Self-Guided Walking Tour of Nashville's Music Heritage

3.0 (2 reviews) 2 hours – 2 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

2 reviews

3.0

Discover downtown Nashville on a self-guided walk that brings the city’s history and music heritage to life. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

From the banks of the Cumberland River to the neon glow of Broadway, you’ll uncover how a frontier outpost transformed into America’s celebrated Music City. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Art Tours Walking Tours Music Tours

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours – 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–10
Audio guide: English, Spanish
Written guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Drives & Detours

Ages: Adults (11–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
Included: Audio Guide
Included: App and Tour Download

Not included

Not included: Smartphone (bring your own)

Itinerary

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

Passing 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.
Stop 2

5 min

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.
The Johnny Cash Museum

Passing 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.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Passing 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.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

5 min

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.
Bridgestone Arena

Passing 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.
Frist Art Museum

Passing 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.
Hatch Show Print

Passing 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.
Printer's Alley

5 min

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.
Ryman Auditorium

Passing 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.
Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Passing 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.
Tennessee State Capitol

5 min

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.
Stop 13

5 min

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.
Stop 14

Passing 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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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

Using your ticket

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: To access your tour, you will need to download the Drives & Detours app and enter your 6-character access code to unlock it. Your access code will be sent separately the day before your travel date. Access codes for same-day bookings will be sent within minutes after purchase.

HOW TO PREPARE: We recommend downloading the Drives & Detours app in advance so you are ready to go when you arrive.

DOWNLOAD THE APP:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drives-detours/id6443681888

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506

WATCH FOR YOUR ACCESS CODE: Your access code will arrive as a message through the booking platform. They should notify you by email, but if you don’t see it, check your spam folder or directly in the platform’s message center.