Nashville Broadway Tours
Experience the honky-tonk highway with live music and neon lights!
Experience Broadway - Nashville's legendary honky-tonk highway! This 5-block stretch (Lower Broadway from 1st to 5th Avenue) features 40+ bars with FREE live country music playing all day, every day from noon to 3 AM! Broadway tours explore iconic venues like Tootsie's Orchid Lounge (where legends launched careers), Robert's Western World (still has original stage where Brazilton Brothers played), Rippy's, Layla's, and newer additions. Neon signs light up the street creating vibrant nightlife atmosphere. Tours include bar hopping, music history, behind-the-scenes stories, and sometimes drink packages. Learn about honky-tonk culture, Nashville's music business, and where tomorrow's stars perform today. It's Music City's beating heart!
Why Choose Broadway Tours in Nashville?
FREE Live Music
No cover charge at honky-tonks - music all day, every day!
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
Legendary venue where Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline launched careers!
Neon Lights
Vibrant street with neon signs and energetic atmosphere!
Discover New Talent
See tomorrow's country stars performing for tips today!
Types of Broadway Tours in Nashville
Honky-Tonk Pub Crawl
Visit 4-5 classic honky-tonks with live music and drinks.
Broadway History Tour
Learn stories of legendary venues and Music City history.
VIP Honky-Tonk Experience
Skip lines with reserved tables and drink packages.
Broadway & 2nd Avenue Tour
Explore expanded entertainment district beyond Broadway.
What to Expect on Your Nashville Broadway Tours
Duration
Pub crawls: 3-4 hours. Walking tours: 2-3 hours. Full evening: 4-6 hours.
Live Music
Bands play sets every hour on multiple stages - constant music!
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
Historic purple bar through alley from Ryman - Willie Nelson drank here!
Robert's Western World
Authentic honky-tonk with fried bologna sandwiches and traditional country.
Neon Atmosphere
Vibrant street lit up at night with music pouring from every doorway.
Music Business
Learn how Broadway bars launch careers and showcase talent.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Broadway honky-tonks FREE but expect to buy drinks ($6-10/beer) and tip musicians!
Daytime (noon-5 PM) more relaxed and family-friendly than night rowdiness.
Tootsie's, Robert's, and Layla's are classics - don't skip these three!
Musicians rotate every hour - stay put or bar-hop to hear variety.
Weeknights less crowded than Friday-Sunday but still plenty of music.
Pedal taverns (party bikes) clog Broadway - love them or hate them!
Wear boots - it's Nashville! Blend in and embrace country atmosphere.
Tip musicians $5-20 per band - they play for tips and you'll make their night!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Are Broadway honky-tonks free?
A: YES! No cover charge. Live music noon-3 AM daily. However, buy drinks (draft beer $6-10, cocktails $8-15) and TIP musicians ($5-20)! Bands rotate hourly. Robert's, Tootsie's, Layla's all free. Essential Nashville - you MUST experience it!
Q:What is Tootsie's Orchid Lounge?
A: Tootsie's is legendary honky-tonk (since 1960) with purple facade behind Ryman Auditorium. Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Kris Kristofferson launched careers here! Still has live music daily. FREE entry. Walls covered with autographs. Nashville institution!
Q:How many honky-tonks are on Broadway?
A: 40+ bars on Lower Broadway (1st-5th Avenue)! Most have live music. Robert's Western World, Tootsie's, Layla's, Rippy's, Legends Corner are classics. Each has 2-4 floors with bands on each! Music never stops on Broadway.
Q:Can you visit Broadway during the day?
A: Yes! Music starts noon daily. Daytime more relaxed, family-friendly, easier to talk. Evening (7 PM+) louder, crowder, party atmosphere. Both fun - depends on vibe you want! Music quality same all day.
Q:How much do drinks cost on Broadway?
A: Beer: $6-10. Cocktails: $8-15. Shots: $5-10. Not cheap but reasonable for live music venue. Budget $20-40/person for 3-4 drinks over few hours. Free music is value! Bring cash for tipping musicians.
Q:Is Broadway safe?
A: Very safe! Tourist area with police presence. Crowded evening but that's atmosphere. Watch belongings in crowds. Can get rowdy late night (drunk bachelorette parties!). Daytime totally safe. Use common sense - millions visit without issues!
Q:When is the best time to visit Broadway?
A: Year-round! Music never stops. Weekend nights packed (fun chaos!). Weekday afternoons less crowded. Summer outdoor activity. Winter indoor warmth. CMA Fest (June) craziest. Daytime family-friendly, evening party vibe. Visit both for different experiences!
Q:Do you need tour for Broadway?
A: Not essential - bars are free entry and self-exploratory! However, tours provide history, best bar recommendations, and skip-line access at popular spots. DIY totally works. Tours ($40-90) add value for first-timers wanting context and efficiency.
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
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Expedia USA.