The Top 16 History & Culture Tours in Nashville

Nashville’s got layers—and we’re not just talking about hot chicken. Beneath the honky tonks and neon lights is a city steeped in soul-stirring stories, hard-fought history, and cultural roots that run deep. If you’re curious about the real Nashville—the one shaped by music legends, civil rights pioneers, haunted streets, and small-batch whiskey—these tours are your front-row ticket.

Music is where it starts. Sure, you’ve heard of the Grand Ole Opry, but did you know Nashville’s also the birthplace of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and home to iconic R&B and gospel scenes? Some tours take you backstage at historic venues; others dive into the neighborhoods where artists lived, wrote, and recorded. If you’re a fan of music history that goes beyond the mainstream, there’s a lot to dig into here.

Prefer a walk through the spookier side of town? Nashville’s ghost tours are a hit with night owls and history buffs alike. You’ll stroll through shadowy streets while guides share chilling tales of haunted hotels, Civil War-era spirits, and local legends that refuse to stay buried.

Then there’s the rich and powerful Civil Rights legacy. Walking and bus tours through historic neighborhoods like Jefferson Street shed light on the activists, artists, and everyday heroes who shaped Nashville’s identity far beyond its music scene.

And of course, you can’t forget the whiskey. Tennessee’s signature spirit is part of the city’s cultural DNA. Some tours take you into working distilleries or on day trips to nearby whiskey country, pairing history with tastings of small-batch and big-name bourbons.

If you want a broad overview, guided city history tours offer a great mix of neighborhoods, landmarks, and local insight. For a deeper dive, themed tours—like the civil rights route or haunted history walk—let you zero in on the stories that resonate most with you.

These aren’t cookie-cutter tours. They’re led by locals who know the stories behind the headlines and the buildings behind the Instagram shots. And they give you a richer, more meaningful take on Music City.