Nashville's soundtrack does not stop at the honky-tonks; some of the city's oldest venues keep playing after the lights go out. This guide compares the five best haunted tours in Nashville, from after-dark walking tours and a true-crime murder walk to pub crawls with a ghost story at every stop, each with a direct booking link.
Introduction to Nashville's Haunted History
Nashville, known for its music scene and cultural heritage, also harbors a darker past. This city on the Cumberland River is filled with ghostly legends and eerie tales that reveal its stranger side. Ghost tours here move through historic sites, haunted bars, and quiet corners where spirits are said to linger, whether you come as a history buff or a believer.
What Makes Nashville Ghost Tours Unique?
Nashville ghost tours stand out for their combination of documented history, engaging storytelling, and a bar scene that doubles as a haunted-sites list. Led by knowledgeable guides, they come as walking tours, pub crawls, and dark-history routes. Add each guide's own encounters and no two nights run quite alike.
1. The Ghosts of Nashville Walking Tour
What to Expect:
See a new perspective on Nashville on this delightfully spooky, after-dark walking tour. Meet at the Tennessee State Capitol, set off with just a small group for company, and follow your guide: you’ll see local landmarks ranging from supposedly haunted churches and music venues to drinking dens and more. As you go, hear eerie ghost stories and learn more about Nashville, from the Civil War up to the modern day.
Highlights:
- Explore Nashville's haunted sites on an after-dark walking tour.
- Visit landmarks like the Tennessee State Capitol and haunted churches.
- Hear eerie ghost stories and learn about Nashville's haunted past.
Book Now: The Ghosts of Nashville Walking Tour
2. The Murder in Music City Walking Ghost Tour
What to Expect:
In 1885, America’s first serial killer stalked the streets and alleyways of the city. Ideally suited for true crime aficionados, this history-filled, evening walking tour delves deep into Nashville’s brutal past: mobs, murders, hauntings, and brothels. Learn the hidden histories behind the Tennessee State Capitol, listen to stories of Nashville’s Red Light District at the Hard Rock Cafe, and visit iconic Ernest Tubb Record Shop, once a Civil War-era hospital.
Highlights:
- Discover the dark side of Nashville on a true crime walking tour.
- Learn about mobs, murders, hauntings, and brothels.
- Visit historic sites like the Tennessee State Capitol and the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.
Book Now: The Murder in Music City Walking Ghost Tour
3. Nashville's Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
What to Expect:
The Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl is for ages 21+ and features the truly dark side of Nashville’s transition into becoming the Music City, their role in the Civil War, and their former red light district. We’ll stop by haunted bars, hotels, former morgues, and haunted landmarks between bar stops.
Highlights:
- Experience Nashville's haunted history on a pub crawl.
- Visit haunted bars, hotels, and former morgues.
- Learn about Nashville's transition into the Music City and its dark past.
Book Now: Nashville's Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
4. Nashville's Honky Tonk Sightseeing Pub Crawl
What to Expect:
Get the most out of your time in Nashville by combining two experiences, a pub crawl and a sightseeing tour. As you follow your guide around the city, learn about the historic downtown area and its most important sights. The tour passes the Ryman Auditorium and Printer’s Alley with plenty of historical information along the way. As well as seeing top landmarks, the tour guide reveals tips on the best pubs and bars in the city.
Highlights:
- Combine a pub crawl with a sightseeing tour of Nashville.
- Visit historic downtown sites like the Ryman Auditorium and Printer’s Alley.
- Get tips on the best pubs and bars in the city from your guide.
Book Now: Nashville's Honky Tonk Sightseeing Pub Crawl
5. Nashville Haunted Boos and Booze Tour
What to Expect:
Enjoy drinks as you hear ghost stories on this guided walking tour through historic downtown Nashville. Stop at several bars housed in historic buildings and learn about the legends and tales associated with them. This tour offers an interesting twist on the pub crawl. Drinks are at your own expense.
Highlights:
- Enjoy a guided walking tour with drinks in historic downtown Nashville.
- Visit bars housed in historic buildings and hear ghost stories.
- Learn about the legends and tales associated with these haunted sites.
Book Now: Nashville Haunted Boos and Booze Tour
The Role of Expert Tour Guides in Nashville's Haunted Tours
Knowledgeable Storytellers
Expert tour guides in Nashville are the custodians of the city's haunted history. They bring the past to life with engaging storytelling and deep knowledge of local legends and reported activity. Their insights and anecdotes give each walk its own character.
Personal Experiences
Many tour guides in Nashville have their own personal experiences with the supernatural. These firsthand accounts add an extra layer of authenticity and intrigue to the tours, making them even more captivating for participants.
Why Take a Ghost Tour in Nashville?
Unique Historical Insight
Ghost tours in Nashville provide a unique perspective on the city's history, blending spooky ghost stories with historical facts. These tours offer insights into the darker side of Nashville's past, including tales of hauntings and paranormal activity.
Engaging and Educational
Whether you're a visitor or a local, taking a ghost tour is an engaging way to learn about Nashville's long history. Tour guides are often well-versed in the city's past and can provide a wealth of information that you won't find in textbooks.
Fun for All Ages
Many ghost tours in Nashville are designed to be family-friendly, making them a great activity for all ages. Whether you're exploring haunted pubs on a pub crawl or walking through historic streets, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Exploring Haunted Locations in Nashville
Historic Sites and Landmarks
Nashville is home to several haunted sites and landmarks, each with its own unique history and ghost stories. From the Tennessee State Capitol to haunted churches and bars, these locations offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's haunted past.
Ghostly Tales and Legends
Nashville's haunted locations are filled with ghostly tales and legends that have been passed down through generations. During a ghost tour, you'll hear stories of haunted mansions, mysterious apparitions, and eerie encounters that bring the city's haunted history to life.
Tips for Enjoying Nashville's Ghost Tours
Dress Appropriately
Nashville's weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes, especially for walking tours.
Book in Advance
Ghost tours in Nashville are popular, especially during the fall season. Booking in advance ensures that you get a spot on your preferred tour.
Bring a Camera
You never know when you might capture something spooky on film, so be sure to bring a camera or smartphone to document your ghost tour experience.
Respect the Sites
Many ghost tours visit historic sites and burial grounds. It's important to respect these locations and follow the tour guide's instructions to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Keep an Open Mind
Ghost tours are not just about seeing ghosts; they're about experiencing the history and stories that make Nashville such a fascinating city. Keep an open mind and enjoy the stories, whether you believe in ghosts or not.
Picking the right Nashville ghost tour
Music City's ghost tours run from straight history to true crime to bar-to-bar storytelling, so the right pick depends on the night you want. Whichever you choose, book ahead in the fall. Planning the rest of the trip? Our Nashville guide covers tours, hotels, and things to do.
For the record, we do not run tours in Nashville. Freaky Foot Tours leads ghost and history walks in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Prescott, Arizona; find every city we cover on our locations page.
Questions people ask
Which Nashville ghost tour focuses on true crime?
The Murder in Music City Walking Ghost Tour, which trades legends for case files and covers the darker side of the city's history on foot.
Are there haunted pub crawls in Nashville?
Three options here: Nashville's Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl, the Honky Tonk Sightseeing Pub Crawl, and the Haunted Boos and Booze Tour through historic downtown.
Are Nashville ghost tours walking tours?
All five on this list are, keeping to downtown blocks where the stories happened. Comfortable shoes and a light layer cover the equipment list.
When should you book a Nashville ghost tour?
Ahead of time in the fall, when the evening departures fill first.
