Nashville Guide

Nashville Historical Tours

Explore Civil War history, plantations, and Tennessee heritage!

52+ tours
From $45
3-6 hours
Nashville Historical Tours

Discover Nashville's rich history beyond music! Historical tours explore Civil War sites (Battle of Nashville,Nashville National Cemetery), historic plantations (Belle Meade, Andrew Jackson's Hermitage), State Capitol building, historic Germantown neighborhood, and museums documenting Tennessee heritage. Learn about Nashville's role in Civil War (changing hands multiple times!), antebellum South, Reconstruction era, Civil Rights movement, and growth into modern city. Tours include plantation visits explaining complex histories, battlefield tours, architecture walks, and cultural heritage sites. Understand Tennessee's evolution, Southern history's difficult legacy, and how Nashville balanced preservation with progress. It's American South history!

Featured Historical Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for historical tours in Nashville

Legends of Music City Guided Historical Walking Tour
From $38.99
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

Explore Nashville, from its rich history to what it made it into the famous “Music City, USA” of today. Get to know the city from the unique perspective of our Tennessean natives, who will guide you on a memorable historical walking tour of Nashville. Our walking tour includes an introduction to some of our most celebrated landmarks and hidden gems that make Music City such a special place to visit. What’s Included This Nashville history tour covers some of the most important parts of the history of The Music City, from the Fisk Jubilee singers to the historic Jefferson St., The Arcade, WSM/Grand Ole Opry, War Memorial, The Ryman, CMA, Printers Alley, Goo Goo (First combination chocolate bar), hidden secrets and information on Broadway, castle studios and much, much more! This is a perfect walking tour (Approx. 90 minutes) to learn about Nashville which can help guide the rest of your visit to Music City.

4.4(67)
1h 30m
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Nashville's Historic Electric Bike Tour
From $69.99
Free Cancellation

See the best from the ground up with an immersive electric bike sightseeing tour from Wander Nashville. Offering multiple daily departures, award-winning guides, live narration and music, a personal listening device, and the industry's best equipment, Wander is Music City's best e-bike tour. Our hybrid bicycle tours are designed to safely adventure throughout Nashville's best neighborhoods without having to work to hard on Nashville's varying terrain. Wander is Music City's only e-bike tour that begins and ends in the center of the city so that we can spend more time seeing the sights and less time getting to them. Every tour is led by an expert, Platinum Ambassador certified guide and local expert and includes immersive live audio, music, interviews, and anecdotes from over 200 years of Middle Tennessee history.

5.0(189)
2h
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Historic Grounds: A Music City History and Coffee Morning Tour
From $44.99
Free Cancellation

Start your day the Nashville way—with a locally brewed coffee in hand and the city’s untold stories underfoot. This isn’t just a history tour. It’s a morning ritual reimagined. Our "Rise & Roam" experience blends rich storytelling with rich coffee, giving you a fresh perspective on the streets of downtown Nashville before the crowds roll in. Led by passionate local guides (no scripts, no fluff), you'll walk through iconic landmarks and hidden gems while learning how Nashville’s past shaped its present. We don’t just point at buildings—we connect the dots. From Civil War intrigue to Music Row legends, we uncover the people, conflicts, and quirky moments that textbooks skip. And yes, we fuel it all with a handpicked cup from one of Nashville’s best coffee shops. If you're looking for a calm, insightful, and energizing way to explore the city, this is your new favorite morning routine.

5.0(19)
1h 45m
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Historically Tipsy: A Music City Pub Crawl with VIP Access!
From $99.99
Free Cancellation

Sip, Sway, and Stumble Through Nashville’s Spirited Past! Ditch the crowds and dive into the real Nashville on a 2-hour pub crawl that blends booze, beats, and backstories. This is not your typical Broadway bar hop—we're taking you to hidden gems and local favorites where the drinks are strong and the history runs deep. Discover why Nashville earned the name "Music City" as you experience its rich musical roots up close. Taste Tennessee’s finest—from smooth whiskey to bold moonshine—at tucked-away bars and distilleries loved by locals. Laugh and Learn about Nashville’s tangled (and often hilarious) relationship with alcohol, from prohibition mischief to modern moonshine legends. Explore the origins of Tennessee whiskey and how it became a Southern staple, all while soaking in the sounds of live local music. Come thirsty for history and ready for a good time—this tour is your backstage pass to the spirit (and spirits) of Nashville.

4.9(29)
2h
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Historical Graveyard Tour of Nashville
From $2,600
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

This tour provides a comprehensive look at Nashville's history through the lives and contributions of notable individuals, including military veterans who played significant roles in their respective eras. Adjustments can be made based on your interests and the availability of cemetery tours or access to specific gravesites. Enjoy exploring Nashville's rich cultural and military heritage!

8h
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Private Nashville Night: Ghostly Tales & Historic Trails
From $875.24
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour🔥Likely to Sell Out

Skip the crowds this is a private tour for your group only! Delve into the eerie side of Music City with “Nashville Night Whispers: Ghostly Tales and Historic Trails”. This ghost tour begins at the Alvin York Statue, honoring a war hero and setting the tone for tales of the past. Venture to the Tennessee State Capitol, a site of history and rumored hauntings. Wander through Cornerstone Square, where the echoes of old Nashville linger. Explore the mysterious and legendary Printers Alley, known for its vibrant nightlife and whispered ghost stories. Pass by Dream Nashville, a modern hotel infused with historic charm. The tour concludes at 201 4th Ave N, a location steeped in local lore and shadowed tales.

2h
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Why Choose Historical Tours in Nashville?

The Hermitage

Andrew Jackson's plantation - one of America's best presidential homes!

Civil War Sites

Battle of Nashville sites and National Cemetery.

Complex History

Honest exploration of antebellum South and slavery legacy.

Greek Revival

Beautiful antebellum architecture and historic homes!

Types of Historical Tours in Nashville

Hermitage Plantation Tour

Visit Andrew Jackson's estate with mansion and grounds.

3 hoursPresidential homeGardensMuseumEducational

Civil War Nashville Tour

Explore battlefields, forts, and Civil War history.

4 hoursMultiple sitesExpert guideBattle storiesHistoric

Historic Nashville Walking Tour

Downtown historic sites, Capitol, Germantown.

2-3 hoursWalkingArchitectureCity historyAccessible

Plantation & Wine Tour

Belle Meade plantation with winery tours and tastings.

4 hoursPlantationWine tastingsCarriage houseComprehensive

What to Expect on Your Nashville Historical Tours

Duration

Plantation tours: 3-4 hours. Civil War: 4 hours. Walking: 2-3 hours. Combined: 6 hours.

The Hermitage

Andrew Jackson's mansion with original furnishings and slave cabin remains.

Belle Meade Plantation

Greek Revival mansion with winery, carriage house, and grounds.

State Capitol

Greek Revival capitol building with views - still working government building!

Slavery History

Tours address slavery honestly - plantation enslaved people stories included.

Civil War Battles

Learn about Battle of Nashville and city's strategic importance.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Hermitage ($30) needs 2-3 hours - mansion, gardens, museum, Jackson tomb.

2

Belle Meade ($25) includes winery tour - Tennessee's first thoroughbred farm.

3

State Capitol tours FREE Monday-Friday - call ahead to schedule.

4

Fort Negley (FREE) - Union fort with interpretive center.

5

Nashville National Cemetery has Civil War graves - sobering history.

6

Tours address slavery history honestly - it's educational but heavy topic.

7

Wear comfortable shoes - plantation tours involve walking on uneven terrain.

8

Summer hot and humid - morning tours more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the Hermitage?

A: The Hermitage was Andrew Jackson's (7th US President) plantation home. Greek Revival mansion, gardens, original furnishings, and enslaved people cabins. $30 entry. It's one of best-preserved presidential homes. 25 minutes from Nashville. Plan 2-3 hours. Essential American history!

Q:Are plantation tours worth it?

A: Yes for history understanding! Hermitage and Belle Meade show antebellum architecture and address slavery honestly. They're educational about complex Southern history. $25-30 entry. Not entertainment - it's serious history. Important for understanding American past.

Q:Is Nashville significant in Civil War?

A: Very! Nashville was strategic rail/supply hub. Battle of Nashville (Dec 1864) was major Union victory. City changed hands early in war. Fort Negley, National Cemetery preserve this history. Tours explain Tennessee's divided loyalties. Fascinating Civil War site!

Q:How much do historical tours cost?

A: Hermitage: $30. Belle Meade: $25. State Capitol: FREE. Civil War tours: $60-90. Walking tours: $45-70. Private: $150-300 for group. Plantation entries separate from tour costs. Good value for understanding Nashville beyond music!

Q:Can you tour Tennessee State Capitol?

A: Yes! FREE guided tours Monday-Friday (call ahead to schedule). Greek Revival building from 1850s. Still working government building. Views from grounds. 45-minute tours. It's beautiful architecture and Tennessee history. Absolutely worth visiting!

Q:What is Belle Meade?

A: Belle Meade is Greek Revival mansion and Tennessee's first thoroughbred farm (horse breeding). Tours ($25) include winery, carriage house, mansion. Smaller than Hermitage but charming. Wine tastings available. 20 minutes from downtown. History and wine combo!

Q:When is the best time for historical tours?

A: Spring (April-May) and fall (Sept-Oct): Perfect weather for plantation walking. Summer hot/humid. Winter: Indoor museum tours comfortable. Historical sites accessible year-round. Morning tours beat afternoon heat. Book ahead for guided experiences!

Q:Are historical tours family-friendly?

A: Yes but topics are serious. Plantations address slavery - educational for older kids (10+). Hermitage has family programs. Civil War sites fascinating for history buffs. Topics age-appropriate but honest. Good for mature children interested in history.

Don't Miss the Perfect Nashville Experience

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Why Visit Nashville?

Grand Ole Opry and country music heritage

Vibrant Broadway district and live music

Famous hot chicken and Southern cuisine

Rich musical history and culture

Warm Southern hospitality

Perfect blend of music and culture

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Nashville enjoys four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (75-90°F/24-32°C), winters are mild (35-50°F/2-10°C), and spring/fall offer pleasant temperatures.

Best Months

March to May and September to November offer the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.

Peak Season

June to August brings peak tourist season with hot, humid weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

December to February offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cooler weather.

Plan Your Nashville Trip

Transportation Tips

Public transportation includes buses and the Music City Star train. Renting a car provides flexibility, and ride-sharing services are widely available.

Car Rental Deals in Nashville

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Nashville adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Nashville

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