Nashville Country Music Tours
Explore the birthplace of country music, honky-tonks, and Music Row!
Experience Nashville - Music City USA and the heart of country music! Country music tours explore legendary sites like the Grand Ole Opry (country music's most famous venue since 1925), RCA Studio B (where Elvis recorded), Music Row (recording studios and labels), Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium (Mother Church of Country Music), and historic honky-tonks on Broadway. Tours include behind-the-scenes studio access, museum visits, live music experiences, and stories of country legends. Learn about Nashville's evolution from Southern city to music capital, hear about Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and current stars, and understand why Nashville dominates American music. It's country music mecca!
Why Choose Country Music Tours in Nashville?
Music City
Country music capital with live music everywhere!
Grand Ole Opry
Legendary venue that made country music famous!
Honky-Tonks
Broadway bars with FREE live music all day, every day!
Music History
Walk where legends recorded and performed!
Types of Country Music Tours in Nashville
Grand Ole Opry Tour
Behind-the-scenes Opry tour plus show ticket.
Music Row & Studio B
Tour recording studios where legends recorded.
Honky-Tonk Pub Crawl
Visit multiple Broadway honky-tonks with live music.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Museum tour showcasing country music history.
What to Expect on Your Nashville Country Music Tours
Duration
Tours: 3-4 hours. Grand Ole Opry: 4-5 hours with show. Full day: 6-8 hours.
Grand Ole Opry
Longest-running radio show in US - see where country stars perform!
Live Honky-Tonks
FREE live music on Broadway starting noon - every bar, every day!
RCA Studio B
Historic studio where Elvis, Dolly Parton, and legends recorded hits.
Music Row
See recording studios, labels, and where music business happens.
Country History
Learn about genre evolution from bluegrass to modern country.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Grand Ole Opry tickets sell out weeks ahead - book early! Shows Tuesday, Friday, Saturday.
Honky-tonks have FREE live music all day - no cover charge!
Ryman Auditorium ($30) self-guided tour worth it - gorgeous venue!
Robert's Western World, Tootsie's, Layla's are classic honky-tonks.
Country Music Hall of Fame ($30) needs 2-3 hours - extensive exhibits.
RCA Studio B tour included with Hall of Fame ticket - do both!
Broadway gets rowdy evening/night - daytime more family-friendly.
Tip musicians in honky-tonks - they play for tips ($5-20 appreciated).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the Grand Ole Opry?
A: Grand Ole Opry is longest-running radio show in US (since 1925) and country music's most famous venue! Live shows feature country stars in 4,400-seat hall. Shows: Tue/Fri/Sat ($50-150). Behind-scenes tours ($40). It's country music temple! Book weeks ahead.
Q:Are honky-tonks free?
A: YES! No cover charge at Broadway honky-tonks. Live music starts noon, runs until 3 AM. However, buy drinks (house minimum $10-20) and TIP musicians ($5-20)! Robert's, Tootsie's, Layla's all free entry. Essential Nashville experience!
Q:How much do Nashville music tours cost?
A: Grand Ole Opry show: $50-150. Backstage tour: $40. Hall of Fame: $30. Pub crawls: $60-90. Music Row tours: $50-75. Ryman tour: $30. Many FREE experiences (honky-tonks!). Budget: Free Broadway bars. Splurge: Opry show.
Q:Can you visit RCA Studio B?
A: Yes! Historic studio (oldest in Nashville!) where Elvis, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison recorded. Tour included with Hall of Fame ticket ($30 total). You stand where legends recorded! 45-minute tour. Music fans love it - seeing actual studio is special!
Q:What is the Ryman Auditorium?
A: Ryman is "Mother Church of Country Music" - former Grand Ole Opry home (1943-1974). Now concert venue with incredible acoustics! $30 self-guided tour shows history. Still hosts shows ($40-150). Beautiful building, amazing history. Don't skip!
Q:When is the best time to experience Nashville music?
A: Year-round! Music never stops. Summer festival season. CMA Fest (June) huge country festival. Weekend honky-tonks packed (fun but loud!). Weekday afternoons less crowded. Grand Ole Opry: Tue/Fri/Sat shows. Visit anytime - music is constant!
Q:Do you need tickets for honky-tonks?
A: NO! Broadway honky-tonks are free entry with live music all day/night. Just buy drinks and tip musicians. No reservations (first-come seating). Some special shows at Ryman/Opry require tickets but regular honky-tonks are free!
Q:Is Nashville worth it for non-country fans?
A: Yes! Nashville has blues, rock, Americana, indie scenes too. Honky-tonks play variety beyond country. Music history fascinating even if not country fan. Plus food scene, architecture, nightlife. However, it IS country music capital - embrace it!
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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