Nashville isn’t just about honky-tonks and country music — it’s a city that rewards exploration on foot. Walking tours let you soak up the atmosphere, see iconic landmarks, and discover hidden stories that aren’t in the guidebooks. One of our favorites is the Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour, which combines delicious bites with local insights. Whether you’re into food, history, or ghost stories, Nashville’s compact size and vibrant neighborhoods make it ideal for strolling. Plus, with options like the Honky-Tonk Pub Crawl or the Ghosts of Nashville Night Tour, you can tailor your experience to match your interests and energy level.
For those looking to get a real taste of the city, Nashville offers a variety of tours that highlight its music scene, culinary delights, haunted legends, and civil rights history. Each tour offers a different window into Nashville’s many layers — from the lively streets of Broadway to the quiet charm of Germantown. Now, let’s explore each of these top walking tours in detail.
1. Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
At number 1 on our list, the Nashville 12South Food Tour is perfect for food lovers eager to taste the city’s best bites while uncovering local favorites. The 3-hour tour takes you through the trendy 12 South neighborhood, known for its colorful murals, boutique shops, and top-tier eateries. Your local guide will lead you to top coffee spots, street food, and stylish restaurants, where you’ll sample everything from breakfast tacos to gourmet cookies. The highlight is a secret tasting that surprises even seasoned Nashville visitors.
Guests love the intimate small-group atmosphere and the personalized tips from guides who know the area well. One reviewer says, “Scott was upbeat and knowledgeable,” making the experience both fun and informative. The tour is well-priced at $99 per person and offers a relaxed pace, making it suitable for most fitness levels. If you want a tasty introduction to Nashville’s food scene without the hassle of research, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom line: Perfect for foodies who want insider access and a flavorful walk through Nashville’s most stylish neighborhood.
2. Nashville’s Honky-Tonk Walking Sightseeing Pub Crawl
Next up, the Honky-Tonk Pub Crawl combines Nashville’s legendary nightlife with its iconic landmarks. This 3-hour tour is ideal for visitors who want a taste of Nashville’s musical roots along with some fun drinks. Your guide will take you past the Ryman Auditorium, Printer’s Alley, and other historic sites, all while sharing stories of country legends and local legends. The tour includes discounts and freebies at select bars, plus tips on the best places to enjoy live music.
Reviews rave about the lively atmosphere and the hilarious guide, Christie, who keeps everyone entertained. Priced at just $31 per person, it’s a cost-effective way to explore downtown’s bar scene without wandering aimlessly. This tour suits those who want a relaxed, social experience with a focus on Nashville’s vibrant music and bar culture.
Bottom line: A lively, affordable tour that’s ideal for music lovers and those wanting to experience Nashville’s nightlife with expert guidance.
3. Music City Food, Drink, Sightseeing Walking Tour along Broadway
At number 3, the Broadway walking tour offers a lively exploration of downtown Nashville’s most famous street. Over roughly three hours, your guide will walk you past landmarks like the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame, while you sample local bites like smoked pork and Nashville Hot Chicken. You’ll also enjoy a specialty cocktail and maybe some live music along the way.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of architecture, history, and food, all wrapped into a lively stroll along the riverfront. Guests mention that the guide is friendly and knows the city well, making it feel like exploring Nashville with an old friend. The price of $108.16 provides enough food to replace a meal, plus a full immersion into Music City’s culinary and musical culture.
Bottom line: Great for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of Nashville’s landmarks, food, and music scene in one tour.
4. The Ghosts of Nashville Night-Time Walking Tour
For those intrigued by the spooky side of Nashville, the Ghosts of Nashville Night Tour offers an atmospheric evening walk. Just 1.5 hours long, it starts near the Tennessee State Capitol and takes you past haunted churches, music venues, and historic buildings. Your guide will share ghost stories about Nashville’s Civil War past and its most notorious spirits.
Rated highly for its personal touch, this small-group tour is capped at eight people to keep the experience intimate. Guests mention how the guide’s storytelling makes the city’s haunted tales come alive. It’s perfect for history buffs or anyone fascinated by Nashville’s ghostly legends. Tickets cost $24.99, making it an affordable and fun way to see Nashville after dark.
Bottom line: Ideal for fans of ghost stories and paranormal legends who want a spooky night walk with a knowledgeable guide.
5. Murder in Music City Night-Time Ghost Walking Tour
The Murder in Music City takes a darker turn. This 90-minute tour uncovers Nashville’s violent past, mob activity, and scandalous crimes. You’ll visit historic sites like the Maxwell House Hotel and Printer’s Alley while learning stories of murders, hauntings, and scandals that shaped the city. The guide’s engaging storytelling makes it a favorite among true crime enthusiasts.
Priced at $34.99, this tour offers a good value, especially considering the depth of stories covered. It’s suited for those who enjoy a mix of history, crime, and ghost stories, and who aren’t squeamish about Nashville’s grittier side. Guests mention the guide Nestor’s enthusiasm and fun storytelling.
Bottom line: A compelling choice for crime buffs and history lovers interested in Nashville’s more sinister stories.
6. Guided Pub Crawl Walking Tour of Downtown Nashville
At number 6, the Downtown Pub Crawl takes you through historic Printers Alley and Second Avenue. Over just over two hours, enjoy 4-5 bars with exclusive drink specials, local stories, trivia, and even live music. Perfect for those who want to experience Nashville’s bar scene and learn about its history simultaneously.
Guests rave about guide Kinzey, who makes the tour lively and fun. The tour is priced at $25, making it an inexpensive way to enjoy Nashville’s nightlife with some insider tips. It’s suitable for social travelers and those who enjoy a lively atmosphere with a bit of friendly competition.
Bottom line: A fun, economical way to sample Nashville’s bars with a friendly guide leading the way.
7. Nashville’s Dark Secrets: Murder & True Crime Walking Ghost Tour
Number 7 on our list is the Dark Secrets Ghost Tour. This adults-only walk delves into Nashville’s most notorious crimes, ghost sightings, and paranormal tales. Starting at the Tennessee State Capitol, the tour visits historic sites like Skull’s Rainbow Room and Printer’s Alley, sharing stories of mobsters, murders, and supernatural activity.
Rated highly for its engaging narration and atmosphere, this 1.5-hour tour costs $34.95. Perfect for those interested in Nashville’s crime stories and haunted sites, especially if you enjoy an eerie vibe paired with rich storytelling.
Bottom line: A captivating option for fans of true crime and ghost stories seeking a spooky but educational experience.
8. East Nashville Walking Food Tour with 5+ Tastings
The East Nashville Food Tour is for those wanting a taste of Nashville’s most artistic neighborhood. Over 3 hours, you’ll enjoy 5+ tastings at local eateries, including BBQ, Memphis-style smoked meats, and secret Southern dishes. The tour highlights East Nashville’s vibrant arts scene and unearths hidden culinary treasures.
Guests praise the tour for its flavorful bites and cultural insights. One reviewer notes the experience as a great way to explore East Nashville’s “art and music scene” while satisfying your appetite for Southern fare. At $97, the tour offers a good balance of food, culture, and walking, especially for those interested in Nashville’s less touristy side.
Bottom line: Ideal for foodies who want an up-close look at East Nashville’s culinary and artistic charm.
9. Nashville’s “Famous Footsteps” Guided Walking Tour
Number 9, the Famous Footsteps Tour, is perfect for quick sightseeing. Covering the essentials in 2 hours, it focuses on Nashville’s legendary musicians like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Elvis Presley. The tour passes the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame, sharing stories behind the stars.
Guests enjoy this tour as a perfect introduction, especially if tight on time. Priced at just $30.77, it’s a cost-efficient way to get familiar with Nashville’s musical heritage and iconic landmarks. The guide is praised for making history engaging and fun.
Bottom line: Best for first-timers or those with limited time who want a snapshot of Nashville’s musical roots.
10. Nashville Haunted Boos and Booze Ghost Walking Tour
The Haunted Boos and Booze Tour mixes ghost stories with bar hopping. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll visit historic bars and landmarks, learning about Nashville’s haunted legends while enjoying drinks at your own expense. The lantern-carrying guides add a fun, spooky atmosphere.
Rated highly for its mix of mystery and local bar culture, the tour costs $39.18. It’s well-suited for those who want a slightly more adult, fun night out while learning about Nashville’s ghostly side.
Bottom line: A spirited way to combine drinks and ghost stories, perfect for a relaxed evening adventure.
11. Nashville Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Number 11, the Private Food Tour, offers an exclusive taste of 12 South’s culinary scene. With a longer duration of about 3.5 hours, it includes private access to the guide and a variety of dishes like pulled pork, hot chicken, banana pudding, and smoked turkey with grits. This tour is perfect for those who want personalized attention and a comprehensive foodie experience.
Guests mention that the tour’s variety and private format make it a standout. One says, “The food was fantastic and the guide was very knowledgeable.” At $335 per person, it’s best suited for serious foodies or special occasions.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking a tailored, in-depth Nashville culinary adventure with privacy and personalized tips.
12. Nashville’s Night-Time Walking Tour with Costumed Guide
This Costumed Ghost Tour is a theatrical experience that immerses you in Nashville’s haunted tales. Led by a guide dressed in Victorian costume, it visits landmarks like the Hermitage Hotel and the State Capitol, uncovering ghostly legends in a lively 1.5-hour walk.
Reviewers appreciate the authentic costumes and storytelling, saying it “adds to the spooky atmosphere.” It’s priced at just $20, making it an affordable way to enjoy Nashville after dark.
Bottom line: A fun, theatrical ghost walk ideal for those who enjoy a little drama with their ghost stories.
How to Choose Your Perfect Walking Tour
Picking the right Nashville walking tour depends on your interests and travel style. Food lovers might prefer the 12 South Food Tour, while history fans interested in Civil Rights should consider the Civil Rights Tour. If ghost stories excite you, the Night Tour with Victorian Guide or the Murder & True Crime Tour are excellent choices.
Budget-conscious travelers will find value in the Pub Crawl, while those seeking a more personalized experience might opt for the Private Food Tour. Consider how much time you want to spend, whether you prefer guided storytelling or self-led exploration, and what parts of Nashville interest you most.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the East Nashville Food Tour or the Civil Rights Tour.
Final Thoughts
From food and music to ghost stories and civil rights, Nashville’s walking tours offer something for every traveler. Whether you want to sample Southern cuisine in 12 South, explore the city’s haunted past, or walk in the footsteps of legends, these tours provide authentic, memorable experiences. Consider your interests, budget, and schedule, and book early to secure your spot. With so many options, you’ll find the perfect way to see Nashville on foot.