indian motorcycle. The shop is located in the former Marathon Automobile Factory that has been repurposed into a retail shop, design and event space.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Stories of sunken ships and lost gold kicks off the guided walking tours at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville. Step back in time to pre-prohibition America to learn about and sample Tennessee’s oldest whiskey and two modern-day bourbon recipes born by two brothers. Finish your tasting with Louisa’s coffee caramel pecan liqueur and a visit to the mercantile for spirits, apparel and barware to commemorate an unforgettable experience

Grinder’s Switch Winery

Located on a 110-acre estate, Grinder’s Switch Winery is an award-winning artisan wine producer. The winery offers tours of the beautiful property and their handcrafted log cabin where you can sample unique wines in the tasting room. Grinder’s Switch Winery has a satellite location in the historic Marathon Village in Nashville. Guests are encouraged to come and relax while enjoying the company’s wine and hospitality. In addition to a wide selection of various vintages, the winery also offers an array of local handmade crafts in the 1,250-square-foot tasting room and retail shop.

Nashville’s Best $10 & Up Boutique located in the historic Marathon Village strives to bring a variety of items at a value to the great visitors of Nashville. You will find Nashville tees, hats, jewelry, accessories, and many other items all for $10! We also have a “boutique side” that includes clothing, handbags, metal signs and a made-in-Tenneesse section.

We are locally owned providing Nashville locals and guests with a fun shopping experience for over 10 years. Open daily. Stop by and pick out a few gifts to take home or treat yourself.

The Marathon Motors Factory is a popular must-visit on any Nashville sightseeing itinerary , located in the heart of downtown Nashville. The four-block complex of cultural offerings, includes an array of music recording studios, numerous shops, a film production company, artist’s and photographer’s studios, a radio station, a distillery, a winery and more. Read on to learn more about this attraction and what you can expect when you visit during your vacation in Nashville.

Containing a full-scale replica of the original statue of Athena, the Parthenon was constructed in 1897 for the Tennessee Centenary Exposition. The 42-foot tall Athena Parthenos sculpture is the tallest indoor artistic work of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. While other exposition buildings were removed, the Parthenon was preserved as a museum. In addition to its elaborate statue, the building houses sculptures and paintings by 19th- and 20th-century American artists. A precise copy of the original Parthenon in Athens, the edifice sits atop a rolling hill in Centennial Park adjacent to a duck pond.

Natchez Trace

The Natchez Trace is a historic 440-mile-long forest trail that extends from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville connecting the Mississippi, Cumberland and Tennessee rivers. Centuries after Native Americans created the trail, European explorers, trappers and settlers used the land and water routes during America’s westward expansion. The drive near Nashville includes monuments, overlooks and historical markers as well as the award-winning double-arched Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge spanning Birdsong Hollow. The excursion is popular during the spring and fall foliage seasons.

Situated in Nashville’s West End Neighborhood, Centennial Park is a lush oasis that offers a tranquil respite from the glittering lights of Lower Broadway , Music City’s Honk Tonk Highway. One of the most beloved parks in town, this gorgeous natural setting occupies 132 acres. The site has served as a fairground, a racetrack and the location for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition. The recreation area welcomes visitors of all ages with a variety of attractions and activities.

Musica Statue Nashville

At 40-ft high, ‘Musica’, by Alan LeQuire is considered to be the largest bronze figure group in America. Plans are currently in progress to transition the sculpture into a magnificent fountain designed by the renowned Los Angeles firm, WET.

“Dance is the physical expression of music and the piece is intended to convey that feeling to the viewer in a composition which is simple, exuberant and celebratory. The theme of the sculpture is music, because of the historical and economic significance of the site. This is the heart of Music Row , the area and the artistic activity for which Nashville is best known. The sculpture conveys the importance of music to Nashville, past, present and future, and represents all forms of music without reference to any one form or style. It is meant to provide a visual icon for the area and for the city as a whole.” -Alan LeQuire

Gilda’s Red Door Society

Serving the community since 1998, Gilda’s Red Door Society is a clubhouse where people living with cancer and their families can receive emotional, social and psychological support. Named in honor of the comedian Gilda Radner, the complementary center continues to foster her legacy of commitment to people suffering from cancer. Along with support groups, Gilda’s Red Door Society offers lifestyle workshops, educational seminars and other wellness programs designed to improve the quality of life of cancer sufferers. A nationwide survey of club users showed that 95 percent of respondents felt that the club made a positive impact on their lives.

Little Sisters of the Poor

The Renaissance Revival-style Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged buildings were constructed in 1916. The complex occupies more than two acres on Horton Street between 17th and 18th Avenues. The main, E-shaped four-story building is a historically significant example of early-20th century architecture. The Little Sisters of the Poor, a Catholic relief agency, operated the home until 1968. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the buildings have been repurposed to house the Nashville offices of BMG Music Publishing. The main building’s chapel has been converted into a concert hall for various live music and video performances.

Belmont University

The largest Christian university in Tennessee, Belmont University is a private coeducational liberal arts institution. It is also the state’s second largest private university. A highly ranked regional university by “U.S. News and World Report,” Belmont occupies 84 picturesque acres just two miles west of downtown Nashville. Virtually all traffic is rerouted around the campus to create a tranquil learning environment .

The Gallery of Iconic Guitars

The Gallery of Iconic Guitars at Belmont celebrates some of the most iconic and rare guitars and other stringed instruments. Unique among Nashville museums , it displays prized instruments like the 1958 Les Paul Standard electric guitar and a 1923 Gibson F-5 Mandolin autographed by Lloyd Loar. The Gallery of Iconic Guitars enables you to view legendary instruments up-close. Each display features in-depth, documented information designed to inspire music fans and relay the wonderful stories behind the instruments. Located inside the Lila Bunch Library on Belmont University campus, the gallery should be on your list of must-see Nashville museums.

Located on the campus of Belmont University, the house museum is a historic Italianate villa-style mansion constructed in the mid-1800s by Adelicia Hayes Franklin. It is the work of architect William Strickland, who also designed the Tennessee State Capitol. The residence served as the headquarters for Union General Thomas Wood before the Battle of Nashville in 1864. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, the mansion is the largest house museum in the Volunteer State. The ornate home features a collection of Venetian glass, period furnishings, paintings and statuary as well as elaborately landscaped gardens.

Station Inn

Opening in 1974, the award-winning Station Inn is considered to be one of Nashville’s premier venues for bluegrass music. Notable artists to perform at this world-famous bluegrass Mecca include Dolly Parton, Randy Travis and Reba McEntire. The no-frills atmosphere is the backdrop for concerts and impromptu jam sessions by up-and-coming artists as well as established performers. The Station Inn features drinks, snacks and live acoustic music every night. A Swedish fan gave the Inn the massive cowbell hanging over the bar, which is rung after an impressive performance.

Thompson Hotel

Located at 401 11th Avenue South, the Thompson Hotel offers luxury accommodations in the Gulch, one of Nashville’s trendy neighborhoods. The 12-story boutique hotel features 224 guest rooms that provide an authentic Music City experience. The lobby has a vintage turntable where patrons can play a selection from the hotel’s library of vinyl records. Tapestries and other pieces of art, including works by local artisans, are on display throughout the property. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Gulch and afford views of the Nashville skyline.

Lucchese Boots

If you’re going to walk the streets of Nashville, you gotta dress the part. Located in The Gulch, Lucchese Boots is the perfect place to start and purchase the finest premium leather boots in the world.

The Gulch is a historic neighborhood located south of downtown with a hip atmosphere. This easily walkable former industrial area once housed the downtown railroad terminal, now the Union Station Hotel. Today, it is the setting for renovated warehouses that feature residential and office spaces as well as a variety of upscale restaurants, eclectic boutiques and vibrant nightlife venues. It is a popular destination for tourists, locals and college students. The Station Inn, a highly regarded concert venue for bluegrass music, is located in the Gulch.

Union Station Hotel

Hume Fogg Magnet High School

Opening in 1855, Hume High School was the first public school in Nashville. Established 20 years later, Fogg High School became the second. The two schools merged in 1912. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the four-story building is located at 700 Broadway across the street from the Customs House. Tunnels from its basement to various other downtown Nashville locations are blocked to restrict student access. William B. Ittner designed the imposing Norman Gothic-style stone edifice that features twin towers at the entrance. Architectural features like the 2-foot thick walls, marble baseboards and arched doorways resemble medieval European castles.

The Art Deco-style Frist Art Museum displays works by local, state and regional artists along with national and international exhibits. The center is housed in the former post office that was completed in 1934 as part of the Public Works Administration. Architectural details, including fluted pilasters and stone eagles, blend classical elements with national symbols to create a style known as Grecian Moderne. Listed on the National Register, the marble building was repurposed as the Frist Art Museum in 2001. Encompassing 24,000 square feet of gallery space, the non-collecting museum exhibits traveling collections from around the world.

Customs House

President Rutherford B. Hayes laid the Customs House cornerstone in 1877. Opening five years later, the federal building housed the post office as well as the area offices for the Treasury and Justice Departments. Designed by William Appleton, the ornate stone building features a Victorian Gothic-style with a soaring central clock tower. Exterior architectural details include lancet windows and a deep inset triple-arched entrance. Considered nonessential by the federal government in the 1990s, the building was repurposed as private office space.

Music City Center

Encompassing 1.2 million square feet, Music City Center is Nashville’s downtown convention and exhibition complex. The work of Tvsdesign, the facility is adjacent to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Bridgestone Arena . Along with stunning skyline views of downtown, the complex features a variety of flexible event spaces, including a 350,000-square-foot exhibition hall, 90,000-square-feet of meeting rooms and a 57,000-square-foot grand ballroom. The structure incorporates numerous eco-friendly designs, such as a four-acre green roof and a rainwater collection tank that is used to irrigate the building’s landscaping. Inside are several works by local area artisans.

Hatch Show Print has grown from creating handbills for tent revivals headlined by Henry Ward Beecher, brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, in the late 1800s to posters announcing the latest headline acts. They are highly regarded for their signature letterpress style. The work celebrates American history, entertainment and southern culture. Guests can tour the print shop and see these unique works of art roll off the presses and a gallery containing many of the shop’s famous prints. While visiting the workshop, you can even try your hand at designing and printing your own poster.

6th & Peabody

6th & Peabody, the leading craft distiller of moonshine and home of the world’s most visited distillery, has expanded their presence in Tennessee by joining forces with Yee Haw Brewing Company, one of Tennessee’s top craft breweries.

Featuring a modern design with an exposed steel and limestone exterior, the multistory, upscale Omni Hotel is connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In addition to skyline views and convenient access to Nashville’s best attractions , the hotel features several dining establishments and lounges, including a steak house and coffee bar. Guests also enjoy a spa, pool and fitness center as well as other luxury hotel amenities. Inspired by country general stores of the past, Five and Tenn is the hotel’s unique retail space offering merchandise from a select group of local and regional vendors.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Hosting the renowned Nashville Symphony Orchestra, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center is a prominent example of 21st century Neoclassical architecture, which was designed by David M. Schwarz of Washington, D.C. Completed in 2006, the performing arts venue has excellent acoustics and is one of the few concert halls in the country featuring natural light. The 30,000-square-foot, shoebox-style concert venue is decorated with irises, the Tennessee state flower, as well as horseshoes and coffee beans to honor patrons Laura Turner and the Cheek family. The Center also houses the Mike Curb Family Music Education Hall and a colonnade-enclosed public garden.

Music City Walk Of Fame

Step off the trolley and tour the Music City Walk of Fame. Open 24 hours a day in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Walk of Fame recognizes artists and music industry professionals that have made legendary contributions to music – of every genre – but always with a connection to Music City.

Whether you are a professional musician or a beginner just looking for something fun to do in Nashville, Nashvox Studio can provide the experience of a lifetime. Make it your own by recording your favorite song. No experience is necessary. All ages are welcome.

Write with a professional Nashville songwriter. Record your song with professional audio engineers. Take home your very own song written right here in Music City! Nashvox also offers Team Building and Corporate Events. We custom design each experience for your specific team needs, making this truly an experience of a lifetime.

Located near the historic Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame honors legendary performers, songwriters and others who made a significant contribution to country music. Forming a bass clef when viewed from the air, the unique building is an iconic feature of the Nashville skyline. The Hall of Fame, surrounded by honky-tonks and other live entertainment venues where many of the honorees got their start, features a rotunda that chronicles the history of recording technology.

Surrounded by walls decorated with memorabilia, diners inside the rock ’n’ roll-themed Hard Rock Café enjoy a high-energy vibe and a menu featuring a variety of American classics. The almost 13,000-square-foot historic building includes a restaurant, an open-air terrace and a state-of the-art concert venue for live performances. This entertainment and dining destination is located downtown in the heart of Nashville’s Historic District, the hub for one of the best music scenes in the country. 

Wild Horse Saloon

The backdrop for the CMT reality series “Can You Duet,” the world-famous Wild Horse Saloon is a 66,000–square-foot country western-themed bar, restaurant, dance club and concert venue. Located downtown and housed in a converted historic warehouse, the three-tier entertainment space invites guests to enjoy award-winning Southern smokehouse cuisine and great music. The two top tiers overlook the large dance floor. You can learn the latest dance steps during free nightly lessons before heading out on the largest dance floor in Tennessee. The stage hosts a variety of acts from different musical genres.

Home to the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, Nissan Stadium is a multipurpose sports and entertainment venue located on the east bank of the Cumberland River across from downtown Nashville. Opened in 1999, the facility has a maximum seating capacity of over 69,000. The stadium hosts the Tennessee State Tigers and the annual Music City Bowl, a postseason college football bowl game held in December. It also serves as the main stage for large concerts during the CMA Music Festival in June. 

Goo Goo Chocolate Co.

The Goo Goo Chocolate Co. is the home of America’s first combination candy bar- The Goo Goo Cluster. Inside, visitors can design their own Premium Goo Goo and also choose from an assortment of house-made items such as boozy milkshakes, cookies, brownies and bonbons from the Chocolate Bar.

Honoring the life and memory of the “Man in Black,” the Johnny Cash Museum features a wide collection of artifacts and memorabilia related to the career of this legendary performer. The exhibits highlight various periods in his life, such as his stint in the Air Force and marriage to June Carter. The collection includes Cash’s costumes, handwritten letters and other personal mementos. 

The Patsy Cline Museum chronicles the life and career of the country music legend known for famous hits like “Crazy” and “I Fall to Pieces.” Unique among Nashville museums, it celebrates the singer who tragically died at the age of 30. The 4,000-square-foot gallery features interactive exhibits displaying hundreds of artifacts, personal belongings and rare video clips. Visitors to the Patsy Cline Museum will enjoy viewing awards, costumes, furniture and other memorabilia. It contains the largest collection of items related to the entertainer. Located above the Johnny Cash Museum, the attraction should be included on your list of must-see Nashville museums.

Downtown Presbyterian Church

A National Historic Landmark , the Downtown Presbyterian Church was built in 1851. State Capitol architect William Strickland designed the building, which is one of the country’s largest and best-preserved examples of Egyptian Revival style architecture. Serving as a Union military hospital during the Civil War, the church was renovated in the 1880s. The interior, painted to resemble an Egyptian temple, features walnut benches and vivid motifs like winged globes representing the Egyptian sun god Amun-Ra, which signifies eternity. The 4,000-pound church bell, donated by Adelicia Acklen, served as the city fire alarm for more than two decades.

Tracing its origins back to a little country store situated in the village of Leiper’s Fork, Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant began serving customers in the 1950s. This down-home, local eatery founded by the Puckett family features authentic barbecue slow-smoked over cherry wood and live musical performances in a laid-back atmosphere.  The downtown Nashville location offers supplies and groceries for city residents as well as a large stage for upcoming and established local acts.

After more than a century, Nashville’s first enclosed shopping center is still a popular attraction . The Arcade was created in 1902 with the enclosure of the former Overton Alley. Featuring identical Palladian entrances, the Arcade is located between Fourth and Fifth avenues north of Broadway. The local firm Thompson, Gibel & Asmus patterned their design of the two-story arcade after the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. The Edgefield and Nashville Manufacturing Company was entrusted with the task of constructing the Arcade. A gabled glass roof whose rolled steel bracing system was installed by the Nashville Bridge Company allows natural light to enter the interior space. The exterior face of the first floor shops boasts a funky Art Deco style. More than 40,000 people attended the grand opening. The popular attraction was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is a renowned honky-tonk bar located behind the iconic Ryman Auditorium. The lounge, featuring three stages, hosts a variety of live musical performances every night by local artists. Located on Broadway in downtown, Tootsie’s nurtured the careers of several country music legends. According to local lore, Willie Nelson received his first songwriting job after singing at Tootsie’s. The interior walls are decorated with memorabilia from numerous famous and not-so famous artists who have performed on an Orchid Lounge stage. The bar, formerly known as Mom’s, acquired its name when the exterior was accidentally painted purple.

AT&T Building

The 33-story AT&T Building is the tallest office tower in Tennessee with the antennae spire reaching 617 feet into the air. Completed in 1999 and encompassing 2.7 acres, the edifice includes a three-story winter garden atrium and a nine-story underground parking facility. The iconic landmark is known locally as the “Batman Building” because its distinctive design resembles the comic book superhero’s mask. In 2009, Le Journal de Net, a French online business publication, named “La Bat Tower” as one of the world’s 12 most original office buildings.

Known colloquially as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” Ryman Auditorium began as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. Local entrepreneur Thomas Ryman built it as a permanent location for tent revival-style gospel meetings. The auditorium was also the site of secular gatherings like Helen Keller’s lectures, Fisk Jubilee Singers’ performances and WSM’s Grand Ole Opry. While a statue of Ryman is located outside this National Historic Landmark, a bronze tribute honoring Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff is situated  inside the lobby. 

Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC)

The plaza is located adjacent to the east wing of the War Memorial Building, which was constructed to honor Tennesseans who died during World War I. Overlooked by the State Capitol, the plaza is a central connecting point for the statehouse, the War Memorial Building, the State Museum and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. It is an open space used for various public events. The plaza contains a statue designed by Belle Kinney that is dedicated to the Women of the Confederacy and a monument by Russell Faxon that honors the state’s Korean War veterans.

Tennessee State Capitol

The limestone Greek Revival style Tennessee State Capitol was designed by William Strickland whose remains are interred near the building’s cornerstone. The tower was inspired by the monument to Lysicrates in Athens. Completed in 1859, the national historic landmark is one of the country’s oldest working capitols. In addition to large ornate chandeliers, the interior features incredible frescoes, portraits and other artwork. The Capitol Grounds display statues of Presidents Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson as well as Sergeant Alvin York. The site also includes the tomb of President James Polk. The building and grounds are open for public tours. 

Hermitage Hotel

A National Historic Landmark, the Hermitage Hotel opened in 1910. The only Beaux-Arts style commercial building remaining in Tennessee, the hotel is named in honor of President Andrew Jackson’s nearby estate. Consistently ranked as one of the best hotels in the world, it features an ornamental lobby, a painted glass ceiling and a grand staircase. For dining or a drink with friends, try the famous Capitol Grille and the award-winning Oak Bar. The iconic Hermitage Hotel has served as the backdrop for popular television shows and movies like “Nashville,” “Master of None,” “Country Strong” and “The Hannah Montana Movie.”

Designed by Edward Dougherty, the 2,000-seat War Memorial Auditorium was completed in 1925. It received the highest award from the American Institute of Architects that same year. Featuring near-perfect acoustics, it was home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1939 until 1943. The auditorium would host the Opry again in 2010 when flooding caused the current Grand Ole Opry House to close for renovations. The auditorium’s courtyard displays tablets inscribed with names of Tennesseans killed in battle and a triumphant statue entitled “Youth” by Nashvillian Belle Kinney Scholz. A quote by President Woodrow Wilson is engraved over the entrance.

Chet Atkins Statue

A native of the Volunteer State, Chet Atkins was a highly regarded musician and producer who signed Charley Pride, country music’s first African-American singer. After Atkins’ death in 2001, Bank of America commissioned Tennessee sculptor Russell Faxon to create a statue in his honor. The life-sized bronze statue of Atkins is situated outside their Nashville headquarters at the corner of Fifth Avenue North and Union Street. Atkins is depicted sitting on a stool and playing a guitar.

Woolworth Theatre presents Nashville’s hottest show! A 75-minute hilarious and lovable story about a family of moonshiners, and all the antics that ensue when they come together for the Shiner Family Reunion. And then, let us take you into the basement of the Woolworth Theatre and into the “cocktail lounge, reimagined…,” The Twisted Wool – An experience to delight your senses. From our fun and imaginative cocktail menu to our savory and sweet bites. Let the music lead you down into a place, like no other in Nashville.

Nashville Sounds Ballpark

The Triple-A Pacific Coast League affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, the Nashville Sounds is a minor league baseball team that plays their home games in First Tennessee Park. Opening in 2015, the 8,500-seat stadium features a unique guitar-shaped scoreboard that is capable of displaying a variety of graphics as well as in-game statistics. Located downtown, the park’s music and imagery are designed to connect the team with the city’s entertainment heritage. The I-40 Cup Series is the name for matchups between the Sounds and their main rivals, the Memphis Redbirds.

Mary of the Seven Sorrows Catholic Church

Mary of the Seven Sorrows Catholic Church is the oldest standing house of worship in the Protestant Vatican of the South. Built in 1837, it was considered an architectural wonder because the structure did not require internal columns. Like other Nashville churches, it was a hospital for wounded soldiers on both sides during the war. One of the unique downtown Nashville churches, it was the seat of the Archdiocese of Nashville for over 70 years. Mary of the Seven Sorrows Catholic Church features intricate stained glass windows, Italian marble altars and rare paintings like Botticelli’s “Madonna of the Fruit.”

The Musicians Hall of Fame at Historic Nashville Auditorium honors the artists and session musicians who have accompanied legendary performers in a broad range of musical genres, including country, rock, jazz and soul. Honorees include groups like the A-Team, Booker T and the MGs, the Memphis Boys and Toto. These versatile performers provided background music during recording sessions for numerous hit records. The museum’s galleries and artifacts commemorate these talented musicians along with the unique sounds emanating from cities like Nashville, Detroit, Muscle Shoals, Memphis and Los Angeles.

Farmers’ Market

Bicentennial Mall State Park

Located in the heart of downtown in the shadow of the Tennessee State Capitol, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is patterned after the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It opened on June 1, 1996 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Volunteer State’s admission into the Union. Bordered on the north and south by Jefferson Street and James Robertson Parkway, the 19-acre park is bounded on its east and west sides by the northern sections of Sixth and Seventh Avenues. This expansive memorial to the state’s bicentennial celebration introduces visitors to the history and natural beauty of Tennessee.

Located on the northern edge of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park near Jefferson Street, the 95-bell carillon represents the musical heritage of the citizens of Tennessee. There is a bell for each of the Volunteer State’s 95 counties. Each quarter hour, the carillon plays a portion of the Tennessee Waltz. At the top of every hour, the 50-tower carillon plays the entire song. A 96th bell on the capitol grounds rings an answer symbolizing the government answering the call of the people.

Pathway of History

The 1,400-foot-long Pathway of History is an engraved wall featuring important historical events that played an integral role in the culture and heritage of the Volunteer State from 1776-1996. Granite pylons, representing each decade, serve as stone tablets. There’s a symbolic break in the wall during the Civil War period to denote how the state was divided during that period. The pathway also includes a World War II Memorial with its floating 9-ton granite globe, a memorial to the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Walkway of Counties that includes time capsules from every county.

Tennessee State Library & Archives

The Tennessee State Library & Archives is in the heart of Germantown, located next to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. The mission of the Library & Archives is to preserve Tennessee’s history for current and future generations. They collect and protect books, records, and other documents of historical value, focusing on items about Tennessee and Tennesseans.

The Library & Archives is home to many irreplaceable historical documents, including Tennessee’s three constitutions, letters from Tennessee’s three presidents, records from former Tennessee governors, a comprehensive collection of Tennessee newspapers dating back to 1791, and original records of the State of Franklin.

The Tennessee State Museum explores the state’s rich history through exhibits and programming, from its developing landscapes and first peoples to present day, in an expansive new space. Encompassing 137,000 sq ft., the museum features a comprehensive, interactive gallery with six permanent exhibits and supplemental temporary exhibits. The museum was previously located on the lower level of the War Memorial Building before moving into the James K. Polk Theater in 1981 where it remained for 35 years. The Museum opened to the public in its new home on the northwest corner of Bicentennial Mall in October 2018.

Tracing its roots back to the 1800s, the Farmers’ Market stretches from Jackson Street to Harrison Street along Rosa Parks Boulevard adjacent to the Bicentennial State Park Mall. Covering 16 acres, the market hosts farmers with local produce, artisans, and merchants, as well as restaurants and seasonal festivals. The covered, outdoor farm sheds are dedicated to fresh produce, handmade and local goods while the Market House is home to a variety of restaurants and retail shops. Open year-round, the market is busiest during the April – November growing season.

Located at the intersection of Charlotte Avenue and 11th Avenue North, Capitol View is breathing new life into Nashville’s North Gulch. The first of its kind in Nashville, the “multi-use urban district” is home to retail stores, restaurants, fitness studios, apartments and more.

How It Works

Old Town Trolley Tours ® of Nashville

Route Map & Stops

• RESTAURANTS
• ATTRACTIONS
• 1 STOP Marathon Motor Works
• 2 STOP Centennial Park
• 3 STOP Hot Chicken
• 4 STOP Belmont Mansion
• 5 STOP The Gulch
• 6 STOP Union Station Hotel / FRIST Art Museum
• 7 STOP Country Music Hall of Fame
• 8 STOP 201 Broadway
• 9 STOP Ryman Auditorium
• 10 STOP TPAC / Legislative Plaza
• 11 STOP Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
• 12 STOP Farmers' Market
• 13 STOP Capitol View

WELCOME TO BOSTON

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Walking map.

Click Map to Enlarge

Find all the exciting attractions, restaurants, music venues, and more located near your hotel and around town. Enjoy exploring Music City!

• Neighborhoods Map
• Downtown Map
• Downtown/Midtown Hotel Map (with proximities to Music City Center)
• Downtown Parking Map
• Music City Walk of Fame
• Opryland Music Valley Airport Lodging Convention Map

*Please check business websites before visiting to ensure current operational hours.

Via Interstate 65 North: Follow I-65 North to Exit 209A Broadway. Turn right onto Broadway. Follow Broadway into downtown Music City. Go approx. 8 blocks to the Visitor Information Center on the right side of Broadway in the Bridgestone Arena.

Via Interstate 65 South: Follow I-65 South to Exit 209B Broadway. Turn left onto Broadway. Follow Broadway into downtown Music City. Go approx. 8 blocks to the Visitor Information Center on the right side of Broadway in the Bridgestone Arena.

Via Interstate 40 West: Follow I-40 West to Exit 209A Broadway. Turn right onto Broadway. Follow Broadway into downtown Music City. Go approx. 8 blocks to the Visitor Information Center on the right side of Broadway in the Bridgestone Arena.

Via Interstate 40 East: Merge with I-65 South and take Exit 209B Broadway. Turn left onto Broadway. Follow Broadway into downtown Music City. Go approx. 8 blocks to the Visitor Information Center on the right side of Broadway in the Bridgestone Arena.

Via Interstate 24 West: Follow I-24 West to Exit 48 James Robertson Parkway. Follow James Robertson Parkway over river into downtown Music City. Turn left on 3rd Avenue North. Turn right onto Broadway. Visitor Information Center is 2 blocks on left in the Bridgestone Arena.

Via Interstate 24 East: Follow I-24 East to Exit 48 James Robertson Parkway. Turn right onto James Robertson Parkway and follow over river into downtown Music City. Turn left on 3rd Avenue North. Turn right onto Broadway. Visitor Information Center is 2 blocks on left in the Bridgestone Arena.

More than 28,000 parking spaces make it easy to bring a car downtown. Broadway, downtown's main thoroughfare, bisects numbered avenues into north and south. Most corporate offices and government agencies are north of Broadway. For more downtown parking information, please visit parkitdowntown.com .

Tourists, residents and business travelers now have a convenient and inexpensive way to travel to and from the Nashville International Airport and downtown Music City. For just $2, you can ride the Nashville WeGo's route 18 Airport/Elm Hill Pike bus between the Nashville International Airport and Downtown Music City. Visit nashvillemta.org or call 615-862-5950 for more information on schedules and pickup locations.

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MUSIC CITY'S 

best HISTORIC TOURs

  APRIL ONLY: $10 off E-Bike TourS  

$10 OFF All Historic E-Bike Tours April 1st-30th  ( Must be booked online directly. Restrictions May Apply)  |  Use Promo Code     NASHVISIT  

i  Where wil l we                               ?   j

Nashville's #1 Immersive

Walking tour.

g 200 Unique Points of Interest

g 1 Hour 45 minute tour, 15 minute break

g Live narration from award-winning guide

g Includes personal listening device 

g  Immersive audio, video, and music

6 Nashville Neighborhoods

Electric bike to ur.

g Begins & ends in the center of downtown

g 2 Hour Tour, including intro & demo 

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g Personal listening device & helmet

One history.  Endless stories. 

 nashville's best tours .

TOURS INCLUDE OVER 200 POINTS OF INTEREST, INCLUDING:

LOWER BROADWAY

HISTORIC HOME OF THE GRAND OLE OPRY- THE RYMAN AUDITORIUM  

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

MUSICIANS HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

HISTORIC PRINTERS' ALLEY

NISSAN STADIUM AND BRIDGESTONE AREA

TENNESSEE STATE CAPITOL

AVENUE OF THE ARTS

CUMBERLAND RIVER

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Award-winning guides. lowest price in town. ,  see more. spend less. .

WE BELIEVE THAT A TOUR IS ONLY AS GOOD AS ITS GUIDE, AND OUR GUIDES ARE - SIMPLY PUT- THE BEST.

YOUR $10 TICKET INCLUDES A PERSONAL LISTENING DEVICE, ALLOWING YOU TO HEAR OUR HIGH-QUALITY, LIVE-NARRATED TOUR WITHOUT DISTRACTION, FEATURING: 

AWARD-WINNING, PLATINUM AMBASSADOR TOUR GUIDES

OVER 400 YEARS OF NASHVILLE HISTORY 

INTERVIEWS AND ANECDOTES ABOUT THE RICH HISTORY OF MUSIC CITY - TOLD FROM THE STARS THEMSELVES

SONGS THAT MADE NASHVILLE FAMOUS 

From solo travelers.  To sold out conventions.

 anti-one-size-fits-all .

WHETHER YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOUR OF DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE, A BUDGET-FRIENDLY PEEK INTO ALL THINGS HISTORIC, OR A EARTH-FRIENDLY STROLL PAST SOME OF MUSIC CITY'S MOST FAMOUS ATTRACTIONS, BEST HONKY TONKS, AND MUSEUMS- WE HAVE YOU COVERED. WE PARTNER WITH THE BEST ATTRACTIONS SO YOU SEE THE BEST FIRST. 

WANDER ALSO OFFERS EXCLUSIVE & PRIVATE TOURS FOR:

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PRIVATE ASL-INTERPRETED TOURS

WANDER NASHVILLE

All of our tours in nashville begin and end in the center of downtown nashville.  spend more time seeing the sights and less time getting to them.  tour hours:  wander is closed for the season. we will reopen  march 15th, 2024.

DeMain, a longtime resident who possesses a wealth of music knowledge, is the ideal guide for showing folks the sunny and the seedy of the Nashville Sound.

Nashville Scene

Bottom line: Bill lives and breathes music, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of country, pop and rock history. Which is why his latest venture, Walkin’ Nashville, has us so excited. This is a no-brainer for music tourists, but also the perfect stay-cation treat for locals.

Olly Smith, BBC 1 Television

Bill DeMain is a musician, a journalist, and on his brilliant tours, a walking encyclopedia of all things Nashville.

Trip Advisor

Bill DeMain peels back the current facades and helps you see the true reason for Nashville’s reputation and vitality. When knowledge and experience is as deep as Bill’s, the delivery is fresh and honest; you sense he’s in discovery mode every day.

365 Nashville

Whether you live here or are visiting here, you’ll learn something new about Nashville’s music history. Walk, learn and listen.

A rich retelling of Nashville’s musical history. Throughout the tour, Bill DeMain drew on his own journalistic research along with the sort of nuanced knowledge you can really only absorb by sticking around long enough to collect the stories, see successive waves of change and develop a sense of how to interpret it all.

For All The Likes

Walkin’ Nashville

About the Tour

Tours run fridays & saturdays at 10:30am, from april – december. private tours for 4 or more are available any time. to book, please contact:  [email protected], you haven’t seen nashville until you’ve taken the walkin’ nashville tour.southern living magazine calls it “one of the 10 best tours in the south.”.

Hank, Johnny, Chet, Patsy, George, Tammy, Conway, Loretta, Dolly, Merle, Willie … there was a time when country music was on a first name basis with its fans. A time when the streets of downtown Nashville were alive with the sound of backroom guitar pulls, midnight jamborees and the Grand Ole Opry.

Now you can recapture the magic of this golden era on the Walkin’ Nashville Music City Legends Tour. Packed with history, fun trivia and behind-the-scenes anecdotes about your favorite country legends, this two-hour walking tour is designed for music lovers who want to know the real story of how Nashville came to be called Music City.

You’ll see:

The Arcade / Printers Alley / Skull’s Rainbow Room / Ryman Auditorium / Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge / Hermitage Hotel / Country Music Hall of Fame

As well as the former sites of long-lost treasures like:

Captain’s Table / George Jones’ Possum Holler / The Maxwell House Hotel / Ernest Tubb Record Shop / Sho-Bud Steel Guitar Company

Nashville's 35 Most Iconic Murals and Where to Find Them

Brighten up your weekend walks with a tour of the city's most striking artistic mural designs.

Date Updated: June 14, 2023

The famous silo mural in the Nations

I f you’re looking for some creative inspiration, look no further than the streets of Nashville. With the rise of Nashville as a global city and technologies like Instagram allowing people to share images of cool things, Nashville’s mural scene has completely exploded. Music City can get expensive, but going on a self-guided art tour is absolutely free and you’ll easily discover something new each time. A good thing about these murals is that if you find one, you’ll be just around the corner from another. Check out the artists that see Nashville as a canvas and express the history, concerns and aspirations of this community through their work via murals and street art.

Places displayed in geographic order

• 1. Young Warlords
• 2. “What Lifts You” - Hot-Air Baloon
• 4. Greetings from the Athens of the South
• 5. Go Slay All the Dragons
• 6. Country Music Legends
• 7. Municipal Auditrorium Tickets
• 8. As Long As the Grass Shall Grow
• 9. The Only Way To Go Is Up
• 12. One Day I Will Rescue Your Brother Too
• 13. Harmony
• 14. The Kind Mural
• 15. For the Gram
• 16. Candy Hearts
• 17. “What Lifts You” - Wings
• 18. Untitled
• 19. Love Y'all
• 20. Zanies “Comedy Legends”
• 21. Nashville Look's Good On You
• 22. Just a Few Gents
• 23. I Believe in Nashville
• 24. 12 South Flowers
• 25. Make Music Not War
• 26. Looking Pretty, Music City
• 27. Hillsboro Village
• 28. Molly Green
• 29. Hillsboro Village Dragon
• 30. Drippy Lips
• 31. Hieroglyphics on West End
• 32. Off The Wall
• 33. Wish for Peace
• 34. Kobe and Gianna Bryant

This eye-catching mural features iconic images of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. The mural was commissioned when Capital City Computers, a locally-owned computer shop, moved to East Nashville in 2017. Come here to get your computer fixed and check out some great art!

This is well-known muralist Kelsey Montague’s tallest mural at over 60 feet tall. It’s her second “What Lift’s You” mural in Nashville after the iconic “What Lift’s You” wings in the Gulch, featured later in this article.

Just as artist Kim Radford was finishing the mural, Dolly was quoted as saying “I understand people having to make themselves known and felt and seen, and of course Black lives matter. Do we think our little white a---- are the only ones that matter? No!”. This inspired Radford to incorporate the BLM movement into the mural.

Nashville has long been nicknamed “The Athens of the South”. This mural features many Nashville institutions framed in the Athens letters of the mural. The “A” features the symbols for sports teams the Nashville Sounds, Predators and Tennessee Titans. The “T” features Greko Greek Street Food, a great local restaurant who commissioned the mural. The “H” features the Parthenon at Centennial Park. The “E” features the iconic signs of The Stage and Jacks BBQ on Broadway. The “N” features the Nashville Skyline at sunset. The “S” features the “Musica” sculpture by Nashville artist Alan LeQuire at the Music Row roundabout in Midtown.

The Slay Dragons mural features lyrics from the song “Dragons” by Nashville based band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors who commissioned the piece.

This piece shows how country artists from every era are welcome to sit at the country music table. Taylor Swift was once a part of this mural as shown, but controversially has been painted over for Brad Paisley. Sorry Swifties.

The oldest ticket on this mural is from April 4, 1965 a Peter, Paul & Mary show, the newest is a Lady A ticket from February 22, 2012.

This mural features artist Neils Shoe Meulman’s unique “Caliligrafiti” style. The words are from the chorus of the song “As Long as the Grass Shall Grow” written by Peter LaFarge and performed by Johnny Cash on his 1964 album Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian. It’s a reference to the broken promises in many of the treaties signed between the United States and Native Americans.

This mural represents the artist once known as “ABOVE” evolving and pealing away his previous moniker to be known as his real name.

“Revive” is the work of Brooklyn-based artist Beau Stanton. This mural is meant to bring attention to the waterways of Middle Tennessee and the value they bring to the area.

Australian artist Tyrone Wright aka RONE is famous for his portraits of solitary women. His work can be found in New York, Los Angeles, Barcelona, Amsterdam, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong and more.

Nashville-based artist Ty Christian created this mural which blends different skin colors on a baby's face above the word “HARMONY”.

The Kind Way is a social movement founded by South Dakota natives Rebekah Rinehart and Sarah Gail Nelson. Fittingly located on the same wall as the “HARMONY” mural above The Kind Way’s mission is to empower the world to see what’ possible when we choose to live in harmony over ignorance and fear.

Chris Tidwell is known around Nashville for his pop-art style. His murals titled “For The Gram” which depict an Instagram Like can be found throughout Nashville. The first in the series was painted on the side of Franklin Juice Company in 12 South.

This mural, sponsored by The Bach Party, a bachelorette planning service and Finnley’s Boutique is especially attractive to Bachelorette Parties. If you’re planning on getting a photo-op at this mural we recommend coming at a non-standard time as parked cars at Finnley’s can get in the way of the shot.

One of Nashville’s most iconic murals, the “What Lifts You” wings in the Gulch at peak times often has a line of people waiting for the chance to take their picture in flight. At the time this mural was created, it was artist Kelsey Montague’s largest at over 20 feet tall. She has since gone on to create a number of murals many much larger than this all over the world.

Jason Woodside is a New York based artist who created this mural in collaboration with Nashville’s Nathan Brown. Woodside is known for his use of bold colors, patterns and shapes. His murals are featured in major cities around the world including Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Madrid, Tokyo, Sydney and London.

This mural is a trademark of the brand TheNash.TN. The slogan is featured on many walls around Nashville in a number of different settings. You can shop Nash.TN merch at their website above.

“Just a Few Gents” is hidden away down an alleyway in 12 South, and often passed by pedestrians walking the popular 12 South neighborhood. It’s the work of painter and illustrator Jared Freihofer who specializes in mixed media portraits.

Music City’s best known slogan and mural is the work of Nashville native Adrien Saporiti. Saporiti is an artist, musician and designer of Vietnamese decent who’s work has been seen around the world. The slogan was influenced by a trip he made with his mother to Vietnam where he witnessed Victor Hugo’s words “Amour et Justice” written on the pillar of a temple. Saporiti states “I saw that, and I really, just really loved the phrasing of it. “Love and Justice,” “I Believe in Nashville,” they’re the kinds of things it’s hard to refute. You have to kind of be a jerk.”

Nashville artist and designer Allan Geiger enjoys creating messages of “simplicity with a rock and roll flare” as you can see in his “Make Music Not War” mural.

Little is known about the origin or story of this flower mural, and we think that’s pretty cool.

This mural is a celebration of creativity in Nashville and is in support of arts and music programs in Nashville Metro Public Schools.

Know of a great Nashville mural we missed? Email [email protected] and give us a tip! ❤️

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Stevie Jewel

Nashville Wall Murals with Map (Updated Regularly)

So I made the Ultimate Nashville Guide, which you can read here , and now I want to share something else I’m loving in Music City – wall murals!

I just love art.  Not all art, but most art.  From music, or sculptures, to architecture, I just love seeing what can be created in beauty from the mind.  So when I started taking an interest in the wall murals that were popping up all over Nashville, I started wanting to bring them into my own world by incorporating into my posts.  

Then I realized other people might enjoy seeing these works of Nashville wall mural art as well. So I created this guide(with the map) of most of the murals I’ve seen around Nashville, but there are always more popping up, so I’ll be sure to add them as I find them!

Nashville Looks Good On You

Hillsboro Village

The Red Lips

Charlotte Pike

Wish For Peace

Kindness Is…

Hyroglitches

East Nashville

The Cleo 

We Are Nashville

Go Slay All The Dragons

Nashville Wings

Edgehill Village

Pink Wings (inside No Baked)

Wedgewood/8th Ave

Hyacinths and Waves

Ruins on the Beach

Galactic Gardens

Life Is Sweet

Guitars and Birds

Love Y’all 

The Nations

The Fountain of Juice

Reader Interactions

05.03.24 at 10:36 am

There is a really cool wolf in North 12 South on Acklen and 11th Avenue! It’s on a white fence and the wolf is grey! Love how simple, fierce, and peaceful it is all at the same time!

05.03.24 at 12:28 am

Where is this??

05.03.24 at 8:33 am

Which one Lorianne? All of them are in some part of Nashville.

05.03.24 at 8:32 am

Love it! Thank you!

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