Self-Guided Walking Tour of Nashville's Music Heritage

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Explore downtown Nashville on a self-guided walking tour that highlights the city’s rich history and vibrant music culture.

Journey from the Cumberland River’s banks to the lively streets of Broadway, discovering how Nashville evolved from a frontier outpost into the heart of America’s Music City.

This flexible tour allows you to stroll past significant landmarks, including sites linked to Indigenous history, the Civil War, and iconic musicians.

Along the way, you’ll uncover compelling stories of resilience and creativity that define Nashville’s unique identity.

— Discover Nashville’s transformation from a frontier outpost to a musical hub.
— Visit landmarks related to Indigenous history and civil rights.
— Experience the roots of country, gospel, and blues music at your own pace.
— An immersive journey blending history, culture, and music in one vibrant city.

What's Included

Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
Audio Guide
App and Tour Download
Smartphone (bring your own)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Fort Nashborough

Fort Nashborough is a series of log cabins on 1st Avenue North beside the Cumberland River. 1st Avenue North can be accessed from Broadway and Church Street.

End point
Bridgestone Arena

Bridgestone Arena is on Broadway between 6th Avenue South and Rep. John Lewis Way South. It is a large, modern sports arena on Honky Tonk Highway.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum (Pass by)

    Celebrating the artists behind the hits, this museum honors studio musicians, producers, and songwriters from every genre. Its exhibits spotlight the unsung talent that shaped the soundtrack of American music.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Honky Tonk Highway

    This neon-lit stretch of Broadway is Nashville’s live-music heartbeat, where bands play seven nights a week with no cover charge. Walking the strip offers an unforgettable mix of sounds, street life, and classic Southern nightlife.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • The Johnny Cash Museum (Pass by)

    Dedicated to the life and legacy of the Man in Black, this museum holds the world’s most extensive collection of Johnny Cash memorabilia. It’s a tribute to his music, his storytelling, and his enduring cultural influence.

    Admission ticket free
  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (Pass by)

    Often called the Smithsonian of Country Music, this landmark museum showcases legendary artists, iconic instruments, and immersive exhibits that shaped America’s soundscape. Its striking modern architecture mirrors the creativity found inside.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

    This 19-acre park offers a sweeping view of the Tennessee State Capitol while tracing 200 years of state history through monuments, pathways, and landscaped features. Its granite maps, WWII memorial, and Rivers of Tennessee fountains make it a beautiful and meaningful stop.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Bridgestone Arena (Pass by)

    Home to the Nashville Predators and countless major concerts, Bridgestone Arena sits at the heart of downtown’s entertainment district. Even from the outside, the venue’s energy reflects the city’s constant rhythm of live performance.

    Admission ticket free
  • Frist Art Museum (Pass by)

    Housed in a magnificent 1930s Art Deco post office, the Frist Art Museum features rotating exhibitions from around the world. Its blend of historic architecture and contemporary art creates one of Nashville’s most inspiring cultural spaces.

    Admission ticket free
  • Hatch Show Print (Pass by)

    Founded in 1879, Hatch Show Print is one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in the country. Its bold, hand-printed posters tell a visual story of Nashville’s music scene and remain beloved by artists and collectors alike.

    Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Printer's Alley

    Once home to printing shops, speakeasies, and jazz clubs, Printer’s Alley remains one of Nashville’s most atmospheric historic districts. Its narrow brick passageway still echoes with decades of nightlife, creativity, and musical experimentation.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Ryman Auditorium (Pass by)

    Known as the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman blends stunning acoustics with over a century of iconic performances. Its pew-lined sanctuary offers a rare chance to step inside the birthplace of the Grand Ole Opry.

    Admission ticket free
  • Schermerhorn Symphony Center (Pass by)

    This elegant concert hall is home to the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony and features architecture inspired by Europe’s great classical venues. Even from the plaza, you can appreciate its refined design and cultural impact on the city.

    Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Tennessee State Capitol

    Completed in 1859, the Tennessee State Capitol is one of the oldest working statehouses in the U.S. Its stately Greek Revival design crowns the hill overlooking downtown, symbolizing Nashville’s political and historic roots.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Fort Nashborough

    A reconstruction of the 1780 frontier settlement, Fort Nashborough marks the birthplace of Nashville along the Cumberland River. It offers a glimpse into the challenges and resilience of the city’s earliest European settlers.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Built in the 1870s, this Gothic Revival landmark is one of Nashville’s most striking architectural treasures. Its stone arches and ornate detailing make it a standout among downtown’s historic structures.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
  • GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
  • Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
  • Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time
Supplied by Drives & Detours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
Music Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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